Value Engineering – Waterproofing

Building Products Index Ltd Waterproof Membranes, waterproofing Leave a Comment

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Value engineering is a method to deliver essential project functions at the lowest cost. It substitutes materials and methods with cheaper alternatives without losing functionality. Focused on functions rather than physical attributes, value engineering is also known as value analysis.

Value engineering reviews products in the design phase to cut costs and boost functionality, enhancing product value. It aims to produce items cost-effectively without compromising their purpose. The concept of Value Engineering began at General Electric Co. during World War II.  During the war, there were shortages of skilled labour, raw materials, and component parts. Lawrence Miles and Harry Erlicher at G.E. sought suitable substitutes.

Aligning Value Engineering with Structural Waterproofing

Messrs Miles Erlicher defined product value as the ratio of function to cost. Function is the work an item is designed to perform, and cost covers its life cycle expenses. Increasing product value involves enhancing function or reducing cost. Value engineering includes analysing costs related to production, design, maintenance, and replacement.

Product value        =           Function

                                            _________

                                                  Cost

Waterproofing requires a tailored design approach, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution.  So, to achieve value engineering in structural waterproofing, consideration should be given to product, product performance characteristics, installation, future maintenance and worst-case scenario, refitting flawed or failed systems.

Waterproofing is vital for maintaining the integrity and value of a structure. Poor workmanship, wrong materials, lack of preparation, or missed details during installation can cause failed waterproofing systems, leading to water damage and expensive repairs.  Addressing waterproofing issues early ensures a structure stays in great condition. Although waterproofing costs only 2-5% of a building’s total expense, to rectify failed or flawed waterproofing, can account to nearly 80% of all construction-related problems.

Effective structural waterproofing relies on precise product selection and proper installation methods from the start.

Waterproofing Design

Waterproofing design is essential in construction, employing various methods and materials to prevent water ingress. Effective waterproofing design enhances building longevity and safeguards structures against water damage.

Three key stages to successful waterproofing: design, specification, and installation.

The waterproofing designer will assess “value” and incorporate this into their design.  Not all waterproofing products/materials are equal.  Different products offer varied qualities and features, so it’s important to choose the right one for the project.

A Waterproofing Design Specialist must know various waterproofing systems and BS 8102:2022. They should understand water sources, their interaction with structures, and soil flow. Structural principles and geotechnical knowledge are essential for working with engineers and interpreting soil reports.

Delta Technical Team

Delta’s Technical Team can help you find value engineering solutions for your waterproofing project.  For all your project requirements, Delta’s Technical Team is a dependable resource. Offering expert advice, comprehensive support, and timely practical assistance, we cater to your specific needs. Contact us today to optimise your project’s performance and cost efficiency.    Tel: 01992 523 523 or drop us an email at info@deltamembranes.com.

Considering glass doors for your heritage building? Heritage experts Ion Glass explore the benefits.

Building Products Index Ltd Architectural Glass Leave a Comment

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Many churches and heritage properties have recognized that traditional heavy wooden doors can be off-putting, creating an unwelcome barrier for visitors.  Replacing timber doors with a bespoke structural glass alternative, whilst keeping the original doors  fixed permanently open offers all the benefits of a contemporary glass door without losing any of the intrinsic heritage.

  • A glass door, with an open view of the interior is significantly more welcoming
  • Use of glass improves light flow, increasing the levels of natural light to the interior of the building
  • Glass doors can be fully automated, allowing easier, more inclusive access
  • Replacing a timber door with glass can do much to save energy, alleviating heat loss and avoiding draughts,
  • The glass door can be made fully secure and fitted with alarms as required
  • Glass has minimal impact on the structure of the building, meeting listed building requirements
  • Use of a bespoke glass manifestation to meet building regulations can also add a contemporary style note

Use of a glass transom and side panels can facilitate the use of more simple double doors within an arched space.  Ion regularly employ this technique to perfectly accommodate glass doors in arches of different dimensions.

These fully bespoke Ion Glass doors at different churches and heritage sites have created functional and stylish entrances in traditional – often listed – environments:

The original wooden front door at St Dionis  Church in Parsons Green, London, looked dark and uninviting, discouraging visitors and minimising light to the interior

Replacing the wooden door with glass and opening up the bricks on either side to include two full height side windows transformed the entrance, creating a welcoming entrance with a light and airy space within.

A complete re-ordering of Holy Trinity Church at Wantage involved enclosing the open porch with glass and installing bespoke fully automatic double doors.  The original wooden doors were retained but kept permanently open, allowing light to flood into the interior.

Removal of the original wooden doors and replacing them with bespoke glass created a welcoming entrance for St Mary’s, East Molesey. Use of computer aided measuring techniques, careful design and accurate manufacturing ensured the glass fits perfectly around the stonework.   The custom designed manifestation was created to reflect the new styling and re-ordering of the church.

For more information on Ion’s solutions in fully frameless or minimally framed bespoke glass doors, porches, glass linkways, glass shower screens, internal or external balustrades (curved or straight),  glass screens or other architectural glass installations call us on 0345 658 9988,  send us an email via info@ionglass.co.uk or make an immediate appointment to speak to one of our experts.

www.ionglass.co.uk

Heritage-Sensitive Retrofit: Dales Fabrications Ltd Delivers for Netherfield Estate

Building Products Index Ltd Aluminium building products, gutters, Pipes, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

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Leading designer & manufacturer of aluminium building products, Dales Fabrications is contributing to the £12 million retrofit of Milton Keynes’ Netherfield Estate, demonstrating the capability of aluminium systems to support both sustainability objectives and heritage preservation requirements.

For the retrofit, Dales are supplying their Fascia Soffit in RAL 9006 Matt, Delta 100 Gutter in RAL 9010 Satin, and 101.6mm Contemporary Rainwater Pipe in RAL 9010 Satin, working alongside ECD Architects, Mears Group, and Bailey MK Ltd.

Project Overview

The SHDF Wave 1-funded project is decarbonising 302 council-owned homes while respecting the estate’s architectural significance. With Phase 1 now complete, the retrofit programme is progressing through its final stages, with completion anticipated later this year.

Originally designed by ‘The Grunt Group’ under Milton Keynes Development Corporation, the 1970s estate holds recognition as a non-designated heritage asset. The retrofit addresses critical performance issues including inadequate insulation, damp, mould, and overheating, while preserving the estate’s architectural character through careful material selection.

Why Aluminium?

Aluminium’s durability, corrosion resistance, and lightweight properties make it ideal for this complex retrofit. The material’s strength-to-weight ratio suits architectural applications, while low maintenance characteristics reduce long-term costs for residents.

The specification of aluminium products also aligns with the project’s sustainability objectives due to the material’s high recyclability, which enables continuous reuse without quality degradation and supports circular economy principles. As a founding member of the CAB Closed Loop Recycling Scheme, Dales Fabrications actively works to maximise material efficiency and minimise environmental impact. This commitment is demonstrated through the supplied rainwater pipes, which comprise 78% recycled content and maintain full recyclability at end-of-life, supporting the project’s broader environmental goals.

 Impact so Far

Energy modelling by ECD Architects guided targeted upgrades, including high-performance windows, external insulation, and warm roofs. Where Phase 1 upgrades are complete, tenants report improved thermal comfort, reduced heating requirements, and fuel bills cut by more than half compared to pre-retrofit conditions.

As well as receiving positive feedback from tenants, the project has received notable industry recognition, including being shortlisted for the ‘Unlock Net Zero Live Awards 2023’ in the Collaboration of the year category. Additionally, the project made it to the finals of both the ‘Constructing Excellence Awards 2024’ in the ‘regeneration & retrofit’ category and the ‘Unlock Net Zero Live Awards 2024’ in the ‘green homes upgrade of the Year’ category.

The importance of retrofit:

With the UK targeting 68% carbon reduction by 2030, projects like Netherfield Estate showcase how existing housing stock can be transformed through thoughtful specification, material selection, and collaboration, proving heritage preservation and decarbonisation can go hand-in-hand.

How The Newton Recycling Service Sets New Standards for Sustainability in Construction

Building Products Index Ltd waterproofing Leave a Comment

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Sustainability is becoming an increasingly pressing matter within the construction industry. With rising concerns over carbon emissions, energy consumption and the depletion of natural resources, construction companies must implement sustainable practices in order to reduce our environmental impact.

Through pioneering recycling initiatives, eco-friendly product developments, and a commitment to environmental protection, we are proud to be setting new standards for sustainability in structural waterproofing.

The Newton Recycling Service: A Game Changer for the Industry

In 2017, we pioneered the first closed-loop waste management and recycling service in the UK waterproofing industry. Now having recycled over 26 tonnes of material, the initiative addresses the problem of the waste that is generated from waterproofing membranes and product packaging, providing a practical, eco-friendly solution for contractors and construction companies.

How Does Newton’s Recycling Service Work?

The process of installing waterproofing products inevitably generates off-cuts, unusable packaging and waste materials. However, rather than allowing these to contribute to landfill waste, our recycling service ensures that they are collected, reprocessed and recycled. The service operates by:

Collection of Waste Materials

Thanks to our own fleet of delivery vehicles, Newton’s specialist drivers collect membrane off-cuts and empty packaging from our nationwide network of Newton Specialist Basement Contractors (NSBCs). These collections coincide with deliveries of new product, thereby reducing the need for separate journeys and minimising carbon emissions.

Sorting and Recycling

The collected materials are returned to our headquarters, where they are processed and prepared for recycling.

Reintegration into the Industry

The prepared materials are sent to a third-party plastics reprocessor, where they are manufactured into new construction products and reintroduced into the supply chain. In doing so, we are contributing to the use of recycled and renewable materials in future building projects.

The Environmental and Commercial Benefits for Contractors

Participating in Newton’s sustainable construction initiative offers numerous benefits to contractors and construction companies:

  • Reduction of waste disposal costs – Contractors can lower expenses related to waste disposal, improving their bottom line.
  • Minimised carbon footprint – By recycling waterproofing membranes, contractors help lower the gross annual carbon emissions associated with their construction projects.
  • Enhanced corporate social responsibility – Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability in construction aligns contractors with global and UK environmental regulations, which is increasingly important to stakeholders.
  • Compliance with Green Building Standards – The initiative contributes to green certifications such as BREEAM, helping to create sustainable buildings that meet the Future Homes Standard.

Newton’s Commitment to Sustainable Product Development

Beyond recycling, we are dedicated to producing sustainable building materials that reduce energy consumption and promote resource efficiency. This is evident in our latest Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for the HydroBond 402 and HydroBond 403 external waterproofing membranes.

What Makes These Products More Sustainable?

Newton’s EPD-certified products further contribute to the reduction of the environmental impact of waterproofing systems by:

  • Minimising fossil fuel usage during production
  • Extending material lifespans
  • Reducing amount of waste, and
  • Promoting energy efficiency

Overall, these EPD certified products ensure less energy consumption while supporting sustainable building materials and responsible use of resources.

The Impact of Newton’s Recycling Service on the Built Environment

Since its launch, our waste management programme has made a positive impact on green construction. Some of the key outcomes include:

  • Reduction in landfill waste, ensuring less energy is used in waste disposal.
  • Significant carbon footprint reductions, as the recycling initiative limits unnecessary material production.
  • Greater use of sustainable materials, incorporating renewable materials into new building projects.
  • Improved quality, as more environmentally responsible materials contribute to healthier and more sustainable buildings.

The Essential Role of Sustainability in Construction

As the UK government continues to push for sustainable development, construction companies play an essential role in fostering sustainable construction methods. By integrating sustainable practices such as recycling and EPD-certified construction materials, we are helping to shape a construction sector that is willing to change its approach to environmental sustainability and long-term performance.

AFTER GRENFELL – EMPOWERING DIGITAL FIRE SAFETY

Building Products Index Ltd Fire Protection Leave a Comment

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Why is BS 8644-1 Crucial for Business Owners and Facility Managers?

THE ROLE OF GRENFELL IN CHANGING FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS

The Grenfell Tower fire disaster in 2017, which claimed 72 lives, marked a turning point in UK fire safety standards1. This prolific event highlighted critical gaps in fire safety management, leading to comprehensive reforms aimed at improving accountability and transparency. One significant outcome was the introduction of BS 8644-1 in 2022, a standard that emphasises the digital management of fire safety information throughout a building’s lifecycle. By promoting accurate, accessible, and consistent data, BS 8644-1 supports more robust safety practices and enhances compliance across the built environment.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FIRE SAFETY?

Under the Fire Safety Act 2021, building owners, managers, and designated Responsible Persons (RPs) are required to:

  • Ensure a fire risk assessment is completed by a competent person
  • Ensure fire safety systems are maintained by a competent person
  • Inform occupants about evacuation procedures

HOW DOES BS 8644-1 HELP?

BS 8644-13 outlines best practices for the digital management of fire safety information across all stages of a building’s lifecycle.

Following the Grenfell Tower fire, Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review identified widespread issues with the creation, maintenance, and handover of critical safety records, calling for a unified approach known as the “golden thread”. This concept ensures that essential fire safety data remains accurate, accessible, and relevant from design through to a building’s end of life, fostering greater accountability and transparency.

The standard addresses longstanding concerns, such as inadequate record-keeping and unclear accountability, by mandating consistent digital documentation to support safer building operations. UK business owners and facility managers must recognise that this standard is not just about regulatory compliance – it’s about safeguarding lives and protecting assets.

WHAT IS THE COST OF FIRE DETECTION SYSTEM FAILURES?

False alarm incidents continue to be a major challenge, with UK Government statistics reporting 254,000 cases in the year ending September 2024, the highest number since 2011. These disruptions burden emergency services, impact businesses and may cause people to become less responsive to real fire emergencies.

Common causes include:

  • Poor detector placement or incorrect device selection
  • Inadequate maintenance or testing
  • Deliberate tampering or power failures

Faulty equipment accounted for 118,115 false alarms, marking a 20% increase over five years. These figures underscore the importance of proper system maintenance, effective design, and compliance with fire safety standards to mitigate risks and ensure reliable operation.

HOW DOES THE DIGITAL SHIFT ENHANCE FIRE SAFETY COMPLIANCE?

Technology, such as Honeywell’s cloud-based maintenance app (CLSS) and automated fire detectors (Self-Test), provide a transformative, digital approach to managing fire safety:

  • Remote Monitoring & Real-Time Alerts: These solutions offer instant insights into fire system status and performance, reducing downtime and false alarms.
  • Automated Functional Testing: Self-Test detectors allow for regular, accurate checks that consistently meet BS 5839-1 standards.
  • Digital Documentation: Cloud-based record-keeping establishes a continuous “golden thread” that documents every stage of the building lifecycle.

HOW DO CONNECTED SOLUTIONS SUPPORT THE BS 8644-1 BUILDING LIFECYCLE?

BS 8644-1 recommends digital management at every stage of a building’s life. Honeywell’s connected solutions integrate seamlessly into each phase.

Briefing and Design

Fire risk assessment and strategy should be at the core of every fire system design. Yet, long-term compliance and daily challenges are often overlooked. Daily issues such as accessibility for testing, fire monitoring during testing, and regular reporting and compliance updates are common. The pressure to cut initial installation costs may lead to choosing lower-specification non-connected devices, increasing long-term maintenance costs.

Construction

Construction projects frequently limit the time allocated for proper fire system commissioning. Honeywell’s Self-Test detectors automate testing even in challenging environments, ensuring that systems are fully compliant before handover. Digital logs capture every test and adjustment, providing an auditable trail that supports both compliance and operational efficiency.

Asset Handover

Asset handover involves demonstrating the functionality of the system to the relevant stakeholders, including building owners, regulatory authorities or their representatives. Accurate documentation, including test results, commentary and pictures of fire devices and their locations, help capture the condition of the system that is being handed over – creating a digital timestamp and a baseline for future maintenance. The asset handover should ensure clear accountability across all phases of a building’s lifecycle.

Asset in Use

For operational buildings, continuous system monitoring is critical. Honeywell’s cloud‑based solutions provide real‑time oversight and automated functional testing to identify any changes or degradation in system performance. This continuous monitoring reduces the risk of system failures and minimises disruption to building occupants.

Asset End of Life

Fire safety systems eventually require replacement or upgrading. Connected solutions enable predictive maintenance by providing alerts when components approach the end of their effective life. This proactive strategy ensures timely upgrades, prevents sudden failures, and helps maintain continuous compliance – all while supporting long-term budget planning.

HOW CAN YOU FUTUREPROOF YOUR FIRE SAFETY STRATEGY?

Protecting buildings and their occupants is non-negotiable. Digital fire safety isn’t optional; it’s a strategic priority. Honeywell continually invests in new technologies designed to meet the real-world challenges faced by UK businesses. By adopting new innovations, such as Honeywell CLSS and Self-Test, UK business owners and facility managers can:

  • Reduce Operational Risks: Implement continuous monitoring and maintenance of fire safety systems.
  • Meet & Exceed Compliance: Maintain a complete, digital audit trail that meets and exceeds the latest regulatory standards.
  • Secure Long-Term Savings: Avoid the financial and reputational costs associated with outdated, manual systems.
  • Enhance Safety: Real-time alerts and digital record-keeping protect both occupants and assets.

TAKE THE NEXT STEPS IN SAFEGUARDING YOUR BUILDING

BS 8644-1 sets a new standard for fire safety management through digital innovation. By integrating connected technologies, organisations can achieve greater safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. Digital transformation effectively addresses the challenges identified from previous shortcomings, paving the way for a more resilient, accountable fire safety landscape.

Connect with Honeywell for a free consultation about the impact of BS 8644-1 on your buildings, and how you can not only meet these standards, but exceed them.

From wood to masonry: How fillers can be used for a wide range of exterior repairs

Building Products Index Ltd Filler Leave a Comment

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With better weather upon us, and 21st June marking the official first day of summer, trade professionals across the country will no doubt find themselves taking on more and more work outdoors, as home and business owners look to smarten up the exterior of their properties.

Exposed to the elements, whether it’s wood or masonry, exterior surfaces can take a beating. So, work typically involves repair and restoration. And fillers can play a big role in carrying out these works. Far from just filling holes, fillers can be used to shape and repair, skim and smooth entire surfaces and even be used to tackle more tricky jobs, like damp or reoccurring cracks.

Whilst being able to resolve the many different problems faced on exteriors, fillers also respond to the way a professional prefers to work, as well as to assist in creating the ideal finish that’s needed. For example, they can come in different colours, produce different levels of finish and are available in either powder or ready to use form.

Toupret understands all these different requirements, and offers the largest range of exterior fillers on the market, as well as products to assist in preparation and problem surfaces, and for exterior wood, ensuring that professionals can choose the right filler for the job.

For filling and repair work, Toupret offers three exterior powder products and a lightweight ready to use filler. And for wood, there’s a powder or a ready to use product, available in a white, off-white or natural wood colour.

The powder products are perfect for shaping and repairing broken or damaged wood and masonry, such as window ledges or decorative features, all without the need for formwork. Simply build up the rough shape, leave it to set, and then, after about an hour, cut away the excess and neaten it up. The beauty of the powder products is that they can also fill to any depth, though they do have their own distinct features too. For example, Masonry Repair Filler is grey in colour and can be applied to damp surfaces. Rock Solid Repair Filler is white in colour and rich is resin, giving it the added strength required for more hard-wearing repairs. Tough Multi-Filler is strong, but easy to sand. And with a 40-minute working time, it can also be used for localised skimming.

Wood Repair Filler can be used in much the same way as a two-part filler, but with a much longer working time of 40 minutes, a choice of colour and no fiddly or nasty-smelling hardener. It’s also ready to paint in just 3 hours.

For general filling, a ready mixed product may be the preferred option, with Wood Filler available in both off-white and natural wood, capable of filling to a depth of 10mm, and Quick Fill being a preferred choice for masonry surfaces; with no depth limit, it’s light grey and ready to paint in just 1 hour.

Skimming and smoothing fillers can produce a clean, high-quality finish and can be a lifesaver when tackling render repair. For example, Toupret’s Skimcoat Filler is available in both powder and ready to use form, giving you either 6 hours or an unlimited working time to smooth over wide areas and patch up localised, damaged render without needing to first remove it. Where the finish really needs to make an impact, a product like Fine Finish Wood Filler can lift the appearance of paintwork, bringing a vibrant mirror-like finish to doors, windows and decorative features.

Finally, showcasing the versatility and problem-solving solution in fillers, there are products designed to alleviate the difficulty of trickier jobs. Fill-Flex is a flexible filler, compatible with all other Toupret fillers, that moves with the substrate to resist cracking and tackle moving surfaces, a common issue in render. Similarly, Skim-Flex is a flexible smoothing filler for levelling and finishing surfaces that is again designed to move with the substrate to resist cracking.

Introducing The Addagrip Collection: Aurora, Terra & Luna

Building Products Index Ltd Resin Bound Surfacing Leave a Comment

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We’re proud to launch The Addagrip Collection — a new innovation designed to simplify the Resin Bound selection process and make it easier for homeowners, designers, and specifiers to choose the perfect finish.

Grouped into three distinct ranges — Aurora, Terra, and Luna — the collection reflects the most popular design styles, from soft and subtle to bold and dramatic.

  • Aurora captures coastal calm and cool elegance, ideal for contemporary spaces seeking a light, refined finish.
  • Terra brings warmth and natural character, perfect for traditional designs and earthy landscapes.
  • Luna is all about contrast and statement tones, designed to stand out and add definition.

This new approach replaces the overwhelming array of product names with an intuitive, inspiration-led structure that puts aesthetics first — while still delivering the trusted quality, durability, and performance Addagrip is known for.

Whether you’re designing a luxury driveway, a public realm project, or a residential garden path, The Addagrip Collection makes it easy to choose a surface that aligns with your vision — without compromise.

Rockpanel introduces new and improved product-specific EPDs for greater sustainability transparency

Building Products Index Ltd Facade Leave a Comment

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Rockpanel, a leader in sustainable façade solutions, is proud to announce the release of new and improved product-specific Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) across its entire product range. These enhanced EPDs provide a more precise assessment of the environmental impact of Rockpanel products, reaffirming the company’s commitment to transparency and sustainability in the building industry.

Commitment to sustainability

At Rockpanel, sustainability extends beyond aesthetics—it is about making a real impact by providing factual, data-driven insights into the environmental performance of materials. The newly updated EPDs reflect ongoing improvements across the entire value chain, demonstrating Rockpanel’s continuous efforts to reduce its environmental footprint.

Enhanced transparency and continuous improvement

“Our enhanced product-specific EPDs allow for a more detailed and accurate evaluation of our products’ sustainability credentials,” said Jeroen Ebus, Managing Director at Rockpanel and adds. “With our commitment to continuous improvement, we expect these values to keep improving, reinforcing our dedication to a more sustainable built environment.”

Supporting the Construction Industry’s Sustainability Goals

Jeroen Ebus emphasize the company’s long-term vision for sustainability, stating, “At Rockpanel, we recognize that true sustainability requires constant innovation and transparency. Our updated EPDs provide our customers with the reliable data they need to make informed, environmentally responsible choices. This is another step forward in our mission to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.”

Remaining at the forefront with Cradle to cradle certification

As the construction industry increasingly prioritizes sustainable building solutions, Rockpanel remains at the forefront, providing architects, developers, and specifiers with reliable data to make informed, environmentally responsible decisions. Demonstrating this commitment, Rockpanel last year became Cradle to Cradle certified on silver level for its popular product Rockpanel Colours. This certification highlights Rockpanel’s commitment to circularity, sustainable sourcing, and responsible manufacturing, reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable façade solutions.

For more information about Rockpanel’s sustainability initiatives and to access the new product-specific EPDs, visit www.rockpanel.co.uk

Facts:

What is an EPD?

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardized document that provides transparent and third-party verified information about a product’s environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. It enables architects, developers, and other stakeholders to make informed decisions based on reliable sustainability data.

 

Iconic Barbican Estate Kitchen

Building Products Index Ltd Stainless Steel, Stainless Steel Worktops Leave a Comment

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GEC Anderson were commissioned to install the original stainless steel worktops in the Barbican estate 50 years ago.

A New Day Design Studio in conjunction with HØLTE, updated this Barbican kitchen using GEC Anderson worktops and splashbacks creating a stylish yet authentic look to the Grade II listed architecture.

GEC Anderson were instructed to measure, supply and install made to measure brushed satin stainless steel worktops for the complete kitchen refurbishment.

Included in the design were a total of four worktops. One worktop featured an integrated end panel. The main sinktop included individual hob plate cut outs: integral sink with drainer and splashback. A further two worktops were also included.

Anna Stathaki Photography

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

Building Products Index Ltd access covers Leave a Comment

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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