Ibstock and Rockwool launch Brickshield®

Online, March 22, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Two of the UK's market leaders, Ibstock and Rockwool, have joined forces to launch BrickShield®, a new insulated external wall cladding system (patent pending), which allows solid wall constructions to be insulated, while still maintaining the traditional brick finish characteristic of Britain's built environment.

The new system has been specifically designed for the renovation and thermal insulation of both domestic and commercial existing buildings. It combines an attractive brick slip from Ibstock with a highly durable insulation board from Rockwool to give the appearance of traditional brick, while improving the U-values to as low as 0.25 W/m²K or better and eliminating cold bridging.

Andy Batterham, Product Innovation Manager at Ibstock, commented: "In the UK alone there are approximately six and a half million dwellings which have solid walls and are typically poorly insulated. Our new system, BrickShield®, provides a quick and practical solution which not only improves a building's thermal performance, but vastly improves its external appearance and pro-longs its useful life.

"This means that as well as reducing energy bills, the new system gives a refurbishment project the beautiful, natural appearance of brick, keeping it in harmony with its local environment."

Scott Townsend, Product and Service Consultant at Rockwool, said; "The government and society have a commitment to increase the thermal efficiency of buildings over coming years. Cavity wall and loft insulation only tackle half the problem, which is why we have worked with Ibstock to develop an alternative.

"Our new product qualifies for grants such the Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP) and the Carbon Emission Reduction Target (CERT), which means homeowners can improve their homes, without disruption and at a reduced cost. With piece of mind from our installed approved contractors, this product couldn't have come at a better time for developers and housing associations."

Available in a range of standard and premium brick slips to suit virtually any location, the BrickShield® system is installed by qualified approved contractors with minimal disruption to building occupants. It provides long life performance, with a 25 year system guarantee, as well as excellent durability and can add to the overall fire protection performance of the building.

BrickShield® is manufactured at energy efficient factories across the UK, minimising CO2. It is made from abundant natural materials and produced to ISO 14001 environmental standards, which means that it has a low impact on the environment.

Free technical support is provided and all systems are installed by approved BrickShield® installers who are subject to regular recertification.

For further information please visit www.brickshield.co.uk.
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