The Ultimate Guide to the illbruck i3 System
The Ultimate Guide to the illbruck i3 System
When it comes to high-performance window and façade sealing, the illbruck i3 system stands as an industry leader. Designed to provide superior airtightness, weather resistance, and thermal insulation, the innovative three-layer sealing system ensures long-term durability and energy efficiency for buildings. Whether you're an architect, contractor, or installer, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the illbruck i3 system.
What is the illbruck i3 System?
The illbruck i3 system is a high-performance, three-layer sealing solution for windows and façades. This system prevents thermal bridging around the window frame, a common issue that can lead to reduced thermal insulation, building component damage and mould formation. It comprises of three elements External Protection: Weatherproof & Breathable, Thermal & Acoustic Insulation, The Middle Layer and a Internal Airtightness: Preventing Moisture Ingress.
1. External Protection: Weatherproof & Breathable
The outermost layer of the i3 system protects against wind, rain, and extreme weather conditions while remaining breathable. This prevents moisture from getting trapped within the structure, reducing the risk of mould and material degradation. One of the key products for the outer layer is the TP450 Compriband Timber Max | illbruck UK. This provides a weather tight seal against the most severe combinations of wind and rain.
2. Thermal & Acoustic Insulation: The Middle Layer
The middle layer provides effective filling and insulation of the window joint seal. By using appropriate insulating materials, this layer enhances thermal efficiency and soundproofing. Properly sealing this layer ensures compliance with DIN 18542 standards for joint sealing effectiveness. A key product for the middle layer is the FM330 Pro Foam Air Seal | illbruck UK, this is ideal for use as an air tight gap filler for general constructions joints including where movement is expected to occur.
3. Internal Airtightness: Preventing Moisture Ingress
The inner sealing layer is airtight, preventing warm internal air from escaping into the window joint, where it could cause condensation. This condensation prevention is crucial for maintaining thermal performance, preventing dampness, and ensuring long-term durability. The last part of the i3 system could be to use products such as the ME480 Butyl Tape BB | illbruck UK , which is a high strength sealing tape which will provides an air and fully watertight seal over the construction joint.
Why Choose the BBA-Accredited i3 System?
As building regulations evolve, new solutions are needed to meet stringent energy efficiency requirements. In June 2022, the UK updated Approved Document L (ADL), recommending the use of airtight tapes and membranes for window and door sealing to enhance air permeability control. By Opting for the BBA-certified i3 system from illbruck ensures that you are investing in a high-quality, performance-tested sealing solution that meets rigorous industry standards and offers long-term benefits.
- Quality Assurance
- Innovative Technology
Products that can be used on the I3 System
- TP450 TimberMax TP450 Compriband Timber Max | illbruck UK
TP450 is a soft and flexible open cell polyurethane foam, impregnated with an acrylic based, UV stabilised resin with large joint size tolerance for large movement applications. The resin is water repellent and contains a fire retardant. TP450 has a self-adhesive side to aid initial location and is easy to apply in any weather. Additionally, TP450 has both thermal and acoustic insulation properties
- TP600 illmod 600 TP600 Compriband 600 | illbruck UK
TP600 is an impregnated joint sealing tape for use in a wide variety of movement joints including window perimeter seals and other applications. TP600 is a soft and flexible open cell polyurethane foam, impregnated with an acrylic based, UV stabilised resin.
- ME501/Me501 VV Duo Window Membrane HD ME501 Duo Window Membrane HD | illbruck UK
- ME508 Duo Membrane EW/F ME508 Duo Membrane EW/F | illbruck UK
Part of illbruck‘s intelligent membrane range, ME508 provides excellent air tightness to Passivhaus standards whilst allowing water vapour to diffuse out to the exterior of the building, ensuring no moisture build up which can lead to mould and mildew.
Intermediate
- FM330 Pro Foam Air Seal FM330 Pro Foam Air Seal | illbruck UK
FM330 is ideal for use as an air tight gap filler for general construction joints including where movement is expected to occur. It is suitable for applications such as airtight window and door perimeter joint seals, sealing floor to wall and wall to ceiling joints and pipe & service penetrations.
Internal - Interior Membrane Pro ME350 Interior Membrane Pro | Illbruck
ME350 is designed to provide a perimeter window seal for airtight internal joints. ME350 has excellent adhesion properties on several common building substrates and can be plastered or over painted.
- ME508 Duo Membrane EW/F ME508 Duo Membrane EW/F | illbruck UK
Part of illbruck‘s intelligent membrane range, ME508 provides excellent air tightness to Passivhaus standards whilst allowing water vapour to diffuse out to the exterior of the building, ensuring no moisture build up which can lead to mould and mildew.
What are the benefits of the illbruck i3 System?
High Rise Buildings: In tall buildings, reducing energy consumption is critical. illbruck’s i3 helps in this aspect by minimising air leakage and enhancing thermal insulation, thereby reducing the need for heating and cooling.
Low-Energy Buildings: Low-energy buildings in the UK aim to minimise energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions. They are often designed to meet stringent energy performance standards, such as the Passivhaus standard, which requires extremely low heating and cooling needs.
PassivHaus
Illbruck i3’s advanced sealing capabilities align well with the PassivHaus standard’s emphasis on airtightness and thermal efficiency. Using the i3 system in Passivhaus projects can help ensure that the building envelope is properly sealed and insulated, contributing to the overall energy efficiency and performance required by the Passivhaus criteria.
Core Principles of Passivhaus:
- Thermal Insulation: High levels of insulation to reduce heat loss
- High-Performance Windows: Windows require excellent insulation properties and proper orientation to maximise solar gain.
- Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR): Systems that provide fresh air while recovering heat from the outgoing air.
- Airtight Construction: Minimising leaks and draughts to enhance energy efficiency
- Thermal Bridge-Free Design: Avoiding areas where heat can bypass insulation, thus preventing thermal bridges.
The i3 system is designed to cater to a wide range of applications, making it a preferred choice for:
- New Build and Refurbishment Projects – Provides advanced sealing solutions for all types of buildings.
- Timber, Aluminium, and PVC Windows & Doors – Compatible with various frame materials.
- High-Performance and Passive House Projects – Supports energy-efficient and sustainable building practices.
- Commercial and Residential Applications – Offers flexibility for different project scales.
Steve Wild, Technical Expert at Tremco CPG and illbruck, on the i3 system said:
‘The illbruck i3 system is a perfect solution for upgrading the perimeter sealing of your windows and doors by providing three functional levels: weather and airtightness, and insulation (both thermal and acoustic). When installing high quality windows, it is important to consider the qualities and performance of the perimeter seal in conjunction with the window or door, and the i3 system enables meeting the requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations, particularly with regard to airtightness and has BBA accreditation confirming the performance of the system.’
The illbruck i3 system is a market-leading window and façade sealing solution offering outstanding performance in airtightness, energy efficiency, and moisture management. Its innovative range of tapes, foams, and sealants make it the go-to choice for architects, installers, and specifiers looking for a proven, high-quality sealing system.
For more information, contact illbruck or visit their website to explore the full range of solutions.
