External Timber Frame Insulation Solutions

INSULATING A TIMBER FRAME FROM THE EXTERNAL.
Insulating a timber frame from the external side is a lesser widely used method of insulation, this is due to the requirement for a breathable membrane in this location. Standard breathable membrane does not offer thermal performance, however they do allow the timber frame to breath.
Our patented 2 in 1 reflective foil insulation and venting membrane (BreatherFoil) is changing this and is quickly becoming the timber frame external insulation method of choice.
This method of installing timber frame insulation allows you to significantly reduce the overall depth of the timber stud, maximise the internal floor footprint and reduces the overall cost of the timber frame. Using our highly reflective, thin profile insulation offers great benefits, whilst achieving U-Values which will ensure you comply with Building Regulations and have a space which is comfortable for its occupants.
The recommended insulation for this method of construction is shown below.
BreatherFoil External Side Of Timber Frame

Description (External Finish: Timber Cladding) | Min Frame Depth | U-Value 25mm Batten |
---|---|---|
Standard Breather Membrane | 89mm | 1.10 |
BreatherFoil | 89mm | 0.68 |
BreatherFoil & 50mm Mineral Wool (0.035W/mK) | 89mm | 0.39 |
BreatherFoil & 60mm PIR (0.022W/mK) | 89mm | 0.28 |
BreatherFoil & 100mm Mineral Wool (0.035W/mK) | 100mm | 0.29 |
BreatherFoil & 100mm PIR (0.022W/mK) | 100mm | 0.24 |
In accordance with BDA Kiwa Agrèment certification | (W/m²K) |

Description (External Finish: brick) | Min Frame Depth | U-Value 25mm Batten |
---|---|---|
Standard Breather Membrane | 89mm | 1.17 |
BreatherFoil | 89mm | 0.68 |
BreatherFoil & 50mm Mineral Wool (0.035W/mK) | 89mm | 0.39 |
BreatherFoil & 60mm PIR (0.022W/mK) | 89mm | 0.28 |
BreatherFoil & 100mm Mineral Wool (0.035W/mK) | 100mm | 0.29 |
BreatherFoil & 100mm PIR (0.022W/mK) | 100mm | 0.24 |
In accordance with BDA Kiwa Agrèment certification | (W/m²K) |
Our external solution is perfect for applications where there is access to the external side of the timber frame.
Installing a single layer of Breather-Foil externally removes the need for a standard breathable membrane, increases the overall thermal efficiency of the timber frame and increases the internal space available due to its ultra-thin profile and reduction in timber frame depth.
Breather-Foils unique venting design enables the timber frame to breath meeting building regulation requirements.
BreatherFoil can be used in conjunction with traditional insulation (between the timber frame) or on its own.
Alternatively avoid the use of traditional insulation all together by using BreatherFoil & SuperQuilt, which can be used to achieve your desired U-Value, for more information view our external and internal timber frame insulation solutions page or speak to our technical support team on 01909 726 025
This solution is suitable for dormer cheeks / dormer walls.
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Certification
YBS Insulation products are manufactured to the highest quality and certified to industry standards.



YBS Insulation Product Information
Product - BreatherFoil - See more

Specially developed for use in timber-frame and modular building constructions, YBS BreatherFoil FR can greatly increase the U-value of a timber-frame wall and outperforms traditional breather membranes.
Whether pre-fabricated or assembled on site, BreatherFoil FR can afford the designer and contractor maximum flexibility when detailing timber-frame walls, without the expense of thicker timber frames or higher priced materials.




This product is suitable for walls and offers the following major benefits –
- Effective 2 in 1 insulating venting membrane
- Removes Risk of Condensation
- Non degradable, maintaining thermal performance and product integrity
BreatherFoil FR has been independently tested and certified to the latest Industry Standards, including BDA Kiwa certificate of Agrement.