72 EXTERNAL ENVELOPE


specifiers also need to consider the impact the building envelope will have on the thermal performance of the building, in accordance with Part L of the Building Regulations. This helps address energy efficiency requirements in buildings, casting a light on the importance of airtightness and energy efficiency for specifiers and installers. With building envelopes, it is inevitable that there will be points where heat loss occurs, due to thermal bridging. Thermal bridging happens when there is a thermally conductive connection between the inside and outside of a building. In the case of brackets, thermal bridging can also occur with the fixings used to secure the bracket backs on to the substrate. Often, the choice is to increase the external layer of insulation to combat this issue and help retain heat in the building. However, this solution isn’t quite so straightforward, as it means that brackets need to be larger to accommodate the thicker layer of insulation, which impacts on the structural integrity of the envelope and costs. To minimise this thermal bridging effect and to not have to use oversized brackets


and thick layers of insulation, specifiers can either look to use alternative bracket materials or use insulated thermal pads attached between the bracket and the fixing structure.


Building a better future The materials used for brackets, fixtures and fittings are often an overlooked factor at the beginning of a build. It might sound simple, but when looking at designing or redesigning the exteriors of buildings, it really pays to know the environment and the purpose of the building. To minimise misspecification issues before a project begins not only ensures the ongoing safety of the building and its occupants, but reduces costly follow-up maintenance. Therefore, it is vital specifiers bring fastenings, fixings and brackets much higher up the RIBA plan of work. Newer generations of fasteners, fixings and brackets are being developed by SFS to constantly support more choice, and to aid a quick and easy installation for the buildings of the future.


David Fraser is Nvelope business unit manager at SFS


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ADF MARCH 2020


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