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access covers

Clark-Drain specified on ground-breaking carbon-neutral prison development

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Clark-Drain were chosen to supply key drainage and access components for the UK’s first carbon-neutral prison at Full Sutton, East Riding of Yorkshire. Delivered by Kier Group, the new Category C facility for 1,500 inmates has now opened and will operate fully on electricity, supported by solar panels, heat pumps and high-efficiency systems to significantly reduce its carbon footprint.

Among the Clark-Drain products specified were heavy-duty polypropylene access chambers, selected for their strength, durability, and ease of installation. Their lightweight yet robust design provided a practical solution that also supports the sustainability goals of the project by reducing embodied carbon and long-term maintenance demands.

For architects, specifiers and contractors looking for drainage and access solutions that deliver reliability and greener credentials, this case study provides insight into how Clark-Drain matches product performance to modern construction standards.

Want to see the product details, performance data, and how Clark-Drain’s solutions were incorporated on site?

Read the full case study here › Clark-Drain & Kier: UK’s First Carbon-Neutral Prison

Call 01733 765317 or email sales@clark-drain.com to discuss how Clark-Drain can support your next project.

 

ACO Bespoke Access Covers designed to the shape and load class you need.

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As a planner or architect, you are always looking for reliable partners and answers to your very specific problems. For every challenge there is always a solution.

ACO can provide bespoke Access Covers for your project. These can be sized as you need with multiple hatches. We can manufacture these in either aluminium, hot dipped galvanised steel or stainless-steel grade 304 as standard. Covers can also be manufactured in stainless steel grade 316 if required.

ACO Bespoke covers can be designed to different load classes for both pedestrian areas and for heavy traffic areas.

Our previous projects have included multipart covers for airport installations, floor access doors to underground services or bespoke shaped landscape covers for public realm applications.

Our bespoke covers are normally available in around 10 working days.

To learn more about our bespoke covers please visit www.aco.co.uk/products/bespoke-access-covers

Talk to us about your needs today call 01462 810421 or email: acsales@aco.co.uk 

We also have an extensive range of standard access covers that are both recessed and solid covers.

Evidence-based FACTA Compliance Critical to Ensuring Paving Cover Performance, Warns Drainage Expert

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A lack of evidence-based testing threatens to undermine the operational impact of paving covers in external applications, according to a leading voice in the industry.

ACO Building Drainage is urging professionals working on projects involving external paving covers to request a test report from manufacturers to ensure the longevity and resilience of installations.

Key performance criteria for external paving covers should include load testing as outlined by the Fabricated Access Covers Trade Association (FACTA) classifications.

In flood-prone scenarios, external covers should also be subjected to a water test to demonstrate a watertight seal under a static head of water for 24 hours.

Failure to use products which have met the necessary testing criteria can result in a host of issues including early failure, water damage to underlying plant or services, and unsafe routes for pedestrians and vehicles, leading to unforeseen maintenance and inefficiencies later down the line.

In response to growing concerns around the impact of untested products in the marketplace, ACO has launched its own range of UK-manufactured external paving covers. Tested to *FACTA B and FACTA D load classifications, The single cover units have shown to maintain a watertight seal for 24 hours under a static head of 100mm as required by the FACTA specification.

The new covers are engineered for public and commercial applications, which meet the growing demand for products, combining sustainability with rigorous testing.

The new paving covers offer an innovative retrofit capability which allows the easy conversion of a plain-seated configuration to a locked and sealed variant. This flexibility means if an installation initially meets a project’s basic requirements but later demands enhanced sealing for odour and water resistance, the covers can be quickly adapted without replacing the entire unit.

Manufactured with a high percentage of recycled content and fully recyclable at the end of their lifecycle, the paving covers can help reduce carbon emissions and support the circular economy, promoting a more sustainable approach to infrastructure development. Manufactured in the UK, ACO’s external paving cover range also contains less embodied carbon than imported alternatives thereby contributing to lower Scope 3 emissions for the client.

Andrea Polti, Product Manager at ACO, said: “ACO ensures our covers are manufactured to the highest standards and test results are readily available on request. This level of transparency is essential for specifiers who demand verified reliable performance. Our new paving covers have been meticulously designed and rigorously tested to ensure they deliver industry-leading quality and performance.”

With a lead time of three to five days ACO’s paving covers combine high integrity with a competitive price.

Andrea continues: “I would encourage specifiers, civil engineers and all industry professionals to verify that products are supported by evidence-based test reports. In doing so, they ensure compliance with the necessary specifications required while contributing to the overall safety and long-term performance of the project.”

For more on ACO’s new range of external paving covers, see ACO.co.uk.

*FACTA B is designed for slow-moving(≤20mph) wheel loads, up to 5t for pneumatic tyred vehicles and 0.75t for solid tyres, while FACTA D accommodates 11t for pneumatic, and 3t for solid, suitable for environments with mixed vehicular traffic, including emergency vehicle access.

Table of FACTA load classes available here https://www.aco.co.uk/access-covers-facta

ALL ABOUT ACCESS COVERS

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When delivering projects involving access covers in commercial or education facilities, it is vital that construction professionals partner with manufacturers known for quality, innovation and outstanding design. Here, Kevin Bohea, Managing Director at ACO Building Drainage, explores how architects and contractors can deliver the best access cover for the job.

One important part of any successful project is ensuring quality work is matched with quality solutions. By choosing a manufacturer who has built a world-wide reputation for high-quality products that deliver choice, function and style, it can be the key factor in leaving customers and end-users happy.

In facilities, where areas may be high-traffic and all building components need to be robust and durable, access covers from ACO Building Drainage are regularly installed. We understand that access covers must meet high standards, including being easy to work with for the professionals installing them. They must also be designed with aesthetics in mind and available in a range of finishes. For projects where short turnaround times are a factor, having a portfolio of standard aluminium covers available with three-day delivery means that construction professionals and flooring contractors can provide the right cover, whatever the setting.

Making the grade

Typical applications for access covers in commercial and educational buildings are in corridors and communal areas, where they’ll be subjected to heavy footfall and light traffic from trolleys. In some cases, it may be necessary to account for heavier vehicular traffic too. Available in a choice of materials such as aluminium, hot dipped galvanised steel and stainless-steel grade 304 as standard, ACO access covers complement a variety of hard and flexible floor finishes including concrete, epoxy, terrazzo, carpet, vinyl, stone or ceramic tiles.

With a comprehensive range of standard clear opening sizes from 200mm to 1200mm, ACO floor access covers can be supplied either as single units or for ducting and multi-span applications. Manual lift or gas spring assisted versions are also available to suit the intended method of opening, frequency and ease of operation.

Manufactured using recycled materials, ACO UniFace™ and ACO UniTop™ floor access covers can be 100% recycled at their end of life, contributing to a sustainable environment and eco-friendly building practices. All of ACO’s access covers are tested to the Fabricated Access Cover Trade Association (FACTA) specification and use FACTA classifications for ease of selection and specification.

Delivering quality projects

Planners, architects and end-clients are often looking for reliable partners with answers to very specific problems. Here, ACO Building Drainage’s team of experts can help with the design and specification of bespoke access covers.

Bespoke access covers, that can be sized as needed, are available from ACO in single or multi cover options for both manual and assisted opening designs. These can be manufactured in either aluminium, hot dipped galvanised steel or stainless-steel grade 304 and 316 materials and are also designed to different load classes for pedestrian areas and for heavy traffic areas. Bespoke aluminium covers are often available in fewer than ten working days, helping projects run smoothly and on schedule.

A successful installation is one that meets the project requirements and satisfies the customer’s needs. Education projects can often involve many moving parts and tight deadlines. With ACO’s portfolio of access covers combined with speed of delivery and technical expertise, contractors can be confident that they can deliver quality work, whatever the project.

View our extensive range of standard access covers, including both recessed and solid covers, and bespoke access covers at ACO.co.uk.

ACO Access – Whatever the project, we’ve got it covered

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When it comes to access covers, it is vital to work with a supplier that is known for quality, innovation and outstanding design. Here, Kevin Bohea, Managing Director at ACO Building Drainage, discusses how contractors can ensure they’re delivering the best access cover for the job.

Contractors recognise the role that high quality products play in successful installations. One way to ensure quality work is by using a manufacturer who has built a world-wide reputation for high-quality products that deliver choice, function and style, including in their wide range of access covers for internal and external building applications.

Access covers manufactured and supplied by ACO Building Drainage are regularly installed in educational buildings across the UK, including schools or universities, and student accommodations. These covers are designed to be easily installed and secured into a range of floor finishes. Contractors value our help in finding the best access cover for the project and the speed of delivery we offer, with standard aluminium covers available from stock in just three days.

Getting technical

In education, typical applications include areas used by pedestrians, light vehicle traffic. In specific cases there may be heavier traffic as well. Available in a choice of materials such as aluminium, hot dipped galvanised steel and stainless-steel grade 304 as standard, ACO access covers complement a variety of hard and flexible floor finishes including concrete, epoxy, terrazzo, carpet, vinyl, stone or ceramic tiles.

With a comprehensive range of standard clear opening sizes from 200 to 1200mm, ACO floor access covers can be supplied either as single units or for ducting and multi-span applications. Manual lift or gas spring assisted versions are also available to suit the intended method of opening, frequency and ease of operation.

Manufactured using recycled materials, ACO UniFace™ and ACO UniTop™ floor access covers can be 100% recycled themselves at their end of life, contributing to a sustainable environment and sustainable building practices. ACO’s complete range of floor access covers is tested to the Fabricated Access Cover Trade Association (FACTA), specification for fabricated access covers. As a member of FACTA, all ACO floor access covers use FACTA classifications for ease of selection and specification.

Designed for a project

Planners, architects and contractors are often on the lookout for reliable partners and answers to very specific problems. Bespoke access covers, that can be sized as needed, are available from ACO in single or multi cover options for both manual and assisted opening designs. These can be manufactured in either aluminium, hot dipped galvanised steel or stainless-steel grade 304 and 316 materials as required and are also designed to different load classes for pedestrian areas and for heavy traffic areas. Bespoke aluminium covers are often available in fewer than ten working days, helping projects run smoothly and on schedule.

Previous successful projects ACO has advised on and supplied access covers to include multipart covers for airport installations, floor access doors to underground services and bespoke shaped landscape covers for public realm applications.

A successful installation is one that meets the project requirements and satisfies the customer’s needs. With ACO’s portfolio of access covers combined with speed of delivery, contractors can be confident that they can deliver quality work, whatever the project.

Talk to us about your needs today call 01462 810421 or email: acsales@aco.co.uk.

View our extensive range of standard access covers that are both recessed and solid covers and bespoke www.aco.co.uk/bespoke-access-covers.

UniFace to Uni Floor: ACO’s Access Covers Make the Cut at University of Nottingham Renovation

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The University of Nottingham’s Florence Boot Hall is a student accommodation property that can house 200 students per year. The building is currently undergoing major improvement works to refresh its look and upgrade the building services. As part of the renovation project, access covers were needed at various points along the ground floor of the building, allowing easy access to plumbing and electrics.

The ground floor of Florence Boot Hall was positioned on a latticework of timber joists. Due to this, specialist contractor Spiral Joinery took the lead on the access covers’ installation. A key challenge arose when it was discovered that the access covers originally specified had been temporarily discontinued and therefore a new solution was needed. This presented two problems: firstly, Spiral Joinery needed to source new products fast to keep the project moving and prevent delays. Along with this, openings of 600mm had been factored into the plans and were already part of the timber joists, so the new covers needed to be an exact match.

Selecting a suitable solution

Intended for communal spaces such as common rooms and dining areas, the access covers needed to be able to sit flush with the finished floor and not interrupt the building’s aesthetics once the renovation was complete. They would be used to perform necessary routine plumbing maintenance beneath the floor. After searching several suppliers, Chris Leggett of Spiral Joinery found that ACO offered cost-effective access covers that were ideal for the project.

Soon after Chris contacted ACO. Liam Watkins, Technical Sales Coordinator at ACO Access called to talk through the parameters of the project, ensuring that the right product would be recommended. Following a consultation, Liam recommended UniFace AL SHALLOW Recessed Access Covers, which were quickly approved by the project manager and deemed safe by a structural engineer.

The UniFace AL SHALLOW Access Covers come with liquid and odour-tight seals and offer optimum cover security, meaning that, even in well-trafficked parts of Florence Boot Hall, there is little risk of unwanted ingress of any kind. Their versatile design means that they can be made to blend in with almost any design aesthetic without compromising on usability or safety.

One of the key challenges was to ensure the solution fitted into the existing plans, particularly because ACO’s UniFace AL SHALLOW Recessed Access Covers are aluminium based. Despite the product being slightly bigger than those originally specified, ACO’s technical team worked with Spinal Joinery to suggest an approach that would allow the installation. To ensure the product could be installed securely, an extra 10mm rebate was formed into the timber joists, meaning the access covers fitted perfectly.

Assistance key to success

Chris Leggett of Spinal Joinery said: “Working with ACO was great. We were able to talk through exactly what we needed, and they made sure they really understood the job before making the recommendation to use the UniFace Access Covers and were available to offer technical support at every stage of the process. Ultimately, we went with ACO because they made the whole process easy, and supply was quick.”

Liam Watkins said: “The Florence Boot Hall access covers project has been challenging yet highly rewarding to be involved in. The hurdle of rapidly sourcing a suitable product is always a challenge, so it was pleasing that we were able to partner with Spiral Joinery to find a creative and practical solution that met the project requirements. We were very happy to make this part of Florence Boot Hall’s renovation go as smoothly as possible.”

Spiral Joinery ordered an initial batch of access covers and, once seeing the quality of the product and ease of installation, ordered a further consignment to complete the job.

For more about ACO’s Access Cover solutions, please visit http://www.aco.co.uk/accesscovers

Bilco UK’s Roof Safety Range Puts Compliance and Safety First

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A leading manufacturer of roof safety products, Bilco UK, offers an extensive range of complementary solutions for residential and commercial developments with its Roof Access and Safety Range, which features a variety of ladders and fall protection products.

Designed to provide construction professionals with high quality products to mitigate potential falls from height, the range complies with all relevant legislation and safely and successfully meets the unique requirements of a range of developments.

The Roof Access Range includes:

Ladders

Fixed vertical ladders can be utilised across a diverse range of commercial and residential applications to provide permanent access to a roof area. The ladders can be installed on the exterior of a building or internally via a roof access hatch or smoke vent. Available in standard sizes for floor-to-ceiling heights of two – six metres, with bespoke sizes also available on request.

Companionway ladders provide permanent roof access across commercial and residential applications via roof hatches where the rise is less than three metres. These are manufactured in four height ranges up to three metres. Bespoke options with rest platforms can be supplied for heights greater than three metres.

Retractable ladders are suitable for use with larger access hatches up to 1500mm in size and for commercial applications such as schools and hospitals where the floor area must be kept clear at all times.

Roof safety systems

The Bilco UK BilGuard® 2.0 Fixed Roof Hatch Railing System provides a permanent means of fall protection around the top of roof hatch openings, with a non-penetrating attachment enabling it to be installed quickly and easily on new or existing Bilco UK roof access hatches and smoke vents.

The unique LADDER UP® Safety Post provides safe and easy ladder access through roof access hatches, floor doors and manholes across commercial and residential applications. It can be attached to the top two rungs of any fixed vertical ladder to enable the user to enter or exit in an upright balanced position with  a secure hand-hold.

Bilco UK’s Roof Edge Protection system provides a permanent or temporary guardrail around the exterior of a commercial or residential roof, without requiring mechanical attachment to the roof.

Stepover Units

The range also includes a variety of stepover ladders, which can be installed in freestanding or fixed positions to provide flexible access over obstacles on the roof over a range of widths and heights, whilst keeping the operative enclosed by a handrail on both sides.

Suitable for residential and commercial applications, Bilco UK’s stepover ladders can be manufactured to bespoke sizes to suit the requirement of any application.

Marcus Parnham, Commercial Director at Bilco UK, said: “We have a responsibility to ensure every access solution we manufacture delivers the highest standard of performance and compliance, whilst enabling safe means of access for the end user.

“With over 30 years of manufacturing experience, our in-house team of engineering experts can assist construction professionals in successfully meeting the unique requirements of their project, whilst providing maximum fall protection and compliance.”

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

New ACO Bespoke Access Covers designed to meet your projects need.

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As a planner or architect, you are always looking for reliable partners and answers to your very specific problems. For every challenge there is always a solution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACO can provide bespoke Access Covers for your project. These can be sized as you need in single or multi cover options in manual or assisted opening designs. We can manufacture these in either aluminium, hot dipped galvanised steel or stainless-steel grade 304 and 316 materials as required.

ACO Bespoke covers can be designed to different load classes for both pedestrian areas and for heavy traffic areas.

Our previous projects have included multipart covers for airport installations, floor access doors to underground services or bespoke shaped landscape covers for public realm applications.

Our bespoke aluminium covers are normally available in around 10 working days. Lead times for bespoke covers in other materials are available on request.

 

Talk to us about your needs today call 01462 810421 or email: acsales@aco.co.uk. To view our range of cover please visit www.aco.co.uk/bespoke-access-covers

We also have an extensive range of standard access covers that are both recessed and solid covers.

Howe Green provides seal of approval with new landscape WATERSAFE IP66 Floor Access Covers

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To provide construction professionals with an ingress protected option to discreet underfloor services, Howe Green has launched its new landscape WATERSAFE IP66 Floor Access Covers, suitable for a wide range of internal and external applications, including swimming pools, wet rooms, parks, hospitals, docksides or rail projects.

The new WATERSAFE IP66 floor access covers provide discreet, safe and easy access to underfloor services in applications where dust or water ingress must be eliminated. The standard range is available in galvanised and stainless steel and can be manufactured in bespoke sizes and shapes to meet each project’s unique floor access requirements.

Due to the WATERSAFE floor access covers having an IP66 rating, the covers are completely protected against dust ingress as well as water ingress including powerful jets and heavy seas. For maximum compatibility aluminium covers can also be supplied for applications in sea salt environments. Additionally, there is a 15mm speed pipe connector to remove any water droplets, further adding to the water safe and efficiency element of the floor access covers.

Available with a load rating of A15–D400 (FACTA A – D rating), the WATERSAFE IP66 floor access covers provide durable underfloor access which can also be manufactured with higher FACTA ratings on request.

The load rating does not affect the water ingress protection, meaning that the underfloor services will not be affected or be at risk of water damage. The covers have a maximum clear opening of 1000 x 1000mm and an outer frame at a maximum of 1200 x 1200mm, with a standard stone or concrete depth of 100mm. Deeper recesses are also available on request. To meet project requirements, the infill depth is bespoke and manufactured to order, with a minimum depth of 70mm.

Chris George, Business Development Manager for Howe Green, said: “To further enhance our commitment to landscape construction professionals across a wide sector of applications, the launch of our new WATERSAFE IP66 Floor Access Covers do just that. We wanted to provide a durable and safe floor access cover that enables professionals easy and safe access to underfloor services, without the worry of dust or water ingress. To ensure that we are meeting each project’s needs, each of our floor access covers are made to order.”

In order for contractors to easily install the product into stone, tile or slab flooring, the floor access covers feature triangular corner plates with standard barrel lifting points, for easy and safe lifting.

For further information, visit  https://www.howegreen.com/product/access-cover-howe-green-watersafe-ip66 or call 01920 463230.

Howe Green launches new Landscape 1000 Series

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As part of its commitment to providing landscaping professionals with high performance access solutions, Howe Green has launched its new Landscape 1000 Series Floor Access Covers, which combine first class functionality with attractive affordability.

Suitable for hard landscaping applications, the latest range is available in galvanised steel or stainless steel options, providing safe and secure access to under-floor services, without compromising the overall visual appeal.

Galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461, the single, galvanised steel, unsecured access covers are available in standard sizes directly from stock to support landscaping professionals in completing urgent projects.

Single, duct or multipart configurations in bespoke sizes and shapes with optional secured designs can also be made to order at Howe Green’s UK headquarters to meet each project’s unique floor access requirements.

Each model within the range has a FACTA A – B rating, and load ratings are achieved without the need for structural infill . Howe Green’s inhouse design and manufacturing experts are able to manufacture higher FACTA ratings on request.

Each access cover has a maximum stone or concrete depth of 85mm, making it suitable for installation with a diverse range of hard flooring finishes for quick and easy installation. Deeper recesses are available on request through additional reinforcement in the support structure.

To ensure the highest standards of safety when accessing under-floor services via the cover, lifting points are located within triangular corner plates. Optional threaded inserts are also available to enable the use of Howe Green’s unique Cover Skate lifting device, in addition to UKPN lifting keyholes.

Chris George, Business Development Manager for Howe Green, said: “The launch of our new Landscape 1000 Series provides landscaping professionals with cost effective yet high quality access solutions that are suitable for a diverse range of hard landscaping projects.

“At Howe Green, we are committed to continuously investing in the design and manufacture of access solutions that provide professionals with first class performance and functionality, available in the shortest possible lead times, and our new 1000 Series is a reflection of this continued dedication.”

The 1000 Series offers a maximum clear opening of 900 x 900mm, with a minimum clear opening of 450 x 450mm and an outer frame maximum of 1100 x 1100mm as standard. However, larger or smaller sizes are available on request.

For further information on Howe Green’s complete range of floor access solutions, visit www.howegreen.com or call 01920 463230.

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