Making light work of brick soffits

Building Products Index Ltd Soffits, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

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Nexus Soffit Details_New Homes_Silchester, Kensington and ChelseaCreating flawless brick-faced soffits and lintels has now become much simpler and quicker, thanks to a new lightweight stainless steel based system developed by two industry-leading companies – brick support specialist Ancon Building Products and Ibstock Kevington –national manufacturer of brickwork and masonry special shapes and prefabricated components.

The new Nexus® system combines a specially developed Ibstock Kevington lightweight brick-faced steel unit with Ancon’s tried and tested MDC stainless steel bracket angle support system. The system offers contractors easier handling coupled with maximum adjustability, both vertically and horizontally, for quick and simple alignment on site.

Nexus Brick Faced Support SystemThe new system offers considerable benefits over traditional cast concrete alternatives – cutting weight by more than half, which in most cases will allow the brick-faced units to be installed without specialist lifting equipment, and significant savings in installation time – making it particularly appropriate for fast-track or time-limited projects.

Individual Nexus® units are designed and prefabricated off-site to suit different soffit dimensions, even modern deep soffits, so there is no cutting required on-site. They are simply offered up to the pre-fixed and pre-drilled Ancon MDC support system and then bolted into position using T-head bolts. The quality design allows units to be simply adjusted for perfect alignment and, once in position, all that is left is for the brick facing to be pointed for a seamless match with the main brickwork.

Nexus Brick Faced Support System_Fixed to ConcreteNexus units can be fabricated using virtually any brick or masonry with the chosen product being specially selected and precision cut, generally from the same batch as the main façade to ensure a perfect visual match. Various brick patterns can also be specified to match individual project designs and styles.

All system components are of the highest quality, and engineered for economy and durability, with slips permanently bonded to the high grade stainless steel Nexus system using a BBA accredited bonding system. Nexus has been independently tested for long term durability by Lucideon, the independent global experts in materials testing, analysis and consultancy.

Ibstock Kevington Sales Director, Warren Dean said, “Nexus ® is an exciting new development that brings together the combined experience and expertise of two major companies – each market leaders in their own area. The advanced design will not only make it easier and quicker to specify and install modern brick-faced soffit and lintel features in a range of different building applications, but the two-part design means it will be far easier to achieve perfect alignment with the main brickwork façade.”

Further details and technical specifications for the Nexus® system are available in a new 4-page brochure, available to download from www.ancon.co.uk/Nexus.

Gaia takes control of underfloor heating-online

Building Products Index Ltd underfloor heating Leave a Comment

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DEVIlink App & Room ImageGaia revolutionises modern heating management with Gaialink, a state-of-the-art online wireless control for both electric and wet underfloor heating systems.

The Gaialink system is based on an innovative, centrally-placed colour touch screen panel which enables all room temperatures and electrical devices within the home to be easily controlled individually or together, with the added bonus of online control.

IMG_2291The system is aimed at multiple heating zone installations and is designed to deliver maximum heating comfort while reducing energy consumption. Simple and easy to install and commission, Gaialink communicates wirelessly with individual room sensors and floor thermostats to give precise temperature control.

The Gaialink system is simple and uncluttered making it both good looking and easy to operate. The intuitive graphic display with its colour touch screen is easily personalised so that daily heating schedules can be controlled.

devimatclose2Gaia’s ‘hidden’ room sensor is designed especially for use with the Gaialink unit. This unobtrusive sensor provides an accurate measurement of the indoor temperature and is mounted flush to the interior wall so can be painted over to match the wall colour, making it almost invisible.

Gaialink includes presets which can be programmed to modify schedules during the week or while the user is away. The user sets the parameter then selects “vacation” mode before leaving. A useful “help” page is available to guide users in the event of any problems.

For further information on Gaia, please call 01359 242400 or visit www.gaia.co.uk/products/thermostats-and-controllers/gaialink/

ACO Water Management launch their Surface & Grating Visualiser

Building Products Index Ltd Drainage Leave a Comment

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Style, aesthetics, performance and reliability are all important factors when specifying surface water management systems. Globally recognised as the no. 1 choice in managing surface water, ACO provide designers with the widest range of channel and grating styles to choose from.

surface +By using a range of different design options including light, form, texture, material and colour, ACO’s grating and channel styles can be used to complement or enhance many landscape designs. Alternatively for projects which require discreet drainage to blend subtly with the design of the landscape, ACO’s comprehensive range of slot drainage systems can provide an aesthetically-pleasing finish.

Explore the multiple options in our standard product range using our new Grating Visualiser tool, or for projects which require something a little different, speak to the ACO team, who can help create your bespoke design.

 

Zehnder Presents its New Radiant Conditioning CPD

Building Products Index Ltd controls, Heating, Radiators Leave a Comment

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Radiant Conditioning_1As part of its ongoing initiative to share its knowledge and experience, Zehnder Group UK, the leading specialist in indoor climate solutions, is delighted to announce the launch of its new Radiant Conditioning CPD. Part of a range of certified Continuing Professional Development training resources offered by Zehnder that cover key technologies used to heat, cool and ventilate buildings, including Radiant Heating and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery, this new CPD will be hugely beneficial to engineers, Energy Managers, Specifiers, Facility Managers and architects.

The issue of cooling is gaining greater prominence in today’s society, as buildings experience heating issues such as humidity, overheating and solar shading, which impact on the well-being of occupants. The Zehnder Radiant Conditioning CPD looks at the different cooling solutions that are available, their limitations, capabilities and the benefits that can be gained from utilising radiant conditioning solutions.

Radiant Conditioning_2Good practice that can be adopted for system design is also discussed, as well as the application of conditioning solutions in varied environments.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understanding of cooling issues that pertain within buildings today
  • Detailing of cooling solutions that are available
  • Benefits that can be gained by radiant conditioning
  • Understanding of system design options
  • Examples of cooling solutions

To find out more about the Radiant Conditioning CPD and to arrange for Zehnder to come and present it at a location of your choice, please click here. As with all Zehnder’s CPDs, there will be no charge attached.

Premier Loft Ladders – New!! Elite Ladder & Supreme Stairway

Building Products Index Ltd Ladders Leave a Comment

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Elite-SPremier Loft Ladders have introduced two new products, a) the Elite ladder with a special backboard complete with additional treads and grab rails, and b) the Supreme stairway with a 240mm high hatchbox plus a special backboard complete with additional treads and grab rails.

Premier Loft Ladders have also enhanced it’s range of fire resistant casings for industrial, commercial and domestic applications which now comprises the Supreme with wooden hatchbox and trapdoor F30, the Supreme with a steel hatchbox and trapdoor F30 and F60/F90, the Miniline F30, F30 Plus and F60 and also the Profiline F30, F30 Plus and F60. All ladders are manufactured to EN 14975 with fire resistance tested to DIN 4102 Part 2.

The Elite ladder is manufactured from high strength die-cast aluminium alloy and is usually attached to a laminated wood backboard (19mm thick x 200mm high) for fitting to a vertical surface or a horizontal surface to access a vertical opening. It is supplied with two heavy duty counter-balanced springs incorporated into pivot brackets to ensure that it can be raised and lowered with a minimum of effort with a load bearing per tread of 200 kgs. The Elite ladder can now be offered with a special construction white coated Multiplex backboard complete with additional treads and grab rails. The height of this special backboard is variable up to 2000mm high x up to 1200mm wide.

Two find out more details of our new products click on this link:

http://www.premierloftladders.co.uk/news.htm

New Klober insulation board with integrated vapour underlay

Building Products Index Ltd Insulation Leave a Comment

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IMG_3151_26739Permo® therm, from Klober, is a phenolic insulation board with a tongue-and-groove edge profile, integrated vapour roof permeable underlay and self-adhesive strips along laps. The product has been designed for above-rafter insulation and offers the added convenience of combining two roofing disciplines in one product. It can be laid on boarded or un-boarded roofs either from left to right or from right to left and is available in various thicknesses. Suitable for all pitches, boards are accompanied by a range of fittings for ease of installation, optimum thermal performance and airtightness.

IMG_3172_26761By laying over rafters, greater height is provided in the roof space and cutting avoided. Boards are interlocked up the roof slope with the integrated roof underlay

facing upwards. Laps are then sealed by removing the release film from the adhesive strip and after either a single or double course counterbattens are laid in alignment with the rafters. These are simply screw-fixed through the boards to the boards prior to tiling battens being fixed.

Smarter Ventilation in Schools – Making IAQ Part of Sustainable Architecture

Building Products Index Ltd Ventilation Leave a Comment

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Phil Mangnall, Sales Manager at Jaga Heating Products UK, discusses how through the careful specification of a ventilation system, schools can reap the benefits of energy and cost efficiency, whilst providing an ideal internal environment for their students and staff.

There are approximately 10 million students currently in schools across the UK today. These children and young adults spend almost a third of their entire childhood at school, with around 70% of that time being spent indoors. It is a staggering statistic.

So, given the amount of time spent in these buildings, it is reasonable to expect them to be environments that help students thrive. Not only that, as a fundamental influence on the minds of future generations, surely they should be pillars of the environmental path that the construction sector is being encouraged to walk?

Architects are constantly being challenged to make efficiency gains. One area that allows this, whilst dramatically improving the internal environment for students, is ventilation.

Quite simply, we need to start taking ventilation seriously. It is more than just another facet of school building design; it is a rare opportunity to improve the health and well-being of staff and students in an environmentally friendly, cost efficient way.

Identifying the best ventilation system for any educational application can be complex – particularly given the need to factor in the three-pronged problem of indoor air quality (IAQ), energy-efficiency and sustainability that are underwritten by legislation and regulations for educational new builds.

But there is a logical solution that boosts all three without compromising an architect’s vision for a building: integrating dynamic Demand Controlled Ventilation (DCV) into a school’s heating system. It provides intelligent ventilation that satisfies regulatory requirements, stays within a project’s budget, and ensures the best possible learning environment for the students.

UntitledDCV is a modular, scalable solution that constantly monitors the IAQ on room by room basis, fully programmable and flexible enough to respond to differing demands. A CO2 sensor constantly monitors a classroom’s IAQ, processing the information and refreshing the air before excessively high levels of CO2 are reached. Essentially, extracting stale contaminated air and replacing it with fresh air from outside.

The intelligence to only vent fresh air as and when it is required is a highly efficient means of maintaining an optimal indoor environment – as high as 28% more efficient than natural ventilation, in fact, whilst eliminating the draughts, stuffiness and security risks that result from this alternative.

Furthermore, because it can be integrated within a school’s heating system – with the flexibility to have centralised, stand-alone or linked controls – it means that temperatures can be optimally regulated at all times, ensuring the right level of warmth according to a school’s preferences without wasting energy unnecessarily – a common trait in busy educational establishments.

By getting smarter about ventilation, schools can become examples of how to operate in an effective way that is aligned with social and environmental responsibilities. And there are options out there that can be specified in a bespoke way to satisfy architects’ requirements.

At Jaga, we call our Demand Controlled Ventilation system ‘Oxygen’, and it is fully compatible with the majority of our Low-H₂O radiators. Both Oxygen and our Low-H₂O Radiators have been certified for their energy-efficiency by KIWA. Oxygen has been recognised by the Educational Funding Agency (EFA) as a suitable solution on the Priority Schools Building Programme.

We immerse ourselves in every project, supporting both on site and with our dedicated technical team, providing genuinely tailored heating and ventilation systems. If you would like to learn more about Jaga Oxygen DCV, you can download our Ventilation in Schools Interactive Guide, or visit www.jagaoxygen.co.uk

Plastic Omnium underground waste system success in Tower Hamlets and Lambeth

Building Products Index Ltd waste Leave a Comment

 

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DSC02253The Plastic Omnium Sulo underground refuse system (URS) combines high capacity with removal of unsightly groups of bins which can lead to litter spill and vandalism. Already installed throughout the London Boroughs of Lambeth and Tower Hamlets as well as in Blackpool, Peterborough and Cambridge, they make a major contribution to maintaining a clean environment.

Alan Craddock, Project Manager of Plastic Omnium’s Environment Division explained, “The Sulo range provides local authorities and companies with aesthetically pleasing, unobtrusive disposal and collection points which combine increased security with low maintenance and vermin deterrence. Collection is less labour intensive and comprehensive cleaning and support can be provided as part of the supply contract. This is not just for sanitation but to ensure compacted waste doesn’t reduce capacity within the underground container.”

Underground units come in three standard sizes – 3, 4 or 5m3 compared to a standard four-wheeled bin with a maximum capacity of around 1.1m3. The above ground ‘columns’ are of contemporary stainless steel design with a secure ‘night-safe’ opening and the option of an additional foot pedal. Their appearance is aesthetically pleasing while their fixed position removes any cost of bin replacement for the local authority.

DSC02252Specially designed collection vehicles are essentially remodelled RCVs employing specially designed crane and hydraulic equipment to lift the columns.  The URS is lifted over the rear of the vehicle using a hand-held remote, a counterbalanced floor rising to fill the void.

For cleaning, the bin is lowered into a purpose-built vehicle provided by Plastic Omnium / Sulo for the inside of the main waste container to be power washed, waste water being retained for authorised disposal. Column handles are also regularly cleaned using Sulo antibacterial wipes and labelled by the local authority to identify when the service last took place.

The decision to install in Tower Hamlets came about after the council received Government funding to modify and update its housing stock. While a number of bin providers install URS across the borough, the lion’s share has been provided by Plastic Omnium / Sulo. Poplar HARCA housing association currently has 190, typically positioned outside high density social housing or privately-owned apartments. The service uses just two fully-trained crews, each having an HGV driver wo is also the certified crane operator and a second member who acts as a look-out for the driver while bins are being manoeuvred. Most URS are emptied once a week, regardless of whether they are full or not, although some locations receive a twice-weekly collection.

EUROBRICK SHOWCASE CLADDING EXPERTISE WITH NEW SHOWROOM

Building Products Index Ltd Bricks, Cladding Leave a Comment

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Euro Brick 15-5-15 0163After several record-breaking years of growth and a move to larger premises, brick and stone slip cladding specialist Eurobrick has opened a brand new showroom.

This development follows the company’s 25th anniversary last year and the new showroom further supports its status as the leading specialist in this market.

The dedicated area includes a display of the full brick slip ranges along with a selection of stone finishes, and information about the different cladding systems available from Eurobrick.

The new showroom has a section of installed X-Clad, allowing customers to see one of the cladding systems and to understand the installation process. Experienced Eurobrick team members will staff the showroom and be on hand to answer any questions.

John Mayes, managing director at Eurobrick commented on the new showroom:

image -018“After several fantastic years at Eurobrick, we’re really pleased to be able to offer our customers a showroom that is visually interesting and informative, showcasing our products.

At Eurobrick, we have always worked hard to provide our customers with quality cladding materials and service; our showroom underpins this. Customers can come in to discuss their project requirements in a comfortable environment.”

For more information on Eurobrick and its range of brick and stone slip cladding products, please visit www.eurobrick.co.uk.

Eurobrick’s new showroom is open to visitors Monday – Friday, 9am – 4:30pm at Unit 5, Newbridge Trading Estate, Bristol, BS4 4AX.

Delta Membranes – Every Penny Counts

Building Products Index Ltd Dampproofing 1 Comment

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1606 Delta - BPI Basement materials 01 copyOver recent years there has been increasing pressure on budgets, and cost-effective construction techniques have been the order of the day. The same goes for refurbishment projects, which is where Delta Membrane Systems offers a wide range of products that help with the damp proofing of internal walls, particularly in basement projects.
Too often, basements are left redundant or as ‘dumping grounds’, but the truth is that they can be functional, useful spaces that can enhance the emotional and monetary value to a home.
1606 Delta - BPI Basement materials 02 copyDelta Membrane Systems has long argued that using its package of products designed specifically for basement refurbishment will bring a basement back to a habitable condition, at a cost-effective price.
A typical product for walls is the Delta MS-500 which is made from high density polyethylene. While the membrane itself is just 0.6mm thick, it features 8mm studs on the wall-side and it is these studs that create the drainage channel – allowing up to 135 litres/minute/metre of incoming water to be drained – well in excess of the likely demands.
Incorporating 20mm studs, Delta MS20 is another membrane in the collection that offers impressive operational characteristics. These include a compressive strength rating of 150kN/m2, and high capacity drainage to easily cope with the worst of likely conditions. It can be used in applications where extra drainage capacity is required, such as deeper structures, or where a larger flow rate is likely.
1606 Delta - BPI Basement materials 03 copyThanks to the membranes, all water entering the property drains down the wall into a channel that leads to a sump unit hidden below ground floor level. It is then pumped to a suitable drainage outlet which might be a soil vent pipe, or simply to an outside drain or soak-away.
Managing the damp ingress, rather than trying to prevent it altogether, is the sensible and economic option for basement refurbishment, and Delta Membrane Systems is a one-stop-shop for all the materials needed.
Delta Membrane Systems prides itself on the extensive collection of products it has on offer to overcome the problems of water ingress into a property – both existing and new-build. However, the service does not stop there as the company is happy to share its knowledge and offer technical advice wherever needed.