Spec Finish

Surfaces The world of surfaces changes constantly. With so many uses and so many duties to perform, it’s not surprising that technology quickly evolves to match the current need. Stuart Devoil , Group Head of Marketing at James Latham, levels with us. NOT NEW, JUST BETTER 18 www.thefis.org A ESTHETICS have always been a driver and remain key today, but a growing awareness of sustainability means many surface products from the past struggle to make it on to specifications because of their reliance on solvents, formaldehyde adhesives, or other harmful chemicals used in their manufacture. Fire performance is an increasingly pressing requirement, with substrates and cores requiring just as stringent certification as the surfaces themselves. And then, of course, the past two years have brought a much more urgent focus on anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and other health and hygiene-based criteria. So, what have manufacturers been doing to keep up with this demand? The truth of the matter is, a hell of a lot! Some products have been developed specifically to meet these criteria, while others have evolved, or even just found certain performance benefits they’ve always had, becoming much more relevant to specifiers. Hidden talents Sundeala must be one of the most recognised names in fibre panels. First manufactured back in 1898, it’s used for noticeboards, pinboards and signage the world over. In schools, colleges, offices, meeting areas, pretty much everybody is within touching distance of a piece. So how does a traditional product like this get into this review of exciting, performance-based surfaces? For a start, it’s 100% recycled and recyclable, and comes in a wide range of colours. But the really interesting thing is its fire retardant (FR) performance. Or more precisely, the performance of its FR version. Sundeala FR is the only UK manufactured Euroclass B pin board to meet building regulations for use in circulation areas and protected fire escape routes as laid out in Approved Document B2 and the BB100. Moreover, in ISO 17025 compliant laboratory tests, it was found to be highly resistant to coronavirus and was 100% virus free just five minutes after infection. Yes, good old Sundeala now has a new lease of life as a perfect product to limit the effects of a global pandemic. From touch plates to social distancing screens, walkway partitions, protective wall cladding. For commercial fit-outs Valchromat is a High Density Fibreboard (HDF) that acts like a moisture-resistant MDF. The boards are ‘through coloured’, as the dye continues right through the panel. This means you can take advantage of all those machining benefits a high density product brings: crisp edges, clean CNC (computer numerical control) cuts, dense core and uniform surface, but without exposing a different coloured centre. While the standard Valchromat is suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, furniture etc, the Euroclass B-s2,d0 Flame Retardant version is perfect for commercial fit- outs, retail and hospitality environments, exhibitions, museums and schools. Solid surfaces, solid style Solid surfaces have come a long way from worktops and vanity units. Architectural resins can be back lit, thermoformed, and secret jointed for all kinds of interior and exterior uses. From furniture to staircases, lightwells, washrooms, counter tops even artworks and sculptures. They can be cut, shaped, CNCd and fixed using traditional woodworking tools, yet offer the ultimate modern twist to a design. The hidden joint technique means sheets can be joined to produce large, flowing surfaces with no discernible joins. Watch the masterclass here www.youtube.com/ watch?v=7WXoeB8nY_o www.lathamtimber.co.uk Stuart Devoil, Group Head of Marketing at James Latham In schools, colleges, offices, meeting areas, pretty much everybody is within touching distance of a piece of Sundeala