Sometimes it feels like the success of a construction project depends on giving a quick answer to a complicated question. If you’ve ever watched a Proctor Group online webinar or round table event, you might have heard reference to the running joke about my favourite answer to technical questions; two simple words that do a lot of heavy lifting: “It depends.”
Building projects are complex. They are faced with time and cost pressures that demand answers yesterday to avoid delays in design or construction. And it’s precisely because of that complexity, and the potential for things to go wrong, that “it depends” might be the most important answer we can give. Sometimes, easy answers are possible, and the worst thing anybody giving technical advice can do is overcomplicate that which doesn’t need it. But there are plenty of occasions when this is not the case. Even in newbuild construction, where there should (theoretically) be more known quantities, the interactions between components in a build-up may not allow a straightforward answer.
That can be the result of over-engineering a build-up to make it more complicated than it needs to be. It can be due to poor advice from another party. Or it can be due to not having all the details needed to make a fully-informed judgement. Nowhere is that latter point better illustrated than in retrofit. Modifications made to buildings over decades can hide a host of surprises in the building fabric.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN DESIGN STAGE CALCULATION SERVICES
Many manufacturers, including Proctor Group, offer heat loss and condensation risk calculation services, usually based around the combined method for calculating thermal transmittance (as per BS EN ISO 6946), accompanied by simplified Glaser method condensation calculations (as per BS EN ISO 13788).
Condensation risk is linked to the complex topic of moisture movement in buildings. More detailed numerical simulation (as per BS EN 15026) analyses heat, vapour and moisture transfer through a building element. It gives an accurate measure of temperature, relative humidity and water content within the element. The most well-known form of numerical simulation is WUFI calculations.
While the Glaser method provides a simple pass/fail result, numerical simulation requires results to be analysed and understood. That can be a time-consuming process. But it’s vital to undertake deeper analysis in certain situations – especially traditional/ historic building fabric with solid wall constructions. That is why we offer WUFI calculations as an additional service, alongside U-value calculations and Glaser method analysis.
Simplified methods of assessing condensation risk are not appropriate in all scenarios, but that doesn’t stop some from issuing calculations anyway due to a lack of competence or awareness. It’s essential to work with a manufacturer who can properly guide you to, and provide, appropriate calculations.
DESIGN DECISIONS CAN MAKE LIFE EASIER
The ability to carry support through the design stage and on to site can make for better project outcomes. Longer-term, comprehensive support makes it more likely that design intent is realised in the finished, occupied building. Specifying products where the manufacturer can provide on-site support may help get the best out of the installation.
At Proctor Group, we offer toolbox talks to help contractors understand the fundamentals of products they might not be familiar with. Site observation reports also give contractors ongoing confidence that an installation is proceeding as necessary. Together, these two forms of site support back up the support provided through our calculation services.
ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS AT THE RIGHT TIME
Ultimately, whether we say “it depends” in answer to a technical question comes down to specificity. A general question asked about a specific project is impossible to answer without more detail, so...it depends. A question asked late in a project, when work on site depends on the answer, comes with a lot of context about what was designed in the first place and why. So again...it depends.
At Proctor Group we are happy to provide specific advice about whatever unique or complex scenario you encounter. And we can do that from design stage, including with supporting calculations, through to being on site. proctorgroup.com/support-and-services