THERMAL

BRIDGING
GUIDE

An introductory guide to
thermal bridging in homes
CONTACTS
Further copies of this guide are
available as a PDF download
from www.zerocarbonhub.org
Or contact us
Zero Carbon Hub
Layden House
76-86 Turnmill Street
London EC1M 5LG
T: 0845 888 7620
E: info@zerocarbonhub.org
C4Ci Consultants
Expert and approachable
technical consultants on
building performance, thermal
modelling, construction product
development and accreditation.
T: 01256 892211
E: luke.whale@c4ci.eu
SIG360 Technical Centre
Provides a service offering that
focuses on helping customers
deliver energy efficient buildings.
Central to SIG360 is an easily
accessible impartial team of
technical specialists, who draw
on over 55 years of experience
and an extensive range of
products in providing the most
cost effective build, suited to
your preferred building style.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Zero Carbon Hub is very grateful to the following contributors/
organisations for their involvement in developing this Guide.
Author
Dr. Luke Whale, C4Ci Consultants
Project Advisors
Rob Pannell, Tessa Hurstwyn, Ben Griggs, Zero Carbon Hub
Graphic Design and Illustration
Richard Hudson, www.richardhudson.me
Steering Group
Richard Bayliss, CITB
Andrew Carpenter, Structural Timber Association
Chris Carr, Federation of Master Builders/Carr & Carr Builders
Darren Dancey, Crest Nicholson
Tom Dollard, Pollard Thomas Edwards
Milicia Kitson, Constructing Excellence in Wales
Mike Leonard, Building Alliance
Paul McGivern, Homes & Communities Agency
Andrew Orriss, SIG Plc
Richard Partington, Studio Partington
Graham Perrior, NHBC
John Slaughter, Home Builders Federation
Barry Turner, LABC
CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION2 KEY DETAILS – TIMBER FRAME CONSTRUCTION

UNDERSTANDING THE DETAIL PAGES 3 TOP THERMAL BRIDGING TIPS:

TIMBER FRAME CONSTRUCTION 23

THERMAL BRIDGING EXPLAINED E2 TIMBER FRAME LINTEL24

WHAT ARE THERMAL BRIDGES? 4 E3 WINDOW SILL26

HOW IS FABRIC HEAT LOSS QUANTIFIED? 5 E4 WINDOW JAMB  26

E5 GROUND BEARING FLOOR TO EXTERNAL WALL 28

KEY DETAILS – MASONRY CONSTRUCTION
P1 GROUND BEARING FLOOR TO PARTY WALL 28
TOP THERMAL BRIDGING TIPS:
E5 BEAM AND BLOCK FLOOR TO EXTERNAL WALL 30
MASONRY CONSTRUCTION  7
P1 BEAM AND BLOCK FLOOR TO PARTY WALL 30
E2 INDEPENDENT LINTEL  8
E6 INTERMEDIATE TIMBER FLOOR32
E2 PERFORATED STEEL LINTEL8
E10 EAVES (COLD ROOF) 34
E3 WINDOW SILL  10

E4 WINDOW JAMB  10
TECHNICAL ANNEX
E5 GROUND BEARING FLOOR TO EXTERNAL WALL  12
HOW DO I IMPROVE JUNCTION PERFORMANCE? 37
P1 GROUND BEARING FLOOR TO PARTY WALL  12
WHY IS THERMAL BRIDGING IMPORTANT? 38
E5 BEAM AND BLOCK FLOOR TO EXTERNAL WALL  14
THE BENEFITS OF JUNCTION IMPROVEMENT IN SAP 39
P1 BEAM AND BLOCK FLOOR TO PARTY WALL  14
SAP BUILDING JUNCTIONS ILLUSTRATED 40
E10 EAVES (COLD ROOF) 16
IDENTIFYING THE MOST SIGNIFICANT
E12 GABLE (COLD ROOF) 18 BUILDING JUNCTIONS 42

P4 PARTY WALL HEAD (COLD ROOF) 20 PSI VALUE SENSITIVITY SUMMARIES FOR MASONRY
AND TIMBER FRAME CONSTRUCTION 44

The Technical Annex can be found in the electronic version

of this Guide available at www.zerocarbonhub.org

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 1


INTRODUCTION
This document provides a simple guide to what
thermal bridging is, the key construction details in
new build housing where thermal bridging is
particularly significant, examples of ways in which
heat loss can be reduced by changes to the design
and construction of these details, and the problem
areas to avoid on site.
It is intended to help designers and builders focus
on the key decisions that they can affect around
junction detailing which will have a direct bearing
on the performance of the new homes they help
to deliver.
This Guide begins with a few explanatory pages
describing what thermal bridges are and how their
effects are quantified.
Key construction details are then illustrated for both
masonry and timber frame construction showing
how their thermal performance can either be
improved or compromised by adopting alternative
construction details, material specifications or site
practices. This is the main part of the document.
The electronic version of this Guide also contains
an Annex aimed at those who would like further
information, covering: general principles to improve
junction performance, the benefits in SAP of
improved junction details, illustrated guidance to
identify all relevant linear thermal bridges, how to
establish the key junctions for a particular dwelling
type, and a summary of the results of the PSI-value
modelling work carried out for this Guide.
2

Please Note
 The details drawn in this Guide are for
illustrative purposes only and should not
be used as working drawings. For example,
consideration must also be given to structure,
waterproofing, airtightness, general good
practice and sequencing on site.
 The PSI-values quoted in this Guide are for
indicative purposes only and should not be
used in SAP calculations.
Various sources exist to obtain PSI-values for the
building junctions of interest, as follows:
OOGeneric industry sponsored libraries covering
the common building types e.g. LABC (http://
www.labc.co.uk/registration-schemes/
construction-details) or Scottish Standards
(http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Built-Environment/
Building/Building-standards/publications/
pubtech)
OOIndividual product or building system
manufacturer sponsored libraries, covering
specific building products/systems.
OOBespoke PSI-values calculated by ‘competent
persons’ for specific developments.
THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB
UNDERSTANDING
THE DETAIL PAGES
Construction type:

Masonry

Construction detail type Primary responsibility:

Timber Frame
(with SAP Table K1 reference) Designer Builder

Blue themes = Green themes = Red themes = Additional useful

base construction possible design problem areas to be information
(assumed starting point) improvements avoided and checked on site

●●●
Guide PSI-values are displayed in theme coloured circles

For indicative purposes only, Heat loss path

black mould risk is identified BLACK MOULD BLACK MOULD
illustrated by
where this becomes a likely PROBABLE POSSIBLE blue arrows
consequence of problem details

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 3


WHAT ARE THERMAL BRIDGES?

A thermal bridge (sometimes

called a cold bridge) is a localised Non-repeating
weakness or discontinuity in the (wall junction)

thermal envelope of a building.

They generally occur when the
insulation layer is interrupted by
a more conductive material.
The type of thermal bridges considered in this
Guide are called non-repeating or linear thermal
bridges. These occur at junctions between
elements, such as a wall and a floor or a window
and a wall. At these locations heat is more able to
transfer through the construction, resulting in
greater heat loss from the dwelling and localised
‘cold spots’ in the building envelope.
Improving junction details to reduce linear thermal
bridging will help achieve Building Regulations
compliance and is one component in achieving
healthy low energy homes.
THE EFFECTS OF THERMAL BRIDGES
Increased heat loss
Thermal bridges can account for 20-30% of the
heat loss in a typical new build home. As homes
become better insulated thermal bridges become
even more significant.
Repeating
(mortar joints)
REPEATING AND NON-REPEATING
THERMAL BRIDGES
There are two types of thermal bridges in buildings
- repeating and non-repeating thermal bridges.
Examples of repeating thermal bridges are mortar
joints and wall-ties in masonry construction or
timber or steel studs in framed construction. Where
the frequency of these is known and consistent
their effects can be accounted for directly in the
U-value calculation for the building element itself.
The remaining non-repeating thermal bridges are
dealt with by “PSI-values” – pronounced ‘Si ’
(silent p), and designated by the Greek letter ‘ψ’.
Their effects on heat loss are calculated by
thermal modelling software, and they are
accounted for separately in SAP calculations in
addition to U-values.

Localised ‘cold-spots’
Sometimes leading to condensation build-up or
KEY JUNCTIONS
mould growth.
Although there are many junctions within a
dwelling, some have extremely low PSI-values and
others occur over very short lengths. The key
junctions to ‘get right’ or improve are those which
either have a high PSI-value or occur frequently
over significant lengths. Although the particular
junctions of interest will vary depending on
dwelling type and design, this Guide covers the key
junctions considered by the authors to be the most
significant across a range of dwelling types.

4 THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB


 HOW IS FABRIC HEAT LOSS QUANTIFIED?

Roofs
Roofs Junction
Junction

Junction
Junction

Walls
Walls
Windows
Windows Junction
Junction
Doors
Doors Junction
Junction

Floors
Floors Junction
Junction

ELEMENT LOSSES THERMAL BRIDGE LOSSES

ELEMENT JUNCTION DWELLING

U-VALUES PSI-VALUES Y-VALUE
(W/m2K) (W/mK) (W/m2K)

Quantify the heat loss from
each of the external building
elements such as floors, walls,
windows, doors etc. The area
of each element multiplied by
its U-value gives its anticipated
heat loss.
Quantify the heat loss from
each of the junctions where the
building elements meet (thermal
bridges). Multiplying the junction
PSI-value by the junction length
gives the junction heat loss.
The sum of the individual junction
heat losses divided by the total
exposed surface area of the
dwelling gives the Y-value.
The Y-value expresses the
overall heat loss arising from
all of the building junctions
as an equivalent U-value for
the dwelling.

In SAP fabric heat loss is quantified by a combination of U-values and Y-values

N T LO S BRIDGE L
ME S AL
M
E

OS
ES

Y-VALUE
EL

THER

TOTAL
SES

+ =
U-VALUES x
x TOTAL FABRIC
ELEMENT EXPOSED
HEAT LOSS
70 -

20 -
oss

oss

Note: Lower U-values, AREAS SURFACE

% AREA
%
8

tl

30

tl

Y-values and PSI-values

ea ea
0

of f of f
will result in lower abric h abric h
fabric heat loss.

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 5


MASONRY
CONSTRUCTION

6 THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB


TOP THERMAL BRIDGING TIPS
MASONRY CONSTRUCTION

 KEY DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS

Design recommendation No. of junctions Junction references
affected
1 Use a split or thermally broken lintel 1 E2
(page 8)

2 Use light aggregate blockwork inner leaf 4 E5, P1, E12, P4

(pages 12, 14, 18, 20)

3 Use a PU/PIR cavity closer 3 E2, E3, E4

(pages 8, 10)

4 Use insulated plasterboard on the inner leaf 5 E2, E4, E10, E12, P4
(pages 8, 10, 16, 18, 20)

5 Use a window frame overlap of min. 50mm 3 E2, E3, E4

(pages 8, 10)

6 Increase eaves insulation depth 1 E10

(page 16)

 KEY PROBLEMS TO AVOID

Problem / site check No. of junctions Junction Black
affected references mould risk
1 Omitting rafter insulation at eaves 1 E10
(page 16)

2 Omitting insulation between truss and wall 2 E12, P4

(pages 18, 20) BLACK MOULD
PROBABLE

3 Omitting soffit insulation at eaves 1 E10

(page 16) BLACK MOULD
PROBABLE

4 Stopping party wall cavity insulation short 1 P4

of loft (page 20) BLACK MOULD
POSSIBLE

5 Swapping a split lintel with a perforated steel 1 E2

lintel (page 8)

6 Omitting the cavity closure 3 E2, E3, E4

(pages 8, 10)

7 Omitting cavity insulation below DPC 2 E5, P1

(pages 12, 14)

8 Omitting floor perimeter insulation 2 E5, P1

(pages 12, 14) BLACK MOULD
POSSIBLE

9 No window frame overlap with cavity 3 E2, E3, E4

(page 8, 10)

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 7


 INDEPENDENT LINTEL
E2 LINTELS

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Use a cavity closer with a PU/PIR ψ

0.08 insulation core to improve 0.04
performance for independent lintels.

Dense aggregate
blockwork
Independent Lintels:
– Pre-cast Plasterboard on
concrete lintel. plaster dabs
– Rolled steel
angle supporting
PCVu cavity
brickwork outer leaf.
closer with
mineral wool or
EPS polystyrene
Cavity closer
with a PU/PIR
insulation core

Frame overlap = 30mm

PERFORATED STEEL LINTEL

E2 LINTELS

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Use an insulated plasterboard reveal ψ

0.27 to improve performance for 0.21
perforated steel lintels.

Dense aggregate
blockwork

‘Standard’ steel Plasterboard on

lintel: plaster dabs
– ‘Top hat’
steel profile
– Fitted with
EPS insulation
Insulated
plasterboard
reveal

Frame overlap
= 30mm

8 NB: The PSI-values quoted in this Guide are for indicative purposes only and should not be used in SAP calculations

 PROBLEM TO AVOID  PROBLEM TO AVOID

Omitting the cavity closer makes heat ψ Reducing the frame overlap to 0mm ψ
loss significantly worse. 0.26 makes heat loss worse. 0.15

Cavity closer
omitted 

Window frame
positioned flush
with inside face
of brickwork

 PROBLEM TO AVOID  FURTHER NOTES

Reducing the frame overlap to 0mm ψ

makes heat loss worse. 0.31  LINTEL SELECTION
Independent lintels have Ψ-values
approximately Ψ = 0.2 lower than perforated
steel lintels.

 FRAME OVERLAP
Increasing the frame overlap from 30mm to
50mm will also reduce the Ψ-value of lintels,
Window frame
positioned flush sills and jambs by approximately Ψ = 0.02.
with inside face
of brickwork

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 9


 WINDOW
E3 SILL

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Use a cavity closer with a PU/PIR ψ

0.05 insulation core to improve the 0.03
performance of sills and jambs.

Brickwork MDF sill board

Timber or PCVu cavity

PVCu sill cavity closer with
mineral wool or Cavity closer
Partial fill EPS polystyrene with a PU/PIR
cavity insulation core

Plasterboard on
plaster dabs

Frame overlap
= 30mm

WINDOW
E4 JAMB

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Use an insulated plasterboard reveal ψ

0.05 to improve the performance of 0.03
window jambs.
Dense
aggregate Partial fill Plasterboard on
blockwork cavity plaster dabs

Frame
overlap Insulated
= 30mm plasterboard
reveal

Brickwork PCVu cavity cavity closer with

mineral wool or EPS polystyrene

10 NB: The PSI-values quoted in this Guide are for indicative purposes only and should not be used in SAP calculations

 PROBLEM TO AVOID  PROBLEM TO AVOID

Reducing the frame overlap to 0mm ψ Omitting the cavity closer makes ψ
makes heat loss worse for sills. 0.09 heat loss worse for sills. 0.15

Window frame
positioned flush
with inside face
of brickwork

Cavity closer
omitted

 PROBLEM TO AVOID  PROBLEM TO AVOID

Reducing the frame overlap to 0mm ψ Omitting the cavity closer makes ψ
makes heat loss worse for jambs. 0.12 heat loss worse for jambs. 0.12

Cavity closer omitted

Window frame
positioned flush with
inside face of brickwork

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 11


 GROUND BEARING FLOOR
E5 EXTERNAL WALL

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Use lightweight aggregate blockwork ψ

0.17 on the inner leaf to improve ground 0.06
floor performance.

Dense aggregate
blockwork
Partial fill cavity 25mm perimeter
Low density lightweight
insulation
aggregate blockwork
(density up to 900 kg/m3)

Brickwork

GROUND BEARING FLOOR

P1 PARTY WALL

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Use lightweight aggregate blockwork ψ

0.14 on the inner leaf to improve ground 0.06
Full fill party floor performance.
wall mineral
wool insulation

Dense aggregate 25mm perimeter

blockwork insulation Low density lightweight
aggregate blockwork
(density up to 900 kg/m3)

12 NB: The PSI-values quoted in this Guide are for indicative purposes only and should not be used in SAP calculations

  PROBLEM TO AVOID  PROBLEM TO AVOID

Omitting cavity insulation below DPC ψ Omitting the floor perimeter ψ

makes heat loss significantly worse. 0.32 insulation makes heat loss worse. 0.23

Floor perimeter
insulation strip omitted



Cavity insulation
omitted below DPC

 PROBLEM TO AVOID  FURTHER NOTES

Omitting the floor perimeter ψ

insulation makes heat loss worse. 0.17  CAVITY INSULATION OMISSION
Omitting the cavity insulation at the party
wall base also makes heat loss worse.
Floor perimeter
insulation strip
omitted

 

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 13


 BEAM AND BLOCK FLOOR
E5 EXTERNAL WALL

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Use lightweight aggregate blockwork ψ

0.16 on the inner leaf to improve ground 0.05
floor performance.
Dense aggregate
Partial fill blockwork
cavity Low density lightweight
25mm perimeter insulation aggregate blockwork
(density up to 900 kg/m3)

Brickwork

BEAM AND BLOCK FLOOR

P1 PARTY WALL

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Use lightweight aggregate blockwork ψ

0.19 to improve ground floor performance. 0.06

Plasterboard
on dabs Low density
Dense aggregate
lightweight aggregate
blockwork
blockwork (density up
to 900 kg/m3)

25mm perimeter Full fill party

insulation wall mineral
wool insulation

14 NB: The PSI-values quoted in this Guide are for indicative purposes only and should not be used in SAP calculations

 PROBLEM TO AVOID  PROBLEM TO AVOID

Omitting cavity insulation below DPC ψ Omitting the floor perimeter insulation ψ
makes heat loss significantly worse. 0.26 makes heat loss worse. 0.19

Cavity insulation
omitted below DPC
Perimeter
 insulation omitted

 PROBLEM TO AVOID  FURTHER NOTES

Omitting the floor perimeter ψ

insulation makes heat loss worse. 0.21  CAVITY INSULATION OMISSION
Omitting the cavity insulation at the party
wall base also makes heat loss worse.

Perimeter
insulation omitted

 

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 15


 COLD ROOF
E10 EAVES

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Increase the eaves insulation depth ψ

45° pitched roof with standard
truss heel and cantilever to 0.06 ‘X’ to improve eaves performance. 0.04
create eaves depth X Note – this may influence the truss design
(see further notes)
Eaves ventilator Eaves insulation
Eaves depth ‘X’ = 150mm
insulation depth
Eaves insulation X
‘X’ = 100mm

300mm loft
insulation Stub-end truss to
create additional
depth at eaves

Plasterboard ceiling

Partial fill Plasterboard on

cavity plaster dabs

Brickwork Dense aggregate

blockwork

COLD ROOF
E10 EAVES

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Use insulated plasterboard on inner ψ

45° pitched roof with standard blockwork leaf to improve eaves
truss heel and cantilever to 0.06 0.04
create eaves depth performance.
X
Eaves insulation
Eaves ventilator depth ‘X’ = 100mm
Eaves X
insulation depth
Eaves insulation ‘X’ = 100mm

300mm loft
insulation

Plasterboard ceiling

Partial fill Plasterboard on

cavity plaster dabs Use a thermal
laminate
Brickwork Dense aggregate plasterboard
blockwork

16 NB: The PSI-values quoted in this Guide are for indicative purposes only and should not be used in SAP calculations

 PROBLEM TO AVOID  FURTHER NOTES

Omitting roof insulation at ψ

eaves makes heat loss 0.54 ADVISE TRUSS DESIGNERS
significantly worse. OF INSULATION SPACE REQUIREMENTS

Specifying the desired roof pitch (pº), eaves

overhang (a) and eaves insulation depth (b)
will enable truss designers to select the most
appropriate truss heel detail to meet these
requirements.

Roof insulation b
curtailed at eaves
p°

 PROBLEM TO AVOID

Omitting soffit insulation ψ

makes heat loss significantly 0.36
worse at eaves.

p°

 a

BLACK MOULD
PROBABLE

Eaves insulation
omitted at top

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 17


 COLD ROOF
E12 GABLE

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Use lightweight aggregate blockwork ψ

0.20 on the inner leaf to improve gable 0.08
performance.

Cavity
barrier 200mm 300mm loft
insulation

Brickwork

Plasterboard
Partial fill
cavity Plasterboard on
plaster dabs
Dense aggregate Low density lightweight
blockwork aggregate blockwork
(Density up to 900 kg/m3)

COLD ROOF
E12 GABLE

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Use insulated plasterboard on inner ψ

0.20 blockwork leaf to improve gable 0.12
performance.

Cavity
barrier 200mm 300mm loft
insulation

Brickwork

Plasterboard
Partial fill
cavity Plasterboard on
plaster dabs
Dense aggregate Use a thermal
blockwork laminate
plasterboard

18 NB: The PSI-values quoted in this Guide are for indicative purposes only and should not be used in SAP calculations

 PROBLEM TO AVOID  FURTHER NOTES

Stopping the cavity wall insulation ψ

short makes heat loss significantly 0.39
worse at gables.

Cavity wall
insulation
curtailed

BLACK MOULD
POSSIBLE

 PROBLEM TO AVOID

Omitting the roof perimeter ψ

insulation makes heat loss 0.58
significantly worse at gables.

Perimeter roof
insulation
omitted

BLACK MOULD
PROBABLE

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 19


COLD ROOF
P4 PARTY WALL HEAD

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Use lightweight aggregate blockwork ψ

0.20 for the party wall leaves to improve 0.06
thermal performance.

300mm loft
insulation

Plasterboard
Full fill party
wall mineral
Plasterboard on
wool insulation
plaster dabs Low density lightweight
aggregate blockwork
Dense aggregate both leaves (density up
blockwork to 900 kg/m3)

COLD ROOF
P4 PARTY WALL HEAD

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Use insulated plasterboard on party ψ

0.20 wall leaves to improve thermal 0.16
performance.

300mm loft
insulation

Plasterboard
Full fill party
wall mineral
Plasterboard on Use a thermal
wool insulation
plaster dabs laminate
Dense aggregate plasterboard
blockwork

20 NB: The PSI-values quoted in this Guide are for indicative purposes only and should not be used in SAP calculations

  PROBLEM TO AVOID  FURTHER NOTES

Stopping the wall cavity insulation ψ

short makes heat loss significantly 0.40
worse at party walls.

Cavity wall
insulation curtailed

BLACK MOULD
POSSIBLE

 PROBLEM TO AVOID

Omitting the roof perimeter insulation ψ

between truss and wall makes heat 0.59
loss significantly worse at party walls.

Perimeter roof
insulation
omitted

 

BLACK MOULD
PROBABLE

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 21


TIMBER FRAME
CONSTRUCTION

22 THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB


TOP THERMAL BRIDGING TIPS
TIMBER FRAME CONSTRUCTION

 KEY DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS

Design recommendation No. of junctions Junction references
affected
1 Use thermal laminate plasterboard on inside 5 E2, E4, E5, E6, E10
of frame (pages 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34)

2 Use beam and block ground floor instead 1 E5

of ground bearing slab (pages 28, 30)

3 Use light aggregate footing blocks 2 E5, P1

(pages 28, 30)

4 Use min. 50mm floor perimeter insulation 2 E5, P1

thickness (pages 28, 30)

5 Use a window frame overlap of min. 50mm 3 E2, E3, E4

(pages 24, 26)

6 Use min. 150mm insulation behind rimboard 1 E6

(page 32)

7 Use a PU/PIR cavity closer 2 E3, E4

(pages 26)

8 Increase eaves insulation depth 1 E10

(page 34)

9 Use PU/PIR cavity lintel insulation 1 E2

(page 24)

 KEY PROBLEMS TO AVOID

Problem / site check No. of junctions Junction Black
affected references mould risk

1 Omitting ground floor perimeter insulation 2 E5, P1

(pages 28, 30)

2 Omitting rafter insulation at eaves 1 E10

(page 34) BLACK MOULD
PROBABLE

3 Omitting rimboard insulation 1 E6

(page 32) BLACK MOULD
POSSIBLE

4 No window frame overlap with cavity 3 E2, E3, E4

(pages 24, 26)

5 Omitting the cavity closure 2 E3, E4

(page 26) BLACK MOULD
PROBABLE

6 Omitting soffit insulation at eaves 1 E10

(page 34) BLACK MOULD
PROBABLE

7 No cavity lintel insulation 1 E2

(page 24)

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 23


 LINTELS
E2 TIMBER FRAME LINTEL

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Use an insulated plasterboard reveal ψ

0.15 to improve performance of timber 0.10
frame lintels.

50mm cavity 140mm insulated

timber frame panel
with 9mm OSB
sheathing outside
Brickwork
Steel external
leaf lintel
Mineral wool
insulation Timber lintels

Softwood
pinch batten Use a thermal
laminate
plasterboard
reveal/soffit

Frame overlap = 30mm

LINTELS
E2 TIMBER FRAME LINTEL

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Increase the window frame overlap ψ

0.15 to improve performance of timber 0.13
frame lintels.

50mm cavity 140mm insulated

timber frame panel
with 9mm OSB
sheathing outside
Brickwork
Steel external
leaf lintel
Mineral wool
insulation Timber lintels

Softwood
pinch batten

Frame overlap
increased to 50mm
Frame overlap = 30mm

24 NB: The PSI-values quoted in this Guide are for indicative purposes only and should not be used in SAP calculations

 PROBLEM TO AVOID  FURTHER NOTES

Omitting the cavity lintel insulation ψ

makes heat loss worse. 0.18  CAVITY LINTEL INSULATION
Upgrading the cavity lintel insulation to PU/
PIR will reduce heat loss.

Cavity lintel
insulation omitted
 THERMAL LAMINATE PLASTERBOARD
Using a thermal laminate plasterboard on
 the external timber frame wall will reduce
heat loss.

 PROBLEM TO AVOID

Reducing the frame overlap to 0mm ψ

makes heat loss worse. 0.22

 BLACK MOULD
PROBABLE

No frame overlap
with wall cavity

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 25


 WINDOW
E3 SILL

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Use a cavity closer with a PU/PIR ψ

0.07 insulation core to improve 0.06
performance of sills and jambs.

Sill nosing MDF sill board

Timber
cavity closer
PIR/PU cavity
closer
140mm
50mm cavity insulated timber
frame panel
with 9mm OSB
Brickwork sheathing
outside

Frame overlap = 30mm

WINDOW
E4 JAMB

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Use an insulated plasterboard ψ

0.10 reveal to improve the performance 0.06
of window jambs.
140mm insulated
timber frame panel
with 9mm OSB
sheathing Use a thermal laminate
plasterboard reveal

Frame overlap
= 30mm

50mm cavity Brickwork Timber cavity closer

26 NB: The PSI-values quoted in this Guide are for indicative purposes only and should not be used in SAP calculations

 PROBLEM TO AVOID  PROBLEM TO AVOID

Reducing the frame overlap to 0mm ψ Omitting the cavity closer makes ψ
makes heat loss worse for sills. 0.11 heat loss worse for sills. 0.09

Window frame
positioned flush BLACK MOULD
with inside face of PROBABLE
BLACK MOULD
PROBABLE
brickwork

Cavity closer
omitted

 PROBLEM TO AVOID  PROBLEM TO AVOID

Reducing the frame overlap to 0mm ψ Omitting the cavity closer makes ψ
makes heat loss worse for jambs. 0.15 heat loss worse for jambs. 0.13

Cavity closer
omitted

BLACK MOULD
PROBABLE

BLACK MOULD
Window frame PROBABLE
positioned
flush with
inside face
of brickwork

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 27


 GROUND BEARING FLOOR
E5 EXTERNAL WALL

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Increase the perimeter insulation ψ

140mm insulated 0.20 thickness to improve ground floor 0.16
timber frame performance.
panel with 9mm
OSB sheathing
outside
25mm perimeter
insulation

50mm perimeter
insulation

Lean mix
concrete Dense aggregate
blockwork
Dense
aggregate
blockwork

Concrete strip
foundation

GROUND BEARING FLOOR

P1 PARTY WALL

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Use lightweight aggregate footing ψ

Full fill party wall
mineral wool 0.10 blockwork to improve ground floor 0.05
insulation performance.
306mm fully
insulated timber
25mm perimeter
frame party wall
insulation
Lightweight
aggregate
blockwork
footing

Dense aggregate
blockwork
Dense aggregate
blockwork

28 NB: The PSI-values quoted in this Guide are for indicative purposes only and should not be used in SAP calculations

 PROBLEM TO AVOID  FURTHER NOTES

Omitting the floor perimeter ψ

insulation makes heat loss 0.50  THERMAL LAMINATE PLASTERBOARD
significantly worse.
Using a thermal laminate plasterboard on the
timber frame wall will reduce heat loss.
BLACK MOULD
PROBABLE

Perimeter
insulation omitted

 PROBLEM TO AVOID

Omitting the floor perimeter ψ

insulation makes heat loss worse. 0.16

Perimeter
insulation
omitted

 

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 29


 BEAM AND BLOCK FLOOR
E5 EXTERNAL WALL

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

140mm insulated Increase the perimeter insulation

timber frame panel ψ ψ
with 9mm OSB 0.14 thickness to improve ground floor 0.11
sheathing outside performance.

50mm cavity
25mm perimeter
insulation

Brickwork
50mm perimeter
insulation

Dense aggregate
blockwork

Lean mix
concrete

Concrete strip
foundation

BEAM AND BLOCK FLOOR

P1 PARTY WALL

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

Full fill party wall ψ Use lightweight aggregate footing ψ

mineral wool 0.10 blockwork to improve ground floor 0.05
insulation performance.
306mm fully
insulated timber
25mm perimeter
frame party wall
insulation
Lightweight
aggregate
blockwork
footing

Dense aggregate
blockwork

Concrete strip
foundation

30 NB: The PSI-values quoted in this Guide are for indicative purposes only and should not be used in SAP calculations

 PROBLEM TO AVOID  FURTHER NOTES

Omitting the floor perimeter ψ

insulation makes heat loss 0.30  THERMAL LAMINATE PLASTERBOARD
significantly worse.
Using a thermal laminate plasterboard on the
timber frame wall will reduce heat loss.
BLACK MOULD
PROBABLE

Perimeter
insulation
omitted


 PROBLEM TO AVOID

Omitting the floor perimeter ψ

insulation makes heat loss worse. 0.18

Perimeter
insulation
omitted

 

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 31


 TIMBER FLOOR
E6 INTERMEDIATE FLOOR

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Increase the rimboard insulation ψ

0.11 thickness to improve intermediate 0.08
floor performance.

140mm insulated
Brickwork timber frame panel
with 9mm OSB
sheathing outside
Increase
50mm cavity insulation
to 150mm

Rim Board 75mm mineral wool batt

TIMBER FLOOR
E6 INTERMEDIATE FLOOR

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Use an insulated plasterboard on the ψ

0.11 inside of the frame to improve 0.09
intermediate floor performance.

140mm insulated
Brickwork timber frame panel
with 9mm OSB Insulated
sheathing outside plasterboard
50mm cavity

Rim Board 75mm mineral wool batt

32 NB: The PSI-values quoted in this Guide are for indicative purposes only and should not be used in SAP calculations

 PROBLEM TO AVOID  FURTHER NOTES

Omitting the rimboard insulation ψ

makes heat loss significantly worse 0.26
at intermediate floors.

 Rimboard
insulation
omitted

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 33


COLD ROOF
E10 EAVES

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Increase the eaves insulation depth ψ

45° pitched roof with standard
truss heel and cantilever to
create eaves depth
0.04 ‘X’ to improve performance. 0.03
Note – this may influence the truss design
X (see further notes)

Eaves insulation
Eaves depth ‘X’ = 150mm
Eaves insulation depth X
insulation ‘X’ = 100mm

300mm loft
insulation Stub-end truss to
create additional
depth at eaves

Plasterboard ceiling

Timber
cavity stop

140mm insulated timber

Brickwork frame panel with 9mm
OSB sheathing outside

COLD ROOF
E10 EAVES

 BASE DETAIL  IMPROVED DETAIL

ψ Use insulated plasterboard on the ψ

0.04 inside of the frame to improve eaves 0.03
45° pitched roof with standard performance.
truss heel and cantilever to
create eaves depth X

Eaves
Eaves insulation depth
insulation ‘X’ = 100mm

300mm loft
insulation

Plasterboard ceiling

Timber
cavity stop Insulated
plasterboard
140mm insulated timber
Brickwork frame panel with 9mm
OSB sheathing outside

34 NB: The PSI-values quoted in this Guide are for indicative purposes only and should not be used in SAP calculations

 PROBLEM TO AVOID  FURTHER NOTES

Omitting roof insulation at eaves ψ

makes heat loss significantly worse. 0.21 ADVISE TRUSS DESIGNERS
OF INSULATION SPACE REQUIREMENTS

Specifying the desired roof pitch (pº), eaves

overhang (a) and eaves insulation depth (b)
will enable the truss designer to select the
most appropriate truss heel detail to meet
 these requirements.

BLACK MOULD
POSSIBLE

Roof insulation b
curtailed at eaves
p°

 PROBLEM TO AVOID

Omitting soffit insulation makes heat ψ

loss worse at eaves. 0.09

p°

 a

Soffit insulation
omitted

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 35


THERMAL
BRIDGING
GUIDE
ANNEX

36 THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB


HOW DO I IMPROVE
JUNCTION PERFORMANCE?

Thermal bridging heat losses occur when the integrity of the insulation envelope of a building is compromised by a more
conductive material. The diagrams below illustrate four alternative ways in which the effects of cold-bridges at building
junctions can be reduced or negated using a masonry lintel as an example. In the main body of the Guide one or more of
these strategies are used to show how each of the most important PSI-values in dwellings can be reduced and by how much.

1. ISOLATE THE
ψ ψ
THERMAL BRIDGE 0.31 Isolate with 0.24
insulation
WITH INSULATION
Use a layer of insulation to E.g. use an
minimise direct contact of the insulated
thermal bridge with either the plasterboard
reveal
inside or outside temperature.

2. CHANGE THE
ψ ψ
THERMAL BRIDGE 0.24 Change bridge 0.15
GEOMETRY geometry

Move, remove or reduce the E.g. Adopt an

size of the thermal bridge alternative
component. lintel type

3. INCREASE THE
ψ ψ
THERMAL BRIDGE 0.15 Increase the 0.08
HEAT PATH path length

Increase the length of the

thermal bridge or strategically
E.g. Move the
place insulation in order to make window frame
the heat travel further to escape. position

4. CHANGE THE
ψ ψ
THERMAL BRIDGE 0.08 Change the 0.04
MATERIAL bridge material

Change the conductivity of the

material causing the thermal E.g. Use an
improved
bridge. cavity closer

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 37


WHY IS THERMAL
BRIDGING IMPORTANT?

If the fabric heat losses in SAP resulting from different building Y-values were to
be replaced with a “hole in the wall” that produced equivalent heat loss it would
look something like the end terrace example below.

SAP DEFAULT
Y-VALUE
0.15
(No junction
PSI-values Y-VALUE
entered)
0.08
(Some attention
paid to junction
PSI-values) Y-VALUE
5.5m2 PV to
compensate 0.04
(Careful attentional
paid to junction
2m2 PV to PSI-values)
compensate

No PV to
compensate

Equivalent to a “Barn Door”

2.1m x 3.3m (6.9m2) opening

Equivalent to a “Patio Door”

2.1m x 1.8m (3.8m2) opening

Equivalent to a “Window”
1.3m x 1.3m (1.7m2) opening

38 THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB


THE BENEFITS OF JUNCTION
IMPROVEMENT IN SAP

DWELLING Y-VALUES
The dwelling Y-value should be looked upon as a U-value for the whole building which
aggregates all of the PSI-value junction losses. This ‘thermal bridging U-value’ is effectively
added to each individual element U-value to yield the total fabric heat loss for the dwelling.
For example, for a 0.15 Y-value dwelling:

Thermal Overall fabric heat loss calculation

Element
Example
U-value + bridging =
Y-value Combined U-value x Element area

Ext walls 0.21 0.15 0.36 Total ext wall area

Grd floor 0.15 0.15 0.30 Total grd floor area
Roof 0.13 + 0.15 = 0.28 x Total roof area
Windows 1.4 0.15 1.55 Total window area
Doors 1.2 0.15 1.35 Total door area
∑ Total fabric heat loss

STRATEGIES FOR Y-VALUE REDUCTION

Strategies which reduce the fabric Y-values before improving fabric U-values are generally a more
cost-effective means of reducing overall fabric heat losses. Examples of this so called ‘PSI-first’
approach to fabric improvement are illustrated in the following example on a typical masonry end
terrace property, starting with a baseline solution using dense blockwork and perforated steel
lintels and a default Y-value of 0.15 (no real consideration of junction PSI-values):

‘PSI-first’ strategy Resulting SAP Fabric Solution

Dwelling
Y-value Wall Grd floor Roof Window Door
Step Action PV area
U-value U-value U-value U-value U-value
0 Baseline solution 0.15 0.15 0.12 0.1 1.4 1.2 1.8m2
Change to split
1 0.11 0.15 0.12 0.1 1.4 1.2 1.2m2
lintels throughout
Change to low
2 density blockwork 0.08 0.18 0.12 0.1 1.4 1.2 0.6m2
inner leaf
Misc additional
3 minor junction 0.06 0.18 0.14 0.12 1.4 1.2 0m2
improvements

As can be seen, with a few changes to material specification preferences or detailing practice on
certain key construction details can quickly diminish the need for renewable technologies or for
onerous (and expensive) building fabric U-values. Numerous alternatives will exist to drive the
overall building Y-value down, but the key is always to focus on the junctions which will have
maximum significance on the dwelling in question (discussed further on p42), and on measures
which deliver significant benefits (illustrated in the body of this Guide).

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 39


SAP BUILDING JUNCTIONS
ILLUSTRATED

JUNCTIONS WITH AN EXTERNAL WALL JUNCTIONS WITH A PARTY WALL

E1 Steel lintel with perforated steel base plate P1 Ground floor

E2 Other lintels (including other steel lintels) P2 Intermediate floor within a dwelling

E3 Sill P3 Intermediate floor between dwellings (in blocks of flats)

E4 Jamb P4 Roof (insulation at ceiling level)

E5 Ground floor (normal) P5 Roof (insulation at rafter level)

E6 Intermediate floor within a dwelling P6 Ground floor (inverted)

E7 Party floor between dwellings (in blocks of flats) P7 Exposed floor (normal)

E8 Balcony within a dwelling, wall insulation continuous P8 Exposed floor (inverted)

E9 Balcony between dwellings, wall insulation continuous

JUNCTIONS WITHIN A ROOF
E10 Eaves (insulation at ceiling level)
OR WITH A ROOM-IN-ROOF
E11 Eaves (insulation at rafter level)
R1 Head
E12 Gable (insulation at ceiling level)
R2 Sill
E13 Gable (insulation at rafter level)
R3 Jamb
E14 Flat roof
R4 Ridge (vaulted ceiling)
E15 Flat roof with parapet
R5 Ridge (inverted)
E16 Corner (normal)
R6 Flat ceiling
E17 Corner (inverted – internal area greater than
R7 Flat ceiling (inverted)
external area)
R8 Roof wall (rafter)
E18 Party wall between dwellings
R9 Roof wall (flat ceiling)
E19 Ground floor (inverted)

E20 Exposed floor (normal)

KEY
E21 Exposed floor (inverted)
Junctions with an external wall X
E22 Basement floor
Junctions with a party wall X
E23 Balcony support penetrates
Junctions within a roof or with a room-in-roof X

E24 Eaves (insulation at ceiling level - inverted)

Insulated structure
E25 Staggered party wall Heated Space
Internal floor
Party floor
Party wall

40 THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB


 R7 R8
R6
P4 E12
E13

P5 E24

R1
E10
P4

R3
E12
R2 E17
E6
E25
P2 E16
E2 E11

E18
E4
Dwelling 01 Dwelling 02

E3
P1 E5
E17
E16 E25
E5

R4
R4

R5

E9
Flat 09 P3 Flat 10

External
E7 Flat 03 Flat 04 Flat 05 Flat 06 Flat 07 Flat 08
support

E20 P7 P8 Flat 01 Flat 02 P6

E22

R9

E14 E15

E8

E20

External
support E21 E23 E19

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 41


IDENTIFYING THE MOST
SIGNIFICANT BUILDING JUNCTIONS

SAP REFERENCES SAP Table K1: Values of PSI for different types of junctions

Table K1 of SAP 2012 includes a list of junction Ref Junction detail ACD Default
types. These have been illustrated on the Junctions with an external wall
preceding pages. Each junction has a reference E1 Steel lintel with perforated steel base plate 0.5 1
e.g. E1, P4, R9. E2 Other lintels (including other steel lintels) 0.3 1
E3 Sill 0.04 0.08
Accompanying each Junction reference is a E4 Jamb 0.05 0.1

description of the detail and a default PSI-value E5 Ground floor (normal) 0.16 0.32

to be used if an alternative more accurate value E19 Ground floor (inverted) 0.07
E20 Exposed floor (normal) 0.32
is not available.
E21 Exposed floor (inverted) 0.32
E22 Basement floor 0.07
Some junctions also have an “Approved”
E6 Intermediate floor within a dwelling 0.07 0.14
PSI-value (ACD) but these should be used with
E7 Party floor between dwellings (in flats) 0.07 0.14
caution as they have not been updated since
E8 Balcony within a dwelling, insulation continuous 0 0
2007 and must also be backed up by well
E9 Balcony between dwellings, insulation continuous 0.02 0.04
documented QA check lists for site managers. E23 Balcony within or between dwellings, balcony 1
support penetrates wall insulation
Other sources exist to obtain PSI-values for the E10 Eaves (insulation at ceiling level) 0.06 0.12
building junctions of interest, as follows: E24 Eaves (insulation at ceiling level - inverted) 0.24
E11 Eaves (insulation at rafter level) 0.04 0.08
OO Generic industry sponsored libraries covering E12 Gable (insulation at ceiling level) 0.24 0.48
the common building types e.g. LABC E13 Gable (insulation at rafter level) 0.04 0.08
(http://www.labc.co.uk/registration-schemes/ E14 Flat roof 0.08
construction-details) or Scottish Standards (http:// E15 Flat roof with parapet 0.56
www.gov.scot/Topics/Built-Environment/Building/ E16 Corner (normal) 0.09 0.18
Building-standards/publications/pubtech) E17 Corner (inverted – internal area greater than -0.09 0
external area)
OO Individual product or building system E18 Party wall between dwellings 0.06 0.12

manufacturer sponsored libraries, covering E25 Staggered party wall between dwellings 0.12

specific building products/systems, Junctions with a party wall

P1 Ground floor 0.16
e.g. hollow block products or insulation
P6 Ground floor (inverted) 0.07
manufacturers.
P2 Intermediate floor within a dwelling 0
P3 Intermediate floor between dwellings (in flats) 0
OO Bespoke PSI-values calculated by 'competent
P7 Exposed floor (normal) 0.16
persons' for specific developments.
P8 Exposed floor (inverted) 0.24
P4 Roof (insulation at ceiling level) 0.24
P5 Roof (insulation at rafter level) 0.08
Junctions within a roof or with a room-in-roof
R1 Head 0.08
R2 Sill 0.06
R3 Jamb 0.08
R4 Ridge (vaulted ceiling) 0.08
R5 Ridge (inverted) 0.04
R6 Flat ceiling 0.06
The 12 junctions highlighted are those R7 Flat ceiling (inverted) 0.04
identified opposite as the most important R8 Roof wall (rafter) 0.06
to consider for most dwellings. R9 Roof wall (flat ceiling) 0.04

42 THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB


KEY BUILDING JUNCTIONS
Although SAP Table K1 lists over 40 different building junctions, many have extremely low default PSI-values
and others occur rarely or over relatively short lengths in dwellings, so are of little significance in SAP. The most important
junctions are those which either have high PSI-values, or occur frequently over significant lengths.

The charts below plot the PSI-value magnitudes relating to common building junctions and the typical length over which they
occur in four types of dwelling. These charts thereby provide a simple means of identifying the key junction details which
should be focused upon for each building type in order to control heat losses due to thermal bridging. These key building
junctions are the focus of the main body of this Guide.

DETACHED HOUSE MID TERRACE HOUSE

0.4 E2 0.4 E2
SIGNIFICANT SIGNIFICANT
JUNCTION Ψ-VALUE (W/m.K)

JUNCTION Ψ-VALUE (W/m.K)

E5 E5
E12

P4

0.2 0.2
E16
P1
E6
E10 E6 E18
E10
E3 E3 E4
E4

0.0 E17 NOT SIGNIFICANT

0.0 P2 NOT SIGNIFICANT

0 15 30 45 0 15 30 45
JUNCTION LENGTH (m) JUNCTION LENGTH (m)

For detached houses the following details For mid terrace houses the following
are the most important to focus on: details are the most important to focus on:
E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E10, E12, E16 E2, E4, E5, E18, P1, P4
(approximately 90% of total junction heat loss) (approximately 80% of total junction heat loss)

END TERRACE HOUSE APARTMENT

0.4 E2 0.4 E2
E12 SIGNIFICANT SIGNIFICANT

E12
JUNCTION Ψ-VALUE (W/m.K)

JUNCTION Ψ-VALUE (W/m.K)

E5
E5
P4
P4
0.2 0.2
E16 E16
E3 E7
P1 E6 E10
E18 E14 E4
E10 E4 E18
E3 P1

NOT SIGNIFICANT NOT SIGNIFICANT

0.0 P2 0.0 P3 E17
0 15 30 45 0 15 30 45
JUNCTION LENGTH (m) JUNCTION LENGTH (m)

For end terrace houses the following For apartments the following details are
details are the most important to focus on: the most important to focus on:
E2, E4, E5, E6, E12, E16, P4 E2, E4, E5, E7, E12, E16
(approximately 75% of total junction heat loss) (approximately 80% of total junction heat loss)

THERMAL BRIDGING GUIDE | ZERO CARBON HUB 43


PSI VALUE SENSITIVITY SUMMARIES
MASONRY CONSTRUCTION
Detail SAP 2012 Base detail Possible Problems Design Options
default PSI-value
PSI-value 1 2 3 1 2

E2 Lintels – Ψ = 1.00 Ψ = 0.27 Misposition the frame Ψ = 0.310 – – Insulate soffit/reveal Ψ = 0.210 –
Perforated Steel from 30-0mm 15% worse 33% better

E2 Lintel – Ψ = 1.00 Ψ = 0.08 Omit the cavity closer Ψ = 0.264 Misposition the frame Ψ = 0.146 Use an unbroken Ψ = 0.270 Change frame overlap Ψ = 0.055 Use PIR/PU cavity Ψ = 0.042
Split lintel split lintel 230% worse from 30-0mm 83% worse steel lintel 238% worse from 30-50mm 31% better closer 47% better
Both: Ψ = 0.025, 69% better
E3 Sill Ψ = 0.08 Ψ = 0.05 Omit the cavity closer Ψ = 0.150 Misposition the frame Ψ = 0.085 – Change frame overlap Ψ = 0.035 Use PIR/PU cavity Ψ = 0.034
200% worse from 30-0mm 70% worse from 30-50mm 30% better closer 32% better
Both = Ψ = 0.025, 50% better
E4 Jamb Ψ = 0.10 Ψ = 0.05 Omit the cavity closer Ψ = 0.115 Misposition the frame Ψ = 0.120 – Change frame overlap Ψ = 0.035 Use PIR/PU cavity Ψ = 0.034
130% worse from 30-0mm 140% worse from 30-50mm 30% better closer 32% better
Both: Ψ = 0.025, 50% better
E5 Ground floor Ψ = 0.32 Ψ = 0.17 Omit floor perimeter Ψ = 0.230 Omit cavity insulation Ψ = 0.316 – Change footing blocks Ψ = 0.145 Change inner leaf Ψ = 0.060
– ground dense insulation 35% worse below dpc 86% worse to light aggregate 15% better blockwork to light 65% better
bearing aggregate aggregate
E5 Ground floor Ψ = 0.32 Ψ = 0.16 Omit floor perimeter Ψ = 0.192 Omit cavity insulation Ψ = 0.258 – Change footing blocks Ψ = 0.152 Change inner leaf Ψ = 0.045
– beam & block dense insulation 20% worse below dpc 61% worse to light aggregate 5% better blockwork to light 72% better
aggregate aggregate
E6 Intermediate Ψ = 0.14 Ψ = 0.00 _ – – Note very punitive –
floor Timber default value - Use any
modelled value
E7 Party floor – Ψ = 0.14 Ψ = 0.05 _ – – Note very punitive –
PCC slab default value - Use any
modelled value
E10 Eaves insulated Ψ = 0.12 Ψ = 0.06 Omit ceiling eaves Ψ = 0.540 Omit soffit insulation Ψ = 0.360 – Increase rafter eaves Ψ = 0.040 Use thermal Ψ = 0.040
at ceiling 45º pitch insulation 800% worse at eaves 500% worse insulation depth from 33% better laminate plasterboard 33% better
100-150mm
E12 Gable insulated Ψ = 0.48 Ψ = 0.20 Omit roof perimeter Ψ = 0.580 Omit cavity insulation Ψ = 0.390 – Change inner leaf Ψ = 0.075 Use thermal Ψ = 0.120
at ceiling dense insulation between 190% worse above ceiling level 95% worse blockwork to light 62% better laminate plasterboard 40% better
aggregate truss and wall aggregate
E16 External corner Ψ = 0.18 Ψ = 0.06 _ – – Note very punitive –
default value - Use any
modelled value
E18 Party wall Ψ = 0.12 Ψ = 0.05 _ – – Note very punitive –
default value - Use any
modelled value
P1 Party wall foot Ψ = 0.16 Ψ = 0.14 Omit floor perimeter Ψ = 0.172 Omit cavity insulation Ψ = 0.153 – Change footing blocks Ψ = 0.129 Change inner leaf Ψ = 0.057
– ground dense insulation 23% worse below dpc 9% worse to light aggregate 8% better blockwork to light 59% better
bearing aggregate aggregate
P1 Party wall foot Ψ = 0.16 Ψ = 0.19 Omit floor perimeter Ψ = 0.210 Omit cavity insulation Ψ = 0.205 – Change footing blocks Ψ = 0.181 Change inner leaf Ψ = 0.057
– beam & block dense insulation 11% worse below dpc 8% worse to light aggregate 5% better blockwork to light 70% better
aggregate aggregate
P4 Party wall head Ψ = 0.24 Ψ = 0.20 Omit roof perimeter Ψ = 0.590 Omit cavity insulation Ψ = 0.400 – Change inner leaf Ψ = 0.058 Use thermal Ψ = 0.160
dense insulation between 195% worse above ceiling level 100% worse blockwork to light 71% better laminate plasterboard 20% better
aggregate truss and wall aggregate
PSI VALUE SENSITIVITY SUMMARIES
TIMBER FRAME CONSTRUCTION
Detail SAP 2012 Base detail Possible Problems Design Options Extra Insulation position
default PSI-value
PSI-value 1 2 1 2 3 Outside Inside

E2 Timber Lintel Ψ = 1.0 Ψ = 0.15 Omit insulation Ψ = 0.180 Misposition the Ψ = 0.221 Use 25mm thermal Ψ = 0.095 Change frame Ψ = 0.131 Use PIR/PU Ψ = 0.140 Ψ = 0.131 Ψ = 0.135
in lintel cavity 20% worse frame from 47% worse laminate plasterboard 37% better overlap from 13% better in lintel 7% better 13% better 10% better
30-0mm in reveal/soffit 30-50mm cavity
E3 Sill Ψ = 0.08 Ψ = 0.07 Omit the cavity Ψ = 0.087 Misposition the Ψ = 0.107 Change frame Ψ = 0.055 Use PIR/PU Ψ = 0.060 Ψ = 0.070 Ψ = 0.068
closer 24% worse frame from 53% worse overlap from 21% better cavity closer 14% better 0% 3% better
30-0mm 30-50mm
E4 Jamb Ψ = 0.1 Ψ = 0.10 Omit the cavity Ψ = 0.133 Misposition the Ψ = 0.150 Use 25mm thermal Ψ = 0.055 Change frame Ψ = 0.084 Use PIR/PU Ψ = 0.088 Ψ = 0.086 Ψ = 0.096
closer 33% worse frame from 50% worse laminate plasterboard 45% better overlap from 16% better cavity closer 12% better 14% better 4% better
30-0mm in reveal/soffit 30-50mm
E5 Ground floor Ψ = 0.32 Ψ = 0.20 Omit perimeter Ψ = 0.500 – Change perimeter Ψ = 0.155 Change footing Ψ = 0.145 – Ψ = 0.212 Ψ = 0.168
– ground dense insulation 150% worse insulation thickness 22% better blocks to light 27% better 6% worse 16% better
bearing slab aggregate from 25-50mm aggregate
E5 Ground floor Ψ = 0.32 Ψ = 0.14 Omit perimeter Ψ = 0.300 – Change perimeter Ψ = 0.111 Change footing Ψ = 0.111 – Ψ = 0.155 Ψ = 0.050
– beam & block dense insulation 114% worse insulation thickness 21% better blocks to light 21% better 11% worse 64% better
aggregate from 25-50mm aggregate
E6 Intermediate Ψ = 0.14 Ψ = 0.11 Omit rim board Ψ = 0.262 – Change insulation Ψ = 0.080 Use 25mm thermal Ψ = 0.090 – Ψ = 0.034 Ψ = 0.086
Floor insulation 138% worse behind rim board from 27% better laminate plasterboard 18% better 69% better 22% better
75-150mm on inside of frame
E7 Party Floor Ψ = 0.14 Ψ = 0.07 – – – – – Ψ = 0.062 Ψ = 0.064
6% better 3% better

E10 Eaves insulated Ψ = 0.12 Ψ = 0.04 Omit ceiling Ψ = 0.210 Omit soffit Ψ = 0.085 Increase ceiling eaves Ψ = 0.030 Use 25mm thermal Ψ = 0.030 – Ψ = 0.065 Ψ = 0.030
at ceiling 45° pitch eaves 425% worse insulation 112% worse insulation depth from 25% better laminate plasterboard 25% better 63% worse 25% better
insulation at eaves 100-150mm on inside of frame
E12 Gable insulated Ψ = 0.48 Ψ = 0.07 – – Note very punitive – – Ψ = 0.045 Ψ = 0.053
at ceiling default value - Use 36% better 24% better
any modelled value
E16 External corner Ψ = 0.18 Ψ = 0.05 – – – – – Ψ = 0.055 Ψ = 0.046
8% worse 8% better

E18 Party wall Ψ = 0.12 Ψ = 0.04 – – – – – Ψ = 0.033 Ψ = 0.034

17% better 16% better

P1 Party wall foot – Ψ = 0.16 Ψ = 0.10 Omit perimeter Ψ = 0.162 – Change perimeter Ψ = 0.086 Change footing Ψ = 0.048 – – –
ground bearing dense insulation 62% worse insulation thickness 14% better blocks to light 52% better
slab aggregate from 25-50mm aggregate
P1 Party wall foot Ψ = 0.16 Ψ = 0.10 Omit perimeter Ψ = 0.183 – Change perimeter Ψ = 0.089 Change footing Ψ = 0.048 – – –
– beam & block dense insulation 83% worse insulation thickness 11% better blocks to light 52% better
aggregate from 25-50mm aggregate
P4 Party wall head Ψ = 0.24 Ψ = 0.02 – – Note very punitive – – – –
default value - Use
any modelled value
NOTES
NOTE: This Guide is not a legal document and does
not form part of a Building Regulations approved
specification. It is for information and good practice
purposes only. Consult your Building Control Officer
for details on approved specification’s and policy.

Published February 2016, version 1.2

Copyright © 2016 Zero Carbon Hub / C4Ci Ltd

Please contact Zero Carbon Hub if you wish to

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of this document
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