Sep 12 2006
Proving that design quality and sustainability don’t have to stop with the more obvious elements of the building envelope, Kalzip has further strengthened its already vast and varied fabrications range with the launch of the new environmentally friendly thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) membrane lined insulated gutter.
Successfully put to the test on the off-site Hi-Point roofing system at the Unity development of luxury apartments in Liverpool, the new gutters are constructed from an upper and lower skin of galvanised steel with a rigid polyurethane foam core and, depending on the design, are fully walkable. Comprising an insulation layer with a thickness of 95mm, the TPO gutters can help achieve an overall roof U-values of 0.25 W/m²K.
Unlike some PVC-based membranes the specially formulated Kalzip TPO synthetic rubber membrane is inert, does not release harmful chemicals into the environment and is fully recyclable. It is also safer for the installer because of the lack of irritant gaseous emissions and the lower hot-air welding temperature of 350°C, compared to 850°C when working with PVC. Additionally, the TPO gutters offer greater flexibility at temperatures as low as –40°C and 25 year product warranty.
The 1.2 mm thick TPO membrane is factory bonded to a 1.2 mm gauge hot dip galvanised steel substitute, giving a highly durable product with a weather resistant surface. This unique synthetic rubber formulation provides excellent colour stability as well as resistance to ultraviolet light, heat and harsh weather conditions, including ponding water and general wear and tear.
The new TPO membrane lined insulated gutter complements the existing range of Kalzip fabrications, which also includes the TPO single skin membrane gutters. The gutters can be fabricated in lengths up to 8 metres in standard profiles to reduce the number of joints required and thus minimise the possibility of leaks. Installed externally and therefore requiring no insulation, the single skin gutters are also manufactured in 1.2mm gauge galvanised steel with a polyester backing coat.