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Combating Stormwater Threat with Green Roofs

An image of a green roof installation on a house

A fascinating article in the Huffington Post recently highlighted the positive impact the installation of a green roofing system can have in regards to effectively combating excess rainfall.

Southern California has been exposed to one of the worse droughts on record and despite a little respite with rain beginning to fall, thoughts have turned towards implementing long term measures designed to help limit the negative impact of extreme weather. 

The article stated that:

“One of the best strategies for improving the city’s resilience and water efficiency is to mimic the way undisturbed environments receive rain and adjust the built landscape to reflect qualities found in nature. Prior to urbanization, the land that is now Los Angeles could easily absorb 95% of the rain that fell. Today, stormwater floods the city with polluted water–wreaks expensive havoc–and then disappears into the ocean.”

“Living roofs (aka green roofs) contribute to resilience in many other ways. Not only do they absorb and filter rainwater during storms, but they also reduce ambient temperatures during heat waves (which are projected to increase over the coming decades), through the process of natural evaporation.  Drought tolerant plants grown on the roof provide insulation in summer and winter, keeping living spaces comfortable and reducing energy costs. Green roofs also pull carbon dioxide out of the air; they actively absorb one of the agents driving climate change in the first place.”

To read the full article, please click here.

Wallbarn Green Roofing Systems

Wallbarn have specialised in the growth and installation of green roofing systems for many years and have actively promoted the wide-ranging benefits to our customers.

For more on the benefits of installing a green roofing system, please visit the dedicated area on our website by clicking here.

Along with offering wide-ranging environmental benefits, the green roofing products available from Wallbarn are also incredibly easy to install.

 

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“Wildflower” Green Roofs – All You Need To Know

Wildflower Green Roofs

There is a lot of chatter about “wildflower” green roofs and throughout this post, we aim to shine a light on what separates wildflower green roofs from standard green roofs.

What Are Wildflower Green Roofs?

Wildflower or biodiverse green roofs are supposed to contain a mixture of native flower species to attract native insects and birds. However, if you were to prepare a green roof substrate of bare earth and introduce a few native flowers after a period of time the roof will become overrun with grass and very invasive weeds such as goat willow, bindweed and nettles. The result after time will be unsightly and potentially dangerous for the membrane beneath. 

Staying Ahead of The Curve

To complement our wildflower green roof options, we are currently working on testing a wildflower M-Tray® mix with taller, more delicate flowers than standard sedum.

The winter is a crucial time to help address common issues such as re-seeding and transportation and the next few months will be essential in developing the most durable option possible.

Choosing The Correct Sedum

Many “wildflowers” are either annual or biennial or have such large root structures that they are unsuitable for green roofs.

What to do? Wallbarn is offering a solution by using the standard sedum M-Tray® green roofs as a basis for our green roof and adding wildflower seeds. Our sedum mix, which is based on the Jellito “Northern European and English Mix” seed mix which that company supplies, contains native sedum species and those deemed suitable for the English climate. Many of these sedums are flowering, have different leaf structures and textures, and grow and retreat throughout the year.

Sedum is not just a green carpet. It has many different varieties and if it is planted up in the right manner, can produce an extremely complicated and attractive garden.

The Correct Way To Introduce The Wildflower Seed Mix

In order to get more wildflowers into the system, Wallbarn is broadcasting the sedum trays with a wildflower seed mix at the point of harvesting and packing.

If we planted up wildflower trays on the farm, the flowers would be crushed upon packing and would be dead by the time they were delivered. Therefore, the tray units will look like regular sedum trays when they are delivered. The seeds will start to germinate immediately and will start to appear as flowers within 3 weeks of delivery and watering (we recommend that the trays are watered once installed).

This seed mix is designed to attract bees and butterflies, so will increase the amount of nature on the roof.

“Wildflower” Green Roofs Need To Be Maintained

There are certain things to consider: these flowers are chiefly annuals, so will die off at the end of the growing season.

Therefore, in order to have flowers the next year, the roof will need to be reseeded. Either people can harvest the seeds in this season’s crop to sow the next year, or purchase another seed mix (available from Wallbarn) the next spring. Also, these wildflowers can grow very high, up to 80cm and will have much more fibrous structures than sedum (which is succulent) so the dead stalks and other vegetation will turn not rot but remain on the roof after the flowers have died off.

This makes the roof look unsightly and is also a potential fire risk, so these dead stalks should be removed every autumn. Clients should bear this additional maintenance in mind when choosing wildflower – if the roof is inaccessible this can prove a major problem. The additional costs of more maintenance should also be factored.

Need More Information?

More information on Green Roofs can be found on our website.

If you would like to talk to us to discuss our green roof solutions, please contact us today on 0208 916 2222 or email sales@wallbarn.com.

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Wallbarn Reacting To Changes In Fire Safety Regulations

An image of a balcony

Some fundamental changes have been put in place relating to the fire safety rating of building materials during the addition of bolt-on balconies to buildings.

The ban, resulting from a consultation following the tragic events at Grenfell, was formally announced last year on the 1st October 2018  by Housing Secretary James Brokenshire during the Conservative party conference in Birmingham. 

The policy will apply to all new buildings and those currently under construction but will not be applied retrospectively to buildings where the materials have already been fitted.

Previously, building regulations in the UK state that any material used for filler or insulation on high-rise buildings must be of ‘limited combustibility’.

However, these regulations will be amended so that only materials classed as ‘A1 or A2’ under the European Reaction to Fire classification system, will be allowed.

What do A1 and A2 ratings mean?*

The government’s official guide to rules on fire safety – Approved Document B – defines products achieving an A1 classification as non-combustible and products achieving an A2 classification as being of limited combustibility. A-class products – those classified A1 and A2 – make no significant contribution to fire growth while products with a rating of B-F are classified as combustible.

The European Classification system for combustibility classifies construction products using a series of tests. Class A materials have the best performance in a fire and are divided into two sub-classes, Class A1 and Class A2.

Class A1 – Products are described as having no contribution to fire at any stage. The BS EN 13501 test sets several thresholds for combustion performance when tested to both EN ISO 1716 and EN ISO 1182. One of these thresholds is a maximum heat of combustion of 2MJ/kg. Typical products meeting this classification include most inorganic materials such as metal, stone, and glass.

Class A2, s3, d2 – Products are described as having no significant contribution to fire at any stage. BS EN 13501 sets several thresholds for combustion when tested to EN ISO 1182, or both EN ISO 1716 and EN 13823. One of these thresholds is a maximum heat of combustion of 3MJ/kg. A typical product meeting this classification is plasterboard.

An A2 certified product has higher combustibility and can sustain flame for no more than 20 seconds. In contrast, A1 has lower combustibility and no sustained flaming when tested.

*These definitions were taken from the Architects Journal, please click here for the full details.

Making the Adjustment

At Wallbarn, we are pro-actively reacting to the changes in fire safety regulations to ensure compliance with our products.

Based upon our ASP design to help distribute weight effectively, we are currently developing a steel adjustable pedestal which is due for launch in quarter one of 2020.

Stay tuned for details…….

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Habitat site takes Wallbarn green roof

M-Tray® installation at Silverlake, West Dorset

Wallbarn’s modular Green Roof chosen for stunning lakeside development.

The Ideal Solution

The M-Tray® provided an excellent green roof solution for an exclusive and sustainable holiday village in West Dorset. 

Wallbarn has to date supplied its modular green roof system for the health spa and a number of boathouses.

The spa was nearing completion so the client was looking for a quick solution, making the easy-to-install M-Tray® a perfect choice.

Watch the short film below.

What makes the M-Tray® unique?

Our M-Tray® system consists of specially-designed modular trays containing superior, engineered substrate and fully established flowering sedum.

  • Mature, established vegetation
  • Click-together trays create a seamless connection
  • Easy to transport and install
  • Specially-mixed substrate for the longevity of plant life
  • 100mm deep cavities for healthy roots
  • Optimum drainage means stronger plants
  • No sharp edges or mess meaning minimum disruption to plants, deck structure and inhabitants!

For more information, please visit the dedicated area on our website by clicking here.

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The Dangers of Using Recycled Plastics in Decking Supports

Self-levelling support pads with porcelain tiles

Modern-day society places a strong focus on sustainability and utilising renewable resources. This can make it difficult for some people to understand why the choice is made to make certain products from virgin material.

Depending on how materials are re-processed, it can be impossible for recycled materials to replicate 100% of properties of virgin materials. As such, the degradation of these properties can play a detrimental role with regard to safety factors and durability. 

This is not to say recycled plastics cannot be used in certain applications if the product is structural, a lower strength or safety rating can have very serious implications and this goes a long way towards explaining why some recycled materials often have lower safety ratings.

No Recycled Plastic Used In Our Paving & Decking Supports

With potential long-term viability issues relating to construction products such as decking supports constructed using recycled plastic fibres, we do not believe that there is any margin for error and therefore our range of decking support pedestals are made of virgin fibre injection moulded polypropylene.

Click Here To View Our Range of Balance Pedestals For Decking & Paving

Because we cannot guarantee or be assured in any way that the weight tolerances we require of our adjustable pedestals can be achieved by using recycled plastic, we simply cannot use this material.

Our range of decking and paving supports have all been subjected to testing by an independent testing laboratory, some of the most stringent testing available to ensure their qualities.

They are extremely tough and durable. Each support pad (at 35mm and above) able to tolerate the weight of 1,171 kg and tolerate temperatures as low as -40°C and as high as +75°C.

These tests are fully independent and have been created to assess the safety, the strength and the durability of a particular product.

Weight Tolerance* 683kg
Maximum Load* 1,171kg
Max Temperature Plus 75 ° C
Min Temperature Minus 40 °C

 

Take No Chances

Wherever weight tolerance and temperature exposure are of extreme importance, we strongly believe that no risks should be taken with the quality of the products used in the build.

Our products are designed to offer outstanding quality and our range of paving and decking supports offer a variety of key advantages, including:

  • Cost-effective entry-level support pads
  • Separate paving and decking from the base structure
  • Improve drainage
  • Protect surface beneath
  • Avoid the need for sand and cement
  • Easy maintenance – slabs can be removed for inspection or repair
  • Can take up surface easily for inspection
  • Fast & easy installation

* Weight tolerance = the point at which the pedestal ends its normal behaviour and starts to deform (according to an independent testing laboratory test 179112/1)
* Maximum load = the point at which pedestals start to collapse in laboratory tests (according to an independent testing laboratory test 179112/1)

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A Successful Week For Wallbarn At UK Construction Week

A Successful Week For Wallbarn At UK Construction Week

 

In its 5th consecutive year, UK Construction Week brings together people working across the industry from design and build to supply; promoting innovation, learning and networking.

In the face of adversity

With so much uncertainty surrounding not just the construction industry but the UK as a whole, we were delighted to have such a ‘constructive’ three days at the NEC last week.

“In spite of everything being thrown at our industry, there was a very positive atmosphere at the show” Alec Thurbin, Director, Wallbarn

The Wallbarn team had some very productive conversations not just on our stand but out and about meeting customers, potential partners and prospects.

Ever greener

It was great to see such a healthy mix of delegates this year from contractors, manufacturers to architects and planners from universities and local authorities and students too.

A lot more people wanted to talk about green roofs – the benefits have clearly sunk in – and with easier methods of transporting, installing and maintaining them now available (see clip above) more developers and contractors were keen to know more.

You can learn more about our modular green roof here.

Get in touch

Thank you to all those who visited our stand during the event. If you have any follow-up questions, please get in touch. We would also welcome your feedback.

As the UK’s largest event dedicated to knowledge sharing, championing good practice and problem-solving, UK Construction Week offers the perfect environment for the whole industry to look, talk, plan, learn and do business; providing answers for what, when, where and how we build (for) our future.

Wallbarn’s stand at UKCW 2019

 

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Addressing The Issues of Working With Very Tight Height Thresholds

pave pad with a slab

The use of Adjustable Support Pedestals to assist the installation of decking or paving can be crucial to help create a space beneath the paved/tiled surface.

Designed to help aid the installation and ensure that rainwater is able to run between and under the slabs rather than pool on top, these pedestals will help to ensure that the surface is less slippery and can even help to prolong the lifespan of decking by reducing the chances of warping due to prolonged exposure to water.

Working With Tight Height Thresholds

When faced with tight height thresholds during the installation, standard ASPs can prove to be difficult to work with due to the limited space available.

Because of this, working with feedback from our customers who needed an effective solution to restricted space areas which still required minor height alterations to achieve completely flat surfaces, Wallbarn developed the MiniPad.

The Smallest Adjustable Pedestal in the UK

We believe that the 10-20mm universal pedestal the smallest fully adjustable pedestal on the market in the UK allowing for use with ultra-low thresholds.

Allowing installers to achieve millimetre precision with our pedestals, the MiniPad decking and paving pedestal can cope with falls in more than one direction and accommodate large drops and channels.  

Height range 10mm up to 380mm

  • Designed for use when working with very tight spaces
  • The thread allows 5mm of change to the level
  • Further 5mm extension plate which is fitted to the bottom of the pedestal
  • 5mm extension plate turns 10-15mm pedestal into a 15-20mm fully adjustable pedestal for use in tight spaces
  • Special handle grips allow installers to adjust the height whilst slab is in situ – saves constantly lifting the slab to change the height

Special handle grips have been incorporated into the design to help installers fit their fingers into this tight gap and can turn the pedestal to adjust the height. An adjustment can be made whilst the slab is in place, so delays by constantly lifting the slab to change the height are avoided.

The extended handle at the side allows installers easier access for any final movements.

To View Our Universal Range of Pedestals Click Here

Technical Data

By adding two alternative heights: Minipad 22-30mm and Minipad 28-37mm available for slightly higher clearances, to our range, we are able to cover from 10mm to 37mm in just three products.

Using these pedestals, rather than fixed height paving pads, avoids the need to have to spend a large amount of time and effort placing shims under fixed height supports trying to gain the optimum level.

Fully Adjustable

  • Achieve millimetre precision with our pedestals
  • Cope with falls in more than one direction and accommodate large drops and channels
  • Height ranges as follows:
      • Standard Universal range: 35mm up to 365mm
      • Universal Extra: 85mm up to 380mm
      • Minipads: available 10mm up to 40mm
  • Our time-saving alternative to fixed height pads
  • Perfect for overlaying and retro-fitting
  • Achieve precise, split-millimetre accuracy in the height of the pedestal to accommodate tiny changes in the level
CODE HEIGHT DIAMETER OF HEAD DIAMETER OF BASE DISTANCE BETWEEN LUGS LUG HEIGHT WEIGHT TOLERANCE* MAXIMUM LOAD*
SP-MEG-010 10-20mm 150mm 150mm 60mm 15mm 683kg 1,171kg
SP-MEG-022 22-30mm 150mm 150mm 60mm 15mm 683kg 1,171kg
SP-MEG-028 28-37mm 150mm 150mm 60mm 15mm 683kg 1,171kg

Adjustments Made Easy!

In tiny spaces, it can be difficult to make adjustments by hand. This is where the multi-function key called the Easykey can be used.

The curved and shaped profile at one end which can be used as a spanner/wrench type tool. It grips around the series of vertical bars between the head and base and can be used to turn the thread up and down.

The Wallbarn Adjustable Pedestal Range

As well as the MiniPads, we also stock a comprehensive range of adjustable decking and paving support pedestals offering a variety of benefits to your customers.

  • Achieve stunning finishes
  • Suspended system
  • Fully adjustable
  • Superior quality (Please click here for more information)
  • Suitable for paving slabs and timber decking

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Introducing The Pedestals Rail System

An image of the pedestal rail system with Megapads

With the sustained move towards the use of porcelain tiles rather than concrete tiles, finding a suitable framework to lay the tiles onto has taken on increased importance.

By using a framework created from our pedestal rail system and laying the tiles using pedestals and rails, extra support will be provided to the structure.

Innovative New Modular System

This new innovative modular system will allow you to lay ceramic planks, even long ones, with the minimum of effort allowing for aesthetic solutions which were not previously achievable with this new format.

Benefits of the rail system include:

  • Creates lateral stability across the deck by reducing movement
  • Bespoke headpiece clips onto profiled aluminium joist
  • Can support very thin tiles across the whole edge
  • Grid framework results in faster installation because flat levels can be achieved easier
  • Aluminium rail clicks securely onto Megapad pedestal
  • The modular system ensures that repairs are easier
  • Timber decking can also fix directly into the rail for low height thresholds

Install Boards of Any Shape And Size

This new type of pedestal rail system is suitable to help install decking boards and stonewares or slabs made of stone and ceramics, of any shape and size.‎

However, the introduction of the pedestal rail system to the market ensures that outdoor raised floors can be created with boards and a mixed top finish.‎

Ideal for set-ups with large-sized stoneware tiles, the pedestals rail system provides stability and finishes that have not been thought of so far with ceramic stonewares.‎

Constructed from lightweight, resistant aluminium, together with the pedestals, it guarantees a capacity and solidity that cannot be compared to that without the joist.‎

Why Are Porcelain Tiles Becoming More Popular?

Known for their strength, durability and outstanding aesthetics, porcelain tiles are generally regarding as offering a significant upgrade over standard tiles.

  • Resists wear
  • Low maintenance
  • They look great!
  • Suitable for areas of high traffic
  • Diverse range of styles available
  • Outstanding durability
  • Easy to clean

For more information about our pedestal rail system, please click here.

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Visiting UK Construction Week at the NEC

Visiting UK Construction Week at the NEC

UK Construction Week (8-10 October, NEC) is the UK’s largest construction event. The event brings together all stakeholders within the built environment across every facet of design, build and product innovation. As the largest event dedicated to knowledge sharing, championing good practice and problem-solving, it’s the environment for the whole industry to look, talk, plan, learn and do business; providing answers for what, when, where and how we build (for) our future.

UK Construction Week (UKCW) is FREE to attend and consists of multiple sections: Build, Building Tech, Civils, Energy & HVAC, Surface & Materials and Timber running from 8-10 October and newly launched Concrete Expo (8-9 Oct only) and Grand Designs Live (9-10 Oct only).

Shaping The Theme

Innovation and new advisory board shape theme for disruptor products and technologies at UK Construction Week 2019

An innovation advisory board made up of construction clients, contractors and consultants have met to shape how innovation is placed at the heart of this year’s UK Construction Week. It will also assist in scrutinising the latest projects, products and technologies being pitched for a new ‘Innovation Zone’ at this year’s UK Construction Week event in October.

UK Construction Week is the UK’s largest construction event. Last year’s show was attended by 34,012 delegates, featured 350 speakers delivering 300 hours of content, and more than 650 stands covering over 70,000 square metres providing launches, demos and offers on more than 10,000 products.

Where Will We Be?

We will be exhibiting at stand: B793 and we’d love to see you there.

To view our online profile for the exhibition, please visit the following link https://www.ukconstructionweek.com/exhibitors/wallbarn-ltd

To register for your FREE tickets, please click here.

Introducing Our Range Of Adjustable Pedestals For Paving & Decking

We will be showing a wide range of our products including the most comprehensive range of pedestals in the UK.
  • Achieve stunning finishes
  • Suspended system
  • Fully adjustable
  • Superior quality
  • Suitable for paving slabs and timber decking
  • Height range 10mm up to 380mm

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UK Construction Week 2019

Visiting UK Construction Week at the NEC

UK Construction Week (UKCW) is FREE to attend and consists of multiple sections: Build, Building Tech, Civils, Energy & HVAC, Surface & Materials and Timber running from 8-10 October and newly launched Concrete Expo (8-9 Oct only) and Grand Designs Live (9-10 Oct only).

About The Show

In its 5th year, UK Construction Week (UKCW) takes place on 8-10 October and brings together all stakeholders within the built environment across design, build and supply; promoting innovation, projects, learning and networking.

As the largest event dedicated to knowledge sharing, best practice, problem-solving and product sourcing, it is the environment for the whole industry to discover, develop, discuss and do business; providing all the answers for how we build for our future. UKCW is FREE to attend and welcomes 650+ exhibitors, 35,000 visitors, over 300 expert speaker line-up and over 150 hours of CPD content.

For highlights of the 2018 show, check out the video below:

Where Will We Be?

We will be exhibiting at stand: B793 and we’d love to see you there.

To view our online profile for the exhibition, please visit the following link https://www.ukconstructionweek.com/exhibitors/wallbarn-ltd

To register for your FREE tickets, please click here.