refurbishment

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.

The longer-term environmental impact of the UKs water deficit could cause further damage to the natural 
environment and could restrict future development.  Combining the increasing Per Capital Consumption (PCC) with 
the UKs growing population means that by 2050 the UK water deficit is predicted to be 5000 mega litres per day. 

In the evolving landscape of UK housing, certainty about the origin and quality of construction materials has become paramount. This renewed focus is primarily driven by stricter safety regimes, including the Building Safety Act, which places greater scrutiny on product performance, particularly for buildings with higher risk. However, the principles extend to all projects, ensuring long-term durability and simplifying future maintenance.

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.

For any housing association, the safety and wellbeing of building occupants is the top priority. With new regulations on the horizon, Dulux Trade explores how housing associations can prepare, and ensure they know what paints and coatings should be used to protect residents and maintain properties to a high standard.