With the Part L consultation period now concluded, the proposals are
still the subject of some debate within the building industry. One of the key issues surrounds
brick and block construction, but under the proposed amendments it is clear that the use of
Aircrete will continue to flourish. As a structural material, it possess inherent thermal
efficient qualities providing a significant proportion of the insulation needed to achieve
the increased performance under the requirements of the Part L proposals.
Building with Aircrete, particularly when using the more efficient Calculation Methods of
compliance, means that housebuilders and designers will be able to use the existing design
and construction details that have proved so effective in the past with minimal, if any changes
and without the need for thicker walls. The Part L requirements will continue to be achieved more cost
effectively with aircrete masonry construction than with timber or steel frame and without compromising
the size of the building footprint.
Currently the majority of new housing is built using aircete masonry, reflecting the versatility
and cost-effectiveness of this form of construction. It is also Egan-friendly - providing innovative
solutions such as the rapid-built thin joint system, it is easy to build with using widely available
skills and yielding minimal wastage, and it gives homeowners what they repeatedly state they want - the
solid feel of masonry walls.
Contact the APA to obtain a copy of their Guide to the Part L Consultation Document. It
contains practical guidance on how you can meet the requirements without making significant changes
to existing build methods.
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