INCA Case Study: Camelon Crescent, South Lanarkshire


 

Camelon Crescent, South Lanarkshire


Project Type: Refurbishment

Building Type: Low Rise, Residential

Architect: N/A

System Designer: Sika Limited

Installer: GMG Contractors

System & Finish: Sikatherm EWI, SikaWall®-5400 

U-Value Before: 1.33 W/m²K

U-Value After: 0.14 – 0.18 W/m²K

Client: South Lanarkshire Council

Main Contractor: GMG Contractors, Glasgow

Sika Products: Sikatherm external wall insulation system, SikaWall-1015 Adhesive, SikaWall®-531 Smoothband render, SikaWall®-5400 Exposed Aggregate, Parex® REVLANE + IGNIFUGE TG render

Photography: GMG Contractors

SIKATHERM EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION SYSTEM IMPROVES ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR BLANTYRE FLATS

Residents in 48 properties, at five blocks of flats in Blantyre, will now benefit from more energy efficiency thanks to the installation of the Sikatherm external wall insulation system.

The project follows a £1.4 million investment at Camelon Crescent from South Lanarkshire Council who joined forces with GMG Contractors to make improvements to the flats and increase the thermal performance, making each property cheaper to heat.

To help enhance the overall energy efficiency of this refurbishment project, the Sikatherm system was specified to prevent heat loss and eliminate any thermal bridges.  This external wall insulation system is ideal for social housing projects, providing a very cost-effective solution without comprising on quality. By insulating the outer leaf of each block of flats, the entire building’s fabric becomes warm and dry, reducing the risk of condensation and any associated mould growth.

The build-up of the Sikatherm system comprised mostly of an insulation layer of 100mm and 150mm mineral fibre insulation.  However, in line with building regulations, EPS insulation was also used in areas where this was compliant.  The insulation boards were adhesively and mechanically fixed using SikaWall®-1015 adhesive and both primary and secondary stainless-steel fixings. The insulation then received SikaWall-1015 Adhesive Coat, embedded into Sika 355 AVU reinforcing mesh.  To provide additional strength in critical areas such as the windows and door openings, mesh stress patches were applied.  Finally, a heavy spray textured layer of SikaWall®-5400 Exposed Aggregate dry dash receiver in white was applied to the facades and SikaWall®-531 Smoothband render, also in white, was applied to the reveals for a smooth, flat appearance.

GWG Contractors, who installed the Sikatherm system, used Sika REVLANE + IGNIFUGE TG render for the balcony areas and external stairway walls to provide a smooth finish and break up the façade design to contrast with the dry dash finish.   This water-vapour permeable, synthetic render has excellent tensile strength, is resistant to staining and algae colonisation and has enhanced flexibility characteristics.

GMG Contract Manager, Gary McGinn said: “Despite the challenges of a winter schedule, the team ensured that disruption was kept to a minimum, maintaining a clean and safe environment during the Christmas period. The project was completed on time, thanks to the dedication and hard work of the entire team, and all the residents will now benefit from the internal and external improvements.” Due to the varying requirements of the client and site, a range of U-values were achieved, from 0.14 W/m2K – 0.18 W/m2K, all exceptionally low and providing significant cost-savings against energy bills, helping to alleviate fuel poverty within this area.

Euan Barclay, Business Development Manager for Sika Building Finishing also added: “Our Sikatherm systems are specified for both new build and retrofit housing projects throughout the UK. External wall insulation is the most effective, long-term solution to improve thermal efficiency while reducing the risk of future repair and maintenance costs, which is why we continue to work closely with local authorities, housing associations and housing developers to help upgrade the UK housing stock.”

Additional improvements were also made to the flats including triple glazed windows, continuous ventilation to kitchens and bathrooms, new loft insulation, replacement of roof tiles, fascias and soffits, energy-efficient lighting, new fire doors and internal decoration.

All balconies received specialist concrete repairs, a new liquid plastic waterproof covering and new metal balustrade railings.

South Lanarkshire Council are committed to providing the highest quality of housing for their council house tenants, whilst helping them to reduce their energy bills.

External wall insulation is the most effective, long-term solution to improve thermal efficiency while reducing the risk of future repair and maintenance costs, which is why we continue to work closely with local authorities, housing associations and housing developers to help upgrade the UK housing stock.

Euan Barclay

Business Development Manager, Sika Building Finishing

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