Housing association cleans up with Durox System
Using Tarmac Topblock's Durox System with thin set mortar for the first time has helped Cambridge Housing Society and Deejak Builders to construct a new development of six residential properties in record time - with exceptionally accurate and cost-effective results.
Durox System 500 and 600 blocks were used to build the internal, external and partition walls within the development, which include a 4-bed, 3-bed and four 2-bed properties in Duxford, Cambridgeshire.
Malcolm Wright, Site Agent for Deejak Builders, comments: "In terms of build speed, the Durox System with thin layer mortar is without doubt far quicker than more traditional build methods, as the blocks are longer, lighter and are used in conjunction with smaller quantities of a faster-setting mortar."
"The system is also incredibly accurate as we were able to achieve joist level within 3mm and because the blocks are sized so precisely, any wastage was kept to an absolute minimum.
"Durox System is also visibly neater and cleaner. With less mortar required using the thin joint technology, mortar overspill into the cavity was significantly reduced, something that the Building Inspector expressed his amazement at.
"Durox blocks are also easier to cut, with any required adjustments simply made using an alligator saw, which, combined with their light weight, makes them easier to handle. The weight factor also allowed us to store quantities of blocks on a solid floor system, enabling the brickies to build up to truss level from the inside of the dwelling, impacting positively on on-site health and safety conditions as the need to work from an exterior scaffolding is eliminated."
As this was the first time that Cambridge Housing Society, Deejak Builders and the bricklayers had used the system, they visited the Durox Training facility at Linford in Essex for a day-long dedicated training session that combined theory with practical trials to equip them with the skills and knowledge required to reap the many benefits of the thin-joint technique.
Malcolm adds: "The training was thoroughly worthwhile and I would certainly recommend it to others who are using the Durox System for the first time. The whole package, from training through to excellent product quality and the measurable on-site productivity benefits, all combined to make this one of the best developments I've worked on."
Part of the Flagship Housing Group, Cambridge Housing Society is keen to trial new construction methods, as New Build Manager Pip Cornwell concludes: "Brian Hewkin, the Tarmac Topblock account manager, talked us through the many benefits of using the new thin joint technology and this project was a fantastic learning experience for everyone involved. The build was cost-effective, smooth-running and completed to an extremely high standard and Flagship will now be using Durox System as a build method on future sites."
