Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2007 edition
SD 4
this digest is a revision of special digest 4 published in 2003. it explains how the requirements of the building regulations for conservation of fuel and power may be satisfied using aggregate concrete blocks. it gives information on the relevant regulations, showing various approaches to compliance, together with a number of worked examples. it is written for the concrete block industry, for designers, architects and builders who may be considering using masonry, and for enforcers of the regulations who are assessing applications. some of the terms used in this digest are explained in box 1 on page 2.
Revised building regulations for the conservation of fuel and power have applied from 6 April 2006 in England and Wales and from 30 November 2006 in Northern Ireland. Similar revisions have applied from 1 May 2007 in Scotland. These new regulations are markedly different in their approach from the previous regulations in their criteria for compliance, by making a requirement in terms of overall CO2 emissions in addition to performance requirements on individual elements. The regulations implement part of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which calls for a calculation methodology for assessing the energy performance of buildings and for regulations to be set based on that methodology. For new buildings, the Elemental Method and the Target U-value Method are no longer applicable and instead compliance is now assessed by using SAP 2005 for dwellings[1] or SBEM[2] for buildings other than dwellings. The compliance calculations take into account a combination of factors, including level of insulation, airtightness, efficiency of the heating system and heating controls. In England and Wales, Conservation of fuel and power is covered by four new Approved Documents, L1A, L1B, L2A and L2B[3], which respectively cover new dwellings,
existing dwellings, new buildings other than dwellings and existing buildings other than dwellings. Section 1 of the documents concerned with new buildings sets out the process for demonstrating compliance in terms of overall energy performance. Section 2 gives guidance on assessing the construction as built and contains provision for post-construction testing, including commissioning and mandatory airtightness testing. New buildings must attain a target CO2 emissions rate where the target rate is determined by the size and shape of the building. The Regulations include guidance on replacement heating systems and replacement windows, doors and rooflights, while recognising that special consideration may be needed for cases such as historic buildings. In Northern Ireland, requirements for the conservation of fuel and power are described in Technical Booklets F1 (Dwellings) and F2 (Buildings other than dwellings)[4]. In Scotland, Energy is covered by Section 6 of the Scottish Building Standards Technical Handbooks[5].
The Approved Documents L1A, L1B, L2A and L2B for England and Wales and Technical Booklets F1 and F2 for Northern Ireland are supported by the Governments Accredited Construction Details (ACDs)[6], which cover junctions between elements and detailing around windows and doors. For Scotland, Accredited Construction Details (ACDs) are given on the Scottish Building Standards Agency website[5].
Box 1: Glossary of terms
Accredited Construction Details A list of examples of typical constructions (used in dwellings) in which the thermal bridging effects are limited to a reasonably low level. Air permeability The physical property used to measure airtightness of the building fabric at a pressure difference of 50 Pa. It is expressed in m3/(h.m2). BER The building (CO2) emission rate, equal to the annual rate of emission of CO2 from a building (or building premises) per square metre of floor area. CHP Combined heat and power. DER The dwelling (CO2) emission rate, equal to the annual rate of emission of CO2 from a dwelling per square metre of floor area. Living area fraction The living area, including any room not separated from it by doors, divided by the total floor area of the dwelling. SAP The Governments Standard Assessment Procedure. SBEM Simplified Building Energy Model, used for regulatory purposes as a calculation tool for assessing buildings other than dwellings. SEDBUK The seasonal efficiency of domestic boilers in the UK. Information on SEDBUK is available from www.boilers.org.uk. TER The target (CO2) emission rate against which the DER or BER is compared for the purposes of satisfying building regulations. Thermal bridge A region within a building element where transfer of heat is higher compared with other parts of the same element. Thermal conductivity () The heat flow in watts per square metre of surface area for a temperature difference of 1 K per metre thickness of material. It is expressed in W/m.K. Thermal resistance (R) The ability of an element or layer within an element to impede the passage of heat. It is expressed in m2K/W. U-value (thermal transmittance) The rate of heat transfer in watts through 1 m2 of a structure when the temperatures on each side of the structure differ by 1 C. It is expressed in W/m2K.
the five key criteria for compliance for dwellings (england, wales and northern ireland)
For compliance with the Regulations for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, there are five key criteria which all need to be met.
criterion 1: show that the dwelling (co2) emissions rate (der) does not exceed the corresponding target emissions rate (ter)
To obtain the TER, the CO2 emissions rate for a notional dwelling of the same size, shape and living area fraction as the proposed dwelling is first calculated using SAP 2005[1]. This notional dwelling has a fixed set of criteria for the fabric heat loss, building services and air permeability, as set out in Appendix R of the SAP 2005 document[1]. The principal values are shown in Table 1. The notional dwelling corresponds to a dwelling heated by mains gas which complies with the Part L Elemental standards for 2002[3] as set out in Appendix R of the SAP 2005 document[1]. To obtain the TER, the CO2 emissions rate for the space heating and water heating in the notional dwelling is first adjusted by a fuel factor (see Table 2). The CO2 emissions rate for the notional dwelling is then reduced by 20% (to reflect the new standards to be achieved). The result is the TER (Target Emissions Rate). The emissions calculation is then repeated for the actual dwelling (again using SAP 2005) and if the DER from the proposed dwelling does not exceed the TER then Criterion 1 is satisfied. BRE-approved SAP 2005 software incorporates a function that automatically generates the target CO2 emissions level when the characteristics of the actual dwelling have been defined. The calculations require information about the efficiency and controls of heating systems (see Box 2 for information on secondary heating). To assist in the calculations, a list of SEDBUK boiler efficiencies is available at www.boilers.org.uk. The results of the above calculation should be regarded as the design DER as it is based on some assumptions (such as air permeability performance, adoption of and adherence to Accredited Construction Details[5,6]) which have to be reviewed post-construction. If any of the as built characteristics of the design are worse than initially assumed, the DER calculation must be repeated to ensure that the as built DER remains lower than the TER (see Criterion 4).
Table 1: Specifications for the notional building (for calculating the TER)
U-value of roofs U-value of windows and doors U-value of walls U-value of floors* Efficiency of mains gas boiler Airtightness
*Refers to ground floors and exposed floors.
criterion 3: the design should include provision to prevent high internal temperatures in summer due to excessive solar gains
Appendix P of SAP 2005[1] enables designers to calculate an indicative risk of solar gains resulting in high internal temperatures. The risk can be reduced by changing window size and orientation, or by introducing shading devices, increased ventilation or through the use of thermal mass. Further guidance on avoidance of overheating can be obtained from the Energy Saving Trusts publication CE 129[7].
*In Northern Ireland these figures are multiplied by 1.14. Note: Simply achieving the conditions in Table 1 will not lead to compliance because a further 20% improvement is required and is built into the TER calculation.
criterion 4: the performance of the dwelling, as built, should be consistent with the der
Quality of construction and correct commissioning
The quality of construction and the correct commissioning of building services needs to be demonstrated with reference to the proposed building design. If any assumptions made at the design stage fail to carry through to the final construction, the SAP calculation should be repeated and the as built DER calculated and compared with the TER limit.
building services
A notice should be provided by a suitably qualified person declaring that the building and its services have been inspected, tested and commissioned, and that they are in accordance with the proposed building design.
air permeability
Box 3: Air permeability
Air permeability is determined by the air leakage rate (m3/h) per unit envelope area (m2) at a test reference pressure differential across the building envelope of 50 Pa. The envelope area of the building is the total area of all floors, walls and ceilings bordering the internal volume that is subject to the test (including the volume of party walls and floors). Overall internal dimensions are used to calculate this area and no subtractions are made for the area of the junctions of internal walls, floors and ceilings with exterior walls, floors and ceilings.
An air permeability test must be carried out to show that the design air permeability standard has been achieved and that the permeability does not exceed the limit of 10 m3/(h.m2) at 50 Pa. Air pressure testing is required to be carried out to an approved procedure by an ATTMA member or similar accredited tester. The design, construction and operation of dwellings should always recognise the importance of adequate ventilation provision to avert risk of condensation. As a general rule, an increase in controlled ventilation is typically required with increasing airtightness. Guidance is given
compliance in scotland
Section 6 of the Scottish Building Standards Technical Handbooks deals with energy[5]. The basis is similar to that adopted for England & Wales, by setting an overall carbon emissions target, but for dwellings the target is established in a slightly different way. The guidance document gives specifications for notional dwellings (of the same size and shape as the proposed dwelling) that define the target CO2 emissions rate, but without application of improvement factors or fuel factors. Instead of applying fuel factors, as is done in England & Wales, the differences in carbon intensities of different fuels are taken into account by the definition of a notional dwelling for each fuel category (gas, LPG, oil, electricity, solid mineral and biomass). It follows that if the dwelling is constructed to specifications at least as good as the notional dwelling it is not necessary to perform calculations to demonstrate compliance. For buildings other than dwellings, the target emissions level is set in the same way as in England and Wales (the target is slightly lower (ie slightly more demanding) because the notional building is based on the 2002 Elemental U-value standard of 0.30 W/m2K, rather than 0.35 W/m2K, for walls). In addition to the requirement for CO2 emissions, there are requirements for U-values of elements, heating efficiency and controls, insulation of pipes, ducts and vessels, summer overheating, commissioning and provision of information. The maximum permissible Uvalues are shown in Tables 5 and 6. Further information, including guidance on Accredited Construction Details and discrete thermal bridging around openings, can be found on the SBSA website at www.sbsa.gov.uk[5]. In Scotland, the dwelling can comply if its performance is at least as good as the notional dwelling, as defined in Table 6. In Scotland, the notional dwelling would be considered to satisfy the requirements. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the notional dwelling would not satisfy the requirements.
Table 5: Maximum permissible U-values in W\mK (applicable in Scotland)
Element Maximum areaweighted U-value (W/mK) 0.20 2.2 2.2 0.30 0.25 Maximum U-value for any part of any element (W/mK) 0.35 3.3 3.3 0.70 0.70
in Approved Document F[8] for England and Wales or Technical Document K[9] for Northern Ireland. Where Accredited Construction Details are not used, air pressure tests should be carried out on each dwelling type in the development in accordance with Table 4. If the test result is greater than 10 m3/(h.m2) at 50 Pa, or greater than the value assumed at the design stage to the extent that the dwelling fails to achieve a compliant DER, the required action is set out in the regulations. This includes remedial measures to reduce air leakage, re-testing of the dwelling to show compliance and an additional test of another dwelling of the same type. It is in the builders interests to ensure that the quality of construction, particularly the sealing of air leakage paths, is to an adequately high standard to achieve the limiting value of 10 m3/(h.m2) at 50 Pa. For developments of no more than two dwellings, the need for air pressure testing can be avoided if a dwelling of the same type has been tested elsewhere in the previous 12 months, or alternatively if an air permeability rate of 15 m3/(h.m2) at 50 Pa is used in the calculation of the DER. The latter choice would usually mean having to make significant improvements elsewhere in the design to attain the TER.
criterion 5: the operation and maintenance information should be provided to the owner to enable the building and its services to be operated in an energy-efficient manner
The owner of the building should be provided with a set of simple operating and maintenance instructions explaining how to use the installed heating and hot water system to achieve economy in use.
boiler efficiencies
To assess compliance with Regulations, it is necessary to provide information such as the efficiency of the heating system and the types of controls. SAP 2005 software incorporates a database of boiler efficiencies which is automatically accessed by approved SAP software. To assist in providing this information, a list of seasonal
U = 0.25 W/m2K U = 0.20 W/m2K U = 0.16 W/m2K U = 1.7 W/m2K Area is 25% of floor area Allowance for 0.08 total thermal bridging exposed surface (see Note 3) area (m2) Open flues One Heating system Oil boiler (pump in room-sealed, heated space) fan flued, with 93% efficiency Heating system Programmer, controls room thermostat, TRVs, boiler interlock, weather compensation Hot water system Stored HW (from Stored HW (from Stored HW (from (not applicable if boiler) with boiler) with boiler) with combination boiler) separate time separate time separate time control for space control for space control for space and water heating and water heating and water heating Secondary space 10% electric 10% closed 10% closed heating wood log-burning wood log-burning room heater room heater (see Note 4) (see Note 4) Solar panels, None None None evacuated tube, collector efficiency = 0.6, a1 = 3 Area of windows, doors and rooflights Orientation Shading from sun Number of sheltered sides Chimneys Ventilation system
U = 0.20 W/m2K U = 0.20 W/m2K U = 0.16 W/m2K U = 1.5 W/m2K Area is 25% of floor area 0.06 total exposed surface area (m2) One HETAS-approved anthracite boiler with autofeed in heated space
Programmer, Programmer, Programmer, room thermostat, room thermostat, room thermostat, TRVs TRVs
10% electric
Stored HW (from boiler) with separate time control for space and water heating 10% electric
None
None
Total of 25% of total floor area All glazing oriented east/west Average overshading 2 None Natural ventilation with intermittent extract fans, 4 for dwellings with floor area more than 80 m2, otherwise 3 10 m3/(h.m2) at 50 Pa
Air permeability Hot water cylinder (for solar water heating a combined cylinder with solar store 75 litre, no solar-powered pump) Primary water heating losses Low energy light fittings
150 litre cylinder insulated with 50 mm of factory-applied foam (cylinder in heated space) Cylinder temperature controlled by thermostat
Notes: 1 The biomass column should be used not only where biomass fuel is used but also for biogas, large scale waste combustion from boilers and waste heat from power stations. It does not, however, include dual or multi-fuel which should be taken under the solid fuel column. 2 U is the average U-value of all openings (windows, doors, rooflights) based on one opaque door 1.85 m2 of U = 1.8 W/m2K, any other doors fully glazed. For windows, doors, etc. a frame factor of 0.7, light transmittance of 0.80 and solar energy transmittance of 0.72 for U 1.7, 0.63 for U < 1.7 are assumed. 3 Construction using Accredited Construction Details (Scotland) is considered to correspond to the default figure of 0.08 for thermal bridging. 4 Under secondary heating, the closed wood log-burning room heater is capable of burning wood only, not multi-fuel. 5 If total exposed faade area is less than 25% of the floor area, the total exposed faade area.
boiler efficiencies (SEDBUK), together with additional information about SEDBUK, is given on the website www.boilers.org.uk.
workmanship
Good workmanship and appropriate site procedures are necessary to achieve the design thermal performance and airtightness. Achieving this in practice is likely to depend on a combination of good site management, training and monitoring. Key points for achieving this are: continuity of the insulation layer, continuity of vapour barriers, sealing of services penetrations. Management of all contractors concerned with constructing the building fabric need to be aware of the requirements to ensure that insulation materials of the correct specification are installed as directed and with the specified degree of continuity. They also need to be aware of ensuring that the fabric is constructed to be airtight. Contractors (such as plumbers and electricians) responsible for installing services which penetrate the building fabric need to be aware of the need to restore or replace any insulation that has been disturbed and to ensure that service penetrations are made airtight.
* Half of the linear thermal transmittance is assigned to each dwelling. This is an externally supported balcony (not a continuation of the floor slab) where the insulation is continuous and is not bridged by the balcony slab.
Table 7 gives default linear thermal transmittance values for junctions[10]: The reduced surface temperatures caused by thermal bridging at junctions is indicated by an f-factor, where a high f-factor indicates a slight reduction in surface temperature and a low f-factor indicates a severe reduction in surface temperature and an increased risk of mould growth or condensation. An f-factor of 0.75 or above is considered acceptable for dwellings. More information on the definition, calculation and interpretation of f-factors is given in reference [10] as well as an indication of minimum acceptable f-factors. Accredited Construction Details are deemed to have an acceptable f-factor. In cavity walls, particularly at wallfloor junctions where the insulation layer is interrupted, it is important to maintain a sufficient overlap between the floor insulation and the wall insulation and guidance is given in Accredited Construction Details[6] and the SBSA website[5]. For an internally insulated structure, where it abuts other construction details, the insulated layer needs to be kept continuous around the perimeter of the building. At window reveals it is important to maintain an overlap (typically 30 mm) between the frame (including packers) and the wall insulation. A decision not to follow Accredited Construction Details (or details which are certified as being of satisfactory thermal performance) may lead to poorer dwelling performance. If a particular detail is not an Accredited Construction Detail then it should be dealt with by following the guidance in reference [10]. If details other than Accredited Construction Details are used it is necessary to show that the detail will not lead to unacceptably low surface temperature factors, as junctions with low surface temperature factors will
SD 4 masonry walls and beam-and-block floors have an increased risk of surface mould growth or condensation.
For buildings other than dwellings the BER must be shown to be no higher than the Target Emissions Rate (TER) for the building. A preliminary calculation is done as part of the design submission, based on plans/ specifications and must be done using an approved calculation tool (eg SBEM). Once the building has been constructed, a final calculation is carried out incorporating any design changes and including results for actual air permeability, ductwork leakage and fan performance as commissioned.
5.2 m
Door
7.7 m
Ground floor
Door
7.7 m
First floor
Taking into account the dwelling size and shape, the carbon dioxide emissions for the notional dwelling are calculated using SAP software on the basis of the fixed performance assumptions shown in Table 1 of this Digest. This gives a TER of 23.22 kg/m2.yr.
masonry walls and beam-and-block floors SD 4 The total CO2 emissions rate when all of the above energy-saving measures are applied is less than the TER of 23.22 kg/m2.yr and the dwelling therefore complies, subject to subsequent confirmation that the actual dwelling characteristics as constructed are no worse than assumed at the design stage. Since the DER is not more than the TER this improved specification satisfies the requirements. Table 9 shows alternative designs which comply.
The DER for the notional dwelling is 29.02 kg/m .yr. Clearly, the notional dwelling design will not satisfy the requirements; to satisfy the requirements various improvements are needed. The schedule given in Table 8 shows a series of improvement measures. These are listed together with their respective CO2 emissions savings (calculated relative to the notional dwelling performance). No specific secondary heating system is provided for the proposed dwelling so the default setting (electric appliance meeting 10% of the space heating demand) is carried through from the TER to the DER calculation.
8% 2%
45%
28.24
41%
22.73
Figure A2: Pie chart showing typical distribution of fuel use (based on SAP calculations)
Case 90% 10 m3/(h.m2) 0.30 W/m2K Mains gas 0.18 W/m2K Yes
6.2 m
The DER for the notional dwelling is 32.12 kg/m2.yr. Clearly, the notional dwelling design will not satisfy the requirements; to satisfy the requirements various improvements are needed. Table 10 gives a schedule that shows a series of improvement measures. These are listed together with their respective CO2 emissions savings (calculated relative to the notional dwelling performance). Examples of changes to the design which would lead to further improved performance are given in Table 11.
Door
8m
Ground floor
Door
8m
First floor
-0.54
31.58
Taking into account the dwelling size and shape, the CO2 emissions for the notional dwelling are calculated using SAP software on the basis of the fixed performance assumptions shown in Table 1 of this Digest. This gives a TER of 24.25 kg/m2.yr.
24.90 24.42
24.24
10
2%
52%
34%
5% Space heating (main system) Space heating (secondary) Water heating Pumps and fans Lighting
Figure B2: Pie chart showing typical distribution of fuel use (based on SAP calculations)
Z0/01, Reception, 36 m2
Z0/06, Toilets, 18 m2
11
17%
59%
60 kJ/m2.K 1.8 W/m2K 1m 3m LTHW 90% central heating using water to radiators
2% 0% Space heating (main system) Space heating (secondary) Water heating Pumps and fans Lighting 22%
Figure C2: Pie chart showing typical distribution of fuel use (based on SAP calculations)
270
Roof
250
0.16
Z0/01 (Reception), north wall, 9 m2 Z0/01 (Reception), east wall, 18 m2 Z0/02 (Open Plan, east side), east wall, 18 m2 Z0/02 (Open Plan, east side), north wall, 18 m2 Z0/03 (Open Plan, west side), north wall, 36 m2 Z0/03 (Open Plan, west side), west wall, 18 m2 Z0/04 (Cellular offices), south 27 m2, west 18 m2 Z0/05 (Meeting room), south 18 m2 Z0/06 (Toilets), east 9 m2 Z0/06 (Toilets), south 18 m2 Z0/06 (Toilets), west 9 m2 Z0/01 (Reception), 36 m2 Open Plan, east side, 36 m2 Open Plan, west side, 72 m2 Cellular offices, 54 m2 Meeting room, 36 m2 Toilets, 18 m2
Total
1
6.2 m
Taking into account the dwelling size and shape, the CO2 emissions were calculated on the basis of the fixed assumptions in Table 1, giving a TER of 26.10 kg/m2.yr
The DER for the notional dwelling is 32.25 kg/m2.yr. Clearly, the notional dwelling design will not satisfy the requirements; to satisfy the requirements various improvements are needed. Table 13 shows a series of improvement measures. These are listed together with their respective CO2 emissions savings (calculated relative to the notional dwelling performance).
No specific secondary heating system is provided for the proposed dwelling so the default setting (electric appliance meeting 10% of the space heating demand) is carried through from the TER to the DER calculation. The total CO2 emissions rate when all of the above energy-saving measures are applied is less than the target emissions rate of 26 kg/m2/yr and the dwelling therefore complies, subject to subsequent confirmation that the actual dwelling characteristics as constructed are no worse than assumed at the design stage. Since the DER is not more than the TER this improved specification satisfies the requirements. Table 14 shows how the DER is affected by various changes to the design.
Table 14: Changes to the house design for Example D
Case 1* Boiler efficiency Wall U-value Pass or Fail 90% 0.35 Pass Case 86% 0.30 Pass
* As in detailed schedule.
1
calcUlating U-valUes
Assessment of compliance with regulations requires U-values to be provided for all the elements and components making up a building, dwelling or premises. U-values of masonry constructions, together with most roofs and floor decks, can be assessed using the method in BS EN ISO 6946[15], also known as the Combined Method. U-values of ground floors can usually be assessed using the method in BS EN ISO 13370[16]. Inexpensive software to calculate U-values according to these standards is available commercially. U-value calculations should take account of the conventions given in BREs Conventions for U-value Calculations[14] (www.bre.co.uk/uvalues). They should include allowances for any repeating thermal bridges, but should not make any allowance for non-repeating thermal bridges, as these are dealt with separately. Tables of U-values are given in this Digest which are based on typical constructions. The underlying assumptions used in the calculations are given below.
is less than 0.1 mK/W the effect of the mortar may be disregarded in the U-value calculation (as has been done in preparing the tables later in this Digest). A conductivity of 17 W/m.K is generally considered appropriate for stainless steel wall ties. Guidance on wall ties for masonry walls is given in BS 5628[19]. The effect of wall ties may be disregarded if the total of the corrections to the U value is less than 3% of the overall U-value of the wall (as permitted in BS EN ISO 6946[15]), and this has been done in the calculations in this Digest.
wall ties
BS 5628[19] requires that the leaves of a cavity wall be tied together by wall ties and gives guidance on the number and type of wall ties which should be provided. The choice of the type of wall tie and spacing depends on the cavity width and the widths of the leaves of the cavity wall. Typical wall tie types and densities are shown in Table 16. Examples of constructions, together with their Uvalues, are given in this Digest. They are based on standard-sized insulation products and they show how suitable U-values may be achieved for a variety of constructions. The construction solutions are based on the rules for declaring thermal conductivity values for insulation products as given in the applicable standards[20] taking account of product variation (90% percentile values) and aged values. Guidance on the conductivities of other materials can be found in references [14, 17, 21]. Guidance on discrete thermal bridging is given in reference [10]. For additional information about risks associated with thermal bridging, refer to BREs Report Thermal insulation: avoiding risks[11]. Resistances of air cavities and other airspaces within cavity walls are calculated according to the method in BS EN ISO 6946[15] and conventions in reference [14], taking account of the dimensions of the airspace, ventilation level and emissivity of bounding surfaces. Table 17 gives resistances of airspaces in walls for some typical dimensions. BS EN ISO 6946[15] also gives guidance for assessing resistances of airspaces in other types of walls, roofs and exposed floors. Guidance on the treatment of airspaces in suspended ground floors is given in BS EN ISO 13370[16]. Further information on airspaces can be found in Section 3.3.8 of CIBSE Guide A[17]. The U-value of a solid or suspended ground floor varies depending on the size and configuration of the floor plan. In the ground floor examples, the U-values
0.112 (if 10 mm horizontal and vertical mortar joints are used) or 0.131 (if 10 mm vertical mortar joints and 12.5 mm horizontal mortar joints are used)
These values are based on typical ties compliant with BS 5628[19], taking into consideration conventions in reference [14]. Wall tie types are defined in Annex C of BS 5628-1[19].
1
Note: These figures are based upon standard ambient temperatures where one surface has an emissivity of 0.9 and the other surface has an emissivity of either 0.9 (first column) or 0.2 (second column).
have been calculated for a typical small detached house with a perimeter to area ratio of 0.57 m-1 (ie floor area floor perimeter = 1.75 metres). Large floor areas will generally lead to lower U-values (ie lower heat loss) due to their more favourable perimeter to area ratio. References [14] and [15] give guidance on how to allow for air gaps between and around sections of insulation. In particular, reference [14] gives guidance on the use of appropriate air gap correction levels. For calculating U-values of constructions other than those presented in this Digest, the conductivity values given in Table 18 may be regarded as typical. They take account of insulation ageing and 90% percentile values. Additional information on insulation materials can be obtained from www.timsa.org.uk.
* Protected refers to blocks that are not exposed to wetting, such as inner leaf blocks or blocks that are protected by a polymer render.
1
example 1: cavity wall fully filled with insulation, having brick outer leaf, blockwork inner leaf and internal plaster finish
Notes Refer to manufacturers test information for further information on conductivities of insulation materials. Final U-values should be rounded to two decimal places. To obtain intermediate values, linear interpolation may be used.
102 mm external brickwork, = 0.77 W/m.K Cavity insulation bridged by stainless steel wall ties 100 mm concrete blocks bridged by 6.7% mortar, = 0.88 W/m.K 13 mm dense plaster, = 0.57 W/m.K
0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
A correction level of 0 corresponds to a situation where no air gaps exceeding 5 mm penetrate the insulation layer and is applicable where insulation materials have high dimensional tolerances. A correction level of 1 corresponds to a situation where tolerances can be more than 5 mm but where air is still unable to circulate on both sides of the insulation. * Af is the cross-sectional area of each wall tie (mm2). Factors influencing the U-value are indicated in blue. Values which do not meet the limit in Table 1 are shown in red.
1
12.5 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50
An air gap correction level of 1 and foil facing (emissivity 0.2) are assumed for materials of conductivity less than 0.03 W/m.K.
Note: In some instances in the above Table, the rules in BS EN ISO 6946[15] permitted the effects of wall ties to be ignored. Factors influencing the U-value are indicated in blue. Values which do not meet the limit in Table 1 are shown in red.
1
example 3: cavity wall with clear cavity and external insulation and thin coat polymer render
Notes Refer to manufacturers test information for further information on conductivities of insulation materials. Final U-values should be rounded to two decimal places. To obtain intermediate values, linear interpolation may be used. The conductivity figure of 1.22 W/m.K for dense outer leaf concrete blocks is based on a 3% moisture content, appropriate for sheltered or protected blocks.
External insulation with 6 mm polymer render 100 mm dense concrete blockwork, = 1.22 W/m.K
50 mm clear unventilated cavity bridged by stainless steel wall ties 100 mm concrete blocks bridged by 6.7% mortar, = 0.88 W/m.K 13 mm dense plaster, = 0.57 W/m.K
1
50 mm clear unventilated air cavity with wall ties 100 mm concrete blocks bridged by 6.7% mortar, = 0.88 W/m.K 22 mm unventilated airspace, R = 0.18 m2K/W, bridged by 12% timber battens, = 0.13 W/m.K Internal insulation 12.5 mm plasterboard, = 0.21 W/m.K, with vapour control layer
Foil-facing (emissivity 0.2) is assumed for materials of lower conductivity. Airspaces adjacent to foil-faced insulation boards are assumed to have a thermal resistance of 0.44 m2K/W. Factors influencing the U-value are indicated in blue.
19
Insulation
0
Insulation
The insulation is assumed to be foil-faced with a foil of emissivity 0.2. Factors influencing the U-value are indicated in blue.
1
example 7: profiled steel sheet (or cladding system) with inner leaf blockwork
Notes Refer to manufacturers test information for further information on conductivities of insulation materials. Final U-values should be rounded to two decimal places. To obtain intermediate values, linear interpolation may be used.
Cladding panel/system incorporating insulation
140 mm concrete blockwork bridged by 6.7% mortar, = 0.88 W/m.K 13 mm dense plaster, = 0.57 W/m.K
U-valUes for beam-and-block floor constrUction example 8: beam-and-block suspended ground floor
The U-values have been calculated on the basis of level access.
Notes Figures assume a perimeter/area ratio of 0.57 and an underfloor ventilation level of 0.0015 m2 per metre perimeter length. Figures assume a beam fraction of 0.14 (ie 14%). In this example, the insulation is continuous (ie not bridged). The U-values are calculated using the method in BS EN ISO 6946[15] and BS EN ISO 13370[16]. To obtain intermediate values, linear interpolation may be used.
Insulation
Underfloor space
U-values for a range of insulation thicknesses and a beam conductivity of 1.9 W/m.K
Insulation thickness (mm) 80 100 120 140 160 = 0.0 0.191 0.164 0.144 0.128 0.115 U-value (Wm.K) = 0.00 0.227 0.197 0.174 0.156 0.141 = 0.00 0.267 0.236 0.211 0.191 0.174
Values which do not meet the limit in Table 1 are shown in red.
[0] British Standards Institution. BS EN 13162:2001: Thermal insulation products for buildings. Factory made mineral wool (MW) products. Specification BS EN 13163:2001: Thermal insulation products for buildings. Factory made products of expanded polystyrene. Specification BS EN 13164:2001: Thermal insulation products for buildings. Factory made products of extruded polystyrene foam (XPS). Specification BS EN 13165:2001: Thermal insulation products for buildings. Factory made rigid polyurethane foam (PUR) products. Specification BS EN 13166:2001: Thermal insulation products for buildings. Factory made products of phenolic foam (PF). Specification BS EN 13167:2001 Thermal insulation products for buildings. Factory made cellular glass (CG) products. Specification BS EN 13168:2001: Thermal insulation products for buildings. Factory made wood wool (WW) products. Specification BS EN 13169:2001: Thermal insulation products for buildings. Factory made products of expanded perlite (EPB). Specification BS EN 13170:2001: Thermal insulation products for buildings. Factory made products of expanded cork (ICB). Specification BS EN 13171:2001 Thermal insulation products for buildings. Factory made wood fibre (WF) products. Specification
acknowledgement
The author acknowledges the support provided by the Concrete Block Association (CBA) in the preparation of this Digest.
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