XTHERM: turning home insulation inside out

Just because something ‘ain’t broke’ doesn’t mean it can’t be fixed. Take home insulation, for example. The tried and tested method involves placing the insulation between the framing and then walling the whole lot in. Simple and effective… mostly.

But what if there was an even better method to add even greater thermal performance to your project? Well, there is and it’s the XTHERM™ Blue insulated plaster façade system, says Mike Olds, Resene Construction Systems General Manager.

“The problem with traditional ‘in-wall’ insulation is that the insulation material is broken at each stud and nog, creating, in essence, thermal breaks. XTHERM has been developed as an external insulation—what we colloquially refer to as ‘out’sulation—effectively wrapping the building with an additional layer of insulation that enhances the ‘in-wall’ insulation for a complete thermal envelope.

“The XTHERM system incorporates our exclusive 50mm, ultra-high density, extruded insulation panels, which provide far greater thermal insulation and nearly double the hardness of standard-grade EPS (expanded polystyrene), ensuring not only improved thermal qualities but also contributing to increased impact resistance.”

XTHERM is hydrophobic, which means it can be installed below-grade without greatly reducing it’s thermal performance, which is great for insulating foundations. It is available as full cavity-based cladding over timber or steel framing, as well as direct-fix over masonry walls, says Mike.

“XTHERM Blue is a complete system incorporating our full flashing suite, XTHERM fasteners, lamina of professionally hand-applied modified plaster coatings, full surface fibreglass reinforcement, styled with your choice of coloured plaster finishes from ROCKCOTE or Plaster Systems all finished with Resene protective coatings in your favourite, genuine Resene colours.

“In terms of price point, XTHERM Blue has been designed to sit alongside painted weatherboards, making it a viable alternative to this popular cladding choice.”

Mike adds that it is also a durable and maintenance-friendly solution for new or existing buildings. Additionally, XTHERM carries a full 15-year system performance guarantee and a 5-year workmanship warranty.

“Choosing the right thermal insulation is one of the most important decisions made towards achieving an energy-efficient and sustainable project, and XTHERM Blue provides complete thermal ‘out’sulation whilst protecting the structure of your home—and those inside—from the often unpredictable and extreme New Zealand climate.

“It also carries our OnSite Quality Assurance programme, which includes regular onsite reviews, providing surety of performance from installation stage through to the finish.”

Learn more about the XTHERM Blue insulated plaster façade system.