Designing out unintended consequences when applying solid wall insulation FB 79
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
On 31 March 2016, BRE published Designing out unintended consequences when applying solid wall insulation (FB 79), written by Colin King and Caroline Weeks.
The guide points out that around 80% of the existing housing stock will still be in use in 2050, and so if we are to achieve targets to reduce carbon emissions, it is important that efforts are made to improve the performance of these buildings. Refurbishing solid walls with externally or internally applied insulation can help reduce heat loss, but it can also cause problems such as condensation and mould growth if it is not installed correctly.
FB 79 provides advice about how to assess potential risks and reduce the likelihood of long-term problems, including:
- Surveying and assessing risk and existing ventilation.
- Detailed design.
- Quality assurance on site.
- Adopting an integrated approach.
The 24 page guide is intended for surveyors, designers and installers, but it will also be useful for clients and householders, helping ensure expectations are realistic as they commission an appropriate team of professionals to undertake installation.
Its contents are:
- Introduction and background.
- Types of unintended consequences.
- Causes of potential problems with solid wall insulation.
- Tackling the causes of unintended consequences.
- Conclusions.
- References.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BRE and Willmott Dixon project to retrofit of a 1920s semi-detached house.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Building Research Establishment BRE.
- Cavity wall insulation.
- Cold bridge.
- Condensation.
- Floor insulation.
- Insulation specification.
- Insulation.
- Roof insulation.
- Solid wall insulation.
- Solid Wall Insulation: Unlocking demand and driving up standards.
- U-value.
- Wall insulation and moisture risk.
[edit] External references:
- Reducing thermal bridging at junctions when designing and installing solid wall insulation (FB 61).
- Conventions for calculating linear thermal transmittance and temperature factors (BR 497, 2nd edn).
- Understanding dampness (BR 466).
- Thermal insulation: avoiding risks (BR 262).
- Fire performance of external thermal insulation for walls of multi-storey buildings (BR 135, 3rd edn).
Featured articles and news
Not buildings. Happy holiday from DB.
Future Homes Standard: Industry calls for more ambition
As the Government FHS consultation finally closes.
Improving government projects with data and AI
Enabling better outcomes, efficient modern delivery and influential leadership on government projects.
BSRIA Living Laboratory Innovation Challenge
Final days for submission, closing March 29.
Windows, their frames, forms, factors and functions.
The hidden subtleties of U-Value calculations
Different contexts and what to include as variables.
A brief run down with related articles.
Electrical sector calls for safer public EV charge points
Serious concerns about electrical safety in the public domain.
Building Blocks manifesto presented to parliament
Architects Declare call in for support of five critical policies.
The four elements of project management with APM
Analysis, expectations, collaborative communication and partnerships.
City of London launches Heritage Building Retrofit Toolkit
Empowering owners to initiate necessary adaptations.
Guidance on RAAC in listed buildings
Published by Purcell, endorsed by IHBC, SPAB and C20.
Learning from the past.
Reluctance to hire people with criminal convictions revealed
Employing People with Criminal Convictions Report.
Tackling unconscious bias; Women's History Month
Personal reflections, as the last week of March approaches.