Top Tips on Understanding a Specification for Specifying (with the Benx Product Range)

When it comes to specifying façade solutions, understanding the project specification is crucial to achieving the desired performance, safety, and aesthetic outcomes. At Benx, we offer a comprehensive range of high-performance systems.

Here are our top tips for navigating the specification process and ensuring you select the right products from the outset.

  1. Understanding the Project Requirements

Before diving into materials and technical details, it’s important to step back and review the wider context of the project:

  • Planning Requirements: Does the project need to meet local authority or conservation guidelines?
  • Cost: What is the available budget and lifecycle cost considerations?
  • Durability: How long is the system expected to last with minimal maintenance?
  • Structural Integrity: Can the chosen system be supported by the building’s structure?
  • Aesthetic: What is the design intent in terms of finish, colour, and texture?
  • Building Type/Purpose: Is the building commercial, leisure, residential (apartments or housing), educational, or military (MOD)?
  • Location: In coastal areas, the salt air can impact material longevity.
  1. Selecting the Correct Materials

Choosing the correct system means balancing regulations, performance, and visual impact:

  • Building Codes & Regulations: Ensure materials meet current fire safety, insulation, and ventilation standards.
  • Aesthetic & Colour Options: Consider how the product integrates with the overall design vision. Our systems offer a broad range of RAL colours and finishes.
  • Performance: Define what the product needs to achieve—whether it’s fire performance (e.g. A2-s1, d0), thermal insulation (U-value requirements), or weather protection.
  • Durability: Select a system that resists wear and tear, environmental conditions, and pollution.
  • Cost: Balance upfront costs with the long-term savings from energy efficiency and low maintenance.
  • Accreditation: Look for systems with BBA certification, EAD compliance, or tested under ETAG standards.
  1. Material Performance Evaluation & Sustainability

At Benx, we believe in performance with purpose. Consider the following:

  • Longevity: How long will the material perform as intended?
  • Colour Performance: Does the colour resist fading in UV exposure?
  • Aesthetic Flexibility: What finishes are available—smooth, textured, stone, brick, or bespoke effects?
  • Case Studies: Look for proven success—Benx has delivered across healthcare, residential, education, and defence.
  • Strengths & Testing: Ensure products pass pull-out tests, wind loading, and have reliable fixing capabilities.
  • Sustainability: Where are the materials sourced from? Do they support your carbon footprint reduction goals?
  • Low Emissions: Check the product’s VOC levels and emissions performance.
  1. Exploring Design Options

The specification should support design ambitions, not limit them.

  • U-Value Requirements: Choose systems that enhance building performance, particularly behind decorative cladding.
  • Board Strength & Curving Capabilities: For dynamic architecture, select products that can bend or be perforated.
  • Fixing Methods: Decide between mechanical secret fix, adhesive, or face fix systems depending on structural and aesthetic goals.
  • Finish Options: With a wide variety of textures, RAL colours, and design profiles, Benx can help bring any façade vision to life.

Specify with Confidence

Understanding a specification doesn’t need to be complicated. With Benx by your side, you’ll have access to industry-leading technical support, sustainable solutions, and a product range that balances beauty with performance.