GA/28.05.08vs2                                             BRICK 1/2

WHEN IS A BRICK NOT A BRICK? WHEN IT'S A BRICK-EFFECT RENDER

RSLs Value Visual Appeal in Thermal Upgrading

In upgrading their social housing to present day standards, local authorities and housing associations also recognise the need to give them visual appeal for the sake of the tenants and local environment. The winner and runner-up in the INCA Andy Swan Awards 2008, for the best use of external wall insulation for the refurbishment of low rise social housing, demonstrate the appeal of a brick finish. The Awards are sponsored by the Insulated Render and Cladding Association.
            In the case of the winner, Smiths type houses, in Mackay Road, Bloxwich, Walsall, brick effect render has been used, incorporating a grey brick soldier course of individual grey bricks to provide contrast to the vast expanse of red brick-effect render.
            The Walsall Housing Group and Frank Haslam Milan, the principal contractor, wished to upgrade the thermal efficiency and aesthetics of the houses, refurbishing them in line with the Decent Homes Standard. They used the PermaRock phenolic insulated render system, incorporating 45mm of phenolic board, to bring the properties’ U-values into line with current Building Regulations. The choice of different-coloured brick-effect renders preserved the brick look of the houses, ensuring they blended in with properties, which had not been upgraded. The system designer was PermaRock Products Ltd, and the installer ECL Contracts Ltd – both INCA members.
            The Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council had a very similar motive in mind in refurbishing BISF steel framed properties in Crynalt Road, Cimla, Neath, Nr. Swansea. They wished to reduce the U-values of the external walls, to help meet Welsh Housing Quality Standards, and to brighten up the properties, giving them a more modern attractive appearance. BISF properties are renowned for their lack of thermal efficiency. The use of an external wall insulation system successfully reduced the U-value to 0.30W/m²K.
            Illustrating the flexible and versatile nature of external wall insulation, they chose a Wetherby system, incorporating 90mm mineral wool insulation, with a decorative brick-slip finish and soldier courses. This was complemented with a combination of dry dash finishes in beige marble and cameo colours. This met the client’s requirement to lift the appearance of the previously rather bland properties, by the use of brighter colours and contrasting finishes. The refurbishment has had a seriously positive affect on the area. The system designer is Wetherby Building Systems Ltd; and the installer, Specialist External Render Systems Ltd – both INCA members.
            The Insulated Render and Cladding Association is at P O Box 12, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 3AH, tel: 01428 654011; fax: 01428 651401; e-mail: incaassociation@aol.com; www.inca-ltd.org.uk

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Further information from Gillian or Leonie on 01428 654011.

Downloadable Images:-

images\Winner-Smiths Houses, Walsall

images\RunnerUpE03-Neath1.jpg

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