Thermal breaks in external wall systems play a pivotal role in meeting the revised Building Safety Act 2022. Professional design input is a vital part of this process.
Following the Grenfell tragedy and the subsequent Hackett Review, The Building (Amendment) Regulations were introduced in December 2018. These set out restrictions on the combustibility criteria of ‘specified attachments’ forming part of the external wall. For example, balconies, solar panels or solar shading, attached to the external wall of a ‘relevant building’ in England (over 18m above ground level, or seven storeys). Now, the Building Safety Act 2022 further reforms building safety regulation and has also introduced a Building Safety Regulator; whose primary goal is to improve the design, construction and management of higher-risk ‘relevant’ buildings.
Designers play a critical role in this new regime
At Schöck, we understand the increasingly critical role designers now have. Ensuring the safety and compliance of building projects is of course a given, but the avoidance of unecessary delays by resolving possible issues early on and minimising the need for late-stage changes is also pivotal. That is why we are delighted to offer complimentary design support services, allowing specifiers to create seamless, compliant, and efficient thermal break solutions with confidence. Whether you’re working on connecting balconies, canopies, or solar shading, our thermal breaks provide exemplary load-bearing insulation solutions.
How does the Isokorb range comply with the Amended Regulations?
In part 7(3) of Approved Document B in the Amended Regulations there is a list of materials exempt from the restrictions, which includes thermal breaks. Because Schöck Isokorb thermal breaks form part of the external wall, it is critical that they comply with the Amended Regulations. The Isokorb uses thermal insulation material to improve thermal performance (verified to meet the requirement of Part L by independent thermal testing from Oxford Brooks University) and consequently they are exempt according to the amended regulations.
What makes Schöck thermal breaks so effective in meeting Part L?
The quality of the components used in their construction guarantee superior thermal performance. Stainless steel (in the thermal zone) is used for its greatly reduced thermal conductivity when compared with carbon steel. The HTE (High-performance Thermal Element) module used is a concrete thrust bearing designed to both transmit compressive forces and optimise thermal conductivity. When Neopor®, an expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation with superior thermal performance, is used together with the HTE module, thermal bridging is almost entirely eradicated.
Design of the Isokorb range addresses key safety requirements
The Building Safety Act emphasises the importance of using tested and certified components in safety-critical systems. Substituting specified products, such as thermal breaks, without ensuring compliance and suitability, could breach the regulations, leading to significant liability risks. The Isokorb range exceeds the demands of the Building Safety Act by addressing key issues such as: BBA Agrément Certified to exceed fire resistance standards (REI120); helps mitigate fire spread risk as required by the Act for use in high-risk residential buildings – and provides critical documentation (including design calculations) to support the ‘golden thread’ of safety information.
We would be delighted to ScoSchöLet partner with you and ensure your BSA projects not only meet, but exceed, safety and thermal performance standards.
To leverage our expertise and create a robust engineering solution for your next project connect with us at bsa@schoeck.com or visit our website for more details – www.schoeck.com/en-gb/isokorb