FC&A February 2015 Supplement

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Supplement

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

February 2015 www.fca-magazine.com

In association with

Mixed Media Information Pear Platt, Woodfalls Farm, Gravelly Way, Laddingford, Kent, ME18 6DA Tel: 01622 873229 Fax: 01622 320020 www.fca-magazine.com www.mixedmediainfo.com

Editor Hannah Frackiewicz hannah@mixedmediainfo.com 01622 873229 Print & Digital Advertising Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com 01622 873229 Steve Gull steve@mixedmediainfo.com Studio Manager Chris Lilly chris@mixedmediainfo.com

Welcome

...to our Roofing, Cladding & Insulation focus

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s much as we all want to design and construct a building that can withstand anything nature throws at it, it is inevitable the elements will have their way.

Blustery winds and torrential rain are the common causes of building damage – often very costly to rectify.

In this dedicated supplement, FC&A explores some of industry’s most trusted solutions to not only protect against weather damage but also ensure our buildings remain as energy efficient as possible. Among the highlights, on page 17, Alumasc Roofing explains why its hot-melt waterproofing system was specified on one of London’s iconic landmarks. Elsewhere, on page 18, Dura Composites discusses how an alternative to timber can still retain that authentic appearance.

We hope you enjoy this special focus. For further information about any of our contributors or if you wish to comment on a particular issue addressed within this edition, please do not hesitate to get in touch at the usual address.

Production Jack Witcomb jack@mixedmediainfo.com

Hannah Frackiewicz

Artworker/Sub-editor David Perry david@mixedmediainfo.com

Hannah Frackiewicz Editor, Future Constructor & Architect

Accounts Simone Jones simone@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com Terms and Conditions:

Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and return addressed envelope. No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editors hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Mixed Media Information Ltd. The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher. The Publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

Front cover:

Contents 05 Retained appearance:

James Latham showcases Accoya®LathamCLAD – a revolution in wood technology.

07 Authentic restoration:

Roofing from VM ZINC features on the restored Liverpool Central Library.

09 A different pitch:

Martin Shave at Protan asks why do we build dwellings with pitched, tiled roofs.

10 Making rooflight history:

Without doubt, the most significant development to the rooflight industry has been the BSI accreditation

13 Meeting eco standards:

Eco-projects requiring bespoke FAKRO roof windows are increasing in frequency and diversity.

14 Bespoke roof lights:

Lumen explains why specifying an off-the-shelf solution may not always be suitable.

16 Gutter protection:

Alumasc Rainwater explains the benefits of its Apex Heritage cast iron guttering.

17 Historic landmark:

Alumasc’s Hydrotech hot-melt waterproofing system has been installed at London’s County Hall.

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Long-lasting looks:

An alternative to using natural timber comes in the form of a fast growing new product made using timber composites.

One demanding eco project was the Green Unit, a modular Passivhaus building designed for a variety of sectors.

See page 13.

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The MCIAT Professional Assessment

– a new qualifying route What is the MCIAT Professional Assessment?

The MCIAT Professional Assessment is a flexible, rigorous, robust and quality assured qualifying process, based on performance and designed to recognise the diversity of Architectural Technology.

Candidates must provide an in-depth critical analysis clearly summarising their professional experience. This should be a reflective report and should refer to challenges and successes encountered whilst working on projects and how any issues were resolved.

Applicants should also undertake a self-evaluation highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in relation to their area(s) of practice.

The Professional Assessment process is based on four core competencies: • Designing • Managing • Practising • Developing (self)

Who can apply for the MCIAT Professional Assessment?

Any applicant working in or on, for example, academia, general practice, component design, refurbishment, small residential projects, large commercial projects etc within Architectural Technology, should be able to apply their own experience to the Professional Assessment process, but they must hold one of the following membership grades: ACIAT, TCIAT or profile candidate.

Each application will be assessed on its merit. However, each applicant will need to demonstrate a sufficient level of knowledge and understanding and professional competence/experience in relation to their sphere/s of practice and demonstrate to the Institute they can meet the expectations of a Chartered Architectural Technologist, MCIAT.

How much does it cost?

To apply for the Professional Assessment, applicants are required to pay £300 for the assessment of the application and the Professional Assessment Interview.

For further information email our Membership Director, James Banks via james@ciat.org.uk or call us on +44(0)20 7278 2206

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Images: Left: Accoya®LathamCLAD is a quality, long lasting product that is suitable for exterior cladding, siding and facades Below left: Accoya®LathamCLAD is produced using modified, fast growing species

Lathams’ latest cladding gets TRADA approval Accoya®LathamCLAD – the modified, highly durable and dimensionally stable certified timber cladding – is now available from all eight of James Latham’s timber depots.

Accoya®LathamCLAD is a perfect solution for exterior cladding, siding and facades where the wider board offers numerous features and benefits including enhanced aesthetics, less frequent maintenance, dimensional stability, durability and improved insulation values.

Retained appearance Paul Leach, James Latham’s Group Product Sales & Development Manager for Accoya said: “When it comes to cladding, Accoya®LathamCLAD ticks all the boxes and is the perfect solution for many exterior applications which were once only feasible with nonsustainable material. Use of the wider cladding boards is allowed by the improved dimensional stability, plus cladding joints do not open, tolerances remain tight and twist is prevented. In addition, the wood’s natural appearance is retained for longer, thanks to the superior resistance to the effects of UV exposure.”

He added:“Accoya®LathamCLAD is a fantastic material for external specification and fits perfectly with our already established range of sustainable products.”

In addition to cladding, sidings and facades, Accoya® wood is also ideal for windows, doors and decking.

Accoya® and the Trimarque Device are registered trademarks owned by Titan Wood Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Accsys Technologies PLC, and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.

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reated from sustainably sourced wood and completely nontoxic, Accoya®LathamCLAD is a revolution in wood technology. And with the 15mm profile having recently received TRADA approval for use as an external cladding product,

Suitable for horizontal or vertical installation, Accoya®LathamCLAD can be used to create simple or complex designs. And with a choice of factory coating finishes, it can be opaque coated or, for those wishing to enjoy the natural look of wood, translucent coated.

Plus, with a 50-year guarantee when used externally, Accoya®LathamCLAD’s low maintenance requirements add to its ‘whole life’ cost effectiveness and environmental credentials and this versatility makes it ideal for use in residential, commercial and industrial applications.

8 www.lathamtimber.co.uk * marketing@lathams.co.uk

( 0116 257 3415

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ALL THE GUIDANCE AND PROTECTION YOU NEED UNDER ONE ROOF VISIT WWW.NFRC.CO.UK OR CALL 020 7638 7663 Follow us on Twitter @TheNFRC

Saving Time, Saving Money 速

Giving roofing contractors an easier way* to notify for Building Regulations on roofing refurbishment work for all types and for all sectors within England and Wales.

Call 020 7448 3189 or visit www.competentroofer.co.uk Reg. No. 7717

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* the alternative is through LABC. Failure to notify can result in a fine.

29/01/2015 16:39:10

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

VM ZINC re-roof on library restoration

Images: Above right: A magnificent view of the circular roof can be had from the library’s new roof terrace Above: The stunning atrium is a feature which has been cited in many awards that the project has received

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ts magnificent colonnaded rotunda has seen 800m2 of VM ZINC QUARTZZINC PLUS installed over much of the 135-year old Victorian boarding, a combination of batten cap and standing seam panels being used to satisfy English Heritage requirements for the Unesco World Heritage Site. Conservation and restoration of historic elements of the building fabric were essential factors in the design brief, so roofing details were recreated authentically with the help of VM ZINC’s heritage service.

Sidney Smirke’s original design provided the first public library in the UK but, with much of it was destroyed by bombing during the Second World War. Subsequent construction during the 50s and 70s had given rise to many problems, what lay behind the preserved frontage having been described as ‘an impenetrable and uninspired assembly of corridors and storage’.

Great care was taken to clean and restore the historic, Grade II-listed neoclassical facade on William Brown Street.

It was, however, necessary to demolish the post-war buildings to make way for a new, energy-efficient, five-storey structure which houses reading and information floors, a climate-controlled archive facility, cafe, meeting rooms, atrium and public roof terrace. Specialist restoration contractor William Anelay commissioned Bolton Sheet Metal to undertake the zinc work and make repairs to the steel and underlying timber structure. A magnificent view of the

circular roof can be had from the library’s new roof terrace which also looks out over St John’s Gardens and St George’s Hall.

Stonework on the facade has been lovingly restored but the frontage gives no hint of the radical transformation that has taken place within.The 8000m2 library and archive has six floors and the stunning atrium is a feature which has been cited in many awards that the project has received. However, it is the roof which has been highlighted as ‘star’ of the project, not just because of the spectacular views it provides but because of the external aesthetic that it gives the building.

Joyce Little, Head of Libraries at Liverpool Council said of the project:“We wanted a new visible entrance, new public library spaces, a new archive repository with appropriate temperature and humidity control and to open up historic areas for public use in order to make the library a visitor destination for the first time.” The historic Hornby Library and Oak Room were not previously open to the public and the sunken circular amphitheatre space in the Picton Library basement has been transformed into a children’s ‘Discover library’.

Four million collection items are contained within the new building, among them a signed letter by Elizabeth I.

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As part of Austin Smith Lord’s design for the £50m renovation of Liverpool Central Library, the Picton Reading Room’s original zinc roof, built in 1879, had to be replaced.

8 www.vmzinc.co.uk * vmzinc.uk@umicore.com

( 01992 822288

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Glass, Glazing & Balustrades

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Images: Left: Avant Homes using Protan nationwide on its flat roof home designs Below: Bett Homes’ Richmond Park in Glasgow

A different pitch to roofing

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here is no law saying we have to; it is tradition, and a bad reputation for flat roofs.Yet a move away from the traditional would create a more interesting vista, give housebuilders greater profit potential, and go a long way to major reductions in the £2.5bn we spend repairing roofs damaged by weather.

23% of Britain’s existing dwellings already have at least some part of the roof that is flat/low pitched. Current consumer demand is for maximum natural light, open plan living. As a result, housebuilders are responding to the consumer demand by incorporating bifold doors into properties, often under a low pitched roof.

These low-pitched structures in effect give consumers the ready-made extension they would probably add anyway (instead of a conservatory). It meets the demand for more light within, and has an ‘added value’ benefit in that should they want to add more upstairs space, the base is already there.

And whatever your beliefs about global warming, we are experiencing a spate of windier, colder winters. Research shows that when we suffer high winds, domestic roof damage exceeds £2.5bn, as tiles lift under wind loading; in winter weather, roof damage is the most common insurance claim as tiles crack from the

cold or give way under snow loading.

If we constructed roofs with ‘softer’ lines, and used different roofing materials, such as single ply membranes, much of that weather damage could be eliminated.

To address ‘flat’ roofs first, historically, ‘flat’ roofs in the domestic sector have been avoided, based on their reputation for problems and failures. Admittedly, too often they have failed, largely because of a tendency to go for as low a cost as possible – meaning inferior materials, often poorly installed.

The reality is, that if properly designed to modern standards, using decent materials, ‘flat’ roofs covered with a membrane will perform as well as – if not better than – pitched, tiled roofs. They will also compare favourably in terms of material costs, and significantly reduce labour costs.

The minimum quality of roofing for built-up roofs on habitable buildings is BS747 Type 5. Today’s single ply membranes are a world apart from traditional rag, wood-fibre or asbestos based felts. PVC membranes, for example, have overcome their main problem from the 1950s of becoming brittle, helping ensure their longevity in practice. Today, there are PVC roofs that have been in place, without detriment for 35+ years.

To go beyond flat roofing, single ply

membranes help deliver the energy efficiency requirements laid down in Approved Document L, and, under the Green Guide, achieve an A+ rating. Properly installed, there will also be fewer potential site remedials/snagging than with a tiled roof with mortar-bedded ridge and eaves.

Fifth elevation The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and Single Ply Roofing Asssociation (SPRA) have both published Guides on designing a built-up roof, both of which reiterate that message: good quality installation by reputable contractors will give a dependable, longlasting roof.

A single ply roof can be warm or cold in its construction. It does not have to be flat. The roof is the fifth elevation of a building, and should give as much architectural and aesthetic interest as the supporting walls. The nature of the beast with single ply membrane is that it is a flexible material. As a result, it is ideally suited to almost every roof. It can be more easily fitted into valleys and gutters. It can be manipulated through all dimensions, enabling curves, barrels and angles to be formed almost seamlessly. It can be manufactured in almost any colour.

It forms the basis of a green roof.

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Martin Shave, Business Development Manager for domestic roofing at Protan, one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of single ply membranes asks why do we build dwellings with pitched, tiled roofs.

8 www.protan.co.uk * customercare@protan.co.uk

( 01925 658001

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Making rooflight history The past 12 months have been incredibly fast paced and will certainly make rooflight manufacturing history. Without doubt, the most significant development has been the BSI accreditation. Essentially, those rooflight products verified by the BSI meet the same air permeability, weathertightness and wind resistance that windows and doors do under BS 6375-1:2009.

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that sit across the internal to external parts of your building.This is the only effective way of maintaining insulation and, therefore, the climatic control of your building.

Of course, advances continue to be made with regards to the specification of the glass itself. Last year, over 30% of Sunsquare’s clients specified skylights that respond directly to the surrounding environment and the percentage of orders for 2015 is expected to rise to 35-40%.

The most impactful development in the last couple of years has been the wider adoption of neutral solar control glass in rooflights. These particular products maximise the amount of natural daylight into a room whilst controlling the sun’s heat.There’s also a growing requirement for what’s aptly named ‘super’ neutral solar control glass.The highly selective coated glass combines solar control with a high light transmission and Low E performance. Not only is there a typical light transmittance of 70% (depending on the glass specified), it affords exceptional thermal insulation too.

There’s no doubt about it, to stay on top their game, skylight manufacturers need to be able to respond directly to the needs of their many and varied clients.

The introduction of significantly lower

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Images: Main: Of particular interest to those specifying flat roof skylights, is the performance of the frame in which the skylight is positioned Above: Choose a manufacturer that makes its own thermally broken extruded aluminium profiles

pitched pyramid skylights, and the myriad of technical specifications now available highlights the symbiotic relationship between client and manufacturer.

What this means in terms of manufacturing advancements is equally as impressive. For Sunsquare, the investment into three Elumatec machining centres has allowed the company to not only manufacture efficiently and accurately, but cost-effectively. In fact, they can produce up to four high specification skylights an hour, meeting even the tightest of client schedules.

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he technical team at Sunsquare can vouch for the fact that it was no mean feat getting the BSI to verify skylights to BS 6375-1:2009. As an industry first, creating the exact extreme weather conditions was a challenge, but it’s certainly been worthwhile to finally put skylights on the same level as windows and doors.

Of particular interest to those specifying flat roof skylights, is the performance of the frame in which the skylight is positioned. Most of us already know that aluminium, which the majority of skylights are manufactured from, transmits heat/cold very efficiently. If the external temperature manipulates the skylight frame, it not only creates a skylight that acts as a huge heat loss area for a property but also opens up the possibility of serious condensation issues.

With how far the manufacturing of skylights has developed over the past few years though, there should not be any excuse for under-performance.The best advice would be to choose a manufacturer that makes its own thermally broken extruded aluminium profile.

For a product to be truly thermally broken to today’s standards you should expect to see polyamide sections dividing all materials

8 www.sunsquare.co.uk * sales@sunsquare.co.uk

( 01284 848674

www.kempersystem.co.uk

Sustainable, Solvent-Free and Odourless Kemperol® Liquid waterproofing and roofing at its very best

As the National Theatre raises the curtain on its 50th anniversary season, Kemper System has ensured that its’ Grade II listed building continues to perform by providing the waterproofing membrane and surfacing for a major roof and balcony refurbishment project.

Kemperol®

Performance without the drama...

• Ideal for roof refurbishment, repair and new build roofing projects.

• Complete sustainable, solvent free and odourless waterproofing systems available that can be laid whilst the building is operational.

• Kemperol® is a cold liquid application removing the fire risk of hot works.

• Laid in a single wet-on-wet process to form a totally seamless, durable, fleece reinforced, UV stable, elastomeric waterproofing membrane that cannot delaminate.

• With BBA Approval and a life expectancy in excess of 25 years your roofing budget will never be better spent.

Kemperol Liquid Waterproofing

For more information visit www.kempersystem.co.uk Request a brochure, quotation, NBS specification, CPD or FREE site survey.

Email enquiries@kempersystem.co.uk or call 01925 445532 to discuss your needs.

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Images: Left: One demanding eco project was the Green Unit, a modular Passivhaus building designed for a variety of sectors Below: House builders too are specifying non-standard roof windows, among the most recent being Charles Church

Eco-projects requiring bespoke FAKRO roof windows are increasing in frequency and diversity. Those built to high sustainability standards such as Passivhaus are invariably the most demanding but in addition to the requirement for thermal efficiency, designs requiring specific window sizes, colours and accessories provide opportunities which other manufacturers are either unable to meet.

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ne demanding eco project was the Green Unit, a modular Passivhaus building designed for a variety of sectors including housing. FAKRO L-shaped combination windows using a centre pivot FTP U5 nonvented triple-glazed upper element were specified for the building’s curved green roof. Jonathan Finnerty of The Green Unit commented: “Carbon neutral specification meant that procurement conditions for every element of the building were considered in great depth. FAKRO worked with us to achieve what we required and gave us valuable technical advice.”

Tina Holt and Richard Middup worked to the EnerPHit standard for a retrofit and loft conversion of their 3-bed, 1952 detached home. As with Passivhaus, EnerPHit requires triple-glazed windows, but the specification was upgraded to the quadruple-glazed FAKRO FTT U8 Thermo.

Its 0.58 W/m2K U-value is unmatched in a standard roof window, exceeding the minimum requirement of 0.85.Tina Holt

commented: “In the initial air tightness test of the house following the main phase of work we achieved a figure of 1.1 ACH at 50 Pascals.Though we had to reach a target figure of 1.0 ACH, we did not detect any air-flow through the Fakro window seals during the test.”

Architects have also used FAKRO thermally efficient windows in sustainable designs for their own homes. A row of FAKRO FTT U6 roof windows and in-roof

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FAKRO eco-projects keep on coming

solar thermal panels were specified by Rob Delius, Head of Sustainable Design at Stride Treglown, for his self-build in the central Bath Conservation Area. Airtightness was part of an integrated approach which included PV tiles and slates, rainwater harvesting, a green roof, passive stack ventilation, MHVR and use of thermal mass from masonry construction.

In the leisure sector, architects Maxwell & Co specified FAKRO FTP-V centre pivot and FPP-V top hung and pivot roof windows with bespoke flashings for luxury, self-catering log cabins at Eagle Brae in the Highlands. Project Architect Steven Caudry explained: “Key to the project were green roofs with indigenous wild grasses. Roof windows were fitted into waterproofed timber boxes raised above the vegetation and FAKRO manufactured bespoke flashings to suit our unique details.”

House builders too are specifying non-standard roof windows, among the most recent being Charles Church.Their St. Andrew’s Park development on the former RAF Uxbridge site was subject to planning requirements for specific sizes, flashing colour and installation depth.

Openings of up to 2 x 2.4m in natural slate roofs were involved, FAKRO EL flashings providing the required low profile. Charles Church confirmed that turnaround time was significantly quicker than any other manufacturer could offer.

8 www.fakro.co.uk * sales@fakrogb.com

( 01283 554755

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

When it comes to specifying a rooflight that is as individual as your project then an off the shelf product is not always suitable.

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Images: Above: Lumen will create unique rooflights that will integrate seamlessly within your overall scheme Below left: Lumen bespoke rooflights add that special finishing touch to any contemporary, conservation, commercial or domestic project

By establishing the parameters of your project and understanding how rooflights will fit within the overall design concept, Lumen will create unique rooflights that will integrate seamlessly within your overall scheme and help set your design apart.

Lumen Rooflight’s design team will transform your brief into a complete solution, including technical drawings, onsite surveys, liaison with your building or planning team and installation support.

Lumen bespoke rooflights can: Be virtually any size, shape or colour Be installed to pitched or flat roofs of any roof type Incorporate manual or electric opening mechanisms Be made to fit closely to any existing structure Have any finish appearance Provide unrivalled longevity Be manufactured to withstand marine or hostile environments Bespoke rooflights from Lumen are British manufactured using only the highest quality materials. This enables Lumen to create truly stunning, reliable and sustainable rooflights that deliver, year after year after year.

8 www.lumenrooflight.co.uk * info@lumenrooflight.co.uk

( 0330 300 1090

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Beautifully bespoke rooflights

umen Rooflight is the UK’s leading manufacturer of bespoke rooflight products, with stunning high quality rooflight designs to suit virtually every application.

From the size and number of opening or fixed casements, through to a wide choice of glazing specification, paint colours, opening mechanisms and liners – the possibilities are endless.

Whether a rooflight is required to exactly fit the unique underlying structures of an historic building or to complement an innovative modern design, Lumen bespoke rooflights, with their fine lines of steel and tailor-made proportions add that special finishing touch to any contemporary, conservation, commercial or domestic project.

Energy Efficiency

The all-new psbj.co.uk Your revitalised and purpose-built portal for public sector building specification PSBJ unveils the new-look online resource for building products designed for the public sector built environment. Offering more content in an easy-to-navigate format, this refreshing, tailor-made new portal delivers the right content to the right audience in the shortest time possible.

www.psbj.co.uk

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Protection for cast iron guttering Cast iron is a popular and well-used material for rainwater guttering on many UK building projects. Tough, strong and 100% recyclable, cast iron can last in excess of 100 years, if properly manufactured, protected and installed. But if exposed to the elements without the proper protection, cast iron will fail.

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to ensure that all surfaces are fully and evenly painted, otherwise rust will set in and weaknesses will be exposed putting at risk the entire guttering system and the fabric of the building it protects.

It’s worth remembering that rainwater guttering is there to protect your property. If it fails to perform and water starts to attack the building the cost of putting that right is out of all proportion to the small initial investment in cast iron protection.

Fully factory painted cast iron may need a touch-up in five to six years to maintain the protection. This means lower materials and labour costs over the lifetime of the project.

To verify the facts and put industry minds at rest, Alumasc Rainwater has recently commissioned a series of independent 1000-hour salt-spray

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Above image: Alumasc’s Apex Heritage cast iron rainwater guttering lasts up to 10 years before it needs repainting

tests to confirm the performance of its pre-painted cast iron range. These tests were performed on Alumasc’s factory certified painted finish, on that of an inferior paint finish applied on site (i.e. not an equivalent four-coat finish) and also on the painted finish of the competition.

The results of the tests will be published in a Technical White Paper, which will be available to download from the Alumasc Rainwater website in early 2015.

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he key to ensuring longevity of your cast iron rainwater system is paint, but only paint which has been properly applied, and with enough coats. Primed systems for painting on site have long been specified with a view that they are the most cost effective. But Alumasc Rainwater has changed that.

Alumasc’s pre-painted cast iron is only 13% more expensive than primed cast iron, but the long-term cost savings far outweigh this modest initial investment.

Alumasc’s Apex Heritage cast iron rainwater guttering lasts up to 10 years before it needs repainting. The painted guttering goes through a four coat system, using certified paint which is factory-applied under strictly controlled conditions. The paint, which is available in eight standard heritage colours, has been specifically developed to give a smooth and long lasting finish to the cast iron – this is extremely difficult to replicate on-site.

Furthermore, care has to be taken

8 www.alumascrainwater.co.uk * info@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk

( 0808 100 2008

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Alumasc’s Hydrotech hot-melt waterproofing system has been successfully installed at London’s County Hall, one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks. Located next to the London Eye on the South Bank, County Hall was previously the HQ for GLC. It is now a popular hub for arts, entertainment, eateries and accommodation.

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s part of a four-year refurbishment programme, County Hall Estate Management (CHEM) needed to remove and replace all existing road surfaces at the location, some of which formed a podium deck structure above the boiler room, offices for the London Eye and tanks for the London Aquarium, containing rare and valuable species.

Hydrotech waterproofing was put forward on the scheme due to its ease of installation, 20-year warranty and impressive 50-year track record of zero product failures.The system was expertly installed by Alumasc registered installer Caretec, who have worked with the product for many years.

A major technical challenge on the scheme was that a hot asphalt layer would

be installed on top of the Hydrotech system. Precautions had to be taken to minimise the risk of reactivating the Hydrotech membrane on application of the hot tarmac. Alumasc’s technical team worked closely with Caretec to assess the risks at different stages of the installation and to ensure that the new asphalt was laid on an appropriate protective membrane at the right temperature.

An additional challenge was the heavy flow of traffic in and around the site. A constant flow of vehicles to surrounding leisure facilities meant that disruption to site facilities had to be minimised, whilst the installation of Hydrotech continued. Due to the versatility of the product, this was a requirement that could easily be met.

Speaking about the project, Mike Foster at Caretec, said: “The existing road surface

Above image: Alumasc’s Hydrotech hot-melt waterproofing system has been successfully installed at London’s County Hall

had reached the end of its life and was allowing water ingress into the basement area below. Installing Hydrotech as the waterproofing membrane layer means that the basement areas are effectively protected for the lifetime of the structure.

This was important to the client, given that these spaces are integral to the daily running of many key attractions such as the London Aquarium and London Eye.We’ve used Hydrotech for years and have always been very pleased with how easy it is to install, and how well it performs.”

Hydrotech is at the leading edge of waterproofing technology, offering a lightweight, flexible and self-healing membrane. It is ideal for use at zero falls on inverted green roofs and hard landscaped podium structures, particularly in new build applications. Hydrotech is manufactured using 10% post-consumer recycled material, is BBA accredited and has European Technical Approval.

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Hydrotech protects historic London landmark

8 www.alumascroofing.co.uk * info@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk

( 0333 5771 500

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Stuart Burns, Director at Dura Composites, looks at a real life case study where composite timber cladding has been used to renovate the look of an older office and factory building.

D

eciding on a look for a new build or renovation can be a seriously stressful experience for the end client, whether they be a self builder or a multi-national organisation. Many wrestle with the dilemma of using modern materials for a sleek and fresh look or the use traditional materials such as wood. Whilst natural wood cladding represents a sizeable chunk of the wall cladding and facade market place, it is an area that must be fully understood if you are to achieve the look you want for a long period of time. That is because most timber cladding will fade significantly and begin to rot over time unless it is treated with the appropriate paint or stain at regular intervals.

An alternative to using natural timber comes in the form of a fast growing new product made using timber composites.

That is where natural timber is used within a composite mix to create a material that is more suited to battling the elements over an extended life cycle in all weather conditions. Dura Cladding is one such product on the market where selected recycled wood and recycled high density polyethylene is used to create

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a cladding range that offer the natural appearance of wooden cladding but without the hassle or expense of periodic maintenance to preserve the wood.

Timber composite cladding still represents a tiny margin of the overall market, and UK suppliers are few and far between, but it seems key decision makers are finally realising its true value for new builds or refurbishments.

One of the main points to note for the eco-minded is that a quality timber composite product like Dura Cladding can be just as green as wood, if not more.

A report from CERAM UK confirmed that Dura Cladding meets the highest sustainability specifications. It is made of 87% recycled materials, and was the first timber composite supplier to become FSC 100% certified.

Whereas traditional wood planks require regular painting or staining to preserve their natural beauty and protect them, UV inhibitors can be added to a quality timber composite at the point of manufacture to protect against the elements.

Another thing to remember when choosing a supplier is that the best ones

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Above: Vertical Trims and guttering in place following the completion of the weatherboard cladding side wall

offer warranties of up to 25 years – at least a decade longer than the life-cycle of the average hardwood alternative.

Quality timber composite cladding is further characterised by the fact that it won’t crack, shrink, warp or rot.

To illustrate how Dura Cladding can be used both traditionally and also in a more contemporary format, the Dura premises were recently fitted with the newly-launched 150/21 Weatherboard product in Barn Black for the main factory and 200/21 Flush in Pale Grey for the more contemporary office building at the front of the premises. The series of photos taken during the installation help illustrate not only how relatively simple the material is to install for professionals, but also how much of a transformation can be accomplished across a large area with a relatively small outlay.

Aesthetics are always subjective and can be a highly emotive subject for the facade of a building. What is not subjective though is life cycle costs. Due to the lack of maintenance required, and the long design life, although composite cladding purchase costs may be higher than some natural wood cladding, it can actually work out significantly cheaper when life cycle costs are considered. Being 87% recycled and available as FSC 100% the green aspect is thoroughly covered as well.

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Retain traditional look with timber composites

Images: Above Left: The Dura premises were recently fitted with the 150/21 Weatherboard product for the main factory and 200/21 Flush for the office building

8 www.duracomposites.com * info@duracomposites.com

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