In the UK, building regulations are becoming increasingly stringent in recent years, especially when it comes to energy efficiency and fire safety. Paired with the tightening environmental performance standards and the rising cost of building commercial properties, future proofing commercial buildings is no longer a luxury but an absolute necessity.
Choosing the right materials can make a huge difference when it comes to meeting today’s standards, as well as for making sure the commercial builds last, remain safe and secure for everyone using them, and continue to run smoothly for many years to come. Read on to learn more about how to meet your sustainability goals by choosing durable, compliant materials.
Wall Construction
Walls help to keep buildings safe, warm, and quiet. Whilst traditional bricks and concrete blocks are still popular due to their strength and fire resistance, modern material choices such as timber are becoming more common due to their sustainability.
When combined with advanced building techniques, timber buildings achieve far better energy ratings than brick or concrete buildings. Timber building materials are also more environmentally friendly due to wood being a renewable material and the production process creating less carbon emissions than traditional materials. Using these materials can help buildings to meet green building standards like BREEAM.
Roofing
Roofs take the brunt of our changeable British weather, so picking the right material is key. To be compliant, roofing materials must follow UK rules about things like fire safety, strength, and insulation and should be approved for use in the UK. To be durable, it should be weatherproof by keeping rain, snow, and wind out and keeping the heat in.
Slate roofing is a popular choice due to its exceptional durability and fire resistance, with clay tiles following shortly after as a more affordable but slightly lower performance option. Alternatively, for flat roofs, EPDM rubber roofing is often used due to it being extremely lightweight, tough, and very quick and easy to install. More environmentally friendly choices will last longer and require fewer repairs over time, making them a better choice.
Finishings
High quality commercial grade paints are more durable and offer better resistance to wear and moisture, making them ideal for high traffic areas such as corridors, offices, and healthcare settings. Paints with low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) will be the best choice for complying with environmental standards and improving indoor air quality.
Meanwhile, your choice of flooring must be capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic, equipment, and regular cleaning without showing early signs of wear. Materials such as safety vinyl, ceramic tiles, and commercial grade carpet tiles are popular for their strength and ease of maintenance. In terms of compliance, flooring must also meet UK safety standards, including slip resistance and fire safety regulations.
Cables and Wiring
Installing cables in a new building is a significant undertaking, so it’s imperative to choose durable and compliant cables from the beginning to avoid the extensive undertaking that would be required to redo this wiring.
When choosing your cables, carefully consider your required voltage and the flexibility you need in your cable. A flexible cable is definitely better than a solid cable as it makes the laying of cables easy, convenient, and productive. Also, the power handling capacity of the cable should meet the commercial requirements you have, as a cable with a lower power handling capacity than you need can quickly become problematic.
If you require help selecting and sourcing cables for your commercial build, a cable manufacturer in the UK will be able to offer you tailored advice and assist you with choosing and procuring the ideal cables and wiring for your needs.
Windows and Glazing
Windows have a significant impact on energy use, comfort, and security within a commercial space. The choice of material for windows and glazing is key to ensuring a commercial build is energy efficient and is a safe and comfortable environment. Choosing compliant glazing that meets safety and fire regulations is also crucial. Investing in quality windows will help you to remain compliant with the relevant rules and regulations that relate to them and will improve the building’s overall environmental performance and usability in the years ahead.
High-performance glazing with good thermal insulation will help to reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, cutting energy bills and lowering the building’s carbon footprint. Also, durable frames made from materials like aluminium or treated timber offer long lasting resistance to weathering and require minimal maintenance.
Exterior Cladding
Exterior cladding protects the building from weather, adds to its look, and improves energy efficiency. Choosing robust, weather resistant cladding materials like fibre cement, brick, or metal panels ensures the commercial building stands strong against rain, wind, and temperature changes.
Cladding that meets UK fire safety regulations is imperative for protecting both the commercial property and any people nearby or inside of it. Plus, materials that are proven to be safe and durable will require less maintenance and reduce any long-term costs, as well as improving insulation and supporting green building standards, making it a smart choice for lasting commercial builds.
