74
INSULATION
The cost of living continues to have a ripple effect on our economy – and explaining the cost and energy benefits to a client or end-user can be an important decision-making factor when it comes to insulation specification. Multi-foil insulation solutions are very effective at preventing heat loss and condensation in homes, and therefore reducing energy consumption and bills.
Some products offer a thermally efficient two-in-one insulating multi-foil and vapour control layer. As mentioned above, it works by reflecting heat back into the living space, saving money and providing a warmer environment for the homeowner. One example is made up of nine flexible layers at 32 mm thick, offering a cost-effective solution with an equivalent thermal performance of up to 90 mm of mineral wool, offering the homeowner up to 76% reduction in heat loss.
Trusted manufacturers Specifiers should be wary of where they purchase multi-foil insulation products, and buy from a trusted distribution centre, trade counter or through the specification route. There may be some cheaper alternatives
Knauf Insulation launches first online condensation risk tool
K
nauf Insulation has launched the industry’s first online condensation risk analysis tool. It will save architects and specifiers time by enabling them to evaluate the risk of interstitial condensation and generate U-value calculations in less than five minutes. “Interstitial condensation can result in rot or corrosion within the structure,” explained Bradley Hirst, Technical Services Manager at Knauf Insulation. “So calculations evaluating this risk give architects and specifiers peace of mind that their design will not cause unintended damage to the building’s fabric.” “The problem is they take time. We know architects and specifiers often do multiple U-value calculations for housing developments, but if they wanted to assess the risk of condensation, they needed to contact our technical team or enter the same data into previously downloaded third-party software. Then if they change the U-value they have to start the whole process again.”
ADF02_Knauf
Insulation_Insulation_HPAdv.indd 1
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
“By integrating a free condensation risk analysis calculator into our online U-value calculator, we have reduced a process that could take up to 24 hours to just a few minutes.”
The condensation risk analysis tool is quick and easy to use. First, users need to generate the U-value by choosing from a range of typical build-ups and tweaking the data using drop-down menus to match their exact specification. They then have the option to analyse the risk of condensation.
Opening this function pre-populates the tool with the build-up and U-value data. Users then need to enter the postcode for the building location, which automatically identifies the country and the nearest available region for climatic data. Next, they select the property type from the dropdown menu. Once the risk of condensation has been calculated, users can view the boundary conditions (data used) and download the calculation, including the temperature data and dewpoint graphs.
When they close the tool, the condensation risk is automatically displayed alongside the U-value. If they then alter the build-up information within the U-value calculator, the risk of condensation will automatically be updated without needing to go back into the tool.
All calculations are performed in line with BS EN ISO13788 and follow the guidance in BS 5250: 2021 Code of Practice for the Management of Moisture in Buildings. To try Knauf Insulation’s free online condensation risk analysis calculator,
www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/uvalue-calculator.
visit
01744 766 666
technical.uk@
knaufinsulation.com
26/01/2024 08:48 ADF FEBRUARY 2024
Multi-foil insulation has zero fibres which removes the need for PPE when installing
on the market which can be bought online, but these may not have the required safety testing certificates or perform to UK Building Regulations.
Check to make sure the product has the latest industry-standard certifications, such as BDA Kiwa Certificate of Agrément or BBA (British Board of Agrément) certifications. Products are available which have been BDA Kiwa certified and which are also accepted by NHBC (National House Building Council) – offering increased assurance and warranty for new build customers.
Selecting an insulation product manufactured in the UK further reduces costs and potentially long lead times compared with waiting for products from overseas.
Daniel McKane is managing director at YBS Insulation
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
