1. Energy efficiency
Used with appropriate insulation materials,
Tarmac Topblock products provide external
walls that can outperform current regulation
requirements. Many of these constructions are given 'A'
ratings within the Green Guides.
2. Thermal mass and insulation
All of our products have good thermal mass characteristics providing a more comfortable and stable internal temperature during the heating season. In addition thermal mass helps to keep the house cool in the summer. Over a 60 year life cycle a masonry home would emit 15 tonnes less carbon dioxide than other forms of construction.
3. Environmental performance
Our products have been assessed as part of the preparation of generic BRE environmental profiles for aircrete and aggregate concrete blocks. As all Tarmac Topblock plants operate to a certified ISO 14001 compliant Environmental Management System, points can be obtainable under the 'responsible sourcing' element of the Code for Sustainable Homes.
4. Recyclable
All of our products contain either recycled, secondary or by-product materials. Some products may contain a combination of these materials. Products can be recycled at the end of a building's life.
5. Sound insulation
Tarmac Topblock products can be used as part of a solution which exceeds the requirements of Part E (sound insulation) for separating walls. Approved Robust Detail constructions give established performance at least 5dB above Part E. Credits are available in both EcoHomes and the Code for Sustainable Homes based on this performance.
6. Health and well-being
The flexibility of design that is possible with
block construction allows positioning of
windows to take optimum advantage of
natural daylight (and views of the sky) as
required in EcoHomes and the Code.
7. Flexibility on site and adaptility of buildings
Both during construction and after the build is complete, builders and occupants can benefit from the flexibility that our masonry solutions bring, e.g. homes can be easily extended or altered. A key benefit of Tarmac Topblock products is that they can be instigated quickly and once a site is available, we do not have a long lead-time.
8. Quick results with longevity
Track records show that masonry homes often last several centuries, ideal for the high level of housing stock needed for the forthcoming years. In addition, Durox System, our thin joint blockwork solution, can result in significant increases in productivity, ensuring that buildings can be constructed quickly and on time.
9. Robustness
The robust nature of the material gives confidence in the security of the building and
long-term structural integrity. Tarmac Topblock products have the following attributes:
resistance to moisture, durability, unaffected by extremes of temperature, not adversely affected by water damage, and a good resistance to vermin and insect attack.
10. Increased workability and reduced waste
Products within our range can be easily cut on site with hand tools - this means that off cuts can be re-used, therefore minimising waste.
11. Cost-effective solutions during build and occupancy
The use of masonry remains a cost-effective solution and is very competitive against alternative methods of building. Blocks provide a construction that is virtually maintenance free.
