Preformed Rigid Cavity Trays Address Recurring Flaws in Damp Proof Course Installation, According to Cavity Trays Explanation
Avoiding Inconsistencies: The Case for Preformed Damp Proof Courses
Recent reviews of an ongoing research program have revealed recurring deficiencies in conventional damp proof course (DPC) installations on construction sites. Cavity Trays, the conducting company, has identified these issues when using roll DPC in cavity wall construction for various applications, such as window and door openings, changes of level, and horizontal abutments. These shortcomings, ranging from simple to complex junctions, are often attributed to departures from planned arrangements on-site.
What's causing this discrepancy, and how can we resolve it? Cavity Trays insists that employing top-tier preformed solutions can prevent undesirable outcomes.
Last year, the NHBC mandated the use of preformed trays for complex junctions, resulting in housebuilders throughout the UK utilizing pre-shaped protection instead of cutting and fabricating roll DPC on-site. This shift in practice has led to improved installation consistency and compliance.
Preformed trays can still be used with roll DPC on straight runs, and the holdup lies in the integration of long, flexible roll DPC tray runs with preformed components. These connections have proven to be "widely variable," as installers grapple with adhering two cavity-spanning flexible surfaces together without support across the cavity. With increasing cavity widths, achieving satisfactory and consistent on-site joining can be challenging. Some manufacturers offer auxiliary purchases, such as cradles, to support joints under load, while industry bodies like the BBA, NHBC, and LABC emphasize the importance of rigidity and proper lap dimensions for integration.
Cavity Trays of Yeovil presents an alternative approach. Their components, such as corners, reveal trays, and integrated balcony door opening trays, are rigidly preformed and boast inbuilt shape strength. This manufacturing process and material thickness produce sturdy components that can accommodate flexible DPC integration without the need for additional support.
The advantages of Cavity Trays of Yeovil's solutions can be summarized into three points:
- A self-supporting, one-component solution that can be built into the inner leaf or terminate against the inner skin.
- Self-supporting trays can be supplied to either build into the inner leaf or terminate against the inner skin.
- Builders may still opt to use roll DPC between preformed trays, or implement preformed trays throughout, depending on their preference for installation techniques.
Typical Unacceptable Build Details
- Incomplete DPC installation due to insufficient width or improper placement, leading to moisture infiltration.
- High remediation costs and disruption caused by flawed on-site fabrication attempts.
- Construction of an unreliable, dry-bedded lap-join that has not adhered, compromising the continuity of the DPC.
Solutions Using Rigid Preformed Cavity Trays
Here are two examples showcasing how rigid preformed cavity trays from Cavity Trays of Yeovil can ensure flawless execution of best practices in accordance with architectural plans:
Email: [email protected]: www.cavitytrays.co.uk
The recurrent issues with conventional roll DPC installations can be traced back to various factors, including installation challenges, site conditions, and material limitations. By using preformed trays at complex junctions, builders can improve the consistency and compliance of their DPC installations. These solutions provide precision and fit, a continuous barrier against moisture, simplified installation, and compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring reliable moisture protection across various construction projects.
- The use of preformed trays in construction, as exemplified by Cavity Trays of Yeovil's products, can offer a solution to the inconsistencies often seen in conventional damp proof course installations, providing a more reliable barrier against moisture.
- Incorporating preformed trays, especially at complex junctions, can not only enhance the consistency and compliance of damp proof course installations, but also align with architectural plans for a more seamless and effective moisture protection system, thereby harnessing the potential of modern technology to improve construction practices.
