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Psi-Value Calculations

  /  Psi-Value Calculations

Psi-Value Calculations

Detailed thermal bridge analysis to improve fabric performance and support energy compliance

Accurate thermal bridge analysis to support energy performance and compliance.

Thermal bridging can have a significant impact on a building’s energy performance, contributing to increased heat loss and higher energy demand. Psi-values (ψ-values) quantify this linear heat loss at junctions within the building fabric, providing a more accurate representation of real heat transfer than default assumptions.

MES Building Solutions deliver bespoke 2D and 3D psi-value calculations to support Part L compliance, SAP and SBEM assessments, and fabric-first design strategies. Our calculations help reduce reliance on conservative default values, improve overall building performance, and support proportionate specification across the rest of the building envelope.

Construction junction detail assessed for thermal bridging and psi-value calculations.

Compliant Calculations

Calculated in line with Part L and SAP requirements

2D & 3D Thermal Modelling

Appropriate modelling of junctions based on complexity and design detail

Energy Focused

Clear outputs that directly inform SAP, SBEM, and Part L compliance

Detail-Led Improvements

Assessment and refinement of junction details to reduce heat loss

When Psi-Value Calculations are Needed

Thermal bridging calculations are typically required where improved accuracy is needed beyond default ψ-values, or where fabric performance plays a key role in achieving compliance.

Without calculated Psi-values, default values must be applied within SAP and SBEM, often resulting in higher energy demand and increased pressure on other elements of the design to achieve compliance.

SAP and SBEM energy assessments for Part L compliance

High performance or fabric-first building design

Reduced reliance on default construction details

Cost-effective reduction of overall specification requirements

Our Psi-Value Calculation Process

01

Junction Detail Review

Review of construction details and key thermal bridges

02

Thermal Modelling

2D or 3D modelling of junctions using specialist software

03

Performance Review

Assessment of heat loss and internal surface temperatures

04

Reports & Support

Clear documentation with recommendations for performance improvement

Building junction used for Psi-value thermal bridge analysis.

What Our Calculations Cover

Our Psi-value calculations include:

2D and 3D junction modelling

Bespoke Psi-value outputs

Internal surface temperature assessment

Inputs for SAP and SBEM calculations

Evidence to reduce default ψ-values

Related Building Physics Services

Additional services and guidance on the topic: