// PRODUCT NEWS


Engineered solutions are taking over from natural wood


Natural timber is gorgeous; and has been the building material for eons! It still has a huge place in our heart even amongst the multitude of new technological advances in the construction industry.


Timber is a natural product and, like all products of nature including us,


it is neither consistent nor guaranteed free of defects. Prone to warping, twisting and splitting, sawn timber is still widely used – understandably so, as it is relatively cheap, easy to work and both light and strong. Yet today’s building industry expects high levels of precision and for structures to be right first time. Natural timber cannot deliver 100% reliably on this and so came the engineered wood products boom.


West Fraser leads the way in the manufacture of innovative timber panel products. Today’s wood panel products are among the best-known examples of engineered wood.


Oriented Strand Board (OSB), provides the best example of how timber’s natural strength can be exploited and even enhanced through an engineered process. Thin flakes of soſtwood fibre, coated with a resin binder, are laid down in layers to create a deep bed of loose fibres. The assembly process carefully orientates each layer so that the fibres overlap in different directions. The fibre mat is then compressed under great pressure and heat is applied to cure the resin. The resulting board is stiff and strong, with the fibres oriented in such a way as to maximise bending resistance.


Uk.westfraser.com


Interpon powder coatings help Hydro Building Systems Spain construct a new future in sustainability


Hydro Building Systems Spain, a global manufacturer of aluminum


profile systems, is extending its 20- year partnership with AkzoNobel and using the innovative Interpon Anodic range to


give architects and designers more choice and flexibility than ‘traditional’ anodizing, with reduced environmental implications and cost.


Arantxa Oritz Barredo, Hydro Building Systems Spain Purchasing and Powder Management, says that with the Interpon Anodic range, Hydro can create the appearance of an anodized finish, but in a powder coating, and produce it in-house: “The metallic effect finishes we are capable of creating are superb, and very well-received by our customers,” she says. “The quality of finish is further guaranteed by industry-leading warranties, and Interpon’s accreditation to Qualicoat Class I and II.


“When you’ve built a global reputation for the quality of your aluminum profile systems, and are committed to sustainability, you seek partners with similar ideals, and a shared ambition of continuous improvement. AkzoNobel shares our passion for innovation; the more Interpon innovates, the greater the innovation we can take to our customers,” she concludes.


www.interpon.com www.interpon.com/gl/en/products/architectural/interpon-d-anodic-collection?utm_source=pressrelease&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=hydro&utm_content=link&utm_term=arch 26 Summer 2024 M32


Introducing the HL-109: Advanced High-Limit and Frost Protection Thermostat from Whisper Controls


Whisper Controls is excited to announce the launch of our innovative HL-109 digital pipe thermostat, designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of heating systems.


Backed by our market-leading five-year warranty from the installation date, the


HL-109 acts as a fail-safe mechanism to monitor and control the heating system’s temperature, preventing it from exceeding predetermined limits. If there is any anomaly or potential overheating, the HL-109 interrupts the power supply, safeguarding the heating system.


Jon Arntsen, Managing Director of Whisper Controls, said: “At Whisper Controls, we are passionate about delivering straightforward smart living for our customers. The HL-109 reflects that with its user-friendly design and versatility. Thanks to its pump exercise function, it can prevent underfloor heating circulating pumps from seizing during the off-season and particularly protects underfloor heating systems from heat sources that could cause over-temperature failures or high-temperature cycles. This makes it ideal for projects with delicate floor finishes or systems without temperature managing capability in the underfloor heating manifold.”


The HL-109 is the perfect solution for residential and commercial heating systems, offering peace of mind and enhanced protection. For more information, please contact our expert team at 01993 640073.


www.whispercontrols.com Debunking the plastics greenwash


In the last two decades, new plumbing materials such as multi- layer composite pipe (MLCP) have emerged, positioning themselves as


alternatives to copper for construction projects.


When selecting plumbing materials,


efficiency, safety, sustainability and durability are key considerations. Copper offers a more environmentally friendly option; however, this is oſten overlooked by installers who prioritise short-term cost efficiency over sustainability credentials.


The true recyclability of MLCP


While many plastics manufacturers market MLCP as a fully recyclable product, the reality is that this is another example of greenwashing. MLCP is virtually impossible to recycle, due to the multiple layers of plastic and aluminium layers it consists of.


The industry must look past greenwashing to the true qualities of the plumbing materials they use. Copper is a 100% recyclable material.


There are 22 million metric tons of copper in production each year compared to plastic producing over 400 million metric tons annually. In addition to this, since 1900, around two-thirds of the material is still used today, showcasing its longevity and recyclability.


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