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PRATER - New Hard Metal String To Prater’s Bow

Leading business envelope contractor, Prater has strengthened its multi-disciplined offering with the launch of a new in-house ‘hard metals’ design and craft capability which will serve to minimise risk, cost and contract delays.

“The application of zinc, copper and stainless steel to a building envelope has risen in popularity in recent years” explains Prater hard metals specialist, Matt Coleman. “They resist corrosion, look attractive and in the right environment can last for 50 years or more. Due to them being 100% recyclable, they are especially sought after in urban locations where zero maintenance is required.

“Many ‘total’ envelope contractors contract out the hard metal work to small specialist companies, which often results in delays, insufficient project detailing and long procurement lead times with a knock on affect to a projects completion date. It is because of this that Prater feels it is time to bring this in-house to enable the management and installation ourselves.”

Prater employs its own team of ‘tinsmiths’ who are time-served craftsmen with a five year apprenticeship under their belts also attending the relevant material specifier and manufacturers’ courses to attain master craftsmen certification.

Taking delivery of the metal in raw coil or sheet form, the tinsmiths manufacture each component part onsite using specialised hand tools and powered machinery to provide the exact fit and finish required for the specification. The tinsmith’s skills are unparalleled with any other trade as they take a raw material through manufacture and installation to project completion.

“As a total envelope contractor it was inevitable for Prater to move in to the ‘hard’ metals market and as with the many other envelope disciplines within the company, we want our hard metals department to meet the same high standards.” continues Matt. “Our service is incomparable and eliminates the issues with metal components which are delivered onsite which are not up to specification, or cannot be installed because of as built tolerances, incorrect detail or design changes.”

By sourcing a multi-disciplined external envelope package clients are able to reduce their risk and can enhance control of cost and build time. A one-stop total envelope contractor ensures thorough construction processes, enhanced thermal and air tightness performance and robust detailing, backed by roof and façade engineering expertise to move from the architect’s concept to the finished envelope.

Supply chain relationship management is also a key part of Prater’s business practice with close relationships with hard metal suppliers such as KME, Luvata, VM Zinc, Rheinzink and Ned-Zinc. Prater now has yet another string to add to the bow when it comes to providing the best possible service to its ever expanding list of clients.