ACO TECHNOLOGIES PLC - BUILDING DRAINAGE
Suppliers of: Internal and external drainage solutions, stainless steel floor drains, stainless steel gullies and channels, rainwater outlets, shower floor drains, bathroom and wet room floor drains, internal linear drainage channels, access covers, grease separators
ACO Building Drainage specialises in the development of corrosion resistant drainage systems and building products for applications across the internal and external built environments. Conceived to eliminate design risk, to optimise installation and to minimise lifetime ownership cost, every product in the range delivers exceptional levels of performance, finish and durability.
The technical expertise, global resources and fabrication capacity within the ACO Building Drainage division make it possible for architects, engineers and contractors to realise the highest quality and value when selecting from our standard products, or, when using our bespoke design service.
Indeed, whether you’re involved in designing or building a new project or upgrading an existing building, every aspect of the system must be carefully planned to meet the correct drainage requirements simply, quickly and within budget. Just call us for advice and help on the right system for your next project!
ACO BIM Files: This link will take you to the ACO BIM Library on the ACO website
Useful Resources:
- Social Media: View ACO Building Drainage on Twitter / LinkedIn
- Video: Access ACO Product Videos on YouTube
ACO Building Drainage’s extensive portfolio includes:
Wetroom & Shower Drainage Solutions
An extensive range of Wetroom products and shower drainage solutions.
Choice of ranges for different applications: Fixed Height and Telescopic gully systems, EG150 Eurogully range, Rodding Eyes, Micro Floor Gullies and Bespoke gullies.
Standard Stainless Steel and Galvanised Steel Channels
Includes the Modular 125 stainless steel channel system and the Deckline 125 galvanized steel shallow invert drainage system.
ACO Pipe® Stainless Steel Pipework Systems
ACO PIPE® presents a wide range of socketed waste pipework systems in thin-wall stainless steel for above and below ground drainage applications.
ACO HygieneFirst drainage systems fulfil the stringent hygienic requirements to minimise harmful bacteria and pathogen contamination of food arising from drainage elements by applying relevant hygiene design principles reserved for food contract surfaces
Products include FreeDeck - Level Access Flat Roofs and Terraces Drainage Systems & Watertight Rainwater Outlets.
Our engineers and designers can advise you on the right system to suit your project.
The range includes mobile grease separators, gravity grease separators, grease recovery units and grease traps. Visit our website to use our grease selector to find the right unit for your needs.
Products include the Uniface or UniTop range of aluminium or steel access covers.
Our ACO RoofBloxx rainwater attenuation system is designed specifically as a green roof drainage layer for use on blue, green and blue/green roof construction applications. Please contact us to discuss project requirements and for support with hydraulic calculations.
Anti-flood backflow valve systems, designed to prevent flooding resulting from sewer backflows. With models suitable for grey or black water applications, all systems are designed for reliable operation and long life.
Further technical information is available in the BPi download library or on the ACO Building Drainage website.
ACO Bld Drainage: The Crucial Role of Blue Roofs in Mitigating UK Water Shortages
As the UK faces increasing water scarcity, innovative water management solutions are essential. Blue roofs, which temporarily store and gradually release rainwater, offer a sustainable method to manage stormwater, reduce sewer system stress, and conserve water. Here, Neill Robinson-Welsh, consultant at ACO Building Drainage, explores the significant impact of blue roofs on addressing water shortages.
Blue Roofs: An Overview
Blue roofs are advanced drainage systems designed to temporarily hold rainwater and release it slowly, unlike traditional roofs that quickly drain water. These systems help manage stormwater runoff, particularly in dense urban environments, decreasing the risk of flooding and easing the load on sewer systems. This capability is particularly important as urban areas continue to expand and climate change increases the volume of stormwater.
Integral to urban climate resilience, blue roofs diminish the risk of flash floods and mitigate drought effects. When combined with green roofs, where vegetation is planted and sustained by the stored rainwater, blue roofs also alleviate the urban heat island effect, providing cooling and improving environmental conditions in cities.
The UK's Water Shortage Challenge
The UK is already experiencing water stress in regions such as the south and east, with projections indicating that by the mid-2030s, water demand will exceed supply unless substantial infrastructure improvements are made. Cities like Cambridge and Oxford are struggling with inadequate water and sewage systems, which impede housing development and economic growth. Since the privatisation of water services in 1989, underinvestment has left the UK's water infrastructure poorly equipped to handle rising demand and manage stormwater effectively.
Throughout 2024, urban sewer systems have frequently been overwhelmed during heavy rainfall, leading to combined sewer overflows (CSOs) where untreated sewage spills into rivers and seas. Blue roofs support this issue by retaining rainwater on-site and releasing it gradually, thereby lowering the volume of water entering already stressed sewers. This proactive approach aids in the prevention of CSOs and environmental damage, offering a sustainable solution to the growing problem of sewer system overload.
The Potential of Blue Roofs
Blue roofs are pivotal for managing stormwater by controlling runoff and preventing flooding. By retaining rainwater, they lessen the immediate burden on sewer systems, which is essential during heavy rainfall events.
In addition to managing stormwater, blue roofs support water conservation efforts. Captured rainwater can be used for irrigation, which is particularly important given the UK's increasing water scarcity. This reuse of rainwater minimises reliance on conventional water supplies and promotes self-sufficiency for buildings.
Incorporating blue roofs allows cities to foster more sustainable and resilient urban landscapes, better prepared to address the challenges posed by climate change. In addition to managing water effectively, blue roofs promote biodiversity and contribute to enhancing the overall quality of life in urban areas.
Design and Integration Factors
For blue roofs to function effectively, meticulous design and seamless integration are essential. Critical considerations include the roof's slope, the positioning of outlets, and the choice of suitable attenuation systems. ACO provides the only solution currently available that is specifically engineered to operate independently of the roof's waterproofing and drainage infrastructure, enabling precise water retention management.
For instance, the modular design of ACO RoofBloxx facilitates straightforward maintenance and ensures reliable performance over time, even under severe weather conditions. This system is also fully compliant with building regulations, enabling roofs to efficiently manage stormwater while enhancing the overall resilience of the structure. By retaining water and controlling runoff without compromising the roof’s structural integrity, ACO RoofBloxx units are well-suited for contemporary buildings in regions likely to face water scarcity.
The Role of Construction Professionals
Architects, specifiers, and contractors play a pivotal role in incorporating blue roofs| into the UK’s urban infrastructure. Embracing blue roof systems can alleviate strain on sewer networks, support water conservation, and strengthen urban resilience. These systems should be regarded as a fundamental component of infrastructure modernisation, offering a proactive and sustainable solution to the UK’s water management challenges.
Article originally published in RCI Magazine January 2025
ACO Building Drainage - Five Tips for Effective Blue Roof Design
Stormwater management and flooding pose significant risks in urban settings. Blue roofs have evolved as an innovative technique for storing rainwater, decreasing flood hazards and supporting sustainable development. However, misconceptions about blue roofs can cause design issues. Kevin Bohea, Manging Director of ACO Building Drainage, shares five recommendations for de-risking blue roof projects.
1. Understand what a blue roof really is
It should be noted that blue roofs are not actually roof waterproofing systems: they are separate attenuation systems intended to temporarily hold rainwater and slow its discharge, reducing urban flood hazards. Recognising this distinction is critical for good design and integration with modern construction methods.
2. Separate blue and traditional roofs
A popular misconception is that blue and conventional roofs are the same system. Blue roofs are intended to hold and keep water, whereas standard roofs aim for quick water removal. Separating these systems prevents design compromises and assures compliance with British Standards and Building Regulations. ACO’s blue roof system keeps water away from the roof and off of the waterproofing layer except in extreme cases, meaning the risk of unwanted water ingress is kept to an absolute minimum.
3. Address key design considerations early
It’s important to address the number, placement, and size of roof outlets, roof fall gradient, kind of roof construction, and time period for water retention of a roof system at the design stage. These elements are required for both the roofing and blue roof attenuation systems to function properly.
4. Mitigate risks with independent systems
Considering blue roofs and traditional roofs as independent systems means any risks associated with design compromises can be mitigated early on. This approach ensures sustainable drainage and prepares for worst-case weather scenarios, enhancing overall building resilience.
5. Selecting the Right Attenuation System
The biggest challenge is knowing which attenuation system to select as part of the project. It is recommended that a blue roof attenuation system, that keeps form and function distinct, should be adopted. Systems like ACO’s RoofBloxx, for example, operate independently of the roof waterproofing and drainage system, ensuring compliance with building standards. They also ensure efficient water management during extreme weather events. Given how frequent extreme weather conditions appear to be happening across the UK, this couldn’t be more important.
What’s next?
Architects and designers have a crucial role to play in the implementation of blue roofs. From ensuring they are designed to meet the regulations, to determining the full environmental benefits when assessing any potential future impacts, architects will be pivotal in integrating these systems into infrastructure.
By following these tips, and working closely with the manufacturers themselves, architects and engineers can effectively de-risk blue roof projects and contribute to sustainable urban development.
Contact : abdmarketing@aco.co.uk
