Aesthetics

Aesthetics play a significant role in refurbishment, as they greatly influence the social built environment. By enhancing the visual appeal and functionality of spaces, we can create environments that foster social interaction and productivity. It is important to pay attention to creating inclusive and diverse areas that encourage collaboration and promote wellness. At SFS, we offer a range of architectural solutions that can help achieve this, from hidden fixings for cladding and panels to materials and finishes that resist corrosion and staining, ensuring that your building looks its best for years to come.

Energy/Sustainability Improvements

Energy efficiency and sustainability improvements are essential in today’s construction industry. With our innovative thermal calculators, you can accurately plan insulation needs and optimize energy performance, leading to reduced heating and cooling costs. Consider incorporating PV (Photovoltaic) panels into your refurbishment to generate renewable energy on-site, contributing to a sustainable future. Thicker insulation in roofs and walls is a growing trend that enhances energy efficiency by maintaining optimal interior temperatures. Additionally, selecting materials with clear Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and choosing sustainable and durable materials can further reduce your building’s environmental footprint and improve energy efficiency.

Maintenance

Maintenance is a critical consideration in any refurbishment project. By selecting materials and systems with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) approvals and warranties, you can safeguard against future faults and reduce maintenance costs. Additionally, designing for easy access to critical areas and systems simplifies maintenance tasks and inspections, prolonging the lifespan of your building. The location of your building matters too, as different geographical conditions require tailored maintenance strategies to protect against weather elements and address specific environmental challenges.

Change of Use/Extension

A change of use or extension is a critical aspect to consider in any renovation or refurbishment project because it presents unique challenges and opportunities. Refurbishment projects that involve changing the use of a space or adding an extension require careful consideration to ensure the design is future-proofed, and the materials and products used can adapt to the changing needs of the building. When considering a change of use, it is essential to evaluate the structural integrity of the building and determine if any modifications are necessary to ensure the safety of occupants. Additionally, the building regulations will play a critical role in determining how the building can be repurposed and the materials that can be used.

Building Regulation Changes/Fire Safety

Compliance with fire safety regulations is of utmost importance, and the use of A2 fire-rated products is critical to ensure occupant safety and meet legal requirements. We understand the significance of building regulations, such as the UK’s Part L of the Building Regulations, which focuses on fuel and power conservation. Our expertise can assist you in improving energy efficiency throughout your refurbishment, including upgrading insulation, heating, and lighting systems to comply with these regulations.

Refurbishment and Renovation Brochure

Structural solutions for efficient building refurbishment and renovation projects.

Effective refurbishment and renovation are vital to extending the lifespan of buildings, while also meeting modern energy and safety standards. The 2024 Refurbishment & Renovation Brochure explores innovative solutions and systems designed to optimise project timelines and improve building performance.

Powerful fasteners for concrete and masonry.

The MULTI-MONTI® product range offers a wide selection of carbon steel and stainless steel solutions for safe installation of steel, metal and timber elements into concrete and masonry.

Features & Benefits

• Approved for multiple use in young concrete

• Different load classes per diameter

• Fast and easy installation

• Easy disassembly

• Extensive range

• Optimal thread geometry for a durable secure connection

50% faster installation without needing specialised tools.

The TUF-S blind fastener ensures quick and secure attachment of HPL or fibre cement cladding panels. Installation is performed by one person, cutting installation time in half compared to conventional methods, while maintaining long-term security.

Feature and Benefits

• No complex undercut hole required - works with standard.

• Installation with a battery riveting tools, such as GESIPA® PowerBird® Pro.

• High pullout values ensure durability and safety.

• Removable via hex head if necessary.

Optimise solutions, superior performance.

Utilising our UK patented technology SFS have been able to create a high performing solution that guards against thermal degradation due to compression of the thermal pad, ensuring no loss in thermal performance. This combined with the bracket material choice of Aluminium or Stainless Steel ensures that a full range of tailored solutions can be created for any project.

Features & Benefits

• 4 ranges across many NVELOPE® Rainscreen sub-frame systems

• Range includes Aluminium and Stainless steel brackets

• Non-compressible thermal pad reduces thermal performance gap

• Thermal insulation bonded to the bracket to save on installation time

• Good to exceptional thermal performance

• Part of Project Builder software

Field fixing system.

The isoweld® fastening system uses induction technology to weld single ply membrane to dedicated stress plates, securing it to the roof deck. The innovative system increases efficiency, ensures security, and saves on cost.

Features & Benefits

• No penetration of the roofing membrane

• Fastening independent of the membrane seam

• Up to 50% fewer fasteners are required

• One membrane width is required for the complete roof

• No membrane cover strip requirement

The industry-leading horizontal lifeline system

Fitted to the outer roof skin, the system uses innovative shock-absorbing technology to spread and dissipate the shock load of a multi- or single-user fall, protecting both users and the roof structure.

Features & Benefits

• Independently certified system meeting European, Australian, and New Zealand

standards

• Full-traversable continuous fall protection for up to 4 users with versatile applications

• Unique patented energy absorber with high grade stainless steel components for

longevity and corrosion resistance

• Post yield force of 4kN and extended warranty for peace of mind

• Technical assistance from Building Envelope Specialists and UK manufacture for quick

turn around

• Innovative fastening solutions, aesthetic design, and fool-proof installation system

Ensuring minimal damage is caused to the panel at every stage of the installation process.

The SXP range consists of three variants and feature a unique, self-coring washer design. The 19mm fully stainless self-coring washer, corkscrew’s it’s way through the insulation layer, avoiding unnecessary damage which maintains the thermal integrity of the panel.

Features & Benefits

• The SXP range has an unthreaded section below the fastener head which is a ‹thread

free zone›

• The 19mm self-coring washers are designed to cut through the single-ply membrane

with ease

• SXP range has both a HEX and Torx drive, allowing installation with either drive. This

flexbility, allows for a more confident and controlled installation method.

Chester University

Situation: The refurbishment project involved a flat roof with multiple layers. A mechanically fastened solution was required due to location and existing bonding. Wind load calculations determined only corner and perimeter zones could be used, necessitating a high density of fasteners in these areas.

Solution: SFS provided a solution using TIA adjustable fasteners and the isoweld® 3000 welding system. Specially coated isoweld® stress plates, along with FI-R-20 sleeves and TIA fasteners, were mechanically fastened into the concrete substrate through the insulation and screed layers. The Protan SE single-ply waterproofing membrane was then directly welded onto the isoweld® stress plates, providing a secure fix without the need for duplicate fasteners or membrane penetration.

Crest Girls Academy

Situation: Crest Girls' Academy needed a modernisation project for its buildings, including sports halls, classrooms and studios. Capita Symonds, the architect, specified NVELOPE® horizontal and vertical cladding support systems, which were installed by sub-contractor Horohoe Construction. These systems supported approximately 6000m² of timber and cedar cladding throughout the £40 million refurbishment.

Solution: Horohoe Construction used the NV1 and NV6 systems from NVELOPE®. These systems were chosen for their quality, price and ability to accommodate cladding expansion and contraction in different weather conditions. The systems were easy to install, and the brackets were fitted in about four weeks. NVELOPE® products are manufactured in the UK using high-quality alloys and are BBA certified.

Parsons Tower

Situation: The Parsons Tower at Newcastle College underwent a major redevelopment project to update the facade and interior for nearly 2000 students. The project included zinc roofing and cladding composite panels and flat roofing elements.

Solution: Longworth provided the aesthetic for building envelope, and SFS supplied fastening solutions for the zinc and copper cladding, using the low profile, high grade stainless steel SX2/8-D9 self-drilling fastener in A4 316 austenitic stainless steel. The austenitic stainless steel fastener ensures buildings won't fail due to corrosion. For the roof, the isotak® TIA adjustable fastener system reduced drilling times and fastener and polypropylene sleeve combinations by 50%.