Creating sustainable roofing solutions

Building Products Index Ltd PV systems, Solar Leave a Comment

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How your roofing specifications can make a positive contribution to sustainability challenge facing the construction industry.

Product specification from an environmental perspective has never been easier thanks to material sourcing, sustainable manufacturing processes, and innovative technology.

The race is on to find the construction solutions to support the nation’s decarbonisation ambitions. With the Climate Change Committee stating that the UK’s 28 million homes contribute around 14% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions; building better, more sustainable and energy efficient homes must be a key priority.

 

Marley SolarTile®

Improving the energy efficiency of the UK’s housing stock

 

With targets set out in Part L to reduce carbon emissions in new homes by 31%, it is widely acknowledged there are several ways that this can be met. Currently one of the most cost-effective is to combine an efficient gas boiler or renewable heat pump alongside a solar PV system that can harness the energy creating prowess of the sun on the roof.

To ensure compliance with regulations and mitigate any health and safety risks, factory graded roofing battens that meet BS 5534 and are produced by an established supplier with a recognised third-party certification should be a key part of your batten selection. Each individual batten will be marked to show it is graded to BS 5534, showing the supplier, origin code and size – all of which are minimum requirements to meet the British Standard.

 

Want to learn more about solar?

Why not sign up to our RIBA Accredited Sustainability & Solar PV CPD? Simply click the image to register!

Need to get in touch?

Contact our Enquiry Management Team 01283 722588

CONSTRUCTION SPECIALTIES EXPANDS LOUVRE OFFERING ACROSS EUROPE

Building Products Index Ltd Louvres Leave a Comment

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Global leaders in specialist building products, Construction Specialties (CS), is expanding its architectural louvre offering to help architects, contractors and engineers meet any building ventilation and design requirements.

With the introduction of new high performance rain defence and ventilation louvre options, combined with more than 60 years global experience in the manufacture and sale of louvres, CS can offer expert advice and support, in every aspect of louvre specification.

CS’ rain defence louvres are designed to offer specifiers the best combination of airflow, rain defence and spatial efficiency, whilst the ventilation options allow maximum airflow and provide some rain defence.

The expanded offering also includes options allowing architects to satisfy both form and function elements of their design. PerformTM variants are installed behind attractive perforated screens, which mask their appearance. Conversely, customisable Bold LineTM models can add drama to the louvred façade with accent blades, colours, and shade.

Third party tested and classified in accordance with BS EN 13030:2001, CS louvres are evaluated on two key performance areas – their effectiveness in restricting rain penetration and their efficiency in allowing airflow in and out of a building. This makes finding the right louvre solution much simpler and gives specifiers reassurance that the louvres they specify will meet their building’s performance requirements.

 

Throughout the years, CS louvres have been successfully installed in many of the world’s most prestigious buildings, including the World Trade Center in New York and more recently in Manchester’s Engineering Campus and Noris Network Data Centres in Germany.

For further information about CS Architectural Louvres and selection of case studies visit: https://www.c-sgroup.co.uk/products/architectural-louvres/

Axis Entrance Systems Case Study: Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Building Products Index Ltd Automatic Entrance Doors Leave a Comment

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INDUSTRY: Healthcare

CLIENT: Willmott Dixon for Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

ARCHITECT: ADP

PROJECT:

To extend and refurbish the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital’s Emergency Department.

This £14.5 million project included the creation of a new entrance into the healthcare facility to provide the local community with greater accessibility to quality care and critical services.

CHALLENGES:

The main challenge facing Axis and the other contractors onsite was working within and around a live environment with the emergency department remaining operational throughout the project.

To help facilitate this tricky scenario, an internal link tunnel was created to enable the safe movement of staff and patients between buildings for the duration of the works.

SOLUTION:

The design of the doors needed to be perfectly in keeping with fresh, modern, and dynamic overall design of this frontline clinical environment.

Our solution for the doors was our own, award- winning, FLO-MOTION® DOORS – the extra low- friction, manual sliding door system that can be opened and closed with fingertip control.

Our FLO-MOTION® DOORS further fulfilled the brief by helping create bright, light treatment bays with options of good visibility or privacy. To achieve this, we fitted each door with interstitial blinds set within the glass for the visibility/privacy option.

The full width and height glass doors, which we fabricate using extruded aluminium profiles, include a self-supporting ‘goalpost’ frame, and feature recirculating ball guides on a low resistance linear track with damper mechanism.

OUTCOME:

The new, extended, and refurbished emergency department at provides several significant benefits, including:

• A safer, brighter, more flexible working environment
• More space for patients, staff, and much-needed facilities • Greater visibility between staff and patients
• Enhanced patient and staff experience

MEET THE FAMILY: OUR FULL RANGE OF POLYPROPYLENE DRAINAGE CHANNELS

Building Products Index Ltd Drainage Leave a Comment

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At Clark-Drain we are well known for being a family-run business that is ‘grounded in expertise’, continually developing innovative drainage and access products and solutions. However, what is perhaps less well known, is the full breadth and range of our products.

As the first manufacturers in the UK to make polypropylene channels, we have an entire family of polypropylene drainage channels available to suit every requirement.

CD 422/MESH – Polypropylene Domestic Channel

This is our most well-known and popular polypropylene channel, perfect for domestic settings or within landscaped areas such as patios, paths, gardens and driveways. Made from recycled polypropylene, with a mesh grating, A15 load rating, spring-lock connections and 4.3 litres per second max through-flow, the CD422 is fast and easy to install.

CD 425 – Polypropylene Domestic Channel with Galvanised Steel

Our CD 425 polypropylene channel is very similar to the CD 422. It also has an A15 load rating, 4.3 litres per second max through-flow, and is most suitable for use on driveway, garage thresholds and landscaped areas such as patios. The grating is made from galvanised steel to provide a slightly different appearance for your customers.

CD 410 – Polypropylene Domestic Shallow Channel

For applications where depth is restricted, our CD 410 polypropylene channel is the perfect choice. With a lower profile and mesh grating, the external dimensions of its depth are just 92mm yet it still comes with an A15 load rating, 2.2 litres per second max flow-through and simple locking mechanism for easy installation.

CD 430 – Polypropylene Block-Slot Channel

Our CD 430 is an effective and inexpensive slot drainage option, which leaves an unobtrusive line along the surface. With a slot size of 10 by 47.5 mm, load rating of up to C250 and max through-flow rate of 2.2 litres per second, it is suitable for areas where there is light vehicular traffic and is particularly popular for block paved driveways and pedestrian precincts where appearance is an important factor.

CD 434 – Polypropylene B125 Channel with Narrow Slotted Grating

The CD 434 comes with a narrow slot heel-guard grating. With a load rating of B125, max through-flow of 4.3 litres per second and heat resistant (making it suitable for tarmac edging), this channel is Network Rail approved and suitable for areas such as car parks, shopping precincts, pavements and rail platforms.

CD 437 – Polypropylene C250 Channel with Ductile Narrow Slotted Grating

The CD 437 is a polypropylene channel with a load rating classification of C250, making it suitable for areas with light, slow-moving traffic. Weighing just 9kg, it remains a lightweight option and the locking bar and bolt keeps installation simple. The ductile iron grating also has narrow slots which prevent heels from getting stuck, making it the perfect choice for pedestrian areas.

At Clark-Drain, we want to make access and drainage easy for our customers, which is why all of our polypropylene drainage channels have male/female connections, to allow quick installation of up to 3 metres at a time.

We have never been a company that takes a one-size-fits-all approach. We understand that every customer and project is unique, which is why we develop a breadth of products that are designed and manufactured in the UK, to ensure our customers can find the optimal solution to meet their individual needs.

For further information, please get in touch on 01733 765317 or visit www.clark-drain.com

Custom-made glass rooflights at off-the-shelf prices!

Building Products Index Ltd Rooflights Leave a Comment

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When it comes to bespoke projects – whether custom build or the renovation of a protected building, it’s rare that high specification and ‘budget-friendly’ go hand-in-hand.

However, with their own R&S range of custom-made flat glass rooflights, Rooflights & Skylights achieves just that. Combining quality – backed by attractive guarantees on all components – with a selection of glazing options to suit your customers’ needs, Rooflights & Skylights provide an affordable solution for all of those one-of-a-kind projects.

The Rooflights & Skylights (R&S) range

Ideally suited to flat roof constructions, the R&S range offer a variety of stylish hinged and fixed glass solutions to allow customers maximum enjoyment of their space.

These include:

– Glass rooflight top only

– Glass rooflight with PVC kerb

– Glass manual hinged rooflight to fit builder’s kerb

– Glass manual hinged rooflight with PVC Kerb

– Glass electric opening rooflight to fit builder’s kerb

– Glass electric opening rooflight with PVC kerb

The sky’s the limit when it comes to glazing options…

Whether they’re seeking protection from the effects of the sun or privacy from surrounding vantage points, there’s a glazing option to meet your customer’s requirements.

Clear – allowing natural light to flood in and fill the space.

Solar Control – reduces solar gain, while maintaining optimum light transmission.

Grey Glass – a decorative option used to reduce light transmission.

Satin Glass – a white laminate layer allows light through while offering high concealment of the room below.

Stippolyte Textured Glass – increased privacy is achieved with a level 4 medium / high obscuration.

Clear, Solar Control and Grey Glass options are also available with ‘easy clean’ coating – reducing the accumulation of dirt and debris on the rooflight and making it easier to clean.

Top spec and easy to install

Rooflights come with a fully sealed laminated double glazed unit as standard. The thermally broken construction ensures no cold bridging and a reduction in condensation. The aluminium frame of each rooflight is supplied with a powder-coated finish in Anthracite (RAL 7016).

Technical support and regulatory advice

The technical team at Rooflights & Skylights are on hand to help determine the right product for your project as well as advising on industry policy and regulation – saving you time and budget.

Quality: Guaranteed

 While all rooflight units are made to a high specification by a leading manufacturer, for added peace of mind customers can enjoy a number of guarantees, which include:

10 years on the unit

5 years on the double glazed unit

1 year on electrical components, where applicable.

View the whole range and order today from as little as £399

Paint that absorbs CO2; Graphenstone Ambient Pro+

Building Products Index Ltd Paint Leave a Comment

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The choice of coating is often overlooked as a source of environmental savings for companies and householders. Whilst more of us are aware of our own and our business’ environmental footprint, not many people (including some architects) go as far considering the considerable benefits that paint has to offer.

Builders, contractors and architects will be aware of traditional lime wash and its benefit – a highly breathable coating for use on heritage buildings and the like – but they will also be aware of its fragility. It requires many coats to get a good coverage plus the fact that painters don’t like using it or charge additional labour. But “Oh” .. how things have changed…

Graphenstone paints (www.graphenstone.co.uk) are made using a base of traditional lime that is infused with a patented graphene polymer – offering the perfect combination: use of naturally sustainable raw materials, high breathability, extreme durability and flexibility, as well as significant environmental benefits such as:

Sound too good to be true?  Graphenstone AmbientPro+ was recently used by Greystar in their many student accommodation tower blocks, throughout London.  When compared to their alternative paint specification, this saved them over 20 tonnes of CO2(e)… just from the switch of paint.  Other recent commercial customers include:  Facebook, Grosvenor Estates, Bouygues and The Ashmolean Museum, Oxford.

In addition to the range of carbon capture paints, Graphenstone offers Grafclean – available in matt and eggshell finishes and in a wide range (over 1000) of deep and rich colours – all with the benefits of naturally sustainable materials, trace VOCs, zero microplastics and petrochemicals.

Just like standard paints, all Graphenstone paints are supplied in pre-mixed liquid form and are applied by brush, roller or spray.  Unlike traditional lime wash, most projects would just need two coats of Graphenstone. “Normal paint rules apply”.

www.graphenstone.co.uk

info@graphenstone.co.uk

01379 772940

Bilco UK sets the standard for safety at Glasgow Housing Development

Building Products Index Ltd Access Hatches Leave a Comment

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Glasgow’s latest redevelopment project, located on Langside Road, is built upon the former site of the city’s Victoria Infirmary and consists of a large housing development that includes 413 flats, offices and retail space.

The 3.75 hectare site, which is situated next to Queen’s Park on the south side of the city, forms an important part of the Battlefield area’s character, with the buildings’ exterior reflecting and complementing the surrounding heritage by using the city’s traditional blonde coloured sandstone.

As part of the construction process, Bilco UK was commissioned to supply six ESW-50REM Smoke Vents, in addition to seven E-50TB Roof Access Hatches, to provide the highest standards of safety and efficiency, whilst being sympathetic to the project’s overall design.

Installed onto the roof areas of four blocks of flats by Scottish contractors, Procladd Small Works Ltd, Bilco UK’s ESW-50REM Smoke Vents were specified to provide essential ventilation in the event of a building fire. Featuring a linear actuator operating mechanism that opens the cover to 140 degrees within 60 seconds, the smoke vents ensure compliance with Building Regulations Approved Document B, BS9999 and EN12101-2.

The built-in wind deflector also provides protection against smoke being blown back into the vent in the event of a fire., whilst the newly-designed closed-cell EPDM sponge gasket helps meet Building Regulation air leakage targets by providing a better seal of the cover to the curb. With the addition of a fixed vertical ladder, the smoke vents can also be used by maintenance engineers for roof access.

Billy Baillie, Managing Director at Procladd Small Works  Ltd, said: “We have a longstanding relationship of over 20 years with Bilco UK, and will continue to do so over the forthcoming years, due to their impressive product quality and outstanding service. Bilco UK’s Roof Access Hatches and Smoke Vents were incredibly easy to install, and knowing they’re engineered to meet the highest industry standards, it provided both ourselves and the client with the confidence that the installation would set the standard for performance and longevity.”

Constructed with corrosion-resistant materials, Bilco UK’s E-50TB Roof Access Hatches were also installed to provide engineers with safe, regular and convenient access to the roof to conduct essential maintenance. Engineered with compression spring operators to provide easy one-hand operation, the roof access hatch meets the requirements of Manual Handling Regulations, whilst the automatic hold-open arm locks the cover in the open position to ensure safe egress. The overlapping cover design, fully welded corners and insulated cover also ensure weathertightness and energy efficiency to deliver the highest standards of resilience.

Mark Baird, Sales Operations Manager at Bilco UK, said: “Drawing on our longstanding relationship with Procladd  Small Works Ltd, it was fantastic to work together on this project, which has been designed to positively impact the city’s culture. The products installed were manufactured with fire safety and efficiency in mind, delivering assurance of the durability and suitability of the installation for years to come.”

For further information on Bilco UK’s complete range of roof access solutions, visit www.bilcouk.co.uk or call 01284 701696.

Looking for a cost-effective, sustainable, and insulated beam & block flooring alternative? Choose WarmFloor Pro.

Building Products Index Ltd Concrete floor Leave a Comment

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In June 2022, building regulation changes meant that new build homes must reduce their carbon emissions by 31%, and the current U-Value of ground floors must lower from 0.25W/m²K to 0.18W/m²K.

Will your projects remain compliant?

WarmFloor Pro, the insulated beam & block alternative developed by Milbank Concrete Products, is an effective ground floor solution to reduce heating costs, improve thermal performance and remain compliant. This system falls well within this new specification and can be part of a more sustainable build for the lifetime of your development.

On average, panels weigh less than 2kg a piece

Reduced construction costs, increased energy savings, and speed and ease of installation make WarmFloor Pro a compelling alternative to a standard beam and block floor. A+ Green Guide rated and fully certified, it’s proven to be a must have addition to any new, sustainable development, where keeping heating costs low is paramount.

It has been successfully installed throughout thousands of new build projects across the country and is available in both Supply Only and Supply & Fix options.

  • Quotations available from drawings provided
  • Uses our prestressed beams, both T155 & D225, manufactured at our factory in Essex
  • In-house design service available
  • Installed by our dedicated team of trained installers

Send your drawings for quotation 

Download the WarmFloor Pro brochure

So, how does it work?

EPS blocks can be cut and shaped by hand with ease

By replacing standard concrete infill blocks with a combination of rigid insulation modules (EPS panels) manufactured from lightweight closed cell expanded polystyrene, along with an EPS top sheet, damp proof membrane and structural concrete topping, we’re able to achieve U-Values as low as 0.07W/m²K.

We manufacture the concrete components and supply all the required materials (including the EPS panels) directly to site, removing the need to deal with multiple suppliers. Opting for WarmFloor Pro as opposed to a traditional beam & block floor can provide a comparable total cost for an insulated floor and is considerably easier, quicker, and more economical to install.

Why choose WarmFloor Pro flooring over traditional Beam & Block?

  • EPS panels are laid between beams with an EPS top sheet

    Cost & Efficiency – Cheaper than combining insulation with traditional beam & block. No specialist skills or tools are required for installation – EPS panels are the same length as 5 traditional concrete blocks and are considerably lighter and easier to manage (~2kg).

  • Sustainability – A+ Green Guide rated, 100% recyclable and no waste created during manufacture.
  • Thermally Insulated – EPS provides significant energy savings on heating and cooling buildings and a dramatic reduction in the emission of polluting gases.

  • WarmFloor Pro element breakdown

    100% Recyclable – EPS is 100% recyclable. It can be reused in the manufacture of new products, soil improvements and auxiliary compost material, as well as being added to other building materials.

  • Bespoke – A wide range of EPS panel depths and grades are available to provide the most economical solution for developments whilst maintaining the highest levels of thermal properties.
  • Compatible with Underfloor Heating – Plastic pegs push into the EPS panels and hold heating pipes in-situ, providing a quick and easy foundation for UFH installation.

Follow a WarmFloor Pro installation to understand just how quick and easy it can be

About Milbank Concrete Products

“Delivering quality products, through a sustainably conscious supply chain, to help you build better.”

 Our 75+ years of experience in producing precast concrete products for the construction industry makes us the perfect choice. We design, manufacture, deliver and install a range of components, from Hollowcore Flooring Planks to completely bespoke curved and helical stairs.

We were one of the first UK precast manufacturers to switch 100% of our manufacturing machinery from regular diesel to HVO biofuel, reducing our carbon output by 30%. Our expertise is trusted by the UK’s leasing housebuilders, and we are proud to contribute towards the nation’s reduction in CO2.

Build with us

To arrange an appointment, to submit an enquiry or to ask any questions, please contact our office directly on 01787 223931 or by emailing us: info@milbank.co.uk

For further information, please visit our website https://www.milbank.co.uk/.

Historic Access Solution (August 2022)

Historic Access Solution

Building Products Index Ltd automatic, Automatic door system, Automatic Entrance Doors, Doors Leave a Comment

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The Grade 1 listed Newcastle Cathedral has recently undergone considerable renovation work after being awarded a £4.2m National Lottery Heritage grant. TORMAX was contracted by Historic Property Restoration (HPR Ltd) to deliver an automatic entrance system for the main rear door that would be easily accessible for all visitors without compromising the heritage façade of the building.

The elegant, bi-parting automatic glass sliding door features stylish manifestation, whilst the grey profile surround subtly blends with the period location. Enhancing pedestrian safety, the entrance benefits from two internal glass pocket screens behind which the door leaves recess. The entrance is also Secure RC2 rated, helping ensure the Cathedral is not a target for criminal activity.

Newcastle Cathedral has a long and momentous history. Built in 1091 it was originally a parish church for the small, emerging town. Today, it is the heart of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, a place of peace and tranquillity in the heart of a noisy, vibrant city.

The Common Ground in Sacred Space refurbishment project has seen the Cathedral re-established as a dynamic place of worship and heritage venue, with areas such as the basement beneath the Cathedral Hall being converted into facilities for staff, volunteers and visitors.

 

The new TORMAX sliding doors provide a wide open, welcoming entrance for visitors to the Cathedral. Technologically advanced, yet aesthetically discreet, the door leaves are powered by the in-house designed TORMAX 2302 operator.

Tried and tested in a myriad of locations worldwide, the 2302 has proven capable of delivering ongoing reliability and advanced functionality despite only requiring an installation height of just 150mm and depth of 160mm, making it suitably discreet to harmonise with the historic surroundings.

Requiring only low-energy operation, the 2302 drive is an environmentally conscious solution, with options to adapt opening speed and hold-open times to match foot traffic and weather conditions.

The solution to rendering timber frame: ProWall

Building Products Index Ltd Render Leave a Comment

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So, you have made the decision to build a timber frame house with current construction methods?

This is certainly a very attractive proposition, capable of achieving fantastic thermal performance exceeding current building regulations while maximising the design opportunities.

One of the reasons you likely chose this method of construction was the speed of construction.

You want to achieve an attractive rendered finish to complement your house, but how exactly do you do this?

You could build an external blockwork skin, but with off-site manufacturing, the timber frame can often be erected in a matter of days; so you don’t want to have to wait months for an external block skin to be built to achieve your desired finish.

Then there is always the traditional option of sand and cement on EML fixed to stud work with building paper.

Whilst the materials are fairly cost-effective, this method can be problematic if your timber frame experiences any movement, as this can crack the render.

The accepted “modern” method is to batten off the breather membrane and fix a render carrier board to create a ventilated cavity and apply a thin-coat render system.

At SAS, we have developed ProWall, a fully ventilated, fully rendered rainscreen, combining high-quality materials to create a comprehensive and fully warranted system.

The advantages of using ProWall are as follows:

  • System durability up to 60 years – BBA certificate 13/4983
  • Horizontal ventilated cavity barrier seals tested to 99 mins integrity
  • Available in 30 standard colours plus RAL and NCS matching to 65000+ colours
  • 10-year system warranty
  • Reduced preliminary costs due to quick installation
  • Clear cavity – Creating a breathable render system
  • Highly water-repellent silicone resin finish
  • Low maintenance costs
  • Suitable for curved facades will bend to 1.5m radius
  • Suitable for use in very severe exposure zones
  • Category 1 hard-impact tested – suitable for areas of high foot traffic

ProWall can be used to create a modern, crisp finish, providing sharp lines alongside glass, wood, or alternative forms of cladding.

System Breakdown

Typically, the timber frame is lined with OSB and covered with a breather membrane.

Battens are secured in line with the frame then the ProBoard render carrier board is set on top, alongside specialised ventilation beads and slip joints to allow for any potential movement.

Also, intumescent strips are installed, providing additional fire protection between floors.

Once the board work is complete, a highly polymer-modified basecoat is applied and fully embedded with a fibreglass reinforcement mesh to tie everything together.

Once cured, a colour primer is applied, followed by a highly water-resistant and flexible silicone thin coat.

The whole system achieves a 60-year BBA certification.

Creative Freedom

The silicone render topcoat is through-coloured, and with 30 standard colours, we likely have something that will suit your requirements.

However, if you are looking for something particular, we can also match most standard colour charts such as NCS, RAL and British Standard.

With over 65,000 possible colours, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

As well as the vast array of colour options, the boards used within the system has a bending radius of 1.5m; this allows curved walls to be easily achieved, giving you additional freedom in design.

Not just timber frame

ProWall can be used to clad steel frame structures. If used with helping hands brackets, the system can achieve the same quality finish on large residential or commercial buildings.