The Ultrotherm internal insulation system
Ultrotherm is an internal insulation system for solid walls. It allows walls to be insulated without costly alterations to skirting boards, windows, covings and radiators.
Although only 12 mm thick, Ultrotherm typically reduces the heat loss though 9″ solid brick walls by 40%, creating a more comfortable living environment, reducing energy bills. Installing Ultrotherm can also reduce EPC ratings and help Landlords achieve a ‘C’ rating.
Ultrotherm meets Building Regulations for use where it is not functionally or technically possible to install thicker insulation systems.
Ultrotherm is supplied in convenient flexible tiles that allow it to be installed around awkward shapes and curves. With safety in mind, Ultrotherm has a “Class B” fire rating. Once applied, Ultrotherm is plastered to create a wall surface ready for decoration.
Ultrotherm has been independently tested by the following organisations
EPC
With a thermal resistance of 0.307 m2 K/W adding Ultrotherm internal insulation to a property with a Band D rating is likely to gain 2 to 4 SAP points on an EPC depending on the size of property and heating system.
Installing Ultrotherm insulation can therefore make a significant contribution to lifting a property from Band D to Band C as required by the Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) Regulations.
A Band D rated property typically sits between 55 and 68 EPC points. If a property lies in the upper range of Band D then Ultrotherm can lift it into Band C. If a property lies in the middle of the Band D range then additional measures will be required.
Thermal impact calculation
Existing wall: a 225mm solid brick wall typically has a R value of approximately 0.48 and a ‘U’ value of approximately 2.1 W/m2 K.
Insulated wall: adding Ultrotherm’s R value of 0.307 increases the total resistance to approximately 0.787 m2 K/W.
New ‘U’ value: following the installation of Ultrotherm, the ‘U’ value would reduce to approximately 1.2 W/m2 K.
Key considerations for EPC assessments
Documentary evidence: because Ultrotherm insulation may not be apparent to an EPC assessor, the assessor should be provided proof of the installation. Keep invoices, product data sheets and before and after photos.
RdSAP 10 updates: the latest assessment standard allows for more precise entries for insulation thickness starting from 10-12mm, rather than rounding down to zero as sometimes is the case in older versions.
