Scottish based rainscreen ventilated facades manufacturer CGL Facades has successfully passed a series of thorough weather performance tests in accordance with CWCT – the standard for systemised building envelopes – at test pressures in excess of those generally set at most UK locations, as well as succeeding in fire safety tests.
The rigorous testing was done at the test laboratory of UL International in Telford, Shropshire, with performance tests carried out at service pressures of 2,400 Pascals and safety loads of 3,600 Pascals on CGL’s Wallplank, Traypanel and Hook-On rainscreen systems.
In parallel with the CWCT weather performance tests, the three systems, in multiple coating configurations, were also subjected to fire testing at Exova Warrington Fire, where they achieved BS EN 13501-1 Class A2 certification.
All three systems also carry a minimum of A2 fire classification when manufactured from powder coated aluminium, giving absolute confidence of compliance with the Building Regulations current in England and Wales and the Scottish Handbooks. (A1 options are available in precoated aluminium and other metals such as zinc, copper, corten steel, stainless steel, etc.)
Doing the tests
The testing rigs, measuring 8m high by 5m wide, contained multiple size configurations for all three systems, all produced in powder coated (PPC) aluminium. The build up included full ‘through wall construction’ incorporating, lightweight steel framing and inner leaf liner board, to which the rainscreen panels were fixed via aluminium helping hand support brackets and rails. In each case, a typical window was also incorporated into the testing rig to simulate the real life situation on site and test the glazing interfaces.
From the people behind the innovation…
Stuart McMillan, commercial director at CGL, said: “This is going to make scheme planning and costing so much easier for everyone we work with. We are conscious that we all have a responsibility to work to maintain the ‘golden thread’ on a project through to the end but this now means we start from a much higher level of assurance and knowledge – particularly on insured residential projects over 11m.”
Tony Grimley, projects director, commented: “Having personally overseen the testing being carried out, I am delighted that we will be able to work so much more effectively with our key clients. We always had confidence in the engineering and structural integrity of our three primary systems and this now gives developers, main contractors and installers the evidence they need to back it up.”
Roddy Angus, CEO of holding company Merson Group, added: “This is terrific news for our ISO 9001 certified UK manufacturing facility in Glasgow and our clients. We have been investing in state of the art 3D software along with plant and equipment to increase our capacity in light of increasing market demand and we are anticipating that CGL will double output in 2023 and with an accompaning upturn in demand in particular for our rockwool lined composite gutters, CGL’s other key product group.”
