Podcast Spotlight: Why Thermally Broken Lintels Are a Game Changer

Skill Builder x Catnic – September Episode

This summer, we were delighted to welcome Roger Bisby and the Skill Builder team to our Caerphilly headquarters to record their latest podcast: Why Thermally Broken Lintels Are a Game Changer.

Hosted by Roger and featuring our very own Technical Director, Richard Price, the episode explores the development, testing, and real-world benefits of Catnic’s thermally broken lintel range. From evolving Building Regulations to practical site installation, Richard explains why this product is not just compliant, but transformative.

Key Discussion Points

Introducing the Thermally Broken Lintel Richard walks Roger through the design, appearance, and purpose of the lintel, developed to address thermal bridging and improve housing performance. As the last remaining significant, cold bridge in wall construction, lintels are now a critical focus for thermal efficiency. Catnic’s solution meets evolving standards while remaining easy to install.

DPC Integration & Cavity Wall Compatibility With wider cavities becoming the norm, the lintel’s flat-top profile allows the DPC to sit neatly on top and drape over the front. The specifically designed flat top of Catnic’s Thermally Broken Lintel provides a simple, consistent junction with the cavity wall insulation, ensuring as built performance of the junction meets the design performance.

Design Philosophy & Practicality Ease of installation is central to the design. No brackets, no propping, just bonded steel and polystyrene holding the lintel sections vertically. Richard explains how this approach eliminates rotation risk and integrates seamlessly with existing build methods. He also hints at future adaptations, including wider cavities, corner details, and bay formats.

Legislation-Led Innovation The design is shaped by Building Regulations, which have evolved significantly since 2002. With notional building design now recommended, overall performance targets must be met through a combination of factors, making product choice and detailing more important than ever.

Fabric First Approach Richard champions the “fabric first” principle: get the building envelope right, and long-term performance follows. Unlike technology, which requires servicing and can degrade over time, well-designed fabric solutions offer lasting benefits, keeping homes cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and reducing heat transfer.

Testing, Compliance & Third-Party Validation Catnic’s lintel range carries UKCA marking and BBA certification, ensuring full compliance and independent validation. Richard explains the difference between “thermally improved” and “truly thermally broken” and why third-party approval matters.

Part L & Future Homes Standard The conversation covers the impact of Part L 2021 and the upcoming Future Homes Standard, including the shift from SAP to the new Housing Energy Model (HEM). Richard outlines how Catnic’s lintels are already positioned to meet future requirements, with wider cavities and improved EPC performance.

Practical Tips & What’s Next The episode closes with practical advice on cutting lintels safely, accommodating floor joists, and adapting to cavity growth. Richard also shares the origins of Catnic and previews future innovations, plus introducing our free structural take-off service.

🎧 Watch the full episode on Skill Builder’s YouTube channel

🔗 Explore our thermally broken lintel range here

📐 Learn more about our free structural take-off service here