The insulation materials manufacturer ISOVER (Saint-Gobain) is expanding its product range with a new line of interlocking felts made of mineral wool. This product line extension responds to increased demand for fast and flexible insulation solutions, particularly in the timber construction and interior finishing sectors, where construction cycles are shortening and thermal performance requirements according to the GEG are becoming stricter.
The new interlocking felts are designed to facilitate installation in timber frame structures, particularly in timber frame construction and lining partitions. Unlike conventional semi-rigid panels, these elastic felts adapt to variable stud spacing and guarantee gap-free filling without thermal bridges thanks to their compression and expansion capacity. For planners, this means reduced risks of air-tightness defects and optimization of the U-value of walls.
In terms of technical characteristics, the felts achieve lambda (λ) values between 0.032 and 0.040 W/(m·K) depending on the product, complying with the requirements of DIN EN 13162 standard for mineral wool insulation. Their fire classification as A1 class (non-combustible) according to DIN 4102 makes them a preferred solution for projects subject to strict regulatory fire safety constraints. The bulk density typically ranges between 14 and 30 kg/m³, which facilitates on-site handling while ensuring satisfactory acoustic efficiency for interior partitions.
In terms of competitive positioning, ISOVER is strengthening its offering against competitors such as ROCKWOOL, which also offers interlocking rock wool solutions. The availability of an environmental declaration (EPD) for these new products has not yet been confirmed, but would be a decisive argument for projects certified DGNB or meeting KfW-Effizienzhaus criteria. Initial market estimates suggest rapid adoption, particularly in the energy retrofit and urban densification segments, where implementation speed is paramount.
This initiative is part of ISOVER's overall strategy to diversify its portfolio beyond traditional rigid panel solutions, as evidenced by recent developments in blow-in insulation for the renovation of existing buildings. For clients and installation contractors, it will be important to carefully evaluate the cost-performance ratio compared to competing solutions, particularly in terms of price per installed m² and time savings on site.
