Ignite Tauranga 2022 Presentation
Earlier in November we had the pleasure of an in-practice presentation at Ignite Architects in Tauranga, showcasing our Membrane Drainage Solutions. This time, in conjunction with our product partners Viking Roofspec. Again, the specifiers asked some excellent questions during this session… so we thought we’d share them – along with the answers from our Managing Director, Rodney Knight.
Enjoy the Q&A here:
IGNITE: Wow that’s a lot of different products, where can I use these Inter-balcony drains?
AQUAKNIGHT: There are over 40 variations within this range, with more being added. Traditionally they have been used to connect & drain balconies. Thanks to FlowLab testing, we can confirm that Roof drainage can be carried in the same single downpipe if designed correctly, eliminating separate downpipes. We know aesthetics are critical to design.
Now we are finding application in other places. For example, we recently completed a large plaza area with floating tile finish, drained with multiple 150 drains. This space had exterior doors opening onto it, all with threshold drainage that was plumbed directly to the 150 drains. Again, all made possible with FlowLab testing. We have invested in expanding this range and completely re-designed the product offering to suite modern Membrane System drainage requirements.
Another recent one was a commercial roof with gutter & downpipes, draining through a cantilevered awning’s box gutter. The hydraulic design was changed to allow the same downpipes in a vertical line. Even factories deserve to be beautiful.
South Star, Ngāi Tahu Property Warehouse.
IGNITE: Is that an insulated Roof Drain? Tell me more about that.
AQUAKNIGHT: This is new, and ready for the H1 changes coming next year. Used in Warm Roof systems and are supplied to match our product partners’ Warm Roof specification. It’s a handy 300mm wide to slip straight into a box gutter, but we can supply in any thickness & width/ product configuration for your projects. Today we are here in support of Viking Roofspec who are showcasing their Warm Roof solution.
Our full range of Roof & Deck drainage systems are available in this format.
IGNITE: Those drains are huge! Where do I use those?
AQUAKNIGHT: The 250mm version is the biggest Membrane Drainage outlet available and is typically used to drain very large, engineered box gutters on commercial buildings. These are often fitted into sumps, and we have a system that adjusts the overflow height to suit the installation.
These are designed specifically for the hot-mix membranes, particularly the high-build products. Some liquids are very high temperature on application, and these installers prefer to use metal outlets.
IGNITE: Are they expensive?
AQUAKNIGHT: Of course. They are about four times a PVC equivalent; think of them as business class. Over the life of a full membrane system though, the ‘whole of life’ difference is negligible (and they are fully recyclable at the end of it).
Being Stainless Steel, a SS downpipe can be directly welded to our body, which leaves a great finish where the downpipes are exposed.