How to buy the right plywood for your project? Understand plywood gradesCompared to other materials plywood’s many benefits include strength, price and lightness. Thinner sheets can also be bent into curved components. There is a variety of plywood available in the market which are specially designed to meet different environments and requirement specification. The key to select the best product for your project is to understand the difference between these characteristics. In this small guide, Build4less plans to help you determine the various available options and the selection of right plywood for your needs.

Plywood Standards

EN 314-2: 1993 – Plywood – Bonding Quality, RequirementsEN 636: 2003 – Plywood – Specifications

This defines 3 classes of a bond and Specifications depends on the intended end use of the plywood. Bonding quality is determined by the adhesive type and core veneer quality and Specification quality access the biological durability of the material. 

The quality class below mentioned are for both for bond and specification:

Class I: suitable for “dry interior” use only

Class II: suitable for use in “humid areas” or exposure to occasional wetting

Class III: suitable for “unprotected exterior” use or exposure to frequent wetting

As EN314 and EN636 are harmonized, this means that it is not possible, to achieve an EN636 Class higher than the assessed EN314 class.

Plywood Surface Grading / Qualities

Plywoods are identified primarily by the quality of the veneer used in the manufacturing of the panel. There are six main grades of plywood and each veneer contains two grades the first Letter refers to face veneer while the second one is the back sheet. 

AB Grade

The Surface of the AB grade material is consistent appearance and there is no variation in colour. AB Grade plywood is very high-quality and is typically the best quality plywood. There are chances of small pin knots on the materials but they are no larger than a few millimetres in diameter. B Grade

In B Grade, there is a change in appearance colour, wood grain pattern. There are generally smooth knots of around 15mm to 35mm in diameter. The Surface of B Grade material is free from open knots plugs. BR ‘Veneer’ Grade

BR veneer grade plywood is similar to B grade, but the knots of this material don’t typically exceed 7 to 8mm in diameter. BR Veneer grade of plywood is also usually used for thinner sheets of plywood as it is used for specialist applications. The natural appearance of this wood is visible with colour variations.BB Grade

BB grade wood is also similar to B grade, but it allows for larger knots and repairs to the face of the wood. It is best suited to applications where the appearance of the wood is not important.C Grade

C Grade plywood is used where the strength of the material is necessary. It is typically used for construction purposes and in C Grade material you can see discolouration, splits, defects and open knots on its surface. This material can not be used in places where the appearance of the material is necessary. CC Grade 

CC Grade type of plywood is used for application where just one presentable face is required. On the surface of this material, you can see splits, open knots and discolouration. CC grade plywood is usually used as the underside of the veneer. 

Other Known ratings 

CDX Grade

CDX grade plywood is usually not that expensive and is made out of two lowest grade veneers C and D. CDX grade plywood is manufactured from spruce wood which makes it extremely durable lightweight and strong. CDX plywood is ideal to use for walls, floors and ceilings. In CDX grade the X states that the plywood can also withstand some exposure to moisture. Constructional Grade

Constructional grades are defined in the European Standard EN 636

1. Exterior Use

Permanently outside exposed to the weather/ exposed to frequent wettingStructural EN 636-3 SGeneral EN 636-3 G

2. Humid Use

Most construction uses fall into this category as they are covered or rarely exposed to weather/ exposer to occasional wetting, but still at risk of wettingStructural EN 636-2 SGeneral EN 636-2 G

3. Dry Use– Interior/ Dry interior with no risk of wetting

Structural EN 636-1 SGeneral EN 636-1 G

WBP Plywood

Weather and boil proof is used for marina plywood. 

Plywood Sizes 

Plywood comes in many thicknesses generally from 3 up to 25mm. With the board size most commonly available being 2440 x 1220mm.

Building regulations for plywood 

Under Building Regulation 7. BS 5268 Part 2, Section 4, specific grades of plywood are recommended for load-bearing use. Plywoods are manufactured in different countries so they may have different standards, you should always check with the supplier that the boards you need/ want to use in specific construction meet the Building Regulation Standards for your application requirements.

Originally published at https://build4less.co.uk/blogs/guides-and-news/a-guide-to-plywood-grades on June 9, 2020.

Have a look at Proctor membranes for your building

Modern building regulations require a holistic approach to construction that includes numerous energy efficiency measures. An important area that is often overlooked is improving air tightness above the minimum requirement levels.

The application of building membranes can reduce building energy loss whilst maintaining the same u-Value, or reducing the amount of insulation required.

Contractors face the choice of whether to use air-open or airtight membranes and vapor control or vapor permeable membranes. Proctor Group have been providing advanced, robust product solutions to the market for over 25 years. They offer the most extensive range of products, designed for use in the construction of roofs, floors and walls.

This blog will talk you through various Proctor Group products and help you choose the right one for your project.

Wraptite

Wraptite external air barriers solve the problem of reliably achieving airtightness in buildings, with a robust, two component solution comprising Wraptite & Wraptite Tape. By combining vapour permeability and airtightness in a unique, self-adhering external membrane, Wraptite offers a fast and effective solution to unplanned air leakage. Wraptite Tape then stops unnecessary air leakage around openings and overlaps.

Other product variations are; Wraptite-FZ, which is a vapour permeable air barrier membrane for use at floor junctions and Wraptite Liquid Flashing, a liquid-applied (gunnable), polyether flashing membrane.

Wraptite is the market leader in terms of air tight and vapour tight membrane.

Roofshield

Roofshield is a nonwoven, unique spunbonded breather membrane that is air permeable but is resistant to vapor. Research has found that vapor resistant capacity and air permeability prevents condensation formation on pitched roofs.

Other features of this product are-

•           LABSS and LABC certified

•           Resistant to UV and water

•           Treated hydrophobically

•           Reduces the issue of high and low ventilation

Cladshield

Cladshield membrane can be used in both wall or roof applications. It helps control vapor leakage from cladding and from the roof structure. It is also effective at preventing cladding and roof structure being damaged by moisture and rain.

Reflectite tape

It has a very resilient spunbonded polypropylene layer making it ideal for sealing around and between insulation boards. The reflective surface is designed to deflect heat energy from inside the building – preventing heat loss.

Spacetherm

The ongoing issue of hard – to – treat walls can be overcome with Spacetherm – an ultrathin insulation for thermal upgrades, saving valuable space without altering the exterior fabric of the building. Spacetherm can be supplied on its own and cut to size or laminated to a number of facings to suit your individual requirements. Its remarkable performance is achieved through the use of flexible aerogel blankets. The insulation used in Spacetherm is material derived from silica gel.

The above products are just a sample of the wide range of product solutions provided by Proctor Group. Application of these solutions can reduce your building’s energy loss whilst maintaining the same u-Value, or reducing the amount of insulation required. Speak to your architect or specifier or alternativelly you can find what you need on our website.

Originally published at https://build4less.co.uk/blogs/guides-and-news/have-a-look-at-proctor-membranes-for-your-building on November 26, 2018.

6  DIY common oversights: underground drainage pipe installation

A proper drainage system is a must in every property. However, the installation of a drainage pipe network is not always easy. The mistakes during installation cause complications further down the line.

Preparation is key

To install the drainage pipe right, you have to know all the details. In most DIY pipe installation processes, the homeowners overlook the importance of choosing the location for collection point – i.e. a minimum 6 feet away from the foundation. If you are installing plastic pipe work in the winter months, take your time when cutting pipe as it will be more brittle because of the lower temperatures and therefore will be more prone to fracture or cracking.

Don’t overlook the utilities

You may have started digging the ground, however, it is essential to speak to your local council or Municipal authority. If you are installing new runs of underground drainage or you are converting or changing existing “runs”, you are legally required to inform the authorities. The professionals in this department will tell you whether there are cables, running underground. Hitting an underground cable can be costly and dangerous. Before you begin your drainage pipe project, do not forget to call ahead and get your utility lines marked. Like any project that requires digging, marking the utility lines will help avoid unnecessary damage to your property and fines.

Is the pipe level consistent?

In consistency in pipe level (once it’s laid) may cause issues.  The route of the drainage pipe should be as direct as possible. This will be easier if you are using it to deter water from a specific area. Do not forget to account for the necessary downward slope. You may also find water accumulation and leakage occurs. Sharp angles can also cause this issue.

The drainage pipe needs to be set in a trench. Dig the trench along the route you have already decided upon. The trench needs to be eight to 10 inches wide and about 18 inches deep. When you shovel the sod to start the trench, keep it and set it aside as you will need it to cover the finished job. It is important that the bottom of the trench be firm and always sloping down in the direction of where you want the water to end up.

Adjustable bends

Adjustable bends are essential to make connections into the present drainage. The newly added pipe must have a consistent alignment with the present setup. Find what you need in our large selection here. 

Links to your above-ground pipes

You may use the adaptors for this connection. While connecting the drain to rainwater pipes, you have to apply the adaptors. Browse our range of adaptors to find the shape that suits your project. https://www.build4less.co.uk/drainage/

Do you have tools for pipe installation?

Useful materials to do the job are drain covers, pipe couplers, sockets and invert reducers.

Let us know how your project went! Leave a comment below.

Originally published at https://build4less.co.uk/blogs/guides-and-news/6-diy-common-oversights-underground-drainage-pipe-installation on November 26, 2018.

Whether your home is a period property or more contemporary, there is a conservatory to suit every style. Whether it’s a full-height or knee-wall style, there is a selection on our website to suit your needs. 

You may be in a position to extend off your kitchen to create a light-filled space during the winter months. This space could be used as a space to work-from-home from, that’s separate from the rest of your living space.

Most conservatories are easily installable. A contractor can have this work complete in a matter of days if needs be. You can be put you in touch with our ‘Registered Installer’ network specifically for PVC-U lifestyle products if you don’t already have a contractor in mind.

If you chose a traditional style, you’re choosing a design that will enhance your home beautifully. Traditional conservatories or standard lean-to conservatories are the most minimalist in terms of stylisation. They suit architectural or Scandinavian style homes better than period conservatories.

The most popular and also, the most affordable choice is the White variety. Rosewood is another option.

The Rosewood options suit the period styles of conservatory a lot better in my opinion. The period styles include Victorian and Edwardian. These two conservatory types are quite similar in style in that they both feature an apex roof. The main difference is that Edwardian conservatories are square or rectangular on plan – meaning they have a flat front – whereas Victorian conservatories have an angled front.

Pavilion style conservatories are very popular in traditional neighbourhoods where properties are generally a bit larger. The floorplan and shape is in line with other styles, but the roof glass is usually more embellished and stylised – giving it a more adventurous, ambitious-looking finish.

Gamechanger: If you decide at short notice that you want your new conservatory in time for an upcoming event, it’s entirely possible! Our team will have your conservatory ready to ship in 3-4 weeks.

Originally published at https://build4less.co.uk/blogs/guides-and-news/want-to-add-a-bright-and-airy-living-space-to-your-home. on November 28, 2018.

A solid wall has no gaps, so they can’t be filled with cavity wall insulation. Insulation is extremely useful in protecting your environment and making sure there is no escape of heat from the building. These are necessary especially in the colder areas because one can enjoy a comfortable environment because of the thermal guard. These are great protectors of the environment at homes because they prevent moisture and reduce the chances of dampening. Most people face problems due to extreme weather conditions. There is a wide range of insulation material available, and you can purchase them for very affordable prices. 

Why do you need Solid wall insulation?

A solid wall can be insulated either from the inside or the outside. As we know, the walls are the protectors of the house, and that is why you need to have them insulated, so a comfortable environment is preserved around. Both the internal and external walls around your house can protect you from cold air and temperature. To maintain the temperature control and to make sure that there is a healthy environment around your home, install wall insulations that can protect you from the imbalance of weather. The cost of insulating solid wall insulation is more than insulating a standard cavity wall insulation, but the savings on heating bills will also be more. 

Costs of Installing a Solid wall insulation

Typical installation costs* of solid wall insulation can vary as follows:

1. External wall insulation: around £13,000
2. Internal wall insulation: around £7,400

*Based on a typical semi-detached house in Great Britain

The benefits of Solid wall insulation –

•   Thermal guard 

The solid wall insulation protects your homes from the cold air and moisture and maintains a proper temperature by trapping the heat flow and by covering the entire housing with an airtight solution so that there is no way that they can penetrate through. 

•   Cost and energy save

When you have an un-insulated house, you waste a lot of energy because the heat escapes and you end up using HVAC systems in order to save energy as well. However, if you have insulated your walls, you can save both energy and cost simultaneously. 

•   Adjusts with the climate outside

These insulations are very effective in adjusting with the climate outside, as it has the ability to adjust with the climate and that is how the entire temperature of the house is balanced as well. Climate is a very important factor when it comes to home and office insulation because based on the temperature outside the home environment is set.Carbon dioxide saving

• Comfort

There is absolutely no doubt about comfort if you have installed these internal wall insulation in your homes. You can simply stay warm in the winters, cool in the summers without cranking up the HVAC system, using extra blankets, and invest in fans as or settle for an imbalanced home temperature.

•   Stays for a longer period

Solid wall insulation comes with a great age of service because of its longevity. Insulation stays for several years, and there is no need to worry about the maintenance once you have fixed it.

•   Humidity

Humidity can affect both thermal and indoor quality and it can lead to condensation, as moist air will make you feel chilled in the cold weather and warm and stick in the hot weather and dryness can make your skin feel dry and itchy. Humidity is one of the major reasons for which we need insulation as household activities such as cooking washing and gas heaters that can cause humidity indoors.

How can you install Solid wall insulation?

Firstly, it is highly recommended that you equip yourself with the proper material that can be used and make sure that you wear gloves. A mask and glasses are suggested to keep away from dust particles. Then take one wall batt and keep inserting between the wall studs one can also install the batt from the floors towards the top and see the second has to be from the ceiling towards the floor.  Make sure that there are no air gaps and the wall covering is completely airtight. One has to ask for internal wall insulation from the Construction Company or experts who can fix the entire insulation wall professionally.

Acoustic insulation – Acoustic insulation and soundproofing are significant for a safe and secure environment may it be your home or your office. Sometimes we face difficulties living in busier areas because there are constant noise and sound that one has to face, and it can be irritating. Solid wall insulations are excellent acoustic insulation that prevents sound absorption. Once you have installed insulation on rafter levels, you are guaranteed to have pin drop silence around your house, there will be no external noise penetrating through, and none will be going out as well. If you have an acoustic insulated environment in your house, you are automatically living in a secured space.

Fireproofing – These insulations provide excellent fireproofing and protection because of the non-combustible fireproof materials that have the capacity to prevent fire and hold it when there is a short circuit. Protection from fire is one of the major causes because that is promising security when it comes to effective insulation. 

Condensations build up – Condensation can be a severe problem because of moisture content in the air and ineffective ventilation. One has to know that heat is lost from houses resulting in the trapping of cold air that can cause a freezing and a damp issue as well. If you are looking forward to preventing condensation in your homes, then you need ventilation, and wall insulation can help you do that easily as well. Condensation can be controlled by reducing humidity and by making sure that no heat can escape and there is a balance of temperature too. 

Originally published at https://build4less.co.uk/blogs/guides-and-news/a-guide-to-solid-wall-insulation. on May 27, 2020.

Building a decking area can enhance your back or front garden by providing extra space for entertaining and dining. If you are looking for a way to add value to your home and create a fashionable outside space for you and your family and friends to enjoy, then composite decking or timber decking is an excellent way to do this. Decking is a timber-framed or composite decked area built off the ground, often connected to the back of a house of a building but can also be freestanding. 

A deck is essentially an open-air extension of your living space either attached to the house wall or freestanding. Decking is usually build to create a space that is ideal to relax outdoors or outdoor entertainment. It also offers a solution to common garden problems such as unwanted grass, spots and slopes.

Depending on the size of the deck the materials required will increase or decrease. A professional will approximately charge the total cost of installing new timber decking to an area of around 30 square metres, using medium quality materials is around £2,600 and usually takes 2-3 days lay. Various different type of decking materials is available in the market today to suit almost every budget. 

List of tools required for Building a Decking area

• Gloves
• Hammer
• Drill
• Spirit level
• Screwdrivers
• Battery  drill
• Mitre saw
• Jigsaw
• Measure Tape
• Workbench

List of materials required for building a decking area

• Slabs 
• Decking 
• Weed Control Fabric 
• Wood Preserver
• Nails or nail gun clips (100mm)
• 8-number decking screw (50mm)
• Wood for stakes (25mmx50mm)
• Wood for framework

Permission and Building Regulations

Building up decking or other raised platform in your garden is permitted and don’t require any special permission, for houses providing:

• The decking or platform is no more than 30cm above the ground level. 
• The decking or platform covers no more than 50 per cent of the garden area together with outbuilding and other extensions. 

Building regulations, planning permission and local laws can be complicated, subject to change and vary from place to place. Because of that, we can’t advise on these issues in detail.

• Check with your Local Planning Authority about your project plans before you start
• Speak to any neighbours who may be affected by your decking. Objections from neighbours are the most common reason for planning refusal or restrictions imposed by the authorities. So make time to have a chat with them, explain your plans and listen to any concerns they might have before taking the next step.

How to Lay Decking

Composite decks versus timber deck

Durability

Composite decks provide durability. Unlike wood and timber, it is designed specifically to resist staining, fading, scratching, and mod. Similarly, composite don’t get warped, cracked, or rot. In addition, they are splinter-free and insect-proof – making them safer for families with kids.

Easy to maintain

With a composite deck, you won’t have to worry about the maintenance such as painting, staining, or sanding. You just need to clean it with soap and water occasionally. This way, you can maintain the beauty and stability of your garden deck for many years.

Greater choice of tones 

Composite decks feature high-quality wood grain patterns as well as rich and saturated colours – making them look more natural. When it comes to colour options, there are many options to choose from, ranging from earth tones to pristine greys to spicy red. 

This also includes tropically inspired deck boards, which feature the distinctive look of exotic hardwoods. 

Selection of accessories

There is a wide selection of accessories too – such as stairs, railings, gates, furniture, etc. – in order to create an amazing and customized outdoor space (tailored to your needs and tastes). 

A greener option

Composite decks are highly sustainable. They provide the feel and look of wood without any environmental impact. Composite deck boards are made up of recycled content, which includes recycled plastic from items such as newspaper sleeves, shopping bags and reclaimed industrial wood scraps. 

Resistance to water

One of the key problems associated with wood decking is that the boards absorb water readily. Without the regular application of paint, sealers, or stains, wood decking is vulnerable to rotting, cracking, splintering, and warping. 

Most of the composite decking products are resistant to moisture – that’s why they are highly sought after in high wet conditions because they don’t decay. 

While all types of wood decking get splintered eventually, composite decking is made in such a way that the plastic material encasing the small wood fibres won’t allow them to splinter. This, in particular, is significant for children and pets, walking on the deck barefoot, etc.

Originally published at https://build4less.co.uk/blogs/guides-and-news/how-to-plan-and-build-your-own-decking-area. on May 8, 2020.

Boost your year-round VELUX Rewards this April, May & June with £40 rewards with every purchase of VELUX white-painted roof windows. Our VELUX combination flashings all qualify for some type of reward too!

What are VELUX Rewards?
VELUX are running a promotion for any customers who purchase selected products this April, May and June 2019. By way of a thank you, VELUX are offering £40 in high-street vouchers for each individual purchase of VELUX white-painted roof windows (GGL, GGU). They’re offering other amounts for other VELUX products too.

In previous years VELUX have offered their fantastic rewards system but this is the highest amount they have ever offered, so it’s definitely worth taking advantage of.

The high street vouchers can be spent at many well-known brands including Currys PC World, Ticket Master, Tesco, Pizza Express and even Thomas Cook – perfect for booking that last minute summer holiday! Most of the brands offer e-vouchers so you don’t have to go into store to use them.

Each VELUX white-painted roof window entitles you to £40 worth of rewards. If you purchase 10 you’ll be entitled to £400 worth of these vouchers so VELUX really is offering their customers something unique. This applies to all customers, whether DIY or trade, so if your loft conversion company is in the market for VELUX white-painted roof windows, bag yourself some VELUX Rewards!

Sign up at velux.co.uk/rewards.

T&Cs apply which can be found on VELUX’s website above.

How do I claim my VELUX Rewards vouchers?

1. Sign up for your VELUX Rewards account

Sign up for your VELUX Rewards account here. It takes only a few short minutes and once this is done you can start claiming your vouchers straight away.
2. Submit a photo of your invoice

Snap a quick picture of your invoice with your qualifying purchases on it and submit this alongside a few questions of where you purchased your window. Submit your invoice within 45 days of purchase.
3. Claim whichever VELUX Rewards take your fancy

Once your claim is approved then you’ll get a text or an email from the VELUX Rewards team letting you know! Just log in to your account and select your vouchers. Most of them are e-vouchers to ready to use straight away.

Originally published at https://build4less.co.uk/blogs/guides-and-news/velux-rewards-this-april-may-june-2019.

In this article, we have dispelled 7 myths about planning permission. You must read this article if you are not aware of planning permission and are up for development projects.

Myth 1. “You need to own land to get planning permission”.

You don’t have to own land to make a planning permission application. You can make a planning application on any land in the country. Before buying a land always check if planning approval is available on the land.

Myth 2. “I’ll get my decision in a couple of weeks”.

If all the documents are submitted properly then the planning decision should take no longer than 8 weeks. But in case further documents and information are requested then there are chances that the council can take longer to decide your application.

Myth 3. “Our plan is guaranteed to be approved as my plan is like the houses down the street”.

The planning decision of every land has their own specific circumstances. After every few years policies evolve which significantly impacts a planning decision. The planning history on that land also plays a huge part in making a planning decision.

Myth 4.  “I won’t get an approval based on the objection of people nearby”.

Any objection from people nearby or neighbours, won’t have any impact on the final planning decision.

Myth 5. “You cannot make any changes to the application once it is submitted”.

If, after the application is submitted to the planning commission, you want to make any changes to your application, you can always withdraw the application at any given moment, make the required changes and resubmit it again, free of charge. 

Myth 6. “You can only submit the planning application a selected number of times”.

On any land in the country, you can submit an infinite number of planning applications and later decide which plan to use. An approved planning decision is active for 3 years and you can choose which plan to select if the permission is still active. It doesn’t have to be the most recent plan.

Myth 7. “I can make changes as the construction starts”. 

If the construction is not made according to the planning permission and conditions, then technically it doesn’t have planning permission. All such changes are void and can have consequences like demolition, enforcement actions or an unsellable asset.

Originally published at https://build4less.co.uk/blogs/guides-and-news/7-myths-about-planning-permission on April 8, 2020.

“Stay positive. Better days are on their way”

The Coronavirus pandemic that is currently affecting the whole world and is posing huge problems for all businesses. There have been recent changes to the guidelines due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and at the moment it is even more important to make sure that we take a step to prevent the spread of the virus.

To prevent catching infections Clear amber’s Protective partition and Sneeze screens can be placed to create a barrier between staff and customers. Providing your store or business with a Sneeze screen and protective partition is a cost-effective solution to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of your staff and customers.

Axiome® – Protective Partitions 

Clear Amber provides a standard range of Protective partition products that can be easily wiped clean and are totally clear to view through. This Axiome ® – Protective Partitions can be used as hospital screens, workspace partitions, Shop dividers.

Benefits of protective partitions 

• Offers extra protection 
• Durable and sturdy construction
• Helps in continues business operations
• Customizable as per requirement 
• Available on short lead times. 

Axgard® – Sneeze Screens 

Sneeze Screens is a perfect way to ensure safety for customers and staff to prevent the spread of the virus.

This Axgard®  Sneeze Screens can be used as a Kiosk screen protector, Taxi cab screen and home pergola repairs. 

Benefits of protective partitions 

• Smooth surface
• Easy cleaning
• Customizable to ensure suitability
• Non Shedding material
• Card machine cutout option also available
• Shatterproof screen

Corrapol® Stormproof 

Stormproof sheets are manufactured from a virtually unbreakable plastic resin making it strongest and long-lasting product. Corrapol® Stormproof can be used for garden projects and shed repairs. 

Common uses:

• Cold Frames 
• Shed 
• Greenhouses 
• Canopies
• Carports

Snapa® Outdoor area covers 

Snapa outdoor area covers and glazing bars are an economical budget glazing bar for cost-effective roof glazing on top of timber rafters, roof structures and decking covers.

To help prevent the spread of infection

Everyone must stay at home to help stop coronavirus ( COVID-19) spreading. 

You should only leave the house for a very limited purpose to stop the spread of coronavirus. Even while doing these activities always make sure to minimize the time spent outside and ensure you are 2 meters away from anyone outside of your household.

• Shopping for basic necessities
• One form of exercise a day
• Any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape the risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
• Travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home

Originally published at https://build4less.co.uk.

U-Values are also known as thermal transmittance or heat transfer coefficients and are used to measure the effectiveness of insulation materials used in buildings. The lower the U-value of the material, the slower the heat will transmit through the material. In the UK, builders, engineers and architects refer to the U-Value of the material in specifying how good the material is at insulating.

There are some set standards by the Building regulation in Part L of the approved document which needs to be achieved while carrying out building work. The required U-Value is based on things like

• Location of the building (England, Wales or Scotland)
• Application of thermal insulation (loft, wall, floor or roof)
• Type of building (non-domestic or domestic)

Recommended U-VALUES for England

Recommended U-VALUES for Wales

Recommended U-VALUES for Scotland

How to calculate the U-Value?

The U-Value can be calculated by obtaining the reciprocal of the sum of all thermal resistance (R-Value).

U-Value = 1/ (Sum of all R-Values)

The higher the R-value the lower the U-value of the material.

How to calculate R-Value?

R-Value = I (Thickness of material)/ λ (Thermal conductivity of material)

Whereas the R-Value of the material is affected by the application but the actual difference in R-value depends on the material itself.

What does W/m2K mean?

W/m2K is a unit in which U-Value is measured. W/m2K stands for Watts-per- meter-square-kelvin. The lower this value of material the better is the product in insulating the house.

Simple U-value calculations can be made easily but considering the building elements layer by layer can be time-consuming and complex. Moreover, it is less important to understand how to calculate the U-Value then to understand how to compare materials by their U-Value to get the best insulating material for your house.

There are a lot of software (U-Value Calculators) available online to calculate the u-value used by a lot of architects and builders to get the best material according to the requirement of the house.

How to calculate the heat loss once you have the U-value?

Once you have the overall U-value of the material then it is quite easy to calculate an approximate heat loss at a given temperature (outside and inside) which will help you to decide the size of the material to use for insulation.

Approximate Heat loss = U-value (W/m2K) x Temperature difference (inside and outside) x Surface area (m2)

For Example, let’s say

• The U-value of the product is 0.25 W/m2K
• The temperature inside is 22 degrees and outside is -3 degrees so the temperature difference will be (22-(-3) = 25)
• The surface area is 100m2

Approximate Heat loss = 0.25 x 25 x 100 = 625 W to keep the temperature inside at 22 degrees.

You will need to calculate the approximate heat loss for roof, walls, floors, doors, and windows to find the total heat loss of the house.

If you want to know more about the U-values of every insulation product we sell on Build4less, go through our range of products.

---

Taken from https://medium.com/@build4less.co.uk/a-quick-guide-to-u-values-7b1f0036b057

Originally published at https://build4less.co.uk.