Tarmac launches blocks U-value calculator

To help enable accurate calculation of the thermal efficiency of buildings prior to starting a project, Tarmac, the UK’s leading sustainable building materials and construction solutions business, has launched an online blocks U-value calculator from its blocks division.

The easy-to-use interactive tool is designed to help architects, specifiers and housebuilders to calculate the thermal performance of varying combinations of insulation and blocks, including aircrete and aggregate blocks.

The calculator takes into account wall configuration, internal and external finishes, insulations, as well as internal and external masonry leaf options, to give those involved in building projects, a more detailed assessment of the thermal performance of the wall they are proposing. Furthermore, images and descriptions for each aspect of the wall’s build provide extra clarity, with a final representation of the wall’s structure shown at the end of the process.

Alan Peters, Technical Sales Manager for Tarmac’s Blocks Division, comments: “With the focus always on reducing energy bills, ensuring thermal efficiency is a key concern at the design stage of any building project. With lots of information available, it can be a complicated process for architects, specifiers, and housebuilders.

"Our blocks U-value calculator will help to simplify this process in order to promote the construction of more thermally efficient buildings. What’s more, users are given added flexibility with the ability to mix and match different block types in the same wall.

“The calculator takes into account protocols and official guidance on blocks U-value calculation, providing honest and accurate results, but should be used for guidance purposes only. Before any build we advise obtaining an official blocks U-value assessment from a trained assessor at Tarmac.”