Tasks easier with new materials

Press, 17 May 1989, Page 27

Tasks easier with new materials

Replacing spouting has been a more attractive prospect since plastic materials were introduced a few years ago. Although regarded with some reservation at first, plastic spouting has been accepted for its ease of installing, attractive appearance, low maintenace and good lasting qualities. McVicar Timber has a supply of the popular Stormcloud' polymer guttering system which is easily installed by any competent person. In fact,, if you are not all that competent, McVicar Timber will be able to help. This might be in the form of general advice on measuring using a Stormcloud planning guide and then calculating materials needed for the job. Alternatively, someone from the McVicar staff will go out and measure up the house and quote for the required materials. Stormcloud’s brochure also provides helpful information from initial planning through to the step-by-step installation. One advantage of this material is that the slope need not be as steep as with traditional metal spouting. Any water sitting in plastic spouting for a long period is not going to harm the material. Therefore, it is not essential for the spouting to always be completely drained. This means that the slope can be restricted enough for the spouting to cover the edges of the entire roof. Stormcloud guttering is a simple interlocking system that will also interlock with metal spouting. It is ideal for an extension building where new spouting is required to join an existing system. Stormcloud is not ,an expensive product. The materials for an average house will cost about $3OO. It should be pointed out that calling the materials

used to manufacture Stormcloud “plastic” is a simplification. The guttering system is actually made from titanium dioxide impregnated polymer. This space-age compound deflects ultraviolet rays which makes traditional plastic brittle in time. In addition, Stormcloud’s simple profile blends easily with most architectural styles. For those who want a material that never needs painting and will not rust, a Stormcloud guttering system may be worth considering. The manufacturers, Carter Holt Harvey Plastic Extrusion Group, offer a 20-year guarantee on Stormcloud components. Another interesting product available from McVicar’s is the imported Suncall translucent corrugated sheeting which is ideal for a number of projects around the home. Suncall can be used along with traditional corrugated iron. The product enables a diffused natural light to pass through, but reduces glare from direct sunlight. The material can be

used .for skylights in garage roofs, patios, greenhouses, or to surround pools or sections of the garden. Suncall can provide privacy, but does not exclude the warmth from the sun. Sheets are 690 mm wide to match standard corrugated iron. McVicar’s also provides special fixing nails complete with plastic seals. McVicar Timber recently introduced the new “Flakeproof” roof paint. This is a traditional linseed oil-based paint which has an arcylic reinforcement. The acrylic properties allow the paint to dry in about 30 minutes and be recoated after 24 hours. Brushes wash out in water. Flakeproof can be applied directly to new or weathered iron after cleaning. As the name suggests, the paint binds existing paintwork that is flaking. This new product also provides some corrosion protection. Flakeproof is a product designed to make roof painting a much less formidable task.