Archetech Issue 32 2017 | Page 159

New online timber decking and cladding resource A welcome arrival in the world of online information is a brand new website from the Timber Decking and Cladding Association. Dedicated purely to timber decking and cladding and associated products, the new site offers visitors a comprehensive information resource as well as a nifty search facility to help you find quality suppliers of specific materials and services. Targeted at industry professionals, it’s well worth a visit and a bookmark for future reference. Quik Drive kicks up a gear Simpson Strong-Tie is boosting support for its collated screw system: “Quik Drive” with the appointment of a new Sales Manager. Fixings Industry veteran and now Quik Drive afficianado: Phil Chambers explains: “The Quik Drive system has been on my radar for some time, it’s not just fast, it’s really (really) simple to use. It’s great to see the lights go on in peoples mind when they give it a try, so for me it’s a thrill to join the team behind it and to spend time with people from the many different industries that can make great use of the Quik Drive system.” TDCA membership encompasses material manufactures including timber, fixings, timber protection, coatings and accessories and the best that industry can offer by way of professional installers. Many are DeckMark or CladMark accredited which means they meet TDCA’s stringent quality requirements. The TDCA is a not for profit company and acts as a technical and advisory body for the UK timber decking and timber cladding industries. For more information visit www.tdca.org.uk or call 01977 558147. In addition to Phil conducting Quik Drive demonstrations throughout the UK, an all new Quik Drive catalogue is being released this summer. The latest edition features additional Quik Drive equipment and collated screws introduced during 2017. The catalogue has also received a design revamp to make it as easy to use as the Quik Drive system itself, with better visuals and more ’how to’ guidance. For more information to book a test drive, visit the Simpson Strong-Tie website at www.strongtie.co.uk. Replacement Balustrade A great many character or period properties have stone balustrade incorporated into their design. These balustrades make a large visual impact, but they also have a practical purpose as barriers and screens. INNOVATIVE NEW CONCRETE PRODUCT LAUNCHES IN THE UK A common cause for the demise of a balustrade is the presence of water. Many original balustrades were made from artificial stonework such as Roman Cement, Concrete and Stucco. These were often reinforced with iron or mild steel bars which rust and expand when exposed to water over a long period. Tel: 01634 711617 Email: [email protected] Web: www.kentbalusters.co.uk LightBeton is being sold exclusively by Arnold Laver, the UK’s leading supplier of timber and construction materials. The product features a 2mm layer of concrete bonded onto MDF or a variety of other materials such as polypropylene honeycomb. This combines to create a lightweight material that is ideal for ceilings, walls, table tops, furniture, counters, columns, pillars, temporary floorings as well as a vast range of other uses. The product, which is produced by renowned German surface manufacturer Richter akustik & design, weighs just 3.9kg per square metre and is also available with an optional fire rated composite material added. It can be cut using standard woodworking equipment and is suitable for edge-banding machinery, as well as looking authentic with bevels. LightBeton has scooped numerous prestigious accolades, including winning an award at the German Design Awards, and being named ‘best of the best’ at the Interior Innovation Awards. For further information about LightBeton, call your local Arnold Laver depot or visit www.laver.co.uk Other balustrades were made of natural stone such as Portland Stone or Bath Stone. While these types of balustrade do not suffer from ‘blown’ reinforcing, they do have a finite life span and the surface of stonework will often delaminate or form powdery patches. AN INNOVATIVE and extremely stylish new concrete product that offers architects, planners and interior designers a vast range of design-led uses is now available for the first time in the UK.