June 2018

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Opinion CONTRACTORS: TAKE NOTE OF MANUFACTURERS’ GUIDELINES By Jason Wood, Contracts Director at Fixing Point. When it comes to roofing and cladding, product specifications are an essential part of the construction process. Following specifications and guidelines can save time, cost and the potential for a serious headache later down the line. A good specification provides clear details on the type of materials that should be used, how they should be installed, finished or tested and ultimately, how to ensure the best possible quality end product. Yet, expectations and pressures on contractors to deliver projects on time and to tight budgets are always high. It’s not surprising, therefore, that some contractors might feel tempted to take measures to save crucial project time by cutting corners or opting for cheaper materials wherever possible. Working under such high pressures could lead to this sort of decision seeming like an easy solution to a frustrating problem. Early failure But when it comes to fixings and fasteners, the temptation to substitute products with cheaper, more accessible or non-compliant alternatives can risk early failure and costly remedial work. A manufacturer’s guidelines are in place for a reason, and that goes far beyond meeting compliance for the sake of ticking a box. Images show stainless steel fixings suitable for rooflights In the roofing and cladding industry, understanding and following these guidelines is perhaps even more relevant and important than any other aspect of building construction. So what are the actual risks associated with ignoring a manufacturer’s advice? Invalid guarantees Deviation from installation specifications, for example using carbon steel instead of stainless steel as a more cost-effective alternative, will actually render the product’s guarantee invalid. This, of course, means that aspects of the completed project will not be finished to the same standard and can be very misleading for clients. This is a particularly risky move to take when opting for a fixing with a limited or shorter guarantee than the panel it is being used to secure. What’s more, site inspectors are likely to pick up on any product deviations during construction visits or after completion, which can add significant delays and the potential for more costs if issues are raised. One of the biggest problems comes when contractors ignore specifications when installing rooflights. This is the one area in which everyone, without fail, should refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Rooflights are there to provide natural light in a building. If you install them with carbon steel fasteners there’s a high chance of that fixing corroding dramatically in bad weather. At Fixing Point, we always recommend using a stainless steel screw over carbon for fixing polycarbonate rooflights in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Ask questions Communication is key throughout every phase of the building envelope process, and it’s really important to ask questions if you’re in doubt about any of the quotations or drawings provided in the specifications. We would always advise caution when checking the specifications of panels and fixings and ensure that any like-for-like quote meets the required standard, and decisions are not based on price alone. Architects and clients will expect their buildings or installations to be guaranteed and to last. My advice is to always do your research when it comes to fixtures and fittings; even if you have done similar jobs a hundred times before and think you know what can be used. Contact Fixing Point 01242 265100 www.fixingpoint.com @FixingPoint 52 TC JUNE <strong>2018</strong>
PROTAN BLUEPROOF – A ROOF FOR THE FUTURE CAN YOU AFFORD TO LET YOUR ROOF BE JUST A ROOF? A roof represents exciting opportunities for architects and property developers. If you are on top of a tall building and looking out over the urban landscape, you will see a lot of unutilised space. Architects and property developers can no longer afford to use the roof just to keep the rain and snow out and protect your contents. Using the roof for other functions creates additional values. These values not only allow for increased profits, but also add value to society at large and for the people living in and around these buildings. The roof can be a place where people can spend recreational time, grow flowers and encourage wildlife. The roof can also be utilised to solve other tasks that could be profitable for the building project, such as generating electricity with solar panels or taking control of heavy rainfall. Protan has developed a unique BlueProof roofing solution to avoid creating dead space on top of a building, enabling use that space for water attenuation. That is both smart and sustainable. The BlueProof system works equally well for new buildings and refurbishment projects, and can be combined with recreational areas, eco-friendly features and energy production. Protan BlueProof – coming to a roof near you soon. Safe Sustainable Cost effective Space efficient protan.co.uk
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June 2018

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