Energy conservation - thermal insulation

The thermal insulation performance of building materials or components can be measured in the laboratory.  Some of these tests and inspections are carried out in connection with certification and quality assurance such as for P-marking or type approval (see 'Thermal Insulation').
The application of loose-fill thermal insulation materials is measured in situ, in order to ensure that its thermal insulation performance is as intended.

Resources and methods

The thermal insulation performance (thermal conductivity) of thermal insulation materials, loose-fill insulation materials and other (non-metallic) materials can be measured.  SP has considerable experience of a wide range of materials, and can perform tests in accordance with many standards, for which it holds accreditation (see 'Thermal Insulation and Pipe Insulation').

The thermal insulation performance (U-value or thermal resistance) of building components, such as windows, doors, walls etc., can be measured in climate chambers, as described in more detail in the 'Thermal transmittance by the hot-box method' brochure.

The coefficient of thermal transmittance or U-value of a complete structure can be calculated in accordance with the following standards:

• EN ISO 10077-1 and -2
• EN 13947
• EN ISO 10211-1

Several different programs for calculating two-dimensional or three-dimensional heat flows are available.

Certified products

List of P-marked windows (in swedish)

Contact the respective certification bodies for lists of type-approved products.

Research

The EU 'Moist masonry project'.

Knowledge transfer

Several members of SP's staff are involved in the work of Swedish and European standards organisations on updating existing standards or drafting new standards.  This is a channel by which SP's knowledge can be kept up to date with the latest research and knowledge results.

Publications

• SP Report 1998:21 'The airtightness of buildings: the pressure method' (in swedish)
• SP Report 1995:08 'Thermal insulation materials. A data base of thermal conductivity' (in swedish)
• Calculation of U-values. Bygg & Teknik no. 8/1999 pp. 46-47. (in swedish)

Other properties

The following test methods, all of which have been accredited by SWEDAC, can be used for testing the hygrothermal properties of materials:

• Water absorption by immersion (SS-EN 1609 or SS-EN 12087)
• Water absorption by diffusion (SS-EN 12088)
• Dimensional stability under specified temperature and humidity conditions (EN 1604)
• Hygroscopic sorption properties (EN ISO 12571)
• Water vapour transmission properties (EN ISO 12572)

Why does condensation occur on surfaces?