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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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