LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025: the year to make an impact
The construction industry is not known for sitting still, and 2025 promises to be no different. Important regulations and standards are in the process of being updated, impacting specifiers and installers alike.
Meanwhile, it will be another year of growth for Polyfoam XPS. Building on our new website and new production line (commissioned in time to mark the milestone of 40 years of the Polyfoam name), we are looking forward to welcoming new team members, offering improved products, and meeting you face-to-face at Futurebuild.
Construction industry developments in 2025
This is the year that the long-promised Future Homes Standard should finally come into effect in England. A process that started with the ‘stepping stone’ arrangements of Part L 2021 should now culminate in the transition to net zero-ready homes.
“If the Future Homes Standard timetable is adhered to and an updated Part L is published this year then, from an insulation specification point of view, we don’t expect to see a huge amount of change,” says Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager at Polyfoam XPS. “Floor and flat roof U-values are already low, and further carbon savings are likely to be realised through heating system specification.”
Nevertheless, U-value requirements will continue to be project-specific, and Polyfoam XPS remains on hand to support you in achieving the performance that is right for your specific project. This is equally important in Scotland, where mid-2025 is expected to see a consultation on the technical specification for the proposed ‘Passivhaus equivalent’ regulations.
Rob Firman adds: “The compressive strength and moisture resistance offered by extruded polystyrene insulation means it has a crucial role to play in delivering the thermal bridging details that is so important to achieving a Passivhaus level of performance.”
In the flat roofing sector, 2025 starts with an update to BS 6229, the code of practice for flat roofs and their waterproofing, out for consultation. We were heavily involved in the response to the 2018 version’s publication, and especially its view on inverted roofs. We’ll be commenting on the proposed updates and will keep you updated through our blog, monthly newsletter and LinkedIn page as and when the new version goes out to publication.
What’s new for the new year at Polyfoam XPS?
A significant development in personnel at Polyfoam XPS is the appointment of David Bowden as General Manager.
David will take over general operations with Stuart Bell remaining in a consultancy basis to guarantee a seamless transition for Polyfoams future.
“I’m delighted to be joining Polyfoam XPS at such an exciting time,” said David about his appointment. “It’s a privilege to take the reins from Stuart and begin to make my own mark on the company, and its role in both the north-east’s manufacturing tradition and the UK-wide construction industry.”
As part of the latter, Polyfoam XPS will once again have a presence at Futurebuild. The event runs from 4th to 6th March 2025, at its home in London’s ExCel. The theme for 2025 is ‘impact’, and Polyfoam XPS will embrace the theme through its messaging around the building life cycle benefits of XPS insulation, and the support available for specifiers and installers.
To find out more about any of the topics discussed in this blog post, contact us or view the technical support we have available on our website.