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Porotherm construction system now CERAM validated
Landmark test result from building materials experts sets the standard
The performance credentials of Porotherm, the precision engineered clay block walling system, have been validated by CERAM. The internationally acclaimed - and UKAS-accredited testing laboratory - has confirmed that the Porotherm system, launched to the UK market last year by Wienerberger, meets the levels of safety required by the UK’s Codes of Practice and Building Regulations requirements.
The system, which incorporates clay blocks and thin bed joint mortar, was subject to a series of tests by CERAM including load capacity, rain resistance and associated component performance. The report is the first of its kind in the UK and sets the standard for clay block walls.
Although the individual blocks meet the requirements of European Standard BS EN 771-1 and carry the CE mark of approval for use in the UK, there is no guidance in the existing code of practice for clay block walls. Wienerberger therefore submitted the full system to CERAM for assessment and testing in order to validate its use under British Building Regulations criteria and provide a measure against which architects and specifiers could compare.
Phil Noble, construction systems director for Wienerberger, said the findings confirmed the experience of Porotherm’s continental customers over the last 30 years. He said the CERAM validation provides architects and specifiers with a benchmark against which they can compare Porotherm’s performance characteristics and use the system with confidence.
He said: “It is important for our customers to have as much technical information available to them as possible when specifying building products. CERAM is an internationally renowned, independent centre of excellence and this report provides the detailed information which our customers require.
“The report gives our customers extra assurance that our products meet UK performance criteria and BS 5628 design rules can be used. Together with the myriad environmental and thermal efficiency benefits the system provides, Porotherm offers an attractive, cost-effective alternative to other building materials such as timber, concrete or light steel frames.”
The Porotherm walling system offers a modern construction method with the reassuringly traditional values of clay. Used correctly, the system can significantly increase construction speeds with 10m2 per man per hour realistically achievable. It is a virtually dry, efficient, strong, safe and environmentally-friendly method which offers commercial benefits through increased labour productivity and shorter project programmes.
Porotherm is ideal for both monolithic construction, with external render, or as the inner leaf of a double skin of cavity walling when finished with an external facing brick. It has excellent thermal performance due to precision-engineered air pockets and has a Class A fire retardance rating.
Porotherm uses less clay due to innovative design and contains minimum 20 per cent MARSS (recycled) content and its manufacture is energy efficient, requiring lower firing temperature than conventional bricks. The block is up to 50 per cent lighter than other similar products of the same size due to perforations and smooth-edged design, also adding to safety standards on site.
To find out more about the technical details of the CERAM report visit the new Porotherm Micro Site or contact 0845 303 2524 to pre-register for a copy of the Porotherm Technical Manual.
