Cavity tray unlike any other!

There is a requirement for cavity barriers/stops within timber frame construction and the minimum period of fire resistance is commonly 30 minutes, even where the internal fire resistance of the structure is greater. TRADA has recently drawn attention for barriers to be sleeved in polythene dpc to ensure moisture is deflected away from the timber frame structure and to the outside.

However, cavity stops are usually rectangular and have a flat/horizontal upper surface, therefore even if sleeved penetrating water can still use the upper surface as a bridge to track across the cavity unless prevented from so doing. Thus it prompts a question of how water will be deflected in the right direction by such sleeving, unless the actual shape of the stop or an accompanying protective medium promotes such direction?

The cavity barrier/stop must deflect the water forward, and there is now a ready to use product that automatically offers this + fire stopping + acoustic suppression.

Cavity Tray’s Cavi 60 SAF Stop is designed to provide acoustic, fire barrier and water-deflecting qualities within a cavity wall.

The Cavi 60 prefix denotes 60 minutes fire integrity rating for this multi-purpose cavity stop, whereas SAF is the acronym for sloping – acoustic – fire, the most important qualities advanced by this product.

Non-combustible rock wool is profiled and encapsulated within a polythene sleeve. The unique sloping upper surface of the encapsulation deflects penetrating water forward towards the outer leaf. The lower sloping surface permits lengths to be lapped whilst maintaining deflecting, sound and fire integrity status.

The Cavi 60 Type SAF Stop is compressible and may be friction fitted within the cavity, taking advantage of placement upon naturally occurring ties to aid stability. Thus it is incorporated without attachment to the inside or outside skin. Unlike conventional stops that are rectangular and thus level between skins, the new Cavi 60 Type SAF is sloping. It naturally deflects penetrating water forward, thus promoting best practice at all times. A hard finish protective upper surface cap is also available.

This new design offering twice the minimum fire protection period plus acoustic suppression plus a water deflecting shape is a product of Cavity Trays Ltd, the only cavity tray manufacturer awarded European Technical Approval.

More information: http://www.cavitytrays.com

Rainscreen facades for prestigious towers

An impressive group of three, high spec contemporary apartment blocks in London’s Cable Street have benefited from special cladding by Euroclad Facades.

Built by Rydon Homes, the three towers each contain one, two and three bedroom apartments with modern open plan layouts and impressive panoramic views across London.

The LINEAR 2 rainscreen facade system was specified in medium grey metallic Alpolic composite material. Installed by Durable Contracts, a Euroclad approved installer, the faÁade solution comprises of a series of cassette panels individually hooked onto the support frame.

The panels can be removed and replaced independently without disrupting the rest of the facade, which is particularly useful should single panels become damaged. The LINEAR 2 system is said to infinitely adjustable and erection of the panels can begin anywhere on the building.

Euroclad Facades has incorporated the latest CAD software into its manufacturing process to ensure consistent accuracy and provide bespoke fabrications. It designed and manufactured bespoke window pods for the apartments using the software, which ensures that the flawless, flat appearance was continued throughout the exterior of the building and the windows could be installed after the facade.

Manufactured by Mitsubishi, Aloplic composite material provides an exceptional finish with great colour uniformity and impressive flatness. It is lightweight and rigid with a non-combustible core.

Steve Barnes of Rydon Construction says: “The LINEAR 2 system was exceptionally easy to install and the ultra-flat panels add a modern appearance to the apartments.”

This completed high class, residential development continues to provide a fine example of just how effective and efficient the new generation of “clip on” claddings can be in achieving a perfect external finish. Easily removed or repositioned, if necessary, they ensure that the facades can always be maintained to the highest standard, which is important on prestigious residences – Ed

More information: www.euroclad.co.uk