“ Not only is it good for design purposes , but its versatility makes Weather Defence boards
quick and easy to fit into place .
ETEX
However , these materials don ’ t tend to survive for long , they can also be difficult to work with and are unlikely to provide the advanced safety and quality properties expected by contemporary construction .
The latest generation of Siniat ’ s Weather Defence boards represents an evolution for this type of building component , as it can form an effective , watertight weather barrier on the outside of a frame for up to 12 months . This longevity gives the project ’ s managers peace of mind that the site ’ s vulnerable internals can be protected for longer , so they can be more flexible when planning their work .
With the potential to be acting as the external envelope for many months , the boards also create an effective airtight environment . As the sheathing layer stays open to vapour transmission it allows moisture to escape and means that projects can often forgo installing a breather membrane , further streamlining the work required .
Its airtight properties are particularly useful for coastal projects , where the higher humidity levels can lead to excessive moisture build up . For example , SA1 Waterfront , a large student accommodation project on Swansea ’ s waterfront utilised the Weather Defence boards to avoid the coastal climate affecting the ongoing building work .
These boards not only create an airtight and watertight environment so trades can continue to operate , but they also play a role in defining the outline of the building . Being easy to cut , shape and bend makes it a versatile medium and it can be quickly fashioned into whatever shape the designer requires .
PAGE 61 - ARCHETECH