New Freeze Protection System At Dorchester Abbey

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team May 29, 2003

Jointing Technologies has installed a Raychem Freeze Protection System at Dorchester Abbey in Oxfordshire.

Jointing Technologies (Bristol) has provided the solution to leak problems at Dorchester Abbey, in Oxfordshire, by installing Tyco Thermal Controls' energy-efficient Raychem freeze protection system along the roof valley.

Built on the site of St.

Birinus' Saxon cathedral, the 12thC Dorchester Abbey has the proportions of a cathedral, yet is located in a village of less than a thousand inhabitants, and attracts many tourists throughout the year.

In recent winters it has experienced leak problems along the building' s central roof-valley when snow accumulations have turned to ice, expanded the lead joints and allowed water to enter the building during subsequent thaws.

The Abbey is currently undergoing a multi-million pound restoration and, to prevent this problem reoccurring, Jointing Technologies has installed Tyco Thermal Controls' energy-efficient Raychem freeze protection system to stop snow and ice forming in the new lead roof-valley gutter.

The Raychem freeze protection system comprises robust self-regulating heating cables and accessories together with a 'smart' control and monitoring unit with moisture and ambient-air temperature sensors.

The dual sensors ensure the heating is activated only when conditions demand and the cable is powered-up with just the required output to prevent the hazard.

Dual sensing is a key feature of this system, as it avoids activation needlessly in dry atmospheric conditions.

As this is a complete Tyco Thermal Controls' system installation, the custodians of Dorchester Abbey have the added assurance of the manufacturers extended five-year warranty.