Concrete Mineral rocks, gravels and sands used in Townscape concrete products come from natural sources and are obtained and used in a crushed or graded form to achieve the desired colour or texture in the final finish. Cements used in manufacture are Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) or White |Portland Cement (Snowcrete) all of which comply with BS12;1991. Aggregates are naturally occurring materials, crushed or uncrushed, complying with the quality requirements of BS 882 : 1992 or alternatively coarse aggregates which comply with clause 5 of BS 1047 : 1983. All quarried materials vary from time to time in colour and texture, these variations however do not affect the technical soundness of the product. Colour of aggregates may also vary when in a wet or dry state. The batching of concrete is carried out in modern weigh-batching machinery, computer controlled, with probes in all aggregates to ensure careful control of water content. The result is consistent batching to uniform specification. The accuracy of the products is ensured by the use of high quality master patterns and then moulds used in the casting operation. Each product is vibrocast and subsequently hand finished ensuring conformity of surface finish. Mild steel bar or mesh reinforcement is used in some street furniture products for the purpose of holding together larger fragments of concrete in the event of impact to the product.
MAINTENANCE All Townscape products require a minimum of maintenance and aftercare. A regular inspection to verify ground fixings and inspection of the finished coatings of both metal and timber components is essential. Damage to paintwork can be remedied by application of a suitable primer and topcoat with compatible products. It should also be noted that after outdoor exposure, all treated timbers can fade through the action of sunlight, rain and stain migration. To restore timber components to their original condition and maintain the level of wood preservation, a regular maintenance programme must be established.
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