Thermal Insulation and Energy Efficiency

In accordance with the EPBD and national energy efficiency regulations, external walls must achieve the required U-value (typically 0.15-0.30 W/m2K for new buildings, varying by climate zone). Insulation products must comply with EN 13162-EN 13171. Continuous insulation must minimise thermal bridges per EN ISO 10211. CTE DB HE 1 establishes thermal transmittance limit values for each climate zone in Spain.

1. Verify insulation material and thickness match the energy calculation

2. Check insulation is continuous — no gaps at junctions, corners or around openings

3. Inspect for thermal bridges at structural elements (columns, beams, balconies)

4. Verify insulation is correctly fixed (mechanical fixings, adhesive or both)

5. Use infrared thermography to detect missing insulation or thermal bridges

- Insulation gaps at wall-floor junctions creating thermal bridges

- Balcony connections without thermal break elements

- Insulation compressed or displaced during installation

- Incorrect insulation type for the application (moisture sensitivity)

In accordance with the EPBD, roofs typically require U-values of 0.10-0.20 W/m2K and ground floors 0.15-0.25 W/m2K (varying by climate and national regulations). Vapour barriers must be placed on the warm side of the insulation per EN ISO 13788 to prevent interstitial condensation. CTE DB HE 1 establishes specific requirements for each climate zone in Spain.

1. Verify roof insulation thickness and material against design

2. Check vapour barrier is on the warm side and continuous

3. Inspect insulation at eaves, edges and around roof penetrations

4. Verify floor insulation is correctly positioned (above or below slab)

5. Check for thermal bridges at wall-roof and wall-floor junctions

- Missing or insufficient insulation at eaves and roof edges

- Vapour barrier punctured by services or fixings

- Floor insulation crushed under heavy loads before slab casting

- Thermal bridge at roof parapet or wall plate

In accordance with the EPBD and EN 13829, building airtightness must be verified by pressurisation test (blower door). Typical requirement: air change rate <=3.0 h-1 at 50 Pa (n50) for new buildings, <=0.6 h-1 for passive houses. Controlled ventilation must be provided per EN 15251 to ensure indoor air quality while maintaining energy efficiency. CTE DB HE 1 and CTE DB HS 3 establish airtightness and ventilation requirements for buildings in Spain.

1. Verify that the air barrier membrane is continuous around the building envelope

2. Check sealing at all penetrations (pipes, cables, ducts) through the air barrier

3. Inspect sealing at window and door frames

4. Perform pressurisation test (blower door) per EN 13829 — result must meet the target n50 value

5. Verify that mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) is installed and commissioned

- Air barrier not continuous — gaps at junctions and service penetrations

- Window and door frames not correctly sealed to the air barrier

- Pressurisation test failure due to unsealed penetrations

- MVHR not commissioned or filters not accessible for maintenance