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Evidence-based FACTA Compliance Critical to Ensuring Paving Cover Performance, Warns Drainage Expert

Building Products Index Ltd access covers Leave a Comment

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A lack of evidence-based testing threatens to undermine the operational impact of paving covers in external applications, according to a leading voice in the industry.

ACO Building Drainage is urging professionals working on projects involving external paving covers to request a test report from manufacturers to ensure the longevity and resilience of installations.

Key performance criteria for external paving covers should include load testing as outlined by the Fabricated Access Covers Trade Association (FACTA) classifications.

In flood-prone scenarios, external covers should also be subjected to a water test to demonstrate a watertight seal under a static head of water for 24 hours.

Failure to use products which have met the necessary testing criteria can result in a host of issues including early failure, water damage to underlying plant or services, and unsafe routes for pedestrians and vehicles, leading to unforeseen maintenance and inefficiencies later down the line.

In response to growing concerns around the impact of untested products in the marketplace, ACO has launched its own range of UK-manufactured external paving covers. Tested to *FACTA B and FACTA D load classifications, The single cover units have shown to maintain a watertight seal for 24 hours under a static head of 100mm as required by the FACTA specification.

The new covers are engineered for public and commercial applications, which meet the growing demand for products, combining sustainability with rigorous testing.

The new paving covers offer an innovative retrofit capability which allows the easy conversion of a plain-seated configuration to a locked and sealed variant. This flexibility means if an installation initially meets a project’s basic requirements but later demands enhanced sealing for odour and water resistance, the covers can be quickly adapted without replacing the entire unit.

Manufactured with a high percentage of recycled content and fully recyclable at the end of their lifecycle, the paving covers can help reduce carbon emissions and support the circular economy, promoting a more sustainable approach to infrastructure development. Manufactured in the UK, ACO’s external paving cover range also contains less embodied carbon than imported alternatives thereby contributing to lower Scope 3 emissions for the client.

Andrea Polti, Product Manager at ACO, said: “ACO ensures our covers are manufactured to the highest standards and test results are readily available on request. This level of transparency is essential for specifiers who demand verified reliable performance. Our new paving covers have been meticulously designed and rigorously tested to ensure they deliver industry-leading quality and performance.”

With a lead time of three to five days ACO’s paving covers combine high integrity with a competitive price.

Andrea continues: “I would encourage specifiers, civil engineers and all industry professionals to verify that products are supported by evidence-based test reports. In doing so, they ensure compliance with the necessary specifications required while contributing to the overall safety and long-term performance of the project.”

For more on ACO’s new range of external paving covers, see ACO.co.uk.

*FACTA B is designed for slow-moving(≤20mph) wheel loads, up to 5t for pneumatic tyred vehicles and 0.75t for solid tyres, while FACTA D accommodates 11t for pneumatic, and 3t for solid, suitable for environments with mixed vehicular traffic, including emergency vehicle access.

Table of FACTA load classes available here https://www.aco.co.uk/access-covers-facta

Take a proactive approach to fire safety with Profab Access

Building Products Index Ltd riser doors Leave a Comment

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At the forefront of industry developments, Profab Access’ 4000 Series riser doors are CERTIFIRE fire tested from both sides to two hours, providing architects with the highest standards in fire safety.

100 CheapsideSuperseding latest legal requirements, it is the only riser door in the UK to be independently bi-directionally fire tested by an accredited third party.

Following the Hackitt Review and amendments to Building Regulations Approved Document B (Fire Safety) after the Grenfell Fire tragedy, Profab Access felt it had a responsibility as one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of vertical access panels, riser doors and steel doors to improve the fire safety of its products, going above and beyond both industry standards and regulations.

This led to the launch of its bi-directional fire tested 4000 Series riser doors, single and double doors on both sides, which have a two-hour CERTIFIRE independent third party certification from Warrington Fire.

Fire testing from both sidesProfab Access has also extended its commitment to bi-directional fire testing across its product portfolio. Its 1000 Series access panels are now certified on both sides up to one hour, while its 1500 Series, single and double doors, are also certified on both sides for up to two hours. This provides architects with a full suite of access products that offer unrivalled levels of fire safety.

The 4000 Series riser doors are suitable for installation in a breadth of commercial and residential applications, providing architects with a higher performing fire alternative to traditional timber riser doors. By being bi-directionally fire tested, the 4000 Series riser doors offer professionals the greatest peace of mind available on the UK market with regard to fire safety.

Manufactured to IS09001:2015 and ISO4001:2015, the 4000 Series offers architects and specifiers first class product quality and safety, without comprising on aesthetics. Providing a superior offering when compared to competitor products, the riser doors are 35dB acoustic rated, smoke sealed and air tight to Part L.

The range provides clean and concealed maintenance-free access that is easy to install and is available in a range of single, double and multi-leaf configurations. Supporting sustainable construction, its concealed riser doors are also fully recyclable at the end of life.

Ludgate London_1Leading the field in accreditation, the portfolio of aesthetically discreet and streamlined doors is available in a wide range of lock and frame options, with a bespoke design service to provide access requirements that meet each project’s unique requests. Security is also a leading factor in the riser doors’ design, with multi-point locking provided as standard to prevent unauthorised access.

In the event of a fire, the riser doors will maintain their frame and integrity for up to two hours, limiting the spread of fire and transmission of radiant heat for this period of time. The doors are also equipped with an intumescent smoke seal. This enables occupants to safely exit the building, whilst also minimising potential damage to the rest of the building.

The 4000 Series riser doors are supplied with impressive lead times throughout the UK and are supported by a wide range of BIM Level 2 and CAD files, to aid the specification process and streamline the initial design stages.

For further information on Profab Access and its range of access panels, riser doors and steel doors, call +44(0)1827 719051or visit https://www.profabaccess.com.