Monthly Archives: December 2013

Christmas Opening Hours

Seasons Greetings from TwinfixOur last day of business in 2013 is Monday 23 December.

We are closed from 24 December 2013 until 2 January 2014.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our customers a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Station and Depot Roofglazing

Chorley StationA wide range of station and depot roofglazing products are available from Twinfix.

These include the well known, modular Multi-Link-Panel, an innovative roofllight with a unique fix and link connection system that makes installation really quick and easy. The preassembled panels, manufactured to size in the Twinfix factory, are delivered to site on a ‘just in time’ basis ready for speedy fitting. The aluminium frames can be powder coated to any colour and may be fitted with various types and shades of glazing. These include multiwall polycarbonate as well as a clear, see-through polycarbonate that looks like glass but has all the great benefits of polycarbonate. This system is non-fragile, making it ideal for over-head glazing.

Multi-Link-Panel: fitted with solid polycarbonate glazing

  • Looks like glass, but has all the strength and durability of polycarbonate
  • Incredibly tough glazing – virtually unbreakable
  • Floods platforms/concourses with natural light

Multi-Link-Panel: fitted with multiwall polycarbonate glazing

  • Incredibly light in weight: easy to move on to a roof & helps in extending the life of existing structures
  • Available in various tints
  • Spans 4000mm @610mm centres: eliminate overlaps

Light weight, easy to handle roof glazing.  Let the light shine through!

  • Fast installation – The innovative fixing & linking installation method of these modular panels makes the very most of possession time
  • Factory preassembled – Means no costly and time-consuming mistakes on site
  • Safe in use – All Multi-Link-Panels NF are non fragile, in accordance with HSE recommendations
  • Long lasting – Low maintenance, durable glazing and non-rusting, aluminium frames that won’t need a repaint
  • Heritage – Various tints and surface finishes available to suit Heritage sites
  • ‘Green’ products – Both the aluminium and the polycarbonate glazing may be recycled at the end of their long life span

Non-Fragile (NF) Roofglazing

The safety of people on roofs, whether they are working there legitimately, or whether they have gained access onto a roof for their own means, is of paramount importance and is ignored at your peril. CDM regulations state that it is the responsibility of the designer/specifier of new or replacement roofing to design out any future possible dangers. Specifying Non-Fragile rooflights helps to do just that.

The HSE recommend a drop test (ACR[M]001:2011 Test for Fragility of Roofing Assemblies) to establish whether a roofing assembly can be classified as Non-Fragile. The Twinfix Multi-Link-Panels NF (Non-Fragile) pass this test with a ‘B’ designation.

The Multi-Link-Panel NF also conforms to London Underground’s own stringent drop test for overhead glazing.

The steel Twinfix test rig was designed and built in accordance with the ACR[M] specification. It is a permanent structure at the Twinfix facility, enabling regular product testing.

All Multi-Link-Panels NF have been tested on this rig and videos of these tests may be viewed here.

‘Safe’ Polycarbonate Glazing for School & College Refurbishment

St Mary MagdaleneWith the closure of the BSF programme there will be more refurbishment carried out at schools and colleges.

Replacing worn out roof glazing with modern polycarbonate roof glazing can drastically change the atmosphere in any building, flooding areas with natural daylight, eliminating leaks and helping to cut down on both heating and lighting costs.  And glazing over quadrangles can help to create safer transit and communal areas in a school whilst the installation of external canopies and walkways can provide shelter for a range of needs.

There are a variety of glazing options available in tough polycarbonate in a range of multiwall and monolithic grades.  These provide different levels of light transmission and solar control, the product ultimately specified depending on the requirements of the individual location.  Where a glass-like appearance is required, 6mm polycarbonate can provide this.  It can also give you a virtually unbreakable alternative to glass that, when glazed in a pre-assembled frame also meets the HSE requirements for Non-Fragile roofing assemblies.

As part of a quick and easy pre-assembled panel system, polycarbonate glazing can be fitted rapidly in school holiday periods whereas traditional glass and glazing bar systems require specialised fitting and much longer installation times.

Quick to fit Multi-Link-Panels

Due to their innovative ‘fix and link’ design the Multi-Link-Panel rooflight system from Twinfix is incredibly quick to install, taking only one–third of the time compared with a traditional split bar system.  Twinfix offer a range of different glazing, and non-glazing, options for these rooflight panels.

  • Multiwall polycarbonate:  has the appearance of Georgian wired glass when viewed from below, but has a higher specification and better long-term performance.  They can be classified as Non-Fragile within the Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF.
  • Solid polycarbonate:  looks like laminated glass but can be classified as Non-Fragile when fitted into the Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF.

Aluminium sandwich panels are an alternative option to polycarbonate glazing where natural daylight is not required.  A pitched roof can, therefore, be refurbished very quickly with a combination of polycarbonate glazing and sandwich panels in whatever configuration is required.

Multi-Link-Panels use lightweight aluminium as the frame/glazing bar.  This can be powder coated to virtually any colour and will not rust or require repainting, cutting down on maintenance costs.  Tough polycarbonate glazing is also very light in weight, making these panels easy to handle on site, and imposing low loads when fitted on to older roofs.

  • 6mm Georgian wired glass = 15 Kg/m²
  • 6mm solid polycarbonate = 7.2 Kg/m²
  • 16/25mm multiwall polycarbonate = 2.8/3.5 Kg/m²

Safe, or Non-Fragile Roofing

Safety of people on roofs, whether they are working there legitimately, or whether they have gained access on to a roof for their own nefarious means, is of paramount importance and is ignored at your peril.  CDM regulations state that it is the responsibility of the designer/specifier of replacement roofing to design out any future possible dangers in the area.  Specifying Non-Fragile rooflights helps to do just that.

When fitted into the Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF, polycarbonate is incredibly safe should anyone trip up when they are on a roof.  The NF refers to ‘non-fragile’ and indicates that these panels have been tested to the Health & Safety Executive’s recommended drop test, ACR[M]001:2000 Test for Fragility of Roofing Assemblies (revised in 2005).  The wording of the document states that the test should be carried out on complete systems (‘Roofing Assemblies’) and not on individual components that might be installed on a roof.

Twinfix have tested their various grades of Multi-Link-Panel NF to the HSE test as well as other products/glazing configurations, and the results are shown below:

  1. 6.4mm laminated glass fitted into a standard glass glazing bar – the drop bag falls straight through the glass.  It fails the test.
  2. 16mm multiwall polycarbonate fitted into a glazing bar that is specifically designed to hold this material – the drop bag causes the multiwall sheet to flex out of the glazing bars and the drop bag falls through the resulting hole.  It fails the test.
  3. 16mm multiwall Multi-Link-Panel NF – the drop bag bounces on the glazing.  It passes with a ‘B’ rating.

Both the Twinfix 25mm multiwall and 6mm solid polycarbonate Multi-Link-Panels NF also pass the test with a ‘B’ rating.  This is due to a combination of bar design and the patented method of installing the polycarbonate glazing within the panel frame.

From the above you can see why the HSE stress the importance of testing the complete system, rather than just individual components.  Whilst polycarbonate glazing is often thought to be ‘Non Fragile’ due to its high impact performance, when installed in a standard glazing bar it is the actual glazing system that fails, with the polycarbonate sheet simply flexing out of the glazing bars under the severe impact imposed by the dropping test bag.  Bear in mind that these glazing bars are designed specifically to hold polycarbonate and have a 30mm edge engagement that will hold polycarbonate glazing perfectly satisfactorily under normal circumstances.  The Multi-Link-Panel NF consists of specially designed bars combined with a patented method of installing the polycarbonate that holds it in place when subjected to the drop test.

Specifiers can have real peace of mind when ordering the use of Multi-Link-Panels NF, as it means that any unauthorised access onto a station canopy will not result in a dangerous fall through the glazing.  This is particularly important where an embankment and/or existing building design provides a possible tempting access point onto a roof.

Fire

Polycarbonate is a naturally self-extinguishing material and when the source of a fire is removed the flames will go out.  The Building Regulations require that glazing materials do not contribute towards the spread of a fire, and this is covered under the Surface Spread of Fire Regulations, detailed in BS476 Parts 7 & 6 where polycarbonate achieves a Class 1Y rating.

Environmental Considerations

In many buildings heat insulation may be a key requirement as denoted in the Building Regulations – Document L2A and L2B.  Multiwall polycarbonate can achieve U values of 1.5 W/m²°K and with careful selection of light transmission and solar control specifiers can achieve a balance of natural light levels and manage solar gain.

Both the polycarbonate and the aluminium used in the construction of the Twinfix rooflights are 100% recyclable, thus reducing their impact on the environment and limiting the whole life cost of the glazing system.

Polycarbonate glazing systems offer a viable alternative to traditional glass rooflights, achieving a combination of benefits, particularly when used in the pre-assembled modular Multi-Link-Panel system.

Replacement roof glazing for Georgian wired glass

Close upThe latest addition to the Twinfix range of roof glazing products is a 6mm solid polycarbonate sheet that mimics the appearance of Georgian wired glass.

It is available in both glass-clear and obscure versions and is ideal for use in projects where a traditional wired glass appearance is required, but where modern day safety standards demand a product that is not prone to breakage.  This ‘look-alike wired glass’ polycarbonate, when fitted into the Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF passes the HSE’s recommended drop test, ACR[M]001.2011 with a B designation, so can be specified for roof glazing applications with confidence.

Contact Vicky on 01925 811311 for more information on this new product.

Twinfix helps transform Birchwood Park

motorcycle-cycle-shelters-02Twinfix, specialist manufacturer of bespoke polycarbonate canopies, shelters and rooflights – and longstanding Birchwood Park occupier – has designed and built a sleek new motorcycle shelter for the Park, situated on the outskirts of Warrington.

The cutting-edge design, which will protect occupiers’ motorcycles from the North West’s elements, was created by new, upcoming talent, Rob Forsythe.  The shelter took just three weekends to install.

Twinfix Director, Victoria Evans, said: “As an occupier on the Park for over 13 years, we have a longstanding relationship with their team and are delighted to have been selected to design, construct and install the new motorcycle shelter.  We wanted to create something truly bespoke which would act as both a stylish feature and a practical asset.  The elegant curve of the design, manufactured from aluminium and glazed with solid polycarbonate, paired with the Park’s modern new buildings, creates a space that is in keeping with MEPC’s overall vision for the area.”

A family business established more than 22 years ago, Twinfix now employs more than 60 local industry professionals and has worked on key national projects, including the Millennium Dome, glazing the two platform canopies at Chorley Station and providing playground shelters for many hundreds of schools throughout the UK.

Commenting on the motorcycle shelter, MEPC Birchwood Park Managing Director, Jonathan Walsh, said: “It’s fantastic to see the talent and expertise of our occupiers shape the development of Birchwood Park.  The team at Twinfix has exceeded our expectations on this project and we hope to work with them on future developments across the park.”

The motorcycle shelter boasts a central location on the Park and is situated just outside The Centre, in the car park adjacent to Chadwick House.

Blackburn Station

Blackburn StationThe original brief was to preserve the appearance of traditional patent glazing on the overhead canopy area whilst also taking advantage of the benefits of modern glazing materials.

Twinfix’s Multi-Link Panel system, glazed with 6mm solid polycarbonate, enabled the client to meet all requirements.

Material Selection

Solid 6mm polycarbonate sheet was selected due to its ‘glass like’ appearance. This material, when glazed into our Multi-Link-Panel results in a strong, easy to install, modular roof glazing system. The panels also conform to the Health & Safety Executive’s recommendations for safe roofing, having passed their drop test, ACR[M]001:2005 Test for Fragility of Roofing Assemblies, with a B. See the drop test below.

Glazing Bar Centres

Most traditional glazing bar centres are glazed at two foot (610mm), reflecting the availability of glass sizes at the original time of installation.

In order to preserve/replicate the overall visual appearance of a building’s original glazing, our Multi-Link-Panel system with solid polycarbonate was glazed at 600mm glazing centres, which are in keeping with the design of the existing platform.

Glazing Bar Colour

Whilst traditional glass glazing bars were almost invariably in a grey mill finish appearance, aluminium is usually polyester powder coated to protect the bars from future oxidation (which can give a chalky effect). Bars can be powder coated to any standard RAL finish.

All aluminium on the Blackburn project was coated to a Twinfix standard RAL 9910 semi-gloss white finish.

Design

Twinfix offer a comprehensive in-house design and consultation service. For this project, one of the requirements was to have no intermediate purlins. Our design team were able to achieve this and span the 5m distance by welding the panel system a 60mm x 30mm aluminium box section.

Installation

This was quick and easy due to the prefabricated nature of the light panels. The roof glazing panels simply link together.

The end result is an impressive canopy area that really enhances the station.

Pontypridd Station

Pontypridd after a The Railway Heritage Trust’s original brief was to restore the original appearance of traditional glazing whilst taking advantage of the benefits of modern glazing materials.

Our Multi-Link-Panel roof glazing panels, glazed for this project with 16mm multiwall polycarbonate, was utilised for the vertical glazing as it most closely resembled the original wired glass and standard patent glazing bars that had been in situ long before being changed to GRP.

Material Selection

Many key heritage projects are supported by funding from the Railway Heritage Trust. In order to meet the heritage requirements at Pontypridd Station, all aspects of the glazing system were considered.

The Glazing

16mm multiwall polycarbonate sheet was selected due to its similar appearance to Georgian wired glass or frosted glass when viewed from a distance. This material was also selected due to its ability to transmit excellent levels of natural light to the area below.

Glazing Bar Centres

In order to preserve/replicate the overall visual appearance of a building’s original glazing, multiwall polycarbonate can be glazed at reduced centres, such as 610mm, should this be desired.

For Pontypridd, 990mm glazing centres were preferred which enabled the use of fewer glazing bars and in turn increased the level of natural light entering the building.

Glazing Bar

Whilst traditional glass glazing bars were almost invariably in a grey mill finish appearance, aluminium is usually polyester powder coated to protect the bars from future oxidation (which can give a chalky effect). Bars can be powder coated to any standard RAL finish.

Many heritage organisations have accepted an alternative colour that perhaps reflects the original building fabric or steelwork. For this station, green was chosen to match the existing steel work.

Additionally our Multi-Link Panel system has a standing seam which closely replicates patent glazing.

The end result is a new light canopy area that is in keeping with the station’s image.

Twinfix achieve accreditation to Achilles BuildingConfidence

BuildingConfidenceLogoTwinfix are pleased to announce that they have recently achieved the BuildingConfidence accreditation standard, having completed both an online-prequalification questionnaire and been subject to an onsite audit.

A copy of the Twinfix certificate is available to download.

In 2006 Lend Lease approached Achilles to set up BuildingConfidence as a UK construction community to help them to identify, evaluate and monitor their suppliers.  Now over 1,000 individual buyers from 19 buying organisations subscribe to the scheme.

Building_Confidence_Certificate

Dalmore Distillery Experience

Dalmore DistilleryDalmore Distillery, deep in the Scottish Highlands, has opened the doors on its new £1 million ‘one of a kind’ visitor experience. The distillery has been producing its iconic single malt whisky since 1839 and visitors to the distillery are taken ‘on a sensory journey where they can embrace the unique atmosphere, sounds and smells’. Twinfix were delighted to be involved in this project.

Designers JAM Studios in Inverurie, who were working with Dalmore Distillery, originally contacted us after looking at our website. They wanted to install internal partitions in the Still Room and the Locker Room at the Distillery which would enhance ‘the visitor experience’. After discussing their requirements with our team, they were confident that Twinfix Lexan Thermoclick, our profile-free vertical glazing façade system, met their requirements.

Twinfix Lexan Thermoclick is an interconnecting façade system that eliminates the need for vertical profiles, thus saving costs and enhancing aesthetics. The unique X structure of the 40mm thick 4-wall multiwall polycarbonate glazing provides exceptional rigidity and thermal insulation. It provides effective and attractive privacy glazing and is installed by being simply and quickly clicked together within a powder coated aluminium frame.

Two internal screens were required for this project; one at 7900mm wide x 9500mm high and the other at 7000mm wide x 1950mm high. Both partitions were specified with white frames and clear glazing. Twinfix supplied the installers, Robertson Highland from Elgin, with the Twinfix Lexan Thermoclick system and worked with them throughout the project to ensure the installation went smoothly.

Backlit with red lights, the Thermoclick screens look amazing and definitely add an extra dimension to the visitors’ experience of this distillery.

Outdoor Area for Nursery School

CAD_perspective_drawingLancaster school in Lincolnshire wanted to cover over their unusually shaped inner playground area to provide their nursery children with a sheltered play area. They needed to be able to see into the space created from a first floor window and they also wanted to make the whole area secure.
A before shot of the playground space CGI plan of the new construction The dry-run assembly of the canopy undertaken prior to powder coating the frame The canopy frame was installed in just two days The finished job from the outside And seen from the inside

The Twinfix design team came up with an elegant duo-pitched roof and produced a CAD/CAM drawing. This enabled the school staff and governors to see what their canopy would look like.

As part of the canopy manufacturing process, a dry run assembly is always carried out in the Twinfix factory prior to powder coating the frame. This helps to make sure that all parts fit together well, ensuring quick and speedy site installation. The theory behind this worked – the canopy was installed in only two days.

Three lockable roller shutter doors, mostly with perforated laths, were then fitted and the school staff were delighted with the final result.