MKM has released its own online U-Value Calculator to help installers and consumers with insulation projects to improve buildings' energy performance.

Users of the MKM U-Value Calculator, which helps to determine the rate of heat loss through a building's envelope, will get a clear picture as to the best materials they can use to improve insulation, according to the company. 

Users can select the area of the building they wish to insulate – such as roof, external wall or floor – before breaking that down into a subsection and choosing options within those parameters.  

The lower the U-value, the better the thermal performance of the building envelope. 

Unlike other U-Value calculators available, MKM’s solution incorporates materials from a variety of sources, providing users with a greater variety of insulation options to choose from.  

The U-Value Calculator’s key purpose is to help ascertain how a rating can reach levels suitable for compliance with Government legislation – much of which is expected to become more stringent over the coming months and years.  

Amendments to the Building Regulations (Part L and Part F) will see stricter building and infrastructure standards enforced from June 2023 to ensure that both older and new buildings are more energy efficient and do not contribute to climate change.   

The Future Homes Standard, which will require new build homes to be future-proofed with low carbon heating and world-leading levels of energy efficiency, will be introduced by 2025.  

Frank Brown, Product Manager at MKM, said: “Using a U-value calculator can be a valuable tool for builders, architects, and homeowners to ensure that a building is energy efficient, comfortable, and compliant with building regulations. 

“A building with good thermal performance will be more comfortable for occupants and can lead to significant cost savings in the long-term, both in terms of energy bills and overall maintenance costs. 

“The calculator can also help identify areas of the building where improvements can be made to increase energy efficiency.  

“The MKM U-Value Calculator has different options for materials which are all available to purchase from MKM, backed up by our experts in branch who will be happy to provide further support.”