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NEW ALTERNATIVE TO FIBRECEMENT EAVES CLADDING
GOVERNMENT GOES GREEN DPW - EASTERN CAPE PUBLIC WORKS
Saint-Gobain in South Africa has developed an innovative alternative to the dominant fibre-cement eaves cladding solution currently used in the industry. Glasroc® X eaves, is Saint-Gobain Gyproc’s latest and distinctive offering, as it allows for a flush plastered finish in order to resist the rigors of the local external environment. This exterior cladding board aims to fully address the challenges of unstable climatic conditions, by providing a durable yet flexible solution. Often, the primary driver in the choice of material for this type of system, is that the material and installation must resist large temperature fluctuations and the natural movement of a structure. “The Glasroc® X Eaves System is a durable external ceiling for use in covered, semi-exposed and exposed areas of buildings,” explains Paul Louw, Product Category Manager, from Saint-Gobain Africa. Glasroc® X is reinforced with a glass-mat on both surfaces, providing outstanding performance in harsh and humid environments. This non paper-faced board is free from cellulose content, and therefore has a strong inherent resistance to mould growth, which is perfect for wet areas and high-humidity environments. Additionally, apart from its durable properties, Glasroc® X presents an aesthetically pleasing eaves concealed ceiling extension, with no obvious jointing, other than where expansion joints are required. “Adopting this new approach to exterior eaves cladding will support design excellence, improve the aesthetic comfort and simultaneously help us reach our goal of making the world a better home,” says Louw. This new alternative to fibre cement eaves has already been vigorously tested in the harsh climatic conditions of the United Kingdom, Ireland and mainland Europe – with great success. Due to its design and structure, the Glasroc® X board has a high dimensional stability, making it ideal for large running external ceiling areas that are only interrupted at a maximum of every 15 metres for control joints. A prime example of this is office buildings By satisfying an array of building configurations in South Africa, the new Glasroc® X board is ready to enter both the local residential and commercial markets.
The department is the biggest player in the property and construction sector in the province. It accepted a responsibility of providing leadership in green building and green economy. Duty-bound by its mandate, the department took decisive steps to ensure that the portfolio of state building is reducing environmental impact by making sure that buildings are energy efficient, resource efficient and environmentally responsible. Informed by international agreements such as Kyoto Protocol, the department was instructed by the Minister and Member of Executive Council forum (MinMec) to adhere to these international agreements of reducing carbon footprint. The Green Building Policy as it stands is founded on principles such as Leadership, Energy, Water and Waste Management Plans, Green Building Ratings and Green Procurement to mention a few. Buildings Chief Director, Malikhanye Mduba, outlining department plans said that the focus will be on roof top solar panels that will be installed as well as installing rain water tanks as an ongoing initiative. Motion sensors for water taps in the rest rooms to assist water efficiency in the department. The is a plan to install. Such bold steps to be undertaken by the department in realising the green buildings ambitions requires that staff be fully capacitated on these new developments. “We will prioritise energy and water efficiency, alternative water resources, job creation, capacity building and awareness campaigns as key focus areas” Mduba said. The Green Buildings Policy is a milestone in government path of green building and Green Buildings economy, this further demonstrates the country’s support to on-going local and international commitments By : Sive Zuzile
Picture: Saint-Gobain in South Africa
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