Design Buy Build Issue 43 2020 | Page 81

Industry News at junctions within the house. When a SAP assessment is combined with Build Aviator’s estimating service, the material list will be incorporated into the assessment calculation using the U-values of the materials to give a more accurate representation of the energy efficiency of the building. Part E/Section 5/ Technical Booklet G Part E is also split into two parts, E1 isn’t relevant to self-builds, as this focusses on the protection of noise from adjoining buildings, however, Part E2 needs to be a consideration as this looks at sound travel within a dwelling. Part E2 requires that the house should be constructed in such a way that provides reasonable resistance to sound. These requirements can typically be met by using materials offering airborne sound insulation of 40dB, which are elements like a 100mm masonry wall or single timber stud wall. Nevertheless, when you’re working with your project manager or construction manager, make sure you consider that 40dB won’t cover things like surround sound which is commonly around 110dB. Also consider those noisy items like washing machines, ventilation systems and hot water pumps which To showcase that a building complies with regulation requirements, Dwelling CO2 emission Rate (DER) and Dwelling Fabric Energy Efficiency (DFEE) rates are calculated, and both must meet or exceed the TER and TFEE. The DER and DFEE rates are calculated using a SAP assessment. This SAP assessment calculates likely energy costs for space, water heating and lighting per square meter, along with the CO2 emissions of the property producing a score of between 1-100, the higher the number, the more energy efficient the dwelling is. A SAP assessment must only be carried out by a qualified SAP assessor. Build Aviator - specialists in building compliance support and estimating, offer a SAP assessment service that includes Registered Construction Details to help designers and contractors minimise thermal bridging 81 can be a noise nuisance, so look for products that have a low dB or ones identified as silent. Acoustic insulation can be an option, but it isn’t the only way of soundproofing, adding mass or isolation can often provide the same acoustic mitigation (ensuring there are no voids in wall or floors). An acoustic desktop study is often invaluable for locating any sound issues in building designs and recommending measures for improvements, including specification alterations. Build Aviator offers an acoustic desktop study in conjunction with LABC (Local Authority Building Control). The desktop study assesses the design drawings and material specifications, to assist self-builders in achieving internal sound standards that not only go beyond minimum building requirements but also meet their specific housing needs. To find out more about the compliance support services Build Aviator offers, visit www.buildaviator.co.uk