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Steel Designers' Manual - 6th Edition (2003)
cant leakage paths between panels; thermal bridges should be minimized; insulation
should be continuous, dry and as ‘uncompressed’ as possible.
One method of ascertaining compliance would be by use of infra-red thermography,
where the external fabric of the building is ‘photographed’ using specialist
equipment. By this method, areas of the external fabric that are ‘hot’ – implying
poor insulation and heat loss from the building – will be shown as colours at the
red end of the spectrum. Conversely, areas that are ‘cold’ will be shown at the blue
end of the spectrum.
1.4.8.4 Whole building design
As the title of this subsection suggests, the building should be designed taking due
account of how the constituent parts interact with each other. To this end, insulation,
air tightness, windows, doors and rooflights, heating systems and the like should
not be viewed as individual elements, but rather as elements that, in some way, have
influence on the in-service performance of each other.
1.4.8.5 Material alterations
Material alteration is intended to cover substantial works to existing buildings that
were designed and constructed prior to the changes in Approved Document
Part L.
For example, should major works be required to roof or wall cladding, it will be
necessary to provide insulation to achieve the U value of a new building. Following
on from the latter eventuality will be the need to make provision for improving the
building’s air-tightness.
The replacement of doors and windows will also entail the use of products that
meet the requirements of new buildings, as too will the installation of new heating
systems, for example.
1.4.8.6 Building log books and energy meters
Design of common structural forms 37
The building owner will initially be provided with details of all the products that
constitute the building, including a forecast of annual energy consumption based
on the building design specification. The owner in turn will be required to keep detailed
maintenance records and the like to ensure that the products within the
building are properly maintained, and, when replaced, fully comply with the new
requirements.