INSULATION


required acoustic environment once constructed. Where projects utilise acoustic modelling in place of on-site environmental testing, a lack of real- world data can lead to over engineered systems which incorporate additional mass layers. The same is true of insulation


products. To provide greater support with specifying stone wool insulation for sound control, ROCKWOOL rainscreen products have been acoustically tested. Manufactured from non-combustible


stone wool, ROCKWOOL rainscreen insulation effectively reduces the travel of external noise into buildings. The fibres in stone wool are randomly orientated, and as sound waves try to pass through the air trapped within the fibrous structure, they get absorbed by friction as the individual fibres are made to move back and forth. In addition, the random orientation of the fibres gives rise to high tortuosity, which makes it very difficult for sound to find a path from one side to the other.


What next? After the initial ban on the use of combustible materials on and in external walls of relevant buildings above 18


metres, the government asked for feedback from construction industry associations like the Building Regulations Advisory Committee.7


Although most


respondents reported problems in sourcing alternative materials, a majority (65 per cent) found that the ban is the right way to move forward. A study on the impact of the ban was also commissioned8


and found that the new


regulations will make compliance easier to identify for designers, installers and building control bodies. This will ultimately lead to safer buildings.


References 1 The Building Regulations 2010: Amendments to the approved documents (p 3) [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/ government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/1080214/ADB_ amendment_booklet_June_2022.pdf].


2 The Building Regulations 2010: Amendments to the approved documents (p 19) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/ government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/1080214/ADB_ amendment_booklet_June_2022.pdf].


3 Heatwave plan for England: Protecting health and reducing harm from severe heat and heatwaves [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/


IFHE


government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/1091292/Heatwave_ Plan_for_Engand_2022_July_2022.pdf].


4 https://www.rockwool.com/uk/about- us/sustainability/energy-efficiency.


5 https://www.rockwool.com/uk/about- us/sustainability/energy-efficiency.


6 https://psyche.co/ideas/how-the-noises-of- a-hospital-can-become-a-healing- soundscape.


7 Consultation outcome – Government response: review of the ban on the use of combustible materials in and on the external walls of buildings. Updated 1 June 2022. [https://www.gov.uk/government/ consultations/review-of-the-ban-on-the-use- of-combustible-materials-in-and-on-the- external-walls-of-buildings/outcome/ government-response-review-of-the-ban-on- the-use-of-combustible-materials-in-and-on- the-external-walls-of-buildings].


8 Consultation outcome – Government response: review of the ban on the use of combustible materials in and on the external walls of buildings. Updated 1 June 2022. [https://www.gov.uk/government/ consultations/review-of-the-ban-on-the-use- of-combustible-materials-in-and-on-the- external-walls-of-buildings/outcome/ government-response-review-of-the-ban-on- the-use-of-combustible-materials-in-and-on- the-external-walls-of-buildings].


IFHEDigest Providing insights into the vast field of healthcare engineering and facility management IFHE DIGEST 2023 77


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