Thermal bridging is a common issue in construction that can lead to significant heat loss, with some studies indicating it accounts for up to 30% of a building's total heat loss. This not only impacts energy efficiency but also increases heating costs and carbon emissions. One key area where thermal bridging often occurs is at the junction where walls meet floors. Traditional building materials struggle to address this, as insulation typically lacks the necessary load-bearing capabilities. Enter Marmox Thermoblock, an innovative solution designed to tackle this problem head-on.
What is a Thermal Bridge?
A thermal bridge, often referred to as a cold bridge, occurs in areas of a building where heat transfer is higher than in the surrounding materials. This can happen due to gaps in insulation or breaks in the continuity of the insulating layer. Common problem areas include junctions between walls and floors, corners, and around windows and doors. The result is increased energy loss, leading to higher heating bills and an uncomfortable indoor environment.
Introducing Marmox Thermoblock
Marmox Thermoblocks are load-bearing, insulating building blocks specifically designed to prevent heat loss at the base of masonry or timber/metal frame walls. By replacing just one layer of standard building blocks with Marmox Thermoblocks, and sealing the joints with Marmox MSP360 Adhesive & Sealant, you can significantly reduce thermal bridging at critical wall-to-floor junctions.
Key Benefits of Marmox Thermoblock
1. High Thermal Insulation:
Marmox Thermoblock is made from extruded polystyrene, a highly effective insulating material with a thermal conductivity of 0.05W/mK. This means they offer excellent thermal performance, helping to reduce 'y' values and overall heat loss when used at wall-to-floor junctions.
2. High Compressive Strength:
A major challenge in preventing thermal bridging at the base of walls is finding an insulating material that can also support the load of the wall above. Marmox Thermoblocks solve this problem with their ultra-high strength design, capable of withstanding loads of up to 9 newtons (9N/mm²). In many cases, they are even stronger than the concrete blocks they replace, making them a reliable solution for both insulation and structural support.
3. Waterproof:
Thanks to their closed-cell structure, Marmox Thermoblocks are completely impermeable to water. This makes them ideal for use in damp conditions without any loss of insulating properties. Not only do they reduce thermal bridging, but they also act as a moisture barrier, protecting your building from damp-related issues.
4. Compliance with Building Regulations:
Marmox Thermoblock meets all current UK and Irish building regulations, which state that "the building fabric should be continuous over the whole building envelope and constructed so that there are no reasonably avoidable thermal bridges in the insulation layers caused by gaps in the various elements." By bridging the gap between wall and floor insulation, Marmox Thermoblocks ensure compliance with these regulations and future-proof your building against proposed zero carbon regulations.
5. Not an Aircrete Thermal Block:
It’s important to note that Marmox Thermoblock is not the same as Aircrete thermal blocks. In fact, they are typically used to replace the bottom row of Aircrete blocks to prevent cold bridging at the critical wall/floor junction. This distinction is crucial for achieving the best thermal performance in your building.
6. Independently Assessed and Certified:
The performance of Marmox Thermoblock has been independently assessed and certified by the BRE (Building Research Establishment). Their thermal models, which cover several common wall/floor junction details, provide a series of psi values and surface condensation factors (fRSI) that can be used in SAP/SBEM energy assessments. This independent certification not only assures the quality and performance of Marmox Thermoblocks but also saves architects and designers time and money, as they can rely on pre-validated models instead of having to commission their own.
Applications of Marmox Thermoblocks
Marmox Thermoblocks are versatile and can be used in a variety of wall-to-floor junctions, including:
- Cavity Walls: Suitable for slab on ground, beam and block, and suspended timber frame constructions.
- Timber Frame Construction: Effective for both slab and suspended timber frame scenarios.
Whether you're working with masonry or timber frame walls, Marmox Thermoblock offers a reliable, high-performance solution to enhance your building's energy efficiency and meet the latest building standards.
Conclusion
Marmox Thermoblock represents a smart, efficient, and cost-effective solution for reducing thermal bridging in buildings. With their high thermal insulation, compressive strength, waterproof properties, and guaranteed compliance with building regulations, they offer a comprehensive answer to one of construction's most persistent problems. By integrating Marmox Thermoblocks into your next project, you can significantly improve energy efficiency, reduce heating costs, and contribute to a more sustainable built environment.
For more information or to place an order, visit Tile Fix Direct and explore how Marmox Thermoblocks can benefit your building project today!