Wetherby Building Systems has gained British Board of Agrément (BBA) approval for its Epsitec external wall insulation (EWI) system for installation onto timber frame buildings, offering specifiers and consultants further flexibility when selecting systems to work with modern methods of construction.
With increasingly more new build schemes utilising modern building techniques to reduce project timescales and costs, Wetherby has specifically designed its Epsitec system to work with steel and timber frame constructions. The new timber frame certification is suitable for new and existing domestic and non-domestic buildings up to four storeys in height, while Wetherby holds appropriate fire certification to install up to any height on a steel framed building.
Developed in line with NHBC guidelines, Epsitec’s true point of difference lies in the system’s ability to be designed to incorporate a drainage cavity. Placed behind the insulation board, the drainage cavity ensures that the sheathing board and building frame remain dry and structurally sound, protecting the internal building from any potential weather damage, while allowing the frame to breathe.
Offering architects, specifiers and end clients flexibility, the new BBA certificate approves three insulation material options; EPS, EpsiTherm enhanced EPS and Phenolic, to meet a variety of thermal performance requirements. The system is then finished with Wetherby’s durable and highly impact resistant silicone render, which is also flexible in nature, making it ideal for installing onto timber framed substrates, where movement is likely. Available in a wide range of colour options to complement any architectural design, WBS silicone render provides a low maintenance solution for end users.
Affirming the quality of the Epsitec system, the key factors assessed to achieve the BBA certification were thermal performance, strength and stability, behaviour in relation to fire and risk of condensation.
Commenting on the new certification, Wetherby’s technical manager, Joe Ragdale, said: “This latest BBA certification enhances our portfolio of EWI systems to offer customers greater flexibility as we now have BBA approved solutions for masonry, steel and timber frame substrates.
“We receive a high volume of enquiries for a solution to work with timber frame buildings and have specifically developed this system to meet industry needs. As the system already holds NHBC approval we are expecting it to be popular for new build housing projects particularly.”
Note to Editors
Wetherby Building Systems Ltd is the UK’s market leader in the design and distribution of a wide range of solid wall insulation (SWI) systems, polymer modified renders, silicone & acrylic thin-coat renders and brick slip systems. Wetherby’s insulated render systems offer environmentally sympathetic external façade solutions that have been successfully installed on many domestic refurbishment projects, new build schemes, commercial buildings and educational establishments for over 20 years.