With ‘once in a generation’ weather events becoming more frequent and the increase in outdoor space on tall buildings, it’s no wonder that many of the major housing providers are concerned about the potential for unsecured paving to cause damage.
Consequently, there is a growing focus in the construction industry on how to protect vulnerable structures such as balconies and roof terraces from wind uplift to ensure their safety and durability.
So, what can you do to protect against wind uplift and provide safe, secure environments? First, let’s understand the cause.
What is Wind Uplift?
Wind uplift occurs when a strong wind makes contact with a vertical surface such as the side of a building and is forced upwards. This can cause sufficient wind acceleration to create pockets of negative pressure on horizontal surfaces such as balconies, roof terraces and rooftops. This pressure can be strong enough that unsecured pavers or porcelain tiles are lifted from the support method, typically pedestals.
Wind uplift like this can result in extensive property damage with costly repairs and remediation works. Most concerning is the danger to the public from falling debris.
As leading suppliers & installers of pedestal sub-frames for paving, Buzon offer a range of solutions to this problem.
Rigorous testing of A-FIX-WIND-SAFE demonstrated robust resistance to wind uplift.
Invisible & Fire-rated Solutions
For a seamless look, Buzon have recently launched an invisible fix solution that requires no costly modifications to pavers or tiles.
Ideal for retrofit on existing sites identified as a cause for concern as well as being a cost-effective solution for new projects. A-FIX-WIND-SAFE bonds pavers and porcelain tiles directly to the pedestal head or rail.
This non-combustible wind uplift solution offers a number of benefits:
• A non-mechanical permanent fix with no visible elements.
• Simple & economical to use on site.
• Easy & fast to install requiring no extra fixings.
• Strong enough to withstand winds of up to 470mph.
• Fully tested with Buzon’s Class A fire-rated A-PED range, as well as pedestals which form part of BROOF(t4) systems.
The effects of wind uplift on unsecured paving can be devastating.
Lock it down
A visual way of tackling wind uplift is through use of Buzon U-WASHER wind resistance discs. This reliable fixing physically locks pavers to the head of the pedestal, securing everything in place. The disc sits flush on the pavers and comes in seven different colours to complement your outdoor scheme.
The U-WASHER wind disc physically locks pavers in place.
Decking is a natural solution
If you are at the specification stage of your project or planning a retrofit of your outdoor spaces, then decking is a viable alternative to paving.
Decking is a natural wind uplift solution due to the mechanical fixing of deck boards to rail-based systems. To meet fire-rating requirements on balconies and roof terraces, the Zerodeck system is the perfect solution that ticks all the boxes. Featuring Buzon pedestals and rails, the system is available from The Outdoor Deck Company.
The calm after the storm
Whilst a wind uplift solution is designed to specifically resist the effects of severe weather, it is equally important that external flooring remains stable and safe once the weather event is over.
A sub-standard paving support system subjected to high winds has the potential for balconies and terraces to become unsafe for use due to damaged sub-frame components, even if the pavers themselves have not detached. Ensuring that the pedestal system itself can endure the significant stress of a high wind event will mitigate these issues.
During wind testing of the A-FIX-WIND-SAFE solution using both the fire-rated A-PED and BBA-certified DPH pedestal ranges, Lucideon engineers observed no broken components and minimal deflection rates, demonstrating that the Buzon system is extremely robust and stable both during and after exposure to extreme force.
Choosing the right solution will not only secure pavers but prevent costly remedial work to make external areas safe and usable again.
Don’t let wind uplift get the better of your buildings. Talk to an expert about how you can ensure stability and security for your outdoor spaces.
Simply call 020 8614 0874, email info@buzonuk.com or visit www.buzonuk.com for more information.
Images © Buzon UK
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