BCOs hold the key to insulation choices

Survey by Web Dynamics says over 60 percent of builders believe that Building Control Officers are still the most important party in influencing the type of insulation used in loft conversions.

Survey by Web Dynamics, manufacturers of TLX (formerly Thinsulex) insulation.

Ranked above architects, the customer and their own views, Building Control Officers continue to have the final say regarding the choice of insulation for a project.

The research carried out last month (March) highlights how builders and loft converters also rely on word of mouth to gain information about new products - including colleagues, merchants and distributors, Building Control Officers and Architects.

Builders and loft converters are also turning to the Internet to do their research with almost 60 percent using websites for business purposes to locate specific information including U-values and other technical data, cost and application.

The research, commissioned by Web Dynamics to assess opinions and usage in the market of multi-foil insulation, was carried out amongst a range of UK builders and loft converters.

Of those surveyed, 50 percent have already used multi-foils in an installation and around half use this type of insulation frequently.

The main reason sited for use of multi-foils is speed and ease of installation which was mentioned by 69 percent of those using the product.

The view of multi-foils was positive with 80 percent giving a favourable or neutral comment about the product.

Where there are concerns they tend to surround issues of approvals and acceptance by Building Control Officers.

Having BBA Certification was also rated highly scoring 8.6 out of 10.

The findings come at a time when multi-foils are growing in popularity in the market place although inconsistencies and confusion about their application still exist.

Web Dynamics managing director Nick Searle said:" The research re-enforces our thoughts and understanding of the market".

"The importance of ensuring products are properly tested and certified cannot and should not be overlooked and seems to be at the root of most concerns".

""We hope that the new technical guidance note from the LABC for Building Control Officers about the use of multi-foils will lead to greater agreement on their use and present the end user with clearer direction about their suitability for installations".

"TLX remains the original multi-foil to gain BBA Certification and NHBC acceptance and is still the only hot box certified multi-foil".

"We advocate the use of our multi-foils, and always have done, as part of an insulation solution in conjunction with other materials".

"Using the TLX range in this way ensures that the normal roof U-value requirement of 0.2 will be achieved".

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