Inspired in 1988 when construction of the Channel Tunnel commenced, this seventh wonder of the modern world required a certain “un petit extra”. The Channel Tunnel required a waterproofing system not only capable of withstanding extraordinary hydrostatic pressure but able to also extend to offering fire safety, which was yet to reach the then current structural waterproofing market. Let’s not forget the Kings Cross tragedy which rocked the United Kingdom in 1987, with fire safety in tunnelling at the forefront of most designers’ criteria.
During the design phase of the Channel Tunnel, Delta Dorken stepped up to the mark and produced a special waterproofing membrane which would not only satisfy project requirements without compromising on the high-quality expected of the brand.
From completion of the Channel Tunnel, London Underground expressed an interest in using fire retardant membranes in station and tunnel refurbishment. This exciting new approach to structural waterproofing lead Delta Membrane Systems Limited to test their membranes at the BRE (Building Research Establishment). At this time, no other manufacturer had embarked on such a pioneering approach to waterproofing membranes.
With great anticipation the MS 20 and MS 500 membranes were awarded a Fire Rating of Class E and until 2021 remained the only structural waterproofing membrane to offer this class of fire rating.
Fast forward almost 30 years the construction industry once again being rocked with the Grenfell Tower tragedy, once more lives were lost through specification of materials which were incapable of a safe reaction in event of fire.
The Hackitt Report has already outlined we should be building for a better future. To ensure history does not repeat itself and where avoidable, every necessary step should be taken in ensuring tragedies are avoided.
Innovation is a pulse at Delta, we thrive on making the impossible, possible.
As with all Delta products, no one knows protection like we know protection. We’ve learnt how to protect buildings from the most extreme conditions imaginable all over the world. Quality is consistent because of the latest manufacturing and quality control processes.
And so, began our challenge of reinventing the wheel. In an ever-changing marketplace, research and development is key to ensuring products not only meet building requirements of today, but also that of tomorrow.
Delta Membrane Systems Limited the UK’s leading Type C Cavity Drain Membrane manufacturer seized the opportunity to improve the Delta System by introducing a first to the UK’s structural waterproofing sector.
The Delta Fire Retardant System – the only structural waterproofing system that retains its 100-year product life cycle, but also offers a B-S2, d0 fire rating in accordance with EN 13501-1:2018.
Delta’s Managing Director, Kevin Dodds explains more:
“I believe that the industry is facing a difficult, but potentially exciting, few years. We need to respond to a huge number of challenges: Covid-19 and its economic aftermath, Brexit, building safety after Grenfell along with climate change and sustainability in manufacturing. In responding, we also need to embrace greater diversity, new technologies and a spirit of innovation.”
“It has taken us several years to develop our fire-retardant range, myself along with my fellow Directors have a wide-range of experience across multiple disciplines within the sector, our understanding of legislation requirements balanced with being bold and exceeding expectations to change build approaches. Our roundtable discussions have allowed us to bring together a whole new approach to structural waterproofing for the benefit of all.”
“Our innovations over the last 10 years never fail to astound me. We’ve not just sat back and rested on our laurels, our behaviours and beliefs are essential to our core, it’s part of our culture. I take pride in knowing that our professionalism is in our daily actions. We offer technical solutions to waterproofing issues whilst always driving forward to meet market requirement not only of today but of tomorrow”.
Click here to watch Delta’s Live Launch on the MS 500 Fire Retardant Membrane