Polyisocyanurate (PIR), glass mineral wool and blown insulation products may be specified as full and partial fill insulation solutions to improve the U-value of a masonry cavity wall. Choosing between full and partial fill installation and subsequently selecting the correct insulation type is essential in terms of compliance with Building Regulations and is crucial to the energy performance and the carbon footprint of a building. There is a variety of products available for full fill cavity insulation. PIR, glass mineral wool and blown insulation offer different properties and specification will depend on the client’s needs and building performance requirements. Full fill solutions are designed to prevent moisture movement through the cavity, eliminating the need for a clear cavity that is required when partial fill insulation products are installed. The distinctions between cavity insulation products available on the market are often subtle, but it is crucial that the right products for a project are selected to achieve optimum performance of the cavity wall insulation. All cavity wall solutions must have third-party certification, confirming they are fit for purpose. These solutions must also be specified and installed in accordance with the relevant certifications. We will now explore the benefits of each cavity insulation type in the context of full and partial fill installation.

The use of perimeter upstand insulation is key to stopping heat escaping through the edge of the screed or concrete oversite in solid floor constructions.

This post aims to cover what a vapour control layer is, why it’s important and when it’s applicable to roof and floor applications.

Today, we are talking about another vital construction component called a vapour control layer, or a VCL.

At Saint-Gobain Insulation UK and within our bustling Technical Support Centre, our advisors are regularly asked questions relating to the VCL. What is it? What does it do? Am I using it the right way? With this in mind, our technical advisors have put together a VCL focussed FAQ post.

What is a vapour control layer (VCL)?

A vapour control layer helps you protect your building from the consequences of condensation. Condensation is formed when warm moist air penetrates the building fabric and then condenses into a liquid on contact with the colder surfaces outside the insulation layer. The idea behind a vapour control layer is to install it on the room (i.e. warm) side of the insulation so it blocks the passage of warm moist air entering the structure.

Why is a VCL important?

What is PAS 2030 and how does it apply to the Green Homes Grant?

Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 2030:2017 describes how energy efficiency measures in dwellings should be specified, installed and commissioned. It forms part of a network of standards and quality assurance measures intended to deliver high quality retrofit work.

The Green Homes Grant scheme requires that installers are certified to PAS 2030 to ensure the delivery of high quality of work throughout the industry. However, the scheme was launched at a time when the retrofit sector was moving from PAS 2030:2017 to PAS 2030:2019. A temporary transition policy has been announced by BEIS (the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy).

Essentially, Green Homes Grant work may be carried out under either Specification, apart from in certain defined instances where both PAS 2035 and PAS 2030:2019 must be used.

How does TrustMark registration fit with PAS 2030?

The Green Homes Grant scheme has created a surge of interest in domestic retrofit. To minimise the risks of poor quality work being carried out, the government has sought to incorporate quality management into the scheme and as such all businesses must be registered with TrustMark which requires a commitment to customer service, technical competence and trading practices.