Product in Focus | Swiftdeck™, a fixing free decking option that is quick and easy to install.

Описание: In this video we take a look at a unique townhouse development by Glenvill. Right in the heart of the commercial sector of Docklands the project consists of six high-end townhouses. Frank Capone, Site Manager for Glenvill says they were a challenge because of their complex design and also the logistics arising from the limited site access.

One of the challenges for Glenvill was that the decking for the rooftop entertaining area was specified by the builder, Lendlease, to be a concealed fix. As it turned out, this also became a challenge for their supplier who, at the last minute, was unable to deliver the required materials.

In a flurry of activity, Frank contacted his Bowens Account Manager, John Allen from Major Accounts, to see how he could help. John immediately brought Frank Di Stefano, Timber Specialist at Bowens into the conversation and Frank straight away recognized that a new product, Swiftdeck™, would provide an ideal solution for Glenvill.

Swiftdeck™ ticked the first requirement of being a concealed fix due to its unique system of clips and the use of a flexible modified polymer adhesive to bond the decking together.

Secondly it was ideal because the decking lengths where manufactured to size in the factory and could be craned onto the roof as needed. This was a perfect solution given the restricted accessibility to the job site and minimized the number of street closures around the site.

Swiftdeck™ was also very quick and easy to install and came fully coated on all sides, which saved Glenvill even more time. As Murray Scott, Sales Manager at Swiftdeck™ explains; “Swiftdeck™ will go down between 2 and 5 times faster than traditional decking. As the decks get larger the labour savings multiple up”.

The decking just needed end docking and resealing to waterproof the ends. The Swiftdeck™ System allows for timber movement, and boards can expand by 3mm or shrink by 5mm, which easily allows for movement of the timber under normal climatic conditions. You can watch the video to hear Murray demonstrating how the deck was installed quickly and easily on the Glenvill townhouse project.

Frank Capone explains that “from the very beginning there was a very tight program put in place. We [Glenvill] needed to stick to it, so timing was of the essence.” Being in the heart of Docklands was a major logistical challenge for Glenvill as everything had to be programmed, right up to the smallest courier delivery. With stringent traffic management in place, Bowens’ trucks delivered Swiftdeck™ whilst a crane lifted it off the truck straight on to the rooftop for the trades to start working with. Timing was critical and it was a relief for Frank that he could rely on Bowens to deliver on time, exactly when they were supposed too.

Frank also found it convenient that the Port Melbourne branch was around the corner from Docklands. John says that; “Frank could ring him and they could quickly deliver materials when he needed them, which were often required urgently.”

The Port Melbourne branch at 128 Salmon Street was opened in January 2015 and is Melbourne’s largest undercover timber yard. It is definitely worth a visit if you haven’t already experienced it, it’s quite a sight!

Frank Capone has been dealing with Bowens for many years. He says that; “you have to give Bowens a go because they have never let us down. They also stock all materials. If they don’t stock it they can get it fairly quickly. So, if timing is of the essence, which it is for Glenvill, then Bowens is the place to go.”

As a timber specialist, Frank Di Stefano knows only too well, decking is notorious for being a tricky product given the number of things that can go wrong. Frank explains that; “Swiftdeck™ overcomes a lot of these issues for three main reasons. Firstly, coming pre-oiled is a great way to keep the product stable. Secondly, being able to avoid butt joints by receiving long boards in a set length, which are finger joined, is a real benefit. Thirdly, the system eliminates the top fixings and penetrations whilst the adhesive is flexible, always allowing the timber to expand and contract. These are all points that make Swiftdeck™ a good option for an external decking.”

For more information on Swiftdeck™, talk to your account manager or visit a Bowens branch. (locations at http://bowens.com.au)

Additional technical specifications are available at http://swiftdeck.com.au

Main features of Swiftdeck™

Quick and easy to install
Pre-finished in the factory
Concealed fixings
Installs on regular joists
Same cost as comparable timber decking and fixings
Engineered set lengths available
Easy to deliver to hard to access sites
No special tools required
Wide range of Class 1 or 2 species to choose from
100% Australian timber, made in Melbourne.

Bowens is a Victorian family based company that has served the building and construction sector since 1894.