EGGER's flagship flooring product, EGGER Protect, is the only
structural flooring product on the market that can be exposed to the elements
for up to 60 days.
This takes the pressure off builders dealing with poor weather,
material shortages and a lack of skilled tradespeople.
The current demand on building sites, due to the drive by UK
Government to build 200,000 homes by 2020, has created opportunities but also
issues for housebuilders.
Skills shortages are at their highest point since the crisis in
2013. A lack of skilled workers, especially bricklayers and roofers, has become
a major barrier to the completion of new builds. Builders are also experiencing
a shortage of materials such as roofing tiles and bricks. Add the Great British
weather into the mix and the delays become potentially damaging and costly.
Independent testing by EXOVA, one of the world’s most reputable
materials testing and product qualification testing businesses, has proved that
EGGER’s market leading Protect boards will remain structurally sound after
being exposed to the elements for up to 60 days. This is an increase from the
standard 42 days, which makes EGGER Protect unique in the market.
With EGGER P5 flooring grade chipboard at its core, EGGER Protect
provides the quality assurance that builders require. The tongue and groove
profile created using specialist diamond tipped tooling provides tight-fitting
and consistent joints. This innovative technology speeds up and facilitates
board installation with impressive results.
Alan White, Director of Sales for Building Products, said: “EGGER P5
is manufactured to EN 312 standard. It not only complies with this standard but
routinely goes above and beyond, thanks to the advanced technology used to
produce the boards. The added value of the Protect surface layer is
significant. It is hard-wearing, easy to clean, non-slip, and guaranteed to
give up to 60 days protection against the elements. With everything
housebuilders are currently up against, this extra time could make all the
difference.”
The permanent, weather resistant layer is applied to both sides of
the board. This means moisture will not penetrate the board from either side.
Its anti-slip surface, even in the wet, contributes to all-round site safety.
The textured concrete-effect finish does not require post-installation painting
and can be used directly with underfloor heating systems and tiles, providing
further savings.
Alan White added: “Our investment and belief in this product has
paid off. With the results of external tests substantiating our own internal
testing, we can truly offer a great product that ticks all the boxes for
housing developers, renovators and self-builders. The additional benefit of
knowing you have 60 days protection should you face delays is really an added
bonus.”
Used by national housebuilders as well as small and medium sized
businesses, EGGER Protect is well known in the industry. Ian Cryer, Group
Purchasing Manager at Bellway Homes commented: “Using EGGER Protect, with its
new 60 day exposure during the build, helps us to defend against unexpected
site delays. It is also easy to clean prior to handover so when new owners move
into the property, they can be confident that they will be protected against
moisture ingress for years to come.”
EGGER Protect not only provides protection during the build process
but also throughout the life of the property. The permanent surface layers can
prevent water damage caused by leaking washing machines and burst pipes which
are all too common and can mean costly repairs.
EGGER Protect, EGGER P5 and EGGER Peel Clean Xtra, are all part of a
portfolio of structural P5 grade flooring boards with enhanced moisture
resistant properties. These tongue and groove boards are part of the company’s
industry leading Advanced Structural Flooring System which is specifically
designed to save time, money and manpower.
EGGER offers a lifetime guarantee for every floor fitted using its
Advanced System. During installation, EGGER Joint & Joist D4 adhesive must
be used. The correct application of this glue creates a fully sealed working
deck and protection against moisture ingress and heavy site traffic. No joint
sealing tape is required.
CE and FSC certified, EGGER Protect boards are produced from
sustainable raw materials on one of the most sophisticated production lines in
Europe.
During 2017 EGGER has invested over £10 million within its building
products division at its UK headquarters in the North East of England.
The latest investments include a new tongue and groove (T&G)
panel processing and packaging line with further processing facilities and a
lamination line. At a cost of approximately £5 million, the new T&G line is
helping EGGER to strengthen its position and commitment within the UK
construction industry. Meanwhile its £6 million investment in a new lamination
line will secure and grow production capabilities of its melamine faced boards
including EGGER Protect.
Bob Livesey, Commercial Director at EGGER UK, explains: “Through
investments in new technology and the production of market-leading products,
alongside continual maintenance of equipment, we aim to continue leading the
way in a challenging market place and reinforce our commitment to our customers
when there is a recognised need to build more homes. We want to provide the UK
market, our customers and end users with security and peace of mind that we are
here for the long term in all areas we supply.”
