Building Materials & Insulation Glossary Terms
2 terms related to building materials & insulation, explained in plain English.
What Does U-Value Mean for Insulation?
U-value measures how much heat passes through a material or structure — the lower the number, the better the insulation performance. It is the opposite of R-value (used more in the US), where a higher figure is better, so UK insulation products are typically compared by looking for the lowest U-value that fits the required building regulation for that part of a home.
What Is a Damp Proof Course (DPC)?
A damp proof course is a barrier — traditionally a physical membrane, or chemically injected in older properties — built into a wall near ground level to stop rising damp from soil moisture travelling up through masonry. UK building regulations require a DPC in new construction, and a failed or bridged DPC (for example by external ground level built up too high against a wall) is a common cause of damp problems in older homes.