Cattery Construction
Below is a table comparing cattery construction materials used by different cattery manufacturers. Use the table to examine the different types of materials used in cattery construction. In a modern cattery there is a real need for safe, warm, hygienic, secure facilities and you will see from the table below that some materials are more suited to cattery construction than others.
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Material
|
Advantages
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Disadvantages
|
|
1. PVCu |
* Impervious * Hygienic * Long Lasting * Durable * Self-extinguishing * Smooth wipe-clean surafces * Proven track record |
* None Known |
|
2. Timber |
* Natural in appearance * Cheap |
* Needs regular treatment * Difficult to clean * Decays rapidly * Porous * Combustible |
|
3. Polypropylene |
* Light-weight * Cheap * Durable |
* Rather soft and scratches easily which makes it prone to stain absorbtion * Twists and warps with temperature fluctuations * Brittle at low temperatures * Looks cheap * UV degredation * Poor weathering resistance * Flammable * Difficult to bond and paint * Oxidizes readily |
|
4. Metals (Box steel / Aluminium) |
* Impervious * Cheap * Clean |
* Cold and uninviting * Reverberates noise – may distress animals * Powder coating/paint finishes prone to staining |
|
5. Perspex |
* Cheap * Hygienic |
* Scratches easily * Usually not UV stable * Becomes brittle * Discolours over time |
|
6. Glass Use only laminated or toughened |
* Impervious * Hygienic * Easy to clean * Long lasting |
* Efficient ventilation essential to prevent heat build-up |
|
7. Polycarbonate Use only heat-reflective with a minimum of 3-walls (layers) |
* UV stable * Hygienic * Durable * Light-weight * Transluscent |
* Fairly expensive |
