KNYSNA BUSINESS NEWS - After the recent devastation of the fires there is now a green product ideal to help in rebuilding homes in the Greater Knysna-Plett region
“Fire is a serious hazard in shack settlements and it is estimated that on average over the past five years there have been 10 shack fires a day, with someone dying as a result every other day; the recent fires spread through both formal and informal houses” says Dave Lindup, managing director of Magnastruct, a Cape-based manufacturer of boards designed to help prevent the spread of fires.
Magnaboards are made from magnesium oxide, which Lindup says is superior in every category compared to traditional wood, gypsum and cement-based products.
“Magnaboard has a zero flame spread and smoke development rating, a huge advantage considering that informal houses are generally built very close to one another, so fires can easily spread very rapidly,” says Lindup.
“In a recent fire test held at an informal housing settlement in Pniel near Stellenbosch, one of the homes was made out of Magnaboard while the other shacks were constructed with conventional materials. When the fires were started the shacks made of conventional materials burnt, buckled and collapsed, whereas the fire in the informal house made of Magnaboard could be contained and extinguished.”
Lindup says Magnaboard is a green recyclable product with many characteristics welcomed by the building industry.
“The fire retardant application has been a breakthrough for homeowners, local government, business and NGOs," Lindup concluded. – Supplied
* Info: Dave Lindup 021-531-2145.
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