Get Full Waterproofing Installation Protection with Newton Specialist Basement Contractors

Building Products Index Ltd Waterproof Membranes, waterproofing Leave a Comment

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When carrying out waterproofing installations, it’s essential that they are installed and guaranteed by trained and approved waterproofing contractors, ensuring ultimate peace of mind for the end user.

It’s why Newton Waterproofing’s Specialist Contractors (NSBCs) are equipped to provide meaningful insurance-backed guarantees for their waterproofing installations.

 

Newton Waterproofing Managing Director Warren Muschialli comments: “All NSBCs adhere to strict criteria and are required to demonstrate quality workmanship and provide assurances for their work, resulting in a scheme that provides unsurpassed technical excellence. As such, our NSBCs can take responsibility for both the design and the installation of a waterproofing system, meaning that they will give meaningful, insured installation guarantees for their work.”

When delivering a waterproofing project, Newton’s NSBCs hold their own Professional Indemnity Insurance and CSSW (Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing) accreditation, meaning that they can act as the waterproofing designer and take design liability for the waterproofing element of the project.

In addition, all Newton Specialist Contractors can provide separate, high-quality installation guarantees, supported by their insurer and which protect clients from the risk of potential defects in the installation of the waterproofing.

That these guarantees are supported by insurance is key, as the client is protected even if the cost of a repair is beyond the financial means of the contractor.

Thanks to their dedicated teams and insurance offerings, NSBCs are therefore able to offer support for every waterproofing project, from design to installation, and even through to post-installation servicing and maintenance.

Warren continues: “Newton is dedicated to providing our customers with the information required to make informed decisions about the types of guarantees available for their waterproofing project. Because NSBCs are part of the Newton approved network, they can offer a certain level of service – their design will be protected thanks to Professional Indemnity Insurance, and their installation will be protected thanks to installation insurance. Customers can therefore benefit from a full service and from the peace of mind that comes from knowing that our NSBCs are fully trained and protected.”

Visit www.newtonwaterproofing.co.uk

ASPECT FLUSH FRENCH AND RESIDENTIAL DOORS

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

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Creating a seamless look has never been easier

The door design uses the slim, stylish profile and attractive chamfered glazing rebate of Eurocell’s Aspect bi-fold door system and perfectly complements its Logik S Flush and Modus windows.

The contemporary flush finish and super slim sightlines are only part of the story, though. With no bulky, floating dummy mullion, there’s a truly uninterrupted view to be enjoyed from inside the house.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, the view from outside is enhanced by the use of elegant butt hinges rather than the conspicuous exterior flag hinges dictated by a rebated door. This discreet, adjustable pencil hinge design preserves the smooth exterior lines of the frame and sash in keeping with today’s design trends. Plus, it offers the option of inward or outward opening to increase design flexibility where space is limited.

Anthracite Grey is a highly popular colour trend at the moment, and a through-grey profile is offered as standard; alongside the other 6 Aspect foil colours. This means none of the white PVC core is visible, even along the edges of the door frame. The result is a door with all the looks and style of an aluminium design, without the premium price.

Despite the growth in bi-fold door installations in recent years, the French door remains the most popular choice of ‘lifestyle door’ among homeowners.

Security:

The doors have been indicatively tested to BS6375 and PAS24 so comply with Part Q of the Building Regulations

Finishing touches:

  • There are two threshold options available– standard frame or Part M compliant low aluminium threshold
  • Doors can be double or triple glazed
  • Ovolo or chamfered bead available
  • 10 year guarantee on window profile and 5 year guarantee on hardware

 Colour options:

Like all Eurocell PVC-U products, the Flush French doors come with an exact colour-match guarantee. That means the colour is precisely matched to all Eurocell window, door and conservatory roof products, creating a coordinated, consistent look across any property.

Find out more at Aspect Flush Sash French Doors

Pre-Assembled Earth Retaining Systems: The Terramesh Family

Building Products Index Ltd Gabions, Landscaping Leave a Comment

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Register here for the Maccaferri introductory webinar

Maccaferri Terramesh® Family includes different facing options to build Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) structures and Reinforced Soil Slopes (RSS). It consists of pre-assembled units of double-twist wire mesh (8×10 type) ready to be assembled when they reach the job site. The geogrid reinforcement, fascia and lid are all one continuous panel of mesh, requiring no cuts operations on site. Terramesh® units are fabricated from high-quality steel wire plus an additional polymer coated (Polimac) to ensure 120 years of design life. PoliMac is a revolutionary coating that can withstand the most aggressive environmental conditions, leading to a great performance upgrade. PoliMac ensures:10x resistance to abrasion2x resistance to chemical aggressions4x performance in cold weather4x resistance to UV rays

Terramesh® units are produced in our factories around the world. The management and production system in many of our factories is certified in compliance with ISO 9001. There are three different facing options: gabion (Terramesh® System), vegetated (Green Terramesh®) or architectural (Mineral Terramesh®).Terramesh® System is a modular system used to form a gabion-faced MSE wall. The facing section of the unit is formed by connecting a back panel and diaphragms to the main fascia unit, thus creating the rectangular-shaped cells used for stone confinement. The geogrid reinforcement, fascia and lid are all one continuous panel of mesh. Terramesh® System units are supplied in standard lengths, requiring no cuts on site. Following assembly on site, the fascia unit is filled with suitable gabion stone fill. Structural backfill is then placed upon the soil reinforcement geogrids and compacted. Green Terramesh® is an environmentally friendly modular system used to form vegetated (green) faced soil-reinforced slopes (RSS) and embankments.

It has been used globally on some of the most significant infrastructure schemes. It consists of pre-fabricated units of double twisted wire mesh (8×10 type) lined with an erosion control blanket and stiffened with a welded mesh panel. Two pre-formed steel braces are supplied to be connected at the job site to maintain the unit to the required slope angle. The angled front face and the erosion control blanket are designed to facilitate the establishment of natural vegetation of the units; an important requirement of Green Terramesh®. As all components are factory fitted, Green Terramesh® is more rapid to install than competitor-reinforced soil systems.

The unit is simply erected on site, the bracing angles support the face at the designated angle without the need for any external formwork or shuttering. Structural backfill is placed upon the soil reinforcement geogrids, and a suitable fill is placed immediately behind the front face. For example, on a revegetating ‘Earth Type’ unit, good quality topsoil would be placed immediately behind the front face to promote the rapid vegetation of the slope. Mineral Terramesh® is a unique and simple-to-install soil reinforcement system with a sloping rock face finish. It is ideal for use where a modern, clean-faced aesthetic is preferred. Mineral Terramesh® components are factory-fitted preassembled units ready for rapid erection on site with a design life of 120 years. The installation is simple with no connection requirement between Geogrid and the assembled unit. The Mineral Terramesh® units do not need any form of the external framework due to the heavily galvanised welded mesh panels and bracing struts which hold the face at the correct angle during construction.

Please contact Maccaferri UK  for details on the compliance and certification in your area.

Building Regs for pumps, macerators and lifting stations

Building Products Index Ltd Pumps and Macerators Leave a Comment

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Upgrading, extending or changing the use of a building will usually involve the addition of bathroom, washing or cleaning facilities. And when conventional drainage isn’t possible there is usually a practical pumping solution from Saniflo to help with the job. Of course, prior to specifying the product required, always check the latest Building Regulations, in particular Part G and Part H.

PART G

Part G covers sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency with two key regulations affecting macerator and pump use:

Part 4.24

A WC fitted with a macerator and pump may be connected to a small-bore drainage system discharging to a discharge stack if:

  • There is also access to a WC discharging directly to a gravity system
  • The pump meets the requirements of BS EN 12050-1:2001

Part 5.10

A sanitary appliance used for personal washing fitted with a macerator and pump may be connect to a small-bore drainage system discharged to a discharge stack if:

  • There is also access to washing facilities discharging directly to a gravity system
  • The macerator and pump meet the requirements of BS EN 12050-2:2001

Part H

Covering drainage and waste disposal, the important stipulations for pumps include:

2.36      Where gravity drainage is impractical, a pumping solution will be needed

2.37      This should conform to BS EN 12050 in basements and BS EN 12056-4 for pumps located inside buildings

2.38      Lifting station/pump installations for outside buildings should refer to BS EN 752 – 6 for guidance on design

2.39      where foul water is to be pumped, the effluent receiving chamber should be sized to contain a 24hr inflow to allow for disruption in service. The minimum daily discharge of foul drainage should be taken as 150 litres per head per day for domestic use. For other types of building the capacity of the receiving chamber should be based on the calculated daily demand of the water intake for the building. Where only a proportion of the foul sewage is to be pumped, then the capacity should be pro-rata. In all pumped systems the controls should be arranged to optimise operation.

Need further clarification? Book a CPD with Saniflo here

 

 

Cheers! Crittall boosts brewery transformation

Building Products Index Ltd Doors, Steel, Steel doors, Windows Leave a Comment

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View the case study on Crittal’s website

Described as Dorchester’s most iconic building, the Brewery – once the source of the much-quaffed Eldridge Pope ales – has been transformed into a high-end residential setting with Crittall windows playing a central role in retaining the heritage aesthetic of this historic structure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For nearly a century and a half the building, with its tall chimney, towered above the Dorset town as a symbol of local industry and prosperity. Designed by architect WR Crickmay, the brick building was completed in 1880. At a staggering 13% the brewery’s Thomas Hardy Ale once featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the strongest commercially brewed beer in the country.

The brewery eventually closed in 2003 and the site remained unused until, in 2007, planning permission was granted for a new public square overlooked by the impressive building, restored to its former glory containing 29 one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

LMA Architecture of Bournemouth has retained many of the unique features of the original building including riveted steel beams, cast iron columns and exposed brickwork.  Crittall W20 steel windows and doors were a natural choice, glazed in small panes to replicate the original configuration of the tall brewery windows.

 

The importance of specifying the right access hatch

Building Products Index Ltd Access Hatches, Access Ladders Leave a Comment

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Specifying the most suitable roof access hatch for your upcoming project will ensure the highest standards of safety, efficiency and compliance.

Whether working on a residential or commercial development, considering the requirements and frequency of access at the outset of the project will guarantee the hatch delivers the highest standards of functionality and safety for its entire lifecycle.

Tom Brandon, Specification Sales Manager at Bilco UK, shares his expertise on three essential factors, which should be taken into consideration to ensure a successful specification.

 

  1. Determining the purpose of your access hatch

Whether for leisure, domestic or commercial sector buildings, all roof access hatches are designed to allow safe and permanent access to a roof area.

However, roof hatches vary in size and functionality, so it is essential to determine the dimensions of your space and the purpose for which your access hatch will be used.

The access hatches required will differ depending on how it will be used – for example, is it going to be used regularly by personnel for maintenance reasons, or does it need to provide a safe means of access in the event of an emergency?

Another key consideration for roofing contractors when assessing which access hatch is right for their project is whether tools and equipment will need to be transferred through the access hatch.

If an individual accessing the roof will be carrying large tools for regular maintenance, then a large access hatch that is larger than 915mm x 915m will be required.

 

  1. Ladder specification

Ladders are another key element for providing secure access to the roof area, so installing the correct roof access hatch and ladder combination is vital to ensure the method of access is as safe as possible.

As with a roof access hatch, space and purpose need to be considered in order to make an informed choice regarding which ladder system is best suited to meet the needs of the building.

For a small roof access hatch, which has internal dimensions of 915mm x 915mm, a fixed vertical ladder would be the most suitable option.

However, in instances where access space is limited, a retractable ladder would not be recommended due to the wide ladder angle causing hindrance to movement as an individual moves closer to the hatch.

Alternatively, where frequent access to the roof area is required for maintenance personnel, tools and equipment, a companionway ladder should be chosen in combination with a more elongated access hatch. The companionway ladder is a 75 degree angled, rigid ladder, which provides permanent access to a roof hatch of up to 2440mm.

A larger access hatch and retractable ladders should be considered for buildings such as hospitals and schools, where a clear pathway must be maintained underneath the hatch at all times.

In accordance with Manual Handling Requirements, the ladder system should be easily operated with one hand, enabling an individual to maintain three points of contact with the fixed ladder at all times.

Additionally, it should be taken into consideration that a minimum head clearance of 120mm is required, and, in accordance with BS4211-7.2, that the maximum single climb is no more than three metres.

Additional requirements to consider during the initial specification stages include calculating the height of the floor to the underside of the roof access hatch, to ensure the ladder is not too long or short.

 

  1. Additional safety considerations

To ensure that each requirement has been successfully met, professionals should consider the specification of additional safety measures.

If the ladder is to be mounted externally to provide access to a roof, it must be fitted with a safety cage and guard rail to ensure safe and secure access.

Designed to sit below a roof access hatch, at heights above 3 metres, a safety cage is required. Manufactured in aluminium to meet BS4211: 2005 + A1: 2008, these additional safety features prevent individuals from falling backwards or sidewards and ensure compliance with Building Regulations.

Additional protection can be achieved with the specification of Bilco UK’s unique Ladder Up® Safety Post. The telescopic post mounts permanently to the top two rungs of any fixed ladder, providing a secure handhold and enabling the user to enter or exit the opening in an upright and balanced position.

For advice on how to specify the correct ladder, visit: www.bilcouk.co.uk/news/specifying-ladders

For further information on specifying the right roof access hatch for your upcoming project, download Bilco UK’s free guide: www.bilcouk.co.uk/files/downloads/choosing-the-right-access-hatch-bilco.pdf

Soundproofing solutions for the complete building envelope from Soprema

Building Products Index Ltd Sound Proofing Leave a Comment

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As per section E of The Building Regulations, in new builds and residential buildings, the upper floors, external walls, masonry dividing walls, and internal stud walls must be properly soundproofed, with the airborne sound resistance being at a minimum level of 40dB and impact sounds levels at a maximum of 62dB (With an exception for any wall that has a door in it and the walls that surround en-suite bathrooms).

Soundproofing buildings is not only a regulatory requirement, it’s also an important factor in ensuring that the building’s occupants can enjoy a peaceful and tranquil environment, whether in residential buildings, schools, hospitals, offices, or other types of buildings.

Soprema offers a wide range of acoustic insulation and soundproofing solutions, specially designed for ceilings, walls, floors, and even pipes, ensuring complete peace of mind that the building has been soundproofed to the regulatory standards:

TECSOUND – high-density, synthetic soundproofing membrane designed for increasing airborne noise insulation with low surface mass, soundproofing against airborne noise in ceilings and lightweight roofs and reduction of impact noise in laminated floors. In the industrial field TECSOUND membrane can be used in applications ranging from soundproofing of cabins to acoustic insulation of machine-rooms, cowling of engines, gutter pipes and sound-damping of metal sheets amongst others.

TECSOUND SY – self-adhesive version of TECSOUND membrane

TECSOUND FT – soundproofing composite including a porous felt and the TECSOUND synthetic membrane to be used in different construction elements both horizontal and vertical

TECSOUND 2FT – soundproofing composite including TECSOUND synthetic membrane placed between two porous felts to be used in different construction elements both horizontal and vertical

TECSOUND FT55AL – Soundproofing composite made of TECSOUND synthetic membrane, finished with porous felt and aluminium foil designed for sound-insulating pipes

TECSOUND TUBE S – acoustic insulation for water, rain and drainpipes in buildings

TECSOUND S BAND – synthetic tape made of TECSOUND membrane, with a built-in self-adhesive layer enabling it to be applied straight onto metals structures subject to vibrations

VELAPHONE FIBRE 22 – thin under floor impact noise soundproofing material

In addition to our soundproofing range, Soprema UK have introduced two sound absorption product ranges. The products are designed to reduce internal excessive noise levels, allowing us to design an acoustic ambience which is fit for purpose based on specific acoustic guidelines.

Our sound absorption offering consists of two products:

PURE-KUSTIK – sound absorption boards consisting of polyester fibre with a high recycled material content (> 60 %).

FIBRO-KUSTIK – Wood wool sound absorption boards used on walls and ceilings, especially in areas where robustness and long-term product endurance is required.

These ranges feature various visual design characteristics and have proven very popular in markets including the Far East, throughout Europe as well as the Middle East.

If you would like to learn more about each product, please visit our Acoustic Insulation and Soundproofing page.

You can also contact us directly to speak with our dedicated acoustics and soundproofing technical experts about our solutions and how they can be applied in your projects:

W: www.soprema.co.uk
E: techsupport@soprema.co.uk
T: 0330 058 0668

KLAUS Multiparking – The semi-automatic TrendVario systems make parking a pleasure

Building Products Index Ltd Parking Systems Leave a Comment

 

View the Double Parking Systems entry on BPindex

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Visit the Klaus Multiparking website

Our semi-automatic TrendVario parking system combines efficiency with convenience. The users simply drive their vehicle into the system zone – the TrendVario takes care of the rest. A semi-automatic parking system allows more parking spaces to be used on up to three levels for both horizontal and vertical parking – with or without a pit. Compared to a double parker, it increases the number of parking spaces by around 30 per cent in the same area. This modular system is freely configurable and can accommodate taller cars than a standard parker. In addition, our semi-automatic parking systems can be combined and driven through and on. They also protect the parked vehicles against vandalism and theft thanks to locked gates.

 

 

 

 

A newly accredited CPD on ‘Helping Buildings to Breathe’

Building Products Index Ltd Louvres Leave a Comment

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A ‘Helping Buildings to Breathe – The Design and Specification of Performance Louvres’ CPD by Construction Specialties (CS) has been recently accredited by the CPD Certification Service. The presentation has been developed for architects and contractors who want to gain an understanding of how to specify the right ventilation louvre for their building, to ensure both functional and aesthetic requirements are met.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The CPD explains why louvres are used on buildings and how their design may impact on the airflow and rain defence performance they provide. Weather louvre testing methodology and resulting classification are also discussed, to help specifiers easily compare louvre solutions available in the marketplace and choose products to suit the building’s needs.

Finally, the presentation looks at various louvre design options available to achieve a desired effect on the façade and integrate louvres with other building elements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CS has been manufacturing and selling louvres globally for nearly 70 years and offers a wide range of solutions from high performance rain defence models to simple screening louvres.

The CPD presentation can be delivered in person, or via a webinar. For further information and to book visit: https://www.c-sgroup.co.uk/resources/cpd-seminars/a-breath-of-fresh-air-the-design-and-selection-of-performance-louvres/

 

High Level Thinking: ACO and Aquality Design Blue Roof Playground at Madani Girls’ School

Building Products Index Ltd Drainage, Surface water drainage Leave a Comment

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Set within a purpose-built Grade II listed Victorian building, Madani Girls’ School is based in the borough of Tower Hamlets and the suburbs of inner-city London. With a mission to deliver a high-quality teaching and learning experience for its pupils, the school embarked on a project to extend and add a new library, IT suite and sports hall to its facility.

Given the nature of the site the only practical place to cite these new facilities was in the existing playground, and in order not to lose valuable outdoor play space, the decision was made to convert the roof space of the new building into a playground for the pupils. A key challenge facing the project was satisfying Tower Hamlets Council’s planning conditions in relation to surface water management. Namely, this was ensuring that the surface water will discharge at an appropriate rate to prevent downstream flooding.

 Warming up to the task

Owing to the prohibitive site, the project team had already identified that a blue roof would be an ideal way of managing the surface water whilst also allowing multi-functional use of the roof space for the new building. However only preliminary calculations and an outline feasibility of the blue roof had been presented at planning.

To this end, Plumbsa Plumbing Ltd the subcontractors designated to work on the roofing and plumbing of the project, turned to surface water management specialists ACO Building Drainage and Aquality, stormwater management professionals, to help solve the issue.

Aquality undertook the hydraulic design and calculations and partnered with ACO Building Drainage to provide the ACO RoofBloxx geocellular tank, roof outlets, and blue roof flow control to provide a complete blue roof attenuation system.

To demonstrate the versatility and strength of the ACO RoofBloxx system, a porous asphalt playground was built over the top of the tank. Rainwater is designed to filter through the porous surface into the storage void. Alongside this, to ensure pupils had an aesthetically pleasing and biodiverse area to enjoy, an extensive green roof was incorporated around the perimeter of the roof.

Demonstrating the flexibility of blue roofs

 Ali Adan from Plumbsa Plumbing Ltd said: “After discussions with the teams at ACO and Aquality, we were very pleased with the end result of the ACO RoofBloxx blue roof. It goes to show that even in some of the most difficult projects, rainwater can be managed with sustainability and amenity in mind, and SuDS principles can be followed. Not only did ACO and Aquality help with the consultation and hydraulic specification, but installation was also quick, simple and cost-effective.”

The Madani Girls’ School’s blue roof now works to prevent flooding whilst also retaining valuable outdoor space for students to enjoy and use for learning. For more about ACO Building Drainage and the ACO RoofBloxx system, please visit: https://www.aco.co.uk/products/roofbloxx