INSULATION; HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES 99
Where a 300 mm lap cannot be achieved during installation, BS 6229:2025 recommends that joints be taped and sealed. This is not a measure to make the layer more resistant to water penetration, but to make it less likely that the WFRL moves during installation. If the membrane is more likely to remain in place, then it is more likely to deliver its intended performance. All of the test results and correction factors used in U-value calculations for inverted roofs should therefore be more representative of the amount of water actually reaching the waterproofi ng layer.
Design professionals’ infl uence This may all sound more pertinent to contractors than design professionals. However, it is worth noting from the point of view of understanding how design and specifi cation decisions carry through the construction and use phases of a building. If the aim of BS 6229:2025 is to address performance gap issues, then we should not forget the role that design professionals play in infl uencing what happens on site. Knowing installation techniques for WFRLs have become more robust improves certainty for everyone involved in design
and specifi cation, while also eliminating BS 6229:2018 confusion.
It is important to understand that different WFRL membranes have different properties and characteristics. Not all membranes are the same, so engaging with inverted roof system suppliers during design and specifi cation phases offers the opportunity to understand what qualities can best support successful installation. A typical design life for many buildings is 60 years, with 100 or even 120 years sometimes the aim. If a better standard of WFRL installation is evidenced during construction, will that be maintained if maintenance work disrupts the membrane? If invasive work is required to inspect, maintain or repair some aspect of the roof, it is relatively easy to take up the inverted roof system. But will it be reinstated to the condition in which it was found? Making and recording specifi cation decisions with construction and maintenance in mind can allow the building owner/occupier to make decisions that align with the original intent.
Rob Firman is technical and specifi cation manager at Polyfoam XPS
Introducing STEICO Wood Fibre Insulation
Kingspan Insulation is now able to offer STEICO fl ex 036 and STEICO universal dry as part of its full spectrum of insulation products. The wood fi bre boards are manufactured using softwoods sourced from PEFC certifi ed forests and form part of Kingspan’s BioKor range of insulation solutions which are made of a minimum 80%
bio-genic content. They provide a combined sheathing and between stud/rafter insulation solution for walls and pitched roofs on new and existing buildings. The products are available through specialist insulation distributors and selected builders’ merchants.
info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk www.kingspan.com/gb/en Comfort in the home
We know good indoor air quality is essential. Poor ventilation leads to condensation (mould and consequent health risks), house dust mites (exacerbating allergies and respiratory problems), and unpleasant odours. Vectaire’s energy-effi cient heat recovery units alleviate these problems. They extract pollutants and humidity and maintain a constant intake of fresh, fi ltered air. Vectaire’s Cool Breeze and Cool-Aire, are designed to be used with MVHRs. The two sizes of Cool Breeze are effective solutions for mitigating summer over-heating. For fl oor or wall mounting, they use the environmentally friendly refrigerant, R290. Needing no external condenser, they determine automatically when cooling is required. The Cool-Aire, an in-line cooling/heating module, provides an economical, optimal temperature by using an existing water circuit to cool or heat the airfl ow. It’s a versatile solution for year-round comfort in the home. Easy to install in ceilings, lofts or voids,they are available with various controllers. Both the Cool Breeze and Cool-Aire comply with CIBSE TM59 assessments and Building Regulations Approved Document O, are suitable for new-build and retrofi t.
01494 522333
www.vectaire.co.uk The opinions of the architectural community
As part of netMAGmedia’s research offering, ADF has been increasingly harnessing the knowledge and views of its focused readership to produce ‘Industry Viewfi nder’ white papers based on reader surveys. These are documents which contain unique insights and data on a wide range topics that are currently fuelling debate in the industry,
from Passivhaus to Part L. This audience research, providing real-world experience, provides us with the opportunity to better understand the needs of our readers and tailor our content accordingly.
insights.netmagmedia.co.uk/whitepapers
Not all membranes are the same; engaging with suppliers during the design and specifi cation phases offers the opportunity to understand what qualities can best support successful installation
ADF APRIL/MAY 2026
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
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