Continue reading »]]> Pendulum or Ramp: Slip Tests Explained

Safety is an incomparably important aspect of our lives in general. We want to know when we’re out and about, whether we’re at work, eating out at a restaurant, shopping or are visiting commercial premises of any type, that our safety has been treated as a priority in the design and build of the space. Here at Raaft, we know this only too well, and as such we apply only the most rigorous slip tests to all our boards, and we don’t stop tweaking them until they achieve the best results. There are actually two different types of standard slip test, commonly known as Pendulum and Ramp. The questions we needed to answer to ensure Terrafina was tested properly were simply; what’s the difference between them, and which one gives you the most thorough results? Here’s our brief definitive guide to the matter.

The Pendulum Test

The Pendulum test involves a simulation of the act of slipping via the use of an imitation foot. The mock heel is fitted with a standard rubber sole

English: Pendulum floor friction tester (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

and is swung over the surface being scrutinized. The outcome is determined as a PTV figure – Pendulum Test Value – and ranges between 0 (high slip potential) and 36+ (low slip potential). This test is particularly portable, and can of course, also assess the slip-related effect of liquids on the material in question.

The Ramp Test

The Ramp test is a method predominantly employed in Germany which utilizes the real-world situation of having an operator stand on the surface which is then angled upwards at a specific inclination. Gradually, the angle of the incline is increased until the operator (supported by a fall harness) is caused to slip or until they feel they are extremely likely to slip and could no longer be considered stable. This final angle is used to derive the R-rating, utilized here instead of a PTV, and ranging from R9 to R13. Varying types of footwear, including a barefoot test, are often involved in the experiment, with the surface commonly augmented by a liquid to further extrapolate the slip resistance of the material.

When it comes to safety there can be no compromise and applying the physical attributes of a person to the test is an absolute necessity for us to be able to confidently ascertain just how slip resistant Terrafina really is. With this in mind, we use the Ramp test on all our Raaft Terrafina composite decking products, and have achieved some amazing results – both the Excel and Innova variations scored a near-perfect R12.

Terrafina: Safe. Beautiful. Enduring. Make it your choice. Call our team today to discuss how it will work for your project!

Continue reading »]]> How Composite Decking Could Revolutionize your Outdoor Space

To have the best of both worlds is to have an ideal situation. To take the great aspects of one circumstance and mix them with the best features of the alternative generally makes for an epitomic outcome; the perfect solution. Composite decking then, embodies that very notion; it combines the advantages of wood and of plastic and creates something that is most certainly, the best of both worlds. Welcome to Raaft Terrafina.

So how exactly does the final product, the coming together of these two materials, benefit you and your space?

 Aesthetics

From the top then, the first thing you’ll notice about composite decking is its beautiful visual appeal. The deep and solid colours of each board, mixed with the individual styling of your selected decking, from differing grooves to a perfectly uniformed uppermost plane, creates a dynamic and luxurious looking finish. In any situation, these boards will add a contemporary aesthetical overtone to your space.

Safety

Safety aspects are, sadly, often overlooked when we’re designing our outdoor areas. Whilst accidents do occur in relatively small quantities, depending on the nuances of your particular space, they can still happen. Composite decking however, works to minimalize this, providing a dexterous non-slip surface, with one of the best slip resistance ratings available; minimising risk significantly in comparison to the timber alternatives.

Maintenance

Sanding, staining, sealing, fixing, cleaning; these arduous tasks take up time, effort and money. They can however, be quickly dispelled, replaced with easy general maintenance, no requirement for on-going upkeep costs and no rotting, cracking or warping issues in sight. As they’re so resistant to UV damage and decay, they’re the toughest option about, making your life easier.

Design

Tough though, doesn’t have to mean rigid, as composite decking is known for its workability. Cutting, sanding, drilling are all easily carried out, meaning you really can create the decking solution to match your precise requirements with ease!

Ecological

Sustainability is a factor on everybody’s mind currently, and with many of us looking to make whatever changes we can to drive down that carbon footprint and boost environmental awareness, you’ll be pleased to hear that our Terrafina composite decking comes from 100% managed forestry, and in general the materials are all 100% recyclable.

Give us at Raaft a call today to find out more still about our composite decking, and how it could benefit your home or your premises, or any outside space/external environment!

Continue reading »]]> Several discerning homeowners have selected Terrafina Composite decking for their new rooftop terraces at their city and country homes. The low maintenance and non slip properties, together with the beautiful appearance were among the benefits that clinched the final choice. Terrafina is also an ideal product for apartment balconies due to the easy installation and low maintenance character of the material.

Continue reading »]]> Raaft Terrafina is the perfect choice in composite decking. The high density of the WPC (wood-polymer composite) material is durable and aesthetically pleasing. Raaft Terrafina addresses the issues of slip risk so commonly associated with timber decking and provides a safe surface with a slip resistance of R12 (safe/very safe)*. Quality control prcedures for Terrafina production are very robust: every batch of production is tested to ensure it meets standard for minimal water absorption (5.2%, 5 hours @ 100 degrees C)** and well as meeting breaking strain standards (min 2720N between 480mm unsupported span)***. Each board is coded with a batch number ensuring an audit trail to every production run. We’re giving you every confidence in selecting Terrafina as your perfect choice for composite decking! Download our technical data sheets from this page
*tested to EN13839/DIN51097
** tested to EN317
*** tested to EN310