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Trade Fabrication Systems (TFS), one of the UK's leading processors of coated and laminated wood based products, has launched a pre-bonded breather membrane product aimed at the timber frame market.
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Trade Fabrication Systems (TFS), one of the UK's leading processors of coated and laminated wood based products, has launched a pre-bonded breather membrane product aimed at the timber frame market. TradeCoat PBB is factory applied to timber frame wall panels, such as OSB/ply sheathing; which provides a much enhanced and robust building system that assists to considerably reduce the costs associated with thermal leakage over a building's lifetime as well as additional protection against fire damage during construction.
A company that is dedicated to constant research and design, TFS noted that the traditional method of stapling a breather membrane to timber frame wall panels created a number of issues both during the build programme and beyond. Presently a standard woven or solar reflective breather membrane is 'loosely' stapled to the wall panels, which leaves it vulnerable to damage, such as splits or tears during storage, transportation and installation. Furthermore, prior to the unit being roofed and skinned the subsequent damage can expose the timber structure to weathering which can create long term problems with warping and rot. Although best practice dictates that repairs should be undertaken on site, it is often not the case and the damage can compromise performance, particularly thermal performance of the building's walls in a number of ways.
Howard Morris, general manager, Trade Fabrication Systems, explains: "Over time this type of damage to the breather membrane allows uncontrolled moisture to penetrate the timber wall panels with the potential to create warping within the wall cavity - thus narrowing the cavity. The sheathing may 'grow' on the stud and the rippling effect can ultimately lead to the panel pulling away from the stud. These 'gaps' can bring about unnecessary thermal leakage both from warm air escaping and cold air penetrating the building. An additional issue with 'loose' fixed breather membrane is the propensity for providing 'fuel' for arson attacks during build, particularly the chimney effect created by the loose nature of the membrane.
"Using a patented, bonding process we permanently attach the breather membrane to the wall panel, which greatly reduces its vulnerability to any kind of damage without compromising its vapour permeability properties."
Rigorous air tightness testing at TRADA (Timber Research and Development Association UK), showed that TradeCoat PBB with a taped joint considerably reduces thermal leakage. Supplied as a complete system including self-adhesive weather-proof tape, TradeCoat PBB is available through specialist timber and building merchants and distributors. The factory application of TradeCoat PBB ensures a consistent high quality finish and it also helps to maintain the stability of the wall panel keeping it rigid which in turn improves the air tightness of the panels within the cavity wall.
"With Building Regulations dictating mandatory air tightness testing prior to completion, it is imperative that all the construction components perform effectively in order to avoid costly remedial works. TradeCoat PBB is a cost effective solution which helps protect against the issues surrounding thermal performance and fire protection of a timber frame building." Concludes Morris.
TFS has a wide portfolio of finishes including fire retardant foils/coatings, anti-bacterial films/coatings, peel off protective films, UV lacquers and paints, in a range of colours that combine decorative appearance with technically enhanced performance. With a specialist in-house technical team, TFS works in partnership with clients in order to develop completely new products or to create a combination of finishes. For example, TradeCoat PBB can be supplied with a fire retardant foil or coating to the internal face of the wall panel providing enhanced protection.
These factory finished products are being utilised in a diverse range of applications, including residential and commercial construction, retail/office fit-outs, agriculture, landscape, leisure buildings and packaging.
For further information please visit www.tradefabricationsystems.co.uk or call 01925 821 199.
Contact Information
Dee Goldstraw
Freelancer
Manchester
Manchester
M20 3YA
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