Knauf Gets its KICCs!!

01 June 2007

Knauf Insulation, the UK's leading manufacturer of insulation products, is the only insulation manufacturer to offer a free online calculation suite designed to help the building and construction industry comply with the Building Regulations. What’s more, KICC (the Knauf Insulation Calculation Centre) includes the only free BRE approved SAP 2005 calculator available anywhere.

KICC has been specifically designed to simplify the process of demonstrating the compliance of a new dwelling with the Building Regulations relevant to conservation of heat and power in England and Wales (Part l1A) Scotland (Section 6) and Northern Ireland (Part F). Each location requires subtly different versions of SAP 2005 which results in differing outputs. The SAP 2005 Tool contained in the KICC has BRE approved versions for all three locations. The suite already has over 2,000 registered users with their own account which enables them to access their work from any computer connected to the internet.

The tools are simple to use. For instance all the information to complete a preliminary assessment using the Model Design Calculator for Housing can be inputted in only 15 ‘mouse’ clicks taking an average of just two minutes to arrive at a working draft specification.

KICC currently consists of three functioning elements and one in production; the first is the only free BRE approved SAP 2005 calculation tool for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and soon Scotland. The tool performs the TER DER calculation that is a fundamental requirement of the Part L1A (F1 in Northern Ireland and Section 6 in Scotland) of compliance with Building Regulations.

The second tool, the Model Design Calculator for Housing, provides an early compliance check for new build houses at concept stage and requires minimal information. This tool takes into account the performance specification for each factor that will have an influence over the carbon dioxide emissions from the proposed dwelling, meaning the user only needs to enter information regarding total floor area, building type, fuel type, efficiency of heating system and type of construction for the walls, roof and floors. The tool is able to make a prediction to complete a TER/DER calculation for all factors that impact on the finished construction, which enables plans to be modified if needed. A full draft specification can then be printed out.

The third tool is the KICC HVAC Calculator, which allows designers of HVAC systems complete heat loss calculations from pipes and vessels. This will enable them to comply to both the Domestic Heating Compliance Guide and the Non-Domestic Heating, Cooling and Ventilation Compliance Guide.

Also in development is the KICC Elemental U-value Calculator which enables users to complete U-value calculations for walls, roofs and floors in line with Building Regulations. To make it as easy as possible to use, the calculator will be fully loaded with the details of standard construction materials and other components such as airspaces, that contribute to the overall U-value of a structure.

Stephen Wise, technical development manager at Knauf Insulation, said: “The industry looks to market leading manufacturers such as ourselves to provide advice and support on how to comply with the regulations. At Knauf Insulation we offer a range of support services including free to use guidance documents on how to comply. All are available from our website at www.knaufinsulation.co.uk or by calling our Technical Advisory Centre on 01744 76 66 66.”

Editor's Notes:

MIMA

Knauf Insulation are proud to be members of the Mineral Wool Insulation Manufacturers Association MIMA

© KNAUF INSULATION