Further information on NZEB
What are the benefits to using the Roadstone Thermal Liteblock System in a low energy building, and what is the impact on the Building Energy Rating (BER) results?
To demonstrate the benefits, we need to be clear on what thermal bridging is, and the difference between U value, thermal conductivity (Lambda λ) value, psi (ᴪ) values and how psi (ᴪ) values are used to calculate the overall (y) factor for a building. All of these parametres are used in the Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) in Ireland, to calculate the overall heat loss through the building fabric.
What is Thermal Bridging?
Thermal bridging is a localised area of the building envelope where the heat flow is increased in comparison with that of adjacent areas, due to junctions where insulation is not continuous. Thermal bridges are weaknesses in the building envelope where thermal energy is transferred at an increased rate compared to the surrounding area. Thermal Bridging is first measured by calculating the psi(ᴪ) value of each junction (see below explanation for psi(ᴪ) value. The sum of the psi(ᴪ) values are then multiplied by the lengths of the bridged junctions, these figures are then used to calculate the overall Thermal Bridging Factor (y value) for any given building. Thermal bridging occurs in 3 different ways: 1. Repeating (e.g. timber studs with insulation between, at fixed distance centres): Because this type of bridging is constant, the effects of a repeating thermal bridge can be accounted for in a U value calculation. 2. Random (e.g. one off cold bridge due to penetration of the insulation layer, such as a balcony support bracket, metre box etc). 3. Non-repeating (e.g. Junctions between floors and walls, walls and roofs, window jambs and heads). Cold bridging at these junctions occurs where the insulation layer is interrupted by non-insulating materials, and heat loss in these areas can lead to reduced surface temperatures causing interstitial and surface condensation to occur.
Thermal bridging occurs in 3 different ways:
- Repeating (e.g. timber studs with insulation between, at fixed distance centres):
Because this type of bridging is constant, the effects of a repeating thermal bridge can be accounted for in a U value calculation.
- Random (e.g. one off cold bridge due to penetration of the insulation layer, such as a balcony support bracket, metre box etc).
- 3. Non-repeating (e.g. Junctions between floors and walls, walls and roofs, window jambs and heads). Cold bridging at these junctions occurs where the insulation layer is interrupted by non-insulating materials, and heat loss in these areas can lead to reduced surface temperatures causing interstitial and surface condensation to occur.
What is a Lambda (λ) value?
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY (W/MK)
A Lambda value (λ) is a measure of the rate of heat flow through a material (fig 3). It will vary with density, porosity, moisture content and temperature of the material. The units of Thermal Conductivity are expressed in watts per metre
of thickness per degree Kelvin of temperature difference from one side of the material to the other. The lower the number, the less heat passes through the material.
What is an R Value?
THERMAL RESISTANCE (M2 K/W)
The R- Value is a measure of the resistance to heat flow of a given thickness of a material (fig 4) or combination of materials, i.e. building plane elements such as a wall, roof or floor.
To calculate the Thermal Resistance (R) of a material, divide the thickness (d) of material by its
lambda value (λ). d/ λ =R.
For example:
Standard Concrete block: λ = 1.33 (W/mk)
Roadstone Thermal Liteblock: λ = 0.33 (W/mk)
What is a U value?
(W/(M2K)
The Thermal Transmittance (U value) relates to a building plane element (wall, roof, floor), and is a measure of the rate at which heat passes through one square metre of all of the components combined to make up that structure (fig. 5). The
U value is measured in W/m2K (Watts per square metre Kelvin), where Kelvin (K) is the unit of temperature difference across the elements from inside to outside. A U value = 1 divided by the sum of all the thermal resistances of each component in the structure combined, i.e. 1 / Σ (R) = U.
What is a psi value?
(W/MK)
The psi value (ᴪ) is the amount of heat (Watts) lost at a thermal bridge, for every linear metre
(m) of that bridge, multiplied by the temperature difference between outside and inside (degrees Kelvin (K)). The psi value represents the extra heat flow through the linear thermal bridge over and above that through the adjoining plane elements. The psi value figures for any given junction are multiplied by the lengths of those Junctions to calculate the buildings y factor. A psi value for a junction is calculated using 2D and 3D thermal modelling, in accordance with various standards such as BR497, BRE IP 1/06, I.S. EN ISO 6946
I.S. EN ISO 10211, I.S. EN ISO 13370 depending on the junction type.
What is a (y) factor?
The DEAP calculation accounts for thermal bridging at junctions between elements and around The DEAP calculation accounts for thermal bridging at junctions between elements and around openings using a (y) factor. When linear thermal transmittance psi (ᴪ) values are available for openings using a (y) factor. When linear thermal transmittance psi (ᴪ) values are available for element junctions, the psi values can be multiplied by the lengths (l) of their respective junctions element junctions, the psi values can be multiplied by the lengths (l) of their respective junctions (ᴪ X l), and the sum of all the (psi X l) figure is then divided by the total area of building envelope (ᴪ X l), and the sum of all the (psi X l) figure is then divided by the total area of building envelope containing thermal bridging, to calculate the (y). Roadstone can now provide details* and containing thermal bridging, to calculate the (y). Roadstone can now provide details* and corresponding psi values, in line with Paragraph 3 of Appendix K of the DEAP Manual below:
ROADSTONE 13N THERMAL LITEBLOCK:
DURABILITY & S.R. 325
The Roadstone Thermal Liteblock is now available in 13N. This increased strength Roadstone Thermal Liteblock is ideal for use in commercial and high-rise residential buildings which have greater structural requirements as well as locations below or near ground level requiring increased durability against freeze/thaw attack. The Roadstone 13N Thermal Liteblock has been rigorously tested for freeze/thaw resistance and satisfies all the durability requirements of S.R. 325 Table 14(A). The Roadstone 13N Thermal Liteblock is a CE marked product, manufactured in our state-of-the-art plant under a registered Quality Management System to I.S. EN ISO 9001 and certified by the NSAI.
I.S. EN COMPLIANCE
Concrete blocks in Ireland are produced to I.S.
EN 771-3 ‘Specification for masonry units – Part
3: Aggregate concrete masonry units (Dense and lightweight aggregates)’. The standard states that when a suitable layer of render is applied which provides a “complete protection against water penetration no reference to freeze/thaw resistance is required”. For this reason there is no concrete block
freeze/thaw resistance EN in place. The standard also states that when relevant “the manufacturer shall evaluate and declare the freeze/thaw resistance of the units by reference to the provisions valid in the intended place of use”. This means it is up to the manufacturer to decide on a suitable freeze/thaw resistance test procedure.
S.R. 325 COMPLIANCE
S.R. 325 Table 14 sets out the durability requirements for clay and aggregate concrete masonry units for given exposure conditions. For work below or near external ground level where there is a high risk of saturation with freezing a 13N aggregate concrete block is specified. A minimum block density is also indicated. This combination of higher strength
and density satisfies the freeze/thaw durability requirements without the need for costly freeze/ thaw resistance testing. To confirm its suitability for use in these severe exposure conditions the Roadstone 13N Thermal Liteblock has undergone freeze/thaw resistance testing as outlined below.
FREEZE/THAW RESISTANCE
The Roadstone 13N Thermal Liteblock has been tested for freeze/thaw resistance using an in-house method based on I.S. EN 772-22 ‘Determination of freeze/thaw resistance
of clay masonry units’. Clay masonry units are typically unrendered and exposed to the elements and therefore require a higher level of freeze/thaw resistance. The test takes
12 days to complete and subjects a saturated masonry panel to 100 cycles of freezing to -15°C and thawing to +10°C, while spraying with water at regular intervals throughout. This is a severe and robust test method and far exceeds the typical freeze/thaw durability requirements of masonry units in Ireland. The Roadstone 13N Thermal Liteblock proved to be exceptionally durable to freeze/thaw attack. Based on the criteria outlined in I.S. EN 772-22 the Roadstone 13N Thermal Liteblock can be classified as Freeze/Thaw Resistance Category F2 (suitable for use in severe exposure conditions) and therefore satisfies the freeze/thaw durability requirements of S.R. 325 Table 14(A).
ADVANTAGES:
- Traditional concrete block
- Light weight
- Reduced thermal bridging
- λ< 0.33W/mK
- High strength
- Freeze/thaw resistance tested
- S.R. 325 Table 14(A) durability compliant
- Retains strength when wet
- Accepts standard block fixings