Insulate Magazine Issue 11 - October 2017

www.insulatenetwork.com
Insulation companies might employ people
experienced in carrying out SAP and SBEM
calculations; they may even partner with
companies who provide energy assessment
services. But, unless the customer is copying the
‘notional dwelling’ specification, a manufacturer
is unlikely to be able to definitively state what
U-values should be met.
Those notional specifications provided in the
Building Regulations for England, Wales and
Scotland provide a starting point. Experienced
assessment professionals can refine those
specifications based on experience and common
construction practice, but for new build projects
SAP or SBEM calculations must
define the performance of individual elements.
Any U-value target suggested by an
insulation manufacturer is therefore precisely that:
a suggestion.
Chartered surveyors /
building inspectors
The potential scenarios that result in
insulation manufacturers being asked to give
their blessing to work are too numerous to be
explored individually in this word count, but can
involve some or all of the following:
- A lack of knowledge, experience or confidence when installing or inspecting insulation.
- Not enough appreciation of what low energy construction requires or looks like.
- An attitude of ‘I’ve always done it this way’.
- Shortcuts taken or product substitutions made due to time or cost pressures.
- Poor communication between parties involved on the project.
www.insulatenetwork.com
7