Property Renovation (Thermal Elements)

Property renovation is covered in Approved Document L1B and  in certain cases may require a Building Regulations Application.

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Property Renovation

Property renovation usually involves work to a thermal element such as walls, floors and roofs. Under Approved Document L1B the definition of renovation is as follows :

‘Renovation’ in relation to a thermal element means the provision of a new layer in the thermal element or the replacement of an existing layer, but excludes decorative finishes, and ‘renovate’ shall be construed accordingly.

In simple terms, if you are carrying out work to a thermal element then you may have to increase the ‘U’ value of that particular element.

For example, if you wanted to replace the exiting plaster of a Victorian  property (which generally have 225mm solid brick walls) which is not listed for Planning purposes, then under the guidance you would be expected to increase the ‘U’ to current standards.

This may involve increasing the wall thickness by up to 100mm.

There are what is known as threshold “U” values in Approvend Document L1B and if the current thermal element exceeds the threshold “U” value as part of the renovation work, then the guidance “U” values should be followed.

TABLE OF ‘U’ VALUES TO FOLLOW

If the proposed work involves upgrading walls, floors or roofs and you do not wish to go down that route, then offset calculations can be undertaken by Richmond Thermal Solutions. In our experience, it is always worth speaking to Building Control to see exactly what its stance would be on your proposed scheme.

Once Building Control has specified exactly what it requires, then contact us here at RTS and we can help calculate U-values and offset calculations to reduce or eliminate the need to increase insulation to existing thermal elements such as walls, floors or roofs.

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding Property Renovations.

Note: If you are renovating properties whereby more or less dwellings are being formed, this is classed as Material Change of Use. Please visit our page on Conversions/ Material Change of Use.