<b><b>Are tougher thermal and acoustic regulations fazing insulation manufacturers? The answer seems to be emphatically &amp;“no&amp;”, as Tim Palmer discovers in talking to an increasingly confident supply sector </b></b><br><b>&amp;“The recently amended Approved Document L represents the most dramatic step forward in insulation standards since the new style Building Regulations were introduced in the mid 1980s.&amp;”</b><br><b>Digby Harper, Celotex marketing director, continues: &amp;“Insulation thickness requirements will be significantly greater - we anticipate strong demand for low thermal conductivity materials which allow higher insulation standards to be achieved with less increase in thickness of walls, roof elements or floors.&amp;” </b><br><b>Sam Patterson, Springvale technical director, says: &amp;“Because of the complexity of new regulations and other legislative changes it&amp;’s necessary to take a holistic approach to meeting housebuilders&amp;’ insulation requirements. In most cases using a single insulant won&amp;’t meet the requirements in floors, walls or roofs.&amp;”</b><br><b>Patterson says the most popular insulation materials today depend on their application (Construction Market Report figures give mineral wool 59% market share; EPS 15%; PU 9%; XPS 3%; &amp;‘others&amp;’ 14%). &amp;“I know most builders don&amp;’t wish to greatly alter current practices. For floors, expanded polystyrene&amp;’s low thermal conductivity, low weight and high strength make it the first choice. For flat …