Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions has announced the launch of its innovative new Gas Fired Fixings installation method, representing a significant investment and a first for the UK external wall insulation (EWI) sector.
Designed to transform the installation of external wall insulation systems, the new solution replaces the traditional drill-and-fix process with a single-shot gas-fired fixing system that secures insulation boards directly to the substrate without the need for pre-drilling.
The launch marks one of the most significant innovations in EWI installation methodologies in recent years and is the first gas-fired fixing solution to be actively launched and promoted specifically for the UK EWI market.
Caroline Rowley, Business Development Director at Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions, said:
“The retrofit sector is expanding rapidly as the UK continues its journey towards a more energy-efficient building stock. However, many of the installation methods used across the industry have remained largely unchanged for years.
“Our new Gas Fired Fixings installation method represents a genuine step forward for installers, contractors and clients alike. By significantly reducing installation times, lowering noise levels and minimising vibration exposure, we are helping contractors work more efficiently while also creating safer and more comfortable working environments.
“This launch reflects our continued commitment to innovation and to developing practical solutions that address real challenges faced by the market. We believe this technology has the potential to significantly improve external wall insulation installation across the UK.”
As demand for retrofit solutions continues to grow across the UK, the new fixing method has been developed to help contractors improve productivity while enhancing site safety and reducing disruption for occupants.
Independent installation trials have demonstrated that the system can deliver installation times approximately 30% faster than traditional drilled fixings, potentially saving around half a day on a typical home.
The innovation simplifies what has traditionally been a three-stage process – drilling, inserting a fixing and then hammering or screwing a pin – into a single operation.
In addition to improving efficiency, the installation method also delivers significant health and wellbeing benefits for installers. Independent acoustic assessments found the solution reduced noise levels by 9.2 decibels compared with traditional installation methods.
Independent hand-arm vibration assessments also recorded a 73% reduction in vibration exposure for the installer compared with conventional drilling methods. This is particularly significant given the well-documented risks associated with prolonged vibration exposure, including hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), white finger syndrome, reduced dexterity and other long-term musculoskeletal conditions.
The product has also undergone independent third-party evaluation, achieving ECO Innovation status, providing further validation of its performance and benefits.
For further information, please visit https://k.systems/gas-fired-fixings.