BRUFMA - News

Digby Harper, the former Managing Director of Celotex UK was presented with the BRUFMA award for outstanding achievement to the polyurethane industry at the recent BRUFMA Annual Dinner.

The award, in memory of Malcolm Whitehead, a long-standing employee of Elastogran UK, was presented by BRUFMA President Eileen Lancaster.

Digby’s career began after graduation from UMIST University in Manchester when he joined ICI Plastics Division in 1966 as a Junior Marketing Trainee, where he worked for Bob Haslam (later Lord Haslam). He then became a market research assistant before transferring in 1970 to the ICI Building Development Group (BDG) as "Corporate Marketing Liaison Officer", trying to tie together the marketing activities of 28 business units in ICI all of who were marketing products to the construction industry. One of these was ICI Agricultural Division, making Purlboard PUR foam insulation.

In 1973 he left ICI to join Lovell Housing, part of the Lovell Construction Group, as Commercial Manager. Lovell Housing was a contracting business specialising in Timber Frame construction, mainly for the public sector who developed a pre-finished panel system (today this might be called a SIP system) for export, which was insulated with PIR block foam.

In March 1979 he joined Celotex as Marketing manager and was appointed to the Celotex board as marketing Director in 1983. In 1988, following the Buyout of the Jim Walter Corporation by KKR, he was a member of a nine-man management team who bought the Company from its USA parent, with the active involvement of Jim Walter himself as our Chairman and majority investor. Following Jim’s death in 2000 the Sundeala business was demerged and the Celotex headquarters was relocated to Hadleigh in 2002.

In 2003 he became Managing Director of Celotex, and initiated the largest capital spend in the Company's history, to more than double production capacity. At the same time, with all the other shareholders from the 1988 buyout having retired, he led a second management buyout with the objective of releasing the retired shareholders from their involvement, and transferring a significant share of the Company's equity to the current management team. This involved bringing in AAC Capital Partners as providers of venture capital. With their agreement as part of the long term strategy they set about recruiting Richard Pemberton as his successor in 2006, enabling Digby to fully retire in early 2007.

During his career he has been President of the Association of Building Component Manufacturers (1985/86), President of BRUFMA (1991/92), a member of the Management Committee of The National Council of Building Materials Producers (BMP) (1986 to 2000), Chairman of the BMP Environment Committee (1993-2000) and a non-executive Member of the Council and Non-executive Director of the British Board of Agrément (BBA) (1993-1999). He was appointed non-executive Chairman of BBA in 2007.

BRUFMA were pleased to welcome Celotex UK Limited into membership on 1st October. Celotex have been supplying thermal insulation products to the construction industry since 1925 with all their insulation manufactured at their Hadleigh plant in Suffolk. They supply a wide range of products for use in walls, pitched roofs, flat roofs, floors and lining applications. Products are distributed via a network of major specialist distributors and builders merchants throughout the UK and Northern Europe.

Richard Pemberton, Chief Executive of Celotex said “We are delighted to join BRUFMA and look forward to working with them and supporting their efforts to strengthen and promote the PIR industry”.

Steve Gowan of Ecotherm went home with the BRUFMA Trophy and President’s prize following the BRUFMA golf competition on 12th September. He follows in the shoes of colleague Rob Goodwin who was last year’s winner. Players enjoyed one of the finest days in September in terms of the weather at the new venue of Morley Hayes in Derbyshire competing for the BRUFMA trophy in the morning and enjoying a Texas scramble in the afternoon. Non-golfers enjoyed a spot of go-karting in the afternoon with everyone meeting up for Dinner in the evening.

In a recent report published jointly by DEFRA, DCLG and the Environment Agency “Improving the flood performance of new buildings” rigid PUR foam is shown to be the best performing when installed into cavity walls. The report states “Cavity insulation should preferably incorporate rigid closed cell materials as these retain integrity and have low moisture take-up. Other common types, such as mineral fibre batts, are not generally recommended as they can remain wet several months after exposure to flood water which slows down the wall drying process. Blown-in insulation can slump due to excessive moisture uptake, and some types can retain high levels of moisture for long periods of time (under natural drying conditions).” The results of the report are based on laboratory findings and classifies wall components as good,medium or poor with regard to :

PUR foam gained a Good rating for retention of pre-flood dimensions, integrity and a Medium rating for water penetration and drying ability with all other insulants listed having a Poor rating.

Closed cell insulation is also recommended when installing floor insulation in order to minimise the impact of flood water.

BRUFMA has produced two documents to help people who are involved in building design to select insulation or insulated products which will meet the 2006 Edition of the Buildings Regulations Approved Documents L1A (Conservation of fuel and power in dwellings) and L2A (Conservation of fuel and power in buildings other than dwellings).

The documents deal with the implication of the changes in the Regulations for roofs, walls and floors and provide information on the most commonly used insulation materials. The documents also address other issues that are currently changing the way the construction industry builds roofs, walls and floors.

John Roberts, BRUFMA’s Chief Executive said “Details are given about the content of the new Approved Documents and the effects they will have on methods of roof, wall and floor construction and the thicknesses of PIR/PUR products required to achieve the new standards.”

In the recent publication of the Green Consumer Guide, which was also featured in the Daily Telegraph (15-5-2007), the section on insulation bizarrely rates polyurethane/polyisocyanurate foams as 1/10 despite highlighting its excellent insulation properties. Likewise, recycled newspapers and sheep’s wool are rated very highly (9/10 and 8/10 respectively) despite acknowledging their poor performance under certain conditions. This again demonstrates the lack of real knowledge of the facts surrounding the issues of sustainability and environmental impact.

BRUFMA members have, for many years, been active in promoting increased energy efficiency, and their products have contributed, and will continue to contribute to, the significant reduction in emissions of CO2 by improvements in insulation performance in line with Building Regulations and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Polyurethane (PUR)/Polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation is one of the most thermally efficient insulation materials available, and because of its other unique properties is ideally suited for many building insulation applications.

To counter these publications, BRUFMA has written to the book’s author Julia Hailes and to the Daily Telegraph and a copy of the letter can be seen by clicking here.

The recent purchase of a large scale production facility by Kingspan Insulation in Selby marks the start of a £26.5m project, which will boost employment in the area. The implementation of the Building Regulations for the Conservation of Fuel and Power, revised last year, have boosted demand for insulation products, and since PIR/PUR products are amongst the most thermally efficient insulation materials available today, production expansion has become a necessity.

Peter Wilson, Managing Director of Kingspan Insulation commented “We are looking forward to sharing Kingspan’s success with the people living in and around the Selby area, not just through direct employment but also through the benefits of sustained economic growth and community involvement, as we have done at our other sites throughout the UK.”

Spray applied polyurethane (PUR) products offer a unique combination of features and benefits that cannot be matched by any other insulation solution. It is an extremely versatile and robust method of improving the insulation and energy efficiency of buildings whilst offering stabilisation to existing roofs without the need for disruptive re-roofing projects. The spray applied PUR product gives a continuous layer of insulating foam which bonds onto any type of surface. It also has the benefit of being able to form itself to any shape or profile of surface meaning that it a very practical way of insulating all types of buildings.
Roofs, walls and floors, of domestic, industrial, commercial and agricultural buildings are all commonly insulated using internally applied sprayed applied PUR and PIR to the internal surfaces.

The work is carried out by experienced contractors who work to the BBA Accreditation scheme and to British Standard Codes of Practice.

Benefits of spray applied insulation (under roof-tile):

Well established technique;
BBA Approved;
Is one of the most thermally efficient of all commonly available insulant;
Achieves U-values required by Approved Document L1A, L1B, L2A and L2B and Scottish Technical Standards with minimal thickness;
Can eliminate cold bridging and condensation;
No fixings required;
Bonds tiles together, increasing resistance to wind and storms;
Ideal for loft conversations;
It is non-fibrous.

For more information on the specific cases highlighted in the BBC Watchdog programme please visit the Warmroof website directly www.warmroof.co.uk or their representative trade body British Rigid Urethane Foam Contractors Association www.bufca.co.uk

High performance tapered rigid PUR insulation was chosen for the prestigious waterfront development Century Wharf which overlooks the River Taff on the edge of Cardiff Bay. Century Wharf, developed by Charles Church, offers an exceptional place to live, with a range of luxury apartments ranging from one and two bedrooms on lower floors to three bed penthouses on upper floors. Stylish entrance halls provide a stunning welcome and compliment the shared open space in which Century Wharf is set, many apartments have balconies and riverside views with some penthouses having roof gardens.

White Young Green, the architects for the development worked in close conjunction with Opco Limited to ensure that great attention was paid to both the internal and exterior of the buildings to provide a five star standard and only products of the highest standard were specified. Paul Labbett Director for White Young Green said, “Kingspan Thermataper TT46 LPC/FM provided a light weight, practical and cost effective alternative to using timber firrings when creating the falls for the roof water drainage. Having never used this product before, we were extremely pleased with the result and are already looking at using it for various other projects.”

Designed for use under PVC single-ply mechanically fixed waterproofing systems, the product not only ensures low heat loss through the roof but also prevents the build-up of rainwater, which can seriously decrease the life of a flat roof by subjecting the membrane to thermal stress, alkali formation and mould growth. It does this by creating an adequate fall to the roof to allow rainwater run off. As a final benefit the rigid PUR core is durable and unaffected by foot traffic and loading incurred in the course of normal maintenance.

If correctly applied Kingspan Thermataper TT46 LPC/FM has an indefinite life. It is lightweight and easy to install, resistant to water vapour, and unaffected by compression inflicted in the course of normal maintenance. With a thermal conductivity as low as 0.022 W/m.K, the boards can easily achieve the U-values required for compliance with Building Regulations and the range has been specifically designed to prevent the formation of water ponds (the most common cause of failure of flat roofs) by providing effective roof falls for both new and existing flat roofs. Each solution in the range has been specifically developed for use beneath a particular waterproofing membrane.

PUR FOAM CAN PREVENT WINDSTORM DAMAGE TO ROOFS (Jan 2007)

The recent high winds have highlighted once again their destructive power and the damage caused to roofs of buildings

The cost of repairing windstorm damage is currently running at over £825m per year and is likely to get higher because of Climate Change, a cost normally borne by the Insurance Companies.

Such is the impact of these costs that the Insurance Industry has looked at ways to prevent windstorm damage to roofs (1) and suggests that sprayed PUR could used to bond the tiles or slates to the roof structure to prevent tiles or slates being blown off in high winds.

PUR is applied to the underside of a roof where it creates a permanent bond between the tiles and the roof structure ensuring that high winds cannot dislodge tiles or slates.

As well as preventing tiles being blown off the roof, the PUR provides excellent insulation and draught proofing, reducing the householder’s energy consumption, vitally important in these days of rising energy costs.

Application of the product to roofs is a service available right across the UK and all applications carry the endorsement of a BBA Certificate and new developments have made it even more cost effective.

A BRUFMA spokesman said “Although building repair costs are normally covered by Buildings Insurance, householders experience great trauma if their roof is damaged in high winds. The delay in repairs and the worry of the roof leaking all add to the misery. Preventing the damage in the first place by using PUR, whilst also improving the insulation in the roof would save all the hassle and repair costs and be of great benefit to everyone”

(1) The vulnerability of UK Property to Windstorm Damage, Association of British Insurers, July 2003

High performance rigid polyurethane (PUR) was chosen for Checkers, Red Houses, an out of town supermarket development on the island of Jersey. This prestigious £9 million project, owned by CIT Estates, comprises a retail store area, offices, 12 staff maisonettes and full underground parking facilities and was been put forward for the Jersey Design Award.

The unusual large semi-circular flat roof could not have any drainage outlets, and posed quite a problem for Naish Waddington Architects as the roof build up had to be restricted. After consulting with the Kingspan Insulation technical department Kingspan Thermataper TT47 LPC/FM was specified as it enabled the main roof drainage at the edges to be achieved without having to slope the slab or provide a screed.

The product is designed for use under fully adhered single-ply waterproofing, and ensures low heat loss through the roof, as well as preventing the build-up of rainwater, which can seriously decrease the life of a flat roof by subjecting the membrane to thermal stress, alkali formation and mould growth. When correctly applied it offers continuous high performance throughout the lifetime of the roof. It is lightweight and easy to install, resistant to water vapour, and unaffected by compression inflicted in the course of normal maintenance. With a thermal conductivity of 0.027 W/m.K, the boards can easily achieve the U-values required for compliance with Building Regulations.

Spanish company Termos La Campera has found a solution to increase honey production - to make beehives of polyurethane. The insulation keeps beehives at a constant temperature and therefore bees do not have to flutter their wings in order to cool hives down in summertime, better using this time to produce honey or procreate instead. Beekeepers from the Andalucía region have been the first to try these beehives as an experiment and they have shown good results. In addition to a 50% increase in honey production, swarms became more numerous too due to the increase in bees procreation.

A good time was had by all at the BRUFMA Golf and Social Day in October at Hawkstone Park in Shropshire. Golfers took advantage of the glorious Autumn weather to enjoy 18 holes in the morning, playing for the coveted BRUFMA trophy which was taken away by Rob Goodwin of Ecotherm beating Paul Sanders of Honeywell by just one point. In the afternoon teams took part in an enjoyable Texas Scramble competition.

Non-golfers also took advantage of the good weather to take a walk around the historic Hawkstone Follies, climbing the 100 steps of the Great Tower to enjoy panoramic views across seven counties. Following the evening meal and presentation of prizes, members then enjoyed a fun pub style-quiz. Arrangements are underway for next year’s event and suggestions from members for an alternative location with non-golfing activities available are welcomed.

KINGSPAN CHIEFTAIN WINS THE ROUND IRELAND AND BRITAIN RACE

On 15th August Ger O'Rourke brought his Kingspan - Chieftain across the Royal Yacht Squadron finish line in Cowes to claim the overall prize for IRC Division A in the Round Ireland and Britain race.

In winning this coastal classic, one of the flagship RORC races of the season, O'Rourke adds to his impressive list of victories around the world that started with a class win in the 2005 Rolex Sydney - Hobart Race, a corrected time victory in the 2006 BMW Round Ireland Race and an outright win in this year's Fortis IRC Nationals.

British crew-member of Kingspan - Chieftain, Tom Whitburn was full of praise for the boat and his fellow crew members, saying: 'The boat is just fantastic to sail. I have never experienced anything like it, on the run down the east coast, we had an amazing amount of sail area up for the conditions but the Cookson 50 was so stable and every time we buried the bow into a wave she popped right back up.

It was just the most awesome sailing but I must admit that the stony silence on deck had an element of fear factor in it.'

Following the implementation of the new Approved Documents L1A, L2A, L1B and L2B, BRUFMA is currently preparing Impact Assessment Documents which will show how to meet the new requirements using solutions from BRUFMA members. To be placed on the list to receive these documents as soon as they are issued, please click here

ISOTHANE LAUNCHES FASTEST CURING WRAS APPROVED POLYUREA COATING SYSTEM (July 2006)

BRUFMA member, Isothane Ltd, has announced the launch of its WRAS approved polyurea coating system – the fastest curing and fastest back-in-service WRAS approved polyurea coating on the market. When a project demands a minimal downtime for the facility / structure / substrate, this is seen as a first choice.

Armour - Flex PW is a 100% solids pure polyurea elastomer designed as a monolithic, seamless, waterproof liner for where there is direct contact with potable water (WRAS certificate 0603509).

Armour - Flex PW is spray-applied to form a tough, flexible liner. It is very abrasion resistant, requires extremely short down time, contains no VOCs and has extremely low odour. It can be applied in conditions down to -20ºC.

For further information contact Isothane on +44 1254 872555 or info@isothane.com