Switching From Steel To PVCu Beads Works For Welsh Oak Frame

Weather-Tight Welsh Oak FrameProviding ultra strong straight edges and easy fixing, Bellcast Beads from the Renderplas PowerBead range are being used in conjunction with a weatherproof render finish to prevent rainwater penetrating the underlying substrate of Welsh Oak Frame’s patented single wall system, comprising composite infill panels on an oak frame. Welsh Oak Frame’s high specification system utilises modern materials to replicate a medieval method of construction that allows the attractive oak frame structure to be viewed from the inside as well as the outside of the building.

Having previously used stainless steel external render beads, Welsh Oak Frame now specifies Renderplas PVCu PowerBeads on a regular basis. Keith Rimmer, Projects and Planning Director at Welsh Oak Frame, says: “Because they are manufactured from PVCu, Renderplas products are much easier to staple to our infill panels than metal alternatives and have greater flexibility to match the contours of the wood frames. They also offer high resistance to weathering and come in a choice of colours to suit different project and planning requirements.”

Based in Caersws, mid Wales, Welsh Oak Frame designs and builds unique oak frame homes and extensions that comply with Building Regulations and come with full NHBC warranties. Manufactured off-site, the company’s composite infill panels are delivered to site once the building’s skeletal oak frame is complete and installed by Welsh Oak Frame’s skilled team. Renderplas 15mm Power Bellcast Beads are stapled to the panels prior to a two-coat finish of either a microporous pre-mix render or a traditional sand and cement render to a depth of up to 17mm, depending on the project specification. Welsh Oak Frame estimates that up to 500 linear metres of Renderplas PowerBeads can be used in the construction of a new oak frame house.

A second generation of PVCu Beading developed by Renderplas, PowerBeads can be fixed directly to the substrate, saving time and money on site. Extremely rigid edges keep the PVCu bead straight whilst it is being fixed and the flexible wings and back plates take up small irregularities in the substrate without the need to dub out.

In its 21st year, Renderplas was the UK’s first manufacturer of PVCu beads for the rendering, plastering and dry lining industry, and over the past two decades has led the market with innovations and developments. Renderplas gives a comprehensive choice of 12 colours across a range of different profiles, including ‘wide wing’ solutions and the pioneering PowerBead - the first PVCu bead that truly outperforms stainless steel to ensure ultra strong, straight edges, and which can be fixed directly to the substrate to save time and money. Renderplas PVCu beads can also be used internally for wet plastering, and there are a further five profiles specifically for skim plastering. Renderplas PVCu beads are BBA certified and conform to BS EN 13914-1: 2005 External Rendering. The range is available through most leading builders merchants or direct from Renderplas.