Latitude Natural Wool InsulationLatitude or Black Mountain- a naturally better insulation. Pure and simpleAll over the world people are rediscovering the amazing thermoregulation properties of wool. Wool is nature's wonder fibre. Outdoor enthusiasts now wear wool “layers” to stay warm and also to keep cool. They know that wool knows the difference. So if we are putting natural woollen garments on our bodies why shouldn’t we be putting natural wool insulation in our homes?
Latitude is the natural alternative to synthetic insulation. Many other wool insulation products use a wool polyester mix. Latitude insulation utilises 100% natural fibres and the natural air-conditioning qualities of wool to properly protect your home from extreme weather, noise and harmful toxins. Latitude – made in New Zealand for homes. The process that enables us to manufacture Latitude without the need for the use of polyester fibres is covered by a patent in New Zealand and a number of other countries.
Black Mountain is wool Insulation made in the UK.
Benefits - For the health of your homeIt's only natural that you want LatitudeLatitude is made with 100% natural recycled wool fibres joined together using an advanced resin bonding process. Because no synthetic fibres are used in the manufacture of Latitude, you can rest assured that you are not introducing anything potentially harmful into your home. SustainabilityLatitude is made with natural recycled sheep's wool and is manufactured using significantly less energy than is required to produce fibreglass insulation. Latitude is biodegradable and contains no permethrin, pyrethroids, or formaldehyde. At the end of its useful life, Latitude can be recycled for other environmentally friendly applications. No unwanted guests. Latitude keeps away pests.Latitude has been treated with naturally occurring elemental boron salts to keep away insects and rodents. HealthLatitude insulation is a healthy and safe alternative to synthetic materials. It does not produce toxic fumes and unlike fibreglass insulation, you don't need a mask or gloves to handle it. Latitude does not make your skin itchy. Breathe easy. Latitude absorbs formaldehyde.Formaldehyde is a poisonous chemical used in the manufacture of many building materials, including fibreglass insulation. Over time this formaldehyde may be released back into your living space. Latitude is capable of absorbing large amounts of the formaldehyde commonly found in most new buildings. Matchless. Latitude is fire safe.Wool has higher fire resistance than cellulose and cellular plastic insulations; it does not burn but rather melts away from an ignition source and extinguishes itself. Wool is fire safe because it has a high Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI = 25.2). This means that an oxygen content of 25.2% is necessary to completely burn wool, whereas air only contains 21% oxygen. Latitude is treated with a fire-proofing agent to improve its intrinsic fire resistance and complies with the appropriate industry standard. No condensationThe ability of Latitude to thermo regulate helps prevent condensation in the wall cavity and ceiling space by maintaining the temperature above the dew point.
Tests and investigationsThermal resistanceThe thermal properties of Latitude have been extensively tested by the University of Otago. The results of this work have been used by Opus International Consultants Ltd as a basis to issue the “Appraisal Certificate” for Latitude. Furthermore, these results have been published in the International Journal of Energy Research in the paper entitled “Thermal conductivity of wool and wool-hemp insulation”. An electronic pdf copy of this paper can be obtained by contacting Latitude. Fire testingLatitude has been tested to both European and Australian fire standards as described below. EN ISO 11925-2:2002 (E) Test specimens of Latitude were tested according to EN ISO 11925-2:2002 (E) by SINTEF NBL (Norwegian Fire Research Laboratory) and were found to satisfy the criteria to EN ISO 11925-2:2002 (E) for flame spread (E), Fs as described in EN 13501-1, Table 1. Copies of these results can be obtained by contacting Latitude. AS 1530.3 Latitude has been tested to AS 1530.3 – 1989. Resistance to mould fungusTest specimens of Latitude were tested for resistance to mould fungus by “Mycoteam as” in Norway as part of a wider certification project being undertaken on Latitude by the “Norwegian Building Research Institute”. The conclusion reached by Mycoteam was; “The test and the assessment of the resistance to growth of mould fungus have been verified according to the EOTA testing procedure (Annex C of CUAP “Factory made thermal insulation material made of vegetable or animal fibres; edition June 2003”). The reached class of the product is 1. The test of Latitude insulation placed the product in class 0. The test is passed.” CorrosionSamples of Latitude were tested for corrosiveness by BRANZ in accordance with NZS 4222:1985. The results concluded that Latitude was not corrosive. Formaldehyde absorptionTests carried out by the Central Testing Facility in Tokyo, Japan found that when an extremely high level of formaldehyde was released into a chamber, Latitude was able to absorb 96% of the formaldehyde within seven hours. This capability is unique to natural fibres. Test no: 8H71190
Acoustic PropertiesTests have shown that R2.2 Latitude insulation has similar performance to that of 75mm Sound Barrier fiberglass batts for the frequency range 500Hz-8kHz (typical human voice frequency range) when used in double wall or ceiling cavity systems. Details of such walls are given in figures 2 to 5 of NZBC G6/AS1. Acoustic testing on a range of different Latitude product types has been undertaken by the following; “Impedance Tube Testing of ‘Acoustic Bloc’ Sample” “Comparison of the Sound absorbing properties of four fibre products” “WoolBloc Acoustic Insulation” Exposure to temperature cyclesTests were undertaken on Latitude by Cawthorn (report ref. no. 54506) to determine the product’s resilience to extreme cycles of heat and cold. This information was used as a basis to determine the product’s suitability for use in Skillion roof applications. The product was found to be suitable for use in Skillion roof applications. |
