Design Considerations
Thermal performance
Building Regulations do not impose any requirement for the thermal performance of agricultural buildings. Table 19 shows the recommended U-values for walls and roofs of agricultural buildings given in BS 5502.
Table 19 Recomended U-values (W/m2K) for agricultural buildings
|
Roofs |
Walls |
| Heated piggeries1 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
| Unheated piggeries1 |
0.6 |
0.6 |
| Poultry houses2 |
0.4 |
0.4 |
| Crop storage3 |
0.4-0.45 |
0.5 |
1) BS 5502: Part 42
2) MAFF Booklet ‘Heat stress in poultry – solving the problem
3) BS 5502: Part 71
Condensation
The high humidity levels required in crop stores to minimise water losses from crops held in storage and the warmth and moisture given off by livestock present considerable condensation risks within agricultural buildings.
Condensation on inside surfaces, which could damage stored crops can be prevented by insulating inside the structural framework. However, insulation applied to the outside of the structural framework will prevent surface condensation and prevent interstitial condensation by maintaining the framework at the same temperature as the interior of the building.
Fire
Agricultural buildings used principally for retailing, packing or exhibiting are required by Building Regulations to have a fire resistant lining: 13mm plasterboard applied over STYROFOAM™ insulation will meet that requirement. All other agricultural buildings are excluded from the scope of Building Regulations. BS 5502: Part 23 gives recommendations for fire performance of building elements.
