FAQ

Solverter is a modern alternative to conventional solar systems, designed to eliminate their most common drawbacks.

Unlike traditional solar collectors:

• It doesn’t overheat – no need for active cooling or protection against glycol degradation
• It’s fully integrated into the roof – invisible from the outside, hidden beneath the metal cladding
• It doesn’t affect the appearance of the building – ideal for modern, energy-efficient homes and commercial buildings

Solverter is a durable, maintenance-free solution that avoids the typical issues associated with standard solar installations.

Yes, the Solverter system can be used on multi-pitched roofs.
However, it’s important to note that roofs with complex slopes may generate more material waste due to the need for cutting panels to fit angled sections.
The system works efficiently, but for such roof types, we recommend a design consultation in advance to optimize panel layout and minimize waste.

The cost of the Solverter system is calculated individually based on specific technical and project-related factors.
The key elements include:
✅ the roof area used for heat collection
✅ the building’s thermal insulation performance
✅ the number and length of collectors
✅ the number and capacity of thermal buffers
✅ the heat pump capacity

To receive a tailored offer, feel free to contact us — we’ll be happy to help you choose the best solution for your project.

The term “roof heat pump” is a commonly used nickname for the Solverter system, referring to its unique method of collecting thermal energy.

A heat pump is a well-known device — in cooling mode, we all know it as a refrigerator. In heating mode, heat pumps have been used for decades in two main systems:
– Air-source heat pumps (directly absorbing heat from the outside air)
– Ground-source heat pumps (indirectly absorbing heat from the ground using a glycol-filled loop)

The Solverter system also uses indirect heat collection, but instead of using the ground, it collects energy from the roof surface through a heat exchanger integrated into the roof panel.

To highlight this innovative approach, we introduced the term “roof heat pump.”

Yes – Solcraft solutions can be part of subsidy-supported projects.

Our products improve the thermal insulation of buildings and can be included in energy efficiency and retrofit programs.

Thexpan® roofs, in particular, may qualify for support as:
✅ a thermal insulation improvement,
✅ a system for solar domestic hot water heating,
✅ a heat source for heat pumps,
✅ and a low-noise, emission-free heat exchanger – meeting the criteria of various environmental and renewable energy support schemes.

For detailed eligibility, we recommend consulting with a local energy advisor or checking current guidelines of programs such as Clean Air, My Heat, or other regional incentives.

No – Thexpan® panels are specifically designed to avoid overheating.
Unlike traditional solar collectors, which can reach excessive temperatures, Thexpan® operates safely and consistently even during hot summer days.

Thanks to its unique construction and use of an indirect glycol-based system, it does not require active cooling and avoids degradation of the working fluid.
It’s a durable, maintenance-free solution that’s resistant to overheating.

Yes – Solverter is specifically designed to work regardless of season or sunlight availability.

When the sun is shining, the system absorbs solar energy through the heated metal surface of the roof.
In this mode, the heat pump enters a “standby” state and activates only when the solar heat is insufficient.

At night, during winter, or on cloudy days, Solverter draws thermal energy from the surrounding air and transfers it to the heat pump via the integrated roof exchanger.

It’s a year-round solution that adapts to changing weather conditions.

Solcraft buildings can be constructed on virtually any type of foundation.

This includes:
✅ traditional concrete foundations,
✅ slab foundations,
✅ strip (linear) foundations,
✅ point foundations – whether masonry or screw-based (e.g., ground screws).

The optimal choice depends on the project and soil conditions.
For detailed solutions and technical drawings, check our construction detail catalog:

Chasing (cutting grooves) into H-Block® panels for electrical or plumbing installations is not recommended.
Instead, we recommend the following safe and effective methods:

✅ For walls, a light wooden or aluminum frame can be built, allowing for cables or pipes to be routed inside. The frame is then covered with drywall or an interior finish such as paneling.
✅ Alternatively, walls can be finished with a double layer of drywall – installation channels are made in the first layer and covered by the second.
✅ For roofs and floors, suspended ceilings or double drywall cladding can also be used.

No – the external shape and corrugation pattern of Thexpan® and Thermont® roofs are fixed and designed for technical performance.

The panel profile ensures that the internal piping collects heat from the maximum possible surface area of the roof cladding.

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Yes – roof windows can be installed in Thexpan® and Thermont® roofs, but there are some limitations.

A roof structure (truss) is needed, but only in a simplified form.
For most gable roofs, it’s enough to use a ridge beam, fins, and wall plates, without the need for a full rafter system.

Thexpan® and Thermont® panels serve as both structure and insulation, so no additional thermal insulation is required.
It’s a faster, lighter, and more energy-efficient solution compared to traditional multi-layer roofing systems.

Yes, you can from the sheet metal manufacturer's palette.

hermont® is a next-generation sandwich panel designed for higher technical and aesthetic standards.

Key differences:
✅ Hidden joint system – connectors are concealed under a special “clip,” making the finish seamless (standard panels have visible joints)
✅ Higher polyurethane core density – 42 kg/m³ in Thermont® vs. 30–32 kg/m³ in typical panels, providing better insulation and structural strength
✅ Can be installed on low-slope roofs – even below 5° pitch
✅ For passive-grade applications – additional sealing with a hidden sealing tape under the clip

Thermont® is more than a panel – it’s part of a modern, airtight, and durable roofing solution.

Yes, the sheet metal is guaranteed by the sheet manufacturer. We provide our own warranty for the panels.

Yes – photovoltaic panels can be installed on Thermont® and Thexpan® roofs without issue.

There are two main mounting options:

• Traditional method – by drilling through the panel and fixing the PV system to the internal wooden structure beneath the sheet metal.
• Non-invasive solution – by attaching the PV substructure directly to the roof clips, using specially designed mounting brackets that do not pierce the panel surface.

The choice of method depends on the specific project and investor preferences.

The sheet metal used in Thermont® and Thexpan® panels is the same high-quality material used in conventional metal roofing systems.
Manufacturers typically provide a minimum 10-year warranty, but in reality, its resistance to corrosion can exceed 20 years – especially with proper maintenance.

After many years of use, there are two easy options:

• Replacement – a new sheet metal layer can be installed over the existing roof without removing the full panel.
• Refinishing – the existing surface can simply be repainted during use, extending its life and protection.

This means Thexpan® / Thermont® roofs can last for decades, remaining functional and well-protected long after the standard warranty ends.

Yes, during heavy or intense rainfall, some sound may be noticeable — but it's significantly quieter than on a traditional metal roof or skylight.

Thexpan® and Thermont® panels are filled with polyurethane foam, which effectively dampens sound and prevents the "resonance box" effect often associated with sheet metal roofs. As a result, the sound of rain is much more subdued and less intrusive.

It’s also worth noting that many people find the sound of rain calming and pleasant — especially when it's not loud or echoing.

Absolutely – our systems are designed to be as simple and error-proof as possible, even for teams unfamiliar with them.

While our products deliver high-performance thermal insulation, they’re also created with a strong focus on ease of assembly and minimizing potential on-site mistakes.

•  We adapt each project into a complete panel layout – fully marked and numbered for easy installation.
• Detailed installation manuals are available for download on our website.
• We also offer free training for construction teams and technical support at every stage of the project.

If your team can build a house – they can build with Solcraft. It’s that straightforward.

There’s only one honest answer: it depends.

The final cost is influenced by many factors, such as:
– Is the house single-storey or multi-storey?
– Flat, gable, or hip roof?
– With or without a garage?
– Gas, electric, or alternative heating system?
– Window type – aluminum, wood, or PVC?
– Required insulation and thermal performance?

We don’t provide average or generic prices – because every home is different.
Instead, we offer a tailored, professional approach:

• Send us your design – we’ll prepare a free estimate for Solcraft systems

Every home is unique – and we treat it that way.

Yes – absolutely!
We can adapt virtually any masonry or wooden house design to work with Solcraft systems (H-Block®, Thermont®, Thexpan®). Your architectural concept remains intact, while you gain the benefits of a faster, energy-efficient, and modern construction method.

•  Along with the panels, we provide a complete replacement structural design, fully adjusted to our technology
• The project includes all required structural calculations and is signed by a licensed structural engineer, ensuring full compliance with building regulations

This means you can bring your original vision to life — just better, faster, and more efficiently.

We do not have an in-house architectural team and do not create custom house designs.
However, as part of our service, we always adapt your design to our Solcraft technology, providing a full replacement structural plan along with assembly documentation.

Solcraft is first and foremost a manufacturer.
We specialize in designing and producing advanced, energy-efficient building systems such as H-Block® and Thexpan®.
Our focus is on continual product development, innovation, and contributing to sustainable construction with minimal energy use.

We do not operate our own construction teams.
Construction using our systems is handled by trusted partner companies or by clients working with their own contractors.

From our side, we offer:

• free training for construction teams,
• technical support and expert advice at every stage of the project,
•  systems and plans designed to be quick and easy to build – even for first-time users of our technology.

No – polyurethane is a material that rodents and insects generally avoid.

It offers no nutritional value, has no attractive scent, and its dense structure is not suitable for nesting.
We are not aware of any cases where rodents have damaged the polyurethane foam used in our panels, unlike materials like EPS (styrofoam), which are more vulnerable to such issues.

Polyurethane is a safe, durable, and pest-resistant insulating material.

First of all – price per square meter of what?
A house? A warehouse? An office building? Or are we talking about H-Block®, Thexpan®, or Thermont® panels?

It’s a bit like asking: “How much does a car cost?” The only honest answer is: “It depends which one.” Even when you know the brand and model, the final price varies based on engine, features, and more.

Here’s how it works with us:

• Solcraft is not a general contractor, so we don’t provide per-square-meter prices for finished buildings.
•  All of our panels are custom-made for each project – they’re not off-the-shelf or stock items.
•  Price per m² of panel varies depending on specifications: thickness, core material, complexity, and repeatability of elements.

Cost estimates in our system are always free.
Just send us your design or inquiry – by email, phone, or contact form – and we’ll prepare a personalized quote.
It’s free, and it gives you a clear answer to the question: “How much will it cost?”

Solcraft buildings are a long-term investment — designed for minimal energy consumption over decades.
Their cost should be considered not just at the construction stage, but across the entire lifespan of the building.

• Around 70% of a building’s lifetime costs are related to its operation – mainly heating and cooling.
• Our systems offer exceptional insulation and airtightness, leading to significantly lower energy bills.
• Solcraft buildings also enable the use of renewable energy sources (like roof-integrated heat pumps or solar), further reducing operating costs.

When comparing technologies, it's important to compare actual performance:
A standard masonry wall with U = 1.0 W/m²K cannot be fairly compared to an H-Block® wall with U = 0.10 W/m²K.
That’s a 10x difference in thermal performance – and in energy use.

✅ With current energy prices, the payback period for energy-efficient Solcraft buildings is usually under 10 years – and will shorten as energy prices rise.

Not at all – Solcraft systems are completely safe for both people and indoor environments.

A key component of our panels is polyurethane (PUR) foam – a material widely used in everyday life, even if we don’t always notice it. You can find PUR in:

• mattresses and upholstered furniture,
• shoes and clothing,
• refrigerators and hot water tanks,
• steering wheels and car bumpers,
• medical devices.
• PUR is chemically stable, inert, and safe.

It doesn’t emit harmful substances, doesn’t promote mold or dust mites, and has extremely low indoor air emissions. It’s approved for use in high-performance insulation and meets the strictest European hygiene standards. Its low vapor permeability also helps prevent internal moisture condensation.

This means Solcraft buildings are not only energy-efficient, but also dry, healthy, and comfortable to live in.

We also use OSB 3 boards with low formaldehyde content, comparable to natural wood. Some variants are produced entirely without formaldehyde, verified by independent testing and CE-certified (EN 13986 compliance).

Additionally: – OSB boards in our systems are not exposed directly to the interior,
– they are covered by plasterboard and often mineral wool,
– which adds another protective barrier.

By contrast, common furniture, paints, adhesives, and cleaning products are a far greater source of formaldehyde in most homes.

Choosing Solcraft means choosing a building system that is energy-efficient, long-lasting, and health-conscious.

Solcraft buildings are designed with fire safety in mind and meet all applicable standards. Their fire resistance is based on smart material choices and thoughtful construction.

✅ Limited oxygen access
H-Block® buildings are highly airtight, reducing the availability of oxygen – a key ingredient for sustaining fire. This slows down the spread of flames.

✅ Planed wood = predictable behavior
The structural wood used is four-side planed, making it less likely to ignite. In the event of fire, wood tends to char on the surface, creating a protective layer that delays further burning. For comparison – steel loses strength around 315°C, while wood maintains its integrity much longer.

✅ Polyurethane is shielded by fire-resistant layers
The polyurethane foam is not exposed – it’s placed behind protective layers such as plasterboard and mineral wool. While PUR is classified as combustible, it does not drip, melt or smoulder, and when part of a closed assembly, it can even enhance fire performance.

✅ In most fires, it’s the contents that burn – not the structure
Fires typically start inside the home – in furniture, fabrics or appliances. A well-designed structure’s job is to delay the fire’s spread, giving occupants time to escape and emergency services time to react.

Yes – Solcraft buildings are designed to withstand high wind loads, as long as they are built according to local building codes and structural design.

The H-Block® system is inspired by SIP (Structural Insulated Panel) technology, which has been proven in extreme weather regions like the USA, Japan, and the UK – areas known for hurricanes, earthquakes, and high wind exposure.

• H-Block® panels form a rigid, box-like structure, distributing loads evenly and enhancing overall stability.
• The roof (especially when built with Thexpan® panels) acts as a structural element, securely tied into the walls.
• Like any modern construction, proper anchoring to the foundation and compliance with wind load requirements is essential.

When installed correctly, a Solcraft building can easily stand up to strong winds – just like, or even better than, traditional brick or concrete buildings.

The term “breathing walls” is a marketing phrase, not a concept recognized in building physics.

Some claim that only "breathable" building elements ensure a healthy indoor climate. This is misleading. The idea of “breathability” combines several distinct physical phenomena, including:

• Water vapour diffusion through building envelopes
• Moisture buffering within materials
• Condensation on internal surfaces
• Air exchange through mechanical ventilation

So what really matters for a healthy indoor environment?
Proper thermal insulation + controlled mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (HRV) – not the so-called “breathing” of the walls.

Solcraft panels, made with high-performance polyurethane foam, provide excellent insulation values that meet the standards for low-energy and passive houses.

Indoor air quality depends on a proper ventilation system, not on whether the wall materials are open or closed to vapour diffusion.

Any building that is not ventilated will be destroyed by fungi and molds. Others will destroy the brick house, others will destroy the wooden house. If the Solcraft building is constructed in accordance with the construction art, no fungi will appear. Just as in a brick house - there must be an efficient ventilation system.

Condensation of water vapor on cold surfaces inside a building can be a substrate for the formation of mold. This can be prevented in the best way by adequately efficient thermal insulation of the building. Particular attention should be paid to avoiding thermal bridges, as they can cause local condensation even in an otherwise well-insulated building. [1] Solcraft buildings are characterized by solutions that eliminate the formation of thermal bridges (e.g. joints of H-Block® panels with LHB connectors filled with polyurethane foam instead of wooden poles).

The closed-cell PUR foam used in Solcraft systems offers the added benefit of reducing the risk of condensation in the insulation layer. Open-cell insulations may require the use of additional membranes. The same applies to other commonly used insulation materials.

Indoor humidity levels vary depending on the outdoor climate and the indoor situation. The moisture buffering effects of the surface layers on building elements can help to maintain a relatively stable level of moisture. Research has shown that thermal insulation plays a marginal role here as the buffering effect is essentially limited to the top layer which is in direct contact with the air inside the room. Accordingly, the use of water vapor open or "breathable" insulation will not constitute an advantage. Excess moisture in the indoor air must be removed by controlled ventilation. Even under extreme conditions, the exchange of moisture by diffusion ("breathability") through the building envelope may only account for a fraction of the total air exchange required [2].

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[1] “Breathability” of building elements CONDITION OF A HEALTHY AND COMFORTABLE INDOOR AIR CLIMATE? https://www.pu-europe.eu/library/pu-europe-factsheets/

[2] “Breathability” of building elements CONDITION OF A HEALTHY AND COMFORTABLE INDOOR AIR CLIMATE? https://www.pu-europe.eu/library/pu-europe-factsheets/

Polyurethane foam is a cellular product. The number of closed and open cells significantly affects the properties and parameters of the product as well as the end use. While closed-cell foam should contain more than 90% closed-cell, there is no official definition of open-cell foam in Europe. A typical open-cell system should be less than 20% closed cells. [1]

The table below shows a comparison of some parameters of the open-cell and closed-cell foam

Property	Closed-cell	Open-cell
Closed cell content	≥ 90 %	< 20 %
Thermal conductivity	0.026-0.028 W/m·K	0.035-0.042 W/m·K
Reaction to water	Long-term water absorption < 2 %	Not recommended for applications where direct contact with water is possible
Water vapor diffusion resistance coefficient (μ)	Average vapor permeability 50 < μ < 150	High vapor permeability μ < 15
Air flow resistance	Closed-cell foam helps to increase the air tightness of the building	Open-cell foam can help to increase the airtightness of a building at greater thicknesses
Compressive strength	170-500 kPa	5-30 kPa
Resilience and stiffness	Higher strength and stiffness, high density increase the strength of the load-bearing elements of the building	Lower strength and stiffness do not increase the strength of the load-bearing elements of the building
Density	35-60 kg/m3	8-15 kg/m3
Sound absorption coefficient	Medium sound absorption 0.3	High sound absorption 0.5
Reaction to fire	Generally E	F
Foaming factor	Physical foaming factor	CO2, water

More on the differences between the above-mentioned foams can be found at the link below: here

Solcraft buildings are designed for long-term, multi-generational use – provided they are installed and maintained properly.

• Polyurethane foam, the core insulation material in H-Block® panels, has been tested after 30 years of real-life use. The results showed that the material not only maintained but even improved its insulation performance over time.
  Read more: PU Europe – insulation durability
• The first SIP buildings, developed in the 1930s, are still standing and in use today.
• Lab tests in the USA have shown that well-installed SIP panels can last up to 300 years.

Longevity depends on: – proper protection against moisture,
– good ventilation and air exchange,
– professional installation following technical guidelines.

In short, a Solcraft building can serve for decades or even centuries, with durability comparable to or exceeding traditional construction.

Yes – buildings using Solcraft systems can be large and multi-storey.

The H-Block® system is inspired by SIP (Structural Insulated Panels) technology, which has been widely used around the world – especially in the USA, UK and Japan – for building schools, public facilities, multi-family housing and agricultural structures. H-Block® takes the SIP concept further by improving insulation performance, precision of production, and connection details.

You can see examples of large SIP buildings on the SIPA website – Solcraft is a proud member:

• Commercial buildings
• Schools
• Multi-family buildings
• Agricultural structures

With the H-Block® system, it’s possible to build up to four storeys without additional timber structure.
When used as infill in a timber or steel frame, even larger heights and spans are achievable.

In the case of Thermont® and Thexpan® panels, commonly used in industrial or commercial buildings, the steel structure serves as the load-bearing element – and the only real limit is the structural design itself.

Yes – Solcraft buildings offer very good acoustic performance, especially when finished with the right materials.

• The H-Block® floor system is lighter than concrete slabs, so it can transmit sound slightly more easily. However, when you add a dry screed layer (like Fermacell) on the upper floor, the sound insulation becomes comparable to traditional masonry floors.
•  Walls made of H-Block® panels are filled with airtight polyurethane foam. Additionally, there's a 5 cm layer of mineral wool placed between the OSB board and drywall, which significantly improves acoustic performance.

Measured sound reduction values:

H-Block® panel (140 mm PUR): Rw = 31 dB
Internal wall with double OSB layers (12.5 mm + 9.5 mm): Rw = 58 dB
In everyday use, this means Solcraft buildings can achieve excellent acoustic comfort, close to what you’d expect from a brick or concrete structure – with less weight and better thermal performance.

No – a properly built H-Block® home does not creak or squeak.

Such noises usually come from OSB boards installed too tightly, causing them to rub against each other. In the H-Block® system, this is prevented by leaving a 3 mm expansion gap between panels.
This gap allows the boards to expand or contract naturally with changes in air humidity.

• If the boards absorb moisture – they have room to expand.
• If they dry out during heating season – the gap remains invisible.

Additionally, all panels are fastened with high-quality screws, not nails, which means the structure stays tight and secure over time – without movement or squeaking.

The result? A quiet, solid, and long-lasting home that won’t drive you crazy with creaky sounds.

No – that’s a misconception. Having low thermal mass is actually a benefit, not a drawback.

In traditional masonry buildings, heat warms not only the air but also the heavy walls, which takes hours. In Solcraft homes, only the indoor air is heated, making the house feel warm within 30–60 minutes.

This means you don’t need to keep the heating on all day – you can turn it off when you're out, and still enjoy a warm home soon after returning.

During colder nights and warmer days, Solcraft buildings only need heating in the evening. In contrast, masonry homes often require continuous heating to maintain wall temperature.

No thermal mass = faster heating, better energy control, and lower bills.

Solcraft homes are very well insulated, but unlike heavy masonry buildings, they don’t have high thermal mass.
This means they respond more quickly to temperature changes – both heating up and cooling down faster.

But don’t worry – this doesn’t mean the house gets cold overnight.
Even in freezing winter weather, the temperature inside typically drops only 2–3°C over 24 hours without heating.

That’s the principle of a thermodynamic building – it heats up quickly, holds warmth efficiently, and lets you control indoor comfort with less energy use.

Any type of heating can be used as a heating installation - the question is which one will be the most economical.

Yes, you can safely install a fireplace in a Solcraft building – it just requires proper thermal protection in the area exposed to high temperatures.

For H-Block and Thexpan systems, fire-resistant insulation and heat-resistant materials are used around the fireplace and chimney installation zones.
These are standard solutions well known to architects and builders, and should be installed according to local building codes and good construction practices.

Let’s not forget – even old timber houses had wood stoves and open fireplaces, and many of them are still in use today.
With proper planning and safe installation, a fireplace in a Solcraft home is no problem at all.

No. Solcraft buildings are designed with a focus on energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact – both during production and over the building’s lifetime.

• The polyurethane insulation used in Solcraft panels accounts for less than 0.04% of the world’s annual crude oil consumption. Yet, over time, it saves more than 100 times the energy used for its production.
• It is manufactured without ozone-depleting gases, and after use, the material can be recycled or used for energy recovery. In fact, up to 20% of the content in polyurethane insulation can come from renewable resources.
• The production of Solcraft panels requires less energy and fewer raw materials than traditional building methods, resulting in less waste right from the start.
• Our design software optimizes material use, reducing cut-off waste during installation.
• The lightweight and compact design of our panels reduces transport needs – meaning less fuel consumption and lower emissions.
• Compared to traditional construction, less electricity and water are needed on site – making the building process more sustainable.

All of this makes Solcraft a smart choice for eco-conscious and energy-efficient construction.

Yes – and there are several ways to do it.

•  The most common method is to attach kitchen cabinets to wooden structural studs located along the building's edges and around windows and doors. A mounting rail is screwed into these studs, and the cabinets are hung securely on the rail.
• Another option is to mount cabinets directly onto high-quality plasterboard (such as Rigips). In strength tests, a properly installed cabinet held up to 150 kg of weight – it was the cabinet that broke, not the wall attachment.

Additionally:

Light objects can be hung with a nail (just a hammer will do),
Medium weight with a regular screw (use any standard screwdriver),
Heavier items up to 20 kg can be mounted using drywall anchors (no hammer drill needed).

H-Block® walls are strong, flexible, and perfect for any kitchen or interior design.

We suggest you don’t kick the walls – but if it’s absolutely necessary, or the result of an uncontrollable burst of sudden anger, we recommend getting a plaster… hospital plaster.

Yes, you can safely install a bathtub – even a full one – on H-Block® floor panels.

The H-Block® system is designed with high structural rigidity and load-bearing capacity, making it suitable for use as self-supporting floors with large spans. It easily handles typical household loads, including bathtubs, washing machines, and other heavy fixtures.

After all, millions of Americans bathe in tubs installed in SIP-built homes – and it works perfectly fine.

For unusually heavy installations, it’s always wise to consult a structural engineer, but in standard conditions, a bathtub on an H-Block® floor is absolutely safe.

No, houses built with H-Block® technology are not at risk of insect infestations such as woodworms or bark beetles.

The timber recommended and used in H-Block® homes is of certified quality – kiln-dried at high temperatures, which eliminates all biological threats, including insect larvae, fungi and mold. It is also smoothly planed on all sides, making it unattractive to pests, which typically prefer moist, rough, or untreated wood.

Importantly, the timber is enclosed within the airtight panel system, protected from humidity and external exposure – conditions that insects avoid.

As a result, buildings constructed with H-Block® are extremely resistant to pests and ensure long-term durability and safety.