SA Affordable Housing May / June 2017 // Issue: 64 | Page 22

FEATURES
A contractor installs insulation in a roof. Image: Renewable Energy
Roofs, ceilings and
insulation intrinsically linked
We continue to look at the components of building an affordable house.
Here we look at roofs, ceilings and insulation in affordable housing.
By Ntsako Khosa
S
tate and local building codes typically include
minimum insulation requirements however, it is more
cost-effective to add insulation during construction
than to retrofit it after the house is finished. “Government
regulations introduced in 2011 specify minimum
insulation levels for all new homes and buildings built in
South Africa,” says the Thermal Insulation Association of
Southern Africa (TIASA).
LEGISLATION
The energy efficiency legislation for new buildings SANS
10400-XA has been published by the regulator (NRCS).
All new buildings need to comply with the performance
parameters, which means that insulation will be installed
to achieve the stipulated R-values (thermal resistance).
20
MAY - JUNE 2017
AFFORDABLE
SA HOUSING
Home insulations are fully compliant with these
new regulations!
South Africa has been divided into six climatic zones
according to humidity and temperature variations. These
are cold interior, temperate interior, hot interior, temperate
coastal, sub-tropical coastal and arid interior. The NRCS has
a detailed report on which city falls into which zone.
Well designed and insulated homes that use insulation
that meets the South African requirements will give all
year comfort. Additionally, it will cut the heating and
cooling costs. Which in turn reduces greenhouse
gas emissions.
Choosing the best ceiling insulation for your situation is
an important factor. The appropriate thickness will be
influenced by climatic conditions.