Insulation

The importance of properly installed cavity wall insulation

The introduction of the Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) in 2018 means all new builds must adhere to a minimum level of energy efficiency. A positive move from the UK Government, it has led to a substantial cut in carbon emissions from home energy use and significantly slashed homeowners’ electricity bills, says Charlie Ayers, Managing Director at SureCav.

Currently, the construction within a house and reducing the need sector is one of the biggest for excessive use of central heating. polluters, responsible for All houses use cavity wall insulation. around 40% of the global The layer of insulation will keep the carbon footprint. For the most part, U-value of the wall low, lowering the this can be attributed to operational transmission rate of heat energy and emissions; in other words, the energy the risk of thermal bridging. needed to heat, cool and light a Unfortunately, poorly installed building. As such, initiatives such as insulation can allow water from the the MEES are imperative in the fight outside in and be contaminated by against climate change. mortar, increasing moisture levels

Furthermore, they are essential inside. This issue is compounded as if we are going to come anywhere warm air traps moisture, leading to near meeting our 2050 net-zero the formation of damp. carbon targets, so it’s important we Worse, this build-up of moisture all adhere to this standard and aim to inevitably results in mould and meet its criteria. mildew on walls, windows and the loft

For self-builders, the MEES and other space. That’s just what you can see. legislation means they will need to Beyond the building itself, mould can start thinking carefully about products negatively affect occupant health. they select for their projects. In areas with adverse weather conditions, the moisture problem is Hazards of poor further exacerbated as wind-driven insulation installation rain can easily penetrate the outer Fortunately, achieving high levels of wall, leading to more water being energy efficiency in a home is simpler trapped within the cavity. than ever before. One of the most Prolonged exposure can cause popular, simple and effective methods ailments, such as asthma and other which allows self-builders to meet the respiratory illnesses. Those who already MEES is the installation of efficient wall suffer from these conditions can have insulation, keeping warm air trapped even more severe symptoms. The World Health Organisation (WHO) links a significant proportion of childhood asthma cases to indoor dampness and mould. However, it’s possible to install an effective cavity barrier that will keep moisture to a minimum while helping achieve the low U-values required by the MEES.

Moisture in the wall cavity also presents big structural problems. Damage readily occurs not just to the insulation but also wall ties, affecting wall plates, the frame itself and any installed joinery. Ultimately, every part of the building envelope is susceptible.

The solution

New innovations in building materials mean that backing blocks can be replaced by a non-porous, polypropylene sheet that maintains an effective air gap, an essential element in cavity wall construction. This seals the wall against wind-driven rain and other outside moisture, keeping the insulation within dry and preventing the formation of damp and mould. The sheet itself allows a thicker layer of insulation to be used in the cavity, delivering a lower U-value and improved energy efficiency.

An added bonus of using polypropylene sheets is they also help reduce embodied carbon, just like improved insulation. Using these sheets removes a layer of concrete within the wall.

Concrete is one of the most carbon-intensive materials in the construction sector. As such, designing it out is vital to help keep the industry’s carbon footprint as low as possible.

In today’s eco-aware society, it’s crucial we push for more sustainable construction practices and environmentally-friendly homes. Reducing operational emissions of buildings through a focus on energy efficiency is an excellent approach to this issue. However, it’s crucial that you do not rush insulation installation as it could have a significant impact on the health of both the building and yourself.

Fortunately, choosing between energy efficiency and your own health needn’t be a zero-sum game. We strongly advise anyone embarking on a self-build project to take the time to research what products are available that will achieve both strong U-values and protect you and your family from damp.

www.surecav.co.uk

The fundamentals of home improvement: how to make a smart technology decision

Over the last several months, we have all been forced to adapt our living and working patterns to cope with the new normal. As our daily routines have changed, so too have our priorities. In most cases we are spending more time in our homes, bringing increased awareness of the comfort, convenience, aesthetics and flexibility of our environment. This trend has driven smart home technology sales, including new TVs, headphones for all the virtual meetings, smart speakers and voice assistants. Each has the role of improving specific aspects of the home, from entertainment to productivity. Steve Detmer, Residential Product Manager at Lutron, explains further.

With the proliferation of smart Wireless home tech, there is an ever- Wireless technology has, growing list of products with varied undoubtedly, been one of settings, functions and standards. the great trends across

For technology designed to make our lives all technologies – today, easier, choosing the right solution has become in smart home tech, it is increasingly difficult and can be bewildering, even a necessity. To create an for those in the industry. Independently choosing optimal environment, we between two solutions, that look almost identical, need a certain level of can be a painstaking task. Anyone who has intuitive, wireless control to invested in a technology that was subsequently change the setting to suit made redundant (built-in CD or DVD players, iPod our needs. Users need to docks, etc.) understands the dangers involved. be able to adapt a space

With technology developing so quickly, looking at based on what’s required, individual products can be unhelpful. Instead, it’s as well as have the ability more important to focus on the non-negotiable, to install and upgrade fundamentals of smart home tech. simply and cost-effectively.

Creating a list of rules to stick to, and things to With an increased focus look out for, helps you make the smart choice that on connectivity to support will not hamper them in years to come. From how productivity and flexibility to prioritise the technology to buy, to the role of in the home, wireless automation and wireless technology, there are technology provides a some key aspects that cannot be ignored. future-proof solution.

Solutions that offer easy-to-use setup and control also minimise the need to call a contractor and save on maintenance costs, while meaning spaces can continue to adapt and evolve with the everchanging needs of the modern homeowner. Smart lighting solutions, for example, can be installed and upgraded without the need to tear down walls.

With space at a premium, we are looking to renovate and retrofit our property to create more room. On top of control and maintenance, a wireless system has huge installation benefits – they are ideal for retrofit applications and can save costs in new construction. Technology that does not require any intrusive work means it can fit with decorations and cause minimal hassle.

Interoperability

Alongside wireless, the growth of inexpensive voice assistants has been one of the great technology changes of the past decade. Today, products from Apple, Amazon or Google, each with their own unique benefits, can be found in nearly every home. While this comes with benefits, it can make choosing which platform intimidating – what if the next must-have feature means you need to swap? How much extra will it cost?

Unsurprisingly, in the race to own the gargantuan sector, these brands have siloed much of their technology – forcing users to make a choice, and in most cases, stick with it for the long term.

When choosing technology, homeowners need to think about interoperability – the ability for the product to communicate with other products. Ideally, solutions should be able to integrate with all the major vendors and be free from forced loyalties which could pigeon-hole users.

At the same time, the smart home industry is constantly seeing new players enter the market. Some are start-ups that may not be around for the lifetime of your product and may not provide the support you deserve – homeowners need to be sure they choose brands with a solid history.

Flexibility

While we all have the best of intentions when choosing technology, we all make mistakes. When making a decision, we all have to factor in the inevitable changes in our lives over the years to come and ensure that the space continues to meet our needs.

Flexible control is the best solution – adaptable systems are making a solid investment, with the knowledge that they can easily make adjustments following changes in lifestyle, season or daily schedule. By investing in flexible, discreet technology, homeowners can capture and develop style, convenience and comfort with the times. That includes purchasing connected technology that can be wirelessly updated to include the latest features without having to buy new equipment.

Prioritisation

Approaching smart home technology can seem daunting. On occasions, it can seem the deeper you dig, the more you realise you don’t know. Even where to start can seem impossible – AV, heating, security – they are all important, but we all are working to a budget.

The key piece of advice when looking at moving to a smart home is starting with the solutions you use most often, whether you realise it or not – those things that are working away in the background. Heating and lighting specifically should be the first port of call – these solutions will make a fundamental difference to the comfort and cost of your home and should be prioritised.