January 2020

(QUITE INTERESTING)
INSULATION FACTS
By QI (Quantum Insulation Ltd)
“Who is to judge what needs to be
done; to confirm that it has been
retrofitted to a decent standard and
show that the work provides value
for money?”
bills and provide long-term energy efficiency. We must also ensure the
finished articles perform to the standard intended; this will require a robust
and credible inspection process to measure the improvements, to
compensate and correct if this has not been achieved; and to determine
who will pay for the work and how this will be accomplished.
We know we have the products, the expertise and the ability to build and
refurbish the UK's buildings to very high standards but who is to judge what
needs to be done; to confirm that it has been retrofitted to a decent
standard and show that the work provides value for money? Unless we have
a credible and trustworthy measuring system in place, we will never achieve
the standards necessary.
Labour crisis: more critical than ever
The other issue is the labour crisis which is more critical than ever. It has
become a key constraint to the housebuilding industry, severely impacting
the quality of new buildings, the ability to build to budget and ensuring that
all performance characteristics meet both design and regulatory
requirements.
We have the aspiration and it is positive that politicians are finally catching
up with what many commentators have been saying for some time. The
question remains as to what will unlock this activity. If it is to be achieved
then the next government will need to do something that governments over
the past 20 years or so have been spectacularly unable to achieve.
‘ Warm Tapered Insulation Design – falls and drainage.’
The publication of the updated BS 6229 in 2018 has been the cause of
U-values:
Falls:
Drainage:
Outlets:
Next month’s QI by QI – ‘Is your upstand insulation board compliant
with the requirements of
Approved Document B?.’
Contact the IMA
0161 672 7387
www.insulationmanufacturers.org.uk
@IMA_Org
JANUARY 2020 TC 59