insulation & energy efficiency
“Meeting and even exceeding U-value specifications is very important, as failure to do so will result in serious repercussions on building conformity”
potential. Building external walls with cavities that can be filled with insulation, whether partially filled or fully filled, has been the method of choice for a number of years now. Insulation innovations on the market have been developed in-line with this method to include higher performance insulation, offering either thinner insulation to achieve the same U-value or improved performance at traditional thicknesses. This is important to factor at the specification and planning stages as it
allows architects and builders even greater design-freedom while still achieving the desired U-value. This is because choosing products carefully will help to maintain the ideal cavity size of around 100mm. Any larger and this can impact the plot size of the building and other product details too, which can then encroach on precious internal living or working space. The added benefit of cavity wall insulation is that it can also be an acoustic insulator, protecting the building from letting in unwanted exterior and interior noise. For older builds, in which a solid wall has been constructed and doesn’t allow for cavity wall insulation, external wall insulation (EWI) and cladding
solutions are increasingly available, as are a range of internal wall insulation (IWI) solutions that can help reduce heat loss and improve efficiency. To maximise energy efficiency further, it is recommended that the roof and floors are also insulated as part of a whole building solution.
Specification support
Importantly, choosing a reputable manufacturer will mean specification support is always available. This will ensure that the most appropriate insulation product to meet the set U- values is always recommended, with added thought given to Building Regulations. Innovative products able to make all the difference, offering reduced thicknesses of insulation to achieve the desired U-value, or air tightness solutions to help control airflow through a building. When getting to grips with U-value calculations, wider support should
be guaranteed from your chosen manufacturer and distributor. A wide range of insulation expertise and product support is available. Whether working on a new project or bringing Britain’s ageing building stock up to date, there are insulation options on the market to fit any building, able to deliver heat and monetary savings throughout the life of the property. It is down to architects, specifiers and building contractors to take advantage of the products available on the market, and to create better insulated and more efficient solutions to meet building requirements.
A. Shotton is CCF category group manager for insulation
www.housingmmonline.co.uk | HMM January 2017 | 45
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