Archetech Issue 54 2021 | Page 60

ETEX

PURPLE IN PLAIN SIGHT

HOW EXTERNAL SHEATHING BOARDS KEEP BUILDING SITES BUILDING
By Melanie Davies , Market Manager at Etex Building Performance
There ’ s a good chance you ’ ll have walked past many building sites and not thought twice about the fact that in place of grey tarpaulin and cement panels , they ’ re instead covered in bright purple boards . Although often overlooked , this colourful layer plays an important role in allowing construction projects to work quickly and to a high standard .
Designed and made by Siniat using gypsum technology , this purple covering is in fact its specialist Weather Defence™ system , which has been built into many of the structures around us since it launched in 2013 . This solution enables developments to keep moving despite challenges such as the weather and the safety risks of an uncovered site , while simultaneously ensuring that projects meet today ’ s strict building regulations . In addition , once added into the building envelope , the boards make up part of an effective insulated render façade system .
The ability to speed up construction was an important aspect of the Weather Defence boards ’ use at Exeter University ’ s new Eastpark complex , which includes over 700 apartments . For this huge expansion of the university ’ s residential capacity , it was imperative that the build progressed on schedule so that the rooms would be available for students when they started their new term .
Traditionally , protection from the elements would be achieved using engineered timber , plywood or on larger developments cement particle boards .
ARCHETECH - PAGE 60