19 minute read
TECHNICAL INSIGHT Roofing
from FC&A July 2020
LIQUID ROOFING DELIVERS SPEED, SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE
Liquid applied waterproofing is becoming an increasingly popular flat-roofing solution for building owners, designers and contractors offering, as it does, a wide choice of highperformance system solutions for a host of requirements and applications. Suitable for roofing refurbishment, repair, new build, complex and inverted roofs; new formulations have enhanced its appeal over alternative bonded or torch-on systems, says Simon Ashworth, Product Manager – Liquids & Synthetics at BMI UK & Ireland.
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BMI UK & IRELAND
In refurbishment, liquid applied waterproofing could be considered to deliver
‘renewability’ benefits, with its capacity to be applied over existing roofs – whether cement, metal or single-ply.
This ability to overlay also makes it ideal for repairs. In both situations, the fact that it fully bonds to a variety of substrates makes it a versatile, reliable problem solver, particularly when restricted threshold heights, programme time and building occupancy are key considerations in the system specification process.
For new builds or where the roof features a large element of detailing – outfalls, penetrations, upstands and the like – liquid applied waterproofing delivers the flexibility to provide fast, accurate and secure finishes. Where access is an issue, it can easily be laid without power, where lifting to the roof is difficult or where storage of bulk materials would be challenging. Finally, it is ideal for inverted roofs – such as green or blue roofs – where waterproofing reliability is a concern as failures would be particularly challenging to remedy.
Such a superior protective, waterproofing characteristic is a function of seamless fabric reinforcement, combined with high-performance polymers – either polyurethane (PUR), Modified Polyurethane or Polymethyl Methacrylate
(PMMA). The result is a durable, joint-free, monolithic membrane system that maintains its integrity in the face of temperature-driven expansion and contraction. It’s this seamlessness that also makes it ideal for complex detailing, providing a homogenous seal around edges, rainwater outlets, terminations and HVAC units.
Chief among recent innovations is the introduction of new, proprietary solventand VOC-free materials. Being low odour and 100% hazard-free, these products – such as BMI UK & Ireland’s Sealoflex Ultima – are a superb choice in refurbishment applications where there may be environmental sensitivities – such as concerns around the impact of odour and vapour on contractors, building occupants or the public at large.
Another health and safety feature of liquid applied waterproofing is that it is cold-applied: this eliminates the hazards of hot works, cutting, grinding and welding – and associated risks of fire. Convenience for contractors and building occupants is represented by liquid roofing’s quick cure times, meaning works can be completed quickly – important when tenant disruption must be avoided.
Two-part catalysed coatings also offer low-temperature curing which means they are ideal for year-round application, and installation in the less climatically hospitable areas of the UK. This is supported by the availability of winter grade coatings for use in exposed and aggressive environments, such as coastal, elevated or northerly situations.
Similarly, for high-traffic areas where membranes need to be hard-wearing, such as balconies, walkways, roof terraces and podium decks; superior grade reinforcing fabrics can be specified, creating exceptional membrane durability. UVresistant ‘wear coats’ or anti-skid quartz granules can also be applied as finishes.
Fast application and rapid curing times also means that disruption to building users is minimised too, as walkways and terraces need only be closed for the shortest times possible.
Where extra resistance to wear and traffic is required, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) systems offer many possibilities for wearing courses and trafficable finishes.
BMI UK & Ireland’s dedicated field service has a network of technical advisers available to provide liquid applied waterproofing specifications that qualify for insurance-backed guarantees of up to 25 years, depending on the system.
The company’s advisory service for specifiers is free of charge and consultants are available to answer queries on cold-applied liquid waterproofing design and installation.
AliClad Flow provides controlled watermanagement to the underside of steel balconies
INTRODUCING ALICLAD, THE NONCOMBUSTIBLE ALUMINIUM BALCONY SOFFIT CLADDING SYSTEM
From the makers of AliDeck aluminium decking, AliClad is a new fully compliant solution for underside water-management on steel balconies.
ALIDECK
The interlocking nature of the AliClad Flow panels delivers a watertight balcony underside
With only three simple components, AliClad Flow is a quick-fit and easy-to-install soffit cladding solution F ollowing the recent pattern of innovation in its aluminium decking system, AliDeck has again made waves in the industry with the launch of AliClad, a non-combustible soffit cladding system for steel balconies.
Designed with steel fabricators in mind, the AliClad system enables off-theshelf balcony soffit cladding specification, removing the need for bespoke folded sheet-metal or custom flat panels.
Richard Izzard, AliDeck Managing Director, said: “This new soffit cladding system is the result of many conversations with balcony fabricators. With our AliDeck range of products proving hugely popular due to its flexibility and high quality, we’ve listened to the positive feedback our decking system design has received and applied it to solving problems in another area of balcony construction.”
The first AliClad product to launch is AliClad Flow, which has been designed to provide a water-management system for steel bolt-on or slide-on balconies. Delivering fast and efficient removal of rainwater and other liquids, AliClad Flow is an ideal solution for safe and controlled balcony drainage.
With just three simple components making up the
AliClad Flow system, effective soffit drainage solutions are quick and easy to factor in to steel balcony design, saving valuable time and labour in fabrication and removing the need for folding machines or punch tools.
“We believe that AliClad will help change the way that fabricators approach balcony construction,” continued Richard. “With the underside of balconies able to be cladded with an entirely off-the-shelf product, we can save them a great deal of expensive and bespoke soffit fabrication, helping them to increase the cost-effectiveness of their balconies.”
With benefits including modular design, costeffectiveness and ease of installation, it’s plain to see how the AliClad system could prove popular with architects and specifiers as well as fabricators.
ADAPTING YOUR WORKSPACES WITHOUT THE WORRY
With hygiene a higher priority than ever before, cleanability of surface materials is coming under close scrutiny in workplaces across all sectors. Dave Ford, Specifications Manager with Altro, considers the pitfalls of some common materials and how simple, smart swaps can meet safety, aesthetic and comfort criteria.
ALTRO
Carpet vs vinyl floors
Looking first at carpet, the issues here centre around cleanability. Carpet tiles or carpets are designed to be vacuumed and not cleaned daily with the detergent required to clean bacteria and viruses.
Modern vinyl floors offer an ideal alternative to carpet and carpet tiles. There are many options now available with similar sound reduction properties to carpet tiles – 17 to 18 dB, so there’s no need to compromise on in-room sound and transmission of noise. There is also the option to use an impact sound reduction underlay.
Comfort underfoot is also a viruses – you cannot vacuum up
key performance benefit of many vinyl floors, especially those which also offer sound reduction properties, so a switch from carpet to vinyl need not lead to a compromise on comfort.
Paint and tiles vs wall cladding
The World Health Organisation has proved that the COVID-19 virus will live for 72 hours on hard surfaces such as walls, therefore, necessitating regular detergent cleaning. However, only certain surfaces are suitable for cleaning in this way. Emulsion paint is not designed to be wet cleaned and can come away when cleaned with water. Tiles are another popular wall or floor finish, and although easier to clean than paint they too create hygiene headaches. Grout is often the weak spot for hygiene. Cracked or shattered tiles also lead to ideal breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses.
www.altro.co.uk enquiries@altro.com
Wall cladding systems remove many risks. Altro’s systems are 2.5mm thick, with colour throughout the thickness of the product. They are durable and robust, with a life expectancy of up to 25 years and come in a wide range of colours and bespoke options.
01462 489516
DESIGNER CONTRACTS MOVES TO NEW HQ
DESIGNER CONTRACTS
Designer Contracts has moved into new headquarters, four times the size of its former premises. The impressive space, located in Chesterfield, boasts 8000ft 2 , with room to accommodate 50 people plus meeting and conference facilities. The company has moved Roll adhesive tape has been used to food production facility in Scarborough.
25 members of the team over to the new site while retaining the existing offices at the original Holmewood Chesterfield site which will now house its central region’s administration and warehouse teams. Said Designer Contracts MD, Peter Kelsey: “We are thrilled to have finally moved into our new HQ. We were due to move at the end of March, but like many, had to put our plans on hold until it was safe to make the transition.”
www.designercontracts.com
F. BALL DELIVERS EFFICIENCY AT GOVERNMENT SERVICE OFFICES F. BALL AND CO.
F. Ball and Co. has helped create a professional flooring finish over wood and metal raised access panels as part of a refurbishment to create office space for a Government service in Liverpool. HB Flooring used F. Ball’s dual-purpose Stopgap Fill and Prime and Stopgap 1200 Pro smoothing underlayment to prepare subfloors before installing luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs) and carpet tiles over one floor of the building, totalling 2500m². It was first necessary to prime the wooden raised access panels, in the office’s entranceway and walkways, where the LVTs would be installed, and fill joints between panels. Contractors; therefore, applied F. Ball’s Stopgap Fill and Prime over
BOSTIK ROLL OPTION HELPS MAINTAIN HYGIENE AT FOOD PROCESSING FACTORY BOSTIK
Bostik’s 240mm version of its Bostik tackle a challenging installation at a 400m² of the total floor area.
Floorcovers UK used the new wider tape to install vinyl flooring on a staircase in an environment with some of the most stringent health and safety standards. The solvent-free Bostik Roll is ideal for use in areas with strict health and safety codes thanks to its low VOC emissions. The double-sided adhesive tape has previously been available in widths of 25, 50 and 85mm, making it suitable for the fast installation of skirting, capping strips, cove formers and other PVC floor or wallmounted accessories.
SHACKERLEY’S SURECLAD BRINGS QUALITY AND VARIETY TO GREAT CENTRAL SQUARE, LEICESTER
Constructed by Morgan Sindall, Charles Street Buildings’ Great Central Square development in Leicester is a mixed-used scheme comprising two hotels, prestigious office accommodation and a leisure destination, all set within pedestrianised public realm improvements.
SHACKERLEY
Shackerley’s SureClad Ceramic Granite ventilated facade system enabled Charles Street Buildings to specify various colourways and finishes for the two hotels and the office development from a single supplier.
A site with significance
The development’s 100-room Adagio Aparthotel sits side by side with a 152-room Novotel, and the choice of Shackerley’s SureClad Ceramic Granite as the facade system helps to differentiate the two hotels while offering consistency of quality and materiality.
The design for both hotel buildings was delivered by architect firm, Leach Rhodes Walker, which had previously specified Shackerley’s SureClad Ceramic Granite system for a number of hotel projects.
Gary Darby from Leach Rhodes Walker explains: “We needed a facade system that would offer a stone-like appearance while offering a cost-effective solution for the lifespan of the assets. With its durability and lowmaintenance credentials, Shackerley’s SureClad system was ideal.”
An impervious material that will not be damaged by the effects of freeze/thaw conditions, Shackerley’s Ceramic Granite is resistant to both graffiti and algae growth, which reduces the need for routine cleaning and maintenance. The SureClad Ceramic Granite system’s resistance to discolouration due to UV or pollution will also help the facades retain their high-quality appearance over time, and the system is also certified as an A1 noncombustible material to BS EN 13501-1.
Meticulous specification
Shackerley’s SureClad Ceramic Granite system was specified in a mid-grey ‘Riven’ colourway with a natural finish for the Novotel building and a ‘Travertine’ honed beige colourway for the Adagio Aparthotel.
Richard Frape, Project Director at Morgan Sindall, comments: “The scope of the SureClad system allowed the client to select from a vast palette of materials, whilst detailing was standardised throughout.”
Shackerley’s SureClad Ceramic Granite system also offered buildability advantages, enabling a lighter structural frame for the building and answered local planning requirements for a high-quality building for such a prominent location.
Charles Street Buildings and Morgan Sindall also took an active role in selecting the facade material.
Gretta Murphy from Charles Street Buildings explains: “We were looking for a facade system that articulated quality but also answered our cost requirements for the project. Leach Rhodes Walker suggested a number of options, and we invested time in researching the product. We were also looking for quality and consistency of product and the level of service and technical support the supplier could offer us.”
As part of the specification process, Shackerley provided fully-mounted samples to enable the client and project team to experience the SureClad system in combination with the company’s Queens Award-winning Access support system.
The project team also visited Shackerley’s ISO 9001-accredited production facility in Lancashire and material supplier in Italy before making a final decision.
Gretta Murphy adds: “The facade is the first thing a visitor sees when arriving at a development, so it’s important to get it right. The site visits to Italy and Shackerley’s headquarters in Lancashire provided us with reassurance in a quality product and a reliable supply chain. Using a system that was fabricated in the UK was a big plus for us, and the specification process gave us confidence that Shackerley’s SureClad system would provide buildability, aesthetics and durability benefits, along with a smoothrunning programme.”
SENIOR’S ‘HANDS-FREE’ COMMERCIAL DOOR SOLUTIONS SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS
Senior Architectural Systems is anticipating an increase in demand for its automatic aluminium door solutions as more business and facilities look for cost-effective ways to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. High-traffic touchpoints like door handles can become a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses and as a result, require regular cleaning. Automatic doors can provide a safe and secure solution, and Senior Architectural Systems is on hand to advise both specifiers and fabricators on choosing the most appropriate system for their needs. In partnership with supply chain partner Autodoor Projects UK, Senior’s aluminium doors systems can be fabricated to utilise innovative hardware such as wave-activated touchless entry and exit pads. Other entrance system options that can be offered to help building owners navigate the new COVID-19 regulations include the use of facial and thermal recognition cameras and people-counting monitors to help manage occupancy levels.
www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk info@sasmail.co.uk 01709 772600 ABLOY UNVEILS INCEDO BUSINESS – ACCESS CONTROL ECOSYSTEM ABLOY UK
Just launched, Incedo Business access control system for small to medium businesses, the universal access control ecosystem that incorporates software and hardware into a single management platform. Incedo is an access control system that can adapt to a business’ individual security needs. Businesses can benefit from one system that links all security solutions a building may have and integrate them into one easy-to-manage system. Incedo includes a personalised interface that combines hardware with a cloud-based system offers a high level of security and operational benefits, including access management and audit trails. As well as integrating existing systems, Incedo can also adapt to work with future hardware if a business decides to invest in new security equipment, which includes both Abloy and third-party products. This allows the system to easily adapt with time, saving businesses reinvesting in a new operating system in the future.
www.abloy.co.uk info@abloy.co.uk 01902 364 500
SAPPHIRE’S SPEED OF INSTALL WINS PRAISE FROM BARRATT HOMES SAPPHIRE
When balconies on its development at Upton Park, London, proved slow to install, Barratt Homes sought an alternative supplier for the next phase, known as Block F. Sapphire’s Glide-On Cassette balcony system provided the ideal solution. Manufactured and prefinished offsite, 132 balconies for Block F were delivered to site ready to glide on to pre-erected support arms. Thanks to Sapphire’s unique concept, some of the balconies were installed in as little as six minutes. As a further challenge, planning had already been approved for the project so balcony design had to be kept in line with the original drawings. To adhere to the details of the planning permission, Sapphire excluded soffits from the design.
SIKABIT PROMELT BRINGS HOT MELT SOLUTION TO SIKA UK’S BITUMINOUS RANGE SIKA
Sika has added to its bituminous roofing range with the launch of SikaBit ProMelt; a versatile, high-performance structural waterproofing system for inverted roofs, podium decks, balconies and terraces. Building on Sika’s expertise in roofing, SikaBit ProMelt is a fully BBA-accredited hot melt system, which is manufactured in the UK and suitable for most common types of inverted roof build-ups across both new-build and refurbishment roof areas. A traditional two-layer reinforced hot melt system with an access layer to enable rapid trafficking on the completed waterproofed area, SikaBit ProMelt can be laid piecemeal around other trades, helping to fast track construction programmes and enable
BMI SEALOFLEX IS JUST THE TICKET AT HEATHROW BMI
Close collaboration between the technical team at BMI and IMA member Itech Roofworks produced a uniquely effective answer to the challenge more flexible sequencing of works at roof level.
of refurbishing Pier 6 at Heathrow’s Terminal 3. The BMI technical team were tasked with supplying a roofing system with improved fire performance characteristics. BMI met this challenge and developed a bespoke solution for this specialist application; by incorporating BMI Icopal’s innovative FireSmart technology to the specific bituminous and liquid elements of the system. Use of the Pyrobar Carrier layer permitted a swift removal and replacement of the existing single-ply, constantly maintaining the waterproofing integrity of Pier 6.
ADIDAS SPORTS THE LATEST VENTILATION TECHNOLOGY
ELTA FANS
The new adidas LDN flagship outlet has been Drawing on its extensive experience in lightweight metal tiles, BMI is setting new standards with the introduction of AeroDek. AeroDek is faster, safer, stronger and lighter than traditional roof coverings; while replicating the high aesthetic of clay, concrete or slate in a tile guaranteed to last for 40 years. Made from a recyclable, galvanised steel core protected by a resilient, multi-layer stone-coated finish; the interlocking tiles are quick
designed to enhance the retail experience. As the brand’s most technologically-advanced store, it required a ventilation system that necessary shutdown, in order to support the national effort, we are delighted to be
would deliver a fresh air supply across the four-storey, 27,000ft 2 site. After a supplier interview and factory review, Ricardo Hudson, Senior Technical Project Manager at PCB Technical Services, was given the confidence to opt for a bespoke air design unit from Elta Fans. This was thanks to the company’s technical support and understanding of the project and its ability to meet the tight delivery date. Elta Fans uses in-house air design technical engineers who utilise specialist software to tailor the unit especially for the customer’s exact needs.
www.eltafans.com/air-design at@eltafans.co.uk A NEW FASTER, SAFER, STRONGER AND LIGHTER METAL TILE SOLUTION FROM BMI BMI
to install, lightweight and resistant to damage by vandalism or extreme weather. These properties make AeroDek particularly suited to buildings that demand a robust and secure roof solution; and projects that are subject to extreme weather conditions in coastal or aggressive climate environments.
www.bmigroup.com/uk marketingukandi@bmigroup.com
KÖNIGSTONE IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS WITH FABRICATION PARTNER AT 100% CAPACITY AGAIN KÖNIGSTONE
Leading worktop and surface specialist, Königstone, is up and running with a full order book. The company’s fabrication partner, Midland Stone Centre, has manufacturing facilities back at 100% and is ready to receive customer orders. The company produces high-quality, elegant quartz and natural stone kitchen surfaces alongside the innovative new Königsink. Available to kitchen retailers across the UK is an impressive range of 27 Königquartz colours alongside the range of 15 Könignaturals. In addition, there is a brand-new portfolio of semi-precious stone surfaces. Joanne Bull, Marketing Manager, comments: “After a
01489 566500
back up and running.”
www.konigstone.co.uk info@konigstone.co.uk
SIKA’S ‘ONE-SHOT’ SOLUTION ENSURES RAPID RETURN TO SERVICE FOR CAR PARK DECKS SIKA
Sika has developed a unique crack-bridging solution for the time and cost-effective refurbishment of car parks. It includes an innovative application method that has been developed for surfaces with direct traffic. The Sikalastic OneShot Parkdeck System contains a combination of proven technologies: fast-curing pure polyurea liquid and tough-elastic, coloured, polyurethane seal coat. Developed to protect surfaces subject to direct traffic, the Sikalastic OneShot system provides safe, robust decking for multi-storey Offsite Solutions, the UK’s leading pod of bathroom pods specifically designed for
and underground car parks; it’s a slip-resistant, highly-durable product with high crackbridging ability to reduce time on site. This is achieved through its unique application method via special two-part spray equipment.
www.sika.co.uk 01707 394444
XYLEM REPORTS BROAD SUSTAINABILITY ADVANCES XYLEM
Xylem Inc. (NYSE:XYL) has announced that it has succeeded in reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) intensity, exceeding its planned target. Xylem’s 2019 Sustainability Report, ‘Water for a Healthy World,’ revealed the company had achieved a 28.3% reduction in GHG intensity, against a target of 20% set in 2014. The report also demonstrated overachievement or material progress on all of its 2019 sustainability targets. Water for a Healthy World, which has been verified by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) as conforming to GRI’s reporting standards, details Xylem’s progress on a range of sustainability topics: from energy and water intensity, to innovation, diversity and inclusion, disaster relief, corporate citizenship,
OFFSITE SOLUTIONS LAUNCHES NEW BATHROOM POD RANGE OFFSITE SOLUTIONS
manufacturer, has launched a new range community impact and employee volunteerism.
the build-to-rent residential sector. A UK industry-first, the floorless GRP pods have been estimated to reduce operating costs by over 50% compared to traditionally built bathrooms. These enhanced GRP pods have two key features. A floorless option allows the pods to be installed directly onto the floor slab to achieve continuous level floors throughout. Also, with strong aesthetics, the pods provide an attractive porcelain tile-effect finish which is integral to the pod carcase. This avoids the need for grout and tiles in wet areas, significantly reducing ongoing maintenance.
