The Department of Communities and Local Governments in UK have declared ‘rainscreen cladding’ as an innovative technique that must be prevalent in all new buildings and houses. As recent as this month, the Canadian government is being criticized for being too slow in implementing this technique.

Most buildings and homes are made of weatherboards or fibro that gradually become mush overtime due to the constant exposure to rain and sleet. Rainscreen cladding forms a barrier against the harsh weather conditions.

The rainscreen cladding system is basically a layer of water resistant tiles or panels fitted on the existing wall using a frame like structure. There is an airtight gap between the two walls that prevents rain water and condensation to damage the inner wall of the building or house. The gap allows for the water to evaporate due to the dynamic air flow. Windowsills and doorframes are extended outwards to meet the new wall.

One of the classic example of this system is the Alcoa building in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania which was the first building to undergo rainscreen modernization in 1952. Over the years, the rainscreen cladding system has undergone many new developments, with some new buildings propping up, most recently being the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art that opened in January 2, 2010 at Charlotte, North Carolina.

The rainscreen tiles or panels are thin, lightweight and very economical that suits most budgets. They are easy to install and protects the inner walls from damage, thus reducing maintenance costs. They improve thermal insulation that help to lower energy usage, which in turn lowers the energy bills. The panels or tiles give a unique and decorative finish to buildings or houses and are easily replaced. Unlike a conventional building or house, which needs to be repainted in its entirety, only that rainscreen panel or tile is replaced.

The rainscreen cladding systems available come in various materials like UV-resistant timber, laminated board, fibre cement, terracotta, metal, stone, composites, fibre glass, recycled glass etc. With new technology, the tiles now come in every shape and size and offer a whole range of colours. There are different rainscreen cladding systems are available in the market to suit most needs and budget.

**UPDATE**

A few people have been asking us where they can get these systems in the UK, we would recommend checking out Sotech Optima who specialise in rainscreen style wall cladding in the UK.

**Engineering News Feature

Hertel Valve and Rotating Services (HVRS), which employs 45 staff at near Redcar in the North of England has started speaking with workers and union representatives following a significant downturn in the company’s business. The consultation period which ends on the 31st January 2011 could see  up to 12 workers, including four apprentices out of a job.

It is part of engineering giant Hertel, a global industrial services company with more than 12,000 employees.

The group shut its Hertel Project Services (HPS) operation at Wilton last year with the loss of 15 jobs after it went into administration.

HVRS said the cost-cutting exercise would not affect its Grimsby and Grangemouth sites or operations at Hertel UK Ltd, which employs over 3,000 across the UK.

Ted Jansen, general manager of HVRS, said: “Hertel remains committed to the training and development of people and currently has over 100 apprentices and trainees in the UK.”

HVRS is another victim of the current engineering environment and highlights that even large national firms are susceptible in today’s climate.

The Cotswold Manufacturing based in Thornaby on Teesside (North East England) has grown rapidly since its launch in 2005, selling products to customers across the country, including schools, universities, hotels and hospitals offering. Despite the problems in the construction sector, the company has a solid customer base through continued investment in machinery it has built, which now claims to be the only manufacturer of block door just in the UK currently using CNC precision machining technology.

The company is now trying to add their fifth CNC machine at the end of the year, after leaving moving from their previous site to a new plant in Teeside which has 53, 000 m² of space which the the company believes will help them despite the downturn and aims to double its 27 strong workforce as it’s workload increases. Ken Button, commercial director at the Cotswold Manufacturing firm, said: “We are pleased with the company’ success. We have a great team and all focus on getting the right products and satisfied customers.”

With a unique system that differentiates it  from their competitors, Cotswold Manufacturing highlight the need for a competitive advantage in today’s tough economic climate but further show the rewards that can be reaped should it be successful.

Over 100 students from schools across the North East showcased their engineering talents to industry experts during the Young Engineers for Britain Regional Final this week.

With a flood defence for housing, Andrew Dunn from Yarm school earned the title North East Young Engineer for Britain. Andrew will represent the region at the National Young Engineers for Britain final in London.

Organiser Geoff Clack from the EEF said: “Many of the projects demonstrated the ability these your engineers have to recognise the essential role of engineering. “Andrew’s flood defence for housing is a commercial product that provides a solution to a current problem, his ability to recognise a problem and engineer a solution is an essential skill in any engineering company.”

The event celebrates the best engineering work carried out in schools and colleges, strengthens the link between education and industry and encourages engineering project work in schools as pupils develop and engineer a commercial project.

Tony Sarginson, Regional Manager at EEF said “It’s fantastic to see so many young people being so enthusiastic about engineering. You can’t underestimate the impact this experience will have on their development.”

Source: bdaily.info

Due to previous governments making it known that they believe groups in this industry to be disparate when it comes to discussing ideas, an alliance called Engineering the Future has been created. This union represents almost half a million engineers including the IET and other organisations, making it a dominant voice when influencing decision making. This has ensured that the government need only consult one group for independent know-how and guidance on engineering.

All in all, the group has five key policy concerns for the new government’s focus:

• Firstly, the government must maintain and support the investment given to skills for future benefit. For instance, this may be providing incentives for students to learn more about science and engineering.
• It is important that the government assists the UK in being a leader in low-carbon technology, both as a supplier and a user.
• The group advises that the government should plan to capitalise on the use of the valuable science and research base which exists within the UK. It is essential that those in the field of engineering and technology can share their knowledge to bring new products to the market and help to ensure a sustainable environment for the country.
• Money should be set aside to invest in UK based innovation of products and services.
• Finally, and most importantly of all, the government must allow engineering advice to take a more central role in the formation of new policies. Most areas of public policy have an engineering dimension which ought to be considered from the outset, before any commissioning has been granted. The government can only increase in strength by accepting engineering advice. For instance, the UK energy policy is very important as decarbonisation targets must be achieved by 2050. Advice from impartial experts in the field of engineering will be greatly beneficial to this cause.

Over the coming months, the IET will be present in a series of briefings taking place in Westminster, as engineers inform MPs and researchers of the benefits of consulting experts. With a significant number of new MPs entering parliament it is important that solid relationships are formed, as well as continuing to develop those which already exist. The hard work must now begin to ensure that the government is fully engaged with the engineering community. Engineering for the Future’s proposals should see this goal achieved.