NEW GUIDE FOR INSULATED RENDER SYSTEMS

USED WITH LIGHT STEEL FRAMING

A new guide – ‘Insulated Render Systems Used with Light Steel Framing’ – has been published by the Steel Construction Institute in conjunction with the Insulated Render & Cladding Association (INCA), the national trade Association for this industry. It is part funded by a DTI Partners in Innovation award. The publication contains guidance on the essential design and detailing principles that should be followed in order to achieve good quality and long life construction of insulated render and cladding systems used in combination with light steel framing as the supporting wall structure.

The use of light steel framing is relatively new in the UK, the first projects dating from the late 1980’s. Since then experience of the use of insulated render and cladding on light steel framing has been good. However, in view of some failures in North America of timber framed housing, which appear to relate to the use of poor quality timber and poor workmanship, the UK industry felt an authoritative guide to be essential. “We were determined that the North American experience would not be repeated in the UK. It was therefore regarded as essential that specifiers, together with the industry itself, had a reference guide detailing best practice and how it could be achieved” says Gillian Allder, Chairman of INCA.

The use of insulated render and cladding rapidly increased in the last five years to meet the demand for light weight, energy efficient and architecturally interesting facades in residential buildings. It was therefore felt essential to develop good practice details to assist specifiers, particularly addressing detailing and the avoidance of water penetration, which might affect the durability of supporting framework. “The ‘Insulated Render Systems Used with Light Steel Framing’ publication is the essential guide for professionals who aim to deliver best in class buildings” says Mark Lawson, SCI Professor of Construction Systems, of University of Surrey.

The publication not only provides design guidance, but it also demonstrates the benefits of insulated render and cladding in terms of thermal efficiency, acoustic performance and sustainability, while improving weather proofing and aesthetic appearance.

The measures set out in the revised Part L of the Building Regulations, and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) introduced this year will make a major contribution to the UK’s commitment to climate change. The legislation aims to promote the improvement of buildings’ energy performance and thus reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

According to the European Climate Change programme, the Directive could deliver up to 45 million tonnes of carbon dioxide reduction by 2010. The overall annual reduction in carbon emissions in 2010 in the UK, resulting from changes to Part L in 2005/06 will be 0.98 million tonnes (Mtc). The Government values insulation for its ability to reduce energy use and therefore carbon dioxide emissions. The external wall insulation industry is already playing a crucial role in the effort to combat climate change and is looking forward to an even higher profile as demand increases for the process. This will be particularly noticeable in view of the continuing rise in energy costs.

The implementation of the new Part L together with the growing concern for global warming and the need for more sustainable buildings, clearly establish the new publication as a crucial tool that will empower specifiers who aim to design better and more efficient buildings.

‘Insulated Render Systems Used with Light Steel Framing’ costs £35 (including p&p) – to be enclosed with order - and may be obtained from the Insulated Render & Cladding Association, at P O Box 12, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 3AH, tel: 01428 654011; fax: 01428 651401; e-mail: incaassociation@aol.com; www.inca-ltd.org.uk

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Press enquiries to Leonie on (01428 654011.

SPONSORS OF THE STUDY WITH THE STEEL CONSTRUCTION INSTITUTE into the use of insulated cladding and render systems, as applied to light framed steel construction:

Alumasc Exterior Building Products Ltd
Connaught Property Services Ltd
Dryvit UK Ltd
ECL Contracts Ltd
EJOT Ecofast Ltd
George Howe Ltd
Horrocks Group
Joyner P.A. Ltd
Makers UK Ltd
Permarock Products Ltd
Purkiss Brothers Ltd
Rockwool Ltd
Sto Ltd
Weber Building Solutions
Wetherby Building Systems Ltd

Talk on Insulated Render & Cladding Used With Light Steel Framing - By Steel Construction Institute