Thermal Insulation and Energy Efficiency

Per EPBD and national energy 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 minimize thermal bridging per EN ISO 10211.

1. Verify insulation material and thickness match 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 properly fixed (mechanical fixings, adhesive, or both)

5. Use thermal imaging 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

- Wrong insulation type for the application (moisture sensitivity)

Per EPBD, roofs typically require U-values of 0.10–0.20 W/m²K and ground floors 0.15–0.25 W/m²K (varies by climate and national regulation). Vapour control layers must be on the warm side of insulation per EN ISO 13788 to prevent interstitial condensation.

1. Verify roof insulation thickness and material match design

2. Check vapour control layer is installed on the warm side and continuous

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

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

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

- Insulation missing or thin at eaves and roof edges

- Vapour barrier punctured by services or fixings

- Floor insulation crushed under heavy loads before slab pour

- Thermal bridge at roof parapet or wall plate

Per EPBD and EN 13829, building airtightness must be tested using a blower door test. 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.

1. Verify airtightness membrane/barrier 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. Conduct blower door test per EN 13829 — result must meet target n50 value

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

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

- Window and door frames not properly sealed to air barrier

- Blower door test fails due to unsealed penetrations

- MVHR not commissioned or filters not accessible for maintenance