Solutions for sustainable facade engineering

Gillian Allder, chairman of the Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA), says the benefits of external wall insulation are now universally recognised, especially for meeting the increased thermal insulation requirements for Part L Building Regulations and for the European Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

The stringent demands of these new regulations mean that all builders and developers need to adopt modern methods of construction if they are to keep up with regularly increasing insulation standards.

External wall insulation reflects the latest trends in building design and is now recognised as a cost-effective modern method of construction, Allder says.

The facade is a prime area for optimum use of systems assisting sustainability – in new build, conversions and retrofit.

The INCA points out that the process puts the external wall insulation system in the optimum place within the building to allow both old and new structures to operate effectively and sustainably, and that lends itself to exciting, imaginative and radical designs and solutions for all types and conditions of buildings.

Supporting materials

With regard to framed construction, insulated render systems have been used successfully on a range of supporting materials in concrete and steel framed structures on commercial buildings, schools, hospitals and private and social housing.

These facades have been insured for up to 20 years and have an assessed life of at least 30 years.

The INCA publishes a register of systems, giving their different properties; a register of Installers, providing their background and experience; and information on insulated render for new build and refurbishment projects.

To obtain copies of the registers or for other information, contact the Insulated Render & Cladding Association, PO Box 12, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 3AH, tel: 01428 654011; fax: 01428 651401; email: incaassociation@aol.com; or visit the website www.inca-ltd.org.uk