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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.