MAGPLY BOARDS’ PERFORMANCE APPROVED FOR READING APARTMENT BUILDING

Hundreds of square metres of 9mm Magply boards are currently being installed on an apartment development close to Reading’s commercial centre, after the specialist package contractor involved proposed the high performance MgO panel as an alternative to the original product specified, representing a value engineering solution.

O Conner Drylining Ltd is renewing a working relationship with Henry Construction Projects Ltd (HCPL) on Phase 1 of work at the former retail site in Weldale Street, being carried out on behalf of developer, Crossmark. Containing 250 new homes, the five-storey concrete framed structure features an infill of a Metsec style steel framing system at 600mm centres, reducing around window openings. O Conner Drylining’s operatives then screw fix the Magply boards to the light gauge steel, along with a vertical EPDM, ready for the brickwork elevations to be built, using channels fixed through the sheathing.

Manufacturer IPP Ltd. is supplying the pallets of 9mm Magply direct to O Conner Drylining on the Reading site, as well as having passed on all of the relevant technical information and certification for the project team’s reference.

The Managing Director of O Conner Drylining, Rory O’Connor, comments: “We hadn’t previously used Magply boards but offered them up to the architects and Henry Construction. They were very pleased that Magply matched up to the standards of the weather defence board originally considered. It ticked all the boxes on moisture resistance, fire resistance – with an A1 rating - and durability, while being a cheaper alternative. “Our guys actually prefer Magply to other boards, it’s very flexible while they’re finding it very easy to cut and fix, with the boards being screwed to the SFS studs at 300mm centres. We would definitely use it again though the next job we’re about to start actually already has IPP’s CP (Cement particle) board specified for use.”

Backed by BDA Agrement certification, Magply MgO boards present a fire-safe and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plywood or OSB products. Additionally, the unique production process keeps the chloride content to just 0.01^%, enhancing both stability and long-term durability. The different thicknesses of panel are also widely used as a substrate board for the direct application of proprietary render systems, as well as for flooring and flat or pitched roof build-ups.