A free U-value simulator tool created by insulation specialist Actis is among the most talked about elements of one of its popular RIBA-approved CPDs
The tool is proving invaluable for architects and specifiers, many of whom didn’t know about its existence until attending Actis’ Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards CPD, which is run on request online or face-to-face.
The seminar gives guidance on how to meet energy efficiency targets, provides detailed information on thermal modelling psi values to calculate heat loss at junctions and the provision of construction details at both design and as-built stage.
It also examines how the Actis tool can be used to explore different combinations of products online to ensure the desired U-value is achieved.
With reflective breather membranes now the norm in the timber frame market, the tool includes an option for users to choose from a standard breather membrane, a reflective membrane or Actis Boost R Hybrid in the timber frame wall section of the U-value simulator.
It also includes a feature to help those involved in roof refurb projects, offering an option for either 400mm or 600mm centres.
The tool can also be handy for merchants, enabling them to work alongside a customer to calculate the U-value of a pitched roof refurb, for example.
Actis technical manager Harsha Mistry explained: “If, let’s say, the homeowner doesn’t want to take tiles off the existing roof then the simulator will show that Hybris and H Control Hybrid are the most popular solution. Typically, rafters are at 400 centres and the build-up would show how to meet the required U-value of 0.18W/m2K for refurbs in England.
“Experimenting with the simulator would show the specifier or merchant that an installer wanting to achieve a U-value of 0.16 in a timber frame wall would need 105mm Hybris with H Control Hybrid alongside a generic reflective breather membrane. On the other hand, if they are happy with a U-value of 0.22 they might decide on 125mm Hybris with a generic reflective breather membrane and no H Control Hybrid.
“One of the joys of the simulator is that it only takes a few moments to play around with different combinations. Having a tablet on the front desk will enable merchants to work on ideas together if the customer isn’t familiar with the tool.”
The findings can also be emailed to one of the technical team at Actis who can use the figures to prepare a comprehensive and tailored report to be included in a planning application – thus eliminating a good deal of time, research and effort.
RIBA-approved CPDs are worth double the points of a standard CPD, with 76% of RIBA members choosing training which has been specifically approved by the professional body.
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