How can our products save energy?
Our products successfully solve several hydrothermal issues of buildings: heat losses, airtightness, weather resistance, vapour-tightness, cold bridges, deformations and therefore contribute to energy efficiency.PU foams
Polyurethane (PU) foams are intended for thermal and sound insulation, sealing and filling as well as airtightness. The uncontrolled air leaks through the window and door frame connections, roof constructions, penetrations and external walls are the single largest waste of energy in buildings.
Energy loss means extra heating costs, and uneven temperatures cause a loss of comfort. Construction foam is unique in its properties as, in addition to a low heat conductivity, the foam guarantees airtightness when applied correctly. This gives a clear advantage in sealing joints when compared with other classic insulation materials.
Wolf Group polyurethane foams have been tested for airtightness and sound reduction index at Ift Rosenheim, Germany. A comfortable home is not just about having an energy-efficient house, but also a house where noise pollution from the outside environment is prevented and healthy indoor air quality has been achieved.
Today, according to the LCA analysis, from production to disposal, one kilo of PU-foam generates ca 5.5 kg of carbon dioxide. However, different studies have shown that 1 kg of correctly applied PU-insulation can save ca 1000 kg of CO2 over the building’s lifetime. This figure clearly illustrates how large an impact PU-foams have for the energy saving of buildings. Our aim is to continuously reduce our production and product footprints, so the ratio between saved and generated CO2 would be even higher.
Sealants and adhesives
Sealants reduce air leakages and ensure airtight joints, improve weather resistance, protect from moisture, compensate the movements in joints and provide an aesthetic appearance. Through the (weather) sealing, it is possible to protect both external and internal structures.
Wolf Group not only produces materials, but also teaches people how to use and maintain them correctly. We are offering a helping hand and our expert knowledge to builders, architects and designers to implement Wolf Group window installation, sanitary sealing, weather-sealing and decorative solutions.
There are many different types of sealants and adhesives, but in terms of health and environmental safety, it is important that the sealant and adhesives don’t contain any hazardous compounds and the total emission of VOC (volatile organic compounds) should be as low as possible. Within the next three years, we are expanding our range of low-VOC formulations to provide our customers twice as many products marked with an EC1+ certificate. Wolf Group has focused more and more on its portfolio of phthalate-free acrylics, no-MEKO silicones, tin catalyst-free products and more to satisfy consumers’ expectations for safer, more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient products, even if they are not yet required by law.
Membranes and coatings
The internal structures of buildings must be protected from excessive humidity to establish a good indoor climate, and it must be ensured that any humidity that has ended up in the structure can escape without any problems.
If the moisture stays in the internal structure, the mould is not prevented, water starts freezing and breaks the wall. To guarantee the correct humidity regime of a building structure, Wolf Group offers vapour barrier tapes and mastics, which act as a secondary airtight layer in addition to regulating humidity. Good indoor air quality within buildings and structures relates to the health and comfort of human beings. Wolf Group has waterproofing solutions, air and vapour membranes and window tapes to contribute to better indoor air.