This time of year acts as a reminder that the key to an energy-efficient home lies in prioritising the fabric of a building
While strategic use of renewable energy sources is vital as we move towards net zero, initial focus must go on adopting the ‘fabric first’ approach and ensuring the structure is thermally efficient to minimise heat loss in the first place, says UK and Ireland sales director at insulation specialist Actis, Mark Cooper.
“Energy efficiency standards should always be based on reducing the need for energy first and in particular limiting the heat loss through thermal elements – that is through achieving excellent U-values, reducing thermal bridging and improving air tightness. This will need to be combined with more use of efficient building technologies.
“Ensuring insulation is continuous, with no gaps, plays a vital role in reducing thermal bridging – and this is one area in which the Actis Hybrid range and our two-in-one Eolis HC excel, with their flexible nature and ease of cutting and moulding into corners, gaps and awkward junctions.”
Boost R Hybrid Roof & Eolis HC
Actis’s insulating breather membrane, Boost R Hybrid Roof, and its two-in-one reflective insulation with integrated vapour barrier, Eolis HC, are an ideal combo to ensure roofing projects are prepared for the elements.
The pairing offers an easy-to-use and thermally extremely effective way of eliminating condensation and preventing moisture from entering the building.
Boost R Hybrid Roof, aimed at both the new build and refurb market and used on the cold side of roofs, is quick and easy to install. It has a water vapour permeable roofing underlay which acts as a wind barrier suitable for all wind zones (1-5) throughout the UK, and a self-adhesive lap to ensure joints between adjacent sheets can be sealed quickly and easily.
In common with its sister product Boost R Hybrid, it has the highest thermal resistance of any insulating breather membrane of the same thickness on the market and is extremely cost competitive.
It doesn’t require any special cutting tools, eye or respiratory protection, and there’s hardly any wastage.
Eolis HC is applied on the warm side of the roof, with builders saying the product is transforming their experience of insulating lofts and barn conversions, with fewer steps required to achieve an impressive U-value and airtightness.
Kent builder Alan Downes said: “The thing that makes Eolis especially good for loft conversions is its flexibility and the ease of installation, particularly over pitched roof angles, allowing for a really professional seal of insulation across the roof space.”
*Please note that this is a commercial profile.
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