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feature
roofing, cladding, insulation & structural systems JM225
The 3D advantage
3D U-value calculations model the actual geometry and material properties of the repeating brackets and fixings. This level of detail provides a far more accurate representation of how heat flows through the construction, allowing specifiers to balance performance and cost more effectively. The data generated can also be used to refine the design early in the process, providing better performance outcomes. Moreover, detailed thermal models with clear, structured
reporting help maintain transparency across the supply chain. With increasing pressure on specifiers to demonstrate due diligence and deliver ‘real performance’, this kind of evidence is invaluable. Why it matters now Construction regulation has evolved rapidly in recent years. Updates to Approved Documents L and B, the phased rollout of the Building Safety Act, and the upcoming Future Homes and Buildings Standard are all raising standards for insulation, fire safety, and accountability. Meanwhile, third-party stakeholders– local authorities, insurers, planning officers– are setting higher expectations. Many now require non-combustible materials for all residential projects, regardless of height, and expect performance evidence that exceeds regulatory minimums. As the push for lower carbon buildings grows, embodied carbon – the total emissions from producing a built asset– has come into sharper focus. Specifiers are seeking solutions that offer both thermal performance and low environmental impact. Getting the specification right the first time is crucial – and that begins with accurate modelling.
From design intent to real-world performance Buildings today must not only meet design requirements but also perform as expected in real-world use. This reflects growing concern over the ‘performance gap’ – the difference between predicted and actual performance. 3D U-value calculations can help to narrow this gap. Installation quality is another key factor. While rigid foam boards
may have low lambda values on paper, they can be difficult to install correctly, small air gaps can severely compromise performance. Mineral wool, on the other hand, is flexible and forgiving. It conforms to substrate imperfections and ‘knits’ at joints, helping maintain a continuous thermal layer. Accurate thermal modelling, combined with materials that are easier to install well, significantly improves the chances of delivering buildings that perform as designed. Futureproofing façades With buildings under more scrutiny than ever, specifiers must futureproof their designs. This means choosing insulation solutions that not only perform and are non-combustible but are backed by verifiable data and designed for buildability. 3D U-value modelling is a crucial part of this process. It enables the design of façades that meet expectations and deliver consistent thermal performance, supporting compliance, and helping projects stay on budget.
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