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Ultraframe Launches Tie Bar Alternative
The
new Tie Bar Replacement Kit from Ultraframe offers an alternative to
the traditional tie bar. It provides new features including, a new aluminium
bolster beam along the ridge, an end stop on the eaves beam and a new
Ridge Compression Plate. Ultraframe's commitment to robust and fitter
friendly design has created a kit that ensures a greater level of structural
stability and offers simple installation for the fitter.
The
new Tie Bar Replacement Kit significantly reduces the need for tie bars
while maintaining the structural integrity of the conservatory whatever
the severity of the weather conditions. The kit is designed to strengthen
the roof ridge and as a result it reduces the requirement for tie bars
by more than 75%, meaning less than 10% of Classic conservatories will
now need them.
Traditionally tie bars have been needed to prevent ridge deflection
and roof spread when snow and wind loads are applied to the conservatory.
Without measures to counter these loads the conservatory would be in
danger of collapse. However, tie bars are generally unpopular with both
installers and homeowners. For installers they can be difficult and
time consuming to install, whilst homeowners often consider them unnecessary
and obtrusive. This has lead to some unscrupulous installers avoiding
fitting tie bars, risking the potential collapse of the conservatory
and the consequent danger to the homeowners' safety.
Andrew Thomson, Director of Design and Development at Ultraframe said:
‘Ultraframe is committed to the continual review and improvement
of its long established roof system products. In line with this we have
listened to our customers and researched the structural issues raised
by tie bars. The solution we have developed will satisfy the demands
of installers and consumers alike and cope exceptionally in difficult
weather conditions. The Ultraframe Tie Bar Replacement Kit boasts a
number of new features that not only offer an alternative to the traditional
tie bar for the majority of conservatories, but also provides the conservatory
roof with a number of additional benefits not available with any other
roofing system on the market.’
Key to the kit is a new aluminium bolster beam that runs along the full
length of the roof ridge. This acts as one with the existing ridge improving
its resistance to deflection and virtually eliminating the need for
tie bars. There are also new moulded 'end stops' to the eaves beam featuring
anchor bolt slots to attach the conservatory to the host wall more securely,
a new reinforced starter bar that also improves attachment to the host
masonry, and a new ridge compression plate which allows installers to
assemble and suspend starter bars prior to attaching the main ridge
body, as well as evenly distributing thrust loads against the host wall.
Finally, there are additional cleats in the eaves beam at all corners,
which is backed up by additional retention bolts where the hip bar sits
on the slotted ridge end.
Andrew Thomson continued: ‘Installers can simply provide their
roof designs to Ultraframe or its fabricator partners and we will specify
when the tie bar replacement kit is required. Installers using this
method can be reassured that the new Tie Bar Replacement Kit has been
designed with potential conservatory legislation in mind and meets any
likely forthcoming requirements which may impose tougher structural
performance standards.’
Traditional tie bars will continue to be available to those consumers
who specifically ask for them or where circumstances dictate.
The Ultraframe Tie Bar Replacement Kit provides an alternative to the
traditional tie bar and guarantees the complete structural stability
of the conservatory, even in extreme weather conditions. It also gives
installers increased flexibility to deliver a conservatory that satisfies
the needs of the consumer, meets the highest industry standards and
guidance on best practise and offers peace of mind for both the homeowner
and the installer.
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