FEATURES
The wrong window can deem an entire building illegal . Image : bm3 . co . uk
Solid brick walls normally consist of two brick skins that are joined together and strengthened with brickforce or brick reinforcing and / or wall-ties ( a mild steel wire laid between some of the courses to add strength ). The interior and exterior surfaces are usually plastered but may be fairfaced ( facebrick ). Concrete block walls are a more economical option and are often used for garages and outbuildings .
Whatever materials you choose when you build , the method used for building walls must comply with Part K 2 of the regulations . Part K 3 deals with the way in which the roof of a building is attached to the wall and states that this must be done securely and safely and must withstand natural forces such as high winds or rain and hail .
AfriSam Dry Mortar , a pre-blended dual purpose mix , has been specially engineered as a dual-purpose mix that can be used for both mortar and plaster work . Apart from merely saving time and money , AfriSam ’ s Dry Mortar solution offers contractors a range of other benefits . For example , using a pre-blended mortar mix will ensure optimum product integrity and subsequently quality construction on a project .
Dekton by Cosentino has launched three new lustrous surfaces , inspired by nature and natural stone . The Particle Sintering Technology ( PST ) used in its manufacture , Dekton XGloss , has technical properties including resistance to ultraviolet ( UV ) rays , abrasion , staining or thermal shock , making it an ideal material for both indoor and outdoor use . Uses include facades , kitchen or bathroom counter tops , floors and paving , stairs and other types of cladding . Dekton is available in large slab sizes of up to 144cm x 320cm , and in thicknesses of 20mm , 12mm and 8mm .
WINDOWS
According to the revised National Building Regulations , new builds without compliant windows ( SANS 10400-XA ) will be deemed unfit and illegal . The slow take-up of these regulations , especially with regards to fenestration , is very worrying and may lead to dire consequences for the parties concerned .
A structure stands incomplete without windows , walls or floors they play a crucial role in making sure a building remains rigid .
According to the Sustainability Institute , residential and commercial buildings consume some 60 % of the world ’ s electricity and fenestration remains one of the worst culprits for energy loss in a building . It has been estimated that about 40 % of all energy loss in a home occurs through standard , single pane windows . This number can be dramatically reduced if compliant windows are used instead .
Cobus Lourens from wooden window and door manufacturer , Swartland , says , “ Even though the SANS 10400-XA regulations have been in force for quite some time , there are unfortunately still a multitude of noncompliant windows readily available on the market . This is extremely alarming , as a new build without compliant windows will not pass the building regulations and will be deemed unfit and hence , illegal .”
He points out that Swartland continuously tests its products to ensure that they are compliant with the SANS 613 and 204 ( Fenestration Products ) Mechanical Performance Criteria . Its Ready-2-Fit range of windows is tested for deflection , structural strength , water resistance , air-tightness , operating forces and energy efficiency . As a result , they have unique mechanical property values , from A1 to A4 , assigned to them .
Lourens says that Swartland newest Kayo pre-sealed and pre-glazed hardwood windows offer a combination of quality and value for money . “ This range offers the construction industry a unique proposition that has been designed to increase the overall build quality of budget builds , as well as saves construction companies time and money on installation and finishing ,” he says .
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MARCH - APRIL 2017
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