Composite chimneys – lighter, stronger, safer It may seem like a huge leap to go from making special effects props for Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings movies to designing and fabricating chimneys but Nick Williams from Quakesafe Building Solutions (QSBS) says the two are not so very far apart. Williams uses special effects techniques in order to replicate traditional brick chimneys in fibreglass composite. The fibreglass composite chimneys are much lighter and therefore safer than the traditional brick chimneys they are replacing. This was a fact that came to the forefront recently in the big Christchurch earthquake when heavy brick chimneys fell damaging houses and sometimes causing loss of life. The issue has now become publicised throughout the country and as a result many people now want to replace their traditional brick chimneys with the safer, lightweight QSBS chimneys. Williams’ technical background in special effects as well as in the composite industry means QSBS products are unique technically strong as well as looking just like the real thing. In order to develop the unique QSBS range of products Williams pulled together a team of innovative New Zealand individuals and businesses including composite specialists, roofers, builders, traditional old chimney builders, engineers, resin chemists and business people. QSBS now makes chimneys for customers throughout New Zealand. Composite chimneys have authentic looking brick detail moulded into the surface and colouring to match the
customer’s traditional brick chimney perfectly. QSBS also offers brick-slip chimneys, which are constructed using a one piece composite (fibreglass) box, which is surfaced with real brick veneer. A key point is that QSBS chimneys are designed in such a way that the open fire is still usable in the home. The chimneys add value to a house by preserving the original look and feel of the home. QSBS has fully functional composite factories based in Auckland and Christchurch to supply customers nationwide. QSBS chimneys are fully engineered and compliant with the New Zealand Building Code and come with a 20 year warranty. The techniques that have been developed by QSBS have also been extended into other products including QSBS chimney pots and architectural details such as parapets, columns, facades and faux carved details. The architectural detail range of products can be produced in fibreglass composite or glass reinforced concrete depending on the application. The QSBS range of composite lightweight chimney pots includes unique QSBS designs and those taken from genuine original old Victorian pots collected from around New Zealand.
Composite chimneys have authentic looking brick detail moulded into the surface.
QSBS offers an installation service and on-site post installation quality inspections are carried out on every product installed by QSBS. QSBS chimneys have been produced for customers based from Invercargill to Auckland including Matua Winery Estate, the Canterbury Club on Worchester Street, Christchurch, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School Te Koraha House and the historic two- storeyed
timber house built for the Rhodes family at Merivale between 1884 and 1886. Williams says that people around the world are watching QSBS closely because of the innovative techniques being used. Because the products are new for the New Zealand market, QSBS welcomes inquiry from architects and engineers and works alongside these professionals to find the right solution and assist with installation. QSBS, freephone 0800-SAFERHOMES (0800-72 33 74), www.qsbs.co.nz
“ The Quakesafe chimney people” QSBS specialise in designing and building truly authentic looking replica chimney solutions, architectural details and a range of other earthquake proof building solutions.
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QUAKESAFE CHIMNEY PRODUCTS COMPOSITE Structural timber Frame
BRICK VENEER Composite Structural Box UV Resistant Colours
FLAT-PAC ©
Structural timber Frame Composite (one piece) Flues Structural Inner Box Proprietary Adhesive
Proprietary Adhesive
Composite FLAT-PAC© Panels Internal Connection System©
Brick veneer Cladding Mortar
Regular or Lead Flashing
Composite construction. Authentic looking brick detail and colour is moulded into the surface. One piece,strong, weather-tight and durable.
Regular or Lead Flashing
Real Brick Veneer Surface. The inner one-piece composite box is clad with real brick veneer (slips) using adhesive. Finished with real mortar, lead flashing and chimney pots.
Composite construction. Comes as a set of flat panels… easy to assemble on site. Authentic look is moulded into the surface. Easy for packing and shipping (Patent Applied).
Ph. 0800 SAFER HOMES | E. info@qsbs.co.nz | www.qsbs.co.nz