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Alumasc’s Monoscreed – bringing deck deflections back to tolerance quickly and effectively

Alumasc Roofing Systems’ Monoscreed is a fast-curing, solvent and isocyanate-free PMMA-based compound screed that can be cold applied to concrete decks (3mm – 50mm) to reduce deck deflection/back-falls and bring deck levels back to tolerance – i.e. zero falls.

Fast cure time

Unaffected by ambient temperatures, the system is rainproof within 15 minutes of being applied and will fully cure in circa 45 minutes, thus offering significant programme benefits when compared with more traditional screeds.

Application to substrate

Comprising resin, filler and aggregate mix, Monoscreed can be mixed at roof level and applied directly to suitably prepared – free from dust, dampness, laitance, grease, oil and other contamination, and if necessary primed with Alumasc Bitumen Primer – cementitious concrete.

The system comes in pre-measured packs of components palletised to ensure easy transportation to roof level and accuracy of the compound mix.

Overlaying

Monoscreed is also suitable to be installed over Hydrotech 6125, Derbigum bituminous membranes and Caltech QC cold-applied liquid where necessary.

For further information regarding Alumasc Monoscreed please visit www.alumasc.co.uk call our technical team on 03335 771 500, alternatively call (0)3335 771 500.
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A complete roof is resolved with Cembrit Moorland slates

High quality fibre cement slates from Cembrit have complemented the quality new build homes that David Wilson Homes has developed in South Wales. Providing a sleek and stylish finish, the dressed edge Moorland slates have made light work of a complex roofing project.

St Canna’s Green is a newly built David Wilson Homes development comprising 40 three, four and five bedroom properties. Located in the village of Llangan in South Wales, the homes have been carefully crafted to meet the needs to today’s lifestyles, delivering stylish, spacious, light and airy spaces that perfectly match modern lifestyle and aspirations. Multiple properties within the development feature complex roofing designs, with different roof pitches ranging from 35° to 45°, rafter pitches, dormer and rooflight windows requiring a roof covering that could accommodate these details.

Bridgend-based roofing company, Rooftop Tiling Ltd was appointed as the main contractor for this project. Having referred to the project requirements, the contractor recognised that the requirement for a roofing material that could be easily cut and installed on multi pitched roof designs. Whilst looking natural from the ground, Rooftop Tiling Ltd specified Cembrit Moorland dressed edge slates and sourced these products in 600mm x 300mm blue/black from its local builder’s merchant, Robert Price Ltd.

“David Wilson Homes is known to deliver high quality new builds which are aesthetically pleasing,” says Nick Pritchard, Commercial Manager at Rooftop Tiling Ltd. “We wanted to ensure we deliver this finish to the St Canna’s Green project by installing a visually attractive slate that could also handle the complex roof design. We are pleased with the end result. The slates complement the design of the individual properties, and the development as a whole”

Moorland fibre cement slates are manufactured using Portland cement together with a non-asbestos formulation of blended synthetic and cellulose fibres. Each slate is pigmented during production and fully compressed. The edges are dressed and then the slates are finished with a high quality, semi-matt acrylic coloured coating to the top face and edges, and a clear binder to the back face.

Cembrit Moorland Slates are manufactured in accordance to BS EN ISO 9001: 2000 and BS EN 492: 2004 product specification for fibre cement slates and their fittings.

For further information visit www.cembrit.co.uk, email sales@cembrit.co.uk or tel: 0208 320 1184.
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Metsec provides load bearing solution for new school

Palmerston School, based in Liverpool, provides education to 11-19 year olds with profound learning difficulties. Palmerston identified a need for a new school building as staff and pupils were hampered by the lack of outdoor space and modern learning facilities. The former Aigburth High secondary school site was selected on which to construct its new £7m facility.

The new T-shaped single storey building includes a sports and dining hall plus a new hydrotherapy and splash pool together with sensory learning spaces. There is also a five-a-side football pitch and four-lane grass running track around the pitch perimeter. The project started in April 2016 and is due for completion summer 2017 when pupils will move from the existing location in Woolton to Minehead Road in the Aigburth area of Liverpool.

Early Stages

Originally planned as a timber frame construction, the main contractor asked voestalpine Metsec plc to review the school design and see whether a load bearing steel frame solution (SFS) could be offered. Taking a consultative approach, Metsec was able to advise the main contractors on the layout, and worked in conjunction with installers, local company Mark One.

As the first tier 2 designer and manufacturer certified to BIM Level 2 for Design and Construction in the UK by the BSI, Metsec used its BIM capabilities within the design stages to provide detailed plans and costings. Metsec was required on-site from the start of the project, completing the steel framing in the summer of 2016.

Designing the SFS solution for Palmerston School using Revit, Metsec attended regular main contractor team meetings with the BIM model, allowing any issues to be resolved in advance of the build. By using BIM, the project benefitted from a reduced timing programme and no waste, both providing subsequent cost savings.

Design Requirements

The blueprint of the school building presented several structural challenges, but were all incorporated into the BIM model from Metsec, including the design aspects of the roof. Studs within the joisted roof were extended out to overhang the external walls in order to create the overhang desired. Another roofing design requirement within the structure was a duo pitched roof. To enable the sloping element, Metsec used longer stud sections of a high gauge to accommodate the longer spans required and the larger load placed on the studs.

The school has invested in a substantial server room, in order to house the complex technologies being implemented into the school, which required a large number of ducts. This needed a substantial amount of openings within the wall which Metsec incorporated into the specification.

Partnership

Metsec’s engagement in the project from the early stages meant it could provide bespoke, flexible solutions integral to enabling the complex design aspects desired by the client.
Steve Williams, director at Mark One, said: “Working alongside the manufacturer from the early stages of the project meant that we could work in conjunction with Metsec in designing and delivering the additional design requirements, and it was a smooth running project all round.

Ryan Simmonds, sales director of framing at Metsec, said “Palmerston School was an interesting project from a design perspective and, in using BIM, all parties benefited from a central model that could be amended and revised throughout the early stages to produce an accurate plan during the delivery stages.”

For more information please visit www.metsec.com.
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Marley Eternit launches new Roof System Specification Guide

Marley Eternit is helping to make roof system specification easier with the launch of a new version of its popular roofing guide.

The 2017 Roof Systems Specification Guide now includes all of the information architects need to design and specify a complete pitched roof system, ensuring compliance with BS 5534 and reducing the risk of product substitution.

Marley Eternit’s new guide covers more roofing elements than ever before, from battens and underlay to clay and concrete tiles, fibre cement slates, profiled sheeting, shingles and shakes, right through to ventilation and fixings. It covers all aspects of roofing design and practice, including building regulations and standards, as well as the management of condensation, thermal insulation and weather resistance.

Alex Gill from Marley Eternit, explains: “Just like the rest of the construction industry, we know that architects and other specifiers are increasingly stretched. With more projects, less time, new innovations and changing regulations, they can’t be experts on all products. That’s where support from manufacturers is vital and resources like our new Roof System Specification Guide can be invaluable. We’re sure that this new, more comprehensive, guide will prove even more popular than previous editions.

“Recent figures from the NBS Specification survey show that 78 per cent of respondents think product substitution is still an issue in the industry, so there is a clear role for manufacturers to support specifiers in developing robust specifications that protect design intent. Using a complete tested roof system from Marley Eternit can help specifiers take greater control of the supply chain, with less risk of product substitution further down the line. It also delivers clear levels of accountability and integration, giving greater protection to specifiers by helping to reduce risk to their design liability.”

Marley Eternit offers the most comprehensive pitched roof system on the market, with more elements guaranteed to work together than any other manufacturer and a fifteen year system guarantee.

To download your copy of the new Roof System Specification Guide, or request a hard copy, visit www.marleyeternit.co.uk/roofingguide.
For further information on our range of products and services just ask ME at www.marleyeternit.co.uk or call ME on 01283 722588. You can also follow ME on Twitter @MarleyEternit. If it matters to you it matters to us, that’s why with ME it’s all about you.
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Quality and sustainability shift puts A4 Stainless Steel Fasteners in pole position

Developer and client demands for building envelopes which offer outstanding build-quality in the long term, and enhance the overall green credentials of the finished building, are driving increased interest in high performance A4 (316 grade) stainless steel fasteners, according to global fastener manufacturer SFS.

The company, which pioneered A2 (304 grade) and A4 (316 grade) stainless steel fasteners for roofing and cladding in the UK more than 30 years ago, has completed orders for A4 stainless steel fasteners for a string of high profile building projects during 2017. These include the stunning new golden-clad Alchemist bar and restaurant which is set to be a new landmark at Salford Quays, the Vita York student complex, the Royal Liverpool Hospital Life Science Accelerator building, the Broughton Airbus Building and several buildings at the Jaguar Land Rover plant.

The key advantage of A4 fasteners versus A2, which have made an enormous contribution to improving standards in roofing and cladding installations in recent years, is that they offer extended resistance to corrosion. This gives OEMs and contractors the scope to offer warranties on the building envelope of up to 40 years (depending on the system and building type/location) – an additional 15 years on what A2 fasteners are capable of.

In delivering a longer lifespan, A4 fasteners are vitally important for clients seeking higher sustainability ratings on their buildings. This is because the building envelope will retain its integrity and visual appeal for a much longer period, without the need for maintenance or premature replacement which is costly, inconvenient for building users and impacts significantly on the carbon footprint of the building.

Andy Stolworthy, Product & Market Development Manager at SFS, says “The use of A4 fasteners has long been widely accepted for areas with corrosive environments, such as densely populated urban and industrial locations, and particularly coastal areas. In recent years there has been an increase in demand for A4 stainless steel fasteners for all applications, driven by specifiers and clients seeking an enhanced quality product for increased building longevity.

“With initiatives including BIM putting the building industry on an upward trajectory in terms of overall quality, value and sustainability, A4 fasteners have a clear appeal. The operational expenditure needed for a building during its service life is already significantly greater than the capital budget required to build it in the first place. So, investing slightly more in the build – i.e. by choosing A4 fasteners for the envelope, rather than coated carbon or A2 – allows the operating costs to be considerably reduced, with guaranteed performance for at least another 15 years longer.”

SFS provides an extensive range of stainless steel fasteners across A2, A4 and A5 materials for all kinds of roofing and cladding applications, and works closely with OEMs to ensure innovative and creative approaches to the building envelope can be reliably and confidently delivered.

Customers can access detailed information about all the fastening solutions available from SFS through downloading its 2017 Roofing and Cladding Catalogue from their 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 to ensure the best possible result in the finished building envelope.

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Alumasc: LHC’s highest-ranked flat roofing supplier

After a rigorous evaluation and selection process, Alumasc was the highest-placed flat roofing supplier appointed by LHC to the FR2 Framework Agreement. The framework, available for local authorities, social landlords and other public-sector bodies, is used to procure social housing and public building construction, refurbishment and maintenance works, products and services.

Alumasc was the first-ranked, of five, flat roofing suppliers appointed to this framework because of its high scores for product quality, cost-effectiveness and reliability. Alumasc was ranked the top manufacturer for price, quality and value for money for Local Authorities, social landlords and other public sector organisations throughout England and Scotland, and the top supplier for price and value for money for Wales.

LHC Technical Manager Richard Wilby said: “Congratulations to Alumasc on being the top-ranked flat roofing supplier for England, Wales and Scotland following our rigorous framework tender exercise. The weighting of our Flat Roofing Framework (FR2) encompassed a tough ‘Quality’ criteria, including emphasis on ‘Social Standing’ and ‘Price’, to which Alumasc completed a very competitive and well thought out tender return.”

Alumasc also had to provide strong evidence of its social responsibility, sustainability, legislation compliance, quality management, equal opportunities and diversity, health and safety and financial stability, backed by case studies covering all geographic regions.

Why public sector organisations should use the LHC Procurement Framework:

  • Rapid identification of fully-compliant LHC-approved flat roof suppliers
  • Access to annual project rebate facility
  • Competitive market prices
  • Quick and efficient procurement
  • Instant access to project data
  • Delivery period and service level guarantees
  • Advice on design and regulatory compliance
  • High quality standards
  • Quick project starts

Further information about the benefits of the LHC Framework is available from Alumasc Roofing Systems quoting ‘LHC Framework’ on 01744 646 400 or email contact@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk.

To request a free Alumasc Roofing Systems flat roof refurbishment seminar at your premises, visit www.alumascroofing.co.uk or call 03335 771 500.
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Magical result as SFS Fasteners deliver for MediaCity UK’s iconic new building

SFS has played a key role in enabling Artez, the main contractor, and leading roofing and cladding contractor Longworth to deliver an iconic new building on Manchester’s vibrant MediaCity waterfront for upmarket bar and restaurant chain The Alchemist.

The company’s powder-coated, high performance A4 (grade 316) stainless steel fasteners were key to creating a stunning gold building envelope for ‘The Bund’, a unique structure located on the land bridge crossing Dock 9 at Salford Quays, between The Lowry and the BBC.

Designed by Reid Architects, The Bund is an iconic new bar and restaurant on the waterfront next to the world famous Lowry Centre for Living Ventures and the company’s 11th Alchemist venue. The design brief provided scope for originality and creativity in meeting the key requirements to deliver a building that would be different and special, and draw together the diverse areas of Salford Quays in a single new building.

The Bund provides a revolutionary hybrid landscape in creating what is a unique and futuristic venue. The new building’s gold roof and walls, and stunning terrace that cantilevers out over the canal, are designed to match the aesthetic and style ambitions of Living Ventures and of the high class cocktail bar’s clientele.

Longworth, who are renowned for their expertise in metal roofing, were commissioned to construct the building envelope and to realise Reid Architects’ golden vision. The company’s Business Development Manager, Ben Parker, says, “We are immensely proud of our work on The Alchemist, an incredibly complex building envelope project that only a handful of companies in the UK could have successfully implemented. To hear that the building has been shortlisted for a Building of the Year Award with Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce this October makes it an especially memorable project for us.

“Colour coordinating the gold zinc panels and the fasteners was critical, which is why we worked with SFS to ensure complete colour consistency on the fastener heads. We can rely on the excellent quality of SFS products, with their range of A4 (grade 316) fasteners enabling us to offer an extended life cycle on the building envelope, a requirement which is now generally specified by all the leading architects.”

Graeme McIlroy, Regional Sales Manager at SFS, adds “Fasteners hold the key to maintaining the visual appeal of the building envelope, with our powder coated A4 stainless steel fasteners best for ensuring a façade retains its integrity over a long service life. We are delighted to have been part of The Bund development working with Longworth and we hope to supply fasteners for more exciting projects as this exciting development rivals London at the heart of the media world.”

To find out more about high performance fasteners for the building envelope visit www.sfsintec.co.uk.
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Brookhurst handmade clay roof tiles for Suffolk new build and renovation

Brookhurst handmade clay roof tiles have been specified for a glorious new build project in the Thredling Hundred, mid Suffolk. Close to the village centre of Debenham, this outstanding and spacious home is surrounded by outbuildings, both old and new. A new two-storey car lodge offers accommodation on the first floor and sits beside an original 1914 barn, while the jewel in the crown is the converted tower mill which dates back to 1839. The two acre estate was purchased at auction, subject to planning, and provides far reaching views of the stunning Suffolk landscape, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and birthplace of John Constable.

“There is certainly a lot of history attached to this spot and I recall we were surprised and delighted that local planners allowed us to replace the existing cottage that was on this site,” says Joe Johnson. “The property was very run down and needed considerable work to make it habitable so for us it made total sense to knock it down and start again. In fact the whole site was in need of recovery, high roadside hedges completely obscured the buildings and the mill was so deeply covered in bramble that we couldn’t even see the brick building beneath.”

Joe and Sandra Johnson designed the house themselves together with architect Tim Linstead of Anglia Design LLP, Norwich. The property incorporates the very latest technology including air source heat pump, photovoltaic solar panels and a heat recovery ventilation system, which together has resulted in a highly sustainable building. The open plan kitchen and day room is reached via a generous utility room which is adjacent to the gym. The day lounge is flanked by a contemporary garden room, with natural solid timber features, and offers far reaching rural views across the moated garden. Bricks and beams reclaimed from the original cottage have been used to create a large and welcoming inglenook fireplace which houses a log burning stove in the day lounge.

In the spacious entrance hall, which serves two formal reception rooms, a regal two way oak staircase leads to a minstrels gallery and five double bedroom suites. A large floored-out area in the roof space above provides substantial and valuable storage and can be reached via its own door and staircase off the first floor landing.

“We started the build in autumn 2014 having meticulously planned the build schedule”, continues Joe, “and we moved into the house in November ’16. Work is still ongoing to the mill which is reported to have been one of the finest examples of a tower mill in the country.” The mill was originally five stories at a height of 57ft with four sails. It was tail-winded in July 1918 and suffered significant damage. The mill was repaired using the sails from Preston Mill, near Lavenham in Suffolk, with the help of a £100 Government grant. The mill was set to work again on 21 June 1921, working until 1935. It then stood derelict until December 1962 when it was literally pulled down to a two-storey stump. The truncated mill has been extended to the rear by the Johnson’s and will provide lovely accommodation for visitors to the region.

As a successful carpenter and builder Joe Johnson is familiar with the specification of many leading materials’ and systems and presented Sahtas UK with drawings early in 2015. “It has been a delight to work with Joe and Sandra on this very ambitious build and I know how much hard work and effort has gone into the last three years,” says Iain Webster, director of Sahtas UK Limited. Working with samples of the Brookhurst natural clay roof tiles, the couple chose the Wentworth tile for the main house and the rear extension to the mill. “In fact, this was the first project to specify the Wentworth when it was first launched so we are pleased and proud that it was chosen for such a special build,” comments Iain. “The Wentworth gives the feel of a weathered, reclaimed tile with its dark red base and heavy dark weathering that looks old and established from the very first day.”

Brookhurst tiles are made from the highest quality clay material using traditional hand moulding and coal firing techniques. Whilst these glorious traditions are maintained, Brookhurst tiles meet the highest technical standards and are fully compliant with BS EN 538 and 539 test standards for strength, durability and weather protection. The artisan skills of this production method has also founded a vast inventory of bespoke designs, intricate and unique shapes, and varied components with refined colour matches essential where extensive renovation is undertaken.
Externally, the original barn has been fully restored and the clay pantiles have been replaced with well-matched reclaimed tiles. “It was important to source a good match for the new build car lodge as the two barns sit side by side,” says Joe. “Here Sahtas helped us again and colour matched the tiles in Turkey and shipped samples back to the UK. We were delighted with these and most of our visitors can’t identify the old from the new.”

Sahtas traditional pantiles are manufactured to the same high standards as the rest of the collection and available in the same colourways as the Brookhurst tile range. “We will always help clients who have a very specific requirement, or regional bias, and if we have to make something bespoke we have the capacity to do so,” comments Iain. “We are passionate about producing premium handmade clay products which exceed the expectations of both the industry and our customers. This goal is achieved through stringent in-house quality control at all levels, as well as continuous external independent testing. Bespoke or not, all Sahtas products are backed by our 100% quality guarantee.”

More product information is available at www.sahtas.co.uk. Alternatively please telephone 01908 311411 or email sahtasUK@sahtas.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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Handmade clay tiles create historic-style new build

Canterbury handmade clay plain tiles from leading roof systems manufacturer, Marley Eternit have been used to create an authentic roof for a new build historic-style cottage in the Denham Conservation area.

The self build project, in the picturesque old English village of Denham, had to adhere to strict planning guidelines for roof height and use of materials due to the number of listed buildings along the same road. The homeowner consulted independent roofing merchant Skyline Roofing Centres, who recommended the Canterbury clay tiles in Loxleigh to give a premium rustic aesthetic and complement the cottage’s Welsh oak timber frame.

The homeowner explains “Denham village dates back to the Doomsday Book and has 46 listed buildings, the majority of which are along Village Road where our new house has been built. These historic properties are largely vernacular with a mix of brick and timber frames and many of them have handmade clay tiles on the roof.

“We chose the Marley Eternit handmade tiles because they achieved the traditional, heritage look demanded by local planning and blended in well with the rafters and open eaves on the roof. They also complemented the copper gutters and downpipes, which needed to fit with planning requirements as well.

“We have been aspiring to build our own home for over five years, so we had a clear image of what we wanted it to look like and had even built a model of it. The handmade tiles have helped us to achieve our dream picturesque cottage, which sits perfectly in this idyllic village and is a welcome break from the busy city.”

Marley Eternit’s range of Canterbury tiles are handmade by skilled craftsmen, using locally sourced Etruria Marl, generally accepted to be the finest clay for strength and durability. The tiles are available in three colours; Chailey (orange), Loxleigh (antique) and Burford (brown) with their own handmade fittings range.

Daniel Redfern, product manager from Marley Eternit, comments “We developed the Canterbury range specifically for projects like this, giving architects and self builders more choice when only genuine handmade clay plain tiles may be specified to meet planning requirements. The traditional hand making process brings random undulations and variations that give each tile its unique appearance, creating a distinct rustic style roof that is ideal for conservation or aesthetic purposes.”

For more information, literature and samples, please contact 01283 722588 or visit www.marleyeternit.co.uk/handmade
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