To ensure NZ homes are energy efficient, clause H1 of the New Zealand Building Code calls upon NZS 4214:2006 to determine the thermal resistance of building elements. An integral aspect to this standard is that it requires designers to factor in the effects that the roof and wall framing will have on thermal bridging.

Thermal bridging occurs when there is a weakness in the thermal envelope of a building causing heat to travel or be lost through building materials. Effectively insulating problem areas can result in achieving optimal thermal comfort and energy efficiency. This can be done by installing a continuous layer of insulation as it eliminates gaps in the building envelope, removes thermal bridging and reduces heat transfer. The more continuous the insulation is, the better overall thermal performance of the home.

Insulating and thermally isolating the building elements of homes ensures the risk of condensation occurring is reduced, so choosing the right insulation is key. It is important to select an insulation that is suitable for the climate zone and compliant with the New Zealand Building Code. Furthermore, ensuring the home is well ventilated will also assist in lowering the build-up of moisture.

Maximising the available space within a home or apartment is also essential and can be a critical factor when designing social housing developments. With that, it is important to choose an insulation that won’t eat into the indoor space. Selecting an insulation with a slim profile provides the homeowner with a more efficient use of space as it reduces wall thickness, manages the effects of thermal bridging and decreases energy costs.

Kingspan Kooltherm K17 insulated plasterboard offers the perfect solution. Kooltherm K17 combines a high-performing thermoset phenolic insulation foam with a standard plasterboard sheet as a single bonded insulated plasterboard. K17 installs similar to a plasterboard, has almost twice the thermal performance of a standard batt and is extremely easy to work with. Using Kooltherm K17 as a continuous layer of insulation helps eliminate the effects of thermal bridging, reducing the risk of condensation occurring while maximising the space available.

Kooltherm K17 insulated plasterboard is a CodeMark certified product with a number of key benefits for social housing projects:

• K17 has almost twice the thermal performance of a standard batt
• K17 is 30% faster to install than conventional insulated stud and frame systems
• K17 helps eliminate thermal bridging.