FOLLOWING updates to the NHBC standards, building products manufacturer Glidevale Protect has revealed it is supporting housebuilders, developers, architects and contractors with technical information and a range of compliant solutions.
The new NHBC Standards 2024 will apply to every new home registered with the NHBC where the foundations are started on or after January 1, 2024. They support the recent uplift to Building Regulation Part L and the proposed Future Homes Standard by offering new guidance on the use of integrated in-roof solar PV panels and associated ventilation strategies.
The Standards contain revisions to clause 7.2.15 ‘Ventilation, vapour control and insulation’ stipulating that where arrays of integrated in-roof solar roof panels are used, the whole roof covering should be treated as air impermeable unless the panel manufacturer is able to demonstrate their system is air permeable.
Glidevale Protect explained that the Standards subsequently reference ventilation guidance for impermeable roof coverings on both cold and warm roofs to require adherence to BS 5250: 2021 – Management of moisture in Buildings – Code of practice to help prevent the risk of condensation build up in the roof space.
The company’s range of type LR vapour permeable, air and vapour permeable and type HR impermeable underlay options can be used to support the installation of integrated, in-roof solar PV panels when utilised in conjunction with the manufacturer’s ventilation products on both cold and warm pitched roofs.
Glidevale Protect added that, using a ‘tried, tested and trusted’ underlay and ventilation solution ensures customers have choice when specifying products to be used on a development with solar PV. This includes the company’s new product innovation, Protect A1 Solar, a HR impermeable pitched roofing underlay. When used alongside the manufacturer’s high and low level ventilation products, the firm said the need for a ventilated counter batten space above the membrane is eliminated.
