Posted on

What Is A Self-Levelling Pedestal?

Balance head holding timber joist at angle

Our BALANCE self-levelling pedestals are specially designed to accommodate differences in the deck surface below the pedestal.

Blemishes and ridges in the sub-deck e.g. felt overlaps, or changes in the thickness of a paving slab can make the upper surface uneven The BALANCE adjustable pedestal helps alleviate these issues.

  • Achieve stunning finishes
  • Suspended system
  • Fully adjustable
  • Superior quality
  • Suitable for paving slabs and timber decking
  • Available in heights from 25mm up to 392mm

Find out more about Balance here
> Support tiles up to the edge with Metal Plates
> See how our MegaPro design tool can help

Ideal for Paving

  • Self-levelling headpiece incorporates 4 x positioning lugs (fins) laid out in a crucifix formation set towards the edges
  • The headpiece also comprises 4 x separate parts created to allow up to a 5% or 2.86° slope correction in all directions
  • The mechanism at the bottom of the headpiece allows smooth movement and positioning of the paving slab
  • The lugs (fins) separate paving slabs and tiles on the headpiece to allow sufficient drainage between slabs
  • This creates a uniform paving line so the slabs are laid completely straight
  • A rubber anti-shock pad slots onto the headpiece over a series of ridges to give better grip to the slab and help insulate against vibration and noise travelling through the pedestal to the deck beneath

Ideal for Decking

  • The lugs (fins) are set out towards the edges of the headpiece giving a 55mm gap between them to house a timber joist
  • Decking boards are then fixed to the timber joist frame no need to cut furrings – simply adjust your pedestal height
  • The auto-correcting head makes installing decking systems much faster than traditional methods

Superior Quality

  • Manufactured from injection moulded virgin fibre polypropylene to ensure technical compliance
  • Each pedestal has a weight tolerance of 683kg per unit
  • Tested to temperatures of +75°c and -40°c
Posted on

Pedestal manufacturer issues balcony safety warning

non-combustible pedestals for paving EN 13501-1

Contractors and specifiers working on high-rise residential projects are being advised to specify with caution to meet the fire requirements of a new British Standard.

Wallbarn managing director Julian Thurbin
Wallbarn managing director Julian Thurbin

Ahead of the recent publication of BS 8579:2020 Guide to the Design of Balconies and Terraces, developers and main contractors were already understood to be upgrading completed and signed-off high-rise flat developments in order to deliver the Class A fire performance at 18m+ they anticipated would be detailed in the new standard.

However, there are industry concerns that a ‘double whammy’ of implementing the new standard and the rise of new, unfamiliar, products coming to market could jeopardise safety.

“This situation has the potential to affect a wide range of building components within balcony and terrace construction,” said Julian Thurbin, managing director of specialist building products manufacturer Wallbarn. “We are receiving high volumes of calls from construction professionals, including contractors, specifiers and cost engineers requiring guidance on the products that can – and cannot – be considered.

“We have also heard reports of completed and fully legal projects being revised with exterior materials, including balcony constructions, removed post sign-off and replaced with Class A systems – in extreme cases across the entire project and not just 18 metres and above. It highlights the importance parties are placing on delivering safe, compliant buildings and underlines the need to be absolutely sure only the best quality products and systems make it to site,” he added.

To achieve the fire performance required by BS 8579, specifications will have to change. Manufacturers are responding with Class A product developments but concerns remain that some of the new solutions coming to market may not be adequately tested or designed for use at height and/or outdoors.

“Our sector is a really good example,” said Julian Thurbin. “Traditionally heavy duty plastic pedestals have been specified to support suspended balcony or terrace decking and paving. To achieve Class A performance these pedestals must now be metal. We have achieved this with our new product MetalPad, which is fully tested and fit for purpose. From sampling the market we have concerns that not all products offer the level of performance we feel is required, with some modified from interior usage and others utilising plastic or rubber parts, which are obviously combustible.

“There’s also the question of product testing – in the case of pedestals load-bearing is critical – which we appreciate is a challenge. However, our advice is always to consult with your original supplier (whatever the product and even if they do not supply a Class A alternative) to at least understand the questions you should be asking of a new supplier.

“Safety is of prime importance and we do not want to be in the situation where, in our efforts to increase fire safety standards, we replace fully tested and compliant products with those that may not have been properly tested or are of a poorer quality.

“Given that this issue centres around outdoor structures mounted 18 metres or more above ground level, industry concerns about product performance must be given serious consideration; system failure at height has the potential to have tragic consequences.”

Posted on

What Is a Class A Fire Rated Pedestal Rail System?

Pedestal Rail System

Substructure for non-combustible decking and tiling systems

Key Advantages

  • Full Metal Substructure, made from galvanised steel
  • Class A non-combustible material (EN 13501-1:2018)
  • Profiled Aluminium Joist clicks securely onto MetalPad
  • Secure connection without mechanical fixings
  • Suitable decking and paving solutions
  • Very high weight tolerance
  • Zero corrosion
  • Creates lateral stability across the deck by reducing movement
  • Adjustable height with maximum flexibility
  • Fully compliant with draft BS 8579

Specially profiled aluminium rails 20mm, 25mm or 50mm click onto headpiece without need for screws, drills or mechanical fixings for a secure connection.

Powder-coated headpiece prevents any reaction between steel and aluminium.

Paving / Tiling Applications

  • Integrated Class A Rail system for installing porcelain tiles and ceramic planks
  • Specially profiled bearer rails/joists click onto headpiece of Metalpad
  • Designed to give greater support to slabs and tiles and additional lateral strength across the deck
  • Faster installation of suspended paving and tiling projects
  • Secure connection into spring-loaded headpiece fittings; no screws, no drilling on site
  • Large baseplates distribute weight efficiently reducing point loading
  • Greater spans between pedestals possible
  • Joist helps “tie together” pedestals, giving more lateral strength across the decking surface
  • Large height range using three different sized joists
  • Powder-coated headpiece prevents a reaction between steel and aluminium joist
  • Additional headpiece clicks onto joist to hold slab/tile in place
  • Clip head has four lugs for full support and uniform spacing of tile
  • Clip head slides along Rail for accurate measurement and total support
  • Fast, safe, secure construction of substructure

Decking Applications

  • Fully integrated substructure system for installing Class A decking
  • Specially profiled bearer rails/joists click onto headpiece of Metalpad
  • Secure connection into spring-loaded headpiece fittings; no screws, no drilling on site
  • Large height range using three different sized joists
  • Greater spans between pedestals possible
  • Large baseplates distribute weight efficiently reducing point loading
  • Powder-coated headpiece prevents a reaction between steel and aluminium joist
  • Joist helps “tie together” pedestals, giving more lateral strength across the decking surface
  • Class A decking surface fixed to the joist
  • Fast, safe, secure construction of substructure
Posted on

Wallbarn Launches The Non-Combustible Pedestal – The MetalPad

Class-A-Metalpad-Paving-320-410mm-underside-view

Wallbarn has launched MetalPad, its non-combustible Class A1 metal pedestal designed specifically for high-rise balconies, terraces and flat roofs, to meet BS 8579: 2020 Guide to the Design of Balconies and Terraces.

Wallbarn, a leading manufacturer of pedestal solutions for domestic and commercial suspended paving and decking projects, has developed what it believes is the UK’s first non-combustible Class A1 metal pedestal designed specifically for high-rise balconies, terraces and flat roofs.

slide-MetalPad-A1---Click-Head-connected-to-25mm-Rail-with-tile-headpiece

MetalPad was developed in direct response to BS 8579: 2020 Guide to the Design of Balconies and Terraces, which has just been published and details how all building elements of balconies and terraces must be non-combustible. Wallbarn says previously, heavy-duty plastic pedestal systems had been deemed appropriate but the new standard makes clear this is no longer acceptable. 

“We have more than 40 years of experience in the pedestals sector and foresaw, from an early draft of BS 8579: 2020, that the standard would shift the market to non-combustible products,” said Wallbarn Director Julian Thurbin. “We immediately began a research and development programme to identify how we could replicate the success of our heavy-duty polypropylene pedestals in metal to satisfy the standard.”

The Wallbarn designed, developed and produced MetalPad Class A1 non-combustible fully adjustable pedestal system is the result of Wallbarn’s R&D investment into developing a BS 8579 compliant system. The company says it offers specifiers, contractors, building owners, insurers and occupants peace of mind that the pedestals supporting paving and decking on balconies and terraces will not fail in the event of a fire. 

MetalPad is non-combustible to BS EN 13501-1, made from 2mm thick galvanised steel and designed for exterior applications. It has no plastic or rubber components, can support more than 1,000kg per pedestal thanks to its solid stem and superior weight tolerance, has a self-levelling headpiece with up to 5% movement in all directions, a sturdy 150mm diameter circular base plate which is smooth on the underside to prevent point loading and damage to the surface beneath, bespoke headpieces for paving and decking and millimetre-precise height adjustment to ensure a perfect, flat and safe finish. Heights range from 30mm to 258mm.

Julian added: “We’ve worked hard and invested heavily in bringing a product to market that is fit-for-purpose and meets the demands of the new standard. We are more than happy to talk architects, specifiers and contractors through the requirements of BS 8579 and what they need to be considering when specifying and installing metal pedestal systems. The key points are selecting a system that is fully non-combustible (so no plastic or rubber components), making sure the pedestals are suitable for exterior use and confirming they are strong enough for the job. Given that they will be used in high-rise outdoor structures it is imperative to select the correct product.”

Posted on

We Supply Innovative, Top Quality Products & Services For Construction

recycled polyester geotextile fleece for green roofing

Our products and services focus on building envelope, finishes, hard and soft landscaping, protection, waterproofing systems. Our products are safe and easy to handle, fast and straightforward to install, robust and designed to improve the performance of the structure and optimise the footprint of the building.

Pedestals & Support Pads
We offer a range of products to assist easy installation and levelling for paving slabs and timber decking on all roofs and terraces. Our product range is second to none.

Fixed Height Support Pads
Fixed height support pads are available as a cost-effective solution to paving and decking on more simple designs.

Adjustable Pedestals
For complicated flat roofs or terraces which require a much more high-end finish, the adjustable pedestals from Wallbarn, available from 10mm up to 1020mm, are the perfect solution. Terraces built-to-falls can have completely flat upper surfaces without interrupting drainage.

Decking
Wallbarn offers a range of decking products. By using suspended Wallbarn Timber Paving Tiles, installers combine the natural, attractive finish of timber decking with the speed and ease of laying paving slabs.

EasyClick and EasyChange are the ingenious new decking systems available from iDecking UK. The hard-wearing and attractive Duro Excellence composite decking boards are mounted onto metal rails using the patented clip design from iDecking. There are no visible fixings through the boards and no need for screws or construction of timber joists. All fixing and locking components are included in the iDecking system. installation of decking using EasyClick is five times faster than traditional methods.

Green Roof Systems
A great way of providing an attractive, useful, environmentally friendly open space on otherwise ‘lost’ flat roofs and podium decks.

Green roofs are a great way of providing an attractive, useful, environmentally friendly open space on otherwise ‘lost’ flat roofs and podium decks. They have considerable benefits, some not always considered by developers; follow the link to see the benefits.
M-Tray® modular green roof system is a pre-grown mature sedum roof supplied in easy-to-carry module trays, which click together to form a seamless green roof. Installation is super-fast and there is no mess. It is an instant green roof.

Roof & Structural Protection
Wallbarn offers a range of production layers to prevent damage to waterproofing membranes. They are easy to handle and safe to use and provide protection solutions for bituminous and single-ply membranes.

Roof & Structural Drainage
Protecto-drain is a range of protection and drainage membranes made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene. Protecto-drain is used for landfills, protection of foundation walls, subterranean drainage, resistance to rising damp, soil stabilisation and green roof applications.

These tough, flexible membranes are manufactured with a cupped profile, which increases the strength and drainage capability of the material.

Wallbarn offers a number of different types of Protecto-drain, with different thicknesses, cup size and coverings, depending on the type of application.

Geotextile Fabrics
Wallbarn offers a range of Geotextile products. Wallbarn also supplies sustainable material in the form of RECYCLED POLYESTER MATERIAL. These fabrics are available in a variety of densities and come either as a white material or a multicoloured fabric.

Roof Outlets & Vents
Wallbarn introduces a range of roof outlets, vents and accessories. These products are designed to ensure that gutters and roof drainage outlets are properly protected and waterproof.

Drainage Channel
It is designed to collect surface water off paved or asphalted areas and move that water away towards an underground drainpipe or escape route. The anti-slip, hardwearing galvanised steel grate maintains structural integrity across the area, so foot traffic and very light vehicles can pass over the drain without issue. Our drainage channel is CE marked and fully certified to Load Class A15 BS EN 1433. It is eco-friendly and 100% recyclable.

The Protecto-drain Drainage Channel is designed to be installed quickly and easily. It simply slots in front of the building entrance or within the paved / asphalt area and provides an unobstructed channel cross-section. Each individual channel clips together for fast and simple on-site fabrication. It is very easy to cut on areas where a part-metre length is required. All slots and measurement grooves run the whole way through the channel so sidebars can also be installed into cut channels successfully.

Fixings
Anchors and fixing pins are available to hold sheet membrane sin place on horizontal and vertical surfaces.

Posted on

Overview of the Minipad Adjustable Timber Decking Pedestal 

Universal adjustable decking pedestal with joist
  • Suitable for supporting both decking and paving
  • Fully adjustable height between 10mm – 40mm
  • Able to withstand a maximum load of 1,171kg

Purposely designed to achieve a low profile, the Minipad Pedestal is suitable for holding both decking and paving. The 150mm head provides a strong platform for your decking or paving whilst the 150mm base ensures stability. 

This pedestal is fully adjustable and able to reach heights between 10mm and 40mm. Once the desired height has been found, simply lock it into place to ensure that the height of your pedestal does not change over time. 

How Much Weight Can These Pedestals Hold? 

Wallbarn has designed their Minipad Pedestals to withstand extreme weights. Each has a weight tolerance of approximately 683kg and can withstand a maximum load of approximately 1,171kg. It is, however, essential that they are carefully fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

What is the Height of These Pedestals? 

Minipad Pedestals are fully adjustable, with them reaching heights between 10mm and 40mm. Making it ideal for decking and paving applications where space is limited.

What is the Head and Base Diameter?

To ensure your decking or paving is stable, the Minipad Pedestals feature a generously sized head and base. The head diameter is 150mm whilst the base diameter is 150mm. 

Posted on

Fire Rated Pedestals For High Rise Balconies

non-combustible pedestals for paving EN 13501-1

Fire Rated Pedestals for high rise balconies, terraces, flat roofs and podiums developed to comply with recent fire safety regulations.

MetalPad is made from 100% galvanised steel with zero plastic or rubber elements. It is classified as Class A1 under standard BS EN 13501-1 and meets the requirements of Draft BS 8579 fully an unequivocally.

  • No plastic headpieces.
  • No rubber discs under bases.

Heights range from 30mm to 258mm with bespoke headpiece designs for either paving slabs or decking, using Wallbarn’s rail connection system.

Key Benefits:

  • Made from 2mm thick galvanised steel
  • Hot-dip galvanisation for long-term exterior applications – completely rust-proof
  • Solid, not hollow, thread for additional strength and load-bearing
  • 150mm diameter base plate with smooth underside prevents point loading
  • Over 1,000kg loading per pedestal
  • Circular base plate ensures adequate weight distribution and proper stability
  • Rounded profiles on baseplate and headpiece – no sharp edges
  • Drainage holes in baseplate prevent water stagnation and rusting
  • Fixing holes in the baseplate for mechanical fixing if required
  • Millimetre-precise height adjustment
  • Height can be altered using an adjustable spanner with slabs or decking in position
  • Limit switch on the stem to prevent the pedestals unwinding completely

Designed specifically for exterior applications, not adapted from other applications.

For paving https://www.wallbarn.com/fire-rated/class-a-fire-rated-pedestals#paving-applications :

  • The circular headpiece is lugged for paving slabs and ceramic tiles
  • Ideal for porcelain tiles
  • 120mm diameter headpiece gives greater service area to support tile
  • Large baseplate gives lateral stability meaning less risk of tiles rocking

 

For Decking  https://www.wallbarn.com/fire-rated/class-a-fire-rated-pedestals/#decking-applications:

  • Specially designed click-deck headpiece made from stainless steel, designed to hold Wallbarn’s own ledged-profile aluminium joist.
  • The headpiece is coated with RAL 7016 powder-coated paint to prevent reaction between steel and aluminium joist
  • Secure fixing between pedestal head and joist means no need for additional mechanical fixings are required
  • No drilling means less risk of shrapnel or sharp metal objects
  • High weight tolerance and large baseplate mean pedestals can be placed at larger distances apart
  • This means fewer units per m²

 

MetalPad is considered to be Class A (‘No contribution to fire’) under the ruling of EU Commission Decision 94/611 /EC.

Classified non-combustible to BS EN 13501-1 (Fire classification of construction products & building elements)

Complies fully with draft British Standard BS 8579

This product has been developed to ensure compliance with:

Amendment to Approved Document B May 2020

Approved Document B 2019

Advice Note on Balconies in Residential Buildings published by Department of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) issued on 24 June 2019

Regulation 38 of the Fire Safety Building Regulations published by the Government

PROPERTIES

  • Recycled content (%)          0
  • Reusable                                Yes
  • Availability                             <1 week

MATERIALS                          

  • Electro-galvanised Steel
  • Thickness of material: 2mm
  • Reaction to fire: Class A1 EN 13501-1
  • BS 8579 (balcony construction)
  • Finishes: RAL 7016 powder coated paint (decking version)

ZERO PLASTIC CONTENT    

ZERO RUBBER CONTENT    

  • Colours: Steel

OTHER GUARANTEES         

  • Guarantee to weight: Weight tolerance 1 tonne
  • Maximum weight load: 2 tonnes (dynamometer)
  • temperature tolerance      
  • Heat tolerance: 465°C    
  • Cold tolerance: -50°C

CHARACTERISTICS

BASEPLATE                           

  • Baseplate diameter: 150mm 
  • Baseplate features: Circular baseplate
  • 8 x drilled drainage holes 5mm diameter
  • 4 x drilled fixing holes 8mm diameter

STEM                     

  • Stem type: Solid threaded stem
  • Stem diameter: 16mm    

 

PAVING HEADPIECE                           

  • Headpiece diameter: 120mm 
  • Lug thickness: 2mm      
  • Lug height: 10mm    

DECKING HEADPIECE                         

  • Click-deck headpiece material: Stainless Steel     
  • Distance between lugs: 60mm    
  • Connection type: Clip fastening to bespoke Wallbarn aluminium rail
  • Headpiece Coating: Coated with RAL 7016 powder-coated paint 

 

HEIGHT RANGE                   

  • 30-38mm
  • 38-46mm
  • 46-55mm
  • 53-67mm *
  • 65-87mm *
  • 85-115mm *
  • 113-162mm *
  • 160-258mm *

*Integrated limit switch on the stem to avoid separation of the stem from the headpiece                    

WARRANTY                          

Limited warranty (see Terms & Conditions of Supply) based on products being used for purposes stated by Wallbarn up to the amount of the invoice total.                             

  • Warranty: 15 years
  • Life span: 50 years

NBS clauses           J21 85 467 J31 80 370 375 377 J41 90 467 J42 467 Q37 460 Q55 110 395 45-70-45 330 J21 470 J31 375 377 J41 470 Q50 25 Q55 380 45-45-95 315

BIM        

CAD        https://www.wallbarn.com/fire-rated/class-a-fire-rated-pedestals#specification

 

For more information on our range of fire rated pedestals for high rise balconies, please click here.

 

Posted on

Inverted Roofing Systems Explained

An image of an inverted roof system

Offering a wide variety of benefits, inverted waterproofing systems are an alternative to the warm roof method.

Typically defined as a type of roof which has the waterproofing layer beneath the insulation rather than above it, inverted roofs require the insulation to be ballasted to prevent wind uplift or floating in rainfall water.

Often referred to as an “upside-down” roof, the requirement for increased thickness of the installation board means designers need to be sure that sufficient weight is placed on the boards to prevent movement.

Concrete paving slabs offer a good ballasting solution. To prevent damage to the rigid installation board, the slabs should be suspended onto pedestals.

Wallbarn’s range of pedestals will separate the slab from the deck, create an air gap beneath the slab for effective roof drainage underneath and between the slab and the positioning lugs create uniform straight paving lines drainage.

The Benefits of Inverted Roofs

Benefits of inverted roofs include

  • The waterproofing layer is protected
  • The functional life can be considered to be significantly longer
  • Improved environmental performance
  • Thermal shocks are among the most important factors involved in ageing and fatigue for waterproofing membranes which are not the case for inverted roofs.
  • Better stormwater management
  • Flat roofs can be constructed to offer full and easy access for any future work
  • They can withstand surface traffic
  • They remain unaffected by freeze/thaw cycles

Durable, Cost-Effective Products

Offering a durable, cost-effective range of products, our pedestals offer the ideal solution for anyone looking to create a suspended system for their inverted roof which allows easy access to the concealed surface beneath.

More roof and balcony designs incorporate a completely flat upper surface in order to utilise them more effectively as leisure areas. More attractive paving with spirit-level-flat finishes can be achieved using a much larger variety of different stone and slab shapes using our ASP supports.

Wallbarn’s range of adjustable support pads ensures that even where contractors build their roofs to a fall to allow good drainage, a completely flat upper level of paving or decking can be achieved.

How Does The Process Work?

Very small, irregular or multiple changes in height can be accommodated using the simple but durable twist mechanism on the stem. Once the slab is placed on top of the support, the whole system locks into place.

Falling roofs can be paved to an even finish extremely quickly and effectively using these supports, cutting down labour time considerably. Edges and end of runs can either be bordered with a line of washed pebbles or by removing the lugs and sliding the support underneath the slab and out of view. Services such as cables or water pipes can be laid underneath the slabs easily, keeping the upper surface uncluttered.

Wallbarn adjustable pedestals are available from 10mm to 1020mm. Ultra-low and very high height thresholds can be accommodated.

All Wallbarn adjustable pedestals are extremely durable and have been tested and found to be working normally at minus 40 degrees Celsius.

The range of support pedestals has been created to effectively address all potential installation scenarios and form the core of our product range.

Click Here To View Our Range of Adjustable Pedestals For Paving

Posted on

Our Pedestals Offer Proven Durability

Top quality Wallbarn pedestals versus inferior brand

Any product used as part of a construction project needs to offer a guarantee of quality and durability.

With potentially catastrophic safety issues should any product fail to function once installed, it is absolutely essential that before purchasing a product, you are certain of its qualities. 

Did You Know?

Inferior plastic will crack in sub-zero temperatures. So if your project requires the installation of decking supports or paving supports, what steps are you taking to ensure that you have a quality product?

Some manufacturers use fillers in order to save money – this can weaken the structural integrity of the pedestals but this is not the case with anything available from the Wallbarn product range. We do not cut corners and it is very important that you do not either when creating or retro-fitting a raised deck.

Our Megapads offer outstanding qualities and durability and are available in sizes ranging from 22mm to 1-20mm.

Safety Test Documentation

Do you have the required access to the safety test documentation for your required products? Our customers can request access to all the independently-verified technical data relating to any of our products.

High-Quality Decking Support Pedestals

The Wallbarn range of paving and decking supports are lightweight and easy to handle, helping to ensure a smooth installation but there has been no compromise in strength or durability to achieve this.

Amongst many other tests*, our products are temperature tested by an independent testing laboratory to ensure their continued functionality from temperatures ranging between -40°C and as high as +75°C.

Our robust range of decking and paving pedestals/supports are manufactured from injection moulded polypropylene and can tolerate loads of 683kg per unit Normal Weight Tolerance (end of linear behaviour) with a Maximum Load of 1171kg.

Offering proven durability, a project utilising our paving supports in Montreal in 2014 offers the perfect example. Exposed to extreme cold since their installation in 2014 and still working perfectly.

Offering Key Advantages

Our range of support pedestals share common features and benefits ensuring their quality and durability:

  • Achieve stunning finishes
  • Suspended system
  • Fully adjustable
  • Superior quality
  • Suitable for paving slabs and timber decking

*tests completed by an independent testing laboratory