Cedral fibre cement facades for design, resilience and futureproofing

Building Products Index Ltd Cladding, Facade Leave a Comment

View the Cedral entry on BPindex

Visit the Cedral website

We anticipate that advancements in sustainable construction will continue at a rapid pace, transforming home design.

Cedral’s survey of 250 architects and installers for its recent White paper, ‘Building the Future’ examines how the increasing focus on sustainability and climate resilience has brought about a shift towards eco-friendly materials. The majority (96%) of respondents say climate change is affecting facade design and specification choices in one or more ways. Nearly a third of the architects say they anticipate more retrofit projects over the next three years.

The study also reports on the rise of durable, non-combustible cladding to enhance energy efficiency and climate resilience. Upgrading tired timber facades to fibre cement cladding is becoming an increasingly common retrofit choice across the UK. Retrofitting from timber to fibre cement is more than a cosmetic upgrade. Cladding can preserve the life of older buildings by providing a stylish contemporary update for unsightly faded paintwork or render. A ventilated facade, where the cladding doesn’t sit directly against the insulation, improves energy efficiency, enabling the rapid drying of external walls, reducing condensation and humidity.  Download the full report here.

Why choose Cedral

Sustainable building products are more important than ever for as architects and developers seek to ensure that their projects are responsibly designed, resourced and built. The innovations in fibre cement technology are creating high performing materials which are lighter, thinner and ultimately stronger. Fibre cement which is made of cement, water, cellulose, textile fibres and air can help improve circularity and carbonation impact. A strong, versatile and sustainable material, it uses fewer raw materials and less energy in its manufacture and produces less waste than some traditional building materials. 

Cedral, part of Etex, has a deep-rooted history and heritage of over 100 years’ experience, perfecting the manufacturing of fibre cement building materials.

Cedral is committed to continuously improving existing materials and to driving innovation. Whether it’s for a new build or a renovation project, Cedral has a range of products for facades and roofs of exceptional quality and high performance.

Features of Cedral include:

 

•             Fire Performance Classification: Cedral products are Class 0 and EN 13501-1 fire performance classified to A2-s1, d0 which is one of the best classification ratings that can be achieved.

 

•             Low maintenance, resistant to rot and warping: Fibre cement doesn’t rot or rust and lasts longer than traditional cladding materials. Thanks to its thermal stability it will not warp or crack under high temperatures.

 

•             Stands up to the harshest weather conditions: Fibre cement can withstand severe frosts, torrential rain, high heat and direct sunlight and has a minimum life expectancy of 50 years. 

 

•             Light-weight building material: With the layered production and fibre matrix supporting the cement, fibre cement roof tiles are thinner than concrete, but have the same performance benefits. 

 

•             Style and creativity for a home’s exterior: Cedral cladding is available in a wide variety of finishes and colour choices. Boards can be mounted vertically or horizontally to create a contemporary aesthetic or a more traditional look.

Visit our website for more information

Marley launches Edgemere 2.0, the first UK roof tile to use carbon-capture cement technology

Building Products Index Ltd Roofing, Tiles Leave a Comment

View the Marley entry on BPindex

Visit the Marley website

In a first for UK roofing, Edgemere 2.0 combines Marley’s familiar concrete roof tile specification with carbon-capture cement technology and Carbon Bank evidence supplied for every order.

The carbon reduction story behind Edgemere 2.0* begins with the cement. CO₂ from cement production is captured at source, before it enters the atmosphere, and permanently stored beneath the seabed. The carbon reduction is then recorded in the publicly available Carbon Bank, which allocates captured and stored CO₂ reductions to specific Edgemere 2.0 orders, with full end-to-end traceability through an Environmental Attribute Certificate (EAC).

The launch responds to a market in which embodied-carbon evidence is moving from optional to expected. For the public sector and increasingly housing providers, product-level carbon evidence is becoming part of the specification process.

Sustainability leads, along with quantity surveyors and architects, are frequently asked to produce verifiable, product-level carbon evidence and do so without redrawing details or rewriting specifications.

Edgemere 2.0 expands the Edgemere range by offering a low carbon option with a Global Warming Potential (GWP Fossil) of just 1.86kg CO2e per m² from cradle to gate, whilst retaining the familiar thin leading edge, technical performance and dimensions of Edgemere together with a Green Guide A+ rating and BES 6001 Excellent certification.

The change is behind the tile: in the and the addition of verified, order-specific documentation. The Carbon Bank allocates reductions from actual captured and stored CO₂, to specific Edgemere 2.0 orders, with ownership of the EAC transferring to the final customer.

“Edgemere 2.0 is a significant step forward for Marley and for the roofing industry,” said Stuart Nicholson, Managing Director at Marley. “By introducing the UK’s first concrete roof tile to use carbon-capture cement technology, we’re supporting the industry’s transition to lower-carbon construction, with a documented carbon-evidence trail supplied for every Edgemere 2.0 order.”

Edgemere 2.0 is available in Smooth Grey. For more information, or to discuss your next project with one of our specification experts, visit www.marley.co.uk/Edgemere2

About the carbon evidence and end-to-end traceability

*Edgemere 2.0 is supported by Heidelberg Materials’ evoZero® carbon captured near-zero cement, enabled through the first carbon capture facility at its cement works in Brevik, Norway. To avoid the transport emissions that would be incurred by shipping from Brevik, Edgemere 2.0 CO₂ reduction can be transferred and attributed to locally sourced Heidelberg Materials cement.

A Carbon Bank withdrawal is made to reduce the corresponding Global Warming Potential (GWP Fossil) of the locally produced UK cement to zero.  The carbon reduction is recorded in Heidelberg Materials’ publicly available Carbon Bank, which allocates captured and stored CO₂ reductions to each specific Edgemere 2.0 order, with full end-to-end traceability through an Environmental Attribute Certificate (EAC).

Building a Circular Future, One Copper Tube at a Time

Building Products Index Ltd Copper Tubes Leave a Comment

View the Mueller Europe entry on BPindex 

Visit the Mueller Europe website

In today’s world, where sustainability heavily influences purchasing decisions, Mueller Europe emerges as a global leader in environmentally responsible copper tube manufacturing. Operating under the renowned British brands Wednesbury Tube and Yorkshire Copper Tube, Mueller Europe has built its reputation for high-quality manufacturing, engineering expertise, and a long-term commitment to sustainable production practices.

Our Mission: Premium Copper Tube with a Minimal Environmental Footprint

As a UK‑based manufacturer with one of Europe’s most modern and energy‑efficient production facilities, Mueller Europe is driven by a clear mission: to produce premium quality copper tube while reducing environmental impact, minimising waste, and supporting a circular economy. From responsible raw material sourcing through to end‑of‑life recyclability, sustainability influences every stage of the manufacturing process at Mueller Europe.

Premium Quality Copper Tubes — Proudly Made in Britain

Mueller Europe is the only copper tube manufacturer to carry the prestigious Made in Britain mark, reflecting exceptional quality, consistent performance, and adherence to strict environmental and safety standards.

Every Wednesbury and Yorkshire copper tube is produced in the UK using skilled local labour and decades of engineering expertise. From EN1057 copper plumbing tubes to specialist HVAC and refrigeration coils, these trusted brands deliver reliability for residential, commercial, and industrial projects worldwide.

Why Professionals Choose Copper for Sustainable Construction?

Globally, builders, installers and specifiers are increasing selecting materials with low environmental impact and long-term durability. Across construction, plumbing, heating, and HVAC industries, sustainability is now imperative. As environmental regulations become more stringent, copper stands out for its long lifespan, corrosion resistance, and infinite recyclability, making it a preferred choice for professionals seeking durable and eco-friendly materials.

The Environmental benefits of Using Mueller Europe’s Copper tube

Here’s why the recyclability of Mueller Europe’s copper tubes is beneficial:

  • 100% Recyclable Copper for a Circular Economy: Copper is unique in that it can be recycled endlessly without any loss of performance or purity, making it a highly sustainable option. This means that every copper tube manufactured under the Wednesbury and Yorkshire brands is fully recyclable—supporting reduced resource extraction and continuous material reuse.
  • Lower carbon footprint through energy conservation: Recycling copper requires up to 85% less energy compared to extracting and processing new copper from ore. This energy saving is crucial in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving finite energy resources. Opting for recycled copper tube materials directly supports low-carbon construction.
  • Reduced Waste and Environmental Impact: Copper recycling prevents valuable material from entering landfill and reduces the strain on global waste systems. By selecting recyclable copper tube, customers actively contribute to waste reduction and responsible material use

Our Future Goal: 100% Recycled Raw Material

Mueller Europe is making significant investments to transition its manufacturing plant into a fully integrated facility, aiming to use 100% copper scrap for raw material feedstock. This will transform scrap directly into finished, premium copper tubes, resulting in meaningful reductions in carbon output and environmental impact.

Certified Environmental standards

Mueller Europe’s environmental performance is backed by rigorous international standards, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management certification, demonstrating commitment to:

  • ongoing sustainable production methods
  • environmental risk control
  • continuous improvement in eco‑efficiency

These “green credentials” validate our dedication to low‑impact manufacturing and responsible operations.

Customer Value: Why You Should Choose Mueller Europe’s Wednesbury & Yorkshire Copper Tube?

✔ A Sustainable Material Choice

Infinite recyclability and circular manufacturing reduce landfill waste and support a greener built environment.

✔ Superior Lifespan and Reliability

Corrosion resistance, durability, and long service life reduces maintenance costs and replacements, offering long-term savings for customers.

✔ High‑Performance Efficiency

Copper improves the energy performance of heating and cooling systems, lowering ongoing operational costs.

✔ Healthier Water Systems

Antibacterial, non‑toxic, and contamination‑resistant, copper ensures safe water delivery.

✔ Commitment to Sustainable Manufacturing

From UK‑based production to ISO‑certified environmental management, these brands prioritise responsible operation.

✔ A Brand trusted worldwide

With decades of manufacturing and engineering expertise, the Made in Britain mark, and a strong global reputation for quality, Mueller Europe delivers premium quality every time

Building a Better Future Together

By opting for Mueller Europe’s products including Wednesbury and Yorkshire copper tubes, you are supporting sustainability and contributing to a healthier planet. Whether you are a business enhancing your green credentials or an individual committed to reducing your environmental impact, Mueller Europe’s copper tubes are the ideal choice for a sustainable future.

Choose sustainability. Choose performance. Choose copper.

  • For further information:
  • Tel: +44 (0) 1902 499700
  • website: muellereurope.com
  • Socials: LinkedIn, X

Dulux Trade launches Durable Kitchen & Bathroom Eggshell Paint

Building Products Index Ltd Paint Leave a Comment

View the Dulux Trade entry on BPindex

Visit the Dulux Trade website

View the Dulux Trade Kitchen & Bathroom Eggshell paint product guide

 

 

Dulux Trade Durable Kitchen & Bathroom Eggshell paint is a single, dependable product that delivers long-lasting performance in two of the most demanding high-humidity spaces. The way modern kitchens and bathrooms are used puts painted walls under a lot of pressure. High humidity, staining and frequent cleaning cycles all take their toll on standard emulsions. Dulux Trade Durable Kitchen & Bathroom Eggshell paint is built to handle it all. It gives you durability for repeated cleaning, and a soft, low-sheen finish, that helps kitchen and bathroom walls look their best for longer.

Range:

  • Available in 2.5 and 5L
  • PBW, and over 14,000 colours, including colour palette, NCS2, BS colours and colour alternatives
  • 10% Sheen

Benefits:

  • Mould resistant formulation to help prevent new growth
  • ✓ Stain resistant technology, proven against common household marks
  • ✓ Suitable for high humidity rooms
  • ✓ Scrub Class 1 durability for repeated cleaning
  • ✓ Type C durability for Pure Brilliant White and light base colours
  • ✓ Up to 17m² per litre coverage
  • ✓ Finish the walls in one day with a 2-4 hour recoat time
  • 99.9% VOC free

Clement provides new steel windows for Grimsby’s Horizon Youth Zone

Building Products Index Ltd Steel, Windows Leave a Comment

View the Clement Windows entry on BPindex

Visit the Clement Windows website

Clement Windows Group has manufactured new steel windows from its W20 range for new charity, Horizon Youth Zone, in Grimsby.

Photography: Gareth Gardner for John Puttick Associates

West Haven Maltings is a Grade II Listed Building located in the Central Grimsby Conservation Area in North East Lincolnshire.  A granary warehouse was constructed on the site between 1821 and 1838 and later converted for use as a maltings.  In the 1930s the original malt kiln was transformed into a billiards hall.

The Horizon Youth Zone charity recently developed the building to provide a safe, inspiring place for young people aged 8-19 (and up to 25 for those with additional needs) to spend their leisure time.  The project was delivered in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council, English Heritage and the local business community and comprises a sports hall, climbing wall and other facilities.

Photography: Gareth Gardner for John Puttick Associates

Clement W20 steel windows with G+ bars were specified to replace the original metal fenestration, providing a close match to the original windows with an improved specification.  The windows are painted RAL 9016 (Traffic White) and accessorized with Brook handles powder coated to match the frames.

W20 windows were designed in the 1960s for buildings where strong, durable frames, efficient opening casements and hard wearing fittings are required.  The Clement W20 range is available with multi point locking to PAS 24 or traditional single point locking for security in Conservation Areas.

Clement Windows Group offers an innovative range of steel windows, doors, screens and conservation rooflights for both private residences and commercial projects.

01428 643393              info@clementwg.co.uk                      www.clementwindows.co.uk

Re-bar End Safety Cap SAFECAP

Building Products Index Ltd Safety caps Leave a Comment

View the Stadon Level entry on BPindex

Visit the Stadon Level website

Stadon Level announces a new product particularly suitable for increasing safety on construction sites.

The re-bar safety cap SAFECAP is designed to protect personnel who move around sites and preformed products in which bar ends are exposed presenting a safety hazard.

SAFECAP fits bars of 6 to 16mm diameter and features patented barbs that resist loosening through high winds and transportation.

SAFECAPs are of course, impervious to moisture, rust and rot.

They are brightly coloured orange presenting good visibility and are a must in the context of Health and Safety on site.

See www.stadonline.co.uk

Dry-Build Solutions for earth retention or noise absorption.

Building Products Index Ltd Concrete, Walling Leave a Comment

View the Grass Concrete entry on BPindex

Visit the Grass Concrete website

Wakefield based Grass Concrete are best known for the range of reinforced grass paving systems, especially the Grasscrete range. Moving up from ground level to vertical landscaping, Grass Concrete has a line-up of vertical landscaping products, the Betoconcept range.

The range meets growing demand for both retaining walls that  combines reduced noise levels with  attractive vertical landscapes, offering a real variety of planting options as an alternative to what would be otherwise dull and un-inspiring structures.

Retaining walls on road highways or the simplest garden or boundary walls now feature: planting, colour, shape or textured finish. The Betoconcept range brings different shapes and styles to accommodate planting on high or low walls with; Betoatlas, Betoflor, Betotitan, Leromur, Betojar, Betoplus and Betonap products

With individual interlocking blocks and dry-build interconnectivity the range offers the ability to free-form wall layouts in single or terraced wall format. These interlocking units enable a quick and easy construction process and can cope with complex curves, ground embankments and weight surcharges with various wall heights right up to 22m with Betotitan blocks with different types to suit small domestic applications or large infrastructure projects.

Grass Concrete’s retaining wall range bringing together both structural integrity and a variety of landscape design options.

Tel 01924 379 443

www.grasscrete.com

info@grasscrete.com

Stannah launches Midilift PL2 – a next-generation platform lift

Building Products Index Ltd Lift, Platform Leave a Comment

View the Stannah Lifts entry on BPindex

Visit the Stannah Lifts website

Stannah Lifts, a leader in the UK lift sector, has introduced Midilift PL2, a next-generation platform lift designed to deliver enhanced reliability, performance and quality.

The Midilift PL2 is a re-engineered vertical platform lift for public and commercial environments, supporting modern accessibility requirements while providing greater clarity at the specification stage.

This transformed, compact-sized hydraulic platform lift offers greater configuration flexibility for seamless integration in a wide range of projects.

Range at a glance:

  • 18 standard and custom platform sizes to support a wider range of layouts and project requirements
  • A broader choice of door options, including fire-rated, panoramic and vision panel configurations
  • A 360° panoramic glazed shaft available as a defined configuration
  • Capacity of up to 500kg
  • Maximum travel of 12m (five stops)
  • Supports compliance with UK’s Equality Act and Part M of the Building Regulations

Key benefits include:

  • Quieter operation at 40db
  • Space saving footprint for limited spaces where a passenger lift is not practical
  • A more structured and repeatable installation approach, with clearer interfaces between the lift and the surrounding building fabric
  • Better lead times and early technical support
  • Site-specific drawings available for eastly specification and feasibility checks
  • Open protocol parts for easy part replacement
  • Two-year warranty and strong after care support

 

Supported by shorter lead times, the PL2 gives architects a predictable, specification-ready solution for modern project demands.

For more information, visit:  https://hubs.la/Q04ggKj10

DAMP PROOFING, RESTORATION, AND WATERPROOFING PROCESSES

Building Products Index Ltd Waterproof Membranes, waterproofing Leave a Comment

View the Delta Membranes entry on BPi

Visit the Delta Membranes website

Converting a public house into two luxurious dwellings

Overview

Delta Registered Installers, Prism Construction successfully restored a dilapidated former public house into two modern properties, despite initial concerns from the structural engineer about potential collapse of two sections.

This scope of this project was converting an abandoned and damp structure into two modern, dry dwellings, ensuring a complete transformation from neglect to contemporary living spaces.

The trend of converting pubs into residential properties presents substantial opportunities. These structures hold immense potential for transformation into highly desirable residential spaces.

The building’s original solid brick construction was in excellent condition, highlighting the era’s high-quality craftsmanship.  This building presents a complex layout with varying ground levels along its frontage and side elevations, adjacent to the road.

Plans include raising the first floor for more headroom, replacing timber floors affected by wet rot, and addressing the solid concrete plank floor in unit two, which is slightly below ground level to the front elevation

Ensuring comprehensive waterproofing or damp proofing for any subterranean structure is essential to maintain and protect a building’s structural integrity.

When specifying a retrofitted waterproofing solution, considerations should include site contamination, head heights, and retaining walls.

Methodology

A thorough structural survey is essential for any pub-to-residential conversion. Experts assess building integrity, evaluate load-bearing walls, and identify structural challenges that may impact the process.  Working in collaboration with the Structural Engineer and Developers, Delta’s Technical Team provided expert advice and guidance throughout the project. Delta tailored a waterproofing design to meet specific project requirements.

BS 8102:2022 categorises waterproofing into four performance grades: 1a, 1b, 2, and 3. These grades specify the required waterproofing standards to match client expectations.  For example, while commercial or industrial environments may allow some dampness (Grades 1a and 1b), residential areas necessitate complete dryness (Grade 3).

The new timber floors must be isolated. Delta’s Technical Team suggests using Delta High Performance DPC.  The plank floor will experience lateral dampness from high ground levels. Once the structure is stabilised, the floor should ideally be replaced with an isolated timber floor. Waterproofing options were also discussed.

A ‘Type C’ Waterproofing System was selected as a maintainable waterproofing solution to the existing basement to ensure a Grade 3 habitable environment was achieved.

BS 8102:2022 outlines three primary waterproofing methods: Type A (Barrier), Type B (Structurally Integral), and Type C (Drained). For habitable spaces, a combination of two methods is preferred, known as combination protection. These systems should possess different performance characteristics to reduce the risk of a common failure cause.

Type A

Delta’s Technical Team recommended two coats of Koster NB1 be applied to the front face of the brickwork and LGF slab before the installation of the proposed “Type C” cavity drained protection system.

Preparation of the substrate prior to the application of Koster NB1 is essential. Typically, where Type A tanking is carried out internal 90 degree angles should be filleted with Koster Repair Mortar Plus. Any voids should be filled and loose masonry adequately pointed with Koster Repair Mortar Plus.

This in effect provided a “Type A” form of waterproofing in addition to the proposed internal “Type C”, with the principle of designing out risk.

It is essential to treat all new concrete, including the basement slab and walls, with a free lime treatment.  Koster Polysil TG 500 was spray applied to prevent free lime build-up.

Free lime and mineral salts leaching from concrete can cause Type C Drained Protection Systems to fail. According to BS 8102:2022 Section 10.2.1.2, these substances deposit within cavity drainage systems, perimeter channels, and especially sump chambers, leading to blockages and potential system failure.

Type C

Delta’s Type C, Cavity Drained Protection System (CDM) supports slight movement and vibration without affecting structural dynamics.  It permits moisture or water to travel behind the membrane in a controlled drainage system, requiring minimal substrate preparation.

Walls above external ground level can be affected by rising dampness. Therefore, using a cavity drain membrane (CDM) as a damp-proofing medium was essential. Delta’s Technical Team advises lining all walls with the Type C system.  With combination waterproofing (Type A and C) only required for retaining walls.

Delta MS 500 was installed on walls, with Delta MS20 laid on the floor and joined to the MS 500 wall membrane. Delta FM was deployed to the concrete plank at first floor level to protect against lateral capillary held moisture.

Delta drainage channel was inserted adjacent all retaining walls and taken to non return valves to evacuate via gravity due to the topography of the site.

The existing solid staircases were retained and prepared prior to the application of Koster NB1.

Where insulation is provided a vapour control layer is recommended on the warm side of the insulation.

All installed with great dealing and expertise.

Products Used

  • Delta MS 500
  • Delta MS 20
  • Delta Cornerstrip
  • Delta Tape
  • Delta Qwikseal Plugs
  • Delta FM
  • Delta Drainage Channels
  • Koster Repair Mortar Plus
  • Koster NB1
  • Koster Polysil TG500

Case Study Results

Our clients were highly impressed with Delta’s technical approach. Structural waterproofing requires a technical and design-driven strategy, which Delta effectively delivered.

Fill, repair and skim with one exterior filler – Toupret’s Tough Multi-Filler

Building Products Index Ltd Filler Leave a Comment

View the Toupret entry on BPindex

Visit the Toupret website

Toupret has always been about having the right filler for the job, specialised products for every repair on every substrate. And that’s no different on jobs where you’re dealing with more than one type of repair, or you simply want a reliable all-rounder in the van; having a single product with the versatility to fill, repair and skim, without compromising on quality, can save you real time on site. Toupret’s answer Tough Multi-Filler.

Toupret’s Tough Multi-Filler is a fibre-reinforced exterior powder filler that combines filling, shaping and repairing, and localised skimming in a single product. It can be used on masonry, brick, concrete, render and stone, and, with no depth limit, it’s equally at home packing out deep voids as it is skimming out a damaged section of render to a smooth finish.

With a 40-minute working time, there’s enough time to build up a repair, shape it and cut back the excess, similar to working with a two-part product, but with plenty of time to get it right.   It sands easily once set and is ready to overcoat in 24 hours with standard water-based masonry or mineral paints.

For professionals working across a range of exterior substrates and repair types, being able to reach for one filler instead of three saves time on the job and keeps things simple.

Find out more about Tough Multi-Filler and Toupret’s full exterior range at toupret.co.uk