Program Title: Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Electrical & Control Technology Programme Code: BN039 Sustainable Technology 2

Date due: 8/11/2011

Assignment Title: Walls

Word Count: 1052

Lecturer; Robert Hickey Student Name; Brian Kearney Class/Group; Group 2 B00038003
I hereby declare that the following assignment is all my own work

Brian Kearney

Walls CA

B00038003

Abstract
This assignment is part of a module Sustainable Technology 2 in Semester 1 of my BSc Ord Degree in Sustainable Electrical and Control Technology. This assignment will aim to provide the reader with a detailed sectional sketch of an External wall which will be used in a domestic dwelling. This sketch will include 4 positive implications and 4 negative implications of materials and sizes (which the author has chosen) will have on the thermal functionality of the wall that was have sketched. This essay will highlight these to the reader along with the materials of an External wall Throughout the essay there will be these positives and negatives to these material and sizes of the thermal functionality of the Wall

Key Words
Thermal Performance, Concrete block, Insulation, Thermal Bridging, External wall and U value.

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Brian Kearney

Walls CA

B00038003

Introduction
This essay will begin by mentioning the main materials of Rendered external wall insulation (EWI) the importance of each one with examples through pictures. The wall that was chosen was the external wall insulated a sketch is provided of this and detailed the size and type of material used for each layer of the floor. The u-values and k values are shown and discussed along with why these materials where chosen using these values and experts views to reiterate the logic behind the decision of picking these materials. Following on from that each positive and negative implication will be given for each one of these materials and sizes for why best to use them and why best not use them. It will also mention the manufacturers of these materials showing where the information was sourced and the quality of the manufacturer in line with the building regulations. In most cases the thermal U value of the walls are improved by over 75% using exterior outside insulation cladding As residential buildings account for 30% of the total national CO2 emissions and space heating accounts for 60% of that it is clear that there is a vital link between CO2 emissions and the actual thermal performance of dwellings. Efficient insulation and better detailing of the building envelope can reduce this. (Train energy) (avantcoatings) Currently more than 30 million square meters of ETICS are installed in Germany every year .

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Brian Kearney

Walls CA

B00038003

Walls
The domestic wall which I have chosen is the Rendered external wall insulation (EWI).

(viking house)

(viking house)

Blockies build and the installers insulate and weatherproof

Only installers that are trained by each manufacturer and certified regularly and who work for a company on an approved list may apply the rendered insulation system by the NSAI. The training focuses on the thermal performance and careful installation of the insulation. Rain, poor storage, a muddy, dirty or dusty site, poor overseeing and time pressures, even the hiring regime and team morale can all affect the quality of work on site. Reducing the impact of these variables is a major reason why many new building systems tend to be factoryassembled, and why they appear to consistently out-perform insulated block work structures. This goes to stand that rendered external wall insulation technology (EWI) seems to be particularly suited to becoming the best practice site-built building technology. (Train energy)

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Brian Kearney

Walls CA

B00038003

Materials used
Concrete blocks, External insulation Kingspan kooltherm k5

Concrete Block
100mm solid block 440mm x 215mm x 100mm 0.45 W/m2h The concrete block is suitable for general building work offering excellent performance, durability and good fixings. In addition to their loadbearing capabilities, they provide an excellent background for plastering and rendering.

50mm of cavity will suffice with no insulation another block of the same size and then the external insulation.

(www.cpi.ie)

Positive Implications Concrete block walls provide excellent insulation enhancing thermal performance They keep heat in when it is cold outside enhancing thermal performance Keep a dwelling cool when it is hot outside enhancing thermal performance Negative Implications Block must be full block filled with concrete (no hollow block) Bad block layer will not do a good enough job on the thermal performance of the structure. Reducing thermal bridges is an issue with brick ties they will cause a conductive path.

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Brian Kearney

Walls CA

B00038003

External insulation Kingspan kooltherm k5

100mm 1200 mm x 600 mm (0.72 m2) 0.020 W/mK

(kingspan) Positive Implications

(kingspan)

Moving the insulation to the outside of the building keeps the surfaces inside the wall cavity warm so that condensation does not form on them. Bigger in size better k value A thin layer of insulation is applied around the edges of window and door openings to minimise thermal bridging The R value can be increased by the thickness and thermal conductivity of the material. Negative Implications If a thin layer of insulation is not applied around the edges of window and door openings it increases chances of thermal bridging The formation of algae can occur and cause condensation up the wall decreasing the thermal performance of the structure.

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Brian Kearney

Walls CA

B00038003

Conclusion
The essay began by talking about Walls and the way walls will be built in the future and deciding on what materials to use for the assignment. The external insulated wall was discussed and the characteristics of the wall and materials to be used including the concrete blocks and insulation. The positive and negative implications where implemented for these material and the size of it for thermal functionality of the wall. Kingspan insulation was next and its characteristics where discussed with also the positive and negative implications where implemented for this material and the size of it for thermal functionality of the wall. In conclusion the author got a lot from this essay as it made him research the topic through books and the web to enhance his knowledge of the external insulated wall. And if the author was to build a house he would most definitely debate the topic.

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Brian Kearney References avantcoatings. (n.d.).

Walls CA

B00038003

avantcoatings.

Retrieved

nov

2011,

from

http://www.avantcoatings.co.uk/exterior-wall-insulation.aspx energy, t. (n.d.). train energy. Retrieved nov 2011, from Trainenery.com house, v. (n.d.). Retrieved nov 2011, from viking house: http://www.viking-house.ie/externalwall-insulation.html http://www.kingspaninsulation.com.au/Products/Kingspan-Kooltherm/Kooltherm-K5External-Wall-Board/Overview.aspx. (n.d.). Retrieved nov 2011, from kingspan: www.kingspan.com www.cpi.ie. (n.d.). Retrieved nov 2011, from

http://www.cpi.ie/images/uploads/6448_concrete_blocks.pdf

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