Do you need non-combustible insulation on flat roof and balcony upstands?

Building Products Index Ltd Insulation Leave a Comment

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This is a question worthy of the QI TV show, and one that would definitely get Alan Davies the famous Klaxon and flashing lights because the obvious answers of yes or no would both be incorrect.

ProTherm XPS-X-300RockFace-A2-UpstandAt present, based on the current wording in Approved Document B fire safety, the only clear YES answer is where the roof upstand is against habitable space ‘on a relevant building’, then you must use non-combustible insulation. Whether non-combustible insulation is required for parapet walls, rooflight kerbs, upstands etc. is not clear in Approved Document B fire safety, and is one area where it is hoped that the long-awaited response to the Ministry of Housing Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) consultation on Regulation 7 will provide clarity.

In the meantime, the major flat roofing industry Trade Associations have come together to produce a guidance document based on the understanding of the current regulations and the ‘direction of travel’ indicated by MHCLG.  The guidance within the document is endorsed by the NHBC.

NFRC/LRWA/SPRA Guidance Document

This new document, published in mid-June 2021, clarifies that a combustible insulation board can be used on any flat roof upstand, but it:

  1. cannot extend more than 150mm above the roof finish/walking surface
  2. cannot be thicker than 60mm
  3. cannot span across a compartment wall line
  4. cannot be against habitable space

If any one of these requirements is not met then the insulation must be non-combustible i.e., suitable variants of FOAMGLAS or Rockwool that meet Reaction to Fire Class A1 or A2-s1, d0 to BS EN 13501-1.

RockFace A2 Product high resThe Guidance Document also highlights that all upstands on balconies (‘waterproofing’ over air rather than over heated space) are classified as part of a ‘Specified attachment’, and therefore all upstand insulation board must be non-combustible.
But how will this knowledge transfer to the real world of on-site construction, or the purchasing office? Will the installers be provided with the knowledge to understand where they can use combustible insulation and where they cannot? Will they know where the compartment wall lines are when waterproofing a roof or terrace?

BPI Upstand Detail

Whilst you can use combustible insulation within the legal requirements of Approved Document B, wouldn’t it be simpler to standardise all your flat roof specifications so that all the upstand insulation is non-combustible? This would avoid any confusion on site, avoid any risk of error and avoid any risk of having to pay for the removal and replacement of the incorrect insulation board.

Also, don’t forget to specify the vertical insulation from deck/vcl level upwards so as to provide a fire break between the combustible insulation running across the roof and the external wall.

Download a copy of the NFRC/LRWA/SPRA Guidance Document here https://radmat.com/news/new-trade-association-fire-guidance/

SUSTAINABLE BUILDING WITH MASONRY

Building Products Index Ltd Blocks, Concrete Leave a Comment

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Jenny Smith-Andrews, Head of Marketing at aircrete specialist H+H UK Ltd outlines the sustainability arguments for masonry buildings

Caddington Woods LUTON Nov 2020 11H+H has always seen itself as a manufacturer that supports sustainable building – but over time, the definition of the term and priorities for the building industry have shifted. It is good therefore to see some consensus emerging on the objectives for sustainability and how each industry can meet them. H+H supports the principles set out in the UN Sustainability goals and is committed to supporting this agenda.

Reducing carbon

Church Farm Rode -50-EditThe first, and increasingly urgent, priority is to reduce carbon emissions. When it comes to housebuilding that means a focus on reducing the energy demand of our homes. Home heating alone contributes around 19% of the total CO2 produced in England each year so it is logical that building regulations and the Future Homes Standard are looking to increase further the thermal efficiency of new buildings.

Aircrete has a part to play in this agenda. With its inherent thermal efficiency and very effective airtightness, the material has always been a good choice for energy efficient homes. In fact, H+H was involved well over a decade ago in the development of prototype zero carbon homes.

Cameron Close Passivhaus copyMore recently, aircrete has been used as the foundation of low energy homes for social housing schemes where fuel costs are a primary concern and Passivhaus designs offer a practical solution.

When it comes to revisions to Building Regulations Part L, aircrete is well suited to the newer, more stringent standards and a familiar cavity wall construction will meet all the revisions currently planned.

Operational zero carbon is only one part of the story, however, and attention is increasingly focused on embodied carbon. Moving to net zero manufacturing is challenging and requires the whole supply chain to be working to the same goal.

pollington blocks and wind turbineH+H has published its roadmap to zero carbon, outlining a journey that will decarbonise its manufacturing and transport processes. However, even in this objective there can be a degree of interpretation and different measurement techniques.

Our response is to use robust lifecycle analysis methods including all the manufacturing, in use and post-use phases of construction. It is essential to develop commonly agreed standards for calculation to provide a level playing field and ensure that all manufacturers are basing their claims on equivalent data sets.

In its planned journey to zero carbon by 2050, H+H is relying on science-based targets to provide a benchmark against which to measure progress.

A Sustainable future

Low carbon construction is the focus at the moment, but at the same time, lifespan and resilience of new homes must form part of a sustainability strategy.

There is little point in reducing manufacturing carbon if the resulting building only lasts for a few decades and then needs to be entirely replaced. There is an increasingly significant school of thought suggesting that the most sustainable building is one that will last a very, very long time.

Coping with extreme weather conditions

And during its lifetime, the building will need to withstand the extremes of a changing climate. In its June 2021 Assessment of UK Climate Risk, the Committee for Climate change cited overheating and flooding as the two most significant risks for the housing sector.

H+H would point to the 150-year lifespan, inherent resilience and thermal mass characteristics of aircrete to further support its position as a material with a secure future in modern, sustainable housing.

For further information on H+H, its products and its sustainability criteria, go to www.hhcelcon.co.uk

Knauf Dry Screed Flooring – For every walk of life

Building Products Index Ltd Dry Screed Flooring, Flooring Leave a Comment

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Main newsletter imageKnauf Dry Screed Flooring Systems are ideal for a wide range of projects and have multiple benefits compared to traditional wet screed. They are lighter, fast to traffic and suitable for modern construction methods (MMC).

The dry screed boards are up to 75% lighter than traditional wet screed, which is in part due to them being significantly thinner. This makes Knauf’s dry screed flooring systems ideal for retrofit and refurbishment projects, as the thinner boards maximise floor to ceiling height.

Image 4As the name suggests, dry screed flooring requires no protracted drying time. This means the systems are ready for foot traffic within 24 hours, much faster than the 2–7 day wait for wet screed systems to dry. This also allows for follow on trades to begin work much sooner, therefore having the potential to reduce overall build time.

24 April 2013: Knauf flooring being laid at Elliott Modular in Bridlington. Picture: Sean Spencer/Hull News & Pictures 01482 210267/07976 433960 www.hullnews.co.uk sean@hullnews.co.uk

If underfloor heating is being installed on the project, the Knauf boards are particularly beneficial. The low thermal resistance and high thermal conductivity of our boards assist in improving response times whether you are heating or cooling the floor, thus reducing energy consumption.

The sustainability credentials don’t end there either. No water is required during installation and, due to their being lightweight, less substantial concrete or steel substructures and reduced foundations are needed to install the boards. This all translates to the conservation of valuable resources.

The Knauf range includes Knauf Brio, Brio WF, GIFAfloor HUGO and GIFAfloor FHB.

Image 3 CopyKnauf Brio is a medium density floor panel that is installed onto a solid floor, although this can be either an existing solid subfloor or in a floating construction. Knauf Brio is 43% more thermally efficient than chipboard when used in conjunction with underfloor heating systems.

Knauf Brio WF is a dry screed floor panel backed with wood-fibre to provide excellent acoustic performance and sound reduction which help to effectively reduce noise transmission.

Knauf GIFAfloor HUGO is a medium density gypsum fibre panel engineered with tongue and groove edges for ease of installation.

Image 2 CopyKnauf GIFAfloor FHB is a high density dry screed panel able to span between joists and pedestals due to its structural spanning capabilities. Being a hollow flooring system and having high thermal conductivity makes GIFAfloor panels ideal for underfloor heating systems.

The products come in the form of interlocking panels for improved robustness and making them easier to lay. They can also be covered with a range of finishes, including ceramic or natural stone tiles.

All Knauf flooring systems are precision engineered from the highest-quality gypsum fibreboard to create strong monolithic floor structures. To find out more, please visit https://www.knauf.co.uk/systems-and-products/dry-screed-flooring

 

Brewers Bedford Supports the Big Trunk Trail

Building Products Index Ltd Paint Leave a Comment

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The Big Trunk Trail - Sarah and Acorn

Image courtesy of rucookphotography.com

Sarah Harrison, local Bedford artist reached out to Brewers Bedford for the donation of Albany Smooth Masonry paint in a range of colours to support The Big Trunk Trail. Canary, Mariner Blue, Sapling, Spring, Channel Blue, Black, Bronze Gold, Plum, Sky, Blossom and Deep Pink were just some of the colours used in the vibrant piece.

 

The Big Trunk Trail - Paint DonationThe Big Trunk Trail brought together communities and visitors across Luton at their biggest and most unique outdoor public art event. Over 30 giant elephants were decorated and placed in Luton’s key landmarks, streets, and open spaces for people to come and discover.

Wild in Art and Keech Hospice Care were in partnership with Love Luton and others to bring The Big Trunk Trail to Luton between 10th July – 8th October 2021. Sarah Harrison was one of the 30 selected artists commissioned to paint one of the elephant sculptures.

The elephants are made from fibreglass, finished in white primer with outdoor waterproofing varnish. Brewers Bedford were more than happy to supply the rest of the materials required to help Sarah achieve her design.

“Trunks through Changing Seasons” or as he is more affectionately known, “Acorn” was painted between March-May 2021 and adorns a beautifully bright representation of trees throughout the changing seasons.

P1633711“My dream has been to work big, and to work outdoors. It has been so exciting to participate in my first ‘Wild in Art’ project, meeting and learning from other artists, then seeing the public’s reaction and interaction with the elephants has been amazing.

Art has the power to start conversations, spark joy and bring people together.

Public space is the ultimate gallery, accessible to all. With the added magic that passers-by can discover artwork, in streets or parks, unplanned and by chance.”

“The elephant sculptures have played a role in storytelling, community building and place-making, during their parade around Luton this summer.

The trail has combined creativity and walking, two great ingredients for wellbeing – with the timing particularly meaningful, whilst coming out of lockdown.”

“Thank you, Brewers, for your beautiful vibrant Albany masonry paints. They were such a treat to use, and people have commented on how lovely the colours are.” Sarah Harrison, Artist, Sarah Harrison Illustration.

P1644275All of the elephants are a part of a ticketed farewell event at Stockwood Discovery Centre this week (30 October – 7 November) before The Big Trunk Trial Charity Auction on 11th November. The 34 adult elephants will retire to their new homes, raising funs for Keech Hospice Care.

 

To see how Brewers gets involved with your local community join Brewers on Facebook or Instagram.

Facebook – @BrewersPaints

Instagram – @BrewersPaints

 

Back to the office with Clement Windows

Building Products Index Ltd Steel, Windows Leave a Comment

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CLEMENT WINDOWS GROUP_DOUGLAS HOUSE LONDON W1_SILVER CLOUD PHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK READING_002

The exterior of Douglas House in London’s West End with the new Clement EB24 windows

Making the return to office-based working more palatable, Clement Windows has recently manufactured and installed new steel windows at two stunning office refurbishment projects in Central London.

A great example of 1930s Art Deco architecture, The Douglas Building sits on Great Titchield Street in the West End.  Formerly known as The Media Village, Douglas House was acquired by serviced office providers The Office Group (TOG) from landlords The Langham Estate in 2019.  TOG together with Note Design Studio transformed the building with a colourful concept that blends the distinctive 1930s features and gives a sense of fluidity, openness and light throughout.

As its former name suggests this area of London is a hub for local media and IT businesses operating out of the West End and the brief for the building was to create a flexible workspace where people can feel stimulated by their environment leading to greater productivity.  Wellness was also a central focus and the building includes an oxygen room, a parents’ room and a roof terrace which are all integral to enabling and inspiring everyone who enters.

CLEMENT WINDOWS GROUP_DOUGLAS HOUSE LONDON W1_SILVER CLOUD PHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK READING_052

The light-filled interior at Douglas House with new steel windows by Clement

Well ventilated and an abundance of natural light have become buzzwords in the COVID era and the 300+ new steel windows from the Clement EB24 range which were chosen by office fit out and refurbishment contractors Parkeray mean that anyone returning to work at Douglas House will benefit from both.  Polyester powder coated in Pure White and furnished with Warren handles in a satin chrome finish, the windows lend the building a contemporary look on the outside as well as supporting the 21st century ways of working inside.

2021-02-13_CGS_MiddleSt__008

Clement EB24 windows installed at 6 Middle Street in the City of London

Clement steel windows were also chosen for the refurbishment of 6 Middle Street, a double-fronted office building set within a busy part of the City of London near Smithfield Market.  Surrounded by narrow cobbled streets it is situated on the boundary of the Smithfield Conservation Area.

Blenheim House Construction (BHC) selected windows from the Clement EB24 range because they best suited the original look of the building and allowed for the maximum amount of light to flow through the property.  Natural light was an important aim of this high specification refurbishment too – central to the building is a mezzanine which creates a dramatic light-filed double height space.

The windows are polyester powder coated in matt RAL 9005 (Jet Black) to match the frames as a finishing touch.

2021-02-13_CGS_MiddleSt__070

Back to the office at 6 Middle Street with Clement EB24 windows

 

Clement Windows Group

Tel: 01428 643393  

Email: info@clementwg.co.uk        

Web: clementwindows.co.uk

CIBES ACQUIRES AMERICAN ELEVATOR OF ATLANTA

Building Products Index Ltd Lift Leave a Comment

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Cibes US Holding Inc., acquires the Southeast US’s leading provider of home elevators and accessibility solutions, American Elevator of Atlanta Inc.

american-elevator-new-2350x800-1Headquartered in Suwanee, Georgia, with a sales office in South Carolina, American Elevator of Atlanta has grown to become one of the main suppliers of home lifts in the Southeast.

“American Elevator was one of our dealers, and we were very impressed by their dedication, professionalism and strong customer focus. I am very happy that American Elevator is joining forces with us to grow our footprint in the United States”, says Lucas Moraes, Managing Director of Cibes Lift US inc.

American Elevator of Atlanta offers a wide range of home elevators, stairlifts, platform lifts and LULA elevators*, as well as installation, maintenance, and modernization services throughout the Southeast US.

“This acquisition will broaden our sales network, increase our geographical presence and strengthen our after sales services throughout the Southeast. We are delighted to welcome American Elevator to the Cibes family” Per Lidström, CEO & President of Cibes Lift Group, continues.

American Elevator of Atlanta was founded in 1997 by James Graff and has about 30 employees. At present, his brother Michael Graff, is President of the company.

“My brother and I have worked very hard to build a strong family business and we are very happy that our company has found the perfect partner to take our business to the next level. I am excited about our future together with Cibes”, Michael Graff, President of American Elevator of Atlanta, concludes.

Cibes Lift US Inc. acquires 100% of American Elevator of Atlanta Inc. The acquisition was effective as of October 5th, 2021.

*Limited Use Limited Application elevators

For more information, please contact: Per Lidström, CEO & President of Cibes Lift Group, +46 26 17 14 00 or visit www.americanelevatoratl.com.

Addagrip Terraco and EcoHeat Surfaces launch Addagrip EcoHeat Surfacing. Our latest innovation in Resin Bound Porous Paving

Building Products Index Ltd Resin Bound Surfacing Leave a Comment

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Addagrip Terraco Ltd and EcoHeat Surfaces have joined forces to promote a unique surfacing solution – Addagrip EcoHeat Surfacing – combining Addagrip’s quality Resin Bound porous surface finishes with EcoHeat Surfaces patented innovation inlaid pipe system that connects to a renewable energy source, offering a reactive heat storing surface to suit our changing climate conditions.

How Addagrip EcoHeat Surfacing Works

Addagrip EcoHeat Surfacing is the ‘first of its kind’ green energy thermal heating surface system.

Addagrip-ecoheat-diagramIn colder weather, the surface senses temperature decreases and automatically warms the resin bound surface using a renewable heat source. With the EcoHeat pipework installed under the Resin Bound surface, Addagrip EcoHeat Surfacing takes heat out of buildings via an air source heat pump. Whenever temperatures drop to 0ºC this heat will be used to warm the surface area around buildings to ensure no ice or snow build up.

When the weather warms up, the Addagrip EcoHeat Surfacing will be heated naturally by the sun, and, with a heat pump installed, the heat from the resin bound can be harnessed to help supply hot water for the home or other buildings such as hospitals and schools. A source of free energy for hot water.

Addagrip EcoHeat Surfacing can also be linked with solar panels to make it even more energy efficient – no need for gas, thus making it very carbon neutral.

Addagrip-ecoheat-surfacing-drivewayThe resin bound surface is permeable so there is no surface water, and it is SuDS compliant when used on a porous base build up. The finish is seamless and has excellent slip resistance making it comfortable and safe underfoot, especially in cold weather when recycled heating will provide frost- and ice-free paving.  The surface is low maintenance, hard wearing and available in a range of colours (tbc) to maximise heat capture/retention?

Suitable for both commercial and residential schemes, Addagrip EcoHeat Surfacing can be used for all external areas such as playgrounds, footpaths, steps, slopes, light vehicle car parks, domestic driveways, patios, and paths. It is ideal for surfacing around hospitals, schools, universities, hotels, stations, sports venues and commercial buildings for energy efficiency and safety. For example, hotel car parks could be heated using stored heat from grey wastewater from showers, basins, and baths to create ice and snow free parking areas and perimeter paths.

Features and Benefits

  • Decorative hardwearing seamless surface
  • SUDs compliant & permeable
  • Slip resistant
  • Provides free green energy – harvesting energy from the sun
  • Prevents ice and snow build up
  • Low maintenance
  • Reduces carbon emissions
  • Produces cost free hot water up to 50 degrees
  • Ideal for commercial projects and new domestic self-build developments
  • Can be retro fitted to existing properties
  • Life expectancy of 25 years
  • Bespoke design service

List of Applications

  • Hospitals and healthcare facilities
  • Airports and railway stations
  • Universities and schools
  • Hotels and hospitality venues
  • Sports venues including football terraces
  • Supermarkets and retail units
  • Outdoor swimming pool surrounds
  • Domestic driveways, patios, paths

Learning with Eurocell

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

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NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN: THE BENEFITS OF CPD

Since its establishment 40 years ago, employees and organisations across industry have committed personal time and company resources to accessing the benefits delivered by continuing professional development – better known as CPD.

Using a structured, practical, methodical, and proactive approach to lifetime learning is enabling thousands of professionals to enhance their skills, identify knowledge gaps, grow individual expertise, and keep abreast of the myriad changes that constantly influence their industry.

Organisations who see the value of CPD and provide staff with the time and access to continuous learning opportunities, find themselves better able to retain key employees and are in a stronger position to support them as they focus on developing the skills necessary to maintain a sustainable and competitive advantage.

CPD benefits

Construction-related CPD seminars and training courses offer numerous benefits to employees and companies. Staff can proactively expand their understanding of the industry and keep up-to-date with the latest regulation changes and newly emerging product developments and solutions.

For their part, smart organisations can use CPD initiatives to ensure standards across the company remain consistently high, staff potential is maximised, and a strong environment of support and learning-based development is fostered.

Many construction institutions require that members undertake CPD as a condition of continued membership (examples include RIBA, CIOB, RICS, RTPI, CIAT, ICE, IStructE), and for some professions, it is a statutory requirement.

To maintain membership of their designated professional body, members must demonstrate they have engaged in a set number of hours of educational participation aimed at improving their knowledge and skill. The activities in which they partake are then CPD-rated and CPD certificates, or ‘Points’, are issued for each activity.

As an example, the annual CPD obligations as a RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Chartered Member, include undertaking at least 35 hours of learning per annum; that half the CPD is structured with learning aims and outcomes, and is taught, face-to-face, online or by distance learning; 20 of the 35 hours must cover the ten mandatory RIBA core curriculum CPD topics; members acquire at least 100 learning points and that they record and keep track of CPD activities.

Specifiers and CPD

Change is often the driving force behind the evolution of an industry. As new techniques and product solutions are exposed to the market, it is important that pivotal roles such as specifiers – charged with recommending and selecting material and product choices that drive project efficiencies, value, and the design vision – are constantly making informed selections based on up-to-date market knowledge.

CPD enables this to happen and is a vital tool in educating specifying professionals and for developing relationships across the supply chain.  Continuous learning provides opportunities to demonstrate how innovating products can deliver value added solutions to design, legislation, sustainability, logistic and on-site challenges that the majority of construction projects face.

The old adage says it’s never too late to learn.  CPD is at the forefront of driving up industry standards, helping professionals to develop enhanced expertise on a continuous basis and delivering the highly skilled workforce the construction industry and the nation requires.

Eurocell CPDs

We offer 3 face-to-face or webinar-based seminars to help support the construction industry understand more about PVC-U fenestration solutions and sustainability:

  1. The past, present and future of PVC-U windows
  2. Value engineering and sustainability
  3. Sustainable use of PVC-U windows to maximise ROI

To find out more or to book, please visit https://www.eurocell.co.uk/specifiers/resource-hub/cpd

 

ACO drainage channels, gullies and Access covers in stock now for your project

Building Products Index Ltd access covers, Building Drainage, Drainage Leave a Comment

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If you need drainage that is available off the shelf and easy to install for a wide range of project applications then the ACO range is ideal.

105176dtest2 ACO hygienic gully_157_fixed_height_200x200_H_DN100ACO Modular channels are manufactured from a minimum of 70% recycled materials and are fully pickle passivated to guarantee high quality performance and durability.

Whether it is hygienic channels for a kitchen or food production area, modular channels in advanced materials that can withstand a swimming pool environment or linear channels for a shower or washroom the ACO range can accommodate all this and more. Click here to view the product options

Hospital floor cover image B lo resIf your project needs point drainage rather than linear then the ACO range of stainless steel gullies can cater for a huge variety of flow rates. So whether you need to drain a lot of surface or a little, we have the gullies to take care of this. Matching a product to your floor finish or height easy with the ACO range click here to learn more

For internal access covers the ACO range provides solutions compatible with a variety of hard and flexible floor finishes.  Aluminium, galvanised steel and stainless steel options are available in either standard or bespoke sizes tailored to meet your individual project needs.  Now available on a 3-5 day lead time click here to view our range of covers.

We look forward to hearing from you.

The Woodland Electric is perfect for the modern home

Building Products Index Ltd Stoves, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

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Woodland Electric FinalThe new Woodland Electric Stove from Mendip Stoves is the perfect combination of style and substance. It’s ease and convenience, which is quick and efficient too makes it ideal for modern homes.

Designed to have both the look and feel of a traditional woodburning stove, the Woodland Electric is 570mm wide and can produce up to 2kW of heat. Its smart programmable feature allows users to set specific heat requirements, so there’s no more coming home to a cold house after work or trip away.

The Woodland Electric also ‘learns’ from experience for a fully intuitive heating solution. Its clean-lined contemporary design suits both modern and traditional interiors, the Woodland Electric features a large viewing window and authentic flame effect. The flames can be selected in multiple colours as well as offering the option of having them flickering at variable speeds to create a different ambience at various times of the day. Designed and manufactured in the UK, the stove is ideal for homes without a chimney, hearth or flue as well as those who require a quick and easy installation.

Electric stoves are so easy to fit, providing instant heat at the touch of a button. Added benefits include a lower price tag and installation cost as well as the flexibility of being installed anywhere with a power supply. Electric stoves are also 100% efficient and clean, heating up a room in an instant, making them the perfect heating choice for all types of properties and lifestyles.