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Weber’s technical mortars ensure residents of Northwood enjoy the good life

High performance technical mortars by Saint-Gobain Weber have been specified for the repair of concrete balconies with metal railings to apartment buildings in Northwood, Middlesex in the London borough of Hillingdon.

Metal railings to attractive balconies on the first and second storey apartments had rusted at the base over time and this in turn lead to spalling of the surrounding concrete. “This was both visually unattractive and a potential safety risk for the residents,” says Karl Roberts, contracts manager of main contractor Alfred Bagnall & Sons Limited, facades coating specialists, who have branches throughout the UK.

With technical advice from Weber’s specialist Barry Ephgrave, the team from Alfred Bagnall cut away the spalled concrete and repaired the metal barrier before reinstating the concrete. Saint-Gobain Weber’s webercem concrete repair system was specified, a multi-component system compliant with BS EN 1504 for concrete patch repairs.

The system contains webercem HB40 for high-build repair and levelling, the associated bonding slurry webercem bondcoat and finally a high performance finishing coat of webercote smooth.

webercem bondcoat, a cementitious bonding aid, provides high initial grab to improve the build of the repair mortar and promote the bond to the concrete. It contains fibres for improved thixotropy, is solvent-free and simply requires mixing with clean water onsite.

“There were also areas where concrete had spalled due to corroded reinforcement,” states Karl, “and again we treated and repaired these areas with lightweight, polymer modified, high-build webercem HB40 structural repair mortar. The complete system has a proven track record demonstrating its quality and performance and allows speedier completion of work. We use it regularly on projects similar to this.”

Once repaired the balconies were coated with webercote smooth which provides excellent anti-carbonation protection. It has a minimum 15 years life expectancy and is protective, durable and decorative. webercote smooth can be applied by brush, roller and spray and is resistant to chloride ingress.

“With a life expectancy in excess of 15 years residents can be sure these buildings will continue to look as neat and tidy as they do now, not to mention safe and secure,” comments Karl. “It was in Northwood in the 1970s that comedy series the Good Life was filmed so we are confident the Leadbetter’s would approve of this smart remedial programme of work which we hope has exceeded everyone’s expectations.”

For more information about this project, or for technical support including award winning training courses, 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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Expertise and plant capability secured contract for Powdertech

Powdertech (Corby) Ltd has demonstrated its expertise in metal finishing on both steel and aluminium in the exciting Dickens Yard development, Ealing, West London. As specialists in architectural metal finishing, Powdertech coated all of the steel balconies and balustrade on the site, and many sections of aluminium facade.

Dickens Yard has been developed on the site of a former council car park in the centre of Ealing. It is termed a ‘high density, mixed use’ development, with shops, cafes, restaurants, health and leisure facilities at street level. Sitting directly above these are over six hundred residential apartments with landscaped courtyards, terraces and balconies.

Powdertech powder coated over 70 galvanised steel balcony bases and 500 metres of aluminium glass channel in Axalta RAL7039 matt grey polyester powder, providing corrosion protection and colour for twenty five years. “The large balcony bases up to 6m by 1.5m, and weighing in excess of 800kg took some handling,” said Richard Besant, Powdertech Sales Director, “Our plant has the capacity to accommodate the size, the weight and the quantity of these units.” In addition, posts for over 500 metres steel balustrade were coated in Valspar RAL7012 matt grey.

Ealing is identified as one of London’s major metropolitan centres in the London Plan and Dickens Yard reflects that vision. “This is a prestigious development with a requirement to look smart over many years,” said Richard Besant. “The powder coated finish on the prominent metal work will help to achieve that with minimal maintenance.”

For more information please visit www.powdertechcorby.co.uk.
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Balconette launches unique Frameless Juliet Balconies

Now there is nothing to obscure the view with a new Frameless Glass Juliet balcony from Balconette. Using literally just one sheet of glass, the balustrading specialist’s new range of Frameless Glass Juliet Balconies is a highly-aesthetic, straightforward-to-install and minimalist balcony guarding solution.

Designed to enhance the external appearance of any building, Balconette’s Frameless Juliet balcony uses 21.5mm laminated and toughened glass panels. The system allows for a Frameless Juliet of up to 3.15 metres in width using a single pane of glass that makes the perfect partner for French, or any doors installed on the first floor or above.

Balconette stocks seven standard sizes of its Frameless Glass Juliet balconies, ranging from 1280mm to 2840mm, which are available within five working days. Custom sizes can also be supplied on request.

Installation is straightforward using attractive support profiles secured to the walls either side of the aperture. These profiles allow tolerances for installation where previously very accurate drilling was required for glass with pre-drilled holes.

“We listened to what our customers wanted and have designed what we believe is one of the most stylish and simple-to-install Frameless systems on the market,” said Managing Director Effi Wolff.

“This style of Juliet balcony is growing increasingly popular and we we’re getting frequent requests from architects, designers, builders and private individuals for a Frameless system that could meet their design objectives.

“We are delighted to offer this new product, which not only delivers a stunning and eye-catching result, but is also surprisingly affordable.”

Two exclusive detached properties, built by privately-owned developer Rectory Homes, are among the first to showcase the new Frameless Juliet balconies, supplied and installed by Balconette.

The Frameless system’s minimalist appearance perfectly complements the contemporary style of the £2 million-plus homes in Harberton Mead, close to Oxford city centre.

According to Procurement Manager at Rectory Homes Tony Wrench, glass balustrading was specifically requested for the project ‘and Balconette fitted the bill’.

He added: “The ‘Frameless Juliet balconies have been well-received and look fantastic; we are very pleased with the end result. If a Frameless system or glass balustrading is required on a future project, we would use the company again.”

In addition to its Frameless Juliet systems, Balconette offers a comprehensive range of straight and curved glass and aluminium balustrades, plus Juliet balconies, with a choice of handrail styles and finishes to suit all budgets. Curved sliding patio doors and curved glass enclosures can also be supplied, along with a high-quality range of wood-free decking products.

For more details, check here www.balconette.co.uk/frameless-juliet-balcony.aspx or contact Balconette on 01342 410411, email enquiries@balconette.co.uk.

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