The cost-of-living crisis, rising energy prices, plus the changes to Approved Document Part L of the Building Regulations have put a spotlight on materials that can give better energy efficiency in buildings

Steve Wild, technical consultant at CPG UK, said: “We expect to see an increased demand for airtight tapes and membranes. The focus is mainly on new builds, but also retrofitting of windows in existing properties.”

According to CPG UK, the use of an airtight tape is specifically recommended within the latest Part L documentation to help meet the new air permeability values. Under the new regulations, time stamped photographic evidence of the construction, including key elements and detailing of the build such as thermal bridging and interfaces, are required prior to the building being signed off.

Steve continued: “Silicone and standard gunned out foams on their own are not sufficient; installers and contractors need to use tapes and membranes when installing windows and doors to ensure that buildings are complying with the new standards and delivering on improved energy performance.

“We would recommend fitting using a three-part sealing system, such as illbruck’s i3 system, which includes an impregnated foam tape, air seal foam, and internal airtight membrane.”

Steve concluded: “The move to improved energy efficiency in buildings is a positive one – but, as with any change, it’s important to understand what the changes mean and what the impact is for the industry.

“Myself, and the illbruck team, are on hand to help. We can offer coffee chats about the changes, full CPD seminar, as well as onsite application demonstration to show how tapes and membranes should be correctly applied.”

To download illbruck’s whitepaper on Part L ‘Understanding the changes and how it affects you’, visit: https://www.illbruck.com/en-gb/stay-up-to-date/latest-news/important-changes-to-approved-documents-f-l-o/