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Why More Architects Are Choosing the ProWall Helping Hand Steel Frame System

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Finding a  that ticks every box isn’t easy. Fire compliance, thermal performance, moisture management, durability, aesthetics and technical support all need to come together in one solution.

That’s exactly why more architects, façade consultants and contractors are specifying the ProWall Helping Hand Steel Frame System.

Developed by SAS Europe, ProWall combines the clean, contemporary appearance of a rendered façade with the proven performance of a fully ventilated rainscreen system. The result is a façade that’s built to perform for decades while meeting the demands of modern construction. Unlike any other manufacturer, SAS provides every single component along with hands-on technical support from start to finish.

Designed for Today’s Buildings

As Building Regulations continue to evolve, specifying the right external wall system has never been more important.

The ProWall Helping Hand System has been designed with compliance in mind. The complete system achieves an A2-s1,d0 reaction to fire classification, providing specifiers with a non-combustible rendered façade solution suitable for a wide range of residential, commercial and public sector projects.

Unlike many traditional render systems that rely on combustible insulation or direct-fixed construction methods, ProWall is built around ventilated rainscreen principles, helping to deliver both improved fire performance and long-term durability.

The Benefits of a Ventilated Rainscreen

One of the biggest advantages of the ProWall system is what you don’t see.

Behind the finished render sits a continuous ventilated cavity created using an aluminium Helping Hand support system. This allows any moisture that finds its way behind the façade to drain and evaporate naturally, reducing the risk of trapped moisture and helping to protect the building structure over the long term.

For architects and developers, that means greater confidence in the overall performance of the building envelope.

Built Around Proven Helping Hand Technology

Helping Hand bracket systems have become the preferred choice for many modern façade projects, particularly on steel frame construction.

The adjustable aluminium brackets make it easier to achieve perfectly aligned façades, even where the substrate isn’t completely true. They also minimise thermal bridging through thermally isolated fixing points while allowing insulation to be installed continuously across the building.

The result is a system that’s quicker to install, easier to detail and designed to deliver excellent thermal performance.

Fire Performance Without Compromise

Fire safety is no longer simply a design consideration – it’s a project requirement.

ProWall has been developed using carefully selected non-combustible components to achieve an A2-s1,d0 fire classification in accordance with EN 13501-1.

For architects working on schools, apartment buildings, hotels or commercial developments, this provides reassurance that the façade system has been designed with modern fire performance standards at its core.

A Render Finish That Lasts

Performance doesn’t stop beneath the surface.

The ProWall system is finished with high-performance silicone render, offering outstanding weather resistance, excellent vapour permeability and long-lasting colour stability.

Its hydrophobic finish helps rainwater wash dirt from the surface naturally, reducing staining and keeping façades looking cleaner for longer with minimal maintenance.

More Than Just a Product

Choosing a façade system is about more than selecting materials.

At SAS Europe, every ProWall project is backed by a dedicated technical team that supports customers from initial specification through to project completion.

Whether it’s U-value calculations, CAD details, installer guidance or on-site inspections, we’re there to help at every stage.

It’s this level of support that gives architects and contractors the confidence to specify ProWall time and time again.

Why ProWall?

There are plenty of render systems on the market, but very few combine the appearance of a premium rendered façade with the proven principles of a ventilated rainscreen system.

With an A2-s1,d0 fire classification, excellent thermal performance, effective moisture management and compatibility with industry-leading Helping Hand support systems, ProWall offers a complete solution for modern steel frame construction.

Add in expert technical support, comprehensive project assistance and the quality that SAS Europe is known for, and it’s easy to see why ProWall is becoming the preferred choice for architects across the UK.

When performance matters just as much as appearance, ProWall delivers both. The ProWall system has a BBA-assessed service life in excess of 30 years, which can be extended to up to 60 years where an appropriate inspection and maintenance programme is followed. The system has also achieved approval with major warranty providers, including Premier Guarantee and LABC Warranty, providing additional confidence for developers and homeowners.

Ready to Specify ProWall?

Whether you’re designing a new steel frame development, refurbishing an existing building or looking for a fully compliant rendered rainscreen solution, our technical team is here to help.

We’ll work with you from concept through to completion.

Get in touch today to discuss your next project or request a copy of the ProWall Technical Manual.

Call: 01647 24620
Email: sales@sas-europe.com

Why SAS Render Systems Is Devon’s Best Render Supplier

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When it comes to choosing a render supplier in Devon, builders, applicators, and contractors need more than just a product – they need a partner. That’s where SAS Render Systems stands out.

Based in Devon and proudly manufacturing as many of our products as possible in the UK, we’ve become a trusted name for quality, reliability, and expert support. But what exactly makes SAS the best render supplier in Devon? Here’s how we stack up against the rest.

 

  1. Complete Systems, Not Just Products

Most render suppliers will sell you bags of render – we deliver complete systems. At SAS, our ProRend, ProBead, and ProWall products are designed to work together seamlessly. That means less guesswork, better results, and guaranteed compatibility from substrate to finish coat.

Other suppliers might offer base coats and topcoats separately, often from different manufacturers, leading to mixed system issues or warranty voids.

  1. Fast Local Supply — Backed by UK Manufacturing

We stock key products right here in Devon, with fast lead times and reliable availability. And because SAS manufactures many of its products in the UK, you’re never waiting on overseas imports or stuck with supply chain delays.

Many Devon suppliers rely on European brands. That can mean longer lead times, limited colour choices, and uncertainty during peak seasons.

  1. Free Training and Technical Support

Rendering is skilled work, and our job is to support you at every stage. We offer FREE training days with industry expert Gerry Gould, on-site support, and clear installation guidance.

Other brands often pass the buck to distributors for support. At SAS, the support comes directly from the source — no middlemen.

  1. A Brand Built for the Trade

From our ProBead render profiles (cut-resistant, trade-preferred) to ProRend Colourtex (pre-coloured, low-maintenance render), our systems are designed for professionals who need systems that perform.

We don’t just talk trade — we work with applicators, architects, and builders across the Southwest every day.

Larger brands might feel faceless, focused on national merchants or big box stores. With SAS, you get direct relationships and real people.

  1. Colour Choice + Customisation

Want a white silicone render? Easy. Need something bold? Our custom colour matching and wide ProRend Colourtex range offer real design flexibility.

Many suppliers offer limited shades or fixed colour charts, requiring large minimum orders for bespoke blends.

  1. Sustainability & Compliance

Our systems are designed to withstand rigorous testing and meet stringent standards for thermal, fire, and moisture resistance. We’re invested in sustainable UK production, cutting haulage emissions and supporting local jobs.

Imported systems often carry a higher carbon footprint and less control over compliance.

Why Devon’s Trades Trust SAS

  • Free training for applicators
  • UK-made systems built for British conditions
  • Consistent stock, fast lead times
  • Technical support from render experts
  • Preferred by contractors, architects & developers

Ready to Switch to SAS?

Whether you’re quoting a single house or a large development, SAS has the tools, products, and people to support you.

Vertu BMW Exeter – Superior Rendering with ProBead and ProWall Systems

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Vertu BMW Exeter, a prominent car dealership, undertook a major rendering project to enhance the aesthetic and thermal properties of the external aspects of their showroom. McCarthy Contractors spearheaded the application, utilising SAS Render Systems flagship products ProRend, ProBead and ProWall to achieve a seamless and durable finish.

Project Requirements

The project had specific requirements to ensure a high-quality and long-lasting result:

  • Repair Section: 100mm EPS insulation system affixed back to the steel frame on the main roadside.
  • Front Façade: ProWall system affixed to aluminium top hat sections.
  • Final Finish: ProRend Colourtex thin coat finish matching the existing colour, RAL 9001.
  • Comprehensive Involvement: Involvement throughout the project for all aspects of the project.

Solution 

  1. 100mm EPS Insulation System

For the repair section at the main roadside, a 100mm premium EPS insulation system was installed. This system was affixed back to the steel frame, ensuring improved thermal performance.

  1. ProWall System

For the front façade, the ProWall system was chosen for its outstanding performance and longevity. The system was affixed to aluminium top hat sections, providing a robust and durable solution that seamlessly integrated with the existing structure.

  • Long-Term Durability: The ProWall system comes with a 60-year BBA certificate, guaranteeing its durability.
  • Fire Performance: Delivers first-class performance concerning fire resistance, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.
  • Strength and Stability: Provides exceptional strength and stability, maintaining its structural integrity over time.
  • Weather Tightness: Effectively protects the building from the elements, ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance.
  • Healthy Air Quality: The rendered rainscreen cladding maintains healthy air quality by allowing the building to breathe while protecting it from the elements.
  1. Colourtex Finish

The final finish was crucial for maintaining the dealership’s aesthetic consistency. ProRend Colourtex, a premium factory-batched proprietary silicone resin thin-coat render, was selected for its high water resistance and low maintenance requirements. This finish was applied over a ProRend coloured primer and perfectly matched the existing RAL 9001 colour.

More on ProRend Colourtex silicone thin coat render:

  • Customisation: Available in 30 standard colours or as in this case study, custom tints, ensuring a perfect match for any project.
  • Durability: Guaranteed for 10 years, this render offers a long-lasting solution.
  • Textured Finishes: Available in two textured finishes, Uniform and Grained, providing flexibility in design aesthetics.
  1. Comprehensive Design Support

From the initial stages to the end result, Vertu BMW Exeter received comprehensive support, including CAD details and specifications. This collaboration ensured that every aspect of the rendering project was meticulously planned and executed.

Key Features and Benefits

Eco-Friendly: The use of ProBead render beads, made from 100% recycled PVCu and fully recyclable, ensured a sharp and durable finish, guaranteed to last the test of time, with an official 25-year guarantee. ProBead is the market-leading choice for render bead, a high-quality bead manufactured in the UK.

Durability: SAS Render Systems products are engineered for long-lasting performance, ensuring the rendered surfaces remain crack-free and withstand environmental challenges.

Aesthetic Consistency: The ProRend Colourtex finish in RAL 9001 provided a seamless match with the existing structure, enhancing the overall visual appeal.

Unrivalled Technical Support: The involvement from the design stages, including detailed CAD specifications, support and guidance throughout the entire project, ensured precise implementation and a high-quality result.

 Results

By choosing SAS Render Systems, Vertu BMW Exeter achieved:

  • Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: The BMW showroom now boasts a clean, professional finish that significantly improves its visual impact.
  • Improved Thermal Performance: The 100mm EPS insulation system enhances energy efficiency.
  • Increased Durability: The rendered surfaces are robust and resistant to environmental wear and tear.
  • Sustainability: The use of eco-friendly materials underscores the dealership’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

 Conclusion

The rendering project at Vertu BMW Exeter, executed excellently by McCarthy Contractors using ProRend, ProBead and ProWall systems, resulted in a facility that not only looks revamped but also stands up to the test of time. The dealership now features a fresh new look, improved thermal performance, and a consistent aesthetic appeal, showcasing the exceptional performance of SAS Render Systems products and thus reflecting the premium nature of the BMW brand.

For support with your render renovation project, our friendly Technical Team are here to walk you through every step. Call us today on 01647 24620 or email info@sas-europe.com

The solution to rendering timber frame: ProWall

Building Products Index Ltd Render Leave a Comment

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So, you have made the decision to build a timber frame house with current construction methods?

This is certainly a very attractive proposition, capable of achieving fantastic thermal performance exceeding current building regulations while maximising the design opportunities.

One of the reasons you likely chose this method of construction was the speed of construction.

You want to achieve an attractive rendered finish to complement your house, but how exactly do you do this?

You could build an external blockwork skin, but with off-site manufacturing, the timber frame can often be erected in a matter of days; so you don’t want to have to wait months for an external block skin to be built to achieve your desired finish.

Then there is always the traditional option of sand and cement on EML fixed to stud work with building paper.

Whilst the materials are fairly cost-effective, this method can be problematic if your timber frame experiences any movement, as this can crack the render.

The accepted “modern” method is to batten off the breather membrane and fix a render carrier board to create a ventilated cavity and apply a thin-coat render system.

At SAS, we have developed ProWall, a fully ventilated, fully rendered rainscreen, combining high-quality materials to create a comprehensive and fully warranted system.

The advantages of using ProWall are as follows:

  • System durability up to 60 years – BBA certificate 13/4983
  • Horizontal ventilated cavity barrier seals tested to 99 mins integrity
  • Available in 30 standard colours plus RAL and NCS matching to 65000+ colours
  • 10-year system warranty
  • Reduced preliminary costs due to quick installation
  • Clear cavity – Creating a breathable render system
  • Highly water-repellent silicone resin finish
  • Low maintenance costs
  • Suitable for curved facades will bend to 1.5m radius
  • Suitable for use in very severe exposure zones
  • Category 1 hard-impact tested – suitable for areas of high foot traffic

ProWall can be used to create a modern, crisp finish, providing sharp lines alongside glass, wood, or alternative forms of cladding.

System Breakdown

Typically, the timber frame is lined with OSB and covered with a breather membrane.

Battens are secured in line with the frame then the ProBoard render carrier board is set on top, alongside specialised ventilation beads and slip joints to allow for any potential movement.

Also, intumescent strips are installed, providing additional fire protection between floors.

Once the board work is complete, a highly polymer-modified basecoat is applied and fully embedded with a fibreglass reinforcement mesh to tie everything together.

Once cured, a colour primer is applied, followed by a highly water-resistant and flexible silicone thin coat.

The whole system achieves a 60-year BBA certification.

Creative Freedom

The silicone render topcoat is through-coloured, and with 30 standard colours, we likely have something that will suit your requirements.

However, if you are looking for something particular, we can also match most standard colour charts such as NCS, RAL and British Standard.

With over 65,000 possible colours, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

As well as the vast array of colour options, the boards used within the system has a bending radius of 1.5m; this allows curved walls to be easily achieved, giving you additional freedom in design.

Not just timber frame

ProWall can be used to clad steel frame structures. If used with helping hands brackets, the system can achieve the same quality finish on large residential or commercial buildings.