Berger Paints Emirates supplied a selection of tested paint systems for the external elevations of the Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort in Fujairah.

The systems, which were approved by the consultant Archon, included Berger Stoneshield for the lower level of the building; Luxatile full epoxy system for all other elevations and Weatherflex system for the stairways.

Tested by internationally-reputed testing authority Taywood Engineering, these systems have excellent anti-carbonation, ultraviolet (UV)-resistant and crack-bridging properties and have been formulated to withstand the harsh Middle East climatic conditions.

Berger Stoneshield, an innovative coating, gives the distinctive look of elegance and class that only marble can give. It has excellent weather and UV-resistance and is ideal for villas, hotels, mosques, shopping malls, schools and hospitals. It is a cost-effective alternative to natural stone or marble.

Berger Stoneshield's unique properties include excellent anti-carbonation properties, high compressive strength, high tensile strength, low expansion co-efficient, excellent adhesion and low weight.

Luxatile full epoxy system is an extremely durable system which gives a tile-like finish with time-proven colour and gloss retention properties. Its design does not permit any dirt and dust pick-up and drastically reduces the maintenance requirements of the structure. It has good anti-carbonation properties with balanced compositions of various performance pigments, fillers and quartz.

These constituents are bound by a special-grade two-component epoxy system to the desired consistency for a unique tile finish. The tile structure varies from small, medium, large, pressed and unpressed as per customers requirements.

A topcoat of polyurethane in the desired colour and gloss level is recommended for enhanced performance of the coating system.

Weatherflex is a 100 per cent acrylic high-performance elastomeric coating. Its special formulation ensures a high degree of elasticity and elongation to cover live cracks of up to 2 mm in the masonry surface. The degree of crack-bridging varies with the DFT (dry film thickness) of application.

Due to the aggressive climatic conditions prevailing in the Gulf countries, the concrete or cement plaster of buildings often develops hairline cracks. The saline, humid air penetrates through these cracks and gradually widens them. This not only makes the building look unsightly but also weakens the structure and therefore reduces the life of the building.

It is here that Weatherflex, with its excellent elasticity, stretches to keep the cracks covered, thereby preventing ingress of saline humid air. Its proven anti-carbonation properties, certified by Taywood Engineering, provide outstanding concrete and plaster protection.

Berger is proud to be part of this prestigious project and of its association with Archon (consultant) and FNC (main contractor).

The name Berger is synonymous with the highest quality paints and specialist coatings. Established in 1760 by a German chemist Lewis Berger in England, Berger today has more than 55 operations around the world stretching from China, South East Asia, Middle East, Africa, and Europe to South America.

Berger Paints Emirates, Dubai, is a joint venture between Sultan Bin Sulayem (chairman of Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority and managing director of Dubai Ports Authority) and Singapore-headquartered Berger International Limited.

Berger International has two operating units in the Middle East: a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Al Quoz Industrial Area with an annual capacity of 15 million litres and a modern plant in Bahrain with an annual capacity of 5 million litres.

In Abu Dhabi, Berger is represented by Al Masaood Oil Industry Supplies and Services Company (MOISS) and provides a comprehensive range of hi-tech products and specialist services to the industrial sector in general and the oil and gas sector in particular.

Through its consistent commitment to research and development, Berger has developed many new innovative products. Its product range today is extensive and serves a wide and demanding customer base. It includes coatings designed to resist high temperatures, abrasion, corrosive environments, oils, solvents, acids and salts and a multitude of new chemicals.

Berger coatings have been thoroughly researched and developed to comply with various international standards and are approved for use by government departments, local and international authorities and multinational companies.

The company recently introduced Berger Italian Stucco, a top-of-the-range water-based venetian finish which creates attractive marble-like effects on various surfaces. This product has been carefully engineered to hone the skills of an applicator and the imagination of an artist.

Besides Stoneshield and Weatherflex, Berger's major products/systems include Berger Aquashield, Epilflex System, Berger Epiflex, Berger Tartaruga, Berger Epoxy, Polyurethane System and Berger Italian Stucco System.

The company is reputed for the professional advice and technical service it renders along with world-class quality products. Its technical team can not only help the clients determine the most effective and appropriate specifications for their project but also customise products for their specific needs.

Some of the recent projects where Berger Paints have been used include the Shangri-La hotel, The Tower, 160 villas for Tecom, Dubai Media City Phase II, Golden Sands 9, Palm Stable in Endurance Village, all in Dubai, Bu-Khamas Tower (ground plus 25 storeys) in Sharjah and the Gulf Medical College in Ajman.

Other projects include the Dusit Tower, Deira City Centre extension, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Bur Juman Centre, Al Musalla Towers, Al Khaleej Centre, Royal Abjar hotel, Hilton Dubai and Marriott Executive Apartments (all in Dubai).