Procheck® A2 membrane delivers speed and performance on Birmingham regeneration project

The 16-storey block B and the 5/6-storey block C of Great Charles Street both feature a concrete frame with brickwork finish. This is in contrast to the 39-storey block A, which features a facade build-up and is outside the scope of Titan Interior Solutions’ work.

The external wall structure of blocks B and C meant the airtightness line was specified internally. That has required the company to install an air and vapour control layer (AVCL) membrane to the internal face of the walls.

The initial specification package included a different AVCL product, which Titan Interior Solutions began to install. However, as Project Manager Matthew Cockayne explained, it quickly became clear that a change needed to be requested.

“The original product did not provide the best install. We got feedback from thteam on site that it wasn’t the easiest to cut or handle,” said Matthew. “The decision was made to change to the Procheck A2 membrane and the reviews improved immediately. The installers found it better to use and easier to install, which saved us time. From there, we carried on using it.”

Procheck A2 is a vapour and airtight membrane. Its composition gives the membrane a high degree of vapour controlling properties, as well as being airtight, which allows its use as an AVCL and helps contribute to the thermal efficiency of the building due to its’ reflective surface. It is also rated A2-s1,d0
when classified to BS EN 13501-1, meaning it is considered limited combustible with no contribution to fire and can be used in relevant buildings and those over 11m/18m.

Better handling and faster installation make a big difference on a large project like Great Charles Street. With an internal airtightness line, installers had to work around a lot of penetrations, including ducts, pipes and brackets. In Matthew’s words, that’s a “nightmare” because any single penetration could be a source of failure when it comes to airtightness testing. A product that cuts and handles well reduces the potential risks of failure.

Thorough checking of work has also played a significant role in the delivered results.

“We don’t want to take finished walls down to address airtightness failures, so the more people who view the completed installation before it is covered up, the better,” said Matthew. “Block managers from main contractor Sisk check all the work. We also had a member of the A. Proctor Group technical team visit site, to comment and report on the installation.”

The change in product and the approach to quality control has so far paid dividends. Finished apartments that have been airtightness tested have averaged a result of below 2.0 air changes per hour (ACH) at 50 Pascals pressure.Compare that to the minimum standard of 5.0 ACH required by the Building Regulations, and it gives an indication of the performance and thermal comfort that eventual occupants can expect to enjoy at Great Charles Street.