FAQs

We would appreciate any feedback or suggested additional questions not covered in the following FAQ. Please get in touch if you’d like to make a suggestion.

nZEB & BER A2 Compliance

Does achieving NZEB compliance and an A2 Rating mean the same thing?

Often in achieving one, requirements to reach the other will be addressed, but nZEB and A2 rating are different measurements.

Is Altherm ICF compliant with NZEB / A2 requirements?

Yes. Both NZEB and A2 compliance refer to the completed house as a whole unit. Altherm ICF significantly contributes to enabling a building to easily meet the requirements for both NZEB compliance and an A2 Rating. Numerous NZEB compliant / A2 rated houses have been completed with Altherm ICF. More about Altherm ICF and compliance here.

Does Altherm ICF comply with Part L of the Build regulations 2019?

Yes. Altherm ICF will contribute to enabling a building to meet this requirement. Part L compliant houses have been completed with Altherm ICF.

Does the Altherm ICF need additional insulation to meet nZEB?

No. NZEB/A2 compliance refers to the completed house. It is necessary to carefully select all elements of the house, e.g. windows, roofs, heating system, etc. so that in combination, the build meets NZEB/A2 requirements.

What U-Values are produced with the Altherm ICF block?

U-values of 0.2W/m2/K or lower can be achieved, depending on the specific construction of the wall.

Do the U-Values fall within NZEB / A2 requirements?

NZEB/A2 compliance refers to the completed house. It is necessary to carefully select all elements of the house, e.g. windows, roofs, heating system etc. so that in combination, the build meets NZEB/A2 requirements. Altherm ICF will contribute to enabling a building to meet this requirement.

Airtightness, Thermal Bridging & Soundproofing

What are the Airtightness levels of Altherm ICF?

5m3/(h.m2) is given as a reasonable upper limit for air permeability. Altherm ICF is inherently airtight, and airtightness of less than 5m3/(h.m2) are easily achieved.

Does Altherm ICF fall within NZEB / A2 requirements? Including TGD Part F requirements for ventilation?

As mentioned above Altherm ICF is inherently airtight. Openings for adequate ventilation can be easily provided in the Altherm ICF wall construction. Mechanical ventilation systems can also be installed.

What is Thermal Bridging?

A thermal bridge is an area or detail of the building which has a higher thermal conductivity than surrounding areas – which means that heat leaking can occur in these areas (what areas, give examples). Thermal bridges or cold bridges if not adequately addressed in the design can contribute to the overall heat loss of the house, and also to the formation of condensation and mould on the internal surfaces.

How does Altherm ICF minimise Thermal Bridging?

Detailed thermal modelling and testing demonstrate that in utilising Altherm ICF’s unique, proprietary cavity closers thermal bridging around openings is kept to a minimum. Thermal modelling demonstrates Altherm ICF Thermal bridging Y-value is 0.04W/m2/K.

What is the Y-factor achieved by Altherm ICF?

Thermal bridging Y-value is 0.04W/m2/K. (Independent thermal modelling study).

What soundproof measurements does Altherm ICF achieve?

Airborne sound insulation levels of 57dB are regularly achieved by Altherm ICF which meet the TGD Part E requirements for airborne sound insulation in the walls (53dB).

Fire Safety

What is the fire safety rating of Altherm ICF?

Altherm ICF system can be designed to meet all of the requirements of fire safety concerning means of escape, the internal spread of flame (linings and structure) and the external spread of flame.

Installation of Altherm ICF

What skills do you need to use the Altherm ICF System?

Installation of ICF does not require a skilled trade. Typically 2 weeks of training is all that is necessary for an operative to become fully competent.

Do you need to use scaffolding when using the Altherm ICF system of the build?

For safety reasons, light scaffolding is recommended. Internal scaffolding is usually not required

Can Altherm ICF be erected in any weather?

Altherm ICF can be erected in any weather, although extra care may be required in the event of high winds.

In terms of health and safety, how does ICF compare to other construction methods?

Since Altherm ICF is lightweight (block weight) severity of risks of manual handling, material lifting, scaffold loading etc. are significantly reduced.

Get in Touch

If you’d like to talk to us about how Altherm ICF can help you make a positive impact on your building programme please get in touch:

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With established construction details and an end product that is essentially a very robust reinforced concrete wall, DBFL have found ICF to be construction method that is fast and economical and produces safe and durable structures.

Paul M. Forde Chairman, DBFL Consulting Engineers