Thermal mass in lightweight domestic construction
In This Series
Register to download the full publication
High levels of thermal insulation and airtight fabric in modern residential building has raised concerns that recently built dwellings will have a tendency to overheat during periods of hot weather. Concerns that global warming may cause further rise to UK temperatures in the next 50 years (within the lifetime of these dwellings) would only exacerbate this tendency.
This report which was prepared by the Steel Construction Industry is a summary update of original work undertaken by Oxford Brookes University.
This research summary demonstrates that the risk of overheating in a house built with lightweight framing is comparable to that of a house built to current standards with brick and lightweight block.
Contents:
- Background
- Overview of methods
- Climate
- The building
- Construction systems
- Results
- Summary
- TRADA Technology comments
Suggested Reading
The zero-carbon challenge
Robin Lancashire, head of TRADA Technology's Building Performance Section, discusses how timber frame is responding to demanding thermal regulations.
As thermal performance requirements get ever tighter the construction industry is grappling with new SAP calculations, psi values and novel construction products, to achieve reduced CO2 emission requirements. The need...
01/01/2011 | Magazine Article
Timber in loft conversions
Timber can be used effectively in a variety of ways to improve the performance of any loft conversion, including helping to ensure compliance with Building Regulations.
This Choose and Use sheet gives an overview of some of the benefits of loft conversions, as well as some of the considerations...
01/01/2012 | Choose and Use
Condensation control in dwellings
Condensation in dwellings occurs when warm moist internal air comes into contact with cold inside surfaces, or with cold air or surfaces within the structure.
With improved thermal performance and air tightness in new and existing buildings, the risk of damage from condensation has increased. Most surface condensation...
11/07/2016 | Wood Information Sheet
