Showing papers by "Christopher Gorse published in 2015"

Addressing the thermal performance gap: Possible performance control tools for the construction manager

Abstract: Construction practice has failed to deliver buildings that consistently meet their expected thermal performance; however, examples of good practice do exist. Buildings can be designed and built within acceptable tolerances and meet nearly zero carbon standards. Unfortunately, due to the negative implications associated with the performance gap there have been attempts to divert attention from measurement, with some being critical of methods that were used to identify the variance in building performance. However, the tools have proven reliable and the practice of thermal measurement which was once limited to scientists is finding its place in industry. Measurement is becoming more accepted and different tools are being used to assess thermal performance. The tools can add value to inspections, building surveys and assist with quality control. Construction professionals, not least construction managers, are gaining valuable insights through research undertaken and observations gained. The tests reviewed provide new methods of capturing evidence on building performance, thus allowing valuable information on the quality of design, workmanship and process to be gained. Use of thermal measurement and analysis tools should result in further improvements to building performance. The data from major performance evaluation projects are reviewed and presented

External walls partially filled with insulation, and the potential to "top-up" the residual cavity.

Abstract: This review found that the connecting voids in partially filled cavity walls leads to considerable variation in thermal performance. Whilst photographic records found considerable evidence of gaps in the insulation resulting from poor site practice and installation, research also shows that relatively small breaks between insulation sheets or gaps between the wall and insulation result in a thermal bypass. As the gaps and connecting voids increase air circulation, convection currents and pressure induced exchanges reduce the effectiveness of the thermal barrier. Where effective installation is possible, the topping up of partially filled cavity walls with insulation shows potential to improve the thermal performance of the wall. In the cases reviewed, the installation of blown mineral wool fill reduced variation in heat flow and increased thermal performance. By filling the voids with insulation the passage of air and thermal bypasses were restricted.

Party Wall Cavity Barrier Effective Edge Seal Testing for ARC Building Solutions Ltd

Abstract: ARC Building Solutions Ltd manufacture, market and distribute a range of party wall cavity barriers. Part L of the Building Regulations (HM Government, 2013) stipulates that when cavity barriers are used for edge sealing purposes, then the seal must be effective at restricting air flow between the party wall cavity and the external wall cavity or external environment (Figure 1). The Building Control Alliance (2011) describes how an edge seal is to be judged as being effective in a qualitative manner. However, there is currently no standard test for quantitatively demonstrating the effectiveness of edge sealing using a cavity barrier product. ARC Building Solutions Ltd wished to quantify the effectiveness of the edge seal that could be achieved using the Company’s products under test conditions. This information could prove useful when engaging designers, building control bodies and warranty providers. As there is currently no quantitative benchmark for what is deemed to be an effective edge seal this project aimed to compare the performance of a recognised ‘current practice’ solution against ARC Building Solutions Ltd.’s T-Barrier, and as far as possible compare these to an accepted effective edge seal for a number of different party wall and external wall cavity widths. In addition to this comparative testing, this project may also assist in the development and application of a standardised ‘Edge Seal Test’ for which there is understood to be no current standard or specific precedent. Whilst the test rig may not be fully representative of the actual construction of a party wall/external wall junction in situ, it is hoped that the results may provide insight as to how the performance of these products may compare in real building situations.

Method, system and unit for insulating buildings

Abstract: A roof insulation unit 1 having a first and second insulation body 11,12 attached to respective first and second supporting members 2,3 configured for adjustable positioning with respect to each other such that the insulating bodies abut in use to define a region of continuous insulating material between supporting members. The supporting members may be integrally formed from a plastic sheet having a flexible region 5,6 define a living hinge between first and second supporting member portions, the unit preferably folding to a triangular wedge to fit into the eaves. The angle between supporting members in use is preferably 45 degrees or less to fit the angle of the roof. The insulation bodies may have a decreasing profile towards the hinge, preferable a stepped profile (fig. 1). There may be a polypropylene or PVC ventilator tray 13 attached to a support member surface 10. There is a separate independent claim for a method of insulating a cavity between a ceiling and a pitched roof (fig. 6) using unit 1.