February 2024

WRAPTITE FITS FOR ISLE OF MAN SEA FRONT PROJECT
The Wraptite external air barrier system
from A. Proctor Group, selected as part of
the façade upgrade to a sea-facing
property in Douglas, Isle of Man, will help
achieve energy efficiency targets and
ensure protection from the elements.
The Peveril Buildings, previously home to the
Lloyds Banking Group for 20 years, is
situated in the centre of the Isle of Man’s
Business District, opposite Douglas Sea
Terminal. The iconic property is one of the
first office buildings to be seen by visitors
arriving by ferry.
Based in Ballasalla on the island, Excel
Construction Group was appointed to
upgrade the facade and improve the
building’s structure, aesthetics, and energy
efficiency.
Andrew Burley, Quantity Surveyor at the Excel
Group, explained why Wraptite, the only selfadhering
vapour permeable air barrier certified
by the BBA, was selected. He said: “We chose
Wraptite for the breather membrane because of
its effectiveness as a vapour barrier and
durability. In addition, the nature of Wraptite,
being a self-adhesive fix rather than the
traditional use of staples and mechanical fixing,
assisted with the durability in the high wind
conditions prevalent on the seafront location.
“Wraptite provided the building fabric with
excellent protection from the coastal elements
prior to installing the Gebrik panels. We will
definitely be using Wraptite on future projects.”
Wraptite combines the critical properties of
vapour permeability and airtightness in one
self-adhering membrane. Incorporating
Wraptite saves on both the labour and material
costs associated with achieving the energy
efficiency demands in buildings.
Wraptite is Class B1-s1,d0, compliant with
Part B regulation changes for use in the
external wall systems of buildings over 18m
in height, both as a continuous layer on
sheathing board behind fire classified
insulation, and for use to tape joints in
insulation behind rainscreen.
www.proctorgroup.com
TIME & COST EFFICIENCIES WITH STO
A Sto rainscreen cladding system has provided
an alternative construction method for a new
housing development, generating time and cost
efficiencies.
Located in Fort William in the Scottish Highlands,
Blar Mor comprises 117 one-to-four-bedroom
affordable homes, which have been built by TSL
Contractors. The main contractor partnered with
AFS (Scotland), a leading provider of external
façade solutions, to deliver a durable cladding
system for timber frame homes, removing the
requirement for traditional construction.
“Given the location of the development, TSL
Contractors was seeking a new façade solution
which would enable them to build the homes
more efficiently without comprising on quality,”
explained Steve Avery, director of AFS.
“Having used Sto’s products for numerous newbuild
projects, we recommended the StoVentec
rainscreen cladding system.”
Sto reviewed wind load information and provided
a Sto fixing assessment to assist AFS in the
installation of the StoVentec system. Comprising
StoVentec carrier boards, these were installed on
the timber battens to create a ventilated cavity.
Made from 96% recycled expanded glass
granulate, the carrier boards are reinforced on
both sides with glass fibre mesh. StoVentec
boards don’t expand or contract with temperature
change, providing a stable board to receive the
render build up, and they can also be butt jointed
with no risk of cracking.
The next stage of the installation process was to
apply a layer of StoArmat Classic Plus, a cementfree
base coat, embedded with Sto-Glass Fibre
reinforcing mesh to the exterior of the StoVentec
boards. The final façade finish was completed
The 117 homes form part of the first phase at Blar Mor.
with StoSilco K1.5, a silicone resin render in
white, which provides high levels of water
repellence, protection against harsh weather
conditions and excellent water vapour
permeability.
Steve continued: “StoVentec is very quick and
simple to install which made it ideal for Blar Mor
and the inevitable wet weather conditions. The
system has also provided a thermally-efficient
solution with facades that will be resistant to
cracking and the elements, ensuring they retain
their attractive appearance.”
www.sto.co.uk
FEBRUARY 2024 TC 35