Axter quality and service

	Axter quality and service
	Axter is committed to the highest product quality and level of service. For more details please contact Axter directly.

Quality

Quality Control is a continuous process from receipt of raw materials through product design and manufacturing to despatch. Since 1996 Axter's manufacturing sites have been certified as conforming to international Quality Control Standards. Since 2000 Axter has held Quality Assurance certificates to the exacting ISO 9001 : 2000 standard for both its waterproofing membranes and rooflights. Modern computer controlled equipment ensures that product quality is maintained to a high standard.

In addition most of Axter's systems come with third party accreditation from the CSTB in Paris or the British Board of Agrément (BBA) in the UK, which confirm that they meet the requirements of National Building Codes or Regulations.

Fire tests

The UK Building Regulations demand that low slope roof products achieve an Ext. F. AC classification when tested to BS 476 part 3 : 1956. Under added protection Axter's products are "deemed to satisfy" but in any case experience has shown that virtually any self-protected bitumen membrane will achieve at least an Ext. F.AC rating.

Axter's HYRANGER and EXCEL systems have been independently tested and have shown that they achieve the exacting Ext. F.AA standard.

With impending changes to European Fire test regulations Axter is embarking on a rigorous programme of testing to ensure their products meet the requirements of all EEC countries.

Axter's carbon footprint and environmental policy

To investigate the carbon footprint and environmental impact of Axter’s materials the company combined with other leading manufacturers, under the auspices of the CSFE (Chambre Syndicale Française de l’Etanchéité), and commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers(PWC)-Ecobilan to carry out an in-depth study of the manufacturing processes and to produce environmental health statements for a number of their roofing systems. Their report is available from Axter Ltd or as a download.

In general, bituminous waterproofing systems are a useful and sustainable store of petroleum constituents. Although they contain a quantity of carbon material derived from petroleum globally they emit only low levels of CO₂ or other greenhouse gases. Furthermore they constitute a sustainable way of storing carbon on the earth’s surface. The European Waste Catalogue and Hazardous Waste List - valid from 1 January 2002 - section 05 01 17 classifies bitumen as a waste product. By converting bitumen into a usable waterproofing membrane Axter is therefore a primary processor of waste materials thereby reducing the impact of this waste material on the environment.

Axter's production facility at Courchelettes, Douai, France has recently received a £10 million re-fit, including the installation of new machinery and no expense has been spared to reduce the impact on the local environment of the company's activities. During this process Axter has been able to open up access to a canal side walk much to the benefit of local inhabitants. Work is in hand to enable this manufacturing plant to achieve an ISO 14001 environmental assurance rating. In addition recycling equipment has been installed meaning that the company now recycles all its on-site bituminous waste.

Modern materials used in the construction of low slope roofing can be considered totally rot proof but any waterproofing membrane exposed to the elements will eventually suffer from some kind of ageing. The specially manufactured polymers included in the product mix give Axter materials exceptional characteristics with regard to ageing but even they will require some kind of remedial maintenance at some stage in their lives. There is no reason why a carefully maintained Axter roof should not last for at least 60 years before a major refurbishment is necessary. Even then a simple overlay will often suffice to give the roof many further years of useful service. If eventually the roof needs to be stripped and replaced then the waterproofing membranes can be recycled and converted into usable heat in specialist heat recovery systems.

Our certifications

In addition to its Factory Mutual approvals Axter's products have been widely certified by independent attestation bodies in most European countries. All products conform to country wide standards or norms and many systems are covered by European Agrément approval in the form of Avis Techniques issued by the CSTB. In the UK Axter Ltd is holder of BBA Agrément certificates for two of its popular product ranges - HYRANGER and EXCEL.

Our Guarantees

Involvement by Axter personnel early on in a project's design process is the best guarantee of performance. Axter can advise not only on the most appropriate product and installation method but can make sure that the design of localised details, i.e. door thresholds, upstands, outlets, pipes etc. is appropriate.

BS8747 : 2007 Reinforced bitumen membranes (RBMs) for roofing - Guide to selection and specification confirms that "polyester reinforced polymer modified bituminous membranes are expected to have a service life in excess of 50 years."

When laid by AXTERSHIELD INSTALLERS Axter Ltd offers long-term comprehensive Latent Defect guarantees that include product performance, system design and installation.