INSULATION
INSULATING CHANGE
Regulations governing how properties are built and perform are changing. Merchants on top of it all will be in a prime position to make the most of the market as Elizabeth Jordan finds out.
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n June 2023, transitional arrangements for Approval Document L (ADL) end meaning that all new building projects will need to meet the latest regulations. There’s also increased scrutiny on installation standards and a move towards real performance. A year earlier, Approved Document L (England) 2021 came into power, but to give builders and architects time to adjust to the changes, the transitional period meant, as long as building work started before 15 June 2023, the changes did not apply to projects where a building notice or an initial notice had already been given or full plans deposited with a local authority before 15 June 2022. This means all building works in England that start after mid-June will now need to meet the latest regulations.
James Francis, Product Manager at ROCKWOOL®
says that the changes to ADL
form part of the Government’s commitment towards meeting its target of delivering Zero Carbon Ready Homes by 2025. “The improved energy performance metrics within ADL have been developed to ensure that all new homes produce 31% fewer CO2 emissions than those
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outlined in the previous ADL rules. This means that the construction of new dwellings in particular, must comply with these increased energy performance standards,” he says.
The catalyst for change Francis says that one of the catalysts for these changes is a need to close the gap between designed and as-built performance. As such, a key amendment is greater scrutiny of build quality. “For insulation this means that merchants’ builder customers will need to show evidence of the thermal continuity of the material at foundations/structures, external walls, roofs and openings, pipes and ducts to demonstrate it is fitted tightly and without gaps.”
Francis says that merchants recommending highly pliable stone wool insulation can make the installer’s job easier, while still delivering the all-important requirements of ADL and providing a better build for occupants. “As it’s more flexible, stone wool insulation is easier for the builder to closely friction fit, without the need for impractical levels of precision cutting when on site. As well as minimising the margin
for error, this capability supports reliable and effective thermal performance that reduces thermal bridging,” he says.
The pliability of stone wool also benefits the installer when it comes to the abutments between insulation boards, another area that can be prone to thermal leakage,” Francis says. “The composition of stone wool insulation allows individual slabs to knit together to create a seamless fit and the workable nature of stone wool insulation supports the delivery of designed U-values.
“Stone wool insulation not only makes it easier to achieve thermal continuity at build stage but helps installers provide ongoing performance too. It has a proven ability to provide consistent performance – even up to 55 years – without a drop in its thermal properties and because of its high density semi rigid composition, it will not slump in the cavity.“ He adds that, with all building works needing to meet enhanced thermal performance regulations from mid-June onwards and as the focus on energy efficiency intensifies, it’s critical is that merchants work in partnership with manufacturers to ensure their insulation range helps customers achieve these enhanced thermal requirements with ease. “Upskilling installers and counter staff, combined with market-leading solutions can support builders in delivering better quality buildings that perform now and in the long term,” he says.
Matthew Neary, National Sales Manager at
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net May 2023
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