Legislation and R-Values – SANS 10400-XA

Legislation and R-Values - SANS 10400-XA

In light of the severe pressure felt on the South African national electricity grid in the face of a growing demand on a supply that’s severely limited, the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) in 2011 published the Energy Usage in Buildings legislation for new buildings - SANS 10400-XA, an amendment to the National Building Regulations.

In terms of the SANS 10400-XA regulation, South Africa has been divided into six climate zones according to their humidity & temperature variations with the standard stipulating that all new buildings per the building occupancy classes specified in the regulation will be required to have thermal insulation installed at the minimum R-value required for ceilings in that climate zone. See Thermal Specification Guide

Climatic zones

With the introduction of uniform standards for measuring the effectiveness of various insulations, the SANS 10400-XA  stipulates a range of “Deemed to Satisfy” bulk insulation thicknesses for each of 6 different Climatic Zones

Each climatic zone has different R-value requirements for ceilings. The appropriate thickness and R-value of insulation for your climatic zone, correctly installed, will protect your home against the cold, heat and save electricity providing a comfortable, healthy, safe and quiet space for you and your family.

Eco-Insulation has a design specification for each SANS 10400-XA Climatic Zone.

Eco-Insulation also has the necessary Product Compliance Certificate (PCC)  issued by the Thermal Insulation Products & Systems Association of South Africa (TIPSASA), which is the prerequisite qualification for project compliance under the SANS 10400-XA standard.