Companies are rushing to comply with the revised Part F of the building regulations without properly checking component parts, the managing director of AW Louvers, Wayne Irvine, has said. He argued that incorporating component parts from third-party suppliers could put products and projects at risk if they are not properly specified.
Wayne said: “If you are working on the glazing element of a large commercial project and the requirement is for matt 7016 Anthracite Grey, the chances are you’ll pass on that requirement to your acoustic ventilator or louver supplier without a great deal of extra thought. But not all colours from all powder manufacturers are the same, and they are often applied differently, which can cause issues further down the line, including mismatched colours and poor coating adhesion. This is turn could lead to call backs to site, and a significant additional cost to the glazing contractor for remedial works.
“It is also vitally important that the powder stays on the product to provide the required length of time for colour harmony protection against UV rays or salt water or air pollution. One way of achieving this is to have your product powder coated by an established and recognised architectural powder coating company like Qualicoat-approved LBL Finishers, which powder-coats to the new BS EN 12260-1 2021 Standards.
“Look at what you are ordering or specifying, because what you get in reality is sometimes not what you wanted or thought that you were getting,” Wayne said. “The best way to avoid problems with colour mismatching, adhesion and long-term performance is to discuss your requirements with your supplier. Do that, and you can save yourself a serious financial headache further down the line.”
Operating from Tewkesbury, AW Louvers can powder coat products in any RAL colour to Qualicoat standards. AW Louvers’ range of ventilation products includes over-the-frame, through-the-frame and glazed-in ventilators.
