In this issue of Building & Construction Review, we are delighted to showcase SWIFIX, with its exceptional Commitment To Excellence throughout the EWI industry.
The current analogue phone system: Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is on schedule to be fully replaced with fibre-based digital technology across the UK by the end of 2025. The Data Age demands more gigabits per second and the open access, fibre-only operator: CityFibre is committed to the operation of an extensive, national full fibre infrastructure network. SWIFIX can now exclusively reveal that it has confirmed its new collaboration with CityFibre for the foreseeable future. The operator giant will be utilising five products from the SWIFIX range to enable their installations, from fibre broadband cables, through to utility boxes. SWIFIX has an existing, ongoing similar partnership with Sky EUROPE, now with CityFibre joining forces, SWIFIX is looking to partner with European system designers and utility companies in the near future.
The traditional method of fixing items, such as satellite dishes, fence/gate posts, external pipe work, lights/alarms, canopies, utility boxes, through to washing lines and hanging baskets has been through timber pattresses, spreading the load over a larger area of surface wall. This however contributed to cold spots, thermal bridging and even impacted on insultation qualities, alongside the natural wear and tear of the timber itself.
More recently, the usage of timber pattresses has been questioned, as outlined by the Chief Construction Adviser (CCA): Peter Hansford in his report to the UK Government.
Multi-award-winning company: SWIFIX seized on this gap in the market, in line with Peter Hansford’s recommendations and developed a new range of fittings, precision-designed for refitting and installing lightweight and heavyweight items through EWI systems. These innovative fixings are approved and specified by many EWI system designs and clients across the UK and can be used during or after system installation.
With the passing of PAS 2030 in 2017 and PAS 2035 later in 2019, the industry has subsequently reconsidered the traditional usage of timber pattresses, with SWIFIX fixings now being routinely used instead as product of choice by many EWI Systems Designers.
The SWIFIX range is fully PAS 2035 quality-compliant for retrofitting, modular housing sector and futureproofed for maintenance provision, meeting robust requirements to mitigate against insulation compression, with its watertight seal, as outlined below:
- SWIFIX single universal fitting: Secures, downpipes, vent pipes, canopies, lights, alarms, and more
- SWIFIX satellite fitting kit: Designed for refitting a standardised satellite dish through EWI.
- SWIFIX Pipe connector: Securing small to large pipes and cables, giving a robust, watertight seal.
- SWIFIX connection point fitting: Ideal for attaching cables, hanging baskets, trellis utility cables and washing lines.
- SWIFIX tap fitting: Fits an external tap through EWI, ensuring a watertight seal.
- Introducing new additions to the SWIFIX family: A range designed for fixture to render for small lightweight cables, through to thermally effective solutions for air source heat pumps and air conditioning currently being developed.
SWIFIX was first established in 2016 by Director Paul Brown, with the range added to over time, including a successful partnership with SKY EUROPE telecommunications for a new product for securing cables and small pipework.
Building & Construction Review is not alone in seeing the brilliance of these next-generational fittings, moving the industry past timber pattresses, SWIFIX has been the recipient of many well-deserved awards, including:
- Offsite Awards (finalist) 2023
- Energy Efficiency Awards (finalist) 2023
- INCA Awards (finalist) 2023
- The National Building & Construction Awards (shortlisted) 2023
- EWI Company of the Month (Building Update)
- The INCA Innovation Award Winner (2021).
The Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA) is the recognised trade association for the EWI industry across the UK and awards are presented for exceptional work in the industry.
We spoke to the founder of SWIFIX: Paul Brown to find out more about the history of the company, “Having worked in construction for over four decades, initially as an apprentice plasterer rising to a senior director from the ground-up, I was familiar with the usage of timber pattresses and its shortcomings. I actually came up with fixing idea whilst as an installer in the 90’s but wasn’t a viable commercial at the time. Now with EWI on the agenda and following years of stringent testing across wind loadings, shear and load testing and the crucial element of thermal loss and heat transfer, the products have been meticulously perfected.”
“The range offers watertight solutions, protecting against water ingress and furthermore, there are products available for every fixture: regardless of format or weight.”
“Fast-forward to the present day and the range is now approved and recommended by the UK’s leading system manufacturers.”
“Having worked previously in the industry and possessing the ability to ‘think outside the box’ has propelled this range of fixings into the market. Our solutions robustly secure external furniture through EWI, from satellite dishes, canopies, signage to cables, with full-PAS2035 quality-compliance for added assurance.”
“Our range is highly recommended by system designers, due to the fact that by using the solution and the way in which they are installed, they protect warranties and guarantees for the systems installed.”
“We routinely work with Architects, Local Authorities (LA’s) to major contractors and system designers providing innovative, industrial solutions for securing external wall furniture, through insulation and cladding, across a range of properties, including retrofit, new build, and the off-site modular sectors.”
With the current focus on the circular economy and meeting the UK Government’s 2050 net-zero targets, it is an added bonus that the fixings are made from partially-recycled plastics, with all parts and packaging fully recyclable, reducing the need for landfill.
We asked Paul to look into his crystal ball and tell us about the future, “Recently I have been working with the local FE College on the creation and delivery of retrofit boot-camps and upskilling courses to help train the next generation. This has been an incredible experience and I have loved giving back to my local community.”
“Regarding SWIFIX, with ongoing discussion we see the next step to the wider European market, even further afield like Australia where the focus is on keeping the heat out.”
SWIFIX external wall fixings are available via wholesale merchants and come highly recommended by the UK’s leading systems manufacturers.
For more information, please see below:
T 01884 560477
info@SWIFIX.co.uk
www.SWIFIX.co.uk