ADVERTORIAL
Panels – the smartest way for the speedy erection of your new building
Trumod , a major light steel frame manufacturer , has acquired the panel plant previously used by Vela Building Solutions , which offers alternative building solutions to bricks and mortar . Trumod ’ s investment lies in the product ’ s versatility and quality , which will significantly impact the alternative building solutions market .
Trumod has set up the manufacturing plant at its facility in Springs , Johannesburg . Its capacity is 500m 2 of wall surface , per eight-hour shift . The panels consist of an external board – either fibre cement or Magnesium oxide ( MGO ) – depending on the use . The injection of a high density Poly Urethane ( PU ), under strictly controlled conditions – cause the PU to bond with the board . This provides for an extremely rigid panel , that with a ‘ tongue and groove ’ interlock , that has exceptional thermal and sound insulation . The bonding of the PU to the boards also assist with the absorpsion of sound and the ‘ knock effect ’ experienced by a large number of the Alternative Building Systems ( ABS ) – is virtually obliterated .
For double storey buildings , additional steel studs are fitted into cavity of the panel , before ‘ foaming ’ – increasing the load capacity of the panel .
Window and door frames can either be ‘ factory fitted ’ or on site – depending on the design and specifications of the frames .
As the panels are relatively light and the cost of the raft foundation or other support structure is significantly reduced in comparison to conventional building methods . The lighter support structure also has the benefit of easy removal – especially for mining camps – where the restoration of the site to its original state , is of critical importance .
The ‘ Vela ’ panel , as it was previously known – was widely used for both permanent and temporary structures . A good example of the permanent structure is the housing project in Delft , Cape Town . Three years ago , 1 250 double and single storey buildings were erected . On a recent site visit – the structures and cladding were inspected . The harsh Cape weather had no visible effect on either the structures or the external paint and weather proofing . No structural defects could be found on a random search .
The panels are lightweight and easy to handle .
18
MARCH - APRIL 2017
AFFORDABLE
SA HOUSING