If you’re planning a self build, you’ve probably come across the term U-value. It’s one of those phrases that gets used a lot, but most people aren’t quite sure what it means.
In this guide, we’ll look at what U-values are, why they matter and how they influence the comfort and efficiency of your timber frame home. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of how they work and how Turner Timber supports you through the whole process.
What Is a U-Value?
A U-value is a measure of how much heat can escape through part of your home. This could be a wall, roof, floor or even a window. Think of it as a score for insulation. The lower the U-value, the harder it is for heat to pass through, which means the home stays warmer for longer.
U-values are measured in W per square metre K (W/m²K). In simple terms, this shows how much heat moves through one square metre of a building element when there’s a one degree temperature difference.
A helpful way to picture it is to think about coats. A thin coat will let more heat escape than a thick winter coat. The winter coat has a lower U-value because it keeps you warmer.
Wall and Roof U-Values
The U-values of your walls and roof have a big effect on how your home feels to live in. Lower U-values mean:
- Warm rooms in winter
- Cooler spaces in summer
- Lower energy bills
- Less carbon impact
U-values also form part of building regulations approval, so getting them right is important.
Timber frame is naturally well suited to strong thermal performance because insulation fits neatly within the structure. At Turner Timber, our wall systems and roof components are designed to help you build a warm, efficient home without extra stress or confusion.
U-values might sound technical, but they’re really just a simple measure of how well your home keeps the heat where you want it.
For more information, check out our wall specification page.
Why U-Values Matter in Your Timber Frame Home
Every wall or roof is made of layers. These layers all play a part in how well the home holds onto heat. This includes the insulation, sheathing, membranes and the timber itself.
You don’t need to know the maths behind it. Specialist software works out the figures based on each layer of the build up. As part of your project, we calculate all U-values for you and make sure they meet the standards needed for your build. It’s all taken care of during the design and engineering stages.
How Are U-Values Calculated?
U-values are simply based on how well each layer of a wall or roof resists heat loss.
Every material has its own level of thermal resistance. When we stack them together, the combined resistance tells us how much heat the full wall or roof will let through. The result of that is your U-value.
Most self builders never need to calculate one themselves. You can leave the technical steps to us. We use approved methods, trusted software and a full understanding of how each material behaves. Once your design is final, we confirm the U-values as part of your drawings and engineering package.
Choosing the Right U-Values for Your Build
There’s no single perfect U-value for every home. It depends on what matters most to you. For example:
- If you want lower running costs, you might aim for better insulation than the minimum standard
- If you want a low carbon home, lower U-values help cut energy use
- If you plan to future proof your home, stronger thermal performance is a smart investment
Building regulations set the minimum U-values for walls and roofs, but many self builders choose to go beyond these for extra comfort and efficiency.
If you’re not sure what to aim for, our team will talk it through with you. We’ll help you match the right wall and roof setup to your goals, budget and long term plans.
Thermal Performance You Can Trust
At Turner Timber, thermal performance isn’t an afterthought. It’s built into every stage of what we do.
- In house design and engineering
- Precision manufacturing in Hull
- FSC and PEFC certified timber
- CE marked components
- STA membership and strict quality checks
Good U-values are only meaningful if the workmanship behind them is solid. Our team checks every step to make sure your home performs the way it should.
Build a Warm, Efficient Home With Turner Timber
Different parts of your home need different U-values. For example, walls and roofs each have their own building regulations targets. Timber frame works well with these because insulation fits smoothly into the structure, helping you reach strong performance levels without complicated steps.
When you choose Turner Timber, we make the whole process simple. We guide you through the options, calculate everything for you and make sure your home meets the standards needed for a warm, efficient future.
Ready to plan a self build? Contact the Turner Timber team and start shaping your dream home today.
