The publication of the Future Homes Standard (FHS) has accelerated the industry’s shift towards low carbon, fabric-first design, with new regulations becoming mandatory for all newbuild homes constructed after March 2028. As the sector prepares for this step change, Glidevale Protect is already supporting specifiers and contractors with a well-established range of roofing and building envelope solutions designed to support conformance.
ROOFING UNDERLAYS DESIGNED FOR SOLAR INTEGRATION AND FHS COMPLIANCE
A key feature of the FHS is the expectation that most new homes in England will incorporate solar PV. This requirement places greater emphasis on selecting the right roofing underlay and ventilation strategy, particularly where integrated in-roof solar PV systems are used.
Current NHBC Standards state that where in-roof solar PV arrays are installed, the entire roof covering should be treated as air impermeable. This has a direct impact on the ventilation approach required when this is combined with the selection of a pitched roofing underlay. In line with BS 5250, the code of practice for managing moisture in buildings, roofing membranes and ventilation strategies must be fully compliant and carefully matched to the roof design.
At Glidevale Protect, we can offer a comprehensive choice of pitched roofing underlays, including type LR (low resistance) vapour permeable, air and vapour permeable and type HR (high resistance) impermeable options. At the forefront is Protect A1 Solar, a heavy-duty type HR impermeable membrane ideally suited for use with integrated solar PV roofing systems on both cold and warm pitched roofs.
A1 Solar is designed to be installed without the requirement for additional counter battening when used in accordance with our guidance, supporting full compliance with BS 5250, making it a time and cost saving solution for contractors. All Glidevale Protect roofing underlays are also supported by a 15-year product warranty when used as part of a system with our high and low level roofing ventilation products.
Our technical team can provide project specific ventilation strategy guidance and condensation risk analysis, helping contractors and specifiers identify the correct combination of underlay and ventilation products for roofs featuring in-roof solar PV.
Reflective membranes that enhance fabric efficiency and airtightness Alongside renewable energy integration, the FHS places equal importance on improving the energy efficiency and airtightness of the building fabric, balanced against appropriate ventilation. Achieving the required U-values will demand careful specification of reflective membranes and airtightness layers within the wall build up to help deliver added thermal enhancement.
Our reflective external and internal wall membranes play a central role in supporting this fabric first approach. Protect TF200 Thermo and Thermo Extreme provide reflective, insulating performance on the cold side of the insulation, with Thermo Extreme offering enhanced W1 watertightness for exposed locations.
Internally, Protect VC Foil Ultra delivers low emissivity air and vapour control (AVCL) and, when used with an external wall reflective breather membrane with still airspaces or ‘low e’ cavities, can help to improve overall wall U-values and enhance energy efficiency and heat conservation. Protect FrameFoil FR, a reflective AVCL which has a Class A2 s1, d0 reaction to fire classification, may also be considered where a combination of fire rated performance and thermal efficiency is required.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR ROOF DESIGNS AND WALL BUILD UPS
A key way manufacturers can support contractors is to ensure the information they provide is accurate, transparent and readily available. By sharing roof designs and wall build ups early, our technical team can provide tailored guidance, whether through roofing ventilation strategy advice or U-value calculations where the use of reflective wall membranes can help meet the more onerous FHS targets. Meeting the Future Homes Standard will be a team effort across the industry, and Glidevale Protect is ready to play its part. www.glidevaleprotect.com