Q&A

What requirements must a house meet in order to be insulated with clay foam?

Clay foam was developed for the energy-efficient refurbishment of existing buildings with double-wall masonry. The water-based clay foam can be inserted into cavities that are open to diffusion. Other areas of application in the building envelope are also possible.

How does clay foam differ from conventional blown-in insulation?

Classic blow-in insulation works with loose flakes (e.g. mineral wool or cellulose) that are blown into the cavity layer. Clay foam, on the other hand, is foamed directly on the construction site in a machine, adapts to any unevenness and fills the air layer without gaps - even around wall ties and mortar pockets. In addition, it offers excellent settlement protection, moisture protection (hydrophobic and vapour permeable) and is non-combustible.

Who invented clay foam and how long has it been around?

Clay foam was developed and extensively patented by BASF after years of intensive research with over 5,000 test formulations. Since its market launch in 2018, over 2000 houses have already been insulated with clay foam. BASF is the manufacturer of the clay foam components and supports the sales partners with expertise and experience. You can find more information at www.cavipor.com

How is clay foam produced?

The physical foaming of one component with air produces a foam, which is then mixed with the two other components. This happens continuously in the mixing chamber, directly before it is applied into the wall.

What is clay foam made of?

Clay foam consists of 90% inorganic components and 10% organic binder and is non-flammable due to its high mineral content. Furthermore, the product does not emit any harmful substances – neither during drying nor when subsequently remaining in the cavity layer. As the system is water-based and foamed with air, it also contains no organic solvents or blowing agents.

What is the insulating effect of clay foam?

Clay foam has a lambda value λ_N= 0.034 W/mK and belongs to thermal conductivity group 035 - comparable to mineral wool and EPS.

How long does insulation with clay foam last?

Clay foam adheres and remains permanently in the masonry. It permanently retains its insulating effect both thermally and acoustically.

Can the masonry breathe after insulation with clay foam?

Although clay foam is hydrophobic, it is open to diffusion. Moisture exchange is still possible, so the wall remains breathable.

How is clay foam disposed of? Can it be recycled?

Clay foam is mineral and is categorized as construction waste according to LAGA (AVV 17 01 07). It can be disposed of with the rest of the construction waste or recycled, e.g. as a substructure material, without the need for complex separation.

Is insulation with clay foam eligible for subsidization?

Insulation with clay foam is eligible for subsidies. Clay foam is approved by the building authorities in Europe (ETA-19/0240) and fulfils high requirements for fire protection, sustainability and energy efficiency. Clay foam is EMICODE EC1 PLUS certified and fulfils environmental standards such as ISO 14025 and EN 15804.

Where can I find certifications?

You can find certifications, approvals, safety data sheets and more directly on the websites of the various clay foam sales partners.

Where can I buy clay foam?

Clay foam is only installed by specialised companies and specially trained personnel. For more information, please contact a clay foam sales partner in your area.

What equipment can be used to process clay foam?

A special machine that is capable of conveying, foaming and mixing the three components in the correct ratio is required for the production and application of clay foam. You can obtain all further information on this directly from our technology partners.

How much is a machine?

Please contact a clay foam technology partner for more information.

How much does insulation with clay foam cost?

The price depends on the building, the wall structure, the thickness of the air layer and the accessibility. For a quote, please contact a clay foam distributor.