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FEBRUARY 08 - REFLECT ON THERMAL PERFORMANCE



Clarification of how to utilise low emissivity technology to improve a building’s thermal performance in line with current- and future- regulations, is explained in a new CPD seminar developed by Glidevale Ltd.

“Developments in materials technology, amendments to regulations and the increasing pressure to achieve zero carbon structures are combining to change the way the industry specifies and builds. Further changes are on the way: more stringent Building Regulations Part L are expected in both 2010 and 2013, and all new housing is targeted at being zero carbon by 2016. Low emissivity is ‘buzz’ terminology today, particularly in wall construction, because of its impact on a building’s thermal performance, but how many architects and builders fully understand the principles and diversity of application?” asks Neil Rideout, Glidevale Technical Director. “The technology can make a significant, positive impact on a building’s thermal performance, not only in walls, but in floors and roofs, and has added benefits for the builder: it can reduce material costs and accelerates build speed.”

The CPD explains how reflective/low emissivity technology works in timber frame and block walls, floors, and warm roofs, outlining how the building envelope can be designed, specified and constructed to optimise its thermal efficiency. The seminar does not enter the controversy surrounding thermal performance claims for multifoil insulants, but follows guidance of BS EN 6946: 1997 and BR443:2006 Conventions for U Value Calculations. It also recommends the use of independently certified products as advocated by the NHBC following tried and tested methods.

BRE certified Protect TF200 Thermo reflective low emissivity breather membrane yields a 170% thermal improvement over a conventional airspace. In timber frame walls with a 140mm stud, the introduction of a reflective breather membrane such as Glidevale’s Protect TF200 Thermo in place of a standard breather membrane can improve thermal performance to 0.26W/m²K from 0.30W/m²K.

The further addition of BRE certified Protect VC Foil reflective low emissivity vapour control layer- equivalent to at least 34mm of mineral wool- creates a low emissivity cavity that achieves a U value of 0.22W/m²K in timber frame; in block construction, 0.24W/m²K is attainable.

The seminar also addresses the use of low emissivity membranes in warm roof construction, ahead of regulatory changes which Glidevale predicts could require warm roofs to achieve a U value of 0.16W/m²K against the current 0.25W/m²K. Glidevale’s figures show inclusion of Protect VC Foil reduces insulation thickness by 40mm and costs by 15%, whilst attaining a U value for the roof of 0.16W/m²K.

The Reflective Membrane Technology CPD can be booked by telephoning or emailing Glidevale - Tel: 061 962 7113, email: info@glidevale.com.

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