INSULATION INTERIORS


preventing heat loss. This can mean it is possible to achieve a desired U-value with a slimmer thickness of insulation, which can be benefi cial for your proect. For example, in cavity wall


constructions, the insulation is installed within the cavity between the inner and outer leaf of brick or blockwork. y specifying insulation products which have a low thermal conductivity, such as rigid phenolic insulation boards, it is possible to achieve the external wall U-values shown above with a slimmer thickness of insulation than may be possible with worse performing alternatives. This can help to limit the depth of the wall construction, allowing you to get the maximum fl oorspace from your building footprint.


Keep in mind that insulation materials which look similar can have quite different thermal conductivities, so it is important to confi rm that what is being fi tted on your home actually matches what you or your architect have chosen.


ENSURING BEST PRACTICE


Alongside choosing your value and insulation products, it is also important to ensure the insulation is designed and fi tted to minimise any thermal bridges. These are areas where materials which are better conductors of heat than the


interaction of the insulation at key unctions in what is known as a detail. This should include a calculated Psi-value. Rather than having to create each of these themselves, there are a range of manufacturer-created and industrycreated details with pre calculated Psi-values which can be used. hese are typically supported by process seuences which provide a stepbystep explanation for installers on how to correctly fi t the insulation in line with the detail. It is important that these are followed, and that insulation is carefully installed with no gaps between the boards or rolls of insulation for it to perform correctly.


insulation are allowed to form a ‘bridge’ between the inner and outer face of a construction. This bridge can act as a fast track for heat to escape from your home and can account for as much as 30% of total heat losses. hermal bridges commonly occur because of gaps or inconsistencies in the insulation layer and are often found at unctions between the wall, fl oor and roof, and around openings such as windows and doors. The heat losses at these unctions are measured as a Psi-value. To limit these bridges, it is best practice for your architect to plan the


A SOLID BASE


While selecting insulation may not be the most exciting part of a self-build, considering this area right from the start can really pay off in the long run. y targeting low U-values, making use of products with low thermal conductivities, and ensuring the insulation is well designed and installed, you can help ensure your home will be comfortable and affordable to heat.


Matthew Evans is director of technical and regulatory affairs at Kingspan Insulation GB


Sani os Saniplus  acilitates garden retreat


Thanks to a Saniplus UP from Sani o, a new garden retreat has been elevated to a new level of comfort and convenience. he solution facilitated the luxury of a fully functional WC in a stylish garden offi ce and leisure space. The garden building, which was supplied and built by Shack Cabin, sits slightly below the level of the main house, presenting a unique challenge for traditional waste drainage. The quiet Saniplus UP macerator system provided the ideal solution, effi ciently pumping waste to the


main soil stack. nstalled discreetly behind a demountable panel, the unit is hidden yet accessible for maintenance. his seamless integration means visitors to the space would never know it was there.


salessani ocouk wwwsasani ocouk Convenient and paper-free


Enjoy reading The Selfbuilder but fi nd it’s not always convenient to have the printed magaine r has your workplace turned paperfree he digital issue offers you the same content, delivered straight to your inbox and accessible via smartphone, tablet and desktop computer. e among the fi rst to read all the latest features, comments, interviews, and more, before the print issue has even been delivered What’s more, the digital issue includes interactive links to featured companies. The Selfbuilder


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