NAYLOR CONCRETE EXTENDS XTRAFIRE LINTEL RANGE

Building Products Index Ltd Concrete, Lintels Leave a Comment

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Naylor Concrete is extending its XtraFire fire resistant lintel range with the addition of three new products sizes: 140mm x 140mm, 140 x 215mm and 215mm x 215mm.  Replacing products previously included in Naylor’s UltraFire range, the new XtraFire lintels benefit from a single cast coating-free design to optimise product durability.

Designed for use in applications requiring high levels of fire resistance, XtraFire lintels are independently fire tested by Warringtonfire and load tested by Lucideon.  Products can be supplied with a fire resistance rating of up to R240, providing up to 240 minutes of fire resistance, and can be cut on site with no impact on fire or load ratings.

Like other products in the XtraFire range, the new lintels are available in a smooth ex-steel finish, can be exposed to cyclic wetting/drying and are suitable for use in a wide range of domestic, commercial and industrial applications including those with aggressive environments.  Naylor Concrete XtraFire lintels are also manufactured using cement replacement technology to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

For more information and a list of stockists, visit the new Naylor Concrete website at www.naylorlintels.co.uk

BENEFITS OF EUROCELL’S LOGIK WINDOW SOLUTION CLEAR TO SEE IN THE STUDENT ACCOMMODATION SECTOR

Building Products Index Ltd PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

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Eurocell’s Logik PVC-U window solution has been specified across a number of schemes being developed by student accommodation provider, Study Inn. As an aesthetically pleasing and high performing alternative to aluminium frames, Logik is also delivering sustainability and cost efficiency benefits.

 

Summary

  • Over 3,500 Logik windows specified across five refurbishment and conversion schemes
  • Tangible cost efficiencies using PVC-U alternative compared to aluminium specification
  • Fit for purpose, stylish and Logik PVC-U windows delivering strong thermal performance
  • Greener product choice using PVC-U profile that is sustainably manufactured

Study Inn specialises in the development and design of high-quality student accommodation projects, creating the living spaces that students want to live in at locations that suit them.

Doncaster-based window system designer and installer, Nu Openings Ltd has been working with Study Inn on a series of building refurbishments and conversions that have transformed existing office spaces into attractive, highly specified student accommodation solutions in Nottingham, Exeter, and Loughborough, with new developments currently underway in Leeds.

The right solution

Central to the service Nu Openings offers is its long-term commercial relationship with Eurocell which has been in place for the past decade. With strong knowledge of the performance, aesthetic, and sustainability merits of the Logik window solution, Nu Openings had no hesitation in recommending its specification for the exciting Study Inn schemes.

Gary Driscoll, Sales & Commercial Director at Eurocell, commented: “As a national business, Eurocell can ensure product supply, which helps with planning and timescales.  We also work with a UK-wide network of fabricators, so can provide access to conveniently located resources close to the development sites.  This has ensured operational efficiencies are maximised as the schemes have progressed.”

Steve Carvell, Managing Director for Nu Openings, added: “We have a long-term working relationship with Eurocell and have used many solutions from its extensive product range over the years. They are specified widely in the commercial market and once we were approached to become involved in supporting the build ambitions of the Study Inn projects, we recognised that Eurocell’s Logik PVC-U windows would be ideal for a number of reasons.”

Many architects specify commercial work for student accommodation schemes in aluminium when it comes to the window solutions. This tendency is something Steve and the Nu Openings team worked hard to reverse for the Study Inn schemes. He continues: “We do come across initial concerns from architects and specifiers who opt to choose aluminium for the window frames. However, thanks to our knowledge of the Eurocell solution we strongly advocate the range of benefits clients can access if they convert to a PVC-U alternative. It is fit for purpose, looks stylish, delivers strong thermal performance, and provides the finish they are seeking, whilst the client can also enjoy tangible cost efficiencies when compared to aluminium specification.”

Over 3,500 Eurocell Logik PVC-U windows have now been specified across the five Study Inn refurbishment and conversion schemes and Eurocell’s ability to assist with good lead supply times is helpful in keeping the construction timetables on track.

Leading the way

With sustainability credentials now an increasingly key factor in building material specification, Eurocell’s commitment to delivering product solutions that support a greener future resonates with clients such as Nu Openings and Study Inn.

Thanks to a market-leading recycling operation that enables the company to transform old plastic window and door frame waste into new PVC-U extrusions for the manufacture of attractive and sustainable products, clients who specify a PVC-U product from Eurocell can feel confident about its sustainable approach.

Steve Carvell concludes: “We continue to enjoy an effective collaboration with Eurocell and the success of the student accommodation schemes for Study Inn is an example of the strength of the ongoing partnership within the student accommodation build sector. Aside from the aesthetic, thermal, sustainability, and cost benefits that products such as the Logik window delivers, we also value the all-round support and technical expertise we can call upon from Eurocell when required.”

For more information about Eurocell please visit www.Eurocell.co.uk or call the team on 03301 737 159

CS LOUVRES PROVIDE AIRFLOW AND RAIN DEFENCE FOR HIGH SECURITY DATA CENTRES

Building Products Index Ltd Louvres Leave a Comment

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Construction Specialties’ (CS) high performance rain defence louvres are providing maximum airflow and rain defence as part of an innovative cooling and power system at two, high-security, energy efficient data centres in Germany.

Controlling the temperature and humidity of the air within critical infrastructure such as data centres is an important consideration. It’s why the Noris Network’s two state-of-the-art data centres in Nuremberg and Munich have adopted an innovative Combined Energy & Cooling Cells (CECC) with KyotoCooling®, offering 70% less energy consumption for cooling and operation compared to more traditional solutions. In order to provide optimum airflow and maximum protection from wind-driven rain within the space-efficient design, the specification for both centres saw the installation of CS Rain Defence Louvres.

At the Munich facilty, CS Rain Defence RSV-5700 Louvres were installed on opposite sides of 10 towers located on the rooftop of the facility. The louvres allow efficient airflow into the towers, while preventing rain ingress on the intake side and letting the air out on the exhaust side.

Following the successful application in Munich, the same louvre model was installed at the Nuremberg South data centre, on the intake side of KyotoCooling cells.

The louvres also met the client’s high security requirements, with the RSV-5700 modules configured to provide RC2 burglar resistance class for additional layer of protection to prevent unauthorised access into the buildings.

Featuring a complex, extruded aluminium blade profile, arranged in a vertical orientation, the RSV-5700 is a space efficient louvre achieving an impressive Class A rain defence up to 3.5 m/s, combined with Class 3 airflow. Its performance has been verified in third party testing to BS EN 13030.

The RSV-5700 system is supplied pre-fabricated in sizes meeting project requirements for fast and easy installation.

With data centres a critical element of our global economy, their functionality and design must never be compromised. The installation of CS Rain Defence Louvres has ensured efficient airflow and flawless weather resistance for the long term.

For further project information visit: https://www.c-sgroup.co.uk/blog/noris-network-data-centres-nuremberg-munich-germany/

Decarbonising Hot Water Generation In Commercial Properties with Adveco Solar Thermal

Building Products Index Ltd Heating, Hot water systems Leave a Comment

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Adveco is the hot water specialist for the commercial built environment and a leader in the design and supply of solar thermal applications.

Solar thermal deploys panels with fluid that captures and efficiently transfers solar energy as heat indirectly to the domestic hot water (DHW) system. As a high-temperature renewable source of DHW, Adveco solar thermal lends itself to working in conjunction with not only conventional gas heating but also other renewable technologies including Adveco’s air source heat pumps which can be used to  provide pre-heat to solar thermal. This enables a variety of bespoke, hybrid applications to be considered to meet the varied demands of commercial buildings.

Whether a commercial hot water system uses gas or electricity, it will require a preheat source to reduce carbon emissions.

As a rule of thumb, new builds will invariably default to heat pumps. In contrast, properties with an existing gas connection will see greater advantages from the installation of solar thermal which can be extremely effective in reducing reliance on the gas boiler.

Neither technology currently offers a standalone response for the year-round high temperatures, high volume and peak demands seen in commercial systems. This makes an accurate assessment of the needs and limitations of a building critical for the correct sizing of the solar thermal system.

For Carbon Reduction & Significant savings on Running Costs

A commercial system sized to support an occupancy of 50 will typically require 12-24 panels, whilst smaller systems servicing up to 12 occupants will employ just three to four panels.

Sized and installed correctly, each Adveco solar thermal collector can contribute up to 1400kWh per annum, providing electricity savings of £300 and more importantly reducing emissions of CO² by 322kg.

To ensure system longevity and return on investment fluid within the solar collectors must be correctly managed. If left in the panel it can overheat, stagnate and leave collectors irreparable. Adveco solar thermal systems avoid this by incorporating drainback into all its solar system designs.

A more compact alternative to solar PV for DHW, solar thermal is extremely advantageous where roof space is at a premium due to competition with other heating and ventilation systems on a project. This is especially true of urban projects where solar thermal’s silent operation is also desirable.

Explore Adveco solar thermal application design and system supply

Adveco Solar Collectors

  • Rugged 2.24 m² flat plate collectors
  • Approved by EN12975-2-2006
  • Solar Keymark certified
  • Temperature resistant up to 200°C
  • Installation options: roof build-on, roof build-in, frame construction for flat roof and wall mounting
  • Smaller footprint compared to equivalent solar photovoltaics (PV) for DHW (Three Adveco solar thermal panels at 6.6m² versus typical 4 kW PV system with 16 x panels at 25m²)
  • Simple installation system for multiple panels
  • Complete installation is delivered in a single package including assembly materials
  • No operational noise for zero sound pollution
  • No high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants
  • No specialist registration, such as F-gas, is needed for installation, although installers should be solar trained

Adveco Drainback Systems – For Long-lasting, Low-Maintenance Renewables

  • Highly compact, modern design
  • Prevents stagnation temperatures
  • Automatically drains fluid if power is cut without the need for working components
  • Reduces required pump capacity and energy use of pump station to a minimum
  • Patented drain back system, available as an accessory
  • Low maintenance with long operational lifespan. Fluid refresh is required every eight years at most

Discover more about Adveco Collectors and Drainback solar thermal systems

Visit https://adveco.co/

An MMC solution in masonry from H+H

Building Products Index Ltd Concrete, Concrete wall panels Leave a Comment

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H+H Vertical Wall Panels are storey-high panels of aircrete that can be used to build a complete house shell within five days.
Vertical Wall Panels offer the speed of offsite with the familiarity of a traditional build. The panels are fabricated offsite and craned into place for a fast, panelised building system with the reassuring characteristics of a high-performance masonry structure.

Storey-high panels of aircrete are used to form the inner leaf of external walls, separating walls and internal partitions as appropriate.

Aircrete is a lightweight masonry material, combining proven durability and high acoustic, thermal and airtight performance with the ease of use that comes with a lighter material making it easy to cut and work with.

On site, Vertical Wall Panels are placed onto standard foundations and installed using H+H VWP mortar – a fast-setting and very strong mortar that forms a 2mm airtight joint. The entire ground floor of a house can be installed in a single day.

The overriding advantage of Vertical Wall Panels is the speed of build – and this is best demonstrated where the panels are used as part of a complete housebuilding package.

When combined with prefabricated timber floors and a prefabricated roof system, Vertical Wall Panels provide a system-build solution that can construct the superstructure of a house from foundation to roof within five days onsite.

This provides a watertight and airtight shell for follow on trades to move into, and one which is constructed using a material they are familiar with so no additional training is required for site workers.

H+H Vertical Wall Panels are manufactured in a range of heights with a width of 600mm and a thickness of 100mm. As aircrete can be cut on site, it is easy to accommodate window and door openings while providing infill sections as appropriate. This also gives the flexibility needed to adjust panels to cope with site tolerances and onsite modifications and means less product waste on site.

Design variations and detailing can be accommodated and, if required, Vertical Wall Panels can be used in combination with thin-joint large format blockwork.

Vertical Wall Panels are also lightly reinforced to facilitate handling and transportation without damaging the product. With the outer leaf off the critical path, cavity insulation can be installed to the complete façade, enabling it to be visually inspected for damage or gaps before the outer leaf is applied.

Separating walls are constructed as two leaves of Vertical Wall Panels with a minimum of 100mm full fill insulated cavity between. This, with effective edge sealing, will provide a zero heat loss party wall. Site acoustic testing has demonstrated that high levels of sound insulation can be achieved and this is reflected by H+H’s proprietary acoustic Robust Detail E-WM-31.

Building with H+H Vertical Wall Panels is not a new solution. In fact, it is an established Modern Method of Construction recognised by the NHBC and is part of the NHBC Accepts scheme. The system has been widely used across Europe for years and over 2,000 houses have been completed so far in the UK.

H+H Vertical Wall Panels combine the cost benefits associated with offsite construction with the reassuring familiarity and performance of masonry, offering an MMC system that stands up to the test of time.

Find out more about H+H Vertical Wall Panels

New Clement steel windows selected as replacement windows at West Country schools

Building Products Index Ltd Steel, Windows Leave a Comment

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New Clement Brooking steel windows at Trent Young’s CE School, Dorset

Clement Windows Group has manufactured and installed new steel windows at two West Country schools.  Trent Young’s CE School in Dorset and St Mary’s Calne in Wiltshire both required replica steel windows to replace the original fenestration.

Trent Young’s CE School, which is Grade II listed and situated in a Conservation Area, was originally constructed by Reverend Turner and his wife in 1862 as the National School for girls and infants.  The existing metal windows at the school were not fit for purpose and due to the school’s listing it was imperative that the new replacement windows provided as close a match to the originals as possible.

The new Clement steel windows at Trent Young’s CE School, Dorset, offer improved thermal performance

The Clement Brooking range was specified because the slim, strong frames could replicate the wonderful shaped heads of the existing windows and because they could be fixed directly to stone.  The 16mm krypton filled units offer much improved thermal performance and it was possible to fit the frames with restrictors which are essential for safety.

Ros Baker, the school’s Deputy Head, said:

“We are so pleased with the finished result.  The transformation the windows has made to our school and local area is fantastic.  Many local residents have also commented positively on the ‘new look’ windows.  They have been sympathetically upgraded, in keeping with the original school building, and have had a positive impact on our school environment.”

New steel windows from the Clement EB20 range were installed at St Mary’s School, Wiltshire

St Mary’s School in Calne is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18 which was founded in 1873 by local vicar Reverent John Duncan and moved to its current site in 1907.  Around 40 new steel windows were needed in this phase of work to replace the original steel windows on the front and gable ends of the Plumer Wing which comprises classrooms for music, computing, religious education and art.  The Clement EB20 range was chosen and the new windows were polyester powder coat painted RAL 7016 (Anthracite Grey) instead of white like the original windows.

 

The new Clement steel windows at St Mary’s School, Wiltshire, were polyester powder painted RAL 7016 (Anthracite Grey)

Bob Lunn, Director of Estates at St Mary’s, said:

“The installation of 83 high quality Clement windows, which were installed in two phases during 2021 and 2022, has significantly enhanced the aesthetics and environmental efficiency of this building.  Installation was very efficiently completed by Clement operatives within the specified installation timeframes.”

Clement Windows Group manufactures an innovative range of steel windows, doors, screens and conservation rooflights, specialising in conservation work for both private residences and commercial projects.

The Clement Brooking range of steel windows is a specialist range developed for high value refurbishment projects or specialist architectural situations where a particular ‘putty fronted’ system is required.

Clement’s EB20 steel window range comprises exceptionally slender, high specification steel windows which are designed to replicate the appearance of existing or original windows.  A versatile and popular product for residential and commercial situations, EB20 windows are made bespoke to requirements.

Tel: 01428 643393   Email: info@clementwg.co.uk         Web: clementwindows.co.uk

THE BENEFITS OF BALANCING

THE BENEFITS OF BALANCING

Building Products Index Ltd controls, Heating Leave a Comment

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Correct balancing of heating systems not only optimises heating system efficiency it also helps reduce heating costs for homeowners.

Hydronic balancing is the process of optimising the flow of water in a hydronic heating system by balancing the system pressure and so ensuring that water flows equally to individual radiators. This helps prevent over or under supply to radiators occurring. Apart from the discomfort factor an unbalanced system is less efficient, resulting in potentially higher fuel bills for already hard-pressed consumers.

If a customer complains of cold radiators some installers may consider increasing the pump speed or adjusting the boiler thermostat to a higher temperature setting. Although a seemingly quick fix compared with balancing this may not solve the problem and will increase the system’s energy consumption even further.

Basic principles

Tests conducted independently at the Salford University Energy House showed that without effective control and balancing boilers will operate in condensing mode for around 5% of the time, whereas with, it’s closer to 80% of the time. However, despite these efficiency benefits, and being considered best practice, balancing is sometimes neglected during the installation and commissioning of domestic heating systems. This could be down to lack of knowledge or confidence – or because of the time it can take using traditional methods. Whatever the reason, let’s start by looking at the method most installers will be familiar with – adjusting the lockshield valves on each radiator to ensure each radiator receives the correct flow of hot water to heat the space in which it is fitted. This process can be very time-consuming: firstly, air must be removed from the system by bleeding the radiators. The heating is then turned off and radiators left to cool down before the heating is turned back on. TRVs (if fitted) are then set to the fully open position, and the lockshield valves, by turning them anti-clockwise. The installer checks by touch which radiators get hottest quickest. Return valves on the hottest radiators will probably need to be restricted by 50% or 60% to start with, however, to balance a poorly designed system it may be necessary to close a valve more than 80%.

Learn how the RAS-B2 can increase comfort and reduce energy costs for homeowners here – https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZOVLiTjScmU&feature=shares

Dynamic solution

An accurate flow limiter with a pre-setting function is an alternative static balancing solution whereby the installer calculates the flow required for each radiator and adjusts to ensure the required amount of water is delivered. Although more accurate than a lockshield valve this form of balancing is only optimised for the coldest days (winter) when the heating system is operating at full (design) load. This means flow could be unnecessarily high on milder days (spring/autumn). If TRVs are fitted the room temperature can be controlled, but flow through the radiators will be the same, resulting in over-delivery and wasted energy.

A dynamic solution like the new Danfoss RAS-B2 functions as both a flow limiter and dynamic pressure valve. It limits flow through the TRV but does this independently of pressure fluctuations, so it is optimised for all days. The valve’s built-in differential pressure controller ensures that pressure drops over the valve remain at a constant level, which means flow through the valve is maintained at both full and partial loads.

Quick and easy balancing

As well as improved comfort, the RAS-B2 can enhance system efficiency as it ensures a lower return temperature (condensing boiler efficiency is best at below a return temperature of 55o C) and the pump can run at a lower speed and so consumes less electricity. Furthermore, because pre-setting of the desired flow is done on the RAS-B2 valve, rather than on the lockshield, installers could save up to two hours of working time and correctly balance a system in a fraction of the time it would normally take. And balancing can be made even easier by using the Danfoss Installer App when fitting RAS-B2 valves. This handy tool provides an interactive guide to calculating, recording and documenting the correct flow and subsequent setting for each radiator on a smartphone or tablet.

Discover more on how heating professionals can help consumers increase the efficiency of their heating systems here.

SAS Render Systems Achieve A2s1d0 Fire Classification

SAS Render Systems Achieve A2s1d0 Fire Classification

Building Products Index Ltd Cladding, Insulation, Rainscreen Cladding, Render Leave a Comment

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ProWall Rendered Rainscreen System and ProRend EIFS Mineral Wool External Wall Insulation systems have both recently achieved a fire classification of A2s1d0, making them one of the safest and most effective options for external wall insulation on the market.

A fire classification of A2s1d0 means that the material has been tested and found to be limited combustibility (A2 – Limited Combustion), has low smoke emission (S1 – emissions very little or absent), and does not contribute to the spread of fire (D0 – no burning droplets). This is one of the highest fire classifications that can be achieved for building materials, it demonstrates the safety and reliability of both our rendered rainscreen and mineral EWI system.

The ProWall rainscreen cladding system is a carrier board system, typically used in timber frame construction. It provides an attractive and durable finish to an exterior of a building. This system is made up of a 12.5mm cement-based carrier board fixed to either timber batons or rails that are made of either aluminium or steel. A 6mm layer of a flexible basecoat called Lite-Q is then applied and a glass fibre reinforcement mesh is fully embedded.  This reduces the chance of cracking, as timber and steel frame structures tend to move within the first two years of construction.

                                              (ProWall System used on                              (ProWall System structure)

                                         Travelodge Camborne Redruth)

The façade finish is a silicone render called ProRend Colourtex Uniform, available in over 65,000 colours. The Colourtex can be either applied by trowel application or sprayed via a simple hopper and compressor set-up. In being applied this way it speeds up the application as well as reduces overall building costs. The ProWall system is accompanied by a plethora of additional sundries that help with contraction, and expansion in addition to ventilation. The Technical team at SAS can provide full technical support.

The ProRend EIFS system uses mineral wool insulation, which is made from natural rocks, such as basalt and dolomite. These are melted and spun into fibres. It is a highly effective insulator, with excellent thermal and acoustic properties. The mineral wool is non-combustible and has low smoke emissions, contributing to our high fire classification of the system. This particular system is commonly used on projects over 18m in height, and commercial buildings such as offices and warehousing, and larger residential buildings with multiple occupancies which require excellent insulation along with a higher level of fire safety compliance.

                                          (ProRend EIFS System used                      (ProRend EIFS System structure)

                                       on Cornerstone Housing, Exeter)

ProRend EIFS can be affixed to numerous different substrates with a simple change in fixing type and embedment depth. From sheathing boards on steel structures to masonry builds inclusive of brick and block. Exactly like the ProWall system, the basecoat, glass fibre mesh and Colourtex Uniform are all applied to create the final rendered finish.

Together, the ProWall and ProRend EIFS systems are both effective in protecting buildings whilst being safe in the event of a fire. As stated before, they are suitable for use on a variety of different buildings, such as residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

The technical team at SAS Render Systems are happy to discuss your project requirements and provide full technical support at all stages.

Crittall's West End Success

Crittall’s West End Success

Building Products Index Ltd Steel, Windows Leave a Comment

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Visit the Crittall website : Crittall’s West End success

Visit the Crittall website : Crittall’s commercial and consultancy service

Devonshire House

Crittall’s West End Success

Recently completed is the refurbishment of a substantial mixed-use building in the plush Fitzrovia/Marylebone area of central London. Crittall Windows made a significant contribution to both the aesthetic and sustainability of the seven-storey Devonshire House that commands the corner of Devonshire and Great Portland Streets.

The refurbishment, designed by architects Robson Warren, upgraded the building’s green credentials by the installation of T60 thermally broken steel windows. The high-performance steel fenestration comfortably surpasses the requirements of current legislation while satisfying the designer’s desire to maintain heritage characteristics.

The area around Great Portland Street was developed in the 18th century with fine Georgian houses and, although these were replaced in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the newer office blocks that took their place often sought to retain the period features.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The black powder-coated T60 windows in Devonshire House, provided in both inward and outward opening configurations, have been fitted with glazing bars to mimic the Georgian-style panes that were a prominent feature in the period façade of the building.

Architect:

Robson Warren Architects Ltd
8, Northfields Prospect
Putney Bridge Road
London
SW18 1PE

Main contractor:

Richardsons (Nyewood) Ltd
Station House
Nyewood
Petersfield
Hampshire
GU315HX

 

INTRAsystems launches moisture-resistant wood effect matting

INTRAsystems launches moisture-resistant wood effect matting

Building Products Index Ltd Entrance Matting Leave a Comment

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Get the look of Bamboo Entrance Matting with none of the ongoing maintenance issues!

Commercial entrance matting specialists, INTRAsystems, has unveiled another game-changing product – this time a wood effect matting profile, manufactured entirely from recycled aluminium.

Part of the INTRAform DM Low Profile product range, this new option offers the appearance of real wood, but in a hardwearing aluminium that’s resistant to humidity, mould, and moisture.

Compatible across the firm’s 21 different fibre inserts – all woven from environmentally friendly Econyl (recycled nylon) – the entrance matting slots together using a simple tongue-and-groove based system, making it incredibly fast and easy for flooring contractors to install.

Developed in-house, the new Wood Effect entrance matting is the latest in a line of sustainable, practical, and easy to handle matting solutions designed specifically by INTRAsystems for application in busy commercial environments.

It follows on from the 2022 launch of the brand’s innovative new INTRAlux Ultimate fibre, which, among other performance strengths, has the ability to wick-away up to 3x more moisture from the very first step, regardless of whether a user wipes their feet.

Of the decision to introduce the new Wood Effect finish to its INTRAform DM Low Profile range, INTRAsystems’ Director, James Farrant, says: “Wood is a timeless and sustainable material with distinctive properties and characteristics. From an aesthetics point of view, it looks great, but its porous nature, unfortunately, means it’s highly susceptible to moisture and humidity, which is precisely why it’s not a practical solution for an entrance matting system.”

“The rationale behind the INTRAform DM Low Profile Wood Effect” continues Farrant “was to create a product that convincingly offered the appearance of real wood but in a material that lends itself much better to the demands of busy commercial environments. Given its strength, sustainability, and resistance to moisture, recycled aluminium was the natural choice to work with. Unlike real wood, its integrity isn’t compromised if it gets wet or humid, so it holds its shape perfectly in all weather conditions.”

Ease of installation was another key consideration for the INTRAsystems’ team in developing its recycled aluminium Wood Effect matting. “Working with flooring contractors on a daily basis, we understand how integral it is for a product to be easy and fast to fit on site. We designed INTRAform DM Low Profile so it could be installed by almost anyone. Not only is the tongue and groove-based system incredibly easy to cut – without specialist cutting tools – it’s also simple to shape and lay in the matwell when compared to a more traditional tension rod system.”

For full product specifications visit: www.intrasystems.co.uk/products/intraform-dm-low-profile/