Siniat launches next generation external sheathing board

A next generation external sheathing board from leading plasterboard system specialist Siniat is set to help projects fend off the elements and speed up site delivery.

Siniat has launched the next generation of its revolutionary Weather Defence 2G sheathing board, doubling the amount of time it can be left safely exposed on frame from six to twelve months before final cladding is installed. The warranty for the material has also been extended from ten to 12 years.

Designed and tested at its divisional parent company Etex Building Performance’s Innovation and Technology Centre in Avignon, France, Weather Defence 2G can be used to quickly weather-proof a building during the construction phase, allowing interior trades to commence work faster and boost productivity on site.

Weather Defence 2G contains a specially-formulated gypsum core encapsulated in a tough, coated mat facer. It gives the material superior water-resistance and weather-proofing, while offering the lightweight qualities of plasterboard. The result ensures that it is easy to handle and up to 50 per cent faster to install than traditional cement particle boards.

The product is certified Euroclass A1 non-combustible and is compliant with Approved Document B (fire safety) of current Building Regulations, including for use on structures above 18 metres. Weather Defence 2G also has exceptional dimensional stability, providing excellent air-tightness and thermal efficiency for buildings.

Mark Riley, product manager at Etex Building Performance UK, commented on the value of the material’s improved performance:

“Low productivity is a significant issue in the construction industry. It’s a key area of focus for our business and we continually invest in our research and testing capabilities to develop and improve our materials to help customers build better and quicker. By providing a fast and easy weather-proofing solution, Weather Defence 2G enables internal trades to get on site quicker, before the building façade is closed. Now able to be left exposed on site for 12 months during construction, it provides even greater flexibility for build programmes.

“The impressive technical performance of Weather Defence has made it a great success in the marketplace, with over 45 per cent of AJ100 architects specifying the material. This latest innovation and our increased warranty for the product maintains and extends these qualities and offers peace of mind for specifiers and contractors.”

Etex Building Performance brings together plasterboard system specialist Siniat, leading passive fire protection company Promat, and steel-framing provider EOS Facades to develop innovative dry construction solutions. The company is committed to developing materials which offer time savings and has recently completed a joint study with the BRE (Building Research Establishment) looking at the main causes of inefficiencies in the drylining sector.