Building News is an information portal for all professional building specifiers. Here you can find all of the latest construction news from around the UK and the rest of the world.

AIM’S CAVITY BARRIERS SELECTED FOR ‘PATH-BREAKING’ UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION

AIM (Acoustic & Insulation Manufacturing) has supplied Wall Cavity Barriers and open state cavity barriers (OSCBs), along with technical support, for a ‘path-breaking’, 900-room student accommodation development at the University of West England Bristol’s Frenchay Campus.

 

The new-build, low-carbon design development, which includes three buildings, six stories high, is to help meet demand from students for high-quality on-campus accommodation.   The first rooms will be available from September 2023.  Designed by Stride Treglown, the project’s main contractor is Vinci Construction.

AIM worked with Maple Sunscreening on the rainscreen façade system assembly from the ground floor upwards, which is mainly cassette panels with AIM’s OSCBs incorporated horizontally and AIM’s Wall Cavity Barriers installed vertically.

Maple is a leading designer, manufacturer and installer of solar shading, weather protection and screening for building exteriors and interiors – best known for architectural façades, louvres, brise soleil and rainscreen cladding systems.

AIM also supplied and supported installers Sandford Building Contractors during the construction of the extruded polystyrene (XPS) filled sub-floor cavity, which included a layer of AIM’s Wall Cavity Barriers directly above the XPS, and all two masonry storeys.

AIM won the business after supplying barrier samples for BS 8414 mock up fire testing, which was successful.  AIM’s products were supplied through SIG Manchester.

On multiple occasions, AIM attended site to provide product training and technical assistance.

Joe Hemming, senior project manager for Maple Sunscreening said,

“Maple’s commitment to the highest level of quality installation and recording has proved vital in maintaining confidence with the client, to date Maple’s on-site team have worked closely with AIM and the client to deliver product training with certification for over 60 operatives and managers currently work on this project.  This is now reflecting within Maple’s and AIM’s quality audits.”

 

Designed for use within ventilated rainscreen facades and timber frame cladding systems, AIM’s OSCBs allow free airflow and drainage and improve fire safety, providing fire resistance of up to two hours insulation and integrity in suitably supporting structures.  In the event of a fire, heat activates an intumescent strip which expands quickly to fully close the cavity.

Manufactured from high density Rockwool stone wool and faced with the higher performance intumescent strip, AIM’s OSCB range provides either a 60 or 120-minute rating for both integrity and insulation.  The OSCBs are an effective barrier to the passage of hot smoke as well as fire.  The AIM range has been tested to TGD 19 and the general principles of BS EN 1363-1.  They have been exposed to BS 8414 Fire performance of external cladding systems fire tests and assessed to BR135 to achieve pass results with a variety of third-party cladding systems.  The range has been tested in masonry constructions to establish the performance of the product itself and non-standard constructions representing site conditions.

AIM Wall Cavity Barriers are made from foil faced high density Rockwool stone wool and are suitable for use in all masonry cavity walls, as well as for fire stopping between a masonry curtain wall system and a concrete floor slab.  The barriers prevent the passage of heat, flame and smoke within the cavity they fill for one- or two-hour fire-resistance rating periods.  They are tested to BS 476-20.  The barriers also reduce airborne transmission of sound by a minimum of 21db Rw.

William Liew, Chief Financial Officer of UWE Bristol, has described the new accommodation as a “path-breaking project which will set new standards for sustainable development at-scale and provide accommodation and social facilities of the highest standard for our students.”

UK-based AIM (Acoustic & Insulation Manufacturing) has over 30 years-experience in the design, testing and manufacturing of high-quality fire, thermal and acoustic barriers.  The company produces a wide variety of bespoke insulation products to customer specification and a range of standard fire, thermal and acoustic insulation products.

WEB LINKS

www.aimlimited.co.uk

www.uwe.ac.uk

www.vinci-building.co.uk

www.maplesunscreening.co.uk

www.sandfordbuilding.co.uk

 

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Natural Ventilation is a Breath of Fresh Air

Want to breathe new life into a stuffy indoor space with cost-effective natural ventilation? The answer could be to keep things simple, according to Strand Hardware, which recommends two key steps to assess requirements and identify the right solution.

Step one requires a bigger picture view: its essential to consider the building’s conditions and orientation – its size, location, positioning and wider environment. This will indicate wind velocity and direction which is needed to optimise air flow and exhaust emissions from inside the premises.

Knowing how the building is to be used, its construction and internal layout (including partitions, doors and chimneys) is also vital, along with window sizing, location, fabric and an understanding of how they function.

Budget is a primary consideration but the beauty of natural ventilation is that it can be achieved without breaking the bank. Manual systems offer the ultimate cost-effective option. Unlike integrated powered systems, they require little by way of capital investment. They are also easier to use and maintain.

Step two of the assessment requires specifics: sufficient detail to identify the products and quantities needed:

  • the number of windows requiring openers
  • window material: aluminium, timber or PVC-U construction
  • window configuration: top/hung, side/hung, bottom hung opening in or out
  • window opening width and height.
  • Window location from finished floor level

Craig Fox, Sales Director for Strand Hardware, said that manual solutions offer a cost effective way of operating windows to provide natural ventilation for new build or existing buildings.

 

“Strand’s Duoflex range is frequently installed in workplaces, offices, hospitals and educational establishments which benefit from natural ventilation.

“Providing a system that is safe and easy-to-use is essential. Health and safety requirements should be considered so that if windows are at a height, people will not be tempted to over-reach or stand on a chair in order to access them,” he said.

 

Other products may be used to optimise the solution. Building orientation and its levels of sun, shade and wind direction will determine if they are needed. For example, buildings with double aspects, a large run of windows or large glazed panels, may benefit from reflective film or blinds to prevent the ‘greenhouse effect’.

While those within a densely built environments, such as town centres with tall buildings, or premises with fewer opening windows, may require electrically driven operators, fans/filters to improve air flow and quality.

In just two simple steps, you can say goodbye to stuffy air and hello to comfort and well-being. Get ready to take a deep breath and transform your space into the ultimate sanctuary of freshness and vitality.

For more information   CLICK HERE FOR THE WEBSITE

  

 or CLICK HERE to email Strand Hardware

 

or call: 01922 639111

 

 

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The UK Government’s biggest cladding funding scheme

The Skills Centre welcomes the UK Government’s biggest cladding funding scheme

 

One of the UK’s leading construction skills training companies The Skills Centre, which is currently running specialist cladding skills bootcamps in London, welcomes the announcement that the UK government will be providing more funding for cladding removal.

 

Jon Howlin, CEO The Skills Centre, says:

“This is great step for building safety in the UK and will hopefully bring some comfort to those whose properties are affected by removing burden of funding remedial works..

“However, there is still a huge shortfall in trained personnel to complete the works safely. Continued investment in building the workforce is required to ensure remedial works are completed by individuals with the correct training and experience. For those interested in entering construction, this is a great opportunity to specialise from the start, and with funding in place, and 30 years of buildings to retrofit, there are great career opportunities in cladding.

“To open the doors to these opportunities, The Skills Centre has led a collaboration with The Greater London Authority, CITB and leading employers to design a bespoke, 7-week bootcamp. Delivered from our specialist facility near Stratford, the newly launched programme provides learners with the specialist skills, knowledge and, crucially, site experience they need to start making the UK’s buildings safer for everyone.

Employers or learners interested in taking part can learn more online

  

CLICK HERE

 

 

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Secure your building’s future with SFS

SFS UK, an expert in the construction industry, is focused on creating innovative systems that provide robust solutions for fixing, fastening, and protecting construction workers and buildings.  Headquartered in Leeds, SFS has been a longstanding manufacturer of fasteners for over a century. This rich heritage has resulted in an unwavering commitment to architects, designers, consulting engineers, and contractors, offering quality products, innovative design, tailored technical solutions, and outstanding service.

 

As well as developing industry-leading products, SFS is committed to working with customers to deliver expert technical training and innovative solutions that ensure a building’s longevity.  Conscious of the challenges involved in working at heights, SFS places the utmost importance on the well-being of customers’ employees.  A comprehensive range of forward-thinking fall protection systems, accompanied by top-notch training programmes, ensures that every individual is equipped with practical skills for working at height.  The outstanding offer from SFS continues with reliable aftercare and a rare manufacturer’s warranty of up to 40 years.

 

Whether it is industrial warehouses or iconic architectural masterpieces, such as the Victoria & Albert Museum in Dundee or London’s Olympic Velodrome, SFS approaches each project with meticulous care and dedication, ensuring that every building fulfils its purpose and stands the test of time.

CLICK HERE for further information

 

OR call 0330 0555888

 

 

 

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CaberMDF, a reliable all rounder

As the UK’s foremost wood panel product supplier, West Fraser manufactures several grades of CaberMDF to meet the wide variety of demands across the construction and related industries, with these ranging from creating architraves for door surrounds to highly detailed decorative profiles and heavier duty uses.

The timber specialist’s CaberMDF Trade is suitable for general purposes where simple profiles are required, as is its Trade MR; while the moisture resisting properties will suit humid conditions in bathrooms and other wet areas.

The Pro is ideal for the volume manufacture of various mouldings such as  door panels, skirtings and architraves, while the Pro MR can be used in atmospheres where moisture is prevalent such as in kitchens and bathrooms. Then West Fraser’s CaberMDF Industrial is the most versatile type overall as it can meet most technical requirements, including facilitating deep routed profiles for membrane-pressed PVC doors, as well as designs which require advanced routed profiles as well as receiving high quality painted finishes.

To summarise the West Fraser options: CaberMDF is available in five main grades: Trade, Pro, Trade Moisture Resistant, Pro Moisture Resistant and Industrial. Colour is meanwhile used as a means of identification between the MR and non-MR grades and does not correlate to the boards’ other performance parameters.  Trade, Pro and Industrial grades are the traditional ‘sandy’ colour, whereas Pro Moisture Resistant and Trade Moisture Resistant are distinguished by a green hue.

When decorating MDF, oil-based paint is best as the material is less absorbent and customers like the quality of finish which can be achieved on the very smooth surfaces that machining leaves.  Then in terms of fixing, most types of screws can be used, although the best results are obtained with parallel thread screws.

All wood-related products – including MDF – create dust when sawing, drilling and machining, so appropriate PPE, including masks, and good ventilation are vital.  Another health and safety consideration for the sector is the effects of formaldehyde content: where, reassuringly, CaberMDF complies with all the requirements of the latest E1 definition for the chemical when tested according to EN120.

CLICK HERE For further information or call 01786 812 921

 

 

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Why MEDITE SMARTPLY offers the best alternatives to plywood

Due to its ongoing support for the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the UK has announced a new package of additional sanctions on Belarus. The announcement made on 8th June 2023, states that any imports of wood, gold, cement, and rubber from the country is prohibited.[1] This is in addition to the £60m package of sanctions the UK already has against Belarus. So what does this mean for the timber industry?

 

With a new package being imposed on top of the current sanctions still in place, importing wood – especially birch plywood – remains a challenge for the UK. This means merchants and manufacturers face supply issues and are looking to import wood from elsewhere. However, this can lead to a risk of illegally importing wood into the UK. Timber Development UK has warned that despite the ban on importing wood products from Russia and Belarus, some of it is still being arriving in the country because they are falsely marketed as being sourced from other countries such as China.[2]

 

However, merchants and suppliers in the UK and Ireland don’t have to look far for wood products. MEDITE SMARTPLY offers the perfect alternative, thanks to our extensive range of versatile, environmentally conscious products.

Why should you choose MEDITE SMARTPLY?

Merchants and suppliers can get great peace of mind in choosing MEDITE SMARTPLY products. Our MDF and OSB ranges are not only locally sourced but are also fully FSC certified. It’s important to remember that the FSC International Board of Directors has agreed to suspend all trading certificates in Russia and Belarus until the invasion ends.[3]

 

SMARTPLY OSB and MEDITE MDF are made from sustainable wood products from our very own Coillte forests in Ireland. Our MEDITE manufacturing site is based in Clonmel, while our SMARTPLY factory is based in Waterford. This means that we can offer a dependable, local supply, which helps to reduce the carbon footprint for timber merchants and suppliers.

 

Our OSB is made from newly grown pine and spruce. Our MDF timber content consists of 40% wood logs and 60% wood chips, a by-product from Irish sawmills. Each range boasts some of the most environmentally efficient building materials on the market, with a product-specific Type 3 Environmental Product Declaration to support this.

 

MDF and OSB applications

Those looking for alternatives to using birch plywood or similar wood types in furniture or interior fit-out applications, will find solutions in the versatile MEDITE MDF range. For example, those working on kitchen or bathroom projects will find MEDITE MR and MEDITE OPTIMA suitable products thanks to its moisture resistance properties. For environmentally sensitive interior applications, such as nurseries and museums where formaldehyde emissions need to be kept to the minimum, there is MEDITE CLEAR, an MDF panel manufactured with no added formaldehyde.

 

Our robust range of OSB products also offer great alternatives to other wood and wood-based products in construction projects. We produce two grades of SMARTPLY: OSB/3 and OSB/4. SMARTPLY MAX is an OSB/3 panel that is suitable for use in, walls, floors and roofing systems. Where increased strength and moisture resistance is needed, there is SMARTPLY ULTIMA – a high strength OSB/4 panel.

For great peace of mind choose MEDITE SMARTPLY CLICK HERE

 

 

 

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RINNAI – Direct delivery to site now available

RINNAI’S H3 HEAT PUMPS HYBRID SYSTEM, TANKS AND ALL ANCILARIES NOW AVAILABLE FOR ONE CONSIGNMENT DELIVERED DIRECT TO SITE

 

New from Rinnai is a comprehensive range of heat pumps plus all ancillary products such as hybrid hot water tanks are now available for direct delivery to site in one complete system consignment. Rinnai Heat Pumps are an integral part of the H3 list of solutions to achieve lower carbon. Rinnai heat pumps are the optimal choice in decarbonising technology that ensures immediate domestic and commercial carbon neutrality.

Rinnai’s range of Monobloc air source heat pumps are available in an assortment of variants, from 4 to 110kW. Rinnai Monobloc air source Low-GWP heat pump technology allows up to seven units to be cascaded together, making the Rinnai heat pump range an ideal choice for any heating or hot water demand. The innovative ability of the system to switch between heating, hot water, and cooling mode ensures that the Rinnai range has flexibility and durability as standard.

The units omit minimum acoustics via an installed ultra-low sound capability making Rinnai heat pumps suitable for any area with prohibitive sound legislation. Rinnai’s range operates within compliance of all stringent sound standards ensuring low-sound functionality.

All Rinnai heat pumps use R32 refrigerant, renowned for reducing electricity consumption by up to 10% and for holding a lower global warming potential (GWP). R32 has a GWP one-third lower than other refrigerants. Rinnai’s HPI heat pump range is ratified with an ERP rating of A +++ and includes an ability to switch between settings of heating, hot water and cooling.

Rinnai’s heat pump range delivers all domestic and commercial requirements whilst negating the release of any harmful toxicants into the atmosphere. Rinnai’s heat pump range maintain a high level of operational performance and can service all domestic and commercial needs.

Rinnai’s H3 LowGWP 55kW Heat Pump/Hybrid Hot Water Tanks with cascaded continuous flow hot water heating units were recently specified at a new development in the heart of the Farringdon district of London. The site is for a luxury hotel plus prestigious office complex and affordable homes.

The site will eventually have a 150+ bedroom luxury hotel, almost 20,000 sq ft of opulent capital city office space and nine new-build affordable residential units. The hotel group already has one other hotel in London with two others planned.

Rinnai products are designed to perform at a high operational level, maintain a robust product lifecycle whilst reducing customer cost and environmental impact across the entire purchase process.

Rinnai’s HPI heat pumps, hybrid formations, electrical formats and hydrogen gas mix powered water heaters are part of the H3 range of products. All new models are designed to reduce decarbonisation, energy efficiency and reduce customer costs by offering practical, affordable and technological solutions to UK customers.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE RINNAI WEBSITE

or HERE to EMAIL RINNAI

CLICK HERE For more information on the RINNAI product range

 

RINNAI’S H3 DECARBONISATION OFFERS PATHWAYS
& CUSTOMER COST REDUCTIONS FOR
COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC AND OFF-GRID HEATING & HOT WATER DELIVERY

                                                   

Rinnai’s H3 range of decarbonising products include hydrogen / BioLPG ready technology, hybrid systems, and a wide range of LOW GWP heat pumps and solar thermal. Also, within Rinnai’s H3 range is Infinity hydrogen blend ready and BioLPG ready continuous flow water heaters which are stacked with a multitude of features that ensure long life, robust & durable use, customer satisfaction and product efficiency.

Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of heat pump, solar, hydrogen in any configuration, hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H3 range of products offer contractors, consultants and end users a range of efficient, robust and affordable decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic and technically feasible solutions. The range covers all forms of fuels and appliances currently available – electric, gas, hydrogen, BioLPG, rDME solar thermal, low GWP heat pumps and electric water heaters.

Rinnai H1 continuous water heaters and boilers offer practical and economic decarbonization delivered through technological innovation in hydrogen and renewable liquid gas ready technology.

Rinnai’s H1 option is centred on hydrogen, as it is anticipated that clean hydrogen fuels will become internationally energy market-relevant in the future; Rinnai water heaters are hydrogen 20% blends ready and include the world’s first 100% hydrogen-ready hot water heating technology.

Rinnai H2 – Decarbonization simplified with renewable gas-ready units, Solar Thermal and Heat Pump Hybrids. Rinnai H2 is designed to introduce a practical and low-cost option which may suit specific sites and enable multiple decarbonisation pathways with the addition of high performance.

Rinnai H3 – Low-GWP heat pump technology made easy – Rinnai heat pumps are available for domestic and commercial usage with an extensive range of 4 – 115kW appliances.

Rinnai’s H3 heat pumps utilise R32 refrigerant and have favourable COP and SCOP.

Rinnai is a world leading manufacturer of hot water heaters and produces over two million units a year, operating on each of the five continents. The brand has gained an established reputation for producing products that offer high performance, cost efficiency and extended working lives.

Rinnai’s commercial and domestic continuous flow water heaters offer a limitless supply of instantaneous temperature controlled hot water and all units are designed to align with present and future energy sources. Rinnai condensing water heaters accept either existing fuel or hydrogen gas blends. Rinnai units are also suited for off-grid customers who require LPG and BioLPG or rDME.

Rinnai products are i2HY20 certified, A-rated water efficiency, accessed through multiple fuel options and are available for purchase 24/7, 365 days a year. Any unit can be delivered to any UK site within 24 hours. Rinnai offer carbon and cost comparison services that will calculate financial and carbon savings made when investing in a Rinnai system. Rinnai also provide a system design service that will suggest an appropriate system for the property in question. Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry including detailed CPD’s. More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage.

 

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Triple Glazing Vs Vacuum Glazing – which is best?

by Tom Wright, Managing Director of George Barnsdale

The Future Buildings Standard which is looming over the horizon in 2025 is likely to mean a big increase in the use of triple glazing in order to meet the lower U-values that will be required. However, specifiers are starting to consider vacuum glass as an alternative but which is better? Well, it depends….

 

What does the Future Buildings Standard say about u-values?

The Government has outlined its plans to deliver a “zero carbon ready” building strategy through its Future Buildings Standard. It aims to ensure that no new buildings from 2025 will require further retrofitting, with an uplift in energy efficiency standards, improved ventilation and requirements to mitigate overheating in residential buildings. A start was made on this last year with the changes to building regs and parts F, L and O.

Following public consultation, a Notional Building Specification has been developed which states that window U-values will need to be 0.8 (W/m2.K) down from 1.2 (W/m2.K) currently. Doors will need to be 1.0 (W/m2.K) from 1.2 (W/m2.K) (where more than 60% glazed)

This is likely to lead to triple glazing becoming the norm in most windows for new buildings or retro fits that want to achieve the highest performance.

 

What is triple glazing?

 Very simply, triple glazing is an extra pane of glass added to the two used in double glazing but the benefits can be great. Up to now, many of our clients have opted for triple glazing in areas where they require high acoustic performance, with this comes much better thermal performance, saving money on fuel bills.

 

What are the advantages of triple glazing?

  • Excellent thermal performance that meets the new Future Homes Standard, will save you money on heating
  • Great acoustic performance – ideal for blocking out noisy roads, aircraft noise etc
  • Better security – thicker units are harder to break
  • Can help to reduce condensation

What are the disadvantages of triple glazing?

  • It costs more than double glazing but usually not as much as vacuum glazing.
  • The windows are heavy which means they require chunkier frames and stronger fixings, all of which increase the price further.
  • Aesthetically, some people dislike the look of the triple glazed windows because they aren’t as sleek as single or double glazed ones.
  • Reduces the amount of heat from the sun limiting thermal gain. Harnessing solar energy is something homeowners have done for centuries and this is harder with triple glazed units.

What is vacuum glazing?

Vacuum glazing takes two pieces of glass with a tiny gap (0.1mm in the case of Fineo) and removes the air to create a vacuum.

They used to have unsightly plugs where the air was extracted but the latest technology means this is no longer the case. Ultra thin from as little as 7.7mm compared to 44mm for triple glazing, it’s great for listed historic properties or new builds looking for a sleek slimmer aesthetic.

 

What are the benefits of vacuum glazing?

  • 3-4 times thinner than triple glazing, looks more like single glazing
  • Same thermal performance as triple glazing. Fineo states 0.7 W/(m2K) which is better than the target the Government is aiming for in the Future Homes standard.
  • Lasts longer – because it doesn’t have gas between the panes which can leak over time
  • Better solar gain – allows more sun heat into the room helping reduce energy bills
  • Much lighter than triple glazing
  • 15% more light is allowed into the room compared with triple glazing
  • Environmentally better – much lighter saving on transport and less product used plus last longer so less need to replace
  • Great acoustic performance
  • Better aesthetically especially for historic properties, listed properties and modern contemporary builds that want to avoid heavy frames and fixings
  • Easier to install

What are the disadvantages of vacuum glazing?

  • Typically it is the most expensive option compared with double and triple glazing, this is thought to be due to there being no UK manufacturers making it and the inherent cost of the materials, some use silver for example
  • Low impact resistance – where micro pillars are used it can put high stress on the glass.

How much does vacuum glazing cost?

Vacuum glazing can cost up to 60% more than double glazing and around 35% more than triple glazing*.

*Prices may vary depending on size and spec.

 

So which should builders and architects choose from 2025?

Inevitably, it will end up coming down to price in most cases. We predict that most people will opt for triple glazing unless something drastic happens to the price of vacuum glazing, which may happen as the product becomes more popular and their production efficiencies improve. However, for anyone looking to balance the new regulations with heritage detailing, vacuum glass is the option that makes this possible.

“We are getting more and more enquiries about vacuum glass from architects and specifiers who like it for its performance and great aesthetic qualities, but often value engineering means they have to fall back on triple glazing.”

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE GEORGE BARNSDALE WEBSITE

 

 

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Schlüter-Systems – Installer show preview

Stand H20 Birmingham NEC – 27-29 June 2023

At this year’s Installer Show, Schlüter-Systems will be focusing on their impressive range of underfloor heating solutions which comprise both electric and hydronic (water-fed) systems.  The new DITRA-HEAT-PS is a peel and stick version of the company’s established electric system. The membrane enables simple, clean and quick installation of electric underfloor heating with a thin layer of pre-applied pressure sensitive adhesive on the underside. The membrane is ideally used with timber and tile backerboard substrates. It is a great solution when tiling on P5 or green chipboard; and will work with other substrates provided they are rigid, even, load bearing, clean and dust-free. Samples will also be available to collect from the Schlüter-Systems stand at The Installer Show and will allow installers to see for themselves how well it sticks.

In addition, Schlüter-Systems will demonstrate Schlüter®-BEKOTEC-THERM, the water-fed underfloor heating solution with low construction height. The modular system results in an energy-efficient heated floor system with low water supply temperatures.

The team will be conducting practical demonstrations throughout the show and there will be a competition to see who can install heating cable into the DITRA-HEAT membrane in the fastest time, with a chance to win £1,000 worth of Schlüter products for your next project.

The sales and technical teams will be on the stand to answer queries and there will be lots of samples to see and take away.

 

CLICK HERE TO Download full information on the show

 

For further information CLICK HERE to visit Schlüter-Systems newly relaunched website

YOU CAN REGISTER FOR THE INSTALLER SHOW HERE

 

 

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Sustainable Accoya® saves historic Welsh station

International Timber and Peter Cox Ltd recently joined forces to restore a 155-year-old signal box in Wales, utilising sustainable Accoya® to ensure longevity and maintain the structure’s historic charm.

 

Found in Anglesey, the Valley Station signal box dates back to 1867 and was in desperate need of restoration following decades of decay. Faulty drainage had led to wet rot taking hold of the timber, making it likely that the structure would not have survived if refurbishments had not taken place.

The signal box is a historic landmark in the area and was given Grade II status by the Welsh Government in 1998. It was originally built as one of 15 new huts along the Chester and Holyhead Railway and has stood the test of time for over 155 years. Peter Cox Ltd was commissioned to assess how the structure could be saved and called on the expertise of the local International Timber team.

 

Picking the timber of choice

Keen to utilise a high-performance solution, the surveyors selected Accoya as the timber of choice to replace the historic, internal structural timber frames. The product could be cut to the specific needs of the build, while providing huge sustainability and durability qualities that will benefit the structure for years to come.

The International Timber team took precise measurements to calculate the volume of timber required, replacing individual sections of the damaged wood rather than complete removal. The structure has also maintained its signature look throughout the entire build. Peter Cox Ltd added stainless steel splice plates to the adjoining half-lap joint timber to strengthen and maintain the building’s structure.

The customer benefitted from a dependable supply chain, with all timber supplied to the precise specification and on time, ensuring the project ran to schedule. Additionally, Western Red Cedar was supplied, which was used to pattern cladding in the build. All timber was treated with fungicidal fluid to help prevent the growth of wet rot fungus in the future and so preserve the structure for generations.

 

Completing restorations

With the timber supplied, Peter Cox Ltd got to work, removing and replacing internal structural timber frames in the signal box structure. Work was completed without any disruption to the railways. The signal box is now restored to its former self, with sustainable Accoya ready to face the elements.

Paul Martin from International Timber said:

“It was a pleasure to be involved in such a rewarding project, especially when it is helping to preserve a great piece of Welsh history. This is an excellent example of the potential of our sustainable Accoya timber, which will help this signal box continue to stand the test of time. This collaboration has also seen us supply timber for several other similar projects throughout the North Wales area.”

 

CLICK HERE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL TIMBER WEBSITE

 

 

 

 

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