3.

1 DEAD LOADS
Dead loads oios computed by multiplying its volume by the density of the materia
l.
Becausejhgfdon.
impartially match the right solution for every project whether
hgrappihgodates parking for each unit.
DEVIANT ROWHOUSE
What is a Rowhouse?
Does it repeat over and over again?
Does it share a constant parti wall?
Does it keep a constant street edge?
Throughout kje possibilities of the rowhouse archetype.
MIXED INCOME
The Roxburynm landscape element (both greenery and
hardscaping features) intersects the blocks at their highest
density as an urban relief. At their smaller scale, these spaces
become shared, uniting, private, and public elements
Background
Improved energy performance measures for new construction work are now
reflected in the Scottish building regulations. Achieving these standards genera
lly
means that buildings are more highly insulated and have better heating system
efficiencies than ever before, whilst simultaneously retaining a good level of
construction that limits:
air infiltration; and
heat-loss through junctions in the fabric.

The Scottish Building Standards Agency recognise the need to provide guidance on
how to address these two issues, whilst at the same time avoiding the risks whic
h
can arise. The details presented in this document do not endeavour to attain
absolute levels of airtightness that will result in a change in the way that dwe
llings
are currently ventilated, but when followed with care will limit air infiltratio
n to an
acceptable level. The details can be built using the construction skills current
ly
available and minimise the risk of both surface condensation and interstitial
condensation. The arrangements shown however go further than simply minimising
condensation risk, to making a useful contribution to reduce heat-loss at juncti
ons of
building elements, where traditionally it can be difficult to maintain the insul
ation
levels that can be achieved within the elements themselves.

This document provides two levels of guidance. Specific guidance related to each
selected construction type and on each construction detail. Supplementary guidan
ce
is also provided on associated issues including the selection of insulation, the

selection of membranes, air infiltration and some examples of construction issue

s.

Limitations on use
The details illustrated here do not form part of the Technical Handbooks but are
intended to provide sufficient information to enable users to achieve the level
of
performance presented in these documents. These details are generic in nature,
show principles of construction and for this reason they are not dimensioned, no
r
drawn to scale. It should be noted that not all permutations of thermal insulati
on are
shown; it is acceptable to provide multiple layers of insulation. Examples of th
is
would be, in the timber frame wall an additional layer of insulation with a pres
erved

cavity may be provided to the outside of the sheathing board, or in the masonry
cavity wall an insulated lining board may be installed in addition to the cavity
insulation. All details are suitable for use in domestic type buildings up to si
x storeys
high.

Details are provided for the most common construction types:

masonry walls with external insulation
masonry cavity walls with full fill insulation
masonry cavity walls with partial fill insulation
masonry walls with internal insulation
timber frame walls
steel frame walls
miscellaneous junctions, e.g. door thresholds and roof windows.

Aim
The main aim in providing these details is to illustrate a ready means:
to manage thermal loss (to reduce energy requirement)
to avoid interstitial condensation (which can damage construction)
to avoid surface condensation (which can lead to mould growth and endanger
health)
to limit air leakage (to reduce energy requirement)
to prevent rain penetration (which can damage construction and endanger
health).

The common factors which are illustrated in each detail are:

the position of insulation (to limit thermal bridging)
the position and extent of ventilation (to control condensation)
the position and the different performance characteristics of the building
membranes (to manage air and vapour movement and to prevent water

entering the building)

the position and type of cavity closers and cavity barriers (to minimise air
movement and in the case of the latter, to provide fire resistance). Where
these are proprietary types, it is assumed for the purposes of these details
that they incorporate a DPC which is capable of directing moisture away from
the inside of the building.

Other requirements of the Scottish building regulations which are not illustrate
d by
these details, but which should be considered by the designer include:
thermal performance of elements (U-values)
structural
fire resistance and flame spread
ventilation (of rooms)
airborne and impact noise (including flanking sound)
damp-proofing arrangements.

Selection of Insulation
The selection of insulation material and the choice of thickness of insulation t
o be
provided will be influenced by a number of factors which are determined by the
building procurer and the designer (e.g. architectural features). These fall out
with
the scope of this publication. In terms of construction of elements the key issu
es are
a combination of the following:
thermal transmittance (U-value) recommended in Scottish building regulations
thermal conductivity of the insulation material
thermal performance of the non-insulating part of the construction (e.g.
linings and structural components)
interaction of the insulation material and the remainder of construction (e.g.
insulation position in relation to ventilation of the element or bridging of
insulation by fixings).

The U-value calculation is outwith the scope of this document. Guidance on how t
his
can be done and the other options available are in Section 6 of the Technical
Handbooks.

Layers of differing insulation materials

Where different types of insulation are used within a construction, it is recomm
ended
that the insulation nearest to the outer surface of the construction be the leas
t
resistant to the passage of water vapour. This is to reduce the possibility of
condensation forming in between the insulation layers. For example, where minera
l
wool is used in conjunction with polystyrene board, the mineral wool should be t
he
outer layer.

Where it is essential that the outer layers of insulation has a higher vapour re
sistivity
than the inner layer then condensation risk analysis should always be carried ou
t.

Selection of Membranes
The details illustrate the location and characteristics of the membranes related
to
their function in resisting water, water vapour or air. These characteristics ar
e
fundamental to the success of the construction and selection of the correct
membrane should be made with care.

Vapour control layer

A vapour control layer should be used:
principally to reduce the spread of water vapour throughout the construction
element, where condensation can do harm to the building materials.
as a secondary function to improve the airtightness of the building fabric.

Typically this layer is provided on the inside face of the insulation in, timber
or steel
frame walls, rooms in roof spaces, flat roofs and it may be incorporated as an
integral part of a proprietary wall lining board A vapour control layer is a mat
erial
with a vapour resistance greater than 200 MNs/g.

Vapour permeable or breather membrane

A vapour permeable or breather, water-resistant membrane should be used:
as a primary protection to vulnerable construction materials from the harmful
effects of precipitation during the construction process; and
as a secondary protection to vulnerable construction materials from the
harmful effects of precipitation, throughout the life of the building; and
to allow water vapour to escape from vulnerable construction materials that
would otherwise be entrapped due to lack of ventilation.

Typically this layer is provided on the outer face of the inner leaf of a timber
frame
wall or above sarking insulation where the space between the tiles or slates is
ventilated. In the case of the former the membrane has a vapour resistance of no
more than 0.6 MNs/g and in the case of the latter, it has a vapour resistance of
no
more than 0.25 MNs/g.

Non-vapour permeable roofing membrane

A non-vapour permeable, water-resistant roofing membrane should be used:
as a primary protection to vulnerable roof construction materials from the

harmful effects of precipitation during the construction process; and

as a primary protection to vulnerable roof construction materials from the
harmful effects of precipitation, for example the covering to a built-up felt fl
at
roof directly above the insulation; and
as a secondary protection to vulnerable roof construction materials from the
harmful effects of precipitation, for example as a roof tile underlay where the
roof space is ventilated above the insulation.

This type of layer has a vapour resistance of more than 0.25 MNs/g.

Sequence of construction
Some of the details presented in this document can only be followed effectively
if
consideration is given to the sequence of construction. This is important with r
egard
to the placing of insulation materials and particularly where insulation needs a
ccess
from two sides to allow correct positioning. An example of this is at the eaves
of a
roof where it may be necessary to fit the insulation which links the wall and ro
of
insulation before the soffit boards are fitted.

Dense Block
For the purposes of this document a dense block is one with a thermal conductivi
ty
greater than 0.7 W/mK.

Thermal Conductivity (lambda - ? )

Thermal conductivity is a measure of
measured in W/mK and is the quantity
1
square metre of the material 1 metre
ture
between one side of the material and

a material s ability to conduct heat. It is

of heat (in Watts) which will pass through
thick for each degree difference in tempera
the other.

Any quoted thermal conductivity of a given material is, therefore, independent o

f its
thickness.
Air infiltration
The details shown in this document contain measures designed to reduce air
infiltration. This depends on the form of construction and the level of workmans
hip
but the objective is to form a definable, continuous air barrier around the dwel
ling.
Ways of preventing air infiltration should then be considered at every penetrati
on of

this barrier.

Particular care on site should be paid to:

joints between structural components e.g. wall to floors
joints around components and opening within walls
service penetrations
plumbing, electrical and ventilation.

General
close any vertical ducts at the top and bottom where they meet the air barrier
(e.g. boxing round soil vent pipe s)
seal any service penetrations through the air barrier
select the appropriate sealant or gap filler for the size of gap and degree of
movement anticipated.

Masonry Construction
ensure continuous ribbons of adhesive are used to fix to dry lining at
perimeters of external walls, openings, and services on external walls. The
importance of correct sealing of dry lining on dabs needs to be stressed, as
this is a key area of infiltration and can seriously affect the overall ventilat
ion
rate
use joist hangers to support floor joists
seal under skirting boards where dry lining is used, or on suspended floors.

Timber Frame
ensure DPC s are turned up behind sole plates and lap with vapour control
layers; alternatively seal with mastic or a gasket between the DPC and sole
plate
place bead of mastic on timber floor deck before positioning wall panels
(timber ground floors and intermediate floors)
ensure sheet vapour control layers are properly lapped at junctions, and/or,
ensure any vapour control plasterboard is jointed in accordance with the
manufacturer s instructions
always return vapour control layers into door and window reveals, head and
sills
cut vapour control layers tight to electrical outlets and seal at piped service
penetrations, (with tape or sealant as appropriate)
ensure all breather control membranes overlap each other and are stapled in
place.