Story

The newly launched Haus Profi® range of lead-free flashings has been designed to seal gas, oil and wood burner flues of all diameters on any type of roof. Products can also be used for any traditional abutment and pitch transition work, for conservatory roofs and to seal penetrations made for cables. Wakaflex® and EasyFlash® can be stretched and shaped without using lead forming tools, enabling them to be used at tight angles and with deeply profiled tiles such as Double Roman and Bold Roll. Cut by knife or scissors and installed without the need for skilled labour, self-adhesive butyl backings retain their high bond strength and can be used at low working temperatures on most dry surfaces without priming.

Sabetoflex® and Wakaflex® provide a long awaited and simple means of sealing flues on plain tile and other double-lapped roofs. This otherwise difficult task can be undertaken without employing a specialist roofer so the job can be done more quickly and at far lower cost.

Police crime statistics reveal that over 67,000 incidences of metal theft were recorded in 2012 and 61,000 in 2013. However, both years’ statistics understate the true extent of the problem as many police forces in England and Wales were still not recording incidences specifically as metal theft. Estimates of the likely total vary from 110,000 to 125,000 but Ecclesiastical Insurance, the UK’s leading church insurer, had at the time received more than 9,000 claims worth over £25m.

For those faced with the crippling financial consequences of lead theft, this is unlikely to be a short-term problem. English Heritage has described the situation as one in which there is ‘an epidemic of lead theft from church buildings’ so much so that it says ‘In some circumstances like-for-like replacement following a lead theft is not prudent’. It commissioned research by Newcastle University, Loughborough University and the Council of British Archaeology into the scale of the threat of heritage crime in England. Conclusions were that:

• An estimated 18.7% of all listed buildings were affected by crime in 2013
• The biggest single threat of theft and damage to a building is metal theft and the most threatened type of building is a church
• Over 70,000 buildings were affected by crime in 2013, almost 30,000 of which suffered ‘substantial impact’
• Around three in eight churches or other religious buildings were damaged by crime in 2013
• Thieves often target lead flashings around chimneys and abutment details ripping off roof tiles and causing damage to the roof which has severe implications in terms of the structure as a whole
• A number of councils are taking steps to tackle the problem by using non-metallic alternatives

Unlike lead, Haus Profi products do not suffer from cold working fatigue so weather is unlikely to prevent a repair taking place.

While it is acknowledged that regulations will require that some buildings have like-for-like replacement following lead theft, Wakaflex and EasyFlash, however, offer a solution for a large proportion of buildings. Wakaflex is BBA certified (14/5103) and offers excellent colour fastness and retained flexibility. As with EasyFlash, colours are available to match the chosen tile or slate, enabling an unobtrusive finish to be provided. Materials pose no risk to potable water and, in the event of run-off, will not cause staining.

View Haus Profi's profile:

Story

Hidden waste system adds to stylish looks

The UK's leading shower tray manufacturer MX Group has launched its latest shower tray range into the marketplace. The 'Expressions' range has been designed to provide the maximum showering area, incorporating a discreet, hidden waste system, yet the trays drain via a standard shower waste.

The level waste design incorporates a standard waste outlet and allows easy access to clean, maintain and service without the need for an expensive gully waste system. The new range features an acrylic ABS finish, and weighs in at 40% lighter than a high wall stone resin shower tray. As with all the MX product ranges, it's quick and easy to install and it's made with WRAS approved Phthalate free materials. It features a contoured underside for ease of leg location on raised shower tray installations.

The Expressions shower tray range is available in a range of popular shapes and sizes, making it an extremely attractive, yet highly practical shower tray design for the bathroom.

MX Group Marketing Manager Sasha Davies says it's an exceptional addition to the already impressive range of shower trays from the leading manufacturer: “The design of this new range along with the hidden Hi-Flow waste, allows more than 28 litres per minute drainage. That's impressive by any standards, especially as it drains to a standard waste. It's been cleverly designed to offer all the demands put upon a shower tray these days.”

Requests for the new shower tray brochure which includes all the information you could want for the Expressions range as well as the other ranges available from MX, can be obtained by visiting the impressive MX web site at www.mx-group.com, by emailing sales@mx-group.com or by calling them on 01684 293311.

View MX Group's profile:

Story

Genesis Housing Association's Zenith House is a modern and spectacular tower containing 308 new apartments and mews homes in a prime position on London's Edgware Road. A mix of VMZINC standing seam and interlocking panels in pre-weathered QUARTZ-ZINC® has been used in a way which is proving to be increasingly popular on apartment blocks. In addition to offering exceptional colour retention, QUARTZ-ZINC®, ANTHRA-ZINC® and PIGMENTO® zinc colours have low maintenance needs and a long design life. The choice of horizontal or vertical standing seam, interlocking, flat lock, overlapping and composite panel systems also offers scope for use on straight or curved facades.

View VM Zinc's profile:

Story

www.metalinfo.co.uk has been launched to provide the first independent source of reference for specifiers of zinc, stainless steel, copper and aluminium roofing and faÇade systems. The site actively promotes the use of hard metals and has been designed to simplify the design and installation process by making detail drawings and build-up information for inclusion in contract documentation available in an industry-recognised format. The service can be used either on site via a mobile device or in the office.

Metal roofing and faÇade systems attract an understandably high level of interest among specifiers given the critical contribution they make to the aesthetics and functionality of any building envelope. With so many subtle variations in colour, texture, finish and application technique, the availability of a single source of information which is not linked to any manufacturer is already proving to be an invaluable specification tool.

Users need no longer search for information and register with individual manufacturers' websites, so product comparison is easier and downloading of essential information far quicker. Only an e-mail address is required rather than lengthy registration, after which drawings can be sourced using a simple search tool and previewed prior to downloading.

The site includes a comprehensive listing of manufacturers, distributors and installers with contact details and web links. To view an introductory video on the site go to www.metalinfo.co.uk/video.html

View Metalinfo's profile:

Story

For many years, Wilo UK has been supplying submersible pumps to customers across Europe. In the UK, these hardworking, high quality pumps have been keeping water at bay in a wide range of applications that day to day attract little attention, but keep buildings, and people dry by removing water from where it's not wanted.

Network Rail has a number of stations that are underground and below the level of rivers that flow close to the rail tracks. To keep them safe and operational, a constant flow of water is required to be pumped away from the stations and away from tracks. Mersey Rail in the north west is one such application. Several stations are located underground and for many years submersible pumps have been managing to keep the water away from the public areas and the tracks, but the existing pumps had been failing increasingly regularly due to corrosion and wear. Network Rail was looking for something different that would replace the failing pumps but maintain their performance in difficult circumstances, and not cause problems on a fairly regular basis.

Step forward Sean Fearn from Wilo UK, who recommended the Wilo EMU NK87 submersible borehole pump for the job. Able to shift the volume of water required, these clever pumps offer a self-cooling design and simple installation, but importantly come with a Ceram CT coating which increases their effectiveness and ensures reduced wear and counteracts corrosion. Several months after installation, they are performing perfectly.

Sally Whitter from JP Whitter the contractor on the Mersey Rail project says these pumps have done the job required: “We put six of the pumps in back in the summer of 2013 and they've been doing the job excellently. In the past we've had some emergency situations where a pump has gone down and we've had to replace it at short notice to keep the water level down. Replacing a pump is a pretty major task €“ it's not just a case of pulling it out and popping a new one in €“ it's a complex procedure, so we don't want that happening too often! Since the Wilo pumps have gone in, we've had no emergency situations at all and the underground part of the Mersey Rail system has functioned perfectly.”

Simon Oakes is Sales Director €“ Water Management for Wilo UK: “This is an excellent example of where the pumps we can offer can both do the job they are specified for and offer that little bit extra. Clever technology linked to the standard offering from the pumps means that we can offer pumps that perform well, but which importantly offer longevity and resist wear and corrosion as well. This is what our customers are looking for from us and Network Rail has been delighted with the performance they are seeing from the first pumps of this type they have taken from us. There are a myriad of applications requiring a similar approach and we're talking to many companies and organisations that are impressed by what we can offer, proven by the results we have achieved on the Mersey Rail project.”

Full details of these excellent pumps and alternative solutions can be found at www.wilo.co.uk

View Wilo's profile:

Story

This is the slogan with which Daikin Europe announces the launch of its new online controller. Available for use with a wide range of Daikin split units, the new solution enables a heat pump system to be controlled, irrespective of its location via a laptop, tablet or smart phone with access to the internet or via wired remote control.

It is easy to forget to turn off a heat pump system before leaving the premises or because of a delay in returning, to be faced with needlessly re-warming or cooling them. In the past these avoidable problems would have resulted in wasted energy but this need no longer be the case. The new Daikin online controller provides round the clock control via a laptop, tablet or even smart phone to access the heat pump system via the internet. Fault conditions can also be detected remotely, allowing a quick response to problems.

Control of the heat pump system is possible from anywhere with internet access achieved simply by entering the URL or running the app on a supported device to gain access to the system’s main functions. Whether the operator is a residential user or the manager of a chain of shops requiring control of groups of units, the Daikin online controller ensures the peace of associated with having full control.

The online controller is compatible with selected Daikin split systems such as Daikin Emura and Nexura as well as other wall-mounted, floor-standing and ducted systems in the split range and is available wef January 2012.

Daikin Europe products are distributed in the UK by Daikin Airconditioning UK Ltd and Space Airconditioning plc.

View Daikin's profile:

Story

Daikin Europe N.V. has added to its green energy bank by the installation of almost 2,000 solar panels at its Ostend, Belgium production plant. Designed to produce around 400,000 kW electricity per year (the equivalent consumption of 115 households), the system went on stream at the end of August and the energy generated will help power Daikin’s on-site operations.

Daikin Europe originally considered the use of solar panels some five years ago but since the efficiency of the then available technology was inadequate, purchased green electricity on the market, reducing its environmental footprint and resulting in a drastic reduction of CO2 emissions. However, solar panel efficiency has improved considerably and the decision to install panels was examined again and approved in 2010. Work began at the end of April and the system became operational at the end of August.

The deployment of solar panels is very much in line with the overall environmental policy of the company and its intention to decrease dependence on electricity suppliers and the choice of solar panels was taken after considering other solutions including wind turbines. The installation will result in a yearly savings of up to 160 tonnes of CO2. System capacity of 400,000 kW per year was dictated by limitations in the region’s electricity grid due to the high number of renewable systems already in place.

The solar panels are located on certain plant roofs at Ostend site and to highlight the effort and increase environmental awareness the performance of the installation will be visible via screens in the factory and reception area. Real time data will include daily energy production, CO2 saved and comparisons with previous periods. Minimum life of the installation is 20 years but actual life is expected to be 30-40 years.

Daikin Europe N.V. announces the expansion of its Daikin Altherma heat pump range to cover large-scale commercial applications in which space heating and hot water production are a priority. Due to the use of Daikin Altherma cascade technology, large volumes of hot water (with temperatures up to 80°C) can be produced efficiently, making the system ideal for applications with a high demand for space heating and/or hot water heating.

Large capacity hot water production for the commercial market

The optimised Daikin Altherma Flex Type series produces leaving water temperatures from 25° to 80°C, making it suitable for all types of radiators, under floor heating, fan coil units, heat pump convectors as well as hot water production. Typical applications include hotels, fitness centres, spa facilities, hospitals, libraries and schools. The high leaving water temperatures also make it ideal for upgrading existing heating systems, allowing retention of existing high temperature radiators.

The use of Daikin Altherma cascade technology: two refrigerants – R-410A and R-134a – in a cascade configuration, enables the system’s high leaving water temperatures to be produced without an electric heater. The outdoor unit elevates the temperature and pressure level of the first refrigerant cycle (R-410A) and the indoor units raise this to even higher levels with the second refrigerant cycle (R-134a), resulting in water temperatures up to 80°C using only heat pump technology.

Hot water temperatures up to 75°C result in highly efficient hot water production with rapid heat-up times and the system can be connected to Daikin hot water tanks as well as to (existing) 3rd party tanks. Daikin solar heating can also be integrated for even greater efficiency.

Low running costs
Daikin Altherma cascade technology, in combination with inverter controlled compressors and weather dependant temperature control, results in extremely efficient operation. Running costs can be up to 36% less than comparable oil or gas installations, with up to 35% less primary energy use and up to 71% less CO2 emissions.

Furthermore, optimal dimensioning further enhances efficiency, the system’s modular construction and several different capacity classes of indoor and outdoor units allowing precise configuration for specific needs. The indoor and outdoor units are compact and lightweight, for quick, flexible installation.

The Daikin Altherma Flex Type units extend the existing Daikin Altherma range of low temperature and high temperature systems intended for individual houses and apartment blocks.

Daikin Europe products are distributed in the UK by Daikin Airconditioning UK Ltd and Space Airconditioning plc.

View Daikin's profile:

Story

A new joint venture between FM Conway and AECOM has been created to provide integrated multidisciplinary highways expertise. The CONWAYAECOM venture has already been successful in qualifying for Transport for London’s “London Highways Alliance Contract” tender process for the delivery of all highways maintenance and improvement schemes across London.

Andrew Hansen, Chief Operating Officer at FM Conway, said: “We have put in place a strategic joint venture with AECOM to deliver exceptional capabilities at the consultancy, operational and delivery levels. Past collaborations have shown that we work well together, having a similar business ethos.

“As one of London’s main infrastructure services providers we want to deliver an outstanding service within London and the South East, and by teaming up with AECOM we will be able to do so. Our strengths are complementary, which allow us to deliver true enhanced contractor capability. AECOM provides exactly the right expertise and global experience, and I can only see a bright future for this very practical and progressive partnership.”

Richard Robinson, AECOM’s managing director of transportation, Europe, added: “With increasing demands for greater levels of value and efficiencies, we are confident that the integration of our respective design, delivery and maintenance capabilities will provide substantial client benefits. The joint venture has been established to develop and deliver practical and sustainable solutions for highways and maintenance schemes throughout London and the South East, and its capabilities can be extended into other regions.”

Story

Power and data delivery specialist Marshall-Tufflex has beefed up its Underfloor to Desk range with the launch of a new raised floor box strong enough to withstand the combined weight of ten baby elephants.

The new box is quicker and easier to install and comes as standard with a market-leading 3mm support plate allowing it to handle ‘medium load’ traffic. For installations requiring ‘heavy load’ classification a steel sub-frame can be ordered and quickly inserted (at a later date if building usage changes) to support the lid without restricting space for wiring and accessories.

During load testing this steel sub-frame, which also allows for fine adjustments to accommodate uneven flooring, proved itself capable of withstanding a 1.25 tonne load – more than the combined weight of 10 newborn elephants.

In addition, the floor box has been designed with earth fixing points at each end, giving installers greater flexibility when positioning sockets. It is supplied with dividers that make it suitable for use as either a three or four compartment box.

“Our aim when designing this floor box was quite simple, to provide installers with one product that meets a wider range of needs, offers more flexible installation and can be upgraded to increase load capacity as required. Earth fixing points at either end solve the problem of modifying boxes on site (saving time) and the compartment dividers simply drop in to give either a three or four compartment unit, massively simplifying the specification and ordering process,” said Jeremy Dodge, Marshall-Tufflex Head of Marketing & Technical Services.

The 83mm deep unit, which replaces existing Marshall-Tufflex floor boxes URF32/URF42, is supplied with two easy fit cable retainers/guides, a cut-out within lid for carpet/carpet tiles of up to 6mm deep (extra deep lids are also available), metal screws to attach trim to surrounding carpet for a more secure fix, pre-punched fixings, a barrel lock option for extra security (installer to fit), other box depths, an RCD option and pre-wired option with MT32 Connectors.

The floor box has been designed and manufactured in accordance with the latest standards (BS EN 61534-22:2009, BS EN 60670-1:2005, BS EN 60670-23:2008, BS EN 50085-1:2005 and BS EN 50085-2-2:2008).

View Marshall-Tufflex's profile:

Story

The country’s architects have access to a new information source on renewable technology with the installation of a permanent exhibition stand at the Building Centre in London’s Store Street from Mitsubishi Electric which focuses on sustainability in the built-environment.

The company, which has long pioneered energy efficiency in our buildings, is using the space to highlight the potential that heat pumps offer in reducing the energy load required to heat, cool and ventilate both commercial and residential properties, and is also focusing on the energy producing potential of Photovoltaic panels.

“The Building Centre is renowned for providing essential information for all involved in the built environment, so it made perfect sense for us to use this venue to convey the energy saving potential of these technologies,” explained Sharon Oliver, Marketing Communications Manager for Mitsubishi Electric’s Photovoltaic and Domestic Heating Divisions.

Both air source and ground source heat pumps are classified as renewable technology by both the European Union and the UK Government because they harvest free, renewable energy from the air to maximise efficiency and minimise energy consumption.

Mitsubishi Electric has led the way in the use of heat pumps for commercial air conditioning and has pioneered air source heat pumps for both domestic and commercial heating systems.

The permanent stand at the Building Centre includes a touch screen panel which provides essential information on the technologies and highlights how their energy saving potential can be used to meet the Code for Sustainable Homes and other energy performance legislation. In addition to gaining advice on reducing energy costs and emissions levels, architects can also source information on equipment to help with indoor air quality and ventilation.

“Everyone involved in the construction industry, whether new-built or retro-fit is under immense pressure to demonstrate how low carbon the buildings they design now are and we wanted to raise awareness of the potential that this equipment can offer,” adds Oliver.

The Building Centre – established in 1931 – has developed to become an independent forum dedicated to providing information and inspiration to all sectors of the built environment. It is open from 9:30am – 6pm, Monday to Friday and on Saturday’s from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Further information can be sourced by visiting www.buildingcentre.co.uk.

View Mitsubishi Electric's profile: