Norbord
MDF products
Norbord’s CaberWood range of Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is described as being both the longest-standing portfolio on the market and one of the most versatile. The resulting board is tough, easily worked and suitable for a range of building applications — from skirting boards, architraves and mouldings to furniture and fittings.
With key features and benefits of the board including finish, routing capability and screwholding, five grades are available from the basic lightweight, general purpose grade CaberWood MDF Trade, to the top-of-the-range CaberWood MDF Industrial —a “hard-working, deep routing, moisture-resistant product with uniform density all the way through”. Completing the range are CaberWood MDF Pro,CaberWood MDF Pro MRand CaberWood MDF Trade MR which are each designed for a specific range of projects.
https://norbord.co.uk/our-products/caberwood-mdf/
Dura Composites
Class B Fire Rated Composite Timber Cladding
Described as the UK’s first co-extruded composite timber cladding with a Class B fire rating that is tested in accordance with ‘genuine install methodology’ from a UKAS approved laboratory, Dura Cladding Resist is also said to offer superior performance over traditional residential cladding materials.
Easy to install and available in six wood-look colours to suit every style of home, the product features a unique ‘armoured layer’ to help protect the core of the plank from the elements to ensure the cladding always looks like new. Furthermore, the company’s FSC 100% chain of custody certification means that the wood content comes from well-managed forests, and up to 78% of the materials used are recycled hardwood and plastic too.
www.duracomposites.com/cladding/composite-cladding/dura-cladding-resist/
NYTimber
NYTRoof
Indicative of the ways in which merchants can position themselves to take advantage of the growth in off-site solutions, NYTimber has recently supplied its 4,000thNYTRoof following a series of contract wins from some of the UK’s largest housebuilders.
Comprising gable and party spandrels and pre-insulated cassettes which replace attic trusses, the panelised ‘room in the roof’ system is NHBC approved and has Robust Detail Accreditation. The system is said to dramatically increase the speed of build whilst also reducing risk exposure to construction workers who are now required to spend much less time working at a height.
Established in 1979, NYTimber is now part of the National Timber Group following investment from Cairngorm Capital Partners. It introduced the NYTRoof system in 2013, joining its range of off-site manufactured timber products such as spandrel panels and trussed rafters.
Nick Kershaw, NYTimber MD, said: “The housebuilding industry is embracing off-site solutions to realise efficiency gains. Many companies are leaving behind supply and fit models that no longer make economic sense when the product can be delivered in kit-form and fitted by local tradespeople.”
Medite Smartply
Smartply Ultima
Created with zero-added formaldehyde, as is standard across the range, Smartply Ultima is described as being the strongest, most moisture resistant OSB4 panel produced by the company and is said to be suitable for use in the most demanding structural applications.
The manufacturer asserts that at a time where modern methods of construction demand ever stronger, more efficient, sustainable products, new panel technologies have a big part to play. Having been designed to meet the “scale and structural demands” required by off-site construction, the panel is made using precision strand orientation and continuous pressing technology to result in a smooth, consistent finish.
The product is available in large panel formats up to 2.8m wide by 7.5m long and to a maximum thickness of 40mm.
https://mdfosb.com/en/smartply/products/smartply-ultima
XL Joinery
Lighthouse Club partnership
XL Joinery has teamed upwith construction industry charity the Lighthouse Club. The company has pledged to donate 25p from each sale of its Suffolk Essential doors to support the charity’s vital work in striving to improve the safety and emotional wellbeing of construction workers.
The Suffolk Range is a ‘best-seller’ from XL Joinery and comprises three internal oak doors with each one boasting a solid core, superior heat retention and sound insulation. The range offers three options suited to different budgets — Essential, Original and Statement.
Of the partnership, Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, said: “We’re extremely grateful for the donation from XL Joinery. We receive no public funding so rely on the generosity of those within the industry to help carry out our work.”
Vicaima
Fire doors
Vicaima is highlighting the “realities of the changing world” in relation to fire doors and related risk-critical products, arguing that all in the sector should be aware of the urgent need to specify truly compliant products that play a significant role in the process of safety.
Following the tragic events of the Grenfell disaster in 2017, a greater understanding has emerged of the evident shortcomings of custom and practice in relation to fire safety, where the cheapest solution took precedence over properly certified and tested fire safe product solutions, such as fire doors and fire door assemblies.
The recently published document ‘Building a Safer Future’commits the government to a programme of reform which includes:
- The implementation of the Hackitt recommendations
- Create a more effective regulatory and accountability framework
- The introduction of clearer standards and guidance
- A vision to create a culture change
The result of these actions will mean tougher sanctions for those who disregard residents’ safety, and more rigorous standards. Moreover, the government has also committed to carrying out a full technical review of Approved Document B.
In the meantime, Vicaima says that its fire performance products offer a “benchmark to the industry with exceptional test evidence… incorporating key elements of Hackitt’s recommendations”. The manufacturer says that third party accreditation is assured, with adherence to two nationally recognised and highly reputable bodies — BWF-Certifire and BM TRADA Q-Mark — to verify the performance of its products.
The company also stresses the importance of looking beyond the fire door in isolation and considering components including the correct frame and ironmongery. Alongside fire doors, Vicaima manufactures an extensive range of doorset and kit solutions to create a complete, fully tested assembly via its Easi-Fit and Portaro brands.
Södra Wood
Supply chain partnerships
With ongoing uncertainty around Brexit and an ever-increasing demand for high quality, sustainable timber, Södra Wood’s Nigel Buckley-Ryan asserts that it has never been so important for merchants to “get to know your timber supplier and what they can do for you”. The manufacturer’s UK Sales Director for Merchants explains open and honest conversations with a dependable long-term partner will ensure “the very best timber solutions for merchants and their customers”.
Nigel says: “It is mutually beneficial for merchants to let their suppliers know what their plans are as early as possible. Suppliers need to understand their customers’ plans and ambitions for growth. What stock do you have? What stock do you need? Which products do you anticipate needing more of? Armed with this knowledge, suppliers can tailor their offering to help merchants achieve their goals.”
He adds: “More practically, suppliers can help merchants get the most out of the products they’re selling. This could include, for example, advice on how best to store and care for timber, manage temperature and humidity, protect timber from the weather, be savvy with storage, and properly rotate stock.
“Good suppliers can also help merchants recommend, sell or market products with staff training, various marketing materials, high-quality product imagery or support with exhibitions, trade shows and conferences.
The supply of sustainable timber is also critical and Nigel says that merchants should not shy away from asking questions of their partners: “Knowing what added value your supplier can offer and whether they’re a reliable supply partner begins with an understanding of where their timber has come from. Is it sourced from responsibly managed forests? After all, healthy forests mean a quality timber supply.
“Does your supplier implement a systematic approach whereby high conservation values and increased production work hand in hand? Are they investing in research and development to improve the health of their forests? The timber supply process should be transparent, and information should be easily accessible.”
