GEGGUS ENTRANCE MATTING SYSTEMS

Building Products Index Ltd Entrance Matting Leave a Comment

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HIGH QUALITY & OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE

Supplied and managed exclusively in the UK by MMA Architectural Systems, each Geggus entrance matting system is designed to meet customers’ individual project requirements. Manufactured to order in Germany, Geggus high-quality, high-performance systems are suitable for both new build and retrofit projects.

The systems provide the perfect solution for a huge range of projects, from offices to hotels, restaurants to airports and shopping malls to car showrooms – and not only for entrance areas, but also for other areas of a building, such as access points, lift landings and canteen entrances – in fact, anywhere that may see high foot traffic and so may be at risk from dirt and heavy wear.

YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE TO MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION

A building’s entrance provides the perfect opportunity to make a great first impression, with architects and interior designers striving to make these areas impactful and reflective of the values of the business or brand.

First impressions are so important, with visitors starting to form opinions about the building and its occupiers from the moment they walk through the door. A bespoke Geggus entrance matting system can help make sure that it’s a memorable experience.

EFFECTIVE, VERSATILE, DURABLE – AND SILENT

Entrance matting systems not only have to perform by keeping an area clean and safe, but they also have to complement the overall look and feel of an entrance area. Geggus systems perform all these tasks effortlessly. They effectively capture dirt and moisture to provide a safe and effective barrier, helping to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls – while enhancing the overall aesthetics of their surroundings. In doing this, entrance matting systems also help keep cleaning and maintenance costs down, ensuring that reception areas and internal floors always look at their best. Unlike other systems, Geggus matting is also almost silent to walk over, thanks to its unique design which virtually eliminates impact sound.

OUTSTANDING SERVICE FROM AN EXPERIENCED TEAM

With over 75 years’ experience, Geggus can provide expert advice on your entrance matting needs, making sure that your matting system not only looks great, but also delivers many years of reliable performance.

If required, a Geggus engineer will visit your site to take detailed measurements prior to manufacture – and then carry out the installation. This service applies to both new buildings and existing buildings and for installing new mats or replacing existing ones, so that when installed, you can be confident that the entrance matting system fits precisely and will withstand the stress and loads that foot traffic will place on it.

With excellent delivery times, the team aims to make sure your programme flows as smoothly, quickly, and efficiently as possible and will guide you at every stage, from providing samples and designs right through to supply, installation and maintenance.

Whether you are looking for a specific entrance matting system, or need advice on the most appropriate system for your project, the team is happy to assist you.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Phone: +44 01761 419 427

E-Mail: info@geggus.co.uk

Web: www.geggus.co.uk

How to avoid unintended consequences of specifying the wrong internal wall insulation (IWI)

Building Products Index Ltd Insulation 2 Comments

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There are around 28 million homes in the UK which are deemed to be some of the oldest housing constructions in Europe, according to the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP). Data from the non-profit organisation also suggests 32 per cent of buildings in the UK were constructed before 1919, meaning they are predominantly solid wall structures.

In Wales, for example, at least 50 per cent of homes have no wall insulation at all – something which needs to change. But there are key considerations to factor in when specifying material to insulate solid walls internally, to protect the health and wellbeing of occupants.

IWI – the Benefits

The basics of IWI are of course, it provides improved energy efficiency of buildings and it is often the default choice due to its simplicity. IWI is particularly effective in solid wall construction, where external wall insulation (EWI) is not an option due to factors such as the building being listed or where planning restrictions prohibit its use.

Yet, there can be the unintended consequences if the wrong type of IWI material is specified and installed.  For this reason, wood fibre is an ideal choice for IWI as it is breathable and allows moisture to flow through, reducing the risk of mould and moisture-related problems. This is especially important in social housing where old, solid wall homes are common. We may have all recently seen the shocking news about a two-year old boy who tragically died after being exposed from birth to a high level of mould and moisture within his badly insulated social home.

This, of course, is an extreme case, and can be argued was also a case of negligence. But it is also one that we should all be mindful of during the refurbishment of homes, especially social housing, as well as the design of new build homes.

Breathable Wall Insulation

During refurbishment and new build, it is important to consider the amount of insulation used in IWI as too much can lead to unintended consequences such as mould on window reveals or excess humidity.

A balance must be struck between energy efficiency and moisture management. In general, a minimum of 40mm of insulation is recommended for solid walls, which can provide a 70 per cent reduction in heat loss while minimising the risk of moisture-related issues.

Breathable internal wall insulation, such as wood fibre insulation, is a preferred option over other materials like plastic or foam insulation, such as XPS or PIR. This is because it allows for the safe passage of moisture through the walls, preventing the accumulation of harmful water which can lead to high humidity levels and damage to the building structure. Breathable insulation also helps regulate humidity levels within a building, promoting healthy indoor air quality and reducing the risk of respiratory and other health issues associated with too high or too low humidity levels. Overall, breathable internal wall insulation is a more effective choice for maintaining a healthy and moisture-free environment within a building.

Savvy Specification

Soprema UK offers a natural wood fibre insulation solution for internal walls: PAVATEX. The sustainable wood fibre boards are made from waste wood that is collected from various sawmills, heated and then pressurised.

PAVATEX has excellent heat storage capacity, keeping rooms cool in summer, as well as excellent acoustic and thermal insulation properties.

Just like all of our wood fibre insulation products, PAVATEX is characterised by superior breathability, allowing moisture to move within a wall or roofing system, and regulating it at safe levels to prevent it from entering the building fabric.

PAVATEX consists of both new build and retrofit systems for walls, floors and roofs. Its advantages are crucial for the environment, building owners and contractors alike.

New ACO Bespoke Access Covers designed to meet your projects need.

Building Products Index Ltd access covers Leave a Comment

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As a planner or architect, you are always looking for reliable partners and answers to your very specific problems. For every challenge there is always a solution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACO can provide bespoke Access Covers for your project. These can be sized as you need in single or multi cover options in manual or assisted opening designs. We can manufacture these in either aluminium, hot dipped galvanised steel or stainless-steel grade 304 and 316 materials as required.

ACO Bespoke covers can be designed to different load classes for both pedestrian areas and for heavy traffic areas.

Our previous projects have included multipart covers for airport installations, floor access doors to underground services or bespoke shaped landscape covers for public realm applications.

Our bespoke aluminium covers are normally available in around 10 working days. Lead times for bespoke covers in other materials are available on request.

 

Talk to us about your needs today call 01462 810421 or email: acsales@aco.co.uk. To view our range of cover please visit www.aco.co.uk/bespoke-access-covers

We also have an extensive range of standard access covers that are both recessed and solid covers.

New Heritage Valley is a ‘game changer’ for plain tile & slate roofs

Building Products Index Ltd Roofing Leave a Comment

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‘Innovation’ is a word that tends to be over-used these days. However, GRP roofing products specialist Filon Products is receiving widespread accolades for its new Heritage Valley design, which breaks important new ground in the pitched roofing sector.

Designed for use with plain tile and slate roofs, the Heritage Valley combines the proven benefits of GRP (Glass Reinforced Polyester) construction, with the classic, heritage aesthetic of a close mitred valley – previously only attainable with lead soakers.

Heritage aesthetics, with lower costs and practical advantages

GRP is much lighter than lead, completely non-toxic and because it has no scrap value, it’s not subject to any risk of theft. In addition to these advantages, the Heritage Valley also brings significant cost savings when compared to lead.

 

Firstly, the material cost of GRP is lower, resulting in a reduced initial outlay – and with no specialist lead working skills required, labour costs are reduced too. Further savings are delivered by the innovative design of the product itself.

Steve Makin, one of the design team behind the Heritage Valley, explains: “The unique, dry-fix ’S’ design of the Heritage Valley maintains a wide drainage channel but has a much narrower span between the tile support ledges. This design eliminates the need for costly valley roof tiles on plain tile roofs. With the short span between support ledges, there are no unsupported small cut tiles or slates, so no additional tile support pieces are required and the quantity of slate / tile and a half going into the valley is significantly reduced: another huge cost saving.” He continued: “Also, no special eaves closures are needed. With no gaps at the foot of the valley to fill, the fascia board is simply square cut to fit the valley trough profile.”

GRP design and production teamwork at its best

GRP is an outstanding construction material, but presents challenges in product design and production, which have until now, limited the extent to which various product features could be employed.

Filon’s Technical Consultant, Steve Vickers, has been closely involved with the project since its inception. He said: “Bringing the Heritage Valley to market has involved intensive teamwork, as it’s the most complex profile we’ve ever produced. We’ve always encouraged a culture of continuous improvement and openness to new ideas at Filon and this latest achievement is down to the hard work and collaborative efforts of many people.”

 

Designing tooling to create the unique ’S’ profile of the product, was just one of the challenges faced. Technical Supervisor Matt Camp put the design into CAD format and designed the many different sets of tooling that were necessary to achieve the exact profile required. He commented: “In the early stages, the material simply didn’t behave as we expected it to. Tooling for GRP production always requires refinement and adjustment and this was a particularly demanding product to get right.”

Production Manager John Charles was tasked with overseeing production trials and keeping the team motivated throughout a long period of trial and error which eventually led to the solution. He added: “There’s often no shortcut with GRP. One of the biggest challenges we faced was the very small time window required to get the material to working temperature. We’ve now firmly established all the production parameters, which means we’re able to manufacture in quantity to our regular lead times.”

Filon: a long tradition of innovation

Filon has been a leader in GRP construction products for over sixty-five years, having pioneered the original GRP profiled sheets manufactured by continuous pultrusion process in the 1950s. Filon also manufactured the first continuously produced GRP valley troughs as an alternative to costly lead products in the 1980s.

Managing Director Mark Wilcox concluded: “The Heritage Valley complements our existing valley trough range and meets a specific need in the roofing sector. It further supports our claim to be ‘The innovator in GRP construction products’. I offer huge thanks to the brilliant team that have turned this outstanding idea into a practical reality with a realistic price point”.

For further information, visit: www.filon.co.uk

Red and yellow steel door frames by Clement chosen for this exceptional London home

Building Products Index Ltd Steel, Windows Leave a Comment

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Clement Windows Group has manufactured brightly coloured red and yellow steel door frames for a stunning South London home.

Hannah Cecil-Harden is a director at de Gournay, a family business founded by her father, Claud Cecil Gurney.  De Gournay makes exquisite hand-painted and embroidered wallcoverings and the company’s work adorns some of the finest buildings in the world.

 

Hannah recently decided to reconfigure her London property to accommodate her growing family and the basement was turned into a playroom with adjoining utility and bathroom.  The walls of the playroom are decorated in a beautiful hand-painted wallpaper scene of London.

Having worked with Hannah previously, Clement was approached to manufacture the new steel doors included within the designs for this space.  Hannah wanted the steel frames to be painted to match the vibrant colours included in the wallpaper.

The steel frames to the exterior are polyester powder painted RAL 9004 Signal Black on the outside and RAL 1016 Sulfer Yellow on the inside, while the interior doors are painted in the same yellow on the playroom side and RAL 3005 Wine Red on the utility and bathroom side.

 

Peter Clement, Chief Executive of Clement Windows Group, commented:

“We always say that our bespoke steel products can be painted in specialist hues from across the entire colour spectrum and these doors really demonstrate what is possible!”

EUROBRICK – BRICKS WITH BENEFITS

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

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There are many cladding finishes on the market, but the warm tones and textures of brick ensure it remains a firm favourite. The benefits of brick slip cladding mean it has grown in popularity over the years, something which Eurobrick Systems can attest to as the first company to introduce brick slip cladding to the UK over 30 years ago. They have seen first-hand how the market for brick slips and brick slip cladding systems has grown, supplying a wide range of sectors including residential, commercial, public sector, education, leisure and hospitality projects throughout the UK. Over the last 30 years Eurobrick have developed their systems to meet changing demands, and currently have four different systems with a range of benefits.

X-CLAD – INSULATED

The original system, X-Clad, combines the benefits of thermal insulation with brick slips and has a lightweight, slim profile. Suitable for external installations up to 11m high on residential (including dormitories, hospital wards, hotels etc) and up to 18m on commercial (offices, retail etc), X-Clad is ideal for new build, modular or retrofit projects. It can be supplied with a backer panel thickness to provide 17-100mm of insulation and has an installed weight starting from just 36kg/m2. X-Clad can be fixed to most substrates including masonry, concrete, timber or light gauge steel framed walls, SIPS and ICF, with or without a drainable cavity and can be retrofitted without additional foundations or groundworks. As well as transforming the appearance of a property, it will help save energy, reduce bills and carbon emissions and improve the interior living conditions of older properties.

View project: Renovation at the Cotton Exchange. 

P-CLAD – RAINSCREEN

P-Clad provides an external rainscreen and is designed to be fixed directly to battens or bracket and rail systems, ideal for modular construction and new builds constructed with a steel frame substrate. The total system depth starts from just 25mm with an installed system weight from 53kg/m2. P-Clad is suitable for installations up to 11m high on residential (including dormitories, hospital wards, hotels etc) and up to 18m on commercial (offices, retail etc).

View project: Rainscreen at Godiva Place.

I-CLAD – INTERIORS

I-Clad was developed specifically for interiors with a slimline system profile starting from just 28mm which can help to minimise loss of valuable interior space when adding a real brick finish. It can be fixed to battens or timber/light gauge steel stud walling systems and has a system weight from 45kg/m2.  Popular with retail and hospitality, I-Clad is suitable for commercial and domestic interiors.

View project: Loft Style interiors at The Hoxton. 

V-CLAD – RETROFIT

Ideal for small renovation projects, V-Clad is Eurobrick’s economy system. It has a system depth starting from 35mm. It can be fixed to masonry, concrete, sheathed timber or light gauge steel framed walls, SIPS and ICF. V-Clad is lightweight, with a system weight from 32kg/m2, and is easy to handle and fast to fix.

Once installed, Eurobrick’s systems are virtually indistinguishable from traditional brickwork, providing a low maintenance, durable brick finish. To find out more, please visit www.eurobrick.co.uk or you can discuss your project requirements in more detail and speak to Eurobrick’s technical team by calling 0117 971 7117.

National Waterproofing Specialist Celebrates Milestone 175th Anniversary

Building Products Index Ltd waterproofing Leave a Comment

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Newton Waterproofing, one of the country’s leading suppliers of waterproofing products, is this year celebrating its 175th anniversary, marking an impressive milestone for the company.

With branches in Tonbridge, Kent, and Hunslet, Leeds, Newton Waterproofing boasts an extensive range of high-quality products for architects, contractors, developers, groundworkers and builders across the country. Over the years they have also been involved in numerous high profile waterproofing projects, from the London School of Economics, the Houses of Parliament and the Royal College of Music in London, to the Hotel Football and the Arndale Centre in Manchester.

Now with a nationwide, next-day delivery service on their own fleet of vehicles, Newton Waterproofing came from humble beginnings.

Established by John Newton in South London in 1848, the company started out as a specialist supplier of plasterers’ hair, and in 1931, expanded by pioneering the air gap method of damp proofing with the design and production of the first physical damp proof membrane, ‘Newtonite’.

Over five million square metres of the original Newtonite membrane were installed in the UK, including helping to create dry, hospitable housing across post-war London.

By the 1980s, Newton had launched another first, a HDPE membrane with a mesh surface that could be plastered directly onto – since then, Newlath has continued to be the industry-leading damp proof membrane, with over two million square metres installed across the country.

This was followed, in 1986, by the development of Newton System 500, the flagship basement waterproofing solution and the first cavity drain waterproofing system of its kind, designed to be installed internally in any below-ground structure.

By 2003, the company had implemented the first approved contractor network for structural waterproofing, meaning that Newton Specialist Basement Contractors (NSBCs) could take design liability on waterproofing projects and provide peace of mind to designers and clients.

Due to an expanding product range and growing staff, in 2012 Newton Waterproofing opened its head office in Tonbridge, Kent, and in 2020 formed the Newton Specification Partnership. This nationwide network of approved architects and specifiers works directly with Newton to provide high quality, technically sound waterproofing solutions for any basement or below-ground structure.

Another big milestone for the company came last year, with the opening of Newton’s northern branch and distribution centre in Leeds, giving customers across the North and Midlands quicker and easier access to its range of products and technical services.

The company is also committed to professional development, providing extensive training on waterproofing best practice through its dedicated School of Waterproofing, and has been running its award-winning Recycling Service, the first closed-loop recycling scheme in the UK waterproofing industry, since 2017.

Newton Waterproofing Managing Director Warren Muschialli comments: “Newton Waterproofing has a very long and rich history, and to reach 175 years is an incredible milestone for the company. From a small start-up business back in the 1840s, Newton has evolved and grown into the UK’s leading independent waterproofing suppliers, and we’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come.

“We’re particularly proud of the recent opening of our Leeds distribution centre, which has significantly expanded our reach and allowed us to better serve customers across the whole of the country, while also contributing to the city’s local economy.

“We owe a huge thanks to all our partners and valued customers who have joined us over the years for their continued support, and we very much look forward to many more successful decades ahead.”

Visit www.newtonwaterproofing.co.uk.

Your specification partner in daylight solutions for interiors

Building Products Index Ltd Rooflights Leave a Comment

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With the unrelenting trend for domestic extensions and customers seeking to make maximum use of available space within their homes, Rooflights & Skylights provide you, the architect, with the ideal solution.

As well as delivering natural light to areas of a living space that might otherwise be difficult to illuminate naturally, well considered rooflights or skylights provide opportunity to free up wall space and overcome planning hurdles in ways that traditional windows can’t resolve.

And with the multitude of styles and functionality available, it’s easier than ever to provide you with the perfect solution to meet your customers’ needs in terms of aesthetics, intensity of illumination, thermal performance and ventilation.

However, there’s still plenty to consider. So, Scott Couldrey, Managing Director, Rooflights & Skylights, discusses the options…

Glass or polycarbonate

For many customers, the choice of rooflight styles available on the market can be intimidating, so we always suggest the first choice to make is between a glass or polycarbonate rooflight.

Pro Tip!.. If the rooflight can be seen from the outside of the property, then choose Glass!

There’s no denying that glass rooflights are a more aesthetically pleasing solution – particularly in domestic settings where it might form an architectural centrepiece within the interior, or impose a visual impact on the exterior of the property.

 

However, polycarbonate rooflights come into their own where functionality and budget trump aesthetics – with a wide range of shapes and sizes as well as different coatings and ventilation options available.

 

 

 

Function and style 

Allowing huge amounts of daylight to flood into an interior space and providing a clean, minimalist, yet stunning design feature, it’s easy to see why roof lanterns and pyramid skylights are such a popular solution when it comes to making a statement.

Pro Tip!.. Looking for a discrete means of introducing light into a single storey extension where the roof acts as a balcony or terrace…choose a Walk-on skylight!

Access hatches are a cost-effective method of allowing occasional access to a rooftop for the purpose of inspection or maintenance, while providing an invaluable source of natural light into an interior.

Our range of AOV smoke vents can serve the dual purpose of allowing natural light into a building, while adhering to fire safety and ventilation regulations – particularly relevant in buildings of multiple occupancy.

Thermal performance

With energy efficiency a growing concern among customers, thermal performance comes under tight scrutiny. As well as different styles and sizes having an impact on the thermal performance of a rooflight or skylight, the range of glazing options and their associated U-value ratings, also determine how much the glass reduces heat loss.

Pro Tip!.. Argon-filled glazing units act as a more efficient thermal buffer than air-filled units and can help your customer save money in reduced energy bills long-term.

Expert support with product specification

With years of experience, working on hundreds of extension projects, Rooflights&Skylights can help you specify the best solution – taking into account budget, aesthetics, functionality, building regulations and planning requirements.

Bespoke rooflight and skylight design

In non-standard spaces or unusual sites, building regulations and planning restrictions can turn up some unusual challenges and our expertise comes into its own…we’re here to help!

And, if our team can’t find a standard product fit for your project then our bespoke support service will ensure a solution is designed and manufactured to your custom-build specifications.

Contact us today for expert support with your next project.

How to use Teal in your Next Colour Scheme

Building Products Index Ltd Paint Leave a Comment

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Teal is a blue-green and is a firm favourite for those who want the coolness and depth of blue with the warmth of yellow. Teal is a very versatile colour, allowing you to create a whole range of feelings within a space. Depending on the shade of teal you opt for, you can create a sense of opulence and sophistication, or a lighter shade of teal can feel more invigorating and fun. At Brewers, we have thousands of colours and brands to choose from, all tintable in-store or online.

 Not sure where to start? Here are two palettes to inspire your next project!

1. Teal and Violet:

Using teal and violets together creates a fresh, modern look.

Teal and violet both have blue undertones, which make them work well together, however, violet can overwhelm teal if you’re not careful!

To avoid a clash, we would recommend building your scheme around teal and using shades of violet as an accent colour.

 

Cool Lilac (top left) – A pastel shade of violet

Schooner (middle left) – A light teal encouraging calm into a space

Cote D’Azur (bottom left)– A rich teal for a cocooning feel

Highlands (middle right)– A warm violet

Meghan (bottom right) – A deep shade of violet

 

 

2. Harmonising with Teal:

Using a combination of blue, teal, green and yellow is a great way to create a harmonising look, as these colours sit together on the colour wheel.

Using Garland and Forsythia amongst darker colours will lift the scheme and create balance.

From top to bottom:

Highbrook – A rich, navy blue

Jubillee – A blue worthy of royalty

Cote D’Azur – A rich teal for a cocooning feel

Garland – A refreshing green

Forsythia – A warming, optimistic yellow

 

 

20% OFF at Brewers Decorator Centres:

Whilst you’re shopping for your next project, why not enquire about our Brewers Accounts? When you open a Brewers account you will receive 20% off your first and second purchase** in addition to a range of other benefits!

For more inspiration on using teals, read the full article here >>

To keep up with the latest news and trends at Brewers Decorator Centres follow us on Facebook or Instagram

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Are you choosing the right roof access hatch and ladder for your project?

Building Products Index Ltd Access Hatches Leave a Comment

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Whether you are working on a commercial or residential project, there are a number of factors that must be addressed when deciding on a roof access hatch and accompanying ladder to ensure its safe and compliant application for the entire lifecycle of the building.

Here Tom Brandon, Specification Sales Manager at Bilco UK, explores the main areas that should be taken into consideration.

1) Purpose for access

Whether for the education, healthcare, leisure or commercial sectors, roof access hatches are required to provide permanent and secure access to the roof area. In order to make sure you’re choosing the correct system to meet your project’s unique requirements, you must first identify the main reason for requiring access to the roof.

Is it purely for maintenance reasons? Or will a safe means of access also be required for the regular installation or removal of equipment from the roof?

Here you should also identify what tools and equipment will need to be transferred through the access hatch, or whether it will just be the individual that is conducting the necessary work.

2) Frequency and product specification

Once you have established your reason for requiring safe access to the roof, you will then be able to make an informed choice regarding which roof access hatch and corresponding ladder system is best suited to meet the needs of your project.

The first considerations that must be addressed when specifying a ladder to gain roof access is where the ladder will be mounted and the requirement of any additional safety elements to ensure the continued safety of the individual when using the system. If a ladder is to be mounted externally to gain access to a roof, it must be fitted with a safety cage and guard rail to ensure safe and secure access.

For a small roof access hatch, such as the Bilco E-50TB, which has internal dimensions of 915mm x 915mm, a fixed vertical ladder should be chosen. This type of ladder is also the most suitable option for projects where space is limited.

In this instance, a retractable ladder would not be recommended, as the ladder angle would hinder easy access as an individual moved closer to the hatch. However, retractable ladders are ideal for use in areas including schools and hospitals where the roof hatch is larger, at around 1500 mm in size and the floor area must be kept clear at all times.

To ensure easy and safe access, a minimum head clearance of 120mm is required, whilst the maximum single climb should be no more than three metres, in accordance with BS4211-7.2.

If access to the roof is required on a regular basis for professionals that will have to transfer tools and equipment through the hatch, a Fixed Staircase Roof Access Hatch, also known as a Service Stair Roof Access Hatch, should be specified with a Companionway Ladder or a Fixed Staircase. The companionway ladder is a 75 degree angled, rigid ladder, which provides permanent access to a roof hatch of up to 2440mm.

It should here be noted that the roof hatch must be sufficient to maintain a head clearance of 2000mm, as detailed in Building Regulations Part K.

When specifying a retractable ladder, it is essential that you know the height of the space between the ceiling and the roof, more commonly known as the roof void. This is to ensure the ladder box liner will fit inside the space once retracted. Calculating the height of the floor to the underside of the roof access hatch should also be done at the initial stages to ensure the ladder isn’t too short or long.

Regardless of the size of the roof access hatch, the system should be operated easily and safely with one hand, in accordance with the requirements outlined within the Manual Handling Regulations, enabling the individual to maintain three points of contact with the fixed ladder.

During the installation process, the ladder must be positioned opposite the hinge to ensure safe and unobstructed access.

3) Bespoke requirements

To ensure the criteria is successfully met, consideration should be given to the wider options available for both the roof access hatch and corresponding ladder.

For example, ladders that are supplied with relevant fire ratings and available with vertical backboards that include steps and a handrail for enhanced safety and security should also be considered to meet relevant building regulations.

Increased access opening sizes or double leaf configurations should also be explored where access is required for larger items of equipment or tools. Motorised options also allow the individual to safely maintain contact with the ladder when entering or exiting the hatch.

Regardless of the project type, all installations should be subject to individual Risk Assessments. Comprehensive training should also be provided for all professionals, supported by Method Statements regarding safe and correct use of the access solutions installed.

For further information on Bilco UK’s complete range of roof access solutions, visit www.bilcouk.co.uk or call 01284 701696.

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

For further information on specifying the right roof access hatch for your upcoming project, download Bilco UK’s free guide:

www.bilcouk.co.uk/files/downloads/choosing-the-right-access-hatch-bilco.pdf