Setting the record straight on PVC-U’s sustainability credentials

Building Products Index Ltd October 23, 2019 Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

With so much negative press around plastic dominating the headlines, there is a risk that all plastic gets tarred with the same brush. This assumption that all plastics are as bad for the environment as single use ones runs the risk of opportunities for a more sustainable future being missed. Because putting it simply, not all plastics are made equal.

This is particularly true when it comes to PVC-U, which is used as a durable building product for everything from window frames to conservatories. The common misconception is that like many plastics, PVC-U is non-recyclable. However this couldn’t be further from the truth.

In fact, PVC-U is actually a construction material that can have its lifetime significantly extended to help reduce waste. But, no doubt you are wondering, how can this be possible when everything you hear about plastic is so negative? The answer to this can be found in science.

Getting to know PVC-U

PVC-U is made of two core ingredients; polyvinyl chloride and ethylene. The polyvinyl chloride comes directly from salt while ethylene is a by-product of oil. This is unplasticized, meaning that it doesn’t contain plasticized chemicals. Instead, to make it hard and durable, impact modifiers and filers are used.

As a result of these modifiers, the scientific behaviour of the plastic changes, meaning that for the first 4-5 times PVC-U is recycled, it actually gets stronger by up to 6%.

This means that PVC-U can be re-processed and used to manufacture products of equal quality, creating an ‘upstream’ recycling process. This recycling process is one that every PVC-U product can go through up to ten times, meaning that the lifespan of the average PVC-U product can be extended from 35 years to 350.

Not all plastics are equal

As a result of this recyclability, tarnishing PVC-U with the same brush as the single-use plastics that pollute our oceans, is likely to undermine attempts to improve sustainability across the construction sector. And by dispelling this myth we will be better positioned to ensure that the 5.6million PVC-U window frames that end up in landfill every year are recycled instead!

To find out more about PVC-U’s sustainability credentials you can download our latest eBook: ‘Sorting It: A guide to PVC-U Sustainability – Separating fact from fiction’ here.

PARTITIONING MADE SIMPLE

Building Products Index Ltd October 23, 2019 Tile backer boards Leave a Comment

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Often created with a use of a single partition, walk-in showers are hygienic, easy-maintenance and stylish solutions that not only provide easy access for the whole family but also give the illusion of greater space in the bathroom.

wedi building boards – 50, 60, 80 & 100mm

wedi’s 100% waterproof tile backer boards from 50mm thickness are approved for use as shower partitions. They can be used for creating up to 1200mm long partition walls when attached on 2 sides, but once attached to a wall, floor and a solid cementitious ceiling structure the length becomes limitless. Besides standard sizes (2500x600mm), there are XL (2500x900mm) and XXL (2500x1200mm) formats especially developed for this purpose – by reducing the number of joints, they simplify the installation process enormously.

Sanwell Walls XL, XXLwith integrated niche

Robust wall elements with a thickness of 100mm are ready to use as free-standing walls. wedi Sanwell Wall elements are not only waterproof to the core, lightweight (from 16kg) but are also fully customisable: the height and width are easy to adjust to required dimensions and the size of the integrated niche can also be modified to suit. Simply bond to floor & wall with wedi 610 adhesive sealant and after reinforcement of joints it’s ready to be tiled or plastered & painted.

Key Considerations When Specifying Ladders

Building Products Index Ltd October 22, 2019 Roof Hatches Leave a Comment

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Tony Stevens, Technical Estimator at Bilco UK, outlines some of the key factors to be considered when specifying ladders for accessing a roof area.

Where is the ladder going to be used?

If the ladder is required to gain access to the roof and to be mounted externally it will require a safety cage and guard rail to enter the roof safely.

What is the ladder going to be used with?

You need to have a clear understanding of the type of access product the ladder is going to be used with.

For a small hatch, such as the Bilco E-50TB, which has internal dimensions of 915mm x 915mm, a fixed vertical ladder should be specified. A retractable ladder would not be recommended for the E-50TB as the ladder angle would hinder access when you get close to the hatch.

Where frequent access to the roof area is required for maintenance personnel, tools and equipment a companionway roof hatch, like the CS-50TB which is a larger elongated access hatch, is generally required. In this instance a companionway ladder or a retractable ladder can be specified (the maximum size for companionway would be 2440mm and 1500mm for retractable).

The companionway ladder is a 75 degree angled, rigid ladder providing permanent access to the roof hatch.

Retractable ladders are ideal for use in areas, such as schools and hospitals, where the floor space must be kept clear. They can be mounted above a ceiling and be offered with additional vertical backboards with steps and a handrail. They can also be supplied with fire rating.

Where access is required to the roof area via a smoke ventilator, like the Bilco ESW-50REM, a retractable ladder is not an option. The very nature of the mechanism of a retractable ladder would prevent the flow of smoke through the vent. It would therefore be counterproductive to use a retractable ladder with a smoke vent, although we have seen this specified on more than one occasion!

The only recommended ladder for use with a smoke ventilator is a fixed vertical ladder, due to the small footprint of this type of ladder.

Ladder Height

Knowing the height of the floor to underside of roof access hatch that you wish to access may seem incredibly obvious, but you may be surprised by the number of ladders that are specified either too short or too long for the height required!

Roof Void Height

When specifying a retractable ladder it is essential that you know the height of the roof void – the space between the ceiling and the roof. This is to ensure the ladder box liner will fit inside the space once retracted.

What happens if you get the specification wrong?

If you specify a small hatch for use with either a companionway ladder or retractable ladder it will be difficult to access, so it will not be functional.

If you specify a large length hatch, it will be difficult to access from a fixed vertical ladder. The worker will have to overstretch to open and close the hatch, putting themselves into an unsafe position.

If you specify a retractable ladder with a smoke ventilator you will compromise the integrity of the smoke ventilator by blocking the flow of smoke.

To conclude, specifying ladders might seem like a straightforward aspect of a building project but the health and safety and functionality implications are far reaching. Always ensure you specify the right type of ladder and hatch that will provide the safest and easiest access to the roof area.

If you need some help with specifying the right ladder to use for roof access please contact Tony – tony.stevens@access-360.co.uk.

A NEW ART IN SECTIONAL GARAGE DOORS

Building Products Index Ltd October 22, 2019 Doors, Garage Doors Leave a Comment

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Europe’s leading door manufacturer, Hörmann UK, has launched its new aluminium frame sectional garage door (ART 42).

The new sectional garage door has been manufactured based on Hörmann’s impressive industrial product range, offering outstanding durability and longevity. The ART 42 model features an aluminium frame and diverse infill offering, from synthetic double pane grey tinted glazing to perforated stainless steel. With the option of including a thermal break, the new design of the sectional garage door provides professionals and their clients with enhanced performance.

While thermal efficiency is increasingly a top priority for architects and specifiers, aiding clients in reducing long term energy costs, the opportunity to create a property that has real kerb appeal appearance is also an important factor in the initial design and specification process. The ART 42 range is available with 11 infill variations, which maximises the available natural light, as well as improving ventilation for parking in larger garages that house multiple vehicles.

In terms of aesthetics, Hörmann UK’s ART 42 can be coated in one of 15 preferred colours, as well as providing specifiers with the option to colour match to complementary building products, such as entrance doors. This supports architects in achieving a cohesive and visually striking look across the entire exterior of the property, with the ART 42 aluminium frame door also offering the ability to be constructed as a complementary side garage door.

As well as launching its ART 42 aluminium frame sectional garage door, Hörmann UK has also launched 24 new Duragrain finishes, which allows professionals to move away from the look and style of traditional garage doors. The fresh approach provides specifiers with the flexibility to create a bepsoke exterior to a property, without compromising on quality or durability. Architects and specifiers are able to select from a comprehensive range of contemporary and traditional finishes, from concrete to whitewashed oak.

Duragrain is Hörmann’s innovative digital printing technique, which contains a protective exterior coating to the door for an ultra scratch-resistant finish, as well as protecting the surface of the door from the weathering effects of the environment.

Hörmann UK’s latest ranges are all available on the newly updated Architect’s Programme, which provides real-time collaboration between architects, engineers and contractors to streamline and support the design process. As well as this, the Architect’s Programme provides its users with the required data at all stages, from planning, to final phases of the build for its industrial, commercial and domestic product ranges.

To access the Duragrain and ART 42 BIM and CAD files on the Architects’ Programme and to start collaborating smarter, visit: https://www.hormann.co.uk/architects/architecture-consultation/architects-programme/.

New washbasin concept

Building Products Index Ltd October 22, 2019 bathroom accessories, Bathrooms, taps, washbasins Leave a Comment

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Individual functions

Demographic change requires a change in the way we think about architecture and products. New living concepts are becoming increasingly important. More than two thirds of people in need of care want to grow old at home. The bathroom is of particular importance in this context.

With the new washbasin concept, HEWI is continuing the success story of its innovative washbasin family. New models with a concealed handle edge complement the range.

The washbasins are reduced due to the reduced material thickness and can be supplemented with important additional functions via supplementary products. The innovative concept enables the integration of an adaptive retaining handle, which also serves as a towel rail, and a modular storage system directly on the washbasin.

The washbasins provide safety and ensure that all bathroom utensils such as soap dispensers, beakers and the like are always within easy reach.

Depending on the necessity, the washbasin adapts to the altered individual needs. It can be quickly and easily expanded or dismantled with practical shelves and utensils.

Due to the timeless and modern design from HEWI, the arrangement system is also ideal for the wall.

Modules and accessories

Profiles, storage versions and hooks

Profile, hooks and shelves made of stainless steel with powder coating are available in the colours deep mat black (RAL 9005), deep mat white (RAL 9003), deep mat light grey pearl mica and deep mat dark grey pearl mica.

The profile on the washbasin has a length of 478 mm. For wall mounting, the profile is available in lengths of 368 mm, 478 mm and 732 mm.

The storage system contains six versions in two sizes, which can be hooked into the profile according to individual requirements. The shelves are available in lengths of 360 mm and 470 mm. Two short shelves can therefore be integrated into the longest wall profile.

The hooks can be attached to the side of the profiles under the washbasin. Hand towels or items of clothing can always be located here within immediate reach.

Grab bar

The adaptive grab bar enables symmetrical gripping due to the round tube design made of powder-coated stainless steel. The material creates a noble look that provides high gripping comfort and has an extremely resistant surface.

Soap dispenser, beaker and basket

Existing HEWI products from the 800 K series complement the innovative storage system on the washbasin.

Soap dispenser, beaker and basket are made of high-quality polyamide and available in 16 selected HEWI colours as well as six neutral colours in the mat edition.

Balconette’s unique Aerofoil Infinity Screen

Building Products Index Ltd October 22, 2019 Balcony Systems Leave a Comment

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True advances in balconies and balustrading are rare, but Balconette’s Aerofoil Infinity Screen is one such advance which represents a unique innovation.

For too long, customers have had to compromise their designs for the sake of privacy and safety. Adding a privacy screen or extra height to regular glass balustrading had meant relinquishing that perfect design. But Balconette’s team of design engineers have worked to create a pass-through privacy screen that effortlessly complements regular glass balustrading.

Despite its ground-breaking appearance, this unique pass-through glass balustrade system works very simply. Instead of being supported by a network of angled rails and posts, it cuts straight through the Aerofoil handrail, providing privacy and protection from the elements without compromise of design.

PARTITIONING MADE SIMPLE

Building Products Index Ltd September 27, 2019 Tile backer boards Leave a Comment

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wedi building boards – 50, 60, 80 & 100mm

Sanwell Walls XL, XXLwith integrated niche

Claim back your Japanese Knotweed infested land

Building Products Index Ltd September 27, 2019 Landscaping fabric 1 Comment

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Plantex® Platinium is a high-performance landscaping fabric specially designed for controlling invasive and aggressive weeds such as Japanese Knotweed. Invented and manufactured by DuPont, Plantex® Platinium has been thoroughly and extensively tested over several years and in natural environments. The product’s benefits and installation are featured in a video you can access here.

Information on the entire Plantex® product range can be found here.

New Toupret Joint, Skim & Fill range brings quality and efficiency to preparation work

Building Products Index Ltd September 27, 2019 Filler Leave a Comment

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Toupret’s innovative new Joint, Skim & Fill range creates a coherent jointing and filling system that makes sure the job is done right the first time. ‘Better results in less time’ is the touchstone for the range, which is designed with efficiency in mind and finish to the forefront.

Toupret’s Joint, Skim & Fill range is tailored to completing jointing and skimming tasks and is a whole solution for jointing plasterboard and surface finishing and filling on most substrates. The aim is to save time and money by producing a reliable range that does everything a builder, painter or decorator may need in terms of preparation work, combined with high quality performance on the first application.

The Quick Dry products in the range are the ones that will attract attention straight away, being ready for overpainting in just three hours.

All of the jointing products in the range, including Quick Dry, are CE approved and conform to the all-important BS EN 13963 for jointing materials for plasterboard. For normal applications they require just one coat and remove the need for spot-priming. The Patch & Repair additions to the range provide a hardy backline for preparation work, whether filling significant gaps or smoothing over and cracks.

Painters, decorators and builders want a product range that is versatile and solves all the problems that come with jointing, skimming and filling. The Joint, Skim & Fill range delivers all that and more, reducing on-problems significantly, so that it also saves time on the job. Shrinkage or re-filling are not regular concerns, whilst flashing and grinning are not a problem, so spot priming is all but done away with. All products are easy to mix, apply and to sand, providing an easy-on first-class finish that feathers well

As filling is Toupret’s stock-in-trade, it’s R&D team is constantly working to improve its products and this versatile range is developed by a team that knows a professional’s job is all about achieving a great finish with the minimum of fuss and time. The reliability, performance and workability of Joint, Skim & Fill will keep the trade as happy as its customers will be with the first-time-right finish.

Expect to see more Toupret products in work vans around the country, as well as on-site.

There are nine products in the Joint, Skim & Fill range, which comprises Joint, Skim & Fill in 5kg and 10kg bags; Joint, Skim & Fill Quick Dry in 5kg and 10kg bags; Joint and Skim in 20kg ready to use buckets; and Patch & Repair Filler Quick Dry in 1kg, 2kg and 5kg bags, as well as Patch & Repair Filler Ready To Use in a 1.5kg tub. Click here for more information on the range.

Coo-Var’s Latest New Product Launch – Power Floated Floor Primer!

Building Products Index Ltd September 27, 2019 Paint Leave a Comment

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Coo-Var has been partnering with its customers for more than a hundred years and the result is a range of exceptional, problem-solving products – including their enduring, well-known floor paints – along with outstanding training and technical help.

Painting Power Floated Floors can involve costly shot blasting or grinding. Coo-Var’s Power Floated Floor Primer can be applied direct to clean, laitance free power floated floors.

Our latest addition to the Coo-Var floor paint range is a water based two-pack epoxy primer that provides incredible adhesionof Coo-Var’s Profloor & Profloor Plus floor paints to power floated floors.

‘This product saves time and money and is great for contractors working on commercial buildings or warehouses requiring fast, cost effective maintenance.’’ Says Danielle Dutton, Marketing Manager for Teal & Mackrill.

Coo-Var products are recognised for their quality and this new Power Floated Floor Primer will be prefect for priming a newly power floated floor.

Features of The Power Floated Floor Primer include:

Fast Drying & Low Odour
Powerful adhesion
Water Based
Eliminates the need for costly grinding or shot blasting
Available in 5kg

For more information or technical advice on Power Floated Floor Primer please contact the Technical hotline on 01482 328053 or to become a stockist, please contact Sharron Drayton in the Sales Office on 01482 328053 or email info@coo-var.co.uk.

To download more information, visit the Coo-Var Website at www.coo-var.co.uk.

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