FAQs

What does CGS do?

CGS is a supplier of insulation materials to both the Australian and International markets. We specialise in innovative insulation products suited for concrete applications, including but not limited to sandwich panel insulation, in-slab insulation, soffit insulation, flat roof insulation. If you’re just starting to explore insulation options for your project, feel free to get in touch. We’ve seen it all in our 25-years in the industry and will be able to provide you with obligation free advice on the best insulation approach for your product.

Does CGS make concrete panels?

CGS is a supplier of insulation materials, not a manufacturer of concrete panels. While we don’t manufacture concrete panels, we have over 25 years experience in the industry dealing closely with precasters and in-situ panel construction. As such, we are able to offer expert technical advice on everything from panel sizing, panel production, manufacturing estimates and best insulation installation practices.

How is the THERMOMASS Insulation System incorporated into precast, tilt-up and insitu concrete panels?

• Precast

We recommend pouring the internal structural layer of concrete against the precast bed. This allows precasters to install the significant amount of structural steel without the time-constraint of curing concrete. Once the reinforcement is installed, the concrete can be poured and the insulation boards placed. Once all the insulation boards are placed, the THERMOMASS connectors are placed in the pre-drilled holes and given a half-turn. Once connectors are in place, the steel mesh (to combat shrinkage) is placed and the external layer of concrete can be poured. The exposed face is then finished to specifications and the panels is left to dry in the racks until required on site.

• Tilt-up

The methodology for Tilt-up sandwich panels is much the same as for precast. However, in this case, the panels are constructed and finished on-site. Once the finished panel has sufficiently cured, the panels are lifted from the precast beds and craned into place.

• In-situ

In-situ methodology is slightly more involved for the installation of the Thermomass Insulation System. An open formwork must first be constructed for the panel in question. The first layer of steel reinforcement is placed into position and secured. Then the layer of rigid insulation, with THERMOMASS connectors already in place, is walked in and secured to the previously installed steel reinforcement. Finally, the steel reinforcement for the last layer of concrete installed and fixed before the formwork is closed prior to pouring of concrete. Once closed, the in-situ panel is ready to be poured.

Who installs THERMOMASS?

No prior experience is required to install the THERMOMASS Insulation System. The installation process is very simple and is detailed well in our installation guide. Any experienced precaster, even those with no prior knowledge of the THERMOMASS Insulation System, should have no problem with the installation. If required, CGS may be able to provide a technical expert on-site to provide guidance for the first time THERMOMASS is installed on your project.

What to consider when designing THERMOMASS concrete sandwich panels?

A THERMOMASS panel is structurally no different from a conventional, non-insulated precast panel. The interior layer of concrete forms the structural component of the sandwich panel, while the foam and external layer of concrete form the non-structural facade. Using precast cost-effectively, weight and sizes need to be considered, in addition to aiming for repetitiveness as much as possible. The THERMOMASS Insulation System can adapt to all design constraints usually applied to conventional precast panels. An added bonus of using the THERMOMASS Insulation System is that by having the insulation incorporated into the concrete panel, any need for internal plasterboard lining is eliminated.

When do I contact the precaster?

As early as possible in the design process to get the precasters valuable input. Precasters will be able to advise on a preferred panel break-up in addition to weight and size options. Enlisting a good precaster early in the design process may save your project considerable time and money in the long-run.

How can CGS assist?

CGS can provide expert technical advice at nearly any stage of the project. From project conception to detailed design, through to panel manufacturing and installation. We’ve seen it all in our 25 years of industry experience and will likely be able to help you avoid many common pitfalls along the way.