With greater demands being placed on maximum usable space, where overall building height is an issue for planning purposes, the River-Therm^® secret-fix roofing system is the logical option.

Suitable for use on a wide range of building applications, the system allows clients and architects a multitude of design possibilities. Low pitch and/or large radius roofs are possible with single length panels, either factory or site rolled, to suit the projects requirements. River-Therm^® can be used on roofs with pitches of 1° after steelwork deflection at panel ends.

Whether manufactured from steel or aluminium the River-Therm^® external profile has exceptional self curving capabilities with convex design radii as low as 30 metres. Where tighter radii are required the profile can be mechanically smooth curved to 6 metres.

With the Non-Fragile, fully walkable liner panel providing a minimum self curve radius of 45 metres and crimp curving capabilities as good as the external sheet, the system is a logical solution to meet project requirements.

Veolia EfW | Southwark, London

River-Therm^® system using Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra^® in Goosewing Grey by Tata Steel

The River-Therm^® system has been designed to be both Non- Fragile and fully walkable for both the liner and external profile.

As a minimum the system is supplied with a CA 32 1000RL 0.7mm thick (nominal) steel liner panel, which provides both safety whilst moving long length panels around the roof and minimises the risk of damage during construction. The system, as well as liner as a standalone element, has been tested for Non-Fragility in accordance with ACR[M]001:2005 'Test for Non-Fragility of Profiled Sheeted Roofing Assemblies' achieving a Class B certification for the complete assembly.

Walkability tests carried out under laboratory conditions involved the continual application and release of pressure onto the River-Therm^® profile to simulate constant and increasing foot traffic via a rubber clad piston. The test pressures were steadily increased until the sheet failed by creasing and side lap failure. The test results surpassed all expectations, achieving excellent point load capability.

Parker Steel | Shoreham-by-sea

River-Therm^® system utilising Stucco Embossed Aluminium

Introduced in 2010, the latest spacer system allows for deeper insulation and flexibility in design. All of the values with the original spacer have been maintained and the comprehensive testing regime at CERAM proved the structural value of Matrix.

Structural performance was one key aspect of the Matrix Spacer System. Practicality was also a key issue.

The original Thermabar started life with a 35mm top flange but due to many requests from installers this was increased to 50mm allowing them to virtually eliminate the number of misdrills that had been occurring. The Matrix Bar has a 50mm top flange.

River-Therm^® has allowed the ability to install the insulation below the bar without the need for cutting and tucking. This feature has been retained and the ability to install the brackets at typical 1200mm centres using 1200mm wide Man Made Mineral Fibre (MMMF) insulation makes this feature simple to apply.

Click Here to read more about our Matrix Spacer System

River-Therm^® offers developers, specifiers and architects a cost effective secret fix roofing solution with a high degree of flexibility enabling the building designer to choose a material that caters for their architectural need. As standard the system is available in Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra^® and Colorcoat Prisma^® by Tata Steel or PVDF coated, mill finish and stucco embossed aluminium.

As well as the standard material options the system can also be supplied in Stainless Steel, Copper and Zinc.

All materials within the River-Therm^® system are fully recyclable to enable a low 'cradle to cradle' carbon footprint, with a net commercial benefit on scrap values at end of life. The Therma-quilt non-combustible insulation is supplied with zero Global Warming Potential and zero Ozone Depletion Potential.

A full analysis and life cycle assessment has been carried out by Tata Steel on the River-Therm^® system using Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra^® and / or Prisma^® pre-finished steel. This is available as an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and can be found here.

Materials from top: Stainless Steel, Zinc, Copper, PVDF Aluminium, Stucco Embossed Aluminium, Mill finished Aluminium,
Colorcoat Prisma ^® and Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra^®.

Programme is critical. Reducing the site programme saves money.

The ability to line the building out using lightweight materials eliminates manual handling risks, creates a watertight and air tight platform that allows the main contractor to begin their internal work such as the floor slab at the earliest opportunity.

Installed by simple foot pressure, River-Therm^® offers accelerated installation without compromise and requires no specialist machinery unlike most other secret-fix and standing seam solutions.

The system is supported by a comprehensive training regime from CA Group Technical Department, which offers in-house training, on-site inductions and detailed design for installers.

American Express Comunnity Stadium | Brighton

River-Therm^® system using Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra^® in Goosewing Grey by Tata Steel

River-Therm^® mill rolling at eves.

The River-Therm^® secret-fix roofing solution can be produced to the same standards whether it is rolled under factory conditions or on site at the project location.

River-Therm^® is manufactured on a fully engineered, factory specification production unit, whatever the location.

One of the most critical aspects of material production whether in the factory or on site is speed. The River-Therm^® rolling mill has been specifically designed to offer clients, developers, specifiers and contractors a number of options for delivering an installed solution as efficiently as possible.

Eaves Level Rolling

Rolling at eaves level using the River-Therm^® factory specification mobile roll forming mill, does not compromise the speed or quality of the River-Therm^® sheet. Any sheet length is available, with limitations being set only by the length of the coil. This method reduces the risk of damage by reducing the number of handling processes.

Ramp Rolling

Ramp rolling is primarily used when crane usage is restricted, preventing eaves level rolling from taking place. Ramps, which are widely available for hire across the UK, can be situated onsite for long periods of time at a relatively low cost providing there is space available.

Factory Rolled Panels

Generally required for smaller projects where panels can be produced at our factory in Evenwood, County Durham and delivered to site for immediate loading onto the roof or storing at ground level. This method has little impact on site other than the space for transport and offloading equipment.

Ground Level Rolling

Where projects are too long for factory rolling or if the size of the project would require numerous deliveries to site, increasing transport costs and the projects CO₂ emissions, then ground level rolling on site may be a better option. The River-Therm mobile roll forming mill arrives on site ready to roll straight from the back of the trailer.

River-Therm^® is usually supplied as a roof cladding solution but it can also be utilised as part of a building's facade.

Due to the profiles unique shape and large flat pan the system is widely used as wall cladding across Europe and in 2009 was adopted by B&Q on its state of the art headquarters at Eastleigh.

The River-Therm^® profile can be installed vertically or horizontally and has no external fixings or end laps so is aesthetically pleasing. To break up the elevation and allow architects design freedom, fin details can also be incorporated.

B&Q Headquarters | Eastleigh

River-Therm^® system using Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra^® in Sirius Grey by Tata Steel

Tested at CERAM the architect and structural engineers can have total confidence in the independent tested data available. Tested not only as a standalone system, but also as a complete roof cladding system validated by the BBA as a part of the Agrément Certification.

Furthermore, all of CA Building Products profiles are CE marked and confirm the thickness specified, in accordance with BS EN 14782:2006. The problems associated with under tolerance steel are not an issue for CA Building Products.

Testing the Matrix Spacer System at CERAM

Royal Mail | Swan Valley. Click here to read more about this project.

Air Permeability, has been widely identified as the major source of heat loss from a building's interior. Heat loss not only contributes to higher building running costs but also increases unnecessary CO₂ emissions, due to the additional heating load required to replace it.

The critical element to achieve good air tightness is the flexibility of the cladding system in accommodating variances in steelwork tolerances.

Inadequately designed or poorly installed steelwork can deflect under its own weight or under the weight of the gutters and the cladding system connected to it. It is vital when considering a building's design to take into account the air tightness performance of the cladding system and its ability to accommodate a degree of flexibility. Reducing air permeability is a major factor in demonstrating compliance with the latest changes to Part L.

Without doubt poor air tightness will equal Part L failure. Good air permeability aids in delivering EPC ratings in Band A, providing high asset values and strong yields.

Part L 2010 states a minimum 10.0m³/hr/m² at 50Pa. The NCM (National Calculation Methodology) advises a minimum of 5.0m³/hr/m² at 50Pa but as we are finding out anything above 2.5m³/hr/m² is at risk of under performing.

Click here or on the icon to the left to download our guide to Part L 2010 and find out more on the impact of air permeability.

CA Building Products roof and wall cladding systems have been tested at the Building Test Centre at East Leake, Department of Applied Acoustics at the University of Salford and Sound Research Laboratories in Suffolk.

These tests determined the systems "Weighted Airborne Sound Reduction Index", rain noise levels and the absorption coefficients for multi-layer construction, incorporating perforated lining panels. In addition, project specific predictions are undertaken based upon the programme produced by Dr Y W Lam Department of Applied Acoustics, University of Salford. For example the weight sound reduction (RW) performance for River-Therm^® roof and rooflights are on the table to the right.

For further information on different systems contact CA Group Technical Department.

The liner panel provides an extremely efficient air barrier. This greatly reduces the transfer of heat from inside to out and to further support the durability of the systems Therma-quilt insulation has every fibre coated with silicone to ensure that any moisture in the cavity is not absorbed but shed to the liner where it is either dissipated or taken out into the gutter.

With over 15 million m² of CA Building Products built-up roof and wall systems installed there are very few reported issues of the roof itself causing problems. Coating the fibres with silicone negates the need for a separate breather paper (except in humidity Class 5 (BS 5250:2002).

If we are to offer meaningful 40 year guarantees for systems they have to be meaningful in their durability. River-Therm^® is supported by a number of reputable, recognised third party organisations such as the LPCB and Warrington Fire. Many people have BBA Agrément certification for individual components but River-Therm^® is supported by a BBA Agrément certification for the entire system.

Cummins Power | Ramsgate

River-Therm^® system using Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra^® in Goosewing Grey by Tata Steel

We know that when choosing a cladding system, confidence in its lifespan is a major factor. Unlike most suppliers of twin skin cladding, CA Group offer full system guarantees for up to 40 years on River-Therm^®. The CA guarantee covers the manufacture and design of the whole system including all components supplied by CA Group, such as, screws, sealants, insulation, spacers, etc.This delivery is offered alongside the Tata Steel Confidex^® Guarantee when specified using Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra^® and Colorcoat Prisma^® for peace of mind for up to 40 years.

Therma-quilt insulation supplied as part of the River-Therm^® roof and wall cladding system is a non-hygroscopic glasswool whose individual fibres are coated with silicone to prevent moisture retention and maintain the thermal efficiency of the system. Therma-quilt is CE Marked, complies with the Lambda_90/90 whilst achieving zero ODP and zero GWP.

Therma-quilt is produced from fine, non-combustible glass mineral wool (as defined in BS 3533: 1981), bonded with a thermo-setting resin. Thermaquilt is made from natural materials and re-cycled glass. It is CFC, HCFC and VOC free, does not rot, degrade or sustain vermin, will not encourage the growth of mould, bacteria or fungi.

Therma-quilt insulation has been assessed by the LPCB and classified "noncombustible" in its own right.

Twin-Therm^®with Therma-quilt

River-Therm^® has been tested by Loss Prevention Certification Board to LPS1181 and the insulation in its own right to BS 476 and is classified as non-combustible, delivering confidence to all and in particular to the tenant that in the event of a fire the insulation in their roof and wall will not contribute to the fire load. Many clients today are insisting that the roof, wall and internal gutters are all insulated in this manner to eliminate this critical risk.

Many wall cladding systems sold in the UK claim that they can protect a building from fire, but the majority of buildings are far from safe. River-Therm^®, on the other hand, is made from non-combustible materials. CA Building Products also offers dedicated FireWall solutions, the Twin-Therm^® FW15 and FW30, which provides 240 minutes structural integrity & 15 minutes insulation (LPS1181 EXT-A15) / 30 minutes insulation (LPS1181 EXT-A30) respectively.

For more information on our Twin-Therm^®FW, click here

We all know the future lies in green technology, but we appreciate that not everyone is ready for it yet. One of the benefits of River-Therm^® is that it's PV ready whenever you are.

EliosSolar PV panels can be secured directly to the River-Therm^® external sheet and connected in the usual manner. With both Twin-Therm^® and River-Therm^® systems the PV's can be retrofitted to an existing building, helping to meet new and upcoming government legislation.

To find out more abour EliosSolar PV, Click Here

EliosSolar PV

CA Group, take responsibility for the environment seriously without any gimmicks or tokenism. All materials within the Twin-Therm^® system are fully recyclable to enable low 'cradle to cradle' carbon footprint, with a net commercial benefit on scrap values at end of life. The Therma-quilt non-combustible insulation is supplied with zero Global Warming Potential and zero Ozone Depletion Potential that never utilises CFC's, HCFC's or VOC's in the production process. The system has a minimal environmental impact when being transported to site due to the amount of profiled material which can be transported in each load, this also reduces fuel costs. The sustainable credentials of Twin-Therm^® has been assessed as part of Tata Steel Confidex Sustain^® when using Colorcoat Prisma^® and Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra^®. In addition to guaranteeing the performance of the prefinished steel for up to 40 years, with no maintenance and inspection required to maintain its validity, Confidex Sustain^®, provides a cradle to cradle CarbonNeutral building envelope.

Transportation has to consider not only delivery requirements at the beginning of a project but also at disposal.

It is at this stage as legislation has toughened that building running costs are recognised as punitive. The majority of systems supplied by CA Group are either reused ie. farm buildings etc, or sent back to the steel mill for recycling, the residue ie. insulation and fixings can either be reused as cavity wall insulation or sent to landfill at minimal cost.

CA Group understand the implications of the entire process from 'cradle to cradle' through production of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs available as part of its assessment for Tata Steel Confidex Sustain^®).

Our Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are available by clicking here.

Colorcoat, Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra, Confidex, Confidex Sustain, Prisma are trademarks of Tata Steel UK Limited

River-Therm^® is a global product with its Head Office in Verona, Italy and has a comprehensive supply chain established in virtually every country in the world.

The Riverclack News, showcases River-Therm^® projects that have been undertaken, including projects for Marks & Spencer and B&Q here in the UK. To find out more about these projects, and to see how River-Therm^® is utlised around the world, click the images to the right to view the PDF's.

Click the images below to open the PDF documents

River-Therm^® Brochure

CA Building Products offer two versions of the latest literature. There is a standard printable edition, alternatively, our new interactive PDF includes a full screen presentation mode, High Definition video and links to other useful content from CA Building Products. Click on the appropriate version, shown right, to download your up to date copy

To get the best experience from our literature, please ensure you have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat installed ( Click here to download the latest version )

Click on the links below to for more information regarding River-Therm^®:

• BBA Agrément certification (07/4428) providing independent confirmation of all technical attributes.
• Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) rated systems LPS 1181, EXT-B roof and wall systems, EXT-A15 and EXT-A30 Firewall systems.
• Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) certified non-combustible Therma-quilt insulation.
• Manufactured to BS EN ISO 9001.
• River-Therm^® Detail Drawings
• River-Therm^® Specification Drawings