Retrofit Wall Plate Insulator

The ARC Retrofit Wall Plate Insulator (RWPI) has been carefully developed to address heat loss at the eaves junction of the existing housing stock in the UK. The eaves junction, where a pitched roof meets the wall, is a difficult detail to insulate retrospectively due to space constraints and is therefore prone to excessive heat loss.

Historically, mineral or glass wool was stuffed into this detail; however, this blocks the ventilation path from the eaves into the cold loft space and often results in mould formation. Even if the installer estimates a ventilation gap, it is difficult to ensure an appropriate ventilation path is maintained whilst fully insulating the eaves. A gap in the insulation at the eaves detail will result in a thermal bridge and a cold spot on the internal walls where moisture in the air can condense and mould will begin to grow. This can lead to uninhabitable homes, health issues and costly repairs.

The RWPI is easy to install, ensures insulation over the wall plate, and maintains a ventilation path as required in the building regulations, thus significantly reducing the risk of damp and mould at this detail. The RWPI is to be used when it is possible to pass insulation over the wall plate so that the loft roll becomes continuous with the wall or soffit insulation.

In cases where access over the wall plate is not possible, the Retrofit Eaves Insulator may be appropriate. This may be the case when the path is blocked by the wall plate or the cavity is capped. The ARC Retrofit Wall Plate Insulator can also be used when there is a sloped ceiling, or skeiling, detail; an area notorious for poor thermal characteristics.