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Roadstone 7.5 N Thermal Liteblock is manufactured in Ireland, achieving Thermal conductivity (Lambda λ) values less than 0.33 W/mK, using a special mix which includes light weight aggregates. This mix produces a concrete block with excellent insulation properties, while maintaining structural strength and allowing for traditional construction methods to be used.
The Roadstone Thermal Liteblock system combines the Roadstone Thermal Liteblock with the Roadstone concrete block range, which when used in accordance with the Acceptable Construction Details (ACDs), achieves psi values equal to or better than the standards set out in Technical Guidance Document (TGD) Part L 2019.
Roadstone has thermally modelled all relevant details in appendix D of TGD L 2019. From this extensive research Roadstone are now in a position to provide detail solutions that comply fully with psi value requirements outlined in TGD L 2019- Appendix D.
WINNER Best Interior Building Product – RIAI Architecture Choice Awards
WINNER Best New Product Innovation – Irish Build & Design Awards
WINNER Construction Product of the Year – Irish Construction Industry Awards
Features
Only required in key locations.
Robust and durable concrete block available in both 7.5 N/mm2and 13N/mm2
Unique in colour to enable traceability on site. Photographic recording of the Thermal Liteblock built on site can then form evidence of compliance for the Assigned Certifier, Architects, Engineers and BER assessors
Excellent thermal conductivity (Lambda λ) value of 0.33 W/mK for 7.5N, 0.35 W/mK for 13N, which is a 300% improvement when compared to standard blocks.
CE marked– manufactured to the requirements of I.S. EN 771-3 to System 2+
Provides excellent adhesive properties with traditional mortars and renders
When a full building specific (y) factor calculation is carried out using the psi values incorporating the Roadstone Thermal Liteblock, improved (y) factor as low as .03 can be achieved
Benefits
The thermal mass integrity of the building is maintained when using Roadstone Thermal Liteblock in conjunction with the Roadstone Concrete Block range
The Thermal Liteblock system is a very cost effective solution and can result in significant savings in the overall build cost
Roadstone can provide Standard Construction Details which are proven to comply with the psi value requirements and facilitates ease of compliance with TGD L 2019
Reduced Thermal Bridging resulting in reduced heat loss, and lower heating bills
Suits traditional construction methods familiar to Irish and UK designers and builders
Improved (y) factor calculations are achieved when using the Roadstone Thermal Liteblock system
Compliant U values are achieved without having to provide a cavity in excess of 150mm
Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB)
NZEB and Part L compliance using Thermal Liteblock
Nearly Zero Energy Building(NZEB) means a building that has a very high energy performance, as determined in accordance with Annex I. The nearly zero or very low amount of energy required should be covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources, including energy from renewable sources produces on site or nearby.
The NZEB standard as set out in TGD L 2017 Buildings other than dwellings applies to works from 1st January 2019 (subject to transitional arrangements). For Public Sector bodies, NZEB applies from 31st December 2018.
In order to achieve NZEB compliance, it means that buildings will require improved Fabric Efficiency, which can be assisted through the use of Roadstone’s Thermal Liteblock system.
Block Range
Thermal Bridging Details
Download the full range of Technical Drawings. Files are compatible with Autocad 2013 and newer.
Cavity Wall u2013 full and partial fill insulation
This case study will show cost savings using Roadstone Thermal Liteblock with Roadstone’s Y value calculation service to reduce the Y value at key junctions within a typical A2 rated semi-detached house.
What are the benefits to using the Roadstone Thermal Liteblock System in a low energy building, and what is the impact on the Building Energy Rating (BER) results?
To demonstrate the benefits, we need to be clear on what thermal bridging is, and the difference between U value, thermal conductivity (Lambda λ) value, psi (ᴪ) values and how psi (ᴪ) values are used to calculate the overall (y) factor for a building. All of these parametres are used in the Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) in Ireland, to calculate the overall heat loss through the building fabric.
What is Thermal Bridging?
Thermal bridging is a localised area of the building envelope where the heat flow is increased in comparison with that of adjacent areas, due to junctions where insulation is not continuous. Thermal bridges are weaknesses in the building envelope where thermal energy is transferred at an increased rate compared to the surrounding area. Thermal Bridging is first measured by calculating the psi(ᴪ) value of each junction (see below explanation for psi(ᴪ) value. The sum of the psi(ᴪ) values are then multiplied by the lengths of the bridged junctions, these figures are then used to calculate the overall Thermal Bridging Factor (y value) for any given building. Thermal bridging occurs in 3 different ways: 1. Repeating (e.g. timber studs with insulation between, at fixed distance centres): Because this type of bridging is constant, the effects of a repeating thermal bridge can be accounted for in a U value calculation. 2. Random (e.g. one off cold bridge due to penetration of the insulation layer, such as a balcony support bracket, metre box etc). 3. Non-repeating (e.g. Junctions between floors and walls, walls and roofs, window jambs and heads). Cold bridging at these junctions occurs where the insulation layer is interrupted by non-insulating materials, and heat loss in these areas can lead to reduced surface temperatures causing interstitial and surface condensation to occur.
Thermal bridging occurs in 3 different ways:
Repeating (e.g. timber studs with insulation between, at fixed distance centres):
Because this type of bridging is constant, the effects of a repeating thermal bridge can be accounted for in a U value calculation.
Random (e.g. one off cold bridge due to penetration of the insulation layer, such as a balcony support bracket, metre box etc).
3. Non-repeating (e.g. Junctions between floors and walls, walls and roofs, window jambs and heads). Cold bridging at these junctions occurs where the insulation layer is interrupted by non-insulating materials, and heat loss in these areas can lead to reduced surface temperatures causing interstitial and surface condensation to occur.
What is a Lambda (λ) value?
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY (W/mK)
A Lambda value (λ) is a measure of the rate of heat flow through a material (fig 3). It will vary with density, porosity, moisture content and temperature of the material. The units of Thermal Conductivity are expressed in watts per metre
of thickness per degree Kelvin of temperature difference from one side of the material to the other. The lower the number, the less heat passes through the material.
What is an R Value?
THERMAL RESISTANCE (m2 K/W)
The R- Value is a measure of the resistance to heat flow of a given thickness of a material (fig 4) or combination of materials, i.e. building plane elements such as a wall, roof or floor.
To calculate the Thermal Resistance (R) of a material, divide the thickness (d) of material by its
The Thermal Transmittance (U value) relates to a building plane element (wall, roof, floor), and is a measure of the rate at which heat passes through one square metre of all of the components combined to make up that structure (fig. 5). The
U value is measured in W/m2K (Watts per square metre Kelvin), where Kelvin (K) is the unit of temperature difference across the elements from inside to outside. A U value = 1 divided by the sum of all the thermal resistances of each component in the structure combined, i.e. 1 / Σ (R) = U.
What is a psi value?
(W/mK)
The psi value (ᴪ) is the amount of heat (Watts) lost at a thermal bridge, for every linear metre
(m) of that bridge, multiplied by the temperature difference between outside and inside (degrees Kelvin (K)). The psi value represents the extra heat flow through the linear thermal bridge over and above that through the adjoining plane elements. The psi value figures for any given junction are multiplied by the lengths of those Junctions to calculate the buildings y factor. A psi value for a junction is calculated using 2D and 3D thermal modelling, in accordance with various standards such as BR497, BRE IP 1/06, I.S. EN ISO 6946
I.S. EN ISO 10211, I.S. EN ISO 13370 depending on the junction type.
What is a (y) factor?
The DEAP calculation accounts for thermal bridging at junctions between elements and around The DEAP calculation accounts for thermal bridging at junctions between elements and around openings using a (y) factor. When linear thermal transmittance psi (ᴪ) values are available for openings using a (y) factor. When linear thermal transmittance psi (ᴪ) values are available for element junctions, the psi values can be multiplied by the lengths (l) of their respective junctions element junctions, the psi values can be multiplied by the lengths (l) of their respective junctions (ᴪ X l), and the sum of all the (psi X l) figure is then divided by the total area of building envelope (ᴪ X l), and the sum of all the (psi X l) figure is then divided by the total area of building envelope containing thermal bridging, to calculate the (y). Roadstone can now provide details* and containing thermal bridging, to calculate the (y). Roadstone can now provide details* and corresponding psi values, in line with Paragraph 3 of Appendix K of the DEAP Manual below:
ROADSTONE 13N THERMAL LITEBLOCK:
DURABILITY & S.R. 325
The Roadstone Thermal Liteblock is now available in 13N. This increased strength Roadstone Thermal Liteblock is ideal for use in commercial and high-rise residential buildings which have greater structural requirements as well as locations below or near ground level requiring increased durability against freeze/thaw attack. The Roadstone 13N Thermal Liteblock has been rigorously tested for freeze/thaw resistance and satisfies all the durability requirements of S.R. 325 Table 14(A). The Roadstone 13N Thermal Liteblock is a CE marked product, manufactured in our state-of-the-art plant under a registered Quality Management System to I.S. EN ISO 9001 and certified by the NSAI.
I.S. EN COMPLIANCE
Concrete blocks in Ireland are produced to I.S.
EN 771-3 ‘Specification for masonry units – Part
3: Aggregate concrete masonry units (Dense and lightweight aggregates)’. The standard states that when a suitable layer of render is applied which provides a “complete protection against water penetration no reference to freeze/thaw resistance is required”. For this reason there is no concrete block
freeze/thaw resistance EN in place. The standard also states that when relevant “the manufacturer shall evaluate and declare the freeze/thaw resistance of the units by reference to the provisions valid in the intended place of use”. This means it is up to the manufacturer to decide on a suitable freeze/thaw resistance test procedure.
S.R. 325 COMPLIANCE
S.R. 325 Table 14 sets out the durability requirements for clay and aggregate concrete masonry units for given exposure conditions. For work below or near external ground level where there is a high risk of saturation with freezing a 13N aggregate concrete block is specified. A minimum block density is also indicated. This combination of higher strength
and density satisfies the freeze/thaw durability requirements without the need for costly freeze/ thaw resistance testing. To confirm its suitability for use in these severe exposure conditions the Roadstone 13N Thermal Liteblock has undergone freeze/thaw resistance testing as outlined below.
FREEZE/THAW RESISTANCE
The Roadstone 13N Thermal Liteblock has been tested for freeze/thaw resistance using an in-house method based on I.S. EN 772-22 ‘Determination of freeze/thaw resistance
of clay masonry units’. Clay masonry units are typically unrendered and exposed to the elements and therefore require a higher level of freeze/thaw resistance. The test takes
12 days to complete and subjects a saturated masonry panel to 100 cycles of freezing to -15°C and thawing to +10°C, while spraying with water at regular intervals throughout. This is a severe and robust test method and far exceeds the typical freeze/thaw durability requirements of masonry units in Ireland. The Roadstone 13N Thermal Liteblock proved to be exceptionally durable to freeze/thaw attack. Based on the criteria outlined in I.S. EN 772-22 the Roadstone 13N Thermal Liteblock can be classified as Freeze/Thaw Resistance Category F2 (suitable for use in severe exposure conditions) and therefore satisfies the freeze/thaw durability requirements of S.R. 325 Table 14(A).
ADVANTAGES
Traditional concrete block
Light weight
Reduced thermal bridging
λ< 0.33W/mK
High strength
Freeze/thaw resistance tested
S.R. 325 Table 14(A) durability compliant
Retains strength when wet
Accepts standard block fixings
FAQs
1. What is a Roadstone Thermal Liteblock?
A lightweight concrete block with an excellent thermal conductivity (Lambda λ) value as low as 0.33W/mk.
2. What is the strength, weight and size of the block ?
Compressive Strength 7.5N/mm2
Weight 11.2kg
Dimensions 440mm(L) x 100mm(W) x 215mm(H)
3. What is the thermal conductivity (Lambda λ) value of Thermal Liteblock
The 7.5N Thermal Liteblock value is 0.33W/mk.
The 13N Thermal Liteblock value is 0.35W/mk
4. What is Part L of the Building Regulations?
The requirements regarding conservation of fuel and energy for new dwellings are laid out in Building Regulations (Part L Amendment) Regulations 2019 including the limitation of thermal bridging in the building fabric.
5. What is fabric first approach?
Energy efficient design begins with a fabric first approach whereby the buildings shape, orientation, thermal mass and a focus on detailing that limits thermal bridging will save energy.
6. What is a Y factor calculation ?
The DEAP calculation accounts for thermal bridging at junctions between building plane elements and around openings using a (y) factor.
7. What is a thermal bridge ?
Thermal bridging is a localised area of the building envelope where the heat flow is increased in comparison with that of adjacent areas due to the discontinuation of insulation at building junctions.
8. Where do I use Roadstone Thermal Liteblocks ?
The Roadstone Thermal Liteblock is required at key junctions to provide reductions in thermal bridging and heat loss.
9. Do I need to use a special mortar / plaster ?
Roadstone Thermal Liteblock provides excellent adhesive properties with traditional mortars and renders.
10. Is the Roadstone Thermal Liteblock CE marked?
The Roadstone Thermal Liteblock is CE marked in accordance with the requirements of I.S. EN771-3 to system 2+.
11. Where can I get technical info on Thermal Liteblocks?
Roadstone has a dedicated technical team to deal with enquiries on the requirements Part L of the Building Regulations and our solution- Thermal Liteblock.
Contact 01-4041200
12. How will I get the construction details for my house ?
Please contact our technical team to discuss your building project and to access certified construction details.
Colin Doyle – 01 404 1200
13. How can I identify the Thermal Liteblocks during construction?
Roadstone Thermal Liteblock is heather in colour to facilitate easier identification and inspection.
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