AN ENGINEERED product that provides a real wood finish for building fascias, roof linings, decking for walkways and terraces, pergolas, hand railing, and planters is now being promoted in the region by Advanced Fibreglass Industries (AFI) in Dubai, UAE, which represents Dura Composites in the Middle East.

While real wood is a limited resource, costly to buy, needs high maintenance, and is affected by harsh environments, Dura Cladding – one of the latest additions to the Dura Composites’ range of products – offers a suitable solution, according to a spokesperson for AFI, a leading composites fabrication and solutions company that has been in business for more than 15 years.

AFI works together with Dura Composites in live testing and developing products under extreme desert conditions.

“Dura Cladding is an increasingly popular choice for finishing the exterior of commercial and residential buildings, providing a hardwearing, protective layer against the elements while being an excellent insulator. Also known as weather-boarding or siding, standard or timber-effect cladding is an attractive and economical way to finish the exterior of both new and refurbished buildings,” says the spokesman.

Technology and consumer interest have driven the development of a composite wood mix (WPC – wood plastic composite) to provide a real wood finish. The material is non-degradable for a period of more than 50 years, and has 87 per cent recycled content.

Dura Cladding is produced by extruding a unique composition of reclaimed wood, high-density polyethylene and a number of engineered stabilisers such as UV (ultraviolet) inhibitors and mould preventers. Used internally or more commonly outdoors, it provides outstanding weatherproof performance and endurance even in extreme weather conditions, according to the spokesman.

Dura Cladding... real wood finish for building fascias, roof linings, decking for walkways and terraces, pergolas, hand railing, and planters.

“The combination of high strength and a beautiful wood appearance is created by achieving the optimal ratio of wood fibre to plastic resin combined with exacting temperature and speed control during the manufacturing process,” he points out.

“One of the main points to note for the eco-minded is that a quality timber composite product like Dura Cladding can be just as green as wood, if not more,” says the spokesman.

A report from Ceram UK, a global expert in materials testing, analysis and consultancy, confirmed that the Dura Composites’ WPC meets the highest sustainability specifications. Also, Dura became the first timber composite supplier to become FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) 100 per cent certified,” he adds.

Dura Composites not only manufactures fascia panel cladding, but also a range of edge trims to cater for doors, windows, panel direction changes and associated fixtures.

“This is great news for designers and the Mena (Middle East and North Africa) region where we can look forward to a new variety in building style, lifestyle and atmosphere.

“It is also great news for contractors as projects can be completed faster due to the intelligent fixing systems and dimensional accuracy and also a much lower incidence in snagging at the end of a project, thus ensuring a sign-off completion certificate and getting paid.”

Regarding WPC products, he cautions buyers to beware and not to be duped by samples and packaging and to insist on seeing a bona fide specification sheet with proof of testing.

Dura Cladding has been designed for its simplicity and ease of installation; however, to ensure long-term performance, the company recommends that the installation is carried out by a professional in accordance with its guidelines.

“Most installers will find this process very similar to the installation of a real wood deck. However, there are a few key areas where care must be taken with specific aspects. The installation method recommended by Dura Composites may not cover every installation scenario and this is where a professional can adapt the methodology for specific situations. Dura Composites recommends that all designs be reviewed by a licensed architect, engineer or local building official before installation.

Dura Cladding has been subjected to rigorous testing both in the laboratory and in practical outdoor exposure tests in three continents including in tropical conditions since 2007. These tests have provided outstanding results, allowing the company to supply a product that performs in all weather conditions retaining optimum strength, aesthetics and with all of the benefits of being an engineered material.

Dura Composites products have been subjected to accelerated aging tests at a UK laboratory as well as live product testing in the UAE over the past five years and have demonstrated excellent resistance to ultraviolet degradation, the spokesman affirms. “We did not notice any significant change during our live test; and the product passed UV ageing tests under ISO 4982-2 and ASTM D1037-93, weatherability under MOAT22, suggesting colour retention of about 90 per cent over its lifetime,” he states.

“Also, results just in from a 5,000-hour UV lab test indicate that the Dura Composites WPC material has retained 90 per cent of its original strength. That is equivalent to nearly six years in the harsh Middle East climate. So rest assured, the product is a real long-term performer,” the spokesman adds.

The product is available in stock colours of charcoal, teak and cedar but special colours can be matched at a cost premium and minimum production runs.

Another issue that is of concern to users, is expansion under hot conditions. He elaborates: “At 55 deg C, the material will expand with heat – about 1 mm per m length of board – like other materials. With inferior products, this will lead to serious complications with warping and edge fixing damage however, with Dura Composites WPC, this is not a problem. There are special-purpose edge fixings and an excellent design and technical support service to ensure a project is designed properly. Dura Composites also has products that are engineered for the type of application – public, heavy-duty traffic or light residential. Dura Composites WPC material is designed for extreme weather conditions.”

The cost of the product is comparable to a sub-continent general-purpose hardwood. “Factor in a lifetime cost, and then see some real cost savings. No rot, no deterioration, and no painting. Installation costs are also lower due to the repeatability of the materials and dimensional precision,” he says.

The company is now looking at enhancing the products classification for surface spread of flame, and is working towards achieving BS 476 part 7 Class 1. Current materials are classified as Class 3.

The products are available at Dura Composites Middle East hub office in Dubai.

Dura Composites is a global supplier of high-strength, low-weight composite products to suit a range of industrial, marine, landscaping and architectural projects. Incorporated in 1995, it has since supplied a wide range of blue-chip organisations with products from the standard range and also with bespoke project solutions. The UK head office is dedicated to innovation to ensure Dura Composites stays at the forefront of technology, whilst global strategic alliances provide the company with flexible manufacturing capabilities for the largest projects.