Archetech Issue 56 2021 | Page 10

PAREX

INSULATED RENDER SYSTEMS MEET PART L AND PAVE THE WAY TOWARDS NET-ZERO

At a time when the climate issue demands urgent action and leadership by architects and the wider construction industry , Parex makes the case for the fabric first approach and why insulated render systems are one of the most cost-effective ways to upgrade the thermal efficiency of our existing homes and save energy in new-build homes .
The latest Part L requirements of the building regulations highlights all new homes will be expected to produce 31 % less carbon emissions from 2022 through a combination of fabric improvements , low carbon heating technologies and PV panels . This 31 % reduction is the first interim step but by 2025 , new housing will be expected to produce 75-80 % less carbon emissions compared to current standards .
One way to address this standard is by simply taking a fabric first approach . Improving the thermal performance of a building envelope will make a significant contribution to reducing the overall building energy usage , and there should be no need to worry about it over the life of the building .
AN OUTER SKIN
External wall insulation systems which combine high performance renders and coatings in conjunction with a choice of insulation products – such as Stone Wool or expanded polystyrene ( EPS ) – are a versatile , efficient and cost-effective system for any building regardless of the type or age of construction . These systems have the potential to improve the outer skin of a building , add limitless kerb appeal and are an important step in significantly improving a building ’ s performance through superior u-values , major energy savings and reducing the carbon footprint of the building . In some cases , an EWI system may be the only practical method of achieving significant thermal and aesthetic upgrades .
Furthermore , unlike insulation applied to interior walls , floor space isn ’ t compromised with an EWI system and installation causes minimal disruption , which is to the benefit of landlords , homeowners and renters alike .
Wrap-around solutions such as Parex ’ s Parextherm External Wall Insulation ( EWI ) systems – with one of the specialist render finishes – will significantly reduce heat loss though the external envelope and ensure a warmer more comfortable internal environment , whilst at the same time creating a better-looking exterior . In social housing applications , acrylic render systems are widely used due to their high performance , flexible finishes , range of colours and ease of application .
OCCUPANT WELLBEING
Our everyday living means that we create large amounts of moisture inside our homes which needs to escape . What we do not want is condensation and damp inside a property which is costly and time-consuming to remove . The installation of a breathable , EWI system to the building can allow the prevention of this condensation , whilst still allowing internal moisture to pass through the EWI system to the outside . All whilst improving the thermal performance and aesthetic of the property and , optimising the comfort of the occupants ’ home .
Cloaking existing buildings with a new outer skin will have the additional benefit of extending the life of a building . Regardless of the type of EWI solution , these systems reduce thermal losses , have a transformative effect on the aesthetics of a building and will go some way to ensuring UK housing stock is on a path to net-zero by making the fabric of the building as energy efficient as possible .
For more information about the wide range of Parex render systems or for technical guidance visit Parex www . parex . co . uk / Render _ Systems
ARCHETECH - PAGE 10