Insulation Overview
Insulation in construction includes thermal, acoustic, fire and impact applications. The market is rich with products that provide solutions for all four applications.
In recent years, insulation has been central an increasing public awareness of the need to conserve heat and energy. And rising energy prices and climate change will continue to be major considerations in the coming years for any construction or refurbishment project.
European legislation is increasingly influencing the production, specification and use of products. Issues such as impact on the environment, harmonisation of standards, CE marking, reduction of waste, and health and safety are being addressed by the construction industry on a European scale.
There are 25 million existing homes in the UK and the Government is working to improve the thermal efficiency of each and every one through Part L Building Regulations, CERT (Carbon Emissions Reduction Target) and the Green Deal.
The Association of the Conservation of Energy (ACE) estimates up to 33,000 people are currently employed delivering ECO and the Green Deal. However, the latest Government statistics show that the number of home insulation measures carried out this year under ECO are 50% below target. There are over 7 million homes requiring solid wall insulation, over 5 million homes requiring cavity wall insulation and 7 million homes with inadequate loft insulation.
British Standards and Thermal Insulation
- BS5250: 1989
Control of condensation in buildings. - BS8000: Part 8: 1994
Code of practice for plasterboard partitions and dry linings. - BS8212: Part 1: 1995
Code of practice for dry lining and partitioning using gypsum plasterboard.
Household Savings
The Energy Saving Trust says insulation can provide significant savings on a typical three-bedroom semi-detached gas heated home energy bill:
- Solid Wall Insulation: up to £490* per year
- Cavity Wall Insulation: £140* per year
- Loft Insulation: £180* per year
