The Building Envelope

EJOT UK’s Mark Newell explains how its product range and 360-degree service enable the maximum value and energy saving benefits to be leveraged from external wall insulation systems (EWI).

The quality and performance of any building system will only ever be as good as its component parts. This is increasingly being recognised in all areas of construction as more stringent standards and minimum performance levels in relation to sustainability, in particular, are encouraging greater scrutiny of systems, even down to the smallest components like the fasteners.

Standing seam cladding systems offer distinct advantages over traditional rainscreen solutions like cassette and rivet fix systems, particularly in terms of performance, aesthetics, and long-term durability. One of the key benefits is their ability to accommodate thermal movement. Thanks to the use of fixed and sliding clips, metal panels in standing seam systems can expand and contract naturally, reducing structural stress and preventing issues such as buckling or cracking over time.

A major step forward in façade safety and compliance has been achieved with the announcement that the popular Brick Effect Render system from EWI provider Wetherby Wall Systems now carries full BBA (British Board of Agrément) certification and achieves an A1 fire rating to EN 13501-1 when installed with stone wool insulation.

Single or multiple cladding supplier?

When planning new build or remediation cladding projects, often specifiers choose to approach multiple suppliers to source the right products for the façade of their buildings. Using multiple vendors does have its advantages, it can come with some drawbacks, such as reliability issues. Also, managing multiple vendors can increase the complexity and difficulty of coordinating and integrating their services, which can lead to delays, errors, and inconsistencies.

Rapierstar has launched the STARFIX PFT, a new button-head version of its market-leading plug-free masonry screw, offering faster and higher-quality installation of PVCu and timber window and door frames.