CPD Specifier May 2015 issue May 2014 | Page 31

External Wall Insulation SERS and BRE team up for definitive guide Best practice guide will be a boost for solid wall insulation industry One of the UK’s leading experts in energy-saving technology has teamed up with the Building Research Establishment to produce a comprehensive guide to home insulation. He said, “SERS has been at the forefront of best practice for the installation of solid wall insulation and other energy saving solutions for many years. Here, jointly with researchers from the BRE, we outline the benefits of solid wall insulation and the practices that should be employed when assessing if solid wall insulation if appropriate, whether internal or external wall insulation will deliver the required results, and good practice for installation.” SERS Energy solutions Ltd and the Building Research Establishment have jointly published the External Wall Insulation Current Practice Review and Guidance for improvement, aimed at architects, building consultants, planners, surveyors and installers. SERS commissioned the BRE to undertake a review of the quality control and methods of work, when carrying out assessments and retrofit installation of solid wall insulation to solid wall, non-traditional and hard to treat properties. “There are many factors that can affect the suitability of solid wall insulation and its effectiveness, and if people are to get the maximum benefit from the process in terms of warmer homes and lower fuel bills it is important that these are understood by all concerned,” he added. SERS specialise in the design, supply and installation of energy-saving technology. The award-winning company is one of the country’s leading experts in solid wall insulation. The Building Research Establishment produces impartial research, expert knowledge and advice for the built environment sector. SERS, which has offices Nationwide, holds the Retrofit Installer of the Year award for its installation expertise and quality, as well as a host of other awards. The guide was formally launched at the Chartered Institute of Housing TAI 2014 conference in Cardiff on March 25-27. The detailed report covers a wide range of issues affecting solid wall insulation including assessing suitability, identifying which type of insulation is suitable for a property, correct installation guidelines, the impact of humidity and weather, the effects of thermal bridging and ventilation, aesthetics and property values, maintenance and inspection, as well as training for surveyors and installers. SERS are committed to promoting best practice processes and guidance, and commissioned the Building Research Establishment report so that it can be shared with peers and key stakeholders in the industry to further improve working methods and deliver more robust solutions. If you are interested in finding out more about the report please contact SERS on [email protected] SERS Director, Mike Roberts (pictured) said the report was one of the most comprehensive guides to solid wall insulation ever published and would help surveyors and installers understand the issues to be considered, and avoid pitfalls in specifying and installing. SERS ENERGY SOLUTIONS LTD TEL: 0845 519 9445 WWW.SERSLTD.CO.UK READER ENQUIRY NO: 43 31 Page 31.indd 1 10/04/2014 10:54:57