The Building Envelope

As part of a wide scale refurbishment project from Enfield Council, Langley Structures Ltd delivered a series of Flat to Pitched (FTP) roof conversions across multiple residential premises in New Southgate. This project recently won RCI’s Pitched Roofing Awards for ‘best use of a flat to pitch system’.

The project saw the conversion applied to seven buildings located on Bowes Road, Cross Road and Massey Close in Enfield, as part of the larger ‘New Southgate’ refurbishment being carried out in the area. Approved in 2010, the New Southgate regeneration project provides quality homes, local shops and community services across the neighbourhood.

Langley Structures worked alongside Playle & Partners LLP’s, who provided lead architectural services as well as project management, contract administration, quantity surveying and principle designer roles. ENGIE, Langley Structures’ Approved Contractor, delivered the regeneration solution.

Although high efficiency cam action door closers enable low operating forces within and below those demanded within BS8300, some users find any resistance on a fire door either very hard or impossible to manage.

Where such instances arise, the use of a free swing door closer is highly advised. A free swing door closer, when active, enables to door to move freely without resistance being experienced by the user; thus, it enables the door to perform as any standard internal door within a domestic dwelling. In addition to no resistance from the closer, the door can be left in any position desired by the user - fully open, slightly ajar or fully closed. On activation of the fire alarm or in the event of a power failure, the door will close from whatever position it has been left in, ensuring the fire door will perform as required in the event of a fire. Whilst the alarm is active or while power is out, the free swing closer will perform as a ‘normal’ door closer, so if opened it will automatically close again. Once the alarm has been reset or power restored, the free swing will become active once again.

A cladding fire detection system that could offer a lifeline to thousands affected by the UK’s cladding crisis is undergoing a critical period of testing with one of the UK’s leading testing bodies, the Fire Protection Association.

Intelliclad, created by Darron Brough and Mohammed Zulfiquar, believe that their sensor, which would be retrofitted to integrate into the cladding system of high-risk buildings, can provide a smarter, faster and more cost efficient method of monitoring fire safety when compared to the controversial Waking Watch.

Social housing is in the spotlight with new regulations and standards set to significantly increase the accountability of landlords when it comes to the condition and performance of the properties, they have responsibility for.  Here Stuart Nicholson, roof systems director at Marley, discusses how whole roof systems could be one way to reduce their supply chain risk and improve roof specification effectiveness.

Several initiatives, including the recent publication of the Government’s Social Housing White Paper and the Building Safety Bill are precursors to a general tightening of the rules, regulations and standards associated with building construction and condition.

In particular, the Social Housing White Paper is set to place increased scrutiny on the safety and quality of social housing and ultimately make social housing landlords far more accountable for their properties in the eyes of the law.

With our factories having available stock and excellent lead times, merchants and distributors are turning to Crest to help them through the current roofing materials crisis.

It’s been well documented over the past few months that the UK is facing a roofing materials shortage. Many contractors are calling it a major crisis as they face long delays in obtaining roofing materials, the situation is desperate and with Winter fast approaching the pressure is mounting.

Concrete roofing tiles seem to be one of the most affected with lead times from order to delivery being at least 12 weeks and, in many cases, up to 22. It’s the last thing roofers need at this moment, as they are still making up for lost time due to a busy Summer and lockdown restrictions.

For almost forty years, External Wall Insulation (EWI) in the UK has been represented by INCA, the industry’s trade association, and INCA is now a flourishing organisation with its membership comprising the industry’s premier system designers, component suppliers and installers. Technical standards and excellent workmanship are the mantras of INCA and the highlight of INCA’s calendar is always the annual INCA awards, showcasing the best in External Wall Insulation. The 2020 awards were presented in an online ceremony to members and the winning projects demonstrate the tremendous variety of schemes carried out in both new build and refurbishment sectors and for residential, commercial and educational buildings.

When it comes to masonry wall constructions, cavity trays play an essential role alongside key elements such as cavity barriers and fire stops. They are designed to keep moisture at bay, ensuring that any rain that penetrates the cavity does not reach the inner leaf, thereby reducing the risk of internal damp which can cause serious problems for buildings and occupants alike. But for cavity trays to be effective, it is important to understand how they work, what the installation requirements are, and also when other considerations need to be taken into account when integrating them with products such as cavity barriers and fire stops.