Visit Saint-Gobain Weber on YouTube for guidance on repairing fine cracks in monocouche render

Saint-Gobain Weber takes training in the specification and application of their innovative, market leading materials responsibly. A team of technical advisers are available to support and advise, either over the telephone or on site, on the correct use of a diverse product offering.

“In addition to the Saint-Gobain Technical Academy here in Bedfordshire, one of several across the country,” says Rob Speke, training academy manager, Saint-Gobain Weber, “we now have a wide inventory of How To videos posted on You Tube for specifiers and applicators who are unable to attend a related course at the Academy.”

How To Videos have been created to address the most frequently raised technical enquiries received by Weber’s technicians for tile preparation, flooring products, renders and external wall insulation systems.

A popular and frequently viewed Weber video identifies the benefits and characteristics of weberpral monocouche renders. This is a high performance range of low maintenance, cementitious, through-coloured renders in which small knocks and abrasions are not as noticeable as with traditional painted render. But if a fine crack appears, caused by drying shrinkage, aesthetic repairs can be easily carried out.

“With over 3,000 views this video is designed to help render applicators ensure that perfect aesthetics are easily achieved when dealing with fine cracks in monocouche render,” says Rob Speke. “By following a few simple stages – from opening the crack, to accurately preparing the render repair mix, achieving the correct application technique and the final finishing treatment – a perfect and satisfactory remedial job will be delivered.”

This How To video is one of 30 currently hosted on YouTube with plans for many more over the coming months. For more information, or for technical support, please contact Saint-Gobain Weber on 08703 330 070, or visit www.netweber.co.uk.

A free download of the Weber App for iPhone and iPad users is also available from iTunes and from Google Play for Android smartphones and tablet users. Follow Saint-Gobain Weber on Twitter @SGWeberUK for the latest company news and updates.

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RHS turns over a new leaf with Kingspan TEK

The Kingspan TEK Building System of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) has been erected in just three weeks to form the structure of a new office building at the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) flagship gardens in Wisley.

RHS Wisley is currently undergoing a major renewal programme, including re-landscaping its grounds and the construction of new laboratory and learning spaces. As part of this work, Evelegh Designs collaborated with design and build contractors, Ashley Group, to create a single storey office building for the site’s 72 staff members. Whilst the building has the appearance of a traditional barn, its construction is thoroughly modern with the walls and roof formed from 142 mm and 172 mm Kingspan TEK Building System panels respectively.

Kingspan TEK Building System panels feature an OSB/3 facing bonded to a highly insulated core. The panels were factory cut to the office building’s design, including space for the specified windows and doors. This ensured a straightforward erection programme once on-site and allowed Ashley Group to erect and weathertight the building shell in a matter of weeks.

The excellent thermal performance provided by the Kingspan TEK Building System was another key benefit as Tony Frend, Contracts Manager at Ashley Group explained: “The original tender specified that the walls needed to achieve a U-value of 0.22 W/m2.K. The Kingspan TEK Building System was our preferred specification as, in addition to providing a reliable build programme, the 142 mm wall panels also allowed us achieve an enhanced U-value of 0.19 W/m2.K on the walls. For the roof construction we were able to go one step further, installing the 172 mm Kingspan TEK Building System panels to achieve a U-value of just 0.17 W/m2.K.”

The OSB/3 facing of the Kingspan TEK Building System panels supports a wide range of façade options. To complete the barn’s rustic external aesthetic, black weatherboarding was installed on timber battens fixed to the facing of the panels, whilst clay tiles were used to clad the roof.

Kingspan TEK Building System panels also feature a unique jointing system which, in combination with their OSB/3 facing, can help to create highly airtight buildings. The manufacturing facility where the panels are produced carries both FSC® (FSC®-C109304) and PEFC Chain of Custody certification. As standard, the OSB/3 facing of all Kingspan TEK panels is PEFC certified.

For further information, please call +44 (0) 1544 387 384, email literature@kingspantek.co.uk or visit www.kingspantek.co.uk.

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Kemper System helps protect concrete heritage

Cold-applied liquid waterproofing specialist, Kemper System, has helped to preserve a grade II listed building thanks to its Stratex warm roof and Kemperol liquid roofing systems.

Because of the unusual design of St Thomas More Church in the Sheldon area of Birmingham, architects Wood Goldstraw Yorath worked in close consultation with Kemper System to enhance the waterproofing performance by addressing leaks and U/V damage to the existing substrate, whilst also improving drainage and reducing the risk of standing water on the roof.

The structure of the building with its many glass and concrete terraces, saw Kemper System’s Stratex tapered warm roof system being specified along with their solvent-free and odourless Kemperol 2K-PUR waterproofing membrane to refurbish the church’s failing asphalt roof.

The technical team at Kemper System also devised a series of drainage channels to address the volume of standing water on the roof, whereby excess water would be caught and drained off the building.

Contractors, Alliance Technical Services Ltd, a specialist conservation company, not only worked to recover the roof with Kemper’s Stratex warm roof system, but also installed new glazing to the central ribs and high level roof windows, fitted an external downpipe and drainage, and completed concrete repairs and concrete rib replacements.

For the recovering of the roofs with the Kemper designed system, operatives removed the existing chippings on the roof ready to clean and prime the asphalt substrate, and installed a hard top tapered Kempertherm PIR insulation board. This was adhered to each terrace section in such a way to create channels behind and either side of each piece of insulation.

As primarily structural engineers, Alliance Technical Services Ltd undertook thorough product and application training at Kemper System HQ in Warrington before installing the Kemperol 2K-PUR system, to familiarise themselves with the liquid waterproofing product application.

Derek Lowe, Managing Director at Alliance Technical Services Ltd, said: “This was a particularly interesting project for us as the church required remedial works to the concrete whilst also installing an alternative waterproofing solution to ensure the graded building remained watertight. The Kemperol 2K-PUR liquid applied waterproofing system was an ideal solution to work around the complicated structure of the building with its many terraces, outlets and joints. These formally weak areas were able to be fully waterproofed in one seamless, easy application.

“We undertook excellent training at Kemper’s headquarters to ensure we were able to apply the system effectively and efficiently. Thanks to the durability of the Kemperol 2K-PUR waterproofing system, the church’s heritage has been protected and can continue to be enjoyed by its many visitors.”

Technical manager at Kemper System, Ross Smith, added: “This interesting project presented design, specification and installation challenges which were easily solved thanks to versatile qualities of the Kemperol membrane.

“The wet-on-wet, cold applied liquid was the perfect solution to ensure a quick and easy installation, yet providing the reassurance of a sound, waterproof solution for many years to come. Its odourless, solvent-free qualities meant the refurbishment works created little disruption to local residents or those using the church.”

Added to Historic England’s ‘At Risk’ register in 2015, the Roman Catholic Church of St Thomas More was designed by renowned architect, Richard Gilbert Scott – who also designed the Guildhall’s West Wing and Art Gallery – with stained glass by John Chrestien.

For more information please visit www.kempersystem.co.uk.
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Rinnai Solo has multiple advantages

The Infinity Solo condensing and low NOX condensing water heater is the first Rinnai product for the UK to bring together the advanced technology of its wall mounted continuous flow water heaters with a stainless steel storage cylinder in one compact footprint.

Originally envisaged as a single installation product for light commercial operations such as B&Bs, small hotels and schools, Infinity Solo is now being manifolded by installers for larger projects including a recent major primary school installation.

There is no restriction on the number of units that can be linked together as the installer can simply work out the volume of hot water required to determine the number of units required.

This versatile newcomer has also very quickly carved itself a niche in new build and refurbishment housing projects where it is being installed in larger three – and four-bed houses where specifiers have identified it as a cost effective hot water provider for a family bathroom, ensuite and a downstairs cloak room/shower.

Several of the 24kW-59.5kW Infinity Solo range are renewables compatible and supplied pre-fitted with a coil, ensuring the primary energy source will always be from renewable gains and the complementary Rinnai water heater will only apply the precise amount of gas to boost the difference in temperature.

The Solo cylinder is stainless steel, greatly reducing the weight compared to glass lined models, which makes transportation and installation a whole lot easier. The cylinders also boast extremely low heat loss (as low as 1.41kW/h day), which means the customer pays less to maintain the heat within the tank.

Rinnai’s new Solo range incorporates 35kW and 54kW appliances, ensuring that even sites with a smaller gas meter can utilise its advanced technologies.

The larger Infinity Solo model will also act as a high-efficiency alternative to other current forms of gas fired storage appliance. The cylinders also have extremely low heat loss figures (achieving 1.41kW/h day), which means the customer pays less to maintain heat within the tank.

Integral controls on the units ensure optimum performance and efficiencies whether locally or when integrated into a building management system. And there is also Legionella protection available too. Rinnai has invented technology for secondary return DHW systems in the form of additional controls which allow for safe running of water at 42°C core temperature during the day and 60°C at a time when the building is closed. By the time the building reopens, core temperature is 42°C for safe use.

The Rinnai Infinity brand carries the widest range of condensing water heaters on the market today with the most impressive efficiencies in operation, leading the field in technological innovation.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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SFS intec’s Powder Coated Fasteners Deliver on Aesthetics and Performance in Prestigious Retail Project

Powder coated high performance fasteners from SFS intec have played a key role in enabling leading roofing and cladding contractor Roofdec to create a striking new building envelope for a major extension to the White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds.

The prestigious £13.7m project completed by Morgan Sindall for client Land Securities expands the popular shopping centre with an additional 65,000 sq ft. This space incorporates an 11 screen Cineworld cinema with IMAX technology, numerous restaurants and an extension of both the existing Primark and Debenhams stores.

Meeting the colour consistency and long-term performance brief across the various elements of the contemporary façade, Roofdec turned to SFS intec for 40 variations of fasteners, many of which were powder coated in-house to match the different forms and colours of the rainscreen exterior. This included ensuring that fastener heads complemented the building’s unique curved facias which were formed of purpose-made anodised panels in various colours.

Jon Barnes Senior, Managing Director of Roofdec, says, “For all of our prestigious jobs, we choose SFS intec’s fasteners for their excellent quality, ease of installation and value for money.  SFS intec provide excellent technical support throughout the design and construction phases of a project and with their production facilities being located in Leeds with in-house powder-coating, the logistics to get the right coloured product on-site were a breeze.

“With their unbeatable warranty, we’re confident that we will have no teething problems on site and the sustainability of the building is secure for a longer warranty period.  Once the project is finished, we can move on to our next project with total confidence in our work.”

SFS intec powder-coats fasteners, available to meet any RAL colour and in bespoke finishes, at its UK HQ and production plant in Leeds. This ensures it can provide complete consistency in fastener design, manufacture and colour-matching for total peace of mind – all within industry-leading lead times.

The company’s sales and technical teams are available to advise on how best to colour-match fasteners with panels. Currently, SFS intec’s most popular requests for powder coated heads reflect the trends in contemporary architecture, and include Goosewing Grey, Poppy Red, Light Metallic Silver, Solvent Blue, Hamlet and Sargasso Blue.

David Osborne, National Sales Manager at SFS intec says: “With architects continuously pushing the boundaries of façade design, and OEMs leading the charge with constant innovation in panel design and construction, maintaining the visual appeal of the building envelope is vital, particularly for clients in the fiercely competitive retail market.

“Our powder coated fasteners, which provide a high-quality finish for our A2 (grade 304) or A4 (grade 316) stainless steel fasteners, is the ideal way to ensure a façade retains its integrity over a long service life, without suffering significant visual defects that will inevitably impact on the visual appeal of the structure.

Powder coating is an advanced alternative to using moulded nylon heads. Finely ground particles of pigment and resin are sprayed on to the metal fastener head using an electrostatic spray process, causing the charged particles to permanently bond to the metal surface. The powder is then heated and fused into a smooth coating in a curing oven at up to 200 °C, melting the powder onto the metal, to deliver excellent weather resistance and colour stability in even the most exposed locations.

Customers can access detailed information about all the fastening solutions available from SFS intec through its 2017 Roofing and Cladding Catalogue which is accessible via the new website www.sfsintec.co.uk. Customers can also benefit from UK-wide sales and technical teams, both dedicated to providing market-leading customer service, along with extensive resources and training facilities to ensure the best possible result in the finished building envelope.

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Regeneration and recreation inspires town’s new leisure scheme

Masterminded by Niven Architects, the new Feethams leisure and retail development in the heart of Darlington has helped breathe new life into the County Durham market town.

Located on the site of a former bus depot in the centre Darlington, the new scheme has been developed by Urban + Civic and provides much needed leisure facilities, such as a new cinema and several new restaurants, which residents had previously had to travel out of town to enjoy.

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As a major regeneration project within the town, Niven has created a scheme that both modernises and complements the local landscape. The traditional style red brick arches of the lower levels give the scheme a strong foundation and serve to pay homage to Darlington’s railway heritage, with the heavily glazed middle and upper sections providing both contrast and balance. A key focal point of the development is the piazza level that evokes the traditional atmosphere of a town market square and provides a vital community space.

The challenge of delivering such a large scale project meant that the overall massing of the scheme was a key consideration as Simon Crowe, director at Niven Architects, explains: “It was vitally important that we could give the building envelope the correct sense of mass to suit the scale of the project and the chosen glazing system fitted the bill perfectly.”

The specified glazing package was supplied by Senior Architectural Systems and installed by Neu Glas Ltd and although the aesthetic benefits of the slim framed aluminium windows and dark glazing was a key requirement, the technical performance was also paramount.

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Niven opted for Senior’s patented PURe® aluminium window system, which is the first on the UK market to incorporate an enhanced thermal barrier manufactured from expanded polyurethane foam (PUR). Traditionally used in cladding and insulation products, the innovative use of PUR as a thermal barrier in windows and doors gives the PURe ® range the potential to achieve U-values as low as 0.71W/m2 K when calculated as a commercial CEN standard window and 0.93W/m2 K when calculated as a CEN standard door.

Simon adds: “Our senior architects looked at many options as part of the design and technical delivery process and Senior’s system was deemed to be the best of what was out there.”

But thermal performance wasn’t the only consideration. The specified glazing system also had to meet the specific demands of one of the landmark parts of the scheme – a new 80-bed Premier Inn hotel.

The need to ensure guests had a comfortable and undisturbed night’s sleep was a top priority as Simon explains; “The scheme is positioned next to the inner ring road of Darlington so getting the acoustic properties right was crucial to the success of the scheme.”

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The glazing package also plays a key role in unifying the various elements of the scheme across each of the different levels. To create a light and modern feel, the restaurant and retail buildings incorporate Senior’s slim line curtain walling and SPW500 doors, with the attractive curved curtain walling of the new cinema complex adding further interest.

As one of the most significant regeneration projects to be undertaken in the area in recent years, the Feethams leisure development has been designed to enhance the local landscape and satisfy the needs of the local community as well as providing a valuable boost to the town’s economy and employment.

For more information about Senior, visit www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/pure/
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Brett Martin gives a new angle to £90 million former press and broadcast centre

The former press and broadcast centre in London’s Olympic Park has been transformed into the one of the biggest tech hubs in Europe, with Brett Martin Daylight Systems’ Marlon Clickfix RL glazing system glazed with Marlon Clickfix 1040 polycarbonate, providing a low pitch rooflight which maximises natural light and creates a bright, appealing and naturally-lit environment for a range of businesses.

From a design by Hawkins Brown, Here East is a major new 1.2 million sq ft development in Stratford that is set to transform creative and digital industries in London. Comprising three buildings – the former press and broadcast centres, and a 750-seat auditorium – the challenge for the main contractor was converting what were once windowless and cavernous warehouses into eye-catching, daylight-filled buildings with sustainability at their core. Central to the design was the specification of 34 Marlon Clickfix RL rooflights glazed in clear Marlon Clickfix 1040 polycarbonate to ensure the offices and shops below were bright, appealing and flooded with natural light.

Commenting on the specification, Steve Higgins of Brett Martin said “One of the challenges for the architect was finding a thermally-efficient rooflight solution which would work at a low 7° pitch. Marlon Clickfix RL provided the the most adaptable solution and ensured a fast and straightforward installation for roofing and cladding contractor, Lakesmere.”

A lightweight polycarbonate panel, Marlon Clickfix 1040 has integral interlocking connections that simply click into place forming glazed areas of unlimited size and shape. The 40mm structured polycarbonate glazing panel has 10 insulating walls to achieve a U-value of 0.99 W/m²K, for a high performing and thermally-efficient glazing solution. It has a choice of thermally broken aluminium glazing bar systems depending on the application. The Marlon Clickfix RL glazing bar system – used at Here East – has been designed for use in low pitch rooflights and canopies, whilst Marlon Clickfix VF has been specifically developed for vertical installations such as façades, partitioning, rain screens and northlights.

Marlon Clickfix 1040 provides high quality natural light, superior thermal insulation and UV protection. In addition to the impact resistance, resilience and structural strength that is inherent in all of Brett Martin’s high performance polycarbonate sheet products, it is also lightweight and easy to handle.

With this state-of-the-art digital tech quarter now complete, Brett Martin Daylight Systems will demonstrate once again that introducing natural light into spaces is central to achieving the required performance of highly sustainable buildings.

For more information please visit www.brettmartin.com.
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New Evinox ModuSat® XR takes HIU efficiency to another level

Evinox has extended its best-selling range of ModuSat® Heat Interface Units with the introduction of the new ModuSat® XR and ModuSat® XR- ECO Twin Plate models. Providing both indirect space heating and domestic hot water, ModuSat® XR units are ideal for use in modern, efficient district and communal heat networks. All units deliver fast, dynamic domestic hot water response, and the ModuSat® XR-ECO models also provide ultra-low DHW return temperatures to the primary heat network.

With extensive experience in the design and application of HIU’s across thousands of UK-wide installations, Evinox has made significant advances in the performance of its latest range, aiming to help improve the overall efficiency of heat networks, whilst retaining high levels of user satisfaction and comfort levels.

ModuSat® XR – even faster, more efficient domestic hot water performance

An overriding requirement for many consulting engineers involved in the design and specification of heat networks, is to ensure abundant and responsive supply of domestic hot water. This goes hand-in-hand with residents expecting consistent and safe hot water at the tap. ModuSat® XR HIU’s deliver fast hot water without reducing the efficiency of the heat network.

“There is strong evidence that speed of hot water delivery is a key requirement for residents living in homes operating on communal and district heating schemes” comments Emma Alexander, Evinox Energy Marketing Manager. “The ability to be able to deliver abundant hot water quickly, while at the same time ensuring the efficiency of the heat network is not compromised, is a key challenge for heat network designers and HIU manufacturers, so the improved performance of the new ModuSat® XR range is an important step forward in this area.”

Evinox ModuSat® XR-ECO; how low can you go?

It’s clear that lowering system temperatures is a critical factor in the efficient operation of UK heat networks. Reducing the network primary flow & return temperatures enables heat generation plant to operate more efficiently; lower grade, low carbon heat sources to play a more predominant role in the energy mix; and network heat losses to be dramatically reduced.

ModuSat® XR-ECO units have been designed precisely with this in mind, incorporating ultra-high efficiency domestic hot water plate heat exchangers with improved volumetrics that encourage turbulent flow and optimal heat transfer.

These latest improvements mean designers are given the opportunity to focus on the energy efficiency performance of HIU’s and the wider heat network, with the confidence that units will continue to deliver impressive full load hot water capacity and flow rates.

A New Test Standard for Heat Interface Units from BESA

The ModuSat® XR has been tested under a new UK test standard, intended to help heat network designers to evaluate individual HIU performance on their network under typical UK conditions. The new scheme, operated by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), will provide HIU benchmarking, similar in many ways to the SEDBUK scheme for domestic boilers.

Evinox believes independent testing is an important step for the UK HIU industry, so the latest ModuSat® XR and XR-ECO models have been developed very much with these new standards in mind. Evinox is confident that this new standard will lead to HIU systems and heat networks being designed with efficiency as much as maximum hot water capacity being the key consideration.

Find out more about the new ModuSat® XR Range of Heat Interface Units by contacting us on 01372 722277, email info@Evinox.co.uk or visit www.evinoxenergy.co.uk.
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Breathing easier with smart technology

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The revolution in indoor climate control and security spearheaded by smart technologies is the subject of a UK Construction Week seminar being given by GEZE UK’s head of window technology.
Spencer Allen for will share the spotlight with the likes of architect and television presenter George Clarke and representatives of the BRE, Carbon Trust and Sunday Times, during the showcase event, staged at the NEC Birmingham, 10 – 12 October.

He will explore the concept of smart natural air ventilation, how it works, outline its benefits and examine the findings of recent studies on its effects on workplace productivity and reducing ‘sick building syndrome’.

The session, which takes place at 2.30pm within the Smart Buildings Hub, on 10 October, will look at how smart solutions are used in life-saving buildings such as hospitals and how they can be used to save lives in the event of fire by allowing safe and smoke free escape.

It will also address security – eliminating ‘windows left open’ and the benefits of safe and secure night ventilation on buildings for optimum ‘next working day’ environments.
Said Spencer, GEZE UK’s National Sales Manager for Window Technology: “We spend 90% of our time indoors, so it’s not surprising that improving air quality inside buildings is in all our interests.

“With climate change resulting in ever-increasing temperatures and more frequent heatwaves within the UK, it is time that we looked at efficient ways of improving building ventilation which will require less energy usage.”

Event attendance is free. For further information click here.

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of products and system solutions call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk.
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Filcoten installed at McDonald’s Tonbridge

Filcoten, Gatic’s market leading lightweight channel drainage system, has been installed at the new McDonald’s restaurant in Tonbridge. Filcoten Pro G NW100 c/w F900 Grate was supplied through civil drainage merchant MPS and installed by contractor Galamast, who handle most of McDonald’s construction projects. Galamast chose Filcoten because of its leading strength, installed performance and environmental benefits.

Filcoten® is manufactured from a breakthrough High Performance Concrete (HPC) that is setting new standards in flexural and compressive strength, and in the long-term performance of channel drainage. In comparison with resin and fibre reinforced concretes, Filcoten is 70% lighter and its bond to an identical concrete surround is five times stronger, significantly improving the installed channel’s resilience to traffic loading, ground movement and thermal cycling.

Its flexural strength is approximately double that of conventional HPC, which means fewer breakages in transit, in stock, and installation, and a considerably longer, trouble-free operational life. And due to Filcoten’s composition and close control of the curing process it achieves a compressive strength 50% higher than conventional HPC without having to revert to the use of chemical stabilisers, additives or releasing agents.

Filcoten is 100% recyclable and is the only drainage channel to be made with renewable energy. It is non-flammable and UV resistant unlike resin or polymer based products. Filcoten’s unique combination of high strength, high durability and geometric stability provides engineers and contractors with a market leading channel drainage solution.

For more information on Gatic’s market-leading range of slotdrain products and technical support, call 01304 203545 or visit www.gatic.com.
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