The OBEX Mission

Since the Building Safety Act came into force in October 2023, the construction industry has seen significant changes across all levels, from the way buildings are designed and constructed, to the types of materials that are used, and even how they are installed.

As is well known, a critical aspect of this is the ability of a material to resist the spread of fire and yet still perform its primary function.  This is particularly important when considering the membranes that are used for sealing around windows and façades.

OBEX Protection Ltd has always had a strong culture of innovation which has seen the development of high-performance façade membrane systems that meet the requirements of the Building Regulations.  This has been critical in helping designers and contractors alike to create sustainable buildings that are compliant with regulations, and above all, safe.

But it’s not just about supplying the right product. OBEX believes in close collaboration at all stages of the project, from design and product compatibility support to on-site installation training, and regular QA checks to ensure full compliance.  It’s this belief that expert end-to-end support is vital to the success of a project, that sets OBEX apart.

Achieving Compliance

The passing into law of the Building Safety Act has placed a legal obligation on architects, contractors and installers to document their compliance with the Act. Consequently, they are looking to manufacturers to supply evidence of their products’ specifications, performance capabilities and testing methods.  

This means that the supplier of façade membranes, for example, must be able to supply all relevant fire-test certificates, water-penetration test certificates, technical data sheets, safety data sheets, 3rd party accreditation certificates such as BBA or KIWA, as well as product installation guides and compatibility reports.

OBEX takes this very seriously and welcomes the requirement for this level of accountability from manufacturers.  The Building Safety Regulator will enforce these stringent requirements to ensure buildings are safe, sustainable, and durable, and OBEX plays a vital role in helping designers and contractors meet their obligations in this respect.

Fit-for-Purpose Performance

Beyond compliance, the performance of weatherproofing membranes is critical. OBEX’s window and façade membranes and sealing products have been developed to not only comply with the regulatory requirements such as fire classification, but also to ensure that they perform their primary function. This includes preventing water ingress, or allowing water vapour to escape, or in the case of a membrane adhesive, to create a strong permanent bond.  

Historically, some serious legacy issues have occurred where membranes have been used that have not performed adequately, even though they may have had the correct fire classification. This has led to major damage to the fabric of the building due to water ingress.

So compliance is not just about meeting the legal requirements of the Building Regulations, but also very much about safeguarding the health and well-being of a building’s occupants. By delivering reliable and high-quality performance in this way, significant long-term value can be added to projects  -  not only to contribute to the efficiency and overall sustainability of the structure, but to ensure a safe and healthy environment.

Reclad & Remediation

There has also been a considerable increase in reclad and remediation projects recently, with the Government making financial support available through the Building Safety Fund.  Many buildings have not only been at risk from unsafe materials but have also suffered internal damage from water ingress as a result of incorrect installation.

OBEX works closely with architects and contractors to ensure that the new façade membrane systems are fully compliant, rigorously tested to the correct standards, and installed in line with the approved methods.

One of the challenges facing contractors when carrying out façade remediation work, is that they can only fully understand the scale of the remediation required once the outer layers of the façade are removed. It’s often the case that all sorts of trouble is exposed.  

For example, the gypsum sheathing boards may have seriously deteriorated and need to be replaced with cement boards.  OBEX Score’N’Snap Cement Boards are perfect for this problem, providing a compliant, easy-to-install, water-resistant sheathing board solution.

The Score’N’Snap feature of this Cement Board ensures an installation that’s completely free of the dust and noise that normally goes with cutting with a saw, perfect for buildings that continue to be occupied during the remediation work.  Maintaining minimal disruption to residents is always a key consideration on reclad and remediation projects.

Striving for a Safer Future

So in these times of increasingly stringent regulatory requirements in the construction industry, there has never been a greater need for manufacturers to step up to the plate and take responsibility for setting the bar for quality and compliance.

It’s this sense of obligation that drives the culture of innovation at OBEX.  And with every member of their team working daily to bring new façade sealing innovations to market, they will no doubt be leading the way in the pursuit of high performance and compliance for many years to come.

www.obexglobal.com

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