ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN NEW HOUSING

Site practice for tradesmen

Windows and doors:

Insulating reveals

An increasingly common requirement with

improved standards of insulat ion is the
positioning of insulation at opening reveals,
behind subsills and within lintels. The
insulation is positioned at these locations to
reduce heat loss through these areas, and
prevent 'co ld spots' occurring on which
condensation can form,

Insulation may be either built in as the wall

construction proceeds, or manufactured
components fixed to window and door
frames prior to installation. Whichever
method has been specified, careful setting
out of the window/door frame will be
required to ensure a good fit for the various
components. Continuity of the insulation is
essential, and the dpc should also be
unbroken. Frame fixings should be installed
as specified.

To help ensure a successful installation and

good performance from the completed
instal lation, follow the points on the back of
this leaflet.

REMEMBER
Workmanship is one of the most
important factors in avoiding air
leakage

'f RA , , Workmanship is one of the most important factors in

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Enel'gJ Efficiency Office
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

BEST PRACTICE PROGRAMME

WINDOWS AND DOORS: INSULATING REVEALS
BEST PRACTICE ON SITE

POINTS TO FOLLOW

Establish setting out for the window/door frame in relation to the cavity closer
Maintain cavity width around openings, especially where manufactured
components are being installed
Use specified type and thickness of insulation
Use standard reveal blocks to return masonry

Build insulation into

the reveal, do not
push in after wall
completed

Install vertical dpc,

and ensure dpc
projects 25 mm
beyond insulation
into cavity

Insulation at a sill
location should be
supported on wall
ties, and should
extend the full height
of any subsill

Cut insulation batts

or boards to fit to toe
of lintel

Acknowledgements
The cooperation of the following organisations in the preparation of this Guide is gratefully acknowledged.
Building Employers Confederation, Energy Group North West (CIBSE. CIOB, RIBA. RICS), National House-Bui lding CounCil, Chartered Institute of Building,
DOE, BRE, Construction Industry Training Board, NBA Tectonics, Wimpey Environmental.

For further copies of this or other Best Practice programme publications please contact BRECSU and ETSU. HMSO. Dd.8390833, 8/94, e30, 38938
For buildings-related projects: Enquiries Bureau, BRECSU, Building Research Establishment, Garston, Watford, WD2 7JR. Tel 0923 664258. Fax 0923 664787.
For Industrial projects: Energy Efficiency Enquiries Bureau, ETSU, Harwel!, Ox:fordshire OX11 ORA. Tel 0235 436747. Telex 83135. Fax 0235 432923. Crown co ri ht Se tember 1993