Of all of the elements that collectively form a domestic dwelling, the external envelope experiences the widest range of unfavourable influences, such as extremes of temperature, wind, rain, fog, ultra-violet radiation, mechanical damage and possible microbiological attack in the form of fungal or algal growths.
The facade walls must therefore be designed to successfully resist these phenomena and at the same time should fulfil other important functions, such as ensuring a comfortable and pleasant interior microclimate, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance that meets with the requirements of the planning authorities, restricting noise transmission, in addition to meeting other demands such as fire-safety and environmental acceptability.
PermaRock external wall insulation (EWI) systems provide a technical solution that meets all of these contradictory factors, whilst at the same providing physical protection to the underlying structure with a lifetime durability that can match or exceed that of the structure itself.
Indeed, such is the versatility of EWI that it not only provides the most effective solution for improving the thermal performance of existing buildings but is also playing a more prominent role in delivering higher thermal insulation standards for new buildings.
PermaRock external wall insulation systems have been used with great success in the UK to benefit housing and have contributed to reductions in heat loss and CO2 emissions, as well as combating condensation and mould growth whilst providing valuable physical protection to the building fabric.
On an aesthetic level, EWI systems have provided new facades that either maintain a traditional appearance or provide a complete facelift, giving significant improvements in the appearance of houses and flats.
Upgrading Scotland’s High-Rise Stock
A number of Scotland’s largest registered social landlords have utilised the benefits of PermaRock external insulation systems to improve their high-rise housing stocks.
Working with both Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) and River Clyde Homes (in conjunction with Wates Living Space) PermaRock systems have been installed on over 20 high-rise blocks and are on-site (or due on-site) on a further 10 blocks.
Both organisations have taken a prominent lead in the use of external wall insulation for high rise re-development and have taken full advantage of the design possibilities available.
In particular, the high-rise works for Glasgow HA constitute one of the UK’s largest ever refurbishment programmes on multi-storey blocks, with 100 high-rise blocks being given a facelift over the coming years.
In putting together a performance specification for the over-cladding systems for the multi-storey residential blocks, both gave careful consideration not only to the thermal performance requirements, in terms of improvements in the building envelope U-value, but also to fire resistance, resistance to impact, resistance to water penetration and wind suction forces, and also to how the system installation could best be undertaken alongside a concurrent window replacement program.
Working closely with Wates Living Space, the clients fully appreciated that the external envelopes of multi-storey, high rise buildings experience a wide range of unfavourable influences and there was also much thought given to the fire performance requirements for the external cladding system: Previous fires in high rise blocks at Knowsley Heights in 1991 and at Garnock Court, Irvine in 1999 had prompted revisions to the guidance on performance requirements for external cladding systems on multi-storey buildings, and the external cladding programmes required that the cladding system be fully compliant with the Scottish Building Standards and tested in compliance with BS 8414-Part1: 2002 ‘Test method for non-loadbearing external cladding systems applied to the face of the building’.
After a rigorous assessment of the systems available in the UK, and after evaluating the technical support available from the system designers, as well as the experience and competencies of the systems approved installers, the PermaRock Mineral Fibre External Wall Insulation System was selected as a system that could meet all of the client’s requirements.
The external wall insulation approved installers chosen to undertake the works were EJ Horrocks Ltd and G Howe Ltd and mast climbers have been utilised as the method of installation.
Results to date
The results to date in Glasgow have met with approval from all quarters, and already the occupants of the blocks have noticed an improvement in internal comfort levels, as well as being delighted with the improvements in the appearance of their homes.
Curle Street, located in the Whiteinch & Scotstoun area of Glasgow (west side of the city), is managed by Whiteinch & Scotstoun L.H.O for Glasgow Housing Association, and the client and tenants have noticed considerable improvements in living conditions since the work has been completed.
Ian Morrison, of Whiteinch & Scotstoun HA, comments ‘With no investment in the external fabric of the block since it was erected, tenants were delighted with the new windows and external cladding (PermaRock external wall insulation) works carried out. Tenants have generally expressed their relief that the buildings are now warm and can be heated more cost-effectively, while the outward appearance of the block is now considered to be attractive. All at Whiteinch LHO were glad that working with our colleagues in the GHA could see these important improvements delivered to tenants’.
The regeneration of the high rise tower blocks in both Glasgow and Greenock clearly demonstrates how social housing can utilise the full capabilities of external wall insulation. Not only are the basic technical requirements of structural protection and heat energy saving achieved, but the innovative use of bold colourful design indicates a level of excellence in a social housing refurbishment.
CERT & CESP Funding
PermaRock’s range of external wall insulations systems are complimented by the ability to facilitate funding / grant support under the CERT (Carbon Emissions Reduction Target) and Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP) initiatives for external wall insulation works on existing residential buildings.
PermaRock would be pleased to discuss in more detail how we might be able to assist, and to see whether CERT or CESP funding assistance would be available on your scheme(s).
