In addition to our well-established range of bespoke Neatdek panels, we now have two plank options that are ideal for both refurbishments and new projects.
The first of our new options is Neatlok; a closed, interlocking plank that provides privacy and directional drainage. Option two is the Neatwalk plank that is laid with 5mm gaps for a free-draining solution.
Both concepts have been developed to closely replicate the aesthetic of traditional timber decking but have the added benefit of being A1 to A2 Fire Rated with superior spanning capabilities and slip resistance. Like our modular decking, the planks can be used as stand-alone decking solutions or can be offered as part of our complete balcony solutions.
Our products are manufactured in the UK within our purpose-built manufacturing facility, which means lead-times are reduced. We also offer an industry leading, bespoke cutting service. This will provide made-to-measure planks for your application. Cutting prior to coating gives the added benefit of protecting the coating and ensuring the quality and durability.
All of our decking solutions can either be mill finished, coated to any desired RAL colour or coated in one of our standard durable colours.
If you’d like to request any samples, data sheets or further information about our new systems please get in touch! Alternatively, you can sign-up to our Members Area for exclusive access to our full range of product literature.
A Job Well Done!
An NHBC Pride In The Job Award
We have received thanks from leading retirement property developers McCarthy & Stone for our contribution to the construction of Andrews Court in Beverley, North Yorkshire.
Partly as a result of our involvement, McCarthy & Stone Manager Gary Nugent received an NHBC Pride in the Job award. John Allsop, Construction Director (North East region), says “I would like to express my sincere thanks to you and your team. Thank you again for your support and we hope with continuous hard work and dedication we can do this again next year”.
For this particular project, we were able to manufacture and install our balustrade systems, Juliet balconies and A1 Fire Rated aluminium decking. We’re thrilled to have helped facilitate this achievement and look forward to continually support McCarthy & Stone with their future developments.
What is Modularity?
At Neaco, many of our products boast modularity, but what does this actually mean for you as a specifier?
The word ‘modular’ is usually associated with temporary structures but, for us, modularity means that our products are manufactured as a single unit or in as many units as you require. We are able to manufacture balustrade systems, balconies and Fire Rated aluminium decking as fully modular units.
Here are just some of the benefits that come with specifying a modular product:
Reduces time on site
When the product has already been manufactured and assembled, this reduces the time needed on site in comparison to traditional construction methods. This is particularly beneficial for projects with specific timing requirements such as schools and refurbishment projects where residents are living on-site.
Reduces the risk of delays
Carrying out more work in our 52,000 square foot manufacturing facility reduces the risk of on-site delays that are caused by uncontrollable factors such as the Great British weather.
Reduces disruption on site
As the vast majority of the construction work is carried out in our factory, disruption to the site is greatly reduced when compared to traditional construction methods; there is less noise, dust and light pollution when installing a modular system and as there is no welding on site, there is no need to acquire hot works permits. Less disruption is particularly beneficial to a refurbishment project that has existing tenants.
No need for call-backs
With a modular system, both the client and the contractor are able to approve the scheme before installation, which reduces the amount of snagging and call-backs at a later date.
More environmentally friendly
The off-site manufacturing of a modular system means that the entire product will arrive on site in one large delivery rather than many separate deliveries, which is often the case with traditional construction methods; this not only reduces the risk of logistical and timing errors, but reduces carbon emissions. An added benefit of off-site manufacturing is that it results in less waste on site, which usually ends up in landfill. Instead, we keep all of our off-cuts and send them away to be recycled.
These are just a few of the advantages to incorporating modular products in your designs so if you’d like any further information about our products or would like to discuss your requirements, please contact sales@neaco.co.uk or call 01653 695 721.
Designing balustrade for coastal locations
Architectural design on coastal locations involves a set of conditions that makes the choice of durable external materials especially important. These environments are often prone to high winds, stormy weather, dampness and saltwater which can accelerate the deterioration of less resilient buildings.
Wood is not a suitable long-term choice for balustrade in marine locations as greater exposure to weathering and moisture can cause rapid deterioration in timber. It is more advisable to use balustrade comprising glass panels and/or metal. Salt crystallisation can form rust in metals, so metallic balustrade requires careful consideration in terms of its likely reaction to a marine environment. Rust-resistant properties or finishes are vital.
Four types of metal are corrosion resistant:
Stainless steel
Aluminium
Copper, bronze or brass
Galvanized steel
Copper, bronze and brass are expensive materials for use in balustrade. Therefore, most metal used for balustrade in coastal locations is either aluminium or some form of steel.
Stainless steel balustrade
Grade 316 or 316L is the optimal choice of stainless steel grade for balustrade in coastal locations. However, in these conditions it often necessitates a cleaning regime to maintain its finish. Without regular attention, its surface can be tarnished by high levels of airborne salt and high winds in harsh marine environments. For both initial cleaning and ongoing cleaning, it is advisable to use soft, non-abrasive cleaning cloths that are clean and uncontaminated with iron or mild steel.
Issues with galvanized steel balustrade
Galvanized steel is a popular choice for architectural metalwork on coastal sites. The galvanizing process coats the metal with zinc to make it resist corrosion. However, it can also make it vulnerable through flaws in the zinc coating which can release hydrogen bound up in rainwater and fog and drive it into the steel during an electro-chemical reaction. Hydrogen makes hardened steel brittle, leading to stress cracking corrosion.
Issues with combining two different metals
In coastal locations, it is common for metallic corrosion to occur when two dissimilar metals are in ‘electrical’ contact and bridged by an electrically conductive liquid. Seawater or salt laden moist air is more of a risk of producing this conductive liquid. The ‘cell’ produced can result in corrosion to one of the paired metals. This can be an issue when stainless steels are in contact with other metals, depending on the circumstances.
A corrosive cell can result from two metals having differing levels of nobility. The more noble metal (cathode) is protected as the less noble metal (anode) sacrificially corrodes. The further apart the metals are, in terms of relative potentials, the greater the driving force in a cell.
The table below shows the order of nobility of various metals, from least to most.
[table id=8 /]
Galvanised steel in contact with stainless steel is considered to be a corrosion risk in severe marine-type environments.
Corrosion risks with aluminium and stainless steel in contact
As the above nobility table shows, aluminium and stainless steel together is a corrosion risk. Aluminium external fasteners holding stainless steel balustrade together is an unsuitable combination, as there is a practical risk of corrosion. In a marine environment, severe localised pitting corrosion can occur on the aluminium components where un-insulated stainless steel bolts have been used to secure the components in place. This problem can be avoided by using modular balustrade assembled from components which are connected internally – for example, with split-sleeve ferrules – thereby taking the issue of external fixings out of the equation.
Aluminium balustrade and powder coating
With its corrosive-free durability, aluminium balustrade is an ideal option for coastal buildings. Over time, aluminium generates a protective oxide film coating giving excellent resistance to corrosion. Aluminium can also be treated with powder coating, applied electrostatically as a dry powder and baked into a solid state for smooth, even protective coating. The finish is much more durable than conventional paint, which is prone to flaking and cracking, especially in harsh environments. Powder coated aluminium combines well with stainless steel balustrade as the powder coating negates any potential issues caused by their difference in nobility. You can find our more about powder coating options for balustrade here.
Glass balustrade
Structural glass balustrade – with free-standing glass panels – is also a durable option for coastal locations. It avoids the issue of corrosion and maximises the outlook of a building (e.g. from a balcony) whilst enabling maximum solar penetration to the interior of a property. Glass can also be combined with metal stanchions and toprails – below shows a combination with powder coated aluminium. However, on coastal locations it may need more regular cleaning than other environments to maintain an attractive appearance.
Advice from manufacturers and installers
When specifying balustrade for coastal buildings, always seek advice and assurance from manufacturers regarding the suitability of their products for coastal locations. This includes the installation requirements – if a manufacturer outsources its installation, there is a far greater risk of the corrosion issues outlined above. Manufacturers that have their own installation teams can provide experienced fitters with specialist knowledge about local conditions and their specific demands. For expert advice, please contact Neaco’s technical department on 01653 695721 or fill in an enquiry here
Neaco balconies add value to luxury apartment development
A development of luxury retirement properties in Swanland, near Hull, has utilised our design and manufacturing expertise for an extensive specification of glass balconies.
Designed by Loroc Architects, Stapleton Court is a collection of spacious one and two bedroom apartments from the UK’s leading retirement housebuilder, McCarthy & Stone. Our Clearview walk-on balconies have been installed throughout, providing extensive terraces to enhance each property with generous outdoor space. The terrace decking is manufactured from our Neatdek aluminium decking, an A1 Fire Rated system which is fully compliant with the latest fire safety regulations.
Fraser Mitcalfe, Regional Surveyor at McCarthy & Stone, commented on Neaco’s contribution:
“We have used Neaco for numerous previous developments due to the high standard of their product and their reliable service. As a company, they bring more than just product quality to the table – they also bring useful design input and experience from a supplier’s perspective. Their Neatdek decking is now specified group-wide due to its non-combustible quality which is now a legal requirement for balconies on residential developments.”
The December 2018 amendment to the Building Regulations prohibits the use of combustible materials in new residential developments with a floor above 18 metres in height. A recent Government Advice Note, issued in June 2019, made similar recommendations to building owners in the fire risk assessment of existing residential buildings.
Our technical team worked with Loroc and McCarthy & Stone to develop a bespoke balcony solution for Stapleton Court, but we also supply pre-assembled modular balconies comprising a range of standardised components, including Neatdek aluminium decking, toughened glass panels and aluminium handrails and stanchions in a smooth, non-chip powder coating that provides a maintenance-free finish. The systems are manufactured and assembled off-site for fast installation on delivery.
Stapleton Court features advanced contemporary specification throughout with walk-in wardrobes to bedrooms and integrated high-end appliances and quartz surfaces in kitchens. The development also includes a camera door entry system and 24-hour call system to all apartments, large landscaped communal gardens and an Owners’ Lounge.
We also design and manufacture a range of other architectural products, including stainless steel balustrades, industrial balustrades, structural glass balustrades, adaptive bathing facilities and aluminium open grilles for screening, cladding and solar shading. All products come with a Lifetime Guarantee.
Is Aluminium Decking Safe Underfoot?
The decline in use of traditional decking materials on residential developments (such as timber and composite) has been a result of the recent government advice note, this means that more and more specifiers are opting for the non-combustible option of aluminium decking. One assumption that is often made about aluminium decking is that it will be very slippery underfoot – especially when wet. This is not the case! To combat this assumption, we decided to update our slip resistance data.
Previously, when testing our decking range to assess the risk of slip, we have used the Pendulum Test. Although this is still a popular method of testing, this time we chose to use the SlipAlert method because the results are available much faster and can it can be carried out in our on-site manufacturing facility.
SlipAlert is the only method of testing, other than the Pendulum Test, that appears in the British Standards (BS8204) and is used by global brands like Virgin, Tesco and IBM – so we’re in good company!
The SlipAlert test equipment is placed on top of the supplied ramp, pulled back until the equipment’s light turns from red to green and is then released down the ramp onto each of our 2m x 2m flooring samples. This is repeated 3 times and an average is taken to ensure our results are as accurate as possible. For each sample of our decking range, we tested in the direction of travel, parallel to the ribbing and at a 45-degree angle.
The results showed that all of our decking options are categorised as ‘low risk of slip’ in the direction of travel in both wet and dry conditions. If you require the results for a specific decking option, please contact sales@neaco.co.uk. Although the method of testing we used was SlipAlert, the results can be easily converted to give the Pendulum Test value using the graph below.
