FAQs - Frequently asked questions

Are you planning to insulate a gutter on a terrace, which needs to comply with the required U-value, but you have limited space?

At Recticel Insulation, we are committed to supplying high-quality insulation solutions for flat roofs. This is the reason why we created Deck-VQ - a tailor-made vacuum insulation solution for insulating terraces, where there is limited space.

Deck-VQ ensures that you can achieve the same U-value with your gutter as on your terrace. No more thermal performance losses through the gutter!

To make the installation simple and most efficient, we are happy to provide a customised installation plan.

Contact our Vacuum Insulation specialists to discuss further.

Are you planning to insulate a terrace, which needs to comply with the required U-value, but you have limited space?

At Recticel Insulation, we are committed to supplying high-quality insulation solutions for flat roofs. This is the reason why we created Deck-VQ - a tailor-made vacuum insulation solution for insulating terraces, where there is limited space.

Deck-VQ gives the opportunity to achieve low U-values within minimal insulation build-up, which is vital in many refurbishment and new build projects where there are structural or planning constraints. To make the installation simple and the most efficient, we are happy to provide a customised installation plan.

Contact our Vacuum insulation specialists to find out more.

Can I put tiles or a wooden terrace on Deck-VQ® vacuum insulation?

Deck-VQ® is suitable for application in terraces with a tile or wood finishing. You should foresee an adequate amount of supports with a base surface on the waterproofing membrane of at least 100 cm².

Attention: the waterproofing membrane should be selected carefully so it can withstand the point loads, generated by the terrace supporting structure (e.g. appropriate spacers).

Contact our vacuum insulation specialist

Can I use Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIP) in a tapered flat roof solution?

Yes, this is possible and recommended. We always advise a slope towards the outlets to ensure an adequate water drainage to avoid water stagnation on the roof.

There are generally two ways to approach this with Deck-VQ®:

  1. The fall is incorporated in the substrate (screed layer): in this case the Deck-VQ® boards will follow the existing fall.
  2. The fall is incorporated in the insulation layer: in this case Deck-VQ® can be combined with our tapered insulation* boards (Powerdeck® F or Eurothane® Eurodeck) on top. Our technical service with specialized tapered design service then provides an easy-to-use design for both insulation layers.

*Tapered insulation incorporates the slope over the length of the panel. Therefore, the panels can be installed on a flat surface, tightly jointed whilst resulting in a sloped top surface. Tapered insulation presents the ideal solution for a technically correct and thermally optimal build-up.

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Can I walk on Deck-VQ® vacuum insulation panels?

Yes, this is possible due to the protection layers in high density PIR and the compressive strength of 150 kPa (CS(10\Y)150). Deck-VQ® is suitable for application in flat roofs and terraces, subject to light foot traffic.

As for every type of insulation, we recommend to limit the foot traffic during installation to a minimum and apply the waterproofing as soon as possible after installation. It is best practice to only install the area you are able to insulate AND waterproof in one day.

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Can PIR insulation boards be used directly below flooring tiles?

No, PIR insulation boards should not be used directly below flooring tiles, a suitable substrate such as screed should be used to distribute the load and prevent movement and cracking of the tiles.

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Can you drill, nail or saw into a Vacuum Insulation Panel?

No, because these actions will lead to the loss of vacuum in the VIP and reduce the thermal performance by a factor of three*.

Our Deck-VQ® concept offers an optimum protection to prevent most damage on site. (see “What is the difference between Deck-VQ® and a Vacuum Insulation Panel?”).



Our technical services provide guidance and deliver a detailed design for your project.
Do not hesitate to contact us for further information (see also “How to install Deck-VQ®?”).

*The thermal conductivity of the core material rises to ca. 0,020 W/mK under ambient pressure.

Contact our Vacuum Insulation specialist

How to install Deck-VQ® vacuum insulation panels?

Deck-VQ® can be applied in warm flat roofs or terraces of a new build and refurbishment projects. Generally speaking the panels are installed over the existing roof covering (refurbishment) or new vapour control layer (new build). The waterproofing system is then applied on top of the insulation and finished in an appropriate manner.


The Deck-VQ® concept is a complete package, designed to limit the risk of damaging the VIP inside during installation.

To take away your concerns, we have included a couple of features and services:

NO drilling allowed? How do I fix Deck-VQ®?

  • The PIR protection boards offer compatibility with a variety of adhesives and waterproofing systems*.
  • The high density PIR protects the VIP inside from normal physical damage, which allows a ballasted build-up.

NO sawing allowed? How do I cover the complete surface?

  • Deck-VQ® panels are available in four standard dimensions (mm x mm): 1200x600 / 1200x300 / 600x600 / 600x300 which make it possible to design an optimal configuration for your project.
  • Around details (e.g. corners, edges and roof penetrations) or to fill gaps, we provide PIR insulation in the corresponding thickness.
  • Our technical services can provide an optimized layout scheme (like a puzzle) as a guideline for the installation. Do not hesitate to contact us!

    Example of a layout scheme:

*We recommend cold adhered single-ply systems (e.g. fleece backed PVC or fleece backed EPDM) or multi-ply bituminous systems (self-adhesive partially bonded base sheet and torch-on cap sheet). For more information on compatibility or support for you project, please contact our technical services.


***UK ONLY: Liquid applied roofing is also possible. In this case, we provide a 3 mm bituminous layer on top.

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Is a vapour control layer (VCL) required in a floor insulation application?

In addition to the damp proof membrane (normally a 1200-gauge polythene sheet below the insulation), a 500-gauge polythene VCL should be laid over the insulation. Where a concrete slab or a screed is to be poured on top, the VCL will also protect the foil face of the board from alkalis within the concrete, and stop poured concrete opening board joints and causing a thermal break.

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What insulation products can be used with underfloor heating?

Recticel Insulation's Eurothane® GP boards are compatible with both wet and electrical underfloor heating systems. Clipping a wet system through the VCL described above will not compromise the performance of the VCL or the insulation.

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How can we help you?

Our experts are ready for you, from design to end result.

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