Details
 

Researcher:	Zhihong Liao David Metcalfe
Funded:	DTI PII programme/industry
Total value:	£119,500
Lead partner:	CWCT
Partners:	Sandberg Permasteelisa
Status:	Completed 2004

Introduction:

The assessment of thermal performance of cladding systems frequently causes problems due to poor understanding of the heat flow paths, which occur at cold bridges. These problems are likely to be increased by the implementation of the new Part L of the Building Regulations as the increased insulation required will increase the significance of cold bridges.

Cold bridges are principally a problem because they decrease the temperature of the internal wall surface and give rise to a greater risk of condensation formation.

Objectives:

This project will develop and publish advice on detailing non-domestic building envelopes to comply with the new Approved Document Part L of the Building Regulations. This will amount to a ‘robust detailing’ guide that could in future be annexed to Part L. The guidance will cover appropriate calculation methods for assessing the overall energy loss and condensation risk of different modern cladding systems and give best practice advice to avoid cold bridging.

The details to be considered will include:

• Cladding framing members
• Cladding penetrations for structure or services
• Interfaces between different cladding types
• Incorporation of windows in to cladding frames and panels