COMPANY FOCUS: MARLEY ALUTEC A
fully functioning rainwater system is crucial to any building. Without it, water from rain or snow can penetrate the building’s fabric and even cause cracks in its foundations. The use of sub-standard products that are unable to effectively protect buildings against this can lead to significant damage and be costly to repair. There are currently rainwater systems made from a number of different materials on the market. However, with most buildings expected to last many years before undergoing major refurbishment, it is important to select guttering systems with a long operational lifespan to ensure that each solution they install is built to last. Therefore, when considering rainwater products to stock and recommend, a number of factors should be considered.
Durability
The longevity of a rainwater system is key. While aluminium systems have a minimum average functional life expectancy of more than 50 years, alternative solutions such as PVC are far less durable and prone to becoming brittle and cracking during their lifespan. This can lead to more frequent maintenance being required or even full system replacement.
Cast iron and galvanised steel are both more durable than PVC, but are very maintenance intensive. In order to prevent rust or corrosion, these systems will require regular inspections and repainting in corrosive-resistant primers. In contrast to this, marine-grade aluminium is a maintenance free solution. With a naturally occurring protective oxide layer, it will prevent corrosion or rust if the surface is inadvertently damaged. This coating also automatically reforms to protect itself. Best practice dictates that marine-grade aluminium is specified as lower quality aluminium does not provide the same level of oxide coating and in turn will eventually show signs of corrosion.
Ease of installation
Aluminium is a lightweight and easy to install solution – yet it remains durable. The appeal of PVC gutters is that they are lightweight and ‘snap’ together at the joints but conversely, the durability of the PVC is often compromised. Guttering solutions made from cast iron are hard work onsite as they are heavy and inflexible, requiring specialist installers and tools to ensure they are fitted correctly.
At approximately 65 per cent lighter than cast iron, aluminium possesses an excellent strength to weight ratio to aid its durability and ease of installation. Aluminium ‘snap fit’ solutions are also available for quick and simple jointing which, combined with its lightness, makes it easy and safer to handle and install.
RAINDROPS KEEP FALLING ON MY HEAD
There are crucial factors for merchants to consider when customers need high-quality guttering systems to keep the rain flowing where it should, as Brian Bell, from Marley Alutec tells BMJ.
Furthermore, fascia and soffit systems are a crucial element of the specification process, providing a stable backing for the gutters to be secured. If overlooked, they can become an unsightly feature of the building. Aluminium composite fascia and soffit systems are the ideal ‘fit and forget’ solution. Also boasting an operational life expectancy of over 50 years, they are both simple and fast to fit, only requiring standard carpentry tools to install onsite.
Aesthetics
Merchants should offer information on the colour options available to ensure that it is in line with the project’s requirements. Manufacturers are able to provide colour plates on request, which makes it easier to demonstrate the exact finish.
When customers flag the aesthetic as a key issue to the job – it’s worthwhile knowing that some aluminium manufacturers able to provide architectural grade polyester powder coat (PPC) paint, which is carried out to BS EN 12206-1:2004. Designed for exterior use, the paint maintains the system’s colour and gloss for much longer. In addition, these PPC paints offer unrivalled colour stability and provide excellent uniform colour retention throughout the 50
December 2020
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net Added value
When designing a bespoke rainwater and eaves system, it can prove to be a complex affair. Therefore, leading manufacturers, such as Marley Alutec, offer technical support and site visits to assist. Comprehensive in its offering, it will include assistance with water run-off calculations, flow rates and practical advice about the ideal solution for the project in hand. Merchants should rest assured that when recommending aluminium rainwater systems to a customer, not only will they benefit from a product that meets all possible performance and aesthetic requirements, but with a trusted brand – they’ll benefit from a range of additional service and technical support too. BMJ
25
years functional life expectancy of marine-grade aluminium products.
Aluminium is one of the most sustainable building materials currently available on the market. Infinitely recyclable without losing its quality, it is estimated that 75 per cent of all aluminium ever produced is still in use today. As environmental concerns are more important than ever in the construction sector, many installers will be looking for a system that can be fully recycled at the end of its usable lifespan.
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