Banksy artwork helps fund award-winning Wellbeing Hub for UHS

Building Products Index Ltd Brick slip cladding, Cladding Leave a Comment

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Following the sale of Banksy’s Game Changer artwork in 2021, the proceeds were used across the UK for a number of healthcare projects, including a new Wellbeing Hub at University Hospital Southampton (UHS).

Record-breaking Banksy sale

Completed in 2023, the Wellbeing Hub at UHS was funded by some of the proceeds from the sale of street artist Banksy’s Game Changer artwork.  The artwork was gifted to Southampton Hospitals Charity by Banksy in May 2020, during the height of the Covid pandemic, and was then sold at auction in 2021 for a record-breaking £16.7m. The proceeds from the auction were distributed to over 40 healthcare organisations and charities across the UK to be used for mental health and wellbeing projects.

The Wellbeing Hub design

UHS wanted to use their funding to create a new space for their NHS staff, providing them with modern facilities including a gym, kitchen, lounge, meeting rooms, shower and changing rooms.

Leading brick slip systems supplier Eurobrick, based in Bristol, has been providing Integra Buildings, a modular building company near Hull in East Yorkshire, since 2010.  Eurobrick provide flexible brick slip cladding solutions for all types of projects offering a quick, easy and robust solution. Brick slip cladding is lightweight, durable and will weather and age like conventional brickwork, requiring little to no maintenance.

The design of the Wellbeing Hub is made up of 20 modular bays which were manufactured at Integra’s headquarters and then delivered to the site for assembly. As part of a mixed palette of finishes, Eurobrick supplied their 50mm thick insulated X-Clad system and two slips from their Britannia range. Rustic Orange Multi 687 slips and corners were primarily fitted at ground floor level, and Smooth Anthracite 700 slips and corners were used to create the plinth detail.

Award-winning success

The project was a great success with Paul Stansfield, Principal Project Manager, Estates Facilities and Capital Developments at UHS saying, “The finished product speaks for itself and is now enjoyed by our 14,000 staff, providing a modern, relaxing and essential wellbeing environment.”

In May 2024 Integra Buildings won ‘Project of the Year – Healthcare’ for the UHS Wellbeing Hub at the MMC Awards, which celebrate excellence and achievement in the modular construction sector.

For more information on Eurobrick, please visit www.eurobrick.co.uk. You can also visit the showroom at its Bristol office which is open 9am-4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Ensuring fire safety in high rise buildings: The essential role of access panels

Building Products Index Ltd Access Panels Leave a Comment

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In the dynamic environment of commercial and industrial buildings, facilities managers are tasked with the responsibility of maintaining a safe environment for building occupants and crucial to that is minimising fire risks.

Following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, The Golden Thread concept was introduced as part of the Building Safety Act, which highlights the need for better documentation, transparency and accountability in the context of building safety and management.

Naturally, facilities management professionals are some of those with the greatest responsibility for ensuring that the Golden Thread of building safety information is maintained, accessible and up-to-date.

This requires the accurate documentation of any changes, upgrades or maintenance work carried out, which contributes to recording the overall building safety and regulatory compliance.

Commercial and industrial buildings will house numerous complex systems, including fire suppression systems, electrical installations and HVAC infrastructure; all of which require routine inspections and maintenance to ensure their efficiency and compliance with safety regulations.

One critical component that facilitates this maintenance is access panels. Beyond their functional purpose of providing access for maintenance personnel to inspect, service and repair systems, access panels play a significant yet often overlooked role when it comes to fire safety.

During the building’s initial construction, major contractors should seek to install fire rated access panels where third-party certification can be supplied.

An example of this third-party certification is the Certifire scheme, which ensures the quality and reliability of fire protection products, thus guaranteeing that these have been rigorously tested and comply with relevant safety standards within the Building Safety Act.

Certifire accredited access panels can ensure the highest standards of safety and protection against the spread of flames and smoke in the event of a fire through swift containment, which in turn, can minimise property damage and save lives.

The installation of these panels will ensure that facilities managers will always be able to provide third party certification for these products at the time of installation, which provides them peace of mind within the buildings they maintain, and ensures that adherence to the Golden Thread and legal compliance is achieved.

In order to achieve this, facilities managers should maintain an up-to-date record of access panel locations, which clearly specifies their purpose.

This information – which will be proactively shared by conscientious suppliers – helps in identifying access points which provide crucial entry to fire suppression systems, allowing easy inspection, repair and maintenance, as well as enabling emergency responders quick and efficient access during the event of a fire.

In addition, any modifications made to access panels, such as installations, maintenance, relocations or upgrades, should be promptly recorded. This documentation aids in tracking the history and condition of access panels, ensuring that maintenance is conducted timely and potential fire safety risks are swiftly addressed.

Finally, irrespective of the industry, compliance with fire safety regulations is essential.

Accurate documentation of access panels assists facility managers in demonstrating compliance to regulatory authorities during building inspections and audits. Outdated or inadequate documentation can lead to compliance issues, costly penalties, or in worst case scenarios, compromised fire safety.

Third-party Certifire tested and accredited access panels can ensure the highest standards of safety and protection against the spread of flames and smoke in the event of a fire through swift containment, which in turn, can minimise property damage and save lives.

Access panels stand as vital components in the broader framework of fire safety within commercial and industrial buildings, through facilitating routine inspections, efficient maintenance, and swift access during firefighting efforts in the event of an emergency.

The relationship between fire rated access panels and the Golden Thread highlights the necessity of meticulous record-keeping throughout the building’s lifecycle, which not only helps in maintaining regulatory compliance, but also enhances the overall fire safety management of the building.

By prioritising this, facilities managers can plan an essential role in fortifying the building’s fire safety resilience, create a safer environment for occupants and ensure that fire safety obligations are met.

For further information on Profab Access and its range of riser doors, access panels, and steel doors, call +44(0)1827 718 222 or visit www.profabaccess.com.

What increasing UK electricity demand means for specifiers of home heating and hot water systems

Building Products Index Ltd Heating, Hot Water Cylinders Leave a Comment

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The UK has a commitment in law to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, along with an aim to reduce 2035 emissions by 78% when compared to 1990 levels. With a backdrop of increasing electricity demand and a continuing requirement to balance to the energy grid, the housing sector has a large part to play in getting domestic energy right.

In both new build housing developments and in retrofit upgrades of existing housing, specifiers can make wise and future-proof choices that not only meet or exceed legislative requirements, but that also enable new ways for householders to use and store energy.

In this article, Andrew Ogden, Head of the Technical team at Kingspan Water & Energy, outlines how the UK’s demand for electricity is set to increase, and what that means for specifiers of home heating and hot water systems in new build and refurbished homes.

Increasing demand for electricity

The UK’s annual electricity demand currently stands at 320.7 TWh but is forecast to increase to between 550-680 TWh in 2050, depending how net zero is achieved.

This increased demand is expected to come from the transition to clean electricity as an alternative to fossil fuels such as oil and gas, specifically from:

  1. A move towards low-carbon electric-based heating systems instead of gas and oil
  2. A transition to electric cars and vans
  3. Electrification of heavy industry and hydrogen production

These first two points are particularly relevant to domestic housing specifiers.

The UK energy grid

Against the context of a significant uplift in demand for electricity, power generation will increasingly come from intermittent renewables such as wind and solar. In fact, renewables are forecast to account for up to 84% of Great Britain’s electricity generation by 2050, according to the National Grid’s Future Energy Scenarios (FES). This makes the UK energy grid more challenging to balance to the 50Hz standard frequency (with 1% tolerance) that’s required to keep it stable, a process that’s managed by the National Grid.

Why more challenging? Simply, solar and wind are less easy to control within a very short amount of time, meaning that additional factors – demand side response and increased energy storage – come into play to keep the grid balanced, at the right frequency, and running as it should.

The role of demand side response

One method to help keep the grid stable is through demand side response (DSR), which typically uses data and digital technology to help manage energy demand.

From a household perspective, we’ve seen this in action in England, Scotland and Wales over the last two winters through the Demand Flexibility Service, where energy companies give points or money off bills to householders who avoid using heavy energy-consuming appliances during pre-defined time periods. As an example, The Demand Flexibility Service half-hour period on 23rd January 2023 resulted in a 324 MW reduction in demand.

Another DSR mechanism is smart energy tariffs for electricity. These are flexible tariffs where the consumer price of electricity per kilowatt Hour (kWH) varies depending on demand across the grid. Consumers can see hour-by-hour pricing using their energy providers’ app and then plan when to use high energy-consuming appliances accordingly. At some times of day electricity can be free, or householders can even get paid to use it!

Another variant of a smart energy tariff is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff, where homes with solar panels or other renewables that can generate energy can export surplus energy to the grid to earn money. We’ll get into more detail about generating and storing energy shortly.

What does all this mean for specifiers? In all these scenarios, consumers can only benefit if they have a smart meter installed. In the case of new builds, specifiers should make sure they’re familiar with the BEIS publication, “Smart Meter Guidance for Domestic New Builds”. In retrofit applications, some households – for example blocks of apartments – may not currently have smart meters installed; meaning it’s something specifiers should factor into their refurbishment plans.

The role of increased energy storage

Energy storage is another mechanism that will be increasingly used to help keep the UK energy grid stable. The good news for householders and specifiers is that having products that can store energy can help with household bills, EPC and – potentially – SAP ratings.

Storing energy is a key component of National Grid’s Future Energy Scenarios (FES)5, which sums up the trends that will support achievement of the UK Government’s 2050 net zero target.

The FES forecasts that energy storage capacity by 2050 will increase more than ten-fold compared to today; from 3 GW (in 2022) to (up to) 47 GW.

Energy can be stored (and smart tariffs accessed) through various smart technology-enabled home heating and other products that housing specifiers can consider in new build developments or refurbishment projects. These include:

  • Smart hot water cylinders
  • Solar panels
  • Heat pumps
  • Heat batteries
  • Electric vehicles (in conjunction with a household charging port)

The results of a 2022 government consultation agreed that a future “smart mandate” will require heat pumps, electric storage heaters and heat batteries to have smart functionality, with an indicative implementation date of 2026-27.

In addition, regulation is now in place for all electric vehicle charge-points sold in England, Scotland and Wales to have smart functionality.

The Hot Water Association’s (HWA) Connected Homes report highlights a variety of smart home heating and hot water technologies already available. Examples include our very own Range Tribune MXi hot water cylinders that connect to a solar PV system. Powered by Mixergy technology, these cylinders use top-down heating to heat only the percentage of hot water that’s required, meaning householders only pay for what they need. Surplus solar PV energy can connect to the grid to benefit from smart tariffs and can also be stored for future use.

The HWA report also makes a case for the specification of smart technologies to be reflected in an improved SAP rating for new build properties.

We’d encourage specifiers to consider how smart technologies can be scoped into new build and refurbished housing now, given the raft of products on the market that can already deliver this technology.

The future is smart

Smart technology trends for home heating and hot water are also echoed in the Government’s Future Homes Standard (England only), whose latest consultation recently concluded.

Technology continues to evolve, but the future home could be heated by a heat pump and/or a solar PV solar installation all hooked up to a smart hot water cylinder, with smart energy tariffs and Smart Export Guarantee tariffs becoming the norm.

In summary, we’d encourage specifiers to consider smart connected home heating and hot water systems now, to be ready and ahead of an increasingly legislated route to net zero in the future.

Let More Natural Light In for Less Cost: Polycarbonate Rooflights.

Building Products Index Ltd Rooflights Leave a Comment

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When maximum daylight is essential, and a flat roof profile is not required, polycarbonate rooflights provide a cost-effective solution. Practical, strong and thermally efficient, they also offer ventilation options for improving fresh air circulation. Download your FREE essential guide today!

Rooflights & Skylights’ polycarbonate rooflights are manufactured from ‘enhanced’ polycarbonate, which is resistant to aggressive weathering and UV rays. This means that our rooflights, which come with up to a 20-year warranty, remain unaffected by excessive colour changes or loss of light transmission, as they are UV protected as standard.

Our units come equipped with tamper-proof screwbolt fixings, preventing removal with traditional tools. Additionally, our design aims to protect the glazing from excess pressure and minimise the risk of stress fractures, even if the fixings are overtightened.

Energy-efficient performer

Our range of polycarbonate rooflights offers exceptional thermal performance, as evidenced by the U-Value. Our rooflights offer U-Values as low as 0.85W/m2K, ensuring warmth is retained during winter while keeping excess heat out during the summer months. With triple and quad-glazed units, achieving such low U-Values is well within reach.

Now add fresh air

Our polycarbonate rooflights not only allow daylight to flood into a building but also allow fresh air to enter. Our range includes tailored ventilation options, offering rotary or hinged solutions that can be controlled manually or electrically based upon the level of access to the rooflight.

To select the right polycarbonate rooflight for your project, consider options from the following brands: Mardome, Coxdome and Thermadome – all featured in our Free 2024 Polycarbonate Guide.

Click on the cover above to read your copy now!

Combination Waterproofing (Type A and C protection systems)

Building Products Index Ltd Cavity Drain Membranes, Membranes Leave a Comment

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Overview

The scope of this project was to offer a waterproofing solution to an early 19th century two storey, listed cottage sited in a conservation area of beautiful countryside in Scotland.

Delta Registered Installers, Structureseal Services Limited, were appointed to provide a guaranteed, cost-effective scheme that would comply with BS 8102:2022 (Protection of below ground structures against water ingress. Code of practice.).

For any structure below ground, either fully or partially, waterproofing is essential for protecting and preserving integrity.

BS 8102:2022 defines the three main methods of waterproofing protection as Type A (Barrier), Type B (Structurally Integral) and Type C (Drained).

A combination of two forms of waterproofing is preferred when designing a habitable space, often referred to as combination protection.   Where a combination of waterproofing protection is being used, the two systems should offer different performance characteristics to mitigate the risk of failure due to a common cause.

The specification and installation on the waterproofing protection will be influenced by the structure, ground conditions, along with the proposed use of the structure.  Continuity of the waterproofing protection is a further consideration when specifying a suitable scheme, along with compatibility of the different protection types which should be assessed in order to minimise the risks and negate the need for remedial measures.

Methodology

During design team meetings various revisions were made to the initially proposed waterproofing protection.  The structure required a new concrete slab which enabled the specification of Delta Amphibia, a Type A System and Delta Cavity Drainage Membranes, a Type C System.

Pre site inspections were carried out along with consultations with the customer, to ensure the waterproofing design not only meets BS 8102:2022 but also the client’s expectations.

The project was split into two phases:

Phase 1 – Installation of the Type A solution, Delta Amphibia.

Phase 2 – to install a secondary waterproofing system, such as the Delta Type C, Cavity Drainage System.

Phase 1

The 150mm ground slab was designed to the Structural Engineers details which included reinforcement where required.  The slab edge was reinforced to allow for a recess which would house the Delta Type C, perimeter drainage channel.

Prior to the concrete pour of the new structural slab, Delta Amphibia was specified as the primary waterproofing solution.  Delta Amphibia was installed vertically in a Type A, waterproofing application.

 

The unique properties of Delta Amphibia are achieved through four active layers – a watertight barrier, Reactive Core which allows Delta Amphibia to Self-Seal and Self-Heal in the event of accidental damage, an active barrier with the ability to Self-Seal at overlaps resisting lateral movement of water and a strong bonding layer.

Pre-applied bonded membranes are used to waterproof concrete in basements and below ground structures on the positive side (outside). They are installed before the reinforcement underneath a base slab and vertically on a soil retention system, or in a formwork.

Phase 2

Prior to the installation of the Type C System, to reduce the risk of free lime leaching out from the new concrete slab (during the curing process), Koster Polysil TG 500 was applied.

After ensuring the structure was water watertight Delta MS 500 cavity drained membrane was installed to the walls.

Cavity Drained Systems manage water penetration, Delta drainage channel, a water collection conduit designed to discharge water ingress was bedded into a preformed recess/gully at the floor/wall junction with incorporated inspection and maintenance points to comply with BS8102:2022.

Prior to the installation of Delta MS20 membrane, the basement slab was thoroughly flood tested.

All installed with great dealing and expertise.

Related Products

  • Delta Amphibia
  • Delta Amphibia Safety Tape
  • Delta Amphibia Lap Seal
  • Delta MS 500
  • Delta MS 20
  • Koster Polysil TG 500
  • Delta Channel and associated inspection ports

Case Study Results

Delivered on time and to budget!

Delta Registered Installers, Structureseal Services Limited were able to confidently recommend, design and install a comprehensive waterproofing solution that will protect this property from unwanted water ingress for the life cycle of the structure.

ProRend EIFS External Wall Insulation System: A Holistic Approach to Decarbonisation

Building Products Index Ltd Render Leave a Comment

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In the effort to mitigate climate change, the construction industry plays a pivotal role, and innovative solutions are imperative to reduce its environmental footprint. ProRend EIFS (External Insulation Finishing System) is a comprehensive approach to sustainable construction, offering superior thermal insulation and seamless integration, finished with ProRend Colourtex thin coat render. This article explores how ProRend EIFS supports decarbonisation efforts in the construction sector.

Enhanced with top-tier materials, ProRend EIFS stands as a premier fully rendered external insulation system. Not only does it elevate the aesthetic appeal of any structure, but it also enhances thermal efficiency, curbing heat loss effectively. Compliant with Approved Document Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) and Approved Document Part B (Fire Safety), ProRend EIFS ensures both energy conservation and safety standards are met. Backed by a robust 30-year BBA system durability certification and a 10-year warranty from SAS Render Systems, it emerges as the ultimate choice for decarbonisation projects, promising unparalleled protection against the elements.

Enhanced Thermal Insulation with ProRend EIFS

ProRend EIFS is engineered to provide exceptional thermal insulation by enveloping buildings in a continuous layer of insulation material, using a choice of either mineral wool for enhanced fire protection or EPS for outstanding thermal properties. This significantly reduces heat transfer through the building envelope, minimising the need for energy-intensive heating and cooling systems. By enhancing energy efficiency, ProRend EIFS helps reduce carbon emissions associated with building operations, contributing to decarbonisation goals.

Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction

The combination of ProRend EIFS and ProRend Colourtex offers synergistic benefits for decarbonisation. The enhanced thermal insulation provided by ProRend EIFS reduces the building’s reliance on heating and cooling systems, leading to significant energy savings and a corresponding decrease in carbon emissions. ProRend Colourtex render not only adds aesthetic appeal and a high-performance exterior finish but also provides additional weather protection and durability to the façade helping further reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Long-Term Sustainability and Lifecycle Performance

ProRend EIFS contributes to long-term sustainability by minimising the need for maintenance and premature replacements. The durable finish provided by thin coat render protects the underlying insulation system, extending the lifespan of the facade and reducing carbon associated with replacement materials. This holistic approach to building design emphasises lifecycle performance and resilience, supporting decarbonisation efforts over the entire lifespan of the building.

Case Study: Cornerstone Housing Limited’s Beacon Avenue Refurbishment Project

Cornerstone Housing Limited’s Beacon Avenue refurbishment project exemplifies the efficacy of ProRend External Insulation in advancing sustainable construction. The initiative aimed to modernise existing housing while promoting sustainability, aligning with Cornerstone’s lower carbon footprint initiative.

Collaborating closely with SAS Render Systems and Heighway Field Architects, Cornerstone ensured sustainability goals were integrated from design to completion. The project entailed six construction phases, with ProRend EIFS installed to blocks of terraced houses, enhancing energy efficiency and thermal comfort.

The completion of the project in mid-2022 marked a milestone in Cornerstone’s sustainability journey. Through effective collaboration and innovative solutions, Cornerstone demonstrated the transformative potential of sustainable construction in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing housing quality, helping them reach their decarbonisation goals.

A Sustainable Path Forward

As the construction industry continues to evolve in response to the need for sustainability, systems like ProRend EIFS are essential for achieving decarbonisation goals. By prioritising energy efficiency, durability, and resilience, this integrated system offers a holistic approach to sustainable construction that reduces carbon emissions and enhances the long-term performance of buildings.

As stakeholders across the construction sector embrace these technologies, we move closer to a future where buildings are not only energy-efficient but also resilient to the challenges of a changing climate. ProRend EIFS represents a step forward in the journey towards a low-carbon built environment, demonstrating that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand in shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come.

For a thorough discussion about your decarbonisation project with SAS Render Systems, reach out to our adept technical team at 01647 24620 or via email at info@sas-europe.com. SAS offers a spectrum of services including comprehensive U-value and condensation risk analysis, hands-on training sessions, provision of CAD details tailored to your specific project requirements, and unwavering technical support from our office at all times.

Addagrip: Pioneering Excellence in Resin Surfacing Solutions

Building Products Index Ltd Resin Bound Surfacing Leave a Comment

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For over four decades, Addagrip has established itself as a frontrunner in the development and supply of high-quality resin surfacing systems, catering to both the commercial and domestic markets. Our longevity and success stem from our unwavering commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and delivering products that consistently outperform our competitors.

Industry-Leading BBA Certified Products

At Addagrip, we understand the critical importance of trust and reliability in building materials. This is why our products come with British Board of Agrément (BBA) certification, setting them apart in the marketplace. This prestigious certification ensures that our products meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance. Architects and specifiers choosing our BBA range are provided with the peace of mind that they are specifying a product that is not only durable and long-lasting but also rigorously tested to stand up to the rigors of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

 

Terrabase Range: The Ultimate ‘No Dig’ Solution

Our innovative Terrabase technology continues to lead the market as the best ‘no dig’ resin bound system. Designed for projects where minimal ground preparation is needed, Terrabase is ideal for sensitive or heritage sites where excavation is impractical or prohibited. Its versatility also makes it suitable for a vast range of applications, from residential driveways to large-scale commercial landscapes, offering a robust and aesthetically pleasing solution without the typical installation disruptions.

Four Decades of Excellence

With over 40 years of industry experience, Addagrip has grown to become synonymous with quality and reliability in the resin surfacing industry. Our rich history of providing dependable and innovative surfacing solutions has made us the preferred choice for contractors, architects, and homeowners alike.

Choosing Addagrip means opting for a partner who brings a wealth of experience, a commitment to sustainability, and a portfolio of products that are not only beautiful and functional but are backed by industry-leading certifications and support.

For your next surfacing project, consider Addagrip—the name that stands for excellence and innovation in resin solutions. Trust us to bring your vision to life with our state-of-the-art products and dedicated service. Addagrip, where your surfacing needs are met with the highest standard of excellence.

DuPont Unveils Latest Generation Breather Membrane, DuPont™ Tyvek® Trifecta™ Offering Fire and Moisture Protection

Building Products Index Ltd Breathable Membranes, Membranes Leave a Comment

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Patent Pending, DuPont™ Tyvek® Trifecta™A2 Fire-Rated Breather Membrane compliments the DuPont™ AirGuard® A2 FR AVCL and completes the DuPont Fire Performance System. Available in the United Kingdom.

London, UK May 6, 2024 – DuPont Performance Building Solutions, a leading innovator in material science, has announced the launch of its latest generation breather membrane, Tyvek® Trifecta™. The innovative product offers exceptional fire safety and moisture protection, making it an ideal solution for external walls of high-rise buildings in a convenient and light-weight roll size of 1.5m x 25m. Tyvek® Trifecta™ is a non-combustible breather membrane designed to provide all the benefits of a standard Tyvek® breather membrane, but with A2-s1, d0 Class Fire Performance to the current European Fire Classification Standard EN 13501-1. It surpasses current UK Building Regulations, which require membranes to meet Class B.

The Complete A-Rated Membrane System with a 25-year Limited Warranty

DuPont™ Tyvek® Trifecta™ compliments the DuPont™ AirGuard® A2 FR AVCL to create a complete A-rated membrane system. The DuPont™ AirGuard® FR System Tape further enhances the system’s fire and moisture protection capabilities, helping to making it safe for use in all building types, including high-rise, single-story, dwellings, commercial projects, hotels, hospitals, and schools.

Tyvek Trifecta™ also features 12 months UV resistance, allowing for project time wiggle room while supporting a quality façade installation by protecting the structure during construction.

Advanced Protection against Moisture

Tyvek® Trifecta™ has excellent moisture management properties, with Class W1 water resistance to EN13859-2. Coupled with the product’s low vapour resistance, it offers an excellent solution as a secondary weather protection layer in external wall systems.

“Tyvek® Trifecta™ provides an outstanding solution to helps offer building owners fire safety protection of people using their buildings,” said Andrea Albert, Shelter Solutions EMEA Marketing Leader at DuPont.

“This product is a testament to our commitment to developing solutions that help enhance the fire safety and moisture protection standards of the construction industry, ” added Albert.

For more information on DuPont™ Tyvek® Trifecta™ and the DuPont™ AirGuard® FR System Tape, please visit the product page.

 About DuPont Performance Building Solutions

Grounded in science, DuPont Performance Building Solutions and Corian® Design are working alongside those who also seek a sustainable tomorrow to help people thrive at home and in their communities for years to come. By developing solutions for managing the air, water and thermal performance of buildings and residences, we help our customers build energy-efficient, resilient, and durable shelters in a rapidly changing world. Backed by unmatched industry insight, building knowledge, and technical support, as well as world-class brands such as Styrofoam™ Brand, Tyvek®, and Great Stuff™, our products and services portfolio enables customers to focus on what they do best, no matter where and how they choose to build.

About DuPont Water & Protection

DuPont Water & Protection is a global leader in products and solutions that protect what matters – people, structures, and the environment – and enables its customers to win through unique capabilities, global scale, and iconic brands including Corian®, Kevlar®, Nomex® Tyvek®, Styrofoam™, and Filmtec™.

About DuPont

DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, healthcare, and worker safety. More information about the company, its businesses, and solutions can be found at www.dupont.com. Investors can access information included on the Investor Relations section of the website atinvestors.dupont.com.

 

Bringing wood back to life with smart filling and finishing solutions

Building Products Index Ltd Filler, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

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Wood is an essential material in construction and decoration and comes in many hard and soft species, used for a variety of different purposes, indoors and out. Much like other materials, it needs to be maintained and, from time to time, repaired. As a versatile and multifunctional material, it’s important to find the right solution to not just repair wood, but to restore it.

Wooden surfaces can be more susceptible to degradation as they are used for hard-wearing functions and in areas prone to erosion such as on balustrades, window frames, decking, fencing, skirting boards and doors. They are also open to the elements when used outside.

For some repairs, cutting out or replacing entire lengths of wood may be necessary, but for the more common holes, cracks and general wear and tear, a filler is the optimal solution. Wood fillers are commonplace but are not universal in their restorative properties. Some can be used for deep fills, others for quick repairs and there are many different features and benefits to look out for.

Repair carried out with Toupret Wood Repair Filler

To find the right filler to really bring life back to a wooden material, it’s first important to assess the project you’re working on. Will you be working inside or out? Is the surface condition hard, cohesive, clean, sound and dry? What kind of finish are you looking for, and what kind of job are you carrying out? Knowing the answers to these questions will allow you to identify the products you need.

Finding the right product for the job is what Toupret is all about. The brand recently launched an extended range of fillers for repairing and restoring wood which includes a white and off-white version of their popular Wood Repair Filler and Wood Filler products, already available in a natural wood colour, as well as a brand-new product designed to create the ultimate finish to wood surfaces: Fine Finish Wood Filler.

Toupret’s Wood Repair Filler is the company’s 21st Century take on a 2-part filler, with several advantages over the heritage 2-part system. It has a longer working time of around 30 minutes (great for perfecting tricky fill, repair and shaping jobs without rushing), is quick drying, can be ready to paint in 3 hours, doesn’t flash, is as durable as a 2-part and can take drilling & screwing, yet it’s very easy to sand. It has almost no odour, so is convenient for use on jobs indoors as well as outside. It can also be used for repairs without the need for formwork, and you can get your tools clean afterwards with just water, rather than using solvents.

Toupret’s Wood Filler is a ready to use product, perfect for small repair jobs that need to be completed quickly, without compromising on the finish, and the all-new Fine Finish Wood Filler is an extra fine smoothing filler that’s designed to improve the finish on primed wood surfaces, inside and out, lifting the aspect of final paintwork. The product is ideal for covering small defects, is flexible and fast drying.

Toupret’s range of products for wooden surfaces is completed with Wood Hardener, a deep penetrating water-based hardener for toughening rotten wood before filling or overcoating, as well as Glazing Putty, a long-lasting product, compatible with all paints and coatings that will not smear glazing and doesn’t stick to your hands.

AKW’s extended Onyx range combines style and safety

Building Products Index Ltd Bathroom Accessibility solutions, bathroom accessories Leave a Comment

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Accessible showering never looked so good, thanks to the introduction of AKW’s extended range of Onyx products. The range now includes updated level access shower trays and ramps, grab rails and shower seats, alongside the cleverly integrated mixer shower and grab rail. With AKW Onyx, inclusive showering isn’t just safe it’s stylish too.

Level access showering

AKW has launched the Onyx Linea shower tray and this includes a long, stainless steel waste feature that allows for faster drainage for high power showers. With a luxurious textured stone-effect finish that offers a high level of slip resistance, as well as a high load capacity of 39st (247kg), this sleek shower tray is also suitable for wheelchair users or those with carers.

The AKW Onyx range has been extended to include the Onyx Exclusif shower tray and ramp, and the Onyx Linea shower tray. The Onyx Exclusif shower tray provides a stylish yet strong showering solution, with a maximum capacity of 31.5st (200kg), making it a suitable choice for wheelchair users and carers. It differs from the original Onyx shower tray in that the waste has been relocated and a zinc waste option is also available. Its 26mm deep tray can either be installed above the floor or be recessed into it, offering both low and full level access options. Alongside this is the new Onyx Exclusif Ramp that has a 31.5st (200kg) weight capacity and is available in white to beautifully match the shower tray.

Safety and style

AKW’s Onyx Combo Mixer Shower brings safety and style to inclusive showering by incorporating two weight-loading grab rails into the L-shaped design. The rails extend from the cool to touch TMV2-approved mixer valve via a vertical riser and horizontal grab rail, both of which can support users of up to 23.5st (150kg). As well as bringing additional safety into the showering space, the Onyx Combo is also easy to operate, using two individual lever paddles to control temperature and flow.

The Onyx Shower Seat and Grab Rails have also been updated, to ensure a cohesive aesthetic for safe showering. A seat back and arms option has been added to the Onyx Shower Seat and these can either be purchased alongside the seat, or separately. Fitted independently of the seat, they allow positioning to be tailored to the user’s preference and thanks to the folding seat and arms are an ideal solution for multi-user environments. To complete the range, AKW’s new highly contemporary Onyx 2 grab rails feature an ergonomic triangular rail that offers users greater ability to grip the rail. Increased levels of personalisation are also possible, thanks to the wall bracket covers that are available in 5 different colours and 4 different printed finishes.

Stuart Reynolds, Head of Product and Marketing at AKW comments: “With more and more users wanting to combine style and accessibility, there is even greater demand for showering solutions that combine safety and a contemporary look and feel. We have extended our Onyx range so that installers can provide end users with highly inclusive showering solutions that embrace both safety and sophistication.”