Swifix fixings specified for Caerphilly EWI refurbishment scheme

Swifix fixings have recently been installed as part of the external wall insulation system for a major refurbishment project for Caerphilly Council. Despite being competitors, SERS partnered with Joyners PA local to the area, to deliver the project, with Wetherby Building Systems supplying the EWI system.

The tender period for the project was very short as was the delivery timeframe due to restrictions with funding. Commencing in March 2018, the focus was to deliver the privately-owned properties first through Welsh Government ARBED funding with the bulk of the work completed during the spring and summer months, with the remaining funding provided by Eon through ECO funding.
Swifix Fixings were used as part of the approved EWI system specification provided by Wetherby with a major factor being that the fixings complied with PAS 2030. In total around 300 properties, around 50:50 council and privately owned, have been thermally insulated with the EWI system.
Paul Brown, MD at Swifix comments, “We have had great feedback from SERS on the use of the fixings for this project, and we are delighted that the fixings are an integral part of the Wetherby EWI specification. It is important that the fixings are considered as part of the tender process and that an approved product is used, therefore protecting guarantees and warranties. With PAS2030 introduced in 2017 there has been change in the sector in considering the implications of the solutions currently used and with the introduction of PAS2035 we hope to see the elimination of timber pattresses used as best practice, to fixings such as the Swifix range.”
He continues, “Current standard practice relies on the use of timber for re-fixing external items back through the EWI/SWI systems, which can contribute to cold spots and disturb the continuous insulation characteristics. This can create performance issues for the system with the longer-term degradation of the timber also a potential issue. Using an approved solution eliminates the current ambiguity in the sector as to who warranty’s the fixing through the insulation system.”
Swifix fixings are specifically designed and engineered for refitting and installing items through external and solid wall insulation systems. Ensuring the integrity of the EWI system as well as providing a cost effective and maintenance- free solution, the fixings can equally be used during system installation as in this project or post installation for additional items.
Tested by the BRE for strength, compression and load, Swifix fixings eliminate these potential problems whilst also providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance to enhance the newly installed external wall insulation. Manufactured from high quality recycled plastic, the fixings were viewed on site as high quality and relatively easy to fix with only minor adjustments required, which would be expected.
This phase is part of an overall programme by Caerphilly Council and as well as EWI installation, the refurbishment works has included soffits, fascias, cavity extraction, flat roof extensions and a variety of associated works.

www.swifix.co.uk