Introducing the latest Stannah passenger lift range

Building Products Index Ltd October 29, 2020 Lift Leave a Comment

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What does BS 8579 tell us about the fire performance requirements of balconies and terraces?

Building Products Index Ltd October 29, 2020 Waterproof Membranes, waterproofing Leave a Comment

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The 31^st August 2020 was an important day for the external envelope industry. It was the day that BS 8579:2020 Balconies and Terraces was published. Why is this document so important you may ask? Put simply, even though it is only guidance it is being looked at as THE document that unlocks the confusion over exactly what a balcony is, providing a clarification of exactly what type of balcony is a ‘specified attachment’ within Approved Document B Regulation 7.

If you haven’t had a chance to read this important new British Standard yet the answers are;

Projecting open balconies, projecting enclosed balconies, recessed open balconies and recessed enclosed balconies are all balconies; whether thermally broken or cantilever.
Recessed open terraces, recessed enclosed terraces and access terraces are all roofs.
Terraces are roofs, but have a slightly different requirement depending on their distance from the boundary. But require a Broof(t4) fire exit route.

Not any clearer? The simple way to remember the requirements are “if it’s over air it’s a balcony”, “if it’s over heated space it’s a roof”.

So, if it’s classed as a roof on a relevant building to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of Approved Document B the installed roof system must be either tested to BS EN 13501-5 and classified as either Broof(t4), Croof(t3), Droof(t4), Eroof(t4) or Froof(t4) depending on the distance from the boundary, or have a surface finish as defined by Commission Decision 2000/553/ EC of 6 September 2000; loose laid gravel with a thickness of at least 50 mm or a mass ≥ 80 kg/m2 (minimum aggregate size 4 mm, maximum 32 mm),sand/cement screed to a thickness of at least 30 mm, or cast stone or mineral slabs of at least 40 mm thickness. However, in reality, most specifications are defaulting to a requirement of Broo(t4). But this still means you can use a BS EN 13501-1 Class E insulation board within the build-up, unless insurers require otherwise.

If it’s classed as a balcony (built over air) the entire build-up, apart from the waterproofing membrane, must be constructed of materials achieving fire performance class A1 or A2-s1,d0 to BS EN 13501-1, something called ‘non-combustible’. This includes the insulation board and surface finished, but the roof membrane which is exempt under Regulation 7(3)(g).

Get Litres for Litres at Brewers

Building Products Index Ltd October 29, 2020 Paint Leave a Comment

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To thank their regular customers, Brewers are turning litres into litres, helping you go further during these strange times.

When buying 2 x 7.5L of basic trade products* online or in-store, you will receive a £15 fuel voucher.

T&Cs apply – find out more

The offer is valid when purchasing any combination of two 7.5L tubs of the selected paint range until 31st December 2020 online and in-store, whilst stocks last. The selected paint range includes Albany Vinyl Matt in Brilliant White or Magnolia, Johnstone’s Trade Covaplus Vinyl Matt in Brilliant White, Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt in Pure Brilliant White or Magnolia and Crown Trade Vinyl Matt in White or Magnolia.

To claim the voucher, simply:
1. Send a photo of the receipt to mail@brewers.co.uk

2. Once you’ve received your unique code by email, enter it here.

3. Receive your fuel voucher through the post. View the T&C’s.

For full terms and conditions visit brewers.co.uk.

‘Attention to detail is critical and that’s where Balconette stood out’

Building Products Index Ltd October 29, 2020 Balcony Systems, balustrades Leave a Comment

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From dilapidated office block to modern luxury apartments, Farringdon House in the centre of East Grinstead, Sussex has been totally transformed with Balconette’s products adding that all-important ‘Wow’ factor.

Working with developer Whitehall Homes, Balconette supplied and installed 185 metres of its popular Aerofoil Balustrade System with its wing-shaped handrail in a Royal Chrome finish. More than 40 apartments on five floors were ‘dressed’ with Balconette products offering a consistent aesthetic, which also included Aerofoil glass Juliet Balconies, four custom sized Juliets, and Aerofoil Infinity Privacy Screens to give the fully refurbished building a smart new appearance.

The consultation process led to the Aerofoil Balustrade System being selected for its technical capability as it needed to cater for the existing building’s shape that included recesses. The installation was designed with a combination of wall fixings and end posts.

Required as part of the building regulations, the 1.8-metre-high Aerofoil Infinity Privacy Screens were used for the fourth-floor roof terrace, dividing 53 metres of balustrade. Specified with opaque glass, the screens ensure private outdoor spaces are not overlooked.

Designed to fit specific size openings, the four custom Aerofoil Juliet balconies required fixings within a recess. One side of the balcony was fixed normally with a wall fixing into the façade and the other was secured directly into the side of the recess.

Having stood empty for several years, the structure was completely stripped back to bare concrete and brickwork to allow it to be refitted into 42 contemporary apartments and terraced penthouses.

Whitehall Homes Quantity Surveyor, Andrew Lake explained how Balconette had won the contract in a ‘competitive and thorough’ tendering process. “Our MD knew of the firm via an acquaintance and after meeting the team, it was apparent that they could offer the products and service to meet our needs.

“The service provided by Balconette in terms of surveys, measurements, design and manufacture meant that the intricacies of a complex refurbishment could be met. Together with aesthetically pleasing products and a choice of finishes, this meant that all our requirements would be met.”

Andrew praised Balconette’s ability to ‘perform’ throughout the varying stages of the design, supply and fit order, saying: “Being a refurbishment project meant that all areas had to be measured and checked prior to manufacture as you are fitting within an existing building. This means that attention to detail is critical and that’s where Balconette stood out.”

Balconette’s ‘proactive and helpful team’ impressed too, as Andrew pointed out: “Communication was always excellent and the operatives’ ‘can-do’ attitude was apparent and greatly appreciated.”

Commenting on what Balconette’s products bring to the overall project, Andrew said they provide one of the ‘main finishing touches’ to the building. “It is important that these provide a smart and contemporary look as the façade is the first thing potential customers see. If the outside has a bit of ‘Wow’ factor, customers walk into the building with a positive mindset. The building does look good.”

Would he recommend Balconette? “Absolutely. It was a pleasure working with them!”

Find out more about Balconette’s range of product and commercial project capabilities, download our Balcony Views Brochure now.

MARLEY’S ASHDOWNE RANGE OFFERS SPECIFIERS A COST-EFFECTIVE ‘HAND-MADE’ FINISH

Building Products Index Ltd September 28, 2020 Roof tiles Leave a Comment

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Marley has launched an enhanced Ashdowne clay handcrafted range, following manufacturing innovations. Thanks to advancements in processing technology, the new Ashdowne tiles feature subtle distressed edges and irregularities, replicating a hand-made tile aesthetic.

Aylsham Mix

Aylsham mix

As pressures around project delivery, especially budgets, intensify, the evolved Ashdowne range offers specifiers all the aesthetics associated with a unique hand-made tile but, with all the benefits and cost effectiveness of a machine-made clay tile.

Stuart Nicholson, Director of Roof Systems at Marley, comments: “There has always been high demand in the market for unique, premium clay roofs that give instant ‘kerb-appeal’. The increased variegation on our evolved Ashdowne handcrafted tile enables specifiers to achieve this bespoke look in a more cost-effective way, allowing them to create traditional warmth and individual character on every roof.

Ashurst mix

Ashurst mix

Ashurst mix

“Following a period of uncertainty for the construction industry, it’s no surprise that specifiers are heavily scrutinising costs and looking to make more cost-effective choices where possible. With growing demand for traditional handcrafted tiles, our evolved Ashdowne range provides an ideal option to reduce project costs without impacting on the overall aesthetic of the roof. With further developments to Ashdowne planned in 2021, specifiers have access to an even wider choice of clay plain tiles, with the supply and sustainability benefits from being manufactured in the UK and, part of a complete roof system, offering the reassurance of a 15 year guarantee.”

Marley’s Ashdowne handcrafted tiles have variegations and distressed edges, giving each tile a unique character. Available in two colour options – Ashurst and Aylesham Mix – the tiles can create the warmth and character of a traditional hand-made roof.

For more information, or to request a sample, visit www.marley.co.uk/ashdowne

No-Touch Toilet Flushing Solutions

Building Products Index Ltd September 28, 2020 Toilet Flush Leave a Comment

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Infrared technology has started to consign traditional toilet flush handles to history, firstly in commercial washrooms (with practical no-touch solutions such as the mains-fed Easyflush Direct from Cistermiser) and now in domestic bathroom settings. Tiny young or arthritic elderly hands might find lever handles difficult to crank or fiddly dual-flush mechanical push-buttons tricky to use. To overcome these problems, infrared sensor-activated WC flushing valves, such as Cistermiser’s Easyflush combined flush and filling valve, can be installed. With options for close-coupled or concealed cistern-fed installs, solutions are programmable in a variety of ways, giving full control over the volume of water used and whether the toilet flushing is activated by ‘touchless’ operation (with a wave of the hand), or ‘occupancy sensing’ operation (by simply standing up and walking away from the WC).

Positioning of IR sensors should be carefully considered during installation, to optimise no-touch toilet activation. Easyflush Wave sensors can be fitted onto front, side or most commonly the top of a close-coupled cistern (as mechanical push-button devices), or conveniently wall-mounted to one side of the toilet at typically 300-400mm distance from the centre line of the pan. Flush operation is activated by the user bringing their hand close to the infrared sensor. A dual flush mode enables the user to select either a part flush or full flush by the length of time their hand is held in front of the sensor.

Easyflush Walkaway occupancy sensors are best fitted directly centrally, just above the close-coupled cistern, so that the user’s proximity movement will always be detected. Toilet flushing is normally activated by the user standing up and leaving the cubicle, although it can also be activated by the user bringing their hand toward the sensor. Dual flush modes are factory-programmed to deliver a part-flush if the user departs from the cubicle within 40 seconds, or a full-flush if the user departs after 40 seconds or more have elapsed.

NDC turns customer’s distress to delight with bespoke Stardome polycarbonate rooflights

Building Products Index Ltd September 28, 2020 Rooflights Leave a Comment

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The Distress…

Having recently purchased a three-bedroom, three-storey terraced house, Laura of Wokingham was dismayed when she discovered the property’s two existing rooflights leaked during the first downpour. With both rooflights being well beyond repair and no desire to make structural changes to the existing roof openings, replacement units of the same size were sought.

The property’s two existing rooflights were located on a flat roof, with one sitting above the bathroom and the other over the second/third-floor stairwell. With the rooflight replacements being an unplanned purchase, alternative rooflights of the same size were requested to avoid more costly structural changes. However, upon closer inspection it became clear that the existing rooflights were not stock sizes and bespoke units would be required.

The Delight…

With a wealth of experience in delivering both standard size and bespoke solutions for residential and commercial properties, NDC was able to provide advice and recommendations over the phone. Due to the size and position of the rooflights in the centre of the flat roof of the three-storey home, NDC’s Sales Exec, Jessica, recommended bespoke polycarbonate rooflights as a cost-effective replacement solution.

The Stardome polycarbonate rooflight with thermally enhanced PVC adaptor kerb and manual hinged ventilation was selected, which is designed to give outstanding natural light transmission and be thermally efficient.

To maximise natural daylight into the property, the rooflight in the stairwell was specified with a clear finish. Meanwhile, to ensure privacy for Laura and her family, the rooflight over the bathroom was specified with a diffused finish, which also ensures an even dispersion of light throughout the room, even on a dull day.

Both units were made to order and were delivered to site when the roofing contractor was ready to install them on the same day.

Despite not planning the purchase, Laura is pleased with her new bespoke rooflights, and in particular the support and reassurance she received from Jessica and NDC when making this distress purchase:

“When I moved into my property, rooflights weren’t a consideration. Yet, when my roof leaked two weeks later due to the existing rooflights, they suddenly became my highest priority. Having a bespoke product made can be quite terrifying, especially when it wasn’t planned, but I soon felt reassured thanks to the support of Jessica at NDC. She was knowledgeable and completely calm about something that was absolutely terrifying to me. I’m delighted that I’m now an official owner of bespoke rooflights and love the finished products.”

“We stock a vast range of products in a wealth of sizes, but sometimes bespoke is the only option,” explains Jessica Smith, Sales Executive at NDC. “It can be daunting for a customer without prior experience of such a project, but I’m glad that we were able to produce the perfect product for Laura. We worked with her roofing contractor to deliver on a day that ensured the product was fitted straight away, and gave Laura the final finished result that she’s pleased with.”

For more information about Stardome polycarbonate rooflights, please click here

Actual Product Supplied:

Bespoke Stardome UV protected polycarbonate dome with a MK2 vertical thermally enhanced PVC adaptor kerb, 120mm high to underside of flange complete with manual hinged ventilation including portable winding rod. This is designed to be installed on a flat roof with a pitch of no more than 17.5°.

Bathroom: 1 x Diffused Glazed Rooflight to suit an existing roof opening size of 830x1250mm and an overall kerb size of 930x1350mm.

Stairwell: 1 x Clear Glazed Rooflight to suit an existing roof opening size of 830x1290mm and an overall kerb size of 930x1390mm.

Dani Alu (UK) Ltd – The Collective Company

Building Products Index Ltd September 28, 2020 balustrades, Guardrail Leave a Comment

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With all our manufacturing facilities up and running, Dani Alu are supplying an un-rivalled range of collective roof and balustrade systems meeting a diverse range of project applications. Not only manufacturers of the Panorama balustrading range (including the unique freestanding glass systems), but also the uncompromising range of Barrial aluminium roof edge protection systems.

Manufactured in aluminium, Barrial technically and aesthetically offers a superior choice in edge protection for flat roof safety.

Slimline look- Rectangular vertical posts of 20 mm wide result in a visually un-obtrusive system

Fixed versions – parapet, roof deck, slab, clamps for standing seams – all fixing possibilities

Freestanding versions – Post centres up to 2.5 m reducing number of posts and weights

Variable height adjustment – Handrail is always parallel to the roof edge

Green roof integration – Concealed base rails improves the finish and minimises trip hazards

Post options – Curved, bent or straight posts offering more design choice to suit the building

Colour choices – Mill finished aluminium or choose your RAL finish

Rooflight safety – Modular systems made to size – secure fragile rooflights quickly

The most comprehensive range of aluminium guardrail and balustrade systems, always supplied and installed to meet the specific national standards for the application, Dani Alu will assist at all stages of the project to guarantee a safe, compliant and low maintenance system results.

With over 40 years of experience in aluminium fabrication and system development, let us assist with your projects; advise on suitable systems; consult on roof requirements and constraints to make sure your projects receive the very best roof edge protection solution available contact@danialu.co.uk

Basement Waterproofing: How to Install a Basement Drainage System

Building Products Index Ltd September 28, 2020 Waterproof Membranes, waterproofing Leave a Comment

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Type C waterproofing system (cavity drainage)

Basement drainage and protection

Gas protection and waterproofing

If using a Type C waterproofing system (cavity drainage) to waterproof a basement, cellar or any below ground structure, a basement drainage system will be required to manage the evacuation of any water ingress which breaches the integrity of the structure.

The principle of a Type C waterproofing system is to manage and control water ingress. A basement drainage system will work with the Type C waterproofing system to keep the environment dry.

For the majority of projects, the two systems need to work together – a Type C system without suitable drainage will not keep a basement, cellar or below ground structure dry and a basement drainage system without a Type C system will not adequately keep a basement, cellar or below ground structure dry.

A basement drainage system is made up of four key components, a sump pump, drainage channel, a high-water level alarm and battery back-up. On occasion the requirement for sump pump, high-water level alarm and battery back-up will not be required if there is a natural drainage to the structure, but this will be specified by the Waterproofing Design Consultant to that specific project. With structural waterproofing solutions not one system fits all.

Basement Drainage Channels

Drainage channels are water collection conduits designed to control water ingress. These channels are installed around the perimeter of a basement, cellar or below ground structure. They feature a number of holes (preformed holes) that allow any water from the Type C cavity drainage system to enter the channel, then drain into a sump pump (submersible pump station) or suitable discharge point.

Once collected in the sump chamber, the groundwater can then be pumped to a safe evacuation point, often referred to as a ‘sump pump system’.

Drainage channels are available with or without upstands, and are supplied in durable straight lengths, the use of T-junctions, corner pieces, straight connectors, jetting eyes, end caps and access ports.

When designing basement drainage and channels, consideration should always be given to future maintenance. As with all drainage systems, it must be maintainable!

Basement Protection

A high-water level alarm and battery back-up are beneficial to the end user (homeowner).

A high-water level alarm will alert the homeowner when there is a potential fault with the sump pump system or if the sump pumps require a service.

A battery back-up will keep pumps running in the event of mains power failure.

Installing basement drainage channels

Drainage channels are embedded into a preformed recess/gully at the floor wall junction of the structural slab.

When correctly installed, groundwater drainage channels will work with the Type C cavity drainage system to mitigate any hydrostatic water bearing against the structure (basement/cellar).

We recommend one sump pump system should be installed for each 50 linear meters of channel; the length of each channel running to the sump should not exceed 25m.

Basement drainage specialists

If you have any questions about basement, cellar or below ground structure drainage then contact our friendly technical team for free advice on 01992 523 523 or email info@deltamembranes.com

BBA approved Addabound Resin Bound surfacing makeover at Bracklesham Bay for the Bracklesham Caravan and Boat Club

Building Products Index Ltd September 28, 2020 Resin Bound Surfacing Leave a Comment

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Addagrip approved contractor L A Kattenhorn and Partners Ltd was asked to install a decorative paving for the Boat Club at Bracklesham Caravan and Boat Club at Bracklesham Bay, West Sussex. The client was looking for a decorative hard wearing surface that would suit the coastal location and climate. BBA approved Addabound, with recycled content, was selected in a warm Sesame blend to create a seaside feel and complement the coastal blue coloured wooden Boat Club building.

Over 150sqm of Addabound paving was installed to the perimeter pathway and entrance area to create a seamless walkway with good slip resistance that could be easily maintained.

The surfacing installation was completed at the beginning of March 2020.

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