Icynene spray foam insulation
Traditional stone buildings make up a large proportion of the UK’s building stock, and so it is important to focus on improving the energy efficiency of these buildings. The challenge is to make improvements that do not alter the external appearance or compromise valuable period features.
Icynene spray foam insulation was identified as the most suitable product for the traditional market. Its unique open cell and vapour permeable nature ensures no build-up of moisture. An added benefit is that this smart, environmentally responsible alternative to standard chemically-based products is water-blown and contains no HFCs or CFCs.
The initial trial involved one room of a large house. Skirting boards were removed intact to ensure the void between the lath and plaster linings and the solid stone masonry wall was clear of debris. Subsequently, 10mm pipes were inserted into the void from the attic space above and the insulation was injected down the pipes to fill the void. The delivery of the insulation was measured and distributed evenly over the area of the wall. Careful attention was paid to ensuring that no pressure was exerted on the lath and plaster lining to avoid causing any damage.
Separate research which involved monitoring and simulating alternative solutions further improved the process, after which, insulation was successfully installed throughout the entire property.
Acknowledgement to all academics and industrial partners: Mr and Mrs Gibbon-Wood – the owners of the building, Dr M. Abdel-Wahab, Dr A. Owen, Dr N. Turner, C. Levi, D. Chouman, D. Herrera, J. Hood, S. Faulkner-Lee, G. Sheridan, and R. Gilmore.
This innovation was winner of the Highly Commended award, Innovation Achiever's Award, in the 2014 CIOB International Innovation & Research Award.
The judges said, "The innovation shows a non-intrusive method of improving insulation in historic buildings where interior walls are in a delicate condition. The judging panel was attracted to the idea of applying an existing insulation material by means of a new method of application. The innovation is made all the more convincing as a result of the thought given to the skills development required for replicating this method across the sector.”
--CIOB
Featured articles and news
Types of building sensors on BD
From biometric to electrical current, chemical and more.
Government mandates detectors in rented homes
Changes are due to come into force on 1st October 2022.
80% of major government projects are rated red or amber
Heed advice and insight of this report IPA tells the government.
The end of the games but continued calls for action
From the Commonwealth Association of Architects.
CIOB respond to the government call for evidence
For the Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Committee.
How are buildings and their occupants responding to extreme heat?
BSRIA's Technical Director reflects on recent weather patterns.
Landownership in England in 1909
A national valuation to fund old-age pensions.
The world’s largest Commonwealth memorial to the missing.
Long after the end of the defects liability period.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing in buildings.
Geometric form and buildings in brief
From the simple to the complex.
Understanding the changing nature of insulation
And the UK Government guidelines.
Three year action plan to improve equity, diversity and inclusion
Commitment agreed to by major built environment bodies.
The Construction Route – what needs to change?
Electrical skills, low carbon, high-tech and the building services revolution.
Deep geothermal power possibilities
Ultra-deep drilling with millimeter-wave beam technology.
BSRIA Briefing 2022- From the outside looking in
Looking at the built environment from space.
Competence requirements for principal contractors and designers
BSI standards 8671, 8672 and 8673.
Bringing life to burial grounds.
From failed modernism to twenty-minute neighbourhoods.
Design chill and design freeze
The gates process and change control.