Insulating the external walls of a building is crucial to the overall thermal performance of the dwelling. The external walls can be constructed using various methods;  
. Insulated render systems 
. Masonry cavity 
. Framed construction – often timber with growing popularity in the UK and Ireland.

Using Rockwool solutions, such as full fill Cavity batts and cavity barriers within the wall cavity will also prevent fire spread through the building envelope. For fire prevention solutions visit our FirePro range.

The maximum allowable Elemental U values for external walls are; (W/m²K)
. England, Wales 0.35
. Scotland 0.30 or 0.27
. Republic of Ireland 0.27 (dwellings), 0.45 (buildings other than dwellings)

Perform your own U-value calculations and Condensation Risk Analysis with BuildDesk U the free downloadable software from BuildDesk. For U-value training courses and consultancy visit the BuildDesk website to find out more.

To comply with building regulations and as part of the design process in the residential sector, you may need to submit SAP calculations to Building Control. If you require more information on SAP 2005 we suggest you visit the BuildDesk website. BuildDesk produces the leading SAP 2005 software tool, BuildDesk Energy Design, together with training and consultancy services. BuildDesk is a member of the Rockwool Group

Insulated Rendered Systems

External wall insulation is the provision of insulation onto the external fabric of a building protected by a specialist render. There are many benefits to this method of insulation. Low U Values for walls can be easily achieved using external wall insulation on both new build construction as well as refurbishment work.

By utilising external wall insulation, the risk of interstitial condensation is reduced as the wall structure is protected from extremes of temperature.

Rockwool Rockshield Systems use the highest quality materials to produce a high performance external wall insulation. The system consists of a high density, external wall-grade Rockwool insulation board, protected by a specialist Rockshield render. The insulation also buffers the render from movement reducing and potentially eliminating the requirement for expansion joints.

Block walls
Block walls are suitable for use in buildings that are continually occupied and require heating for large parts of the day – such as hospitals, student accommodation and nursing homes etc. The most efficient way of insulating such a building is by placing the insulation on the outside, thus placing the thermal mass on the inside. The internal block work then acts as a heat sink, storing heat in the day whilst radiating it at night, allowing the heating system to run at its most efficient. Research has proven that this is the most economical way to heat and insulate these type of buildings.

Metal frame systems
The Rockshield Metal Frame System has been developed to meet the specific demands of the

National House Builders Council, NHBC. It is intended for use where lightweight metal frames are incorporated within a pre-cast concrete structure. The Rockshield Metal Frame System brings a totally fire safe solution to the market utilising products with vastly superior fire properties.

Insulated
render system

DXF   DWG   DWF

Metal frame system

DXF   DWG   DWF

Download free DWG from Autodesk & Adobe Reader