creating a new generation of residential dwellings
As the government ’ s Future Homes Standard continues to encourage construction professionals to adopt a more sustainable approach to the building materials they specify and the methods they utilise , Chris Piper , Sales Director for Housing Developers at Ibstock PLC , which includes the market leading Forticrete brand , shares his thoughts on the role concrete roof tiles play in supporting a more ecological , yet efficient , approach to construction .
Aiming to achieve an uplift in the thermal performance and overall sustainability of new build properties , the Future Homes Standard highlights the responsibility and opportunities that industry professionals have to create a new generation of residential dwellings that deliver the highest standards in energy efficiency .
When specifying sustainable building materials for residential dwellings , professionals must first consider the environmental credentials of the products themselves . However , the proficiency
54 - www . refurbandrestore . co . uk of the installation method and ongoing maintenance requirements must also be addressed , to ensure the long term performance of the property .
With regard to roofing products in particular , specifiers should choose roof tiles that have a reduced impact on the environment through their material composition . This can be achieved by specifying lightweight and durable alternatives to natural slate roof tiles , such as concrete .
As the amount of quarrier aggregate used is significantly reduced when compared with natural slate , the impact on the surrounding landscape is effectively minimised , whilst the manufacturing methods for concrete tiles also requires less energy throughout the production process .
The result is a roofing tile that has much lower embodied carbon , but does not compromise on the quality , aesthetic or performance benefits associated with other materials .
To support specifiers in taking the principles outlined within the Future Homes Standard one step further , Forticrete has substantially reduced the embodied carbon within its popular Gemini ® concrete roof tiles by using Lafarge Cement ’ s SustainaCem . The result is the creation of a more durable and environmentally friendly tile that delivers superior longevity and minimises product waste .
Due to Gemini ’ s ® innovative ‘ double cambered ’ design , the interlocking roof tile also require fewer tiles to cover the same area , when compared to a conventional double lapped plain tile .
This further reduces the environmental impact of a new build development , whilst simultaneously minimising overall build costs , as the speed of installation is significantly increased , whilst the volume of materials required is subsequently decreased .