NEW PRODUCTS
This section outlines a few new products and materials that we feel will be of interest to you.

ECO-BRITE
Eco-Brite is a heat reflecting membrane that will block 95% of radiating infrared energy. In brief, during the winter, the system will help keep a building warm, and in summer it will keep it cool by preventing the sun from over heating the interior. Either way, interior temperatures are easier to control therefore ensuring reduced energy bills. The concept itself was conceived by NASA space scientists. They used it to protect orbiting spacecraft from solar radiation, and it has since spawned a whole host of terrestrial applications including a variety of uses in buildings, agricultural sheds and factories.

The system acts as an air barrier, it is very simple to install, using high specification tape to seal joins around the membrane, around fittings, door and window frames etc. as this helps to prevent the air leakage and increase energy efficiency.

Eco-joists
"Ecojoist beams consist of a parallel stress graded timber flanges joined together with V shaped galvanized steel webs. The precision engineered structural component is lightweight, strong and versatile offering the architect/builder/specifier the ideal product for 21st century building techniques."
Taken from the Gang-Nail Systems Ltd Ecojoist brochure.

Practical benefits include the open web system that gives almost uninterrupted access for the passage of services. They are made to measure, therefore reducing on site wastage, reduction or elimination of surface pipe work, lightweight construction and erected in almost 50% of the time required for conventional joists. 72mm flanges provide a large area for the fixing of floor deck and ceiling.

TJI Joists
TJI joists, or "Silent floor" reduces problems associated with shrinking, cupping, bowing twisting and splitting common with sawn timber joists - which cause the squeaks and dips characteristic of traditional timber floors

They are also lightweight and quick to install, available in long lengths, and they will increase floor stiffness and eliminate laps over beams and walls. They can also be used to build flat or pitched roofs, thus ensuring straight rooflines.

Sema
Sema are a German software company who specialise in the development of timber construction software. At present we are one of only 2 companies within the UK who are using their highly advanced packages.

We are currently using a tailor made CAD program that draws and constructs whatever you need for your project. By archiving all of your company details and techniques, you are then able to freely access existing elements and components within the drawing area either two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally.
It will draw outlines, dimensions views and number components, stud spacing, insulation, joining and cutting according to the requirements of your company. This in turn aids the planning stage, for example as far as allowing for maximum transport lengths and heights etc.