Garden rooms are a brilliant way to add additional living or working space to your home without the stress of remodelling or adding an extension. Before embarking on the construction of a new garden building it’s important to consider the technical aspects of the build, such as materials.
Every bespoke Garden Retreat we manufacture is constructed to the highest standard using innovative materials that will stand the test of time. In this article we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about the construction materials we use at Garden Retreats to build our bespoke garden room structures.
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Carbon fibre
Is carbon fibre stronger than aluminium?
Carbon fibre is around 3.8 times stronger than aluminium when it comes to comparing ultimate tensile strength. This is the maximum amount of stress that a material is able to withstand before it breaks. This strength is one of the reasons we are able to construct a roof terrace on top of our garden rooms; extra space without compromising the structural integrity of the building.
Is carbon fibre durable?
Carbon fibre is constructed from carbon atoms that are bonded together into a structure that resembles chains. This gives it excellent strength and durability. Carbon fibre is incredibly difficult to break or damage.
Is carbon fibre fireproof?
Carbon fibre is incredibly resistant to fire, which is why we use it as a structural material for our garden room frames instead of the traditional timber.
Is carbon fibre magnetic?
Carbon fibre is not a magnetic material.
Is carbon fibre a smart material?
Smart materials are those which have properties that can change into different states in response to external stimuli. Carbon fibre is not a smart material, but it is a composite material. This means that it is made from two or more materials that are bonded together to create a new material with specific properties.
Is carbon fibre heat resistant?
Carbon fibre can withstand temperatures in excess of 3,000 degrees Celsius. This means that it won’t bend or warp when exposed to hot weather, and it will not easily ignite should a fire break out.
Is carbon fibre sustainable?
Carbon fibre is not strictly a sustainable material, but developments in the manufacturing process over recent years have reduced the environmental impact of carbon fibre production.
Its durability and long lifespan mean that the need for replacement or repair is minimal which could help to save energy and resources in the long term.
PVCu
What is the difference between PVC and PVCu?
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. It is a type of thermoplastic. uPVC (also referred to as PVCu) stands for unplasticised polyvinyl chloride. Plasticiser is not used in the manufacturing process, which means the finished material does not have any flexibility. PVC is malleable and flexible whereas PVCu is extremely rigid—this makes it much more suitable than PVC for windows and doors.
Is PVCu toxic?
PVCu is not toxic when in its finished form. It is only when it burns that it can release toxic dioxins into the environment.
Is PVCu waterproof?
PVCu is waterproof. It will not swell or rot when exposed to persistent rain or moisture.
Can PVCu be recoated?
PVCu can be recoated but not easily. Most paints will not adhere to plastic, which means you can’t simply repaint PVCu window frames or doors without choosing a suitable paint that will bond to the surface of the material. If you’re keen to recoat your PVCu windows and doors, it is best to hire a professional specialising in this.
Luxury vinyl tiles
Are luxury vinyl tiles waterproof?
Luxury vinyl tiles are waterproof. This makes them suitable for use in kitchens, bathrooms, and any other areas in which there is a high chance of spills. This also means maintenance is kept to the basic regular cleaning.
Are luxury vinyl tiles laminated?
Luxury vinyl tiles are not laminated, but they are made up of layers that give them strength and durability. They have a protective top layer, a printed layer, a solid vinyl core for strength, and a backing layer for comfort.
Are luxury vinyl tiles safe?
Luxury vinyl tile flooring is perfectly safe. They do not release any toxins unless set alight.
Can I put underfloor heating under luxury vinyl tiles?
Underfloor heating can be installed beneath LVT. The tiles should not discolour after exposure to heat, and they can comfortably contract and expand with changing temperatures without sustaining any damage.
Can you use luxury vinyl tiles in a wet room?
Slip-resistant luxury vinyl tiles are a great choice for a wet room because they’re waterproof and durable.
Can you use a steam cleaner on luxury vinyl tiles?
This is not recommended. The heat and moisture produced by steam cleaners could penetrate the seams of luxury vinyl tiles and cause damage.
How do you care for luxury vinyl tiles?
Luxury vinyl tiles are extremely easy to care for. Simply vacuum or sweep to remove loose dirt and dust. For a more thorough clean, use a mild detergent diluted in warm water and wipe the floor with a cloth or a mop that has been well rung out.
Composite
What are composite materials?
Composites are made up of two or more chemically and physically different materials to create a new material that has superior qualities to the individual materials.
Is carbon fibre a composite material?
Carbon fibre is an example of a composite material. It consists of carbon fibres that are bonded together with a plastic polymer resin.
How is a composite material made?
Composite materials are made using a reinforcement component and a matrix that binds the reinforcement together.
What are the advantages of composite materials?
Composite materials tend to have superior strength and durability compared to other materials. They are also lightweight, requiring less energy to produce and transport than alternatives like steel. Composite has low thermal conductivity so limits heat loss, is resistant to corrosion and will not swell, warp or rot like timber.
It is also very versatile, which is why we use it for our cladding and decking. We offer three standard colour options, including brown so you can replicate an authentic timber look without the hassle of having to constantly maintain wood panels.
Are composite materials recyclable?
It can be difficult to recycle composite materials because it can be hard to separate the individual materials that comprise the composite. The ability to recycle depends on the composite.
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