Sub-Grade Insulation (SGI) – Impermeable

Insulation, Air, Vapour & Radon Barrier Combined

Ground Gas Protection and Insulation System combined. Rugged and durable. Fast & easy to install. No poly required. Tested Impermeable by Canadian accredited laboratories. Air and Radon gas don’t go through it, and neither does vapour. Environmentally responsible. No LTTR. 98% air, 2% polymer plastic

Quik-Therm meets the intent of the physical requirements for polyethylene sheets listed in CAN/CGSB-51.34-M.

– Morrison Hershfield

SGI Science & Technical Data

Quik-Therm SGI is designed for below grade applications such as exterior concrete walls and beneath concrete slabs and floors. SGI consists of closed cell, lightweight and resilient expanded polystyrene (EPS) layered on both sides with advanced impermeable metallic polymer facers. SGI’s facer technology provides superior durability, resiliency and tape adhesion.

When sealed at its perimeter and at all penetrations, and when installed with taped joints, Quik-Therm satisfies the requirements of Subsections 9.13.4 and 9.25.3 and therefore will act as a Radon barrier.

– Mark Lawton, Senior Building Scientist, Morrison Hershfield

Environment. Sustainability. Health.

Quik-Therm’s expanded polystyrene (EPS) core comprises of 98% air captured within a 2% cellular matrix. Food grade quality polymer facers are heat sealed to both sides of it’s core. Water used in the manufacturing process is recycled and re-used many times over. Quik-Therm will not degrade and does not contain or use ozone depleting chemicals. Quik-Therm may contain up to 15% pre or post consumer recycled EPS. EPS has received an A+ rating for most environmental matrices.

Professionals - Q&A

Why should I consider Quik-Therm Sub-grade Insulation (SGI) for under slab and sub grade walls?

SGI has been tested to the most rigorous Canadian test standards. SGI is a code compliant air, vapor and radon barrier when connection points are sealed (foamed or taped together). Even when one side of the polymer faces is breached, SGI still meets code as a vapor and radon barrier. To our knowledge, no other below grade insulation product has that ability.

Why does Quik-Therm recommend Type (T1) for some below grade applications and T2 or T3 for others?

Type 1 (10 to 13 psi) is used in applications where higher compressive strength is not required. Examples. Beneath basement and garage floors and vertical exterior sub grade walls. Type 2 or Type 3 (20 to 40 psi) have a higher compressive strength than Type 1. As a result T2 and T3 are utilized when a higher compressive strength is needed. Examples. Structural floors, high load floors, footings and foundations. T1 is less expensive than T2 or T3.

What Contractor benefits do QT’s reflective polymer facers provide?

  • Increased durability. QT does not easily chip, crack or break
  • No poly required. Easy taping. Easy cutting.
  • Enhances the Effective R-value of assemblies

Why did Quik-Therm choose the Effective R-value test method ASTM C1363, while other insulation manufacturers test their products to the nominal R-value standard ASTM C518?

Quik-Therm tests to both ASTM C518 (labeled R-value) and ASTM C1363 (effective R-value). New Canadian energy codes mandate the use of effective R-value. Since effective R-value is the current standard, QT chose the test method based on the standard.

What is the nominal R-value for QT Type 1, Type 2 & Type 3?

Type 1 (T1) = R-3.81 / Type 2 (T2) = R-4.18 / Type 3 (T3) = R-4.4