Professional Builder December 2022

MANAGING EDITOR

TERRY SMITH

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KARL CLARK

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A line in the sand!

Hard to believe, but the benchmark in Annus Horribilis – certainly as far as our much-lamented Queen Elizabeth was concerned – occurred exactly three decades ago in 1992. The terminology may have been unfamiliar, but we all got where she was coming from when a flurry of royal scandals exposed the family to unwanted headlines and threatened to undermine its very existence. Thirty years on and, ironically, it was her own sad recent passing in no small part that suggests the rule book on memorably horrible years will need rewriting. Putting aside the fact that Christmas for millions of people will undoubtedly never be quite the same without her honestly insightful and inspiring Yuletide address, the deeply destabilising and momentous events at both home and abroad have massively negatively impacted everyday life during 2022.

We won’t go into all of them here, of course, but for those running a small business, there are all the additional daily stresses that heap worry upon worry on a daily basis. After months of early mornings and late evenings, labour, and material shortages – all wrapped up in 60-70 hour working week – most tradespeople will certainly appreciate the chance to spend some quality time at home and recharge some pretty well worn-down batteries, even if those smart meters are in danger of blowing a fuse! For the vast majority, those two weeks of R&R will be sufficient one hopes to hit the ground running come the start of the New Year – and all the inevitable challenges 2023 will present.

Unfortunately, there are a small but growing number of those employed in construction for whom the pressures of everyday life, exacerbated at this time of year by the pressures that the festivities invariably bring on, simply decide to retreat into themselves or, in worst case scenarios, end their lives completely. Cold, dank days coupled with money worries, family issues, feelings of isolation and loneliness can all prove to be a toxic cocktail in the minds of those already on the edge of depression. A fact borne out by the Samaritans, who receive by far and away their highest number of calls and cries for help during a period which, in theory, should be amongst the most joyous.

Tragically, almost 5,000 people take their own lives in England each year and suicide is now firmly established as the leading cause of death of men under the age of forty-two. And, with its male dominated demographic, construction is now at the forefront of what many observers are calling an epidemic. In fact, young male labourers are more than three times more likely to take their own lives than the national average. Right now, it’s estimated that a staggering one in six workers in the UK is currently suffering from the effects of debilitating depression or stress and that was before the prospect of potentially the worst cost of living crisis in living memory.

The biggest tragedy, of course, is that many of these young people go to their untimely deaths without those closest to them even aware there was a serious problem. Heavy workloads, long working hours, travel, family separation and job insecurity are all playing a part in a palpable deterioration of metal health, but such is the stigma attached to this illness, especially in a macho charged environment like building that, rather than seek help, some in desperation are choosing to end their lives.

And, of course, the tragic consequences of lives cut short are not just confined to the UK. You may be currently enjoying the unprecedented spectacle of a World Cup played out in the sand dunes and England’s successful progression (or not) to the final. Mind bogglingly impressive or not, nothing can ever surely compensate for what is conservatively estimated at more than 7,000 construction workers reported to have lost their lives during the stadium building process. Around 10 per cent of these are allegedly the result of suicide and whilst one would shudder to compare the extreme conditions endured by the migrant workers with those experienced on sites closer to home, it is a microcosm of the consequences of putting profits before people.

In this season of goodwill to all men and, of course, women, it is surely time for the construction industry across the global spectrum to take collective responsibility for its actions and ask what more can be done to improve the mental and physical status of its employees. Important lessons need to be learnt quickly if more lives are not to be lost through blatant mismanagement and causal indifference. It’s a stark reminder that it’s not only in Qatar where the sands of time have already run out for far too many construction workers already.

“Shockingly, two people working in construction take their own lives every day and 26 per cent have contemplated suicide at some point of their working lives.”

MASTER AT WORK

The national competition celebrates the high-quality craftsmanship, exceptional customer service and building excellence delivered by Master Builders across the UK. “The Awards are the Oscars of the building industry showcasing the brilliant work that Master Builders carry out across the UK,” enthuses Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB.” Isuzu UK is thrilled to be providing the grand prize of the awards – an Isuzu D-Max pick-up worth almost £40,000. “The outstanding quality, passion and level of professionalism of Master Builders

SAFETY CHECKS

across the UK, and their dedication to craftsmanship and customer service, are second to none and I am very much looking forward to reviewing this year's entries,” reveals George Wallis, Head of Marketing, Isuzu UK.

BAND TOGETHER

Band of Builders tops £1m worth of project delivery value

Band of Builders and its community of volunteers and supporters has delivered a milestone £1m worth of projects to help tradespeople battling illness or injury. The estimated delivery value of an average project

PPE buyers urged to Check-Select-Protect by the British Safety Industry Federation (BSiF)

Under PPE Regulations, buyers of PPE and safety equipment have a responsibility to ensure that the products they buy are compliant, but many buyers don't have the knowledge and resources to validate suppliers' claims. The simple solution is to ensure that your supplier is a member of the BSiF's Registered Safety Supplier Scheme.

PAIN RELIEF

CHAS offers guidance on preventing injuries to muscles, bones & joints

SAFE DIGGING

UK safe digging industry experiences a ‘searching surge’ reveals LSBUD

Record-breaking numbers of people in the UK are checking for underground pipes and cables before they start digging projects, according to Line Search Before you Dig (LSBUD). There were over 33,500 new registrations on LSBUD’s central search portal between January and September. This represents an 18 percent increase over the same time period last year and is 37 percent up on 2020, highlighting how much more committed the UK has become to safe digging.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has recently focused on the issue of muscular skeletal disorders (MSD’s) in the construction industry with an inspection campaign. Alex Minett, Head of Products & Markets at CHAS, is urging workers and employers to implement the simple steps that can prevent injuries on site. This includes avoiding manual handling altogether, supplying the right equipment, training the workforce, and the proper implementation of risk assessments.

COURTESY CALL

Tradespeople lose, on average, £1,427 every working week from lost business when their van is stolen, damaged, or written off, according to research by Direct Line business insurance. More than three quarters (78%) of tradespeople say their ability to work would be negatively impacted by the loss of their van, losing on average £285 every day. Direct Line business insurance provides small courtesy vans as standard to support tradespeople whose van is stolen, damaged, or written off.

RETRO STYLE

Three quarters of small builders support a national retrofit strategy, says FMB

The latest State of Trade Survey from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) reveals that 74% of members are in favour of the UK Government introducing a longterm plan to reduce energy consumption by making existing homes greener and more energy efficient. The FMB State of Trade Survey, which is released quarterly, is the only survey of its kind to track the experience of small to medium-sized (SME) construction firms in the UK.

CHECK IT OUT

BT announces new partnership with Checkatrade

Specifically designed for micro-businesses with up to five employees, BT’s partnership network delivers perks to customers across broadband, mobile, connected devices, and digital marketing. Checkatrade members can get discounts on mobile business plans, access to EE’s range of exclusive Smart Benefits as well as Apple Music, Video Data Pass, BT Sport Ultimate, Microsoft 365 Personal or 500 international minutes to call Europe and Business Zone countries from the UK.

EASY AS EPC

UK homeowners speeding up energy efficiency journey to dodge surging bills

The latest research from NatWest and S&P Global has revealed that almost half (40%) of consumers looking to buy a property in the next decade considered a property's EPC rating a very important factor –a 10 percentage point increase year on year. The Greener Homes Attitude Tracker found that around half of homeowners stated that the rise in the cost of living had made them more likely to implement energy saving measures over the next year. Over two thirds (68%) plan to upgrade their property over the next 10 years in a bid to reduce energy bills. This stat has grown by 16 percentage points since last summer (52%).

WARMING TO THE TASK

Online interest in home insulation up almost 600% New analysis from MediaVision has revealed that UK consumers are looking for low-cost ways to keep themselves and their homes warm this winter, using less energy, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite. Online searches for ‘home insulation’ were up by 590%, for example. The analysis was carried out using the online search expert’s Digital Demand Tracker tool that analyses UK search data four times faster than any other platform.

Keystone Lintels

Mentor Me

is an addition to a successful skills-enhancing scheme run by specialist masonry contractor Lyons & Annoot. Mentor Me offers a host of theoretical and practical learning opportunities in specialisms related to the highperformance masonry solutions offered by Keyfix and Keystone Lintels. “Mentor Me is a very detailed training programme,” explains John Duffin, Managing Director at Keyfix. “It covers a wide range of masonry building skills and techniques.”

Tradespeople lose almost £1,500 a week if they are unable to use their van

CHRISTMAS CARD APPEAL

Make a difference this Christmas Construction charity, CRASH is calling on businesses to support its vital work with the launch of its annual Christmas Card fundraising appeal. CRASH helps people who are homeless and sleeping rough – and adults and children who need end of life care in a hospice – by constructing or rebuilding the hospices, shelters and homes.

REGISTER OF INTEREST

Cost of rogue plumbers’ poor work revealed The average cost to put right shoddy plumbing work is £285, according to a new survey by WaterSafe, the UK’s register of approved contractors working with drinking water. The survey, which questioned 2,000 UK consumers, also revealed more than a quarter of people have employed a plumber who did not carry out the task properly. In most cases, they had to employ another plumber to fix the poor work. Director of WaterSafe, Julie Spinks, provides a solution: “If a contractor is a member of WaterSafe, the customer can be reassured they are qualified, belong to an approved contractors’ scheme and carry Public Liability Insurance.”

NETWORKING

Real benefits to joining new Polypipe Building Products network Polypipe Underfloor Heating’s Approved Engineer (AE) programme will give members access to expert advice and extra support on design and quotation – with direct contacts on hand from the manufacturer’s team. There will also be unique training opportunities covering all aspects of underfloor heating installation, from auto balancing manifolds to smart controls. As an approved installer your customers will be reassured that you have the backing of the UK’s market-leading manufacturer and supplier of underfloor heating products.

WELL-BEING AT WORK

British Safety Council is offering free help to SMEs and micros

In the face of pressures following Covid, and in light of a worsening economy, British Safety Council is offering any organisation employing up to 500 staff the chance to get free support to improve the wellbeing of their workplace through a series of free workshops. Any employer with to up to 500 staff can apply here: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAM015

COME IN FROM THE COLD!

23%

It’s not only the nights that start to close in for many people at this cold and dank time of year. The UK’ s most famous helpline – The Samaritans – reports that it receives by far and away the highest number of calls and cries for help during the period leading up to Christmas and the New Year. And, with all that is currently going on in the world right now, you wouldn’t bet on the coming days being anything other than an extremely busy time for their band of dedicated listeners.

Unfortunately, the latest statistics on those experiencing mental health issues suggest that a significantly higher than average proportion of those calls will be made by those working in the construction industry. This month’s viewpoint highlights the tragic loss of life predominately among young male workers weighed down by a multitude of worries. For those already on the brink of depression these next few weeks have traditionally been a tipping point of no return.

Fortunately, there are signs that after decades of causal indifference, and general ignorance of the scale of the problem, the Government and, indeed, many organisations within the construction industry, are waking up to the need for positive action alongside their more traditional functions.

The appointment of the world’s first Minister for Suicide Prevention, Jackie Doyle four years ago was a game changer in recognising that the pressures of modern life are impacting more and more on members of society, and especially those that would be considered, in age terms at least, in the

prime of their lives. Unfortunately, the political upheavals of the past few years have seen Ms Doyle replaced first by former nurse Nadine Dorries, then very briefly the colourful Therese Coffey and now former incumbent, Steve Barclay. As Secretary of State for Health and Social Care he has been challenged with a much broader brief and concerns have been raised that the “Suicide Prevention” element of the title has been dropped. Clearly Mr Barclay has a lot on his plate right now, but it would be a tragedy if the small gains made in recent years are lost on the altar of political correctness. We have to say it as it is, surely?

Harrowing

As Britain’s biggest building magazine –reaching more than 100,000 tradespeople each month through print and various social media channels – we have been made well aware of the role we can play in helping those with mental health issues to come forward and get the help they

desperately need. Some of the deeply personal stories we have received from readers in recent years have been particularly harrowing. Amongst those was that of general builder, Trevor Bryant who lost his stonemason twin brother Trystan in 2017. He told us at that time that he too had suffered from depression for more than twenty years and was making it his mission to help others in the industry avoid the same fate of his much loved sibling. As we said at the time, if printing his poignant letter in that December issue back in 2018 helped save just one tragic loss of live, all of our Christmases will truly have come at once!

IF YOU ARE FEELING IN NEED OF SOME PROFESSIONAL MENTAL HEALTH ADVICE OR KNOW OF SOMEONE WHO IS STRUGGLING CHECK OUT THE BUILDING MENTAL HEALTH PORTAL WHERE YOU’LL FIND A HOST OF USEFUL LINKS

male workers were 35% 83% 55%

more likely to take their own lives. 73% of respondents felt their employers did not recognise the early signs of mental health problems.

RISK OF SUICIDE FOR

There are many sources of professional help for those working in the construction industry and struggling with their mental health this winter.

IN THE LIME LIGHT

Professional Builder’s Lee Jones talks to master of plaster, Philip Gaches about his distinguished company and career

His work adorns some of our most treasured Royal Palaces and his knowledge is in demand amongst craft professionals around the world. Master plasterer, Philip Gaches is a passionate advocate of the timeless beauty of lime and decorative plasterwork. We caught up with the proprietor of Gaches Traditional Plastering on the re-rendering of an imposing 19th century country residence which is destined to be used as a wedding venue.

It is a build that represents an excellent example of just why lime is the perfect choice in many period properties, as Philip explains: “On a property like this lime is always the more harmonious choice. The house was originally constructed from a soft red brick with a lime-based bedding mortar, and lime render. All of those materials are inherently breathable and work together to allow the movement of moisture from the ground and the air through the walls, keeping the house relatively dry and

damp-free.”

“In the middle of the twentieth century the exterior of the house was re-plastered with a hard, non-porous cement render. That caused all sort of problems with increased moisture levels within the core of the wall, which led to interior decorative damage, but also some decay to the structural timbers. By reverting to a lime render we will now redress that balance.”

Indeed, lime plaster in now making inroads into the mainstream. On a typical cavity wall constructed new build, lime plaster wouldn’t necessarily be specified for its breathability, but there are its

aesthetic qualities to consider. Lime has a visual appeal that cement render or gypsum plasters can’t match and that’s why it’s equally finding favour in contemporary projects. Its natural ability to keep humidity levels in a property consistent – as well as its bacteria and mould repellent characteristics – also offer health benefits, whilst it’s worked in much the same way as gypsum, with all the familiar hawks, trowels, straight edges and floats utilised in its application.

Some examples of the Elizabethan decorative plasterwork Philip and his team have achieved using traditional techniques

Not only that but Philip is adamant that using lime is well within the competence of any skilled tradesman: “It’s my firm belief that we can take a modern plasterer more used to skimming plasterboard and, with one hour of instruction, you could teach them to successfully complete a lath and lime plaster ceiling. As a company, however, we go much further than that. The ethos of the Gaches Traditional Plastering business is to employ exactly the same techniques that would have originally been used on old buildings. It is through

SPECIAL REPORT

READERS’ LIVES

that method that we achieve the same finish that our forbears in the trade would have realised.”

In the finest traditions of the building industry this is a family firm in the truest sense. Philip is the second of three generations of Gaches, with more than forty years of time served with a trowel and counting. His father, Gordon started the business back in 1948, and Philip’s uncle, brother and brotherin-law have all worked together at various points since. Philip is now joined on site by his two sons, William and Jude, but his own bright enthusiasm for the trade shows no sign of dimming.

“Ours is a creative process, and a traditional skill, and there’s always more to

beyond. It’s actually a complicated process that requires a number of different skills-sets depending on the period. At the same time there’s regional variations to consider, with pargetting much in evidence in Suffolk, for example, as well as Roman Cement work, so it’s a process of continually engaging with different styles and aptitudes.”

Philip is making his own telling contribution to keeping the art alive by offering courses in traditional plastering. For the last thirty years he has taught for organisations ranging from local authorities to the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, as well as around the world. “Working with the Turquoise Mountain Trust we’ve visited Transylvania several times,” he reveals

the Lebanon.”

“I do believe that society is waking up to the value of what I call ‘makers’”, concludes Philip. “That means the people with the practical hands-on craft skills needed to repair and maintain our housing stock – both old and new. It’s often the case that we only realise the importance of something when it’s almost lost, and some of the skills that we can draw upon ourselves have come very close to vanishing. We want to help ensure that doesn’t happen.”

Philip Gaches (left) with his son, Jude

Inside the CONFIDENCE WITH

WALLPAPER

The decorative potential of wallpaper is back in vogue. Whether it’s utilised on a feature wall – or covering a whole room – it is an increasingly popular choice for homeowners, and that’s reflected in its status at the Dulux Academy. In fact, after its Spray Introduction course it is the second most popular that the flagship Slough facility, and its wider national network of training centres, delivers.

“It’ only a relatively small part of college curriculums,” explains Matt Gray, Dulux Skills Development Consultant and our trainer for the day, “and because it’s often subject to changes in fashion

The Dulux Academy 1-day course is designed to lay the grounding on which on the job experience can then build. The decorators in attendance were eager to acquire another skill and open up a business opportunity in the process, as one delegate explains: “When we’ve had clients who’ve enquired about wallpaper I’ve either sub-contracted it out, or tried to steer them away from it,” reveals Surrey-based painter and decorator, Matt Tween. “With more and more property owners looking at it as an option it’s something I want to take on myself because there’s clearly some money to be made from it.”

The 1-day Wallpaper Introduction course is intended to familiarise attendees with some of the basic principles, with the option of progressing to a further 2-day Wallpaper Intermediate Course that will address the more advanced techniques. Matt Gray has more than 30-years’ experience in the industry and understanding the levels of competence around the room is his first task. Safety is, of course, paramount and, with knives used to cut the wallpaper on the day exhibiting a surgical level of

sharpness, everyone is reminded of the importance of staying alert.

Wallpapering can demand more planning than some other forms of decorating and it’s imperative that professional decorators read the instructions on the packaging. Use the wrong paste for that particular paper, for example, and it’s down to you, whilst that old adage of measure twice and cut once is never truer than with wallpaper. The material itself can vary hugely in price –with high-end rolls upwards of a £1,000 or more, so mistakes can prove very costly indeed. For those less experienced in wallpapering the labelling might present some unfamiliar symbols but Matt translates these for the class, as well as communicating the different grades and thicknesses of papers available.

The key to any successful decorating job is in the surface preparation and it is here that lining paper comes into its

own, disguising imperfections in the wall, providing an even surface and colour. Lining paper is also good practice because it gives you a feel for the layout of a room. Similarly, Matt recommends the use of ready-mix paste. It’s more stable, less susceptible to damp and offers a stronger bond when dry.

As is befitting a room full of practically orientated decorators, learning at the Dulux Academy is largely about doing and we quickly move on to the hands-on tasks in the dedicated booths that the impressively equipped Dulux Academy provides. Each delegate is supplied with all the recommended tools, with brushes

under the guidance of an experienced and knowledgeable trainer, the class can glean a myriad number of small hints, tips and techniques that will come together to smooth the path to a perfect wallpaper job. The paper table is itself lined, for instance, so you can write dimensions on it and then transfer these to the wall. The best methods for handling and cutting the paper, brushing on the paste and applying to the wall are all meticulously demonstrated before the class are themselves tasked with hanging two lengths. Matt is on hand to advise at every stage and it is a testament to his training that some very creditable results are

Wallpaper Introduction

The course covers tool selection and use of lining papers and wallpapers in order to complete a simple wallpapering project. Delegates will learn how to prepare surfaces for a wallpaper project. Look at the features and benefits of suitable tools and understand the impact they have on quality installation. Use lining paper, including a variety of cuts and folds to complete the preparation and use finishing paper to tackle basic obstacles, such as cutting around sockets, switches, and corners.

Time: 1-day Cost: £150+VAT

of cutting, pasting and slinging have been introduced in the morning session, the afternoon is dedicated to navigating electrical sockets, and mastering the art of achieving a match in patterned wallpaper around corners. This is where a decorator can really impress the homeowner, and gain that crucial recommendation of a job well done from a client to other potential customers in their catchment area.

If the paper has writing on, for example, and you’re adept at matching the text successfully, then it’s a design that will have that wow factor. Matt’s easy to follow step-by-step instructions elicited some impressive results from the class, most of whom were able to demonstrate a level of proficiency that they can translate into their own jobs.

With the Wallpaper Introduction course completed the decorators have the option to move on to Wallpaper Intermediate, where they can increase their knowledge and confidence still further. With wallpapering now a regular feature of interior décor schemes, it is an investment in your skill-set that is likely to pay dividends.

BUILDING SUPPORT

At Cedral, we’ve been adapting and innovating for over 100 years, growing from a small family business to a leading manufacturer of fibre cement facades and roofs. We’ve grown because we’ve adapted and innovated – and helped our customers adapt and innovate in the process.

Our customer-centric approach provides support at every stage of a project, whether that’s a new-build or renovation. This year we’ve taken that support one step further and appointed a dedicated Business Development Manager (BDM) to help housebuilders and architects plan, design and bring their projects to fruition, as well as provide dedicated after-sales support.

From completing the specifications to selecting specialist stockists and fitting our products, our BDM will be with you every step of the way. Find out more here:

Here’s how we can help:

Supporting the early concept stages

Offering NBS and design expertise

Providing estimates and technical guidance

Connecting with the right distributors and installers for the job

Performing toolbox talks directly with installers

Issuing warranty documentation Offering continued aftersales support

We can also provide:

BBA certifications

Environmental Product Declarations

Technical data sheets

Specification drawings

COSHH regulations

Fire performance classification and documentation

Product samples

Once the materials are ready to be installed, we’ll be on hand to provide:

Correct storage of materials on site prior to work commencing

Cutting and fixing of the planks with the correct tools

Ventilation know-how

Support checking the correct batten distances, depth and alignment and widths at joints and corners

Support using EPDM in the correct place

Correct length of cill overhang

Adequate movement joints where planks meet aluminium profiles

Correct fixing distances

Support fitting accessories and profiles

Getting the job done

We’ll provide all the support your project needs, alongside the quality products

Cedral is renowned for. Our facades are a contemporary and stylish alternative to traditional cladding material; they are easy to maintain and have a life expectancy of 50 years. Cedral slates offer attractive, durable, high-performance solutions that are tough enough to withstand the most volatile weather solutions.

Contact us

If you would like to discuss your project or would like further information about

Professional support for your projects: Meet Cedral’s Business Development Manager

GET FINANCE FIT

Fergus, the software that helps reduce the burden of business admin on tradespeople, has launched a five point plan for tradespeople to get their business into shape for 2023.

“As we head towards the end of the year, we would encourage trade business owners to view the end of the year as more than just a series of administrative tasks and more of a chance to get ‘financially fit’ and ready to go again in 2023,” says James Chillman, UK Country Manager for Fergus.

“We have put together these five key habits to adopt to get your business ready for the new year and in good shape to meet the challenges it could face.”

Financial Habit 1: Record-keeping

It’s all about discipline when it comes to keeping on top of the books. Take a different approach to book-keeping and make it less onerous by setting aside a small amount of time every day (or at least every other day). If you can’t do it, seriously consider hiring or outsourcing it to someone who can.

Financial Habit 2: Understand how your business is performing

Look back through your books for common traits of bad debtors. For some businesses this can be a game-changer. Know your numbers, look at the areas of your business that impact most on your profit and take note of where your business is performing well and where it is not. At a more granular level, look for patterns in jobs that generated good profit returns and use what you learn to decide what future work you take on.

Financial Habit 3: Regularly review debts and assets

Write-off debts that you can’t recover and rid yourself of obsolete stock and assets that are no longer revenue-generating. This can be painful, but it can also be liberating, allowing you to focus on your profitable clients.

Financial Habit 4: Put tax owed aside

Make sure you have enough reserves to pay your taxes, whether you are VAT registered or not. Consider setting up a separate account and transferring smaller amounts as you go, which will only be earmarked for tax payments.

Financial Habit 5: Get the right systems in place to support every day invoicing

A business makes no money until the invoice is sent, and the cash collection cycle can happen. If you are invoicing and following up on invoices every day you will notice the cash starts to come in very quickly.

Fergus launches a five point plan for trade business owners

TAX

SELF HELP!

The construction industry, CIS, employment status and popular urban myths – what’s true, and what’s false?

Nick Pilgrim, Managing Director of EEBS, offers some expert insight

One of the genuine pleasures of my job is to talk to people from all areas of the industry – experienced tradespeople, company owners big and small and people just starting out. Many of these interactions are at trade shows that we attend up and down the country, and there are plenty of common misunderstandings that have trundled around the industry for years, plus a few new entries. So, we often ask the question of delegates at trade shows “is the status of your self-employed workers secure?” – and after a brief look of horror, some of the most common responses are:

1. “All my lads are registered with the CIS, so they must be classed as selfemployed”

2. “All my tradesmen give me an invoice – although we sometimes have to knock it up in the office for them”

3. “All my guys quote me for work; we agree on a price and they invoice me either at the end of the job, or on an agreed drawdown”

4. “I don’t have to worry about that, my accountant takes care of it for me”

All of these statements have a seed of plausibility, but they don’t all have a guarantee of winning the argument with HMRC.

So, before we consider each of the above scenarios, let’s consider how the Revenue decides if a tradesperson is employed, or self-employed. So, if:

• You use self-employed tradesmen without a written contract,

• You supply the majority of the

materials, plant and equipment,

• You pay them an hourly/daily/weekly rate

• The sub-contractor cannot demonstrate that he can make a loss as well as a profit, or, the subcontractor cannot demonstrate that he has an active portfolio of other clients, …then HMRC are extremely likely to find that these tradesmen are your employees.

Now consider those four common responses we spoke about above, in line with how HMRC would view them:

1.False – the classification of worker depends on the terms of the contract (written or implied) in conjunction with your working practices – not how the individual is taxed!

2.False – An extremely thin and dubious attempt to establish the tradesman as genuinely in business of his own accord!

3.True! Pretty much, as long as the arrangements are genuine, and correctly applied.

4.Maybe! But how do you KNOW that your accountant has the correct procedures in place? Are you seriously just taking their word for it? Has it been audited?

So, how do you remove uncertainty or avoid the obvious pitfalls? Is there an alternative?

Thankfully, yes! In spite of the ongoing attempts to limit the employment arrangements options for contractors, plus the various court cases that influence the argument (Uber, Pimlico Plumbers, etc) it is still entirely possible to guarantee your sub-contractors’ self-employed status – by either adopting option 3, or if that’s not practical then by using a specialist intermediary supplier – like EEBS!

But is it safe?

As in any industry, not all solution providers are equal. Yes, it is safe to outsource the supply of your subcontractors, provided you take advice from a reputable, audited and compliant supplier (ideally one who has never had their model challenged by HMRC, who are audited by the UK’s leading construction tax specialists and whose compliance is backed by a comprehensive guarantee!).

Or you could just rely on the word of your accountant…

The FlexiWork Quilted Jacket from Snickers Workwear is windproof, waterrepellent and designed to be durable and weatherproof. Like all the manufacturer’s Work Jackets, it’s built to keep the elements at bay and durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of hard day’s work but still delivering the level of breathability and ventilation you need. Pick up this jacket of all trades by entering our ‘Free-for-All’ giveaways.

5 X ROLLER SETS

HAMILTON FOR THE TRADE 9” ROLLER SET

This 5-Piece For the Trade 9”Roller set contains poly blend medium pile roller sleeves for good paint pick-up and a smooth finish on smooth and semi-smooth surfaces. The fabric is heat-fused to the core to prevent any unwinding and the frame has a 5-wire cage. The roller tray is suitable for emulsion, and solvent-based and water-based eggshell paints. We’re on a roll this month with another great round of giveaways and you’ve got to be in it to win it!

SAFETY FOOTWEAR

SOLID GEAR

PRIME GTX

A highperformance blend of ergonomic design, athletic comfort and S3 protection is how Solid Gear describes its Prime GTX Safety Shoe. Available as a shoe or ankle boot style, there’s an E-TPU mid-sole, GORETEX upper with its stretch technology and efficient waterproofing and the locking drawstring BOA Fit System. Step out on site in style with Solid Gear. There’s one pair of these safety shoes up for grabs.

TOE GUARD WATERPROOF SAFETY FOOTWEAR

The new Toe Guard Wild Mid WR is a waterproof, metal free S3 safety boot made of PU coated, rip-stop leather upper. It has a wide fit for optimal comfort plus a reinforced toe area for extra safety.

The boot is designed with minimal seams in critical areas, there’s a waterproof membrane and a lightweight anti-slip rubber outsole.

Two pairs of these Toe Guard Wild Mid WR waterproof, metal free S3 safety boots are up for grabs.

MCR SAFETY OLBA GLOVES

The winner will receive 12 pairs of multipurpose work gloves from Tornado (powered by MCR Safety) for their team.

Olba is lightweight and comfortable with excellent grip and dexterity. It’s highly abrasion-resistant and ideal for building and construction work as well as carpenters, electricians and roofers.

Hands up if you want to be a winner! Make use of our digital reader enquiry service and use the link below for the full entry details.

Our annual industry accolade celebrates the solutions featured across our editorial, advertising and digital platforms. Not only that, but it is your engagement and interaction with Professional Builder’s content across the magazine, website and social media that helps us choose these worthy winners.

The following pages feature the time-saving tools and businessboosting building materials that have made your life on site just that little bit easier – and more profitable. If you missed them first time around then remember to make use of our digital reader enquiry service. Simply enter www.rdr.link/ into your browser – followed by the six-digit code designated to every piece of editorial in the magazine – and you’ll go direct to further information online.

As we have been for the last half century, Professional Builder will be on hand to provide you with all the latest industry information throughout 2023, and we wish all of our readers a prosperous and productive year ahead.

Ito measure for the trades then it is the invention of Phil Hogan. Measure twice and cut once might be the old adage, but even having abided by that time-honoured precaution you can still be at the mercy of the limits of your tape measure. Long lengths or door and window reveals can all prove problematic, but not so with the Gator Tape. Phil first identified a gap in the market when setting up an interior refurbishment company with his wife, as he explains: “As well as painting & decorating, we also specified and installed shutters, blinds and curtains. It was

Phil set up finding a remedy that would measure up. “It became a real voyage of discovery because in finding a solution for a very specific task we found that we’d developed a tool that would be useful for virtually every trade. Like other top reading units it works by measuring from the back of the base plate to the hook of the tape, with the result viewable in the top viewing window. Existing examples only feature a maximum blade width of 19mm, however, whereas ours is 25mm, which provides a far superior stand-out of 2.3m on a 5m blade.”

Not only that the Gator Tape is the only top viewing tape measure with a Class 1 blade, which means it has the highest standard of accuracy available, with an error of no more than +/- 1.1mm over a 10m length.

Continues Phil: “Readings from that hi vis blade can be viewed in millimetres, centimetres and inches and the backplate has been specifically designed so that it will stand up on its own. A powerful snout lock means you can move it around with confidence once you’ve taken a measurement, whilst there’s also a curtain claw available.”

Every year Professional Builder casts its cultivated eye over the highlights of the last twelve months and the result is our Top Product Awards.

TOP PRODUCTS 2022

For more information on each of our winners use the relevant www.rdr.link for more information online

EDITORIAL

Marley SolarTile

Thanks to an unprecedented energy crisis – and homeowners looking for more sustainable ways of living – solar PV has been a hot topic in 2023. Marley SolarTile provides an integrated roof system that fits seamlessly with the design of the roof. Supplied as a complete kit form, it’s easy to install and is compatible with all clay and concrete tiles and slates. www.rdr.link/BAM030

Spetz App

The Spetz App will quickly and easily match property owners with the right tradespeople. More than 10 years in development, it harnesses the power of Artificial Intelligence to connect a homeowner with a service provider within 30 seconds. There’s a high conversion rate, no on-going subscription fee, and a rating system that will help builders win more work. www.rdr.link/BAM031

British Gypsum ThistlePro FastSet Finish

You’ve got time-savings in the bag with British Gypsum’s ThistlePro FastSet Finish. The product has a setting time that’s 50 per cent faster than standard skim finish plaster, whilst it also reduces the need for additives. If you want to find out what other plasterers thought of the new products follow the link to watch a www.rdr.link/BAM032

ARMD

There’s ARMD support against crime with a new platform that’s designed to protect the trades against the damaging effects of tool theft. The app and website combines a free Tool Inventory, easily

accessible insurance, and access to security products. Watch a video that explores the ARMD system here: www.rdr.link/BAM033

Festool TS 60 K Plunge Cut Saw

This German manufacturer’s premier position in plunge cut machines is reaffirmed with the first corded saw to benefit from KickbackStop technology. There’s also 62mm of cutting depth, compatibility with cross cutting guide rails, and it is even possible to saw mitre cuts of 45° in solid panels of up to 40mm. www.rdr.link/BAM034

Reliance Valves MultiSafe Leak Detection System

Protect properties against costly water damage with the Reliance Valves MultiSafe Leak Detection System. It works by identifying leaks early, sending an alert when a leak is detected, and automatically shutting off the water supply. The system also monitors water usage and patterns, identifying potential areas for conservation.  www.rdr.link/BAM035

Buckbootz

bANG guardz

Guard against joining the ranks of the working wounded with Buckbootz. In the bANG guardz dealer boot the stretch area is moved to the front. That then allows for the addition of protection panels at the point of both the inner and outer ankle, as well as a padded collar, and a back heel piece. If you want to watch a video that explains the concept visit: www.rdr.link/BAM036

Plastic Mouldings Northern Jouplast UK

Raising the profile of all types of decking in more ways than one,

Jouplast adjustable decking and paving pedestals allow the user to raise and lower the head by simply rotating the green (decking) nut or the (blue/grey) nut for the paving. As a result the perfect levels can be set on a wide variety of paving projects, as well as wooden and composite decking. www.rdr.link/BAM037

ToughBuilt GelFit Fanatic TB-KP-G3

All-day kneeling ergonomics, comfort and functionality is the promise for these Thigh Support Stabilization Knee Pads. Providing a combination of stability with easy sideto-side movement, the integrated thigh support keeps the knee perfectly centred, and a gel and foam design embraces the natural shape of the knee and upper shin.

www.rdr.link/BAM038

Rockwool UK NyRock

Thermal Insulation Cavity Slab 032 and Thermal Frame Slab 032 will take stone wool insulation to the next level. Part of the Rockwool, NyRock range, the 032 refers to the lambda rating. That means comparatively thinner constructions and the potential for additional interior floor space.

www.rdr.link/BAM039

Made for Trade Korniche Bi Folding Door

Opening new doors on a market that continues to expand, the Made for Trade Korniche Bi Folding Door includes a clever shoot bolt handle with an anti-back drive element. Build options allow sashes up to 1.25m, systems up to 6.5m width and 2.5m height between one and seven sashes, with a range of weatherproof finishes. www.rdr.link/BAM040

Armourflex Hardwax Oil

Take to the floor with Armourflex® Hardwax Oil! This tough, durable and water repellent blend of natural oils and waxes will protect and enhance the durability of all interior wood surfaces including hardwood, softwood, parquet and veneer. It’s dirt & scratch resistant as well as repelling common stains.  www.rdr.link/BAM041

Scruffs

Tried & Tested

The credibility of the Scruffs brand is won through real life testing with tradespeople and skilled professionals in their everyday working environments. Whether it’s the Argon Safety Trainer, Trade Active Polo shirt, or Falcon Safety Glasses, Scruffs has got you covered, with a full range of workwear and safety footwear. www.rdr.link/BAM042

Helly Hansen BRZ

Choose climate regulating comfort with BRZ products from Helly Hansen, combining lightweight fabrics and mechanical ventilation for comfort and versatility. This Norwegian manufacturer has been holding back the elements in its Scandinavian homeland for 140 years and made its reputation in the unforgiving fields of professional sailing and skiing. www.rdr.link/BAM043

Makita XGT

XGT marks the spot for power and portability. There are now over 40 products in the Makita 40V platform

offering the kind of muscle that rivals corded machines. In addition, a built-in programme that provides digital communication between the battery and the tool means they work together for optimum performance.

www.rdr.link/BAM044

Marmox Thermoblock

Marmox Thermoblock is a block of load-bearing, water-impermeable insulation material designed to be placed at the base of a masonry or timber frame wall to address the thermal bridge. Its thermal conductivity is 0.05W/mK which will result in a significant reduction in y values when used at wall to floor junctions. www.rdr.link/BAM045

Estimators Online

Time poor tradespeople can find support in pricing jobs. Estimators Online provides affordable and detailed labour and material estimating services. The team will convert building drawings for extensions, conversions, refurbishments and new build dwellings using in-house developed software and paperless quantification systems. www.rdr.link/BAM046

JCP Vortex Screw

It’s the technical advancements that make Vortex Screws a star turn for the trades. The sharp, wide and deep thread –featuring ‘Saw Fix’ serrated thread technology – enables the screw to power through a wide range of

materials quickly and easily. The recessed double countersunk head increases the strength of the screw beneath the head reducing the likelihood of shearing. www.rdr.link/BAM047

Allur Composite Decking

TOP PRODUCTS 2022 ADVERTISING

For ‘decks’ appeal in outdoor spaces choose Allur composite decking. Unlike the timber alternative the boards are available in range of colour options. There is no need to seal, stain or paint and they won’t rot or warp – and all that’s backed up with a 25-year guarantee. The boards cut and screw like timber, are slip resistant, and include recycled plastic content. www.rdr.link/BAM048

Bond It Contact Adhesive SF

Stick with Bond It for all the latest solutions including Contact Adhesive SF. This water dispersible product is an easy to use, non-flammable, and safer solvent-free formulation. A long working time allows for re-positioning, there’s excellent bond strength, and it will bond a wide range of lightweight materials to vertical surfaces and ceilings. www.rdr.link/BAM049

OB1

Multi-Surface Construction Sealant & Adhesive

Let the force of OB1 be with you. It’s MultiSurface Construction Sealant & Adhesive bonds all metals – even lead. It’s also a solution for plastics, including PVC & GRP, as well as glass, mirror, polystyrene, fibreglass & wood. It works in water, is VOC free, and is resistant to chemicals, weather and fungal growth. www.rdr.link/BAM050

TOP PRODUCTS 2022

PipeSnug

Part L

The news that PipeSnug leads the way in Part L changes achieved the most pageviews of 2022 on the Professional Builder website. It is the only pipe seal that provides an all-in-one solution which meets Part L’s requirement to seal around pipework inside and outside a building, without the need for sealant, mortar or air sealing tape. Later in the year, company founders, Alex Lever and Chris Burdett would also enter the BBC’s Dragons’ Den. www.rdr.link/BAM051

Knauf Insulation Installing Loft Insulation

As bills rise, tradespeople are increasingly being called in to make properties more energy efficient so it’s no surprise Knauf Insulation’s guide

Stelrad

Back to the Future – Where Radiators Fit Into The Plans… Stelrad scored an email newsletter success from our readers with radiators that will perfectly partner renewable heating appliances such as air source heat pumps. It has developed and enlarged its series of K3 radiators, for example – a product with three panels and three fins on a radiator footprint that is scarcely larger than a traditional K2 design. www.rdr.link/BAM056

Cedral

Join Cedral to become a certified installer!

You were keen to find out more about the membership

to loft insulation issues proved a winner with our online audience. The manufacturer explains what you need to know for a successful installation as well as changes to Building Regulations. www.rdr.link/BAM052

Wera Tools Socket Rails

Wera’s new range of magnetic socket rails were a star attraction, drawing the most visitors of any of our Instagram reels in the past twelve months. Professional Builder’s Toolfair was the setting for a video demonstration of these ¼”, 3/8”, and ½” rails. Up to 10 sockets or bit sockets can be secured and the rail can then be easily attached to metal surfaces. www.rdr.link/BAM053

Condensate Pro

With heat pumps one of the hot topics of 2022 our most popular product

launch on Twitter was Condensate Pro’s Primary Pro. This simple and costeffective way to protect the external heating pipework associated with air source heat pump installations consists of bespoke 28mm x 19mm UV-stable and weatherproof insulation and a ‘Bond & Seal’ sealant. www.rdr.link/BAM054

Knipex Pliers Wrench Set

Professional Builder’s Twitter followers were gripped by the Knipex Pliers Wrench set (00 19 55 S6) in the month of May, making it one of our best performing tweets. Now available as a set of three tools, the manufacturer’s Pliers wrenches are suitable for the holding, pressing and bending of workpieces. www.rdr.link/BAM055

benefits of the Cedral Select Installer programme. These include access to the Cedral Select Professional Platform, a listing as a trained installer on the manufacturer’s website, commercial and technical training, as well as access to Cedral branding and events.

www.rdr.link/BAM057

Saint Gobain

Save install time & costs with Celotex Thermaclass Cavity Wall 21

With a low thermal conductivity of 0.021 W/m.K and availability in a range of thicknesses, Celotex

Thermaclass Cavity Wall 21 enables low U-values to be achieved – meaning high levels of thermal performance – whilst keeping overall wall widths to a minimum. www.rdr.link/BAM058

Artex

There’s only one choice for a one coat render Saint-Gobain Weber’s weberpral M is a one coat cementitious and throughcolour monocouche render.

There’s low maintenance, with no further decoration required, and it can be used to create a scraped or roughcast render finish. Weather and algae-resistant, it is available in 25kg bags. www.rdr.link/BAM059

Thompson’s

Bring it on with Thompson’s! Whether you’re laying a new patio, updating a driveway or constructing new walls and dividers, Thompson’s has the right product. Its waterproofing range has been designed to effectively seal and protect brickwork, paving and tarmac from the elements.  www.rdr.link/BAM060

Whether it’s through social media, online or straight to your inbox via our eNewsletters, our digital platforms are the perfect stage to showcase the latest industry solutions

working in winter

YOUR ALLWEATHER FRIEND

This winter, workwear choices

will be as much influenced by sustainability as they are for comfort, practicality and protection. Many tradesmen and women are buying better-quality garments that will last longer because they incorporate recycled fibres in the fabric technology, which reduces environmental waste.

In fact, it’s becoming more widely recognised that cheap, throwaway working clothes are contributing to our environmental concerns while garments made from sustainable Preferred Fibres deliver high levels of durability and comfort. They’re good value, hardwearing products with a long product lifetime, which is key to reducing waste.

Dressing for the weather –and the environment

If you’re freezing cold, you’re not going to be working as efficiently and comfortably as you could. That’s why wearing layers is the best way to regulate your body temperature when you’re working in unpredictable or generally inclement weather conditions. That’s why a 3-layer workwear system – Base-layers, Midlayers and Outer-layers will keep you warm and comfortable by transporting moisture away from your skin, insulating your body, and protecting you from cold, wet and windy weather.

through the layer that’s closest to your skin – the Base-layer.

Base-layers

These first-layer undergarments, including socks are vital for staying dry and ventilated and the types you wear should ‘wick’ – transport – moisture away from your skin. The range of Base-layer clothes from Snickers Workwear have seamless comfort and a great ergonomic fit, but different garments fabrics such as those with ‘37.5® technology’ provide different levels of ventilation and warmth depending on how active you are while working and the weather conditions you’re working in.

Layering

from head to toe Whether it’s hot or cold, the solution to effective layering is making sure you stay dry, even when you’re working up a sweat and the best way to do just that is

For instance, during the colder months of the year, Merino wool is a natural and durable Base-layer choice. While it can absorb around 5% of its own weight in moisture, this type of wool has the added benefit of being naturally odour resistant –and it’s environmentally friendly.

Peter Dumigan, Managing Director of the Hultafors Group UK, which owns Snickers Workwear, Hultafors Tools, Solid Gear and Toe Guard safety footwear explains how you can sustainably suit up for the colder months

Mid-layers

If your job involves moving back and forth, indoors and outside, or you find yourself constantly switching back and forth between physical and stationary tasks in colder conditions, then it’s worth paying particular attention to your choice of Mid-layer clothing.

Your second – middle – layer is designed for warmth and insulation and to complement your base-layers. If it’s ergonomically designed for a bodymapping fit, it should trap your body heat in a pocket of warm air around you. That means your Mid-layer needs to fit well, without being too tight or loose. Ideally, it will be made from a knitted, quilted, fleece, or microfleece materials that provide an airy yet

comfortable enclosure.

However, if your work is physically demanding, ventilating your body is vital and this is where garment functionality comes in. You’ll need ‘hybrid’ garments that provide insulation combined with ventilation and multiple functionality features like Snickers Workwear’s fleeces,

which complement the garments’ overall technical functionality. Snickers Workwear’s Work Jackets are built to be weatherproof enough to keep the elements at bay, and durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of hard day’s work but still delivering the level of breathability and ventilation you need.

Waterproof or water-repellent?

“How wet are you likely to get on site?” asks Peter, and “how long will you be exposed to the wet weather – minutes or hours? For longer exposure, or if you need 100% protection on site in the rain, look for our GORE-TEX jackets. These highly technical garments are extremely durable with a membrane that has over 1.4 billion pores per square cm. They’re waterproof to keep you dry, windproof to keep you warm, and breathable to keep you comfortable all day long”.

For quick and reliable protection when it’s raining or if your work is less active, choose our PU garments which, along with our other rainwear clothing have EN 343 certification for Protection against Foul Weather. This accreditation validates the garment’s performance in the rain through independent testing.

Breathability

Outer-layers

If you have to work outside in cold, wet, or windy weather for long periods, work will get even harder. That’s when you’ll definitely want to protect yourself from the elements with your own protective shell –the third weatherproof Outer-layer.

Your third layer needs to deliver effective wind and water protection to keep you warm, dry and to ensure the effectiveness of the two inner layers. And as with both Base- and Mid-layers, you’ll want to avoid getting too warm – so insultation combined with ventilation features in your outer garments are absolutely vital.

That means that you need jackets designed to be durable and weatherproof

Also, choose clothes with good climate control that transports sweat away from the skin, and make it a habit to check the breathability features of the garments you buy. Breathability comes in two ways. Either the breathability of the fabric itself, such as our 37.5® technology sports fabric, or built-in ventilation functionality such as zippers or meshed fabric areas at the sides and back of the garments.

Finally, whatever the winter weather may do to dampen your spirits, by making a conscious buying choice in the right workwear, you can work effectively and comfortably all day long – and reduce your own carbon footprint.

Working in dark or confined spaces is a necessity for every builder, and it becomes that little bit harder in the winter months when brighter, natural light is less abundant. On top of that, the shorter days mean a reduction in working hours and extra days needed to complete a job, which, of course, is no good for anyone’s margin. And, of course, darker environments are not the friend of health and safety, no matter how careful you think you are.

But that can all be countered with the help of effective lighting, and what many don’t consider is that the source of light is just as important as the tools being used on the job – if not more so. Whether it’s an inspection light, head torch, tripod, or hand-held portable work light, there’s more for builders to consider than just having a reliable light source, and it can be the difference in making the right join in low light environments, or simply

BRIGHT IDEAS

things that need to be accounted for. If it’s outside, does it impact neighbours or passing motorists with the direction the light is pointing? Can the site entrance be navigated properly?

If it’s inside a build or a renovation, can the team see and use their tools properly and are the surfaces lit effectively? Are trip hazards illuminated and are stairs or differing step levels all highlighted? Do any of the lighting set-ups have the ability to dazzle the team as they’re walking with materials or tools? Can the light be used effectively in darker more confined spaces? Do the team need to see reflective colour correctly in darker spaces?

With all that in mind, the choice, power, positioning, mounting, and colour reflection, may be equally important

Paul Pugh, Head of Marketing at C.K Tools, explains why light choice and quality of light is paramount in dark and confined spaces

depending on the job to be done and environment. And if working where the mains power supply is yet to be connected or is not safe, noise suppressing generators can also be utilised to ensure both the team and any neighbouring houses aren’t left with ringing in the ear at the end of each shift.

As a builder, both hands will more often than not be in use unless inspecting finishes. But with less natural light available, portable lighting may also throw up unwanted shadows if placed incorrectly or can’t be raised. This is where head torches can be invaluable; not only do they provide an always-on light source for workers, but they will always illuminate where the user is looking so both hazards and the focus of the job should be lit properly. What’s more head torches can offer differing modes, from spotlight to wide field, providing more versatility for the job in hand.

Colour reflection

Let’s take the colour reflection of a light as another example, as it’s not often considered. Artificial light sources are designed to reproduce the colours of natural daylight and therefore make objects appear the same colour. However, their ability to do so differs drastically. For example, an LED lamp and natural daylight might have the same colour temperature but depict an object in different colour tones because their spectral composition (the wavelengths of colour and their density coming from the light source) are different. This may be important when

working with colour coded items, such as bags of different floor levelling compositions, where red may be confused as purple. So, a light’s performance on the Colour Rendering Index (CRI), which measures and compares the reflected colour of an object under artificial lighting, should be considered.

Working with our panel of trade professionals to find the right solutions for on-the-job problems, we’ve developed C.K Tools’ new USB Re-chargeable Wide

of 80 – this means it’s like using a 40w LED bulb, with similar colour temperature to natural light and a strong ability to correctly reflect the actual colour of the object it’s being shone on. And with four modes of operation – spotlight, wide field, full beam, and dipped beam – that can be changed with a quick touch of a button, it provides the versatility needed to suit all manner of environments builders find themselves in. For extra portability, the headlight is charged via USB, with six hours of runtime, three hours of charge time, and a charging indicator. To withstand the variety of environments and spaces it will be used in, the headlight also comes with an IK-07 impact rating and IP-54 ingress protection from limited dust and water spray, for extra durability.

It’s often the case that the cost of hiring different lighting will be offset by the profit margin made in a faster job because the typical working hours have been maintained. With all this in mind, builders need to be thinking that the lights they illuminate their jobs with, are just as important as the lights that will eventually illuminate they’re finished build.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAM064

‘HI’

FRIENDS IN PLACES

Since its founding in Norway in 1877, Helly Hansen has focused on innovation, drawing on the insight and experience of professionals to create high-quality, durable and performance-driven gear that can withstand even the toughest of environments. Ready for the winter months, the workwear specialist is introducing is latest innovation within the hi-vis category, delivering maximum visibility, protection and comfort with the new UC-ME collection.

Helly Hansen and its team of designers and developers have been working on the new UC-ME concept for the past two years, with the aim of launching a diverse collection of styles, ranging from more traditional polycotton products to highly technical garments featuring HELLY TECH waterproof/breathable technology. The result is a complete assortment of hi-vis products that can meet the needs of a variety of working professionals, no matter what environment they work in.

The lightweight VizLite Dual Technology phosphorescent tape contains photo luminescent crystals, which absorb UV energy, and microscopic glass beads that act as light reflectors, ensuring the wearer can be seen in low or zero light environments. The phosphorescent tape can be charged within ten minutes of exposure to natural or artificial light, and by absorbing UV energy, there are no cables or batteries needed, making the products durable and long-lasting.

In addition to providing visibility and safety, each UC-ME style within the polycotton range features a lightweight –yet durable – 2-way stretch fabric, offering optimal comfort for long days on the job. The fabric can be washed at 60˚C and is optimised for harsh working conditions. The new polycotton products include a jacket as well as construction,

work and service pants.

The collection also includes a variety of weather-protective styles, including insulated winter-specific products, each constructed with the brand’s HELLY TECH technology. All of these styles guarantee 10,000mm in waterproof/breathability, delivering professional grade protection and comfort even in extremely wet environments and high activity levels. With a focus on being more sustainable, they’re made with a PFC-free durable water repellent treatment. The winter products are also designed with the environment in mind, using PrimaLoft Black Eco insulation, which is made from 100% recycled polyester. The insulation also provides an optimised warmth-toweight ratio, providing added warmth during the colder days without feeling weighed down. The weatherproof UC-ME styles include a winter jacket, pant and suit as well as an insulator, and a shell jacket and pant.

“With the new UC-ME concept, we wanted to focus not only on bringing innovation to the forefront, but also on offering a complete range of styles that

Helly Hansen Workwear introduces its UC-ME Collection

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT

About Helly Hansen

Through insights drawn from living and working in the world’s harshest environments, Helly Hansen has developed a long list of first-tomarket innovations, including the first supple waterproof fabrics more than 140 years ago. Other breakthroughs include the first fleece fabrics in the 1960s, the first technical base layers in the 1970s, made with LIFA Stay Dry Technology, and today’s awardwinning and patented H2Flow™ temperature regulating system.

A leader in technical sailing and performance ski apparel, as well as premium workwear, its uniforms are worn and trusted by more than 55,000 professionals and can be found on Olympians, national teams, and at more than 200 ski resorts and mountain guiding operations around

our consumers can rely on no matter what conditions they work in,” said Andreas Pohl-Larsen, Product Director, Helly Hansen Workwear. “We’ve been working on this concept for the last two years,

and we’re proud to be introducing this next level of hi-vis innovation to market this fall/winter season.”

‘TIS THE SEASON

Form-fitting base layers

Achange in season means a change in our attire and that’s never more important than in winter, but that can often mean layering in non-breathable clothing, making it hard to move and undertake daily tasks. Mascot provides solutions that fit your needs during this cold season and has a large selection of weather-protective winter wear in the form of winter jackets, winter trousers and insulating underwear. All products are hardwearing, functional, and comfortable, ensuring the wearer has freedom of movement while staying warm.

Lightweight protective jackets

Winter jackets are essential this time of year and Mascot provides a wide assortment of functional and durable winter jackets of high quality. Its winter jackets are tested to work and benefit from windproof, water-repellent, and breathable properties.

CLIMASCOT® in various Mascot winter jackets is an excellent insulating, breathable material. At the same time, it makes the jackets feel light to wear, and ensures that you can get rid of excess heat, so you don’t get wet and then cold during the day. The fact that the material takes up very little space when compressed, means you can easily fold up your jacket and tuck it into your bag when on the go. Secondly, the lining’s lightweight nature means that it will not restrict your movement while you work. Additionally, MASCOTEX®, which can also be found in some winter jackets, ensures they remain 100% waterproof.

This winter season, the Mascot Advanced range is an excellent choice for those seeking a jacket that stretches with movement and has exceptional durability. The range is suitable for both men and women and provides wearers with six jacket designs to choose from, depending on your needs. With CLIMASCOT insulation, windproof, waterproof, and breathable functionality, the 17035-411 winter jacket is the perfect option for the cold season.

For extra winter protection, look no further than Mascot underwear for all your moisture absorption and insulating needs. You can choose from a range of shirts, trousers, and boxer shorts depending on your needs.

The “all-round lightweight underwear” (19781-794, 19899-794, 19882-794, 19881794) is moisture absorbing and insulating, so the whole body stays dry and warm no matter what the activity level. The fabric contains polypropylene fibres, which minimise odours in the product. The product is washable at 60˚C and is quick-drying.

Mascot has the range to keep you protected and comfortable

Functional & comfortable trouser designs

Much like Mascot’s winter jackets, the winter trousers are also available in breathable, windproof, and waterproof materials, so you stay warm and dry throughout the working day. With a range of designs to choose from, you’ll be able to find trousers that suit not only your style, but your functional needs as well. There’s trousers with hammer loops and ruler pockets to ensure you have your tools close at hand, for instance. The trousers are also equipped with extended backs, which give both warmth and support at the lower back when working in different positions, ensuring the heat does not escape while you move around.

Mascot’s strength as a brand is its endless possible combinations across the ranges, which allows you to find the

Trousers come in many different fabrics, for example, and each has its own unique properties to suit your job

maximum stretch to ensure comfort. They also have practical front, back and thigh holster pockets made from CORDURA that can easily be zipped off when not in use, if they need to be emptied, or if the trousers need to be washed.

One must for workwear trouser comfort is having kneepads that do the job, even in the face of a long day. The stretch kneepad pockets are made with a combination of CORDURA, Kevlar and the exceptionally durable fibre, Dyneema, which makes the trousers very hard-wearing. The kneepad pockets are also adjustable for optimal position on your knees. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON MASCOT ADVANCED TROUSERS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAM068 TO WATCH A VIDEO ON MASCOT

RAIN CHECK

As the harsh weather hits, much of the trade’s focus moves from improvement to repair. Few people’s idea of fun – having a good selection of waterproofing and repair products in the back of your van can at least ease the pain, helping you get the job done as quickly as possible and achieving a longlasting result.

Whether it’s external walls exposed to hard driving rain, or low garden walls susceptible to water penetration or freezethaw damage, there are water seal products available that can be brushed or rollered on to brickwork, concrete or stone to provide long-lasting waterproof protection. Water-based alkyl polysiloxane resins, such as Thompson’s One Coat Water Seal, offer the benefit of being just that – just one coat is required, which can be applied to damp surfaces to offer protection against rain damage within hours. Just always make sure the entire surface has been coated and no small patches have been missed – and job done.

For roofing repairs, it pays to understand the most suitable product for your needs. Acrylic resins are great to fill and bridge small gaps and holes, as they can be applied directly to damp surfaces, flex with the natural movement of the roof and protect against UV damage. Look for products with a high-solids formulation –and for a solution for all weathers, make sure to choose products that can be applied in the wet and work immediately, such as Thompson’s Emergency Roof Seal, which is ideal for small repairs on all roofing types including felt, asphalt, slate

and tiles. Simply brush away any ponded water from the area of repair and apply a thick layer of the coating.

Emergency Roof Repair

If you’re faced with deeper cracks, compounds with a very high viscosity, high-solids formulation work best – and look for those with specially selected ingredients that repel water. Products such as Thompson’s Emergency Roof Repair Mastic can fill and bridge gaps, drying immediately to leave a watertight repair, even in heavy rain or under ponding water. A trowel or pallet knife is needed to work the mastic and for larger cracks and voids use a scrim bandage to reinforce the repair.

prepare

quickly –particularly

areas. Thompson’s Emergency Instant Repair Aerosol is a great example. It can be applied to damp surfaces and is effective immediately. A scrim bandage is also included for deeper cracks and repairs.

Of course, ‘emergency’ repair products are for just that –and should only be seen as a temporary measure. More permanent repairs should be completed within a month of initial application. Seek out flexible products that can move with the natural movement of the roof – and resistance to UV rays is also important. For this, Thompson’s 10 Year Roof Seal is definitely worth a look. Its combination of acrylic polymers, fillers and pigments outperforms standard bitumen paint and the fast-acting formula is rainproof in just six hours.

Last year, research by Aviva found that 6.4 million homes experienced damage from extreme winter conditions, with the most common damage to roofs. Having the right products to hand makes it easier to ‘pop’ to do those quick repairs, helping your customer in their time of need – and adding more profit to your bottom line.

leaking gutters and downpipes

any hard-to-reach

Chris Fletcher, Technical Services Chemist

at Thompson’s,

takes us through some useful products designed to reduce the effects of rain damage this winter.

THE ICE VAN COMETH

Check your lights

Is your van ready for winter? The cold weather will put a lot of additional stress on your vehicle and could result in a breakdown that could cost you thousands in repairs and lost business.

Inspect the antifreeze

Antifreeze is vital for the health of your van’s engine. It prevents the water from freezing and also raises the coolant’s boiling temperature, which prevents the engine from overheating.

Replacement intervals for antifreeze range from three to four years, but the owner’s manual for your van will confirm this as it very much depends on the model of the van and the size of its engine. If you are unsure when your coolant was last changed, ask your local garage to test the strength of the fluid as the properties of the antifreeze will deteriorate over time.

Check the battery

The 12v battery in your van has a lifespan of five to six years. Some batteries will last much longer than this, but their ability to generate and hold a charge will diminish over time and this increases the risk of a breakdown over the winter months (with the cold weather putting additional strain on the battery).

If your van is struggling to start in the mornings or the battery warning symbol is illuminated on the dashboard then the 12v battery may need to be replaced. Poor headlight strength is another sign of a worn-out battery and shouldn’t be ignored.

Clean the windscreen and wipers regularly

It’s important for van drivers to see and be seen during the dark, winter months. Get into the habit of cleaning your van’s headlights and taillights every two weeks with a damp cloth as road dirt and salt will obscure the light housings and make your vehicle more difficult to see at night.

Clean the windscreen wipers every two weeks, too, as dirt and road salt will quickly build up. And clean the interior of the windscreen with a good quality glass cleaner and wipe dry with a microfibre cloth –as a clean screen will demist quicker than one covered in dirt and dusty fingermarks.

If you’ve ever been driving along at night and found yourself with a light out, then you’ll know how important lights are –both to see and be seen by other road users. Make sure your lights work on all settings (parking, dipped and main beam). You can also point your van at a garage door when it’s dark and check that the beams are not too high or low, and that they are correctly aligned.

Check the taillights operate as they should and test the brake lights by reversing against a wall or garage door and checking the reflections. And don’t forget to test your van’s foglights and indicators.

Inspect the tyres

As a general rule, you should check your van’s tyres every two weeks and before a long journey. And these inspections are even more important in the winter months, with poorly inflated or heavily worn tyres making driving extremely hazardous in wet or icy conditions.

The correct tyre pressures will be listed in the owner’s manual and/or on a plate inside the driver’s door frame. Check the sidewalls for signs of damage (bulges or tears) and inspect the tread depth. By law, you must have 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre.

Sarah Tooze, Consumer Editor at online van marketplace, DesperateSeller reveals her top 5 winter checklist for builders.

working in winter

HEATED JACKET

It’s the five heating zones in the Makita DCJ205 heated jacket that provides continuous warmth in the chest and back areas, whilst there’s also three heat level settings. The fully charged 18V LXT battery will last seven hours on the highest setting, 11 hours on medium, and 29 hours on low. The polyester outer lining is waterproof and windproof and there’s an inner fleece lining.

TOTECTORS

Totectors has been synonymous with safety footwear since 1944, providing the original safety toe boots worn by military, industrial and construction personnel across the world. 75 years on Totectors is challenging the status quo – gone are the heavy, bulky, old-school styles, replaced with sleek, lightweight styles. The Denton AT collection features 200J aluminium toe cap, durable leather upper, SRC slip resistant outsole and is certified to EN ISO 20345:2011 S1 P CI HI HRO SRC UKCA.

SUSTAINABLE HI-VIS

The latest additions to the Snickers Workwear Hi-Vis portfolio are the new Class 1 and 2 Hi-Vis Stretch Work Trousers made from Sorona sustainable performance fibre. This recyclable, biobased material offers softness for maximum comfort as well as durability and long-lasting elasticity. Sorona is also quick-drying and breathable.

STEEL BLUE SLATE BOOTS

Steel Blue has unveiled a bold new boot release — the Southern Cross Zip Slate. Currently available in Sand and Black, the new Slate boot incorporates all the technology and fit — including an industrial grade zipper and a high level of comfort — from the current Southern Cross Zip design. The full product portfolio includes a wide range of Men’s and Ladies boots, all with a 30-day 100% comfort guarantee and

ACROSS THE BOARD

Plasterboard jobs can require a variety of prep work, which is why Toupret offers a time-saving, versatile solution in its Joint, Skim & Fill range. Freddie Walton, Toupret’s Product Marketing Manager, answers frequently asked questions

QWhat is Joint, Skim & Fill?

Freddie Walton (FW) Joint, Skim & Fill is a range of products specially developed for plasterboard jointing and skimming as well as filling, meaning you have a complete solution for all your plasterboard jobs. It’s divided into two categories, to help you distinguish between the two types of uses.

First, there are the jointing and skimming products, which come in three types: our two Joint, Skim & Fill powder products, of which there’s a quick dry version that’s ready to paint in 3 hours, and the ready mixed Joint & Skim. All of these are designed to tape and joint plasterboard, and they provide a superior quality, one-coat skim, with a very fine finish that’s easy to sand. They can also be used for covering previously painted substrates, interior cements, concrete and masonry.

The second part of the range is the Patch & Repair Fillers, which have been designed for snagging jobs – filling cracks, holes, scratches, for example, and come in two versions – as a quick dry powder option, or ready to use.

Q How can you skim and fill with just one product?

FW It’s all down to the water to powder mixing ratios. Filling requires a thicker

consistency and, therefore, less water but if you are skimming you will achieve a smoother glide and better finish with a looser mix. Different products and brands can have really different mixing ratios. You can find the mixing ratios you need on the back of pack or check out our YouTube channel for a simple how-to guide. And there’s one golden rule with any filler mixing: always add powder to water, not the other way round. This is

important to achieve the creamiest, lumpfree consistency.

Q How does it save me time?

FW Several features have been designed into the range to help save time, allowing you to move on to your next job faster. Firstly, the skimming products can achieve a high-quality finish in just one coat, so you can move straight on to

to help you make the most of each product and achieve better results, faster.

painting once its dry, rather than having to take the time to apply a second coat and wait for that to dry as well.

The powder products also have an open time of 40 minutes, as opposed to roughly 15 minutes with plaster, meaning you can mix up a larger batch that will take you further, without worrying that you’ll need to make up several smaller batches throughout your job. Or better still, the ready mixed Joint & Skim has an unlimited working time.

Drying time is also a huge benefit: the products are ready to paint in 12 hours or, in the case of Joint, Skim & Fill Quick Dry and Patch & Repair Quick Dry, just three hours. In addition, the powder products in the range can be filled to any depth, without shrinking, so you can get the job completed to a high standard in just one go. This also means you won’t need to return to your work later for any touch-ups.

QFast, yes, but what about quality?

FW At Toupret, we’re proud of our reputation for quality among professionals. We design all of our products with the user in mind, constantly thinking of new ways to improve the fill and finish, based on our close understanding of the professional’s needs, and providing solutions to common frustrations.

The Joint, Skim & Fill range is no exception to this rule. It’s why it’s easy to apply and achieves a brilliant white finish, giving you a fully prepared surface, that’s ready for painting. Professionals already familiar with Toupret will know that, unlike other fillers, ours can be directly overcoated, with no priming required; no need for a mist coat or time-consuming application of PVA.

In fact, we actually advise against using PVA as all our products are moisture vapour permeable, providing a degree of breathability. A layer of PVA creates a barrier which prevents the breathable properties from working.

All Joint, Skim & Fill products are also really easy to sand and feather, and we recommend using a higher-grade sandpaper (120 or above). They can be overcoated with any of our other fillers as well as any other conventional paint or

wall covering without flashing or grinning.

Versus the next competitor, our blind product test showed conclusively that Toupret was preferred by 97% of respondents*:

• it was smoother in the mix and went on easily

• it did not shrink or slump

• it dried more quickly

• it was easy to sand

Our jointing fillers are all UKCA certified for jointing (BS EN 13963).

FW The Joint, Skim & Fill range is available at all major decorators and

TOP TIP: Need to know how much product you need? Use our skimming calculator! Simply download our app and select the calculator. Pop in the surface area that needs to be covered (m²), select the product you’ll be using, and hit calculate!

builders’ merchants throughout the country. And there’s a wealth of information, including technical data, safety information, hints and tips available on Toupret’s website, YouTube channel and Toupret Pro mobile app, where you can also find your nearest stockists, compare products and much more.

*Independent study conducted in July 2018 of 36 tradespeople (painters and decorators, and general builders) of EasiFill 60 versus Toupret Joint, Skim & Fill.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON TOUPRET JOINT, SKIM AND FILL

VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAM076

QWhere can I buy it and where can I find out more?

THE FUTURE OF COLOUR

As far as a decorator is concerned, it doesn’t matter how good a paint is in terms of performance if it’s not available in a colour the client wants. That’s why AkzoNobel, the huge global conglomerate of which Dulux is a part, invests so much of its time and resources into the subject. For the past two decades that has included the Dulux Colour of the Year, one element of the manufacturer’s wider ColourFutures™ initiative, where global issues, and trends in design, are translated into particular palettes for the year ahead.

“Because ColourFutures™ has been in existence for twenty years, we’ve able to identify the relationship between the way people are living their lives, the big issues of the day, and the colours they are using to decorate their homes,” Marianne Shillingford reveals. “It makes us better at predicting trends for the future, and giving our customers what they want.”

“What we’ve noticed in recent years is the popularity of colours inspired by nature and that has been reflected in the Colour of the Year choice for 2023. In uncertain times we instinctively seek solace in a soothing and familiar natural world. That’s why we’ve characterised the mood of the moment as ‘Seeds of Wonder’. It conveys how nature can provide the answers to how we organise our lives. At the same time our relationship with nature is changing, with ways of living that respect our environment more mainstream than they’ve ever been. It is that message of hope that Wild Wonder, the Dulux Colour of the Year for 2023 seeks to convey.”

Reminiscent of the green/gold of ripening corn, it is a colour that exhibits metameric qualities, where its appearance

changes in different light. That makes it an incredibly versatile shade that will find its place in heritage settings as well as in living rooms – where the natural light will often change at different times of the day – or in kitchens and dining rooms.

So just how does Dulux arrive at these insights? Every year, Akzo Nobel assembles a panel of experts from 26 countries, spanning a diverse range of disciplines, to a three-day workshop. It is

here that they explore the relationship between the big issues of the day and interior décor, with the findings translated it into a Colour of the Year and four supporting palettes.

Colour palettes

This year, the panel organised its deliberations into four main themes – a focus on mental health, collective thinking, bio-inspiration, and the cycles of life. These preoccupations have been communicated in colour through four palettes – Lush, Buzz, Raw and Flow.

The first of these, Lush is intended to promote balance through beautiful forest hues that are inspired by the plant-filled habitats of gardens and woodlands. Buzz colours are the upbeat tones of pinks and ochres that capture the biodiversity of a wildflower field or grassland. Raw consists of the harvest shades that mimic nature’s raw materials and Flow is based around warm neutrals and deeper seashore tones that bring a sense of fluidity and momentum.

“We know that immersing ourselves in nature can have a positive impact on our well-being and that’s something we can

The Dulux Colour of the Year is a reflection of prevailing trends, issues and moods.

Professional Builder’s Lee Jones talks to the manufacturer’s Creative Director, Marianne Shillingford, about the choice for 2023.

bring into our homes,” continues Marianne. “Some of Dulux’s best-selling ranges, such as Diamond and Easycare are already inspired by nature at a technical level. These paints utilise biomimicry, for example, where the surface mirrors a Lotus Leaf construction in repelling water and dirt, so employing the healing power of nature through colour is a natural extension of a growing trend.”

Creative process

Dulux wants to encourage decorators to think about how these colours can be used creatively, as well as communicating their potential to their own clients. It’s about building confidence with colour – by using masking tape techniques to create stripes and bands, for instance. Painted ceilings are now in vogue and are an opportunity to mix and combine colours from these palettes. Certain shades will lend themselves to particular rooms, and there is a vast library of Dulux imagery available to help make those decisions. All of the considerable resources that Dulux

supplies, including its Academy courses, allows tradespeople to differentiate themselves from their competition by offering a level of colour expertise.

“We want painters and decorators to have conversations with homeowners about how they want to use a particular

space,” concludes Marianne. “It’s that that will lead to successful colour choices and ultimately a satisfied customer.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE DULUX COLOUR OF THE YEAR VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAM077

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME!

first observed the importance of nature in the home in the 1980s when he commented that: “increasing rates of urbanisation were leading to a disconnection with the natural world.” He coined the phrase biophilia and it’s wellknown today that plants are good for us: they help reduce pollutants and improve the air quality within a home. MIND UK advises that spending time in green spaces or around nature can improve a person’s mood and, as Sophie Smith of online paint brand Zhoosh Paints points out, soothing colours like earthy greens and blues can evoke a real feeling of calm.

Patterns

Creating a bespoke pattern with paint is hugely popular. Geometric shapes in particular work really well and are easy for professionals and amateurs to create. Art + Believe are testament to this. The artists are world-famous for their bold, colourful designs and use of straight lines – they create vibrant geometric designs on buildings, floors and in public spaces. One of their most famous works is Alexandra Palace: as part of its recent

Working with professional and amateur decorators, leading paint brands and fellow decorating suppliers, it’s fascinating for us here at Shurtape to see how paint colours and effects develop year on year.

Never just the side story to wallpaper or a simple backdrop, paint actually delivers a range of dynamic and exciting effects. Our own FrogTape is one of UK’s leading painter’s tapes, so we already know a thing or two about paint effects and how the right colours, patterns and textures can add depth and creativity to a room. It’s something we are seeing more and more of: a quick scroll on social

media alone shows this. There are almost 13million Instagram posts with the #homedecoration hashtag, as amateurs and professionals alike seek to learn, investigate and inspire, with new tricks and trends coming along almost daily. Here are some of our favourites.

Mindful colours

Research carried out by Swyft Home earlier this year revealed that green, grey and navy are currently the most popular colours in the home. While versatile grey has been popular for some time, the increasing use of greens and blues can help interiors reflect and embrace a feeling of nature.

American biologist Edward O Wilson

Jason Burns of Shurtape looks at how paint can add colour, shape and texture to a space – and how consumer trends can be harnessed by the trade.

restoration work, they were commissioned to create a 1,200sqm piece of floor art in the East Court of the venue. The handpainted result is stunning and fills the expanse of the east court floor over four spaces. They used FrogTape to create their clean lines, which were even digitally reproduced on the main stage at Zurich Outdoor Festival this Summer. The key with stripes and shapes is to measure carefully, draw the lines in lightly with pencil and place the FrogTape on the outside of the line so that the paint will cover it.

Textures

While stripes and geometric patterns can be created with different colours, as illustrated by Art + Believe, they can also be created with different finishes. Smith of Zhoosh comments: “You don’t have to go contrasting colours. You could do contrasting finishes – use eggshell and matt paint in the same colour, which gives a fantastic effect as the light hits it, and the different paints provide stripes of shine and depth.” This is a great way to create texture on a wall without actually impacting on the space.

Unique feature walls

Of course, it’s not just blocks or stripes. Professional decorators are seeing the rise in all sorts of feature walls, as decorator Alex Holt comments: “The design can be unique. We work closely with our customers to create something truly bespoke – in children’s bedrooms, for example, a mountain shape or seascape might be the brief.” Creativity can really flourish with paint, making something that caters for individual tastes.

At Shurtape, we love to nurture all these trends. We launched in the UK over a decade ago, bringing our US tape brand from a standing start to being a market leader in masking tapes, thanks in part to our unique PaintBlock technology. Following extensive research, we have since extended the range to include Multi Surface, Delicate Surface and Gloss & Satin products.

We’re delighted to work alongside paint providers, decorating tool distributors and, of course, retailers and merchants, to continue to educate and help creativity flourish.

Long may these trends continue!

ALL PROS. NO CONS

Sealants and adhesives, like many other products used by trade professionals, continue to evolve.

Thankfully, staying ahead of the curve doesn’t have to be difficult. Bond It outlines the latest innovations.

Futureproofing? It’s a concept most of us associate with tech but not so much with building chemicals. Arguably though, we should.

After all, this product category continues to be fast moving, seeing new development after new development driven, in part, by changes in legislation, shifts in consumer demands and advances in technology.

Bond It is amongst the companies leading the charge.

As one of the UK’s largest, independent manufacturers of sealants and adhesives, the business continues to draw on its established infrastructure and 20+ years of experience to help pioneer solutions to tomorrow’s building challenges, today.

Non-stop innovation

Bond It was at the forefront in developing the latest generation of hybrid polymer sealants and adhesives, but it hasn’t been content for its focus on innovation to end there.

“Hybrids offer trade users the best of both worlds” explains Bond It’s Marketing Manager, Kirstie Cooper. “These products combine the benefits of silicone and polyurethane sealants with none of either material’s associated drawbacks.”

Like a silicone sealant, hybrid polymer products are non-bubbling, fast curing, can be applied at low temperatures and offer good UV resistance. Like a polyurethane sealant, they are tear resistant, do not pick up dirt and can be easily painted, even

with water-based paints.

Another major benefit to the latest generation of hybrid sealants and adhesives is the fact they pose less risk both to people and the planet.

A winning formulation

“Health and safety, and sustainability are important priorities for the majority of construction-focused businesses –and rightly so,” comments Kirstie. “Products like our Pro range of hybrid sealants and adhesives tick boxes in both areas by virtue of their formulation.”

This range is free from isocyanates, which can cause serious respiratory issues such as asthma, and from phthalates – a group of widely used plasticisers which may contribute to health conditions including low birthweight, endometriosis, decreased

testosterone, ADHD, Type 2 diabetes, and breast/uterine cancer.

In addition, Bond It’s Pro range is solvent-free. The risks to human health of solvents are well documented. Many solvents are also volatile, combustible and flammable. This means additional measures and care must be taken during their use.

The same properties that make all these chemical groups harmful to humans also makes them toxic to other living organisms and to the wider environment.

Perhaps unsurprisingly then, there are growing regulations and restrictions around their use.

Switching to hybrid sealants and adhesives now may enable trade users to avoid future, restrictive, legal red tape and even to pre-empt any eventual outright ban.

An easier choice

Being safer to work also make hybrid sealants and adhesives easier to use.

point of the view, the cutting-edge formulation of hybrid products like Bond

It’s Pro range offers several distinct advantages. They will adhere to most surfaces, even when those surfaces are damp, they can be used for interior and exterior applications, and they are easy to tool and finish.

seal without leaving behind the lingering and often overpowering smell of solventbased products for the homeowner.”

Concluding, Kirstie adds: “Modern, hybrid sealants and adhesives are products with possibilities. They can deliver benefits at every stage and in an increasingly broad spectrum of ways. Plus, they will continue to advance as manufacturers like Bond It explore new technologies - and new ways of adding value.”

“Modern hybrid sealants and adhesives are products with possibilities”

painting, decorating, sealants & adhesives

WATER-MIX LEVELLING COMPOUND

COMMUNITY PROJECT

A Community Centre in Perthcelyn has had an extensive makeover thanks to a donation from Crown Paints. The manufacturer supplied 150 litres of paint from its Clean Extreme range, which – thanks to its long-lasting finish and durability – is ideal for use in high traffic, well used areas.

To read this case study in full use our digital reader enquiry service:

GRAB ADHESIVE

A low VOC hybrid version of Sika Everbuild’s Pinkgrip grab adhesive is now available. Pinkgrip MS benefits from hybrid polymer technology and is ideally suited for use where solvent limits are a requirement of the site. The same manufacturer’s Stixall adhesive and sealant is also now supplied in sustainable packaging.

A high-performance, fast-setting, fastdrying, water-mix solution is how Setcrete describes its Level-Smart floor levelling compound. This time-saving option can be applied over old adhesive residues, including bitumen, carpet tile tackifiers and ceramic tile adhesives, eliminating the need for mechanical removal, with no need to prime beforehand.

GRAPHENE PAINT

It’s the combination of minerals like lime and silicate – together with 21stcentury Graphene technology – that makes Graphenstone UK the more environmentally friendly choice. Ambient Pro +, for example, is a natural limebased formulation that absorbs CO2 (during the curing phase), helping to purify the air (removing toxins such as NOx and SOx).

Save time, make money all year with the reliable, easy to use and clean, pneumatically powered, vibration free Pnu-Point pointing tool. sales@pnupoint.co.uk

Any professional who has used a plunge saw will probably be familiar with a guide rail system, as the two are often supplied as a package. However, guide rails are a very versatile piece of equipment that is worth having in your kit and high-quality guide rails can be used with a range of different tools. For example, Makita’s guide rails are compatible with a variety of circular saws, plunge saws, jigsaws, routers and disc cutters, either as standard or using a simple adaptor.

Benefits of guide rails

The biggest advantage of using a guide rail is the precision and quality that can be achieved with saw and router cuts. Freehand cuts using a pre-marked line are not usually that accurate. Many people use a parallel rip fence on a circular saw to achieve a straight cut –however, this is not always ideal either. This method relies on the outer edge of the material being straight and it is easy for the guide to move away from the edge while cutting, resulting in an uneven cut. There is also a limit on the width of material that can be cut due to the reach of the rip fence.

In contrast, the guide rail not only provides a completely straight edge but also a stable base for the tool, eliminating unintentional movement while operating the machine. Guide rails can be placed anywhere on the material, allowing work with large panels. Therefore, for jobs such as kitchen installations and refurbishments, guide rails make it easy to cut worktop sections to size with a high degree of

accuracy to ensure an immaculate finish.

Using a guide rail also allows bevelled cuts to be made using a circular saw, with the angle that can be achieved set by the capabilities of the machine. For example, many of our cordless circular saws can achieve bevel cuts of up to 60°.

In addition, a guide rail with a splinter guard will help ensure a highquality edge as it will prevent the action of the blade tearing the surface of the material. This precision and clean-cut edge is essential where two pieces

need to be joined or where the quality of the finish is important.

Similarly, when using a router, the guide rail makes it simple to get completely straight lines, which is essential when cutting dado and groove joints for cabinet and shelving builds. Also, with the addition of track stops to the guide rail, it is simple to create precisely measured stopped dados and grooves.

Selecting the right guide rails

While in some cases different manufacturers’ tools and guide rails are compatible, it is beneficial to select a guide rail from the same manufacturer as the tools you intend to use it with. It will typically make work easier when the components are designed to operate together. For example, many of the plunge saws and circular saws from Makita, including in the 18V LXT and 40VMax XGT ranges will connect to the rails without the need for an adaptor.

As it is important that the guide rail remains steady and in place once positioned, it is worth looking for a guide rail with anti-slip measures and that can be easily clamped to the material if additional security is required. The Makita guide rails feature rubberised strips on the underside and specially designed channels that the clamps can slide in to.

Finally, it is also valuable to consider the portability of the guide rails. The lightweight Makita guide rails are available in three different sizes from one metre to three metres and can be connected together to create longer lengths.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita, looks at how guide rails can provide the perfect partner to tools such as routers, circular saws and plunge saws

THE FULL WORKS

Weigh to go

Professional Builder explores the reasons behind this popularity and discovers it’s the details that make all the difference…

As a business, ToughBuilt doesn’t build ordinary. Evidence of this can be found across the US manufacturer’s entire range

and dispels the myth once and for all that work benches are purely for DIY enthusiasts.

The robust, heavy-duty construction of the ToughBuilt QuickSet Work Bench enables it to support an evenly distributed weight of 454kg. Despite this impressive loadbearing capability, it is still highly portable, folding down to a compact size and with ease of transportation enhanced by a comfortable, easy-carry handle.

Quick thinking

You can set the QuickSet Workbench up with exceptional speed to create a rocksolid, ultra-practical workspace. It employs a unique and intelligently designed mechanism which allows its steel legs to be deployed and locked into position in seconds, simply with a button push and a pull of a handle. After use, the legs can be retracted with equal expediency and ease using the same method.

Following its launch earlier this year, ToughBuilt’s QuickSet Work Bench has received rave reviews from trade professionals and social media influencers alike.

Work smarter

To help you do more in less time, the Work Bench has an innovative SmartSurface™. This work surface includes integrated quick reference measurement markings in centimetres, inches and degrees.

Clamp & cut

The QuickSet Work Bench is ideal for measuring and marking, as well as loading and cutting, with multiple clamping holes systemically placed all over the SmartSurface, in varying sizes and angles for convenience, and are compatible with universal clamps.

ClipTech™ compatible ClipTech™ is the manufacturer’s gamechanging system of over fifty interchangeable products, including pouches, belts, bags and accessories, which allow you to organise your tools and equipment like never before. The QuickSet Work Bench is ClipTech™ compatible and is

supplied with one ClipTech Hub attachment point that can be positioned on any of its four corners. Additional Hubs can also be purchased separately.

Ultimate peace of mind

All the products are designed and manufactured to live up to the company’s name. As a result, its entire range – the ToughBuilt QuickSet Work Bench included – are backed with a two-year

guarantee as standard and there is the opportunity to extend this to an impressive 25-years simply by registering your purchase within 30 days. IF

Kensington

40V BATTERY

There’s 288 watt-hours of energy in Makita’s largest battery to date. The 40VMax XGT 8.0Ah BL4080F offers the longest runtime, which is especially useful when used on higher drain machines. A digital communication function between the tool, battery and charger optimises the charging process, reduces charge times and protects the battery from damage.

CLAMPING TOOLS

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

HEAVY DUTY SPIRIT LEVEL

The Kapro 985T Titan Tiler and Masons Level is designed for bricklayers and tilers. Each 1,200mm (48”) level has three solid, shockproof, UV resistant, acrylic vials with a magnified horizontal vial featuring 2% gradient lines. The milled surface ensures an accuracy of 0.5mm/m while the top edge, high impact, polymeric overlay absorbs trowel, hammer and mallet blows.

CONCRETE PLACER

The Marshalltown Octagon Concrete Placer features a unique powder coated octagon profile handle that provides more surface area, greatly increasing grip when placing concrete regardless of gloved, wet, octagon handle as well as a standard blade style with a width of 19½” (495mm) and is braced for additional strength.

Toggle clamp sets, lightweight clamping elements with lever handle, and all-steel table clamps can be found in the Bessey product portfolio. New to the range is the horizontal fixture clamp – the WNSSET-MFT – with a patent-pending pulldown mechanism that guarantees that the workpiece doesn’t lift up when it is clamped and lays flat on the table.

POWER TOOL ACCESSORIES

The Quick-Change Hole Saw Arbor Set (T3224) is the latest addition to the C.K Tools Power Tool Accessory (PTA) range. Designed for those who regularly change between hole saws, it enables up to 50% reduction in change times versus a standard Arbor and uses universal fitments to work with all leading brands of hole saw.

HAND TOOLS

MULTI-TOOL

The MultiMaster oscillating multitool range from Fein is available on the 18V AMPShare battery platform, powered by Bosch. By making its multi-tool available on the platform, it is opening this product to up to 60 million+ batteries on the market. The MultiMaster family also continues to be compatible with a total of 180 accessories.

CEMENT CUTTING

A powerful, durable and lightweight tool, the 18V Makita DJS800 LXT Brushless Cement Shear is designed to make cement board cutting quick and dust-free. The solid steel blades cut clean, straight and contour lines in fibre cement sheets and boards with maximum cutting capacity of up to 13mm (1/2”).

CHRISTMAS PROMOTION

KNIPEX has launched its Christmas promotion (87 00 100 XMAS) for 2022, featuring the Cobra XS inside a festive ornament! White stars on a

COLOUR ME IMPRESSED

The market for home improvements boomed throughout the pandemic and for house builders, it’s showing little sign of abating amongst homeowners that seek properties that stand out from the crowd.

Last year, an estimated 66% of homeowners were planning home improvements, while 22% wanted improvements that added value to their home. In addition, according to research from property management professionals Warwick Estates, 8,714 new homes were sold across England and Wales in 2021, or 1.8% of the market.

While not ignoring the current economic climate, we must not lose sight of the fact that there is a significant number of people who still want to continue with their plans. This will be particularly true if the planned

improvements are going to enhance, improve and bring added value to their homes.

At Freefoam, we’ve seen a significant uplift in demand for cladding and roofline products over the past two years. Last year, sales of cladding products increased more than 20% when compared to 2019.

improvements can include roofline and deep flow gutters to protect homes from increasing volumes of rainfall and more

violent storms while boosting curb appeal. Cladding and roofline can also add value by complementing windows and doors, alongside offering a change in colour as part of a complete house look.

Where we are seeing most growth potential is in sales of coloured cladding and roofline products. In 2021, sales of colour and woodgrain fascia increased significantly in comparison to 2019. This is a hot trend that housebuilders can continue to capitalise on.

Grey expectations

In the past, popular shades for cladding and roofline fittings have been largely confined to natural wood finishes as well as more traditional white. Before the pandemic, we were seeing a real interest in our grey product lines, such as the Fortex cladding which includes four contemporary grey shades. And this has

Adding a splash of colour to roofline and cladding installations can transform a property, providing a home that’s bang on trend, says Colin St John, Commercial Director at Freefoam.

Colonial Blue on an Derby installation

Colonial Blue

Fortex Pale Blue

continued – more than 60% of all Fortex cladding sales in 2021 were in grey.

A popular choice for home improvements, grey cladding and rooflines can be a straightforward upsell to those wanting to complete the contemporary look of a property. In response to customer feedback, Freefoam announced the addition of a new grey shade to its roofline range in summer 2022. Agate Grey is soft grey with tones of green and offers a lighter alternative to the everpopular Anthracite Grey.

A splash of colour

More recently, we’ve seen a shift to an even wider colour palette in the UK and this has been largely driven by trends in Europe. The market for cladding and roofline products is well established in Europe, and countries such as France, the Netherlands and Belgium strongly influence the trends we see here. Back home, there is definitely a growing appetite for colour products in the UK, particularly off the back of the strong trend to colour in windows and front doors.

Colour of the Year

One of the biggest colour trends for this year is blue. At the start of 2022, Dulux announced its chosen Colour of the Year

Upcoming shades for 2023 will continue the pastel theme, with experts predicting ‘Digital Lavender’ to be named colour of year for next year. These shades are proving popular, giving builders the opportunity to enhance new and existing properties with a modern, fresh look.

Choosing lasting, vibrant colour When offering coloured cladding, fascia and soffit boards, it’s important for

Our technically advanced colour technology uses a unique selection of highly colourfast stabilisers and pigments which allows us to offer a wide range of long-lasting colours from subtle gold and soft grey to striking black and anthracite grey. Our technology is so effective that we offer a 50-year extended guarantee on white products and an industry-leading 10-year guarantee on all other colours.

The colours are added to our products through a co-extrusion process which gives them a coloured top coating of rigid PVC-U, that is smooth, strong and hardwearing. The process is quick and easy and it means that standard colours can be offered with no lead time, which is an advantage for busy builders working to tight deadlines.

The majority of our colours have RAL equivalent which allows for exact colour matching, so housebuilders can exactly match the colour of the cladding or roofline products to other elements of a home’s exterior.

With Freefoam products, builders can transform properties with a choice of coloured roofline and cladding, offering a splash of individuality and the perfect finish for any home.

An Anthracite Grey Fascia and Gutter

A timeless Agate Grey project – image courtesy of Lister Window Systems

Agate Grey

ROOFING HOT TOPIC

The fact that renewable energy helps protect the planet has always made it an attractive option for those looking for more sustainable ways of living. However, in the midst of almost unprecedented energy price hikes, the appeal of renewables, including solar PV, has not only increased, but is likely to continue apace as consumers look to reduce their outgoings in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis.

Earlier this year, changes to Part L of the Building Regulations saw Solar Energy UK estimate that up to five times the number of new homes could be built with solar technology, whilst the government’s VAT cut to 0% on the installation of energy-saving materials in residential properties, was a boost to the retro-fit market, making green technologies, such as solar, much more affordable for a greater number of people.

In August, the BBC reported that the energy bills crisis had prompted a big rise in the demand for solar whilst, according to Solar Energy UK, just over 3,000 solar installations were being carried out every week, up from 1,000 per week in July 2020, with one contractor reporting that they had seen enquiries about solar panels increase ten-fold in that month alone.

Growing demand

Daniel Redfern, Marketing Manager at Marley said: “MCS, the body that defines and maintains standards for small-scale domestic renewable energy and heating across the UK and has recorded all certified installations since 2008, reports that 76,560 solar PV installations were completed from January to August 2022 – a 30% increase on the 61,431 installed in the whole of 2021.

“In August 2022, there were 12,411

solar PV installations recorded by MCS, up from 5,082 in August 2021. That represents a huge 144% increase and helps combat concern in the renewable energy sector that demand for solar PV would diminish after the Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) incentive ended in April 2019.

“Overall, solar PV installations comprise more than 80% of the 1.4 million

renewable installations so far registered with MCS, taking the total number of ‘sunny roofed’ residential properties to over one million and counting.”

Marley SolarTile® – a sustainable future

To help satisfy this demand, Marley SolarTile

been developed to deliver

has

There’s no stopping the demand for solar, according to Marley

“Now more than ever, solar should be discussed on every roof and roof truss enquiry –it’s a great upselling opportunity for roofing contractors across the UK. When used alongside a full range of Marley roofing products, SolarTile forms part of a full roof system.”

on aesthetics, installation and sustainability, providing a truly integrated roof system that fits seamlessly with the design of the roof.

The system does away with the need for counter battens as required on other in-tray roof systems, thanks to its double fixing to battens and trusses and, by replacing existing tiles rather than fixing over the top of them, greatly reduces the risk of costly tile breakages on the roof.

Completely compatible with all clay and concrete tiles and slates, Marley SolarTile is supplied as a complete kit with all components, such as adhesive flashing and fireproofing materials included so there’s no extra material costs. Whilst colour-coded boxes make for easy installation, the patented push-together design means that installation times of less than one hour per kilowatt peak can be achieved.

Don’t miss the opportunity

Daniel continued: “Now, more than ever, solar should be discussed on every roof and roof truss enquiry – it’s a great upselling opportunity for roofing contractors across the UK. The way we produce our energy is changing rapidly and although solar may seem like a totally new market for some contractors, the opportunity is too big to miss. When used alongside a full range of Marley roofing products, Marley SolarTile forms part of our full roof system, complete with our 15-year guarantee. In addition, we continue to support our roofers with advice and training on all aspects of solar PV installation as we move forward together.”

‘GUTTER’ BE

Marley Alutec offers a variety of guttering ranges, all manufactured from durable marine-grade aluminium. Evolve – the most popular system – is available in four recognised profiles: Half Round, Deepflow, Box and Ogee. These systems are easy to install, so much so that specialist tools and training are not required – only standard metal work tools.

The patented Jurajoint design mimics the installation of PVC guttering systems and enables quick and easy jointing. Furthermore, as they are manufactured from marine grade aluminium, all Evolve products are 65% lighter than cast iron

functional life expectancy. Thanks to a naturally occurring oxide layer, which forms should the surface ever become damaged, marine-grade aluminium products are also incredibly corrosion resistant.

In terms of performance, they have industry leading flow rates of up to seven litres per second (dependant on profile), meaning fewer downpipes are required for larger roofs. Furthermore, as aluminium is one of the most sustainable building materials available, at the end of its usable lifespan, Evolve guttering can be fully recycled.

The products are available in 19 polyester powder coated (PPC) colours, including Heritage Black, which is ideal for refurbishment projects where a traditional cast iron look and feel is required. Popular products and colours from this range –including Heritage Black and Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016) – are currently available with only a two-day lead time.

Tim Streeton, Senior Technical Services Engineer from Marley Alutec introduces the company’s Evolve aluminium guttering range

HOW TO INSTALL AN EVOLVE HALF ROUND GUTTERING SYSTEM

Use a straight batten on the lowest profile of the roof to position a fascia bracket and set the gutter height. Mark the position of the screw holes.

Drill pilot holes and fix brackets to a fall of 1:600 at 1 metre intervals using 32mm roundhead screws or 15mm countersunk screws if fixing to a Marley Alutec aluminium composite fascia.

Alternatively, if rafter arms are required, these can be site bent at the cradle to suit the roof pitch and installed using 32mm roundhead screws.

Clip the gutter lengths into the brackets, leaving a 3mm expansion gap between ends. For rafter arms, secure the gutter lengths to every other arm.

Apply Marley Alutec Aluminium Gutter and Downpipe Joint Sealant to either side of the joint union gasket and clip onto the underside of the gutter lengths, fascia edge first.

Anchor the joint union to the fascia board using the preferred screws. Drilling a pilot hole first is recommended.

For angles, repeat the process outlined in steps 5 and 6. Ensure the gutter ends line up with the corner guides within the angle.

Install outlets in the same way as unions and angles, anchoring the outlet to the fascia board with a screw.

For stop ends, apply sealant to the rubber gasket and clip on to the underside of the gutter end, fascia side first.

GENERAL BUILDING

ORIENTED STRAND BOARD (OSB)

Pitched or flat roof decking, timber frame construction, flooring and other applications are all within the scope of SterlingOSB Zero T&G from West Fraser. Thanks to the absence of voids or knots it will not de-laminate, with an inherent strength that makes it far safer for tradesmen working at height.

PLYWOOD

WISA BioBond technology from UPM is now the standard bonding agent in all of Spruce. The lignin-based solution has reduced CO highly on the manufacturer’s Carbon Calculator tool.

CONCRETE BLOCK

A zero-carbon lightweight concrete block and common brick has been added to the CEMEX range. Combined with the existing ReadyBlock Zero dense block, this launch enables customers to meet the concrete block requirements for housing developments using solely CarbonNeutral products.

BLACK SPOT & ALGAE REMOVER

Safely eliminate stubborn stains and slippery residue, with the new acid-free, ready-to-use Black Spot & Algae Remover from ECOPROTEC. Part of the company’s Exterior Range, it restores the performance and aesthetic of natural stone, concrete, brick and porcelain on new and existing paths, patios, terraces and driveways.

FLAT ROOFING

Complete solutions for all flat roofing challenges is how BMI describes its Icopal Sealoflex Cold Liquid Systems. Enabling wet-on-wet application, the solution minimises downtime and disruption on site. In addition, the systems are easy to install and entirely flame-free. There are three technologies: Sealoflex Ultima, Sealoflex Endura, and Sealoflex Prima.

HEAT PUMP

Available in smaller capacities for the more compact home, Daikin Europe’s Altherma Low Capacity R32 Monobloc is now available in 4, 6 and 8kW classes. The manufacturer’s ambition is to facilitate the installation of a heat pump in every European property, no matter how big or small. It can easily fit under any window and there is no indoor unit.

ALUMINIUM GATE KIT

An aluminium gate kit joins the Birkdale DuraPost range. Fully adjustable, installers can change the height, width and infill panel at the fitting stage, eliminating the need to have a bespoke gate made. The kit includes a powdercoated aluminium frame, all the hinges and fixings needed, as well as a gate slam and a secure lock.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAM105

INSULATION

PIR insulation can play a major part in achieving amended Part L regulations, says Recticel. Its closed-cell structure means it doesn’t absorb water, allowing the thermal performance and reliability of the product to be retained over time. Moreover, with lambda values as low as 0.022 W/mK, PIR provides excellent performance in a slim, space-saving composition.

UFH

OneBoard from Continal Underfloor Heating is a low-profile underfloor heating (UFH) system. With a composite chipboard panel depth of just 22mm, this in-deck suspended floor solution can be laid directly onto floor joists without the need for a sub-base, helping to reduce floor build-up heights.

ENERGY BOOST

An insulating breather membrane specifically designed for roofs is coming into its own as energy prices soar.

Boost R Hybrid Roof, part of the Actis Hybrid range, is proving extremely popular with specifiers and builders looking for an easy to use and thermally extremely effective way of eliminating condensation and preventing moisture entering the building.

The UKCA & CE marked product, aimed at the new build and refurb market and used on the cold side of roofs, is an evolution of Actis’ popular Boost R Hybrid. The two Boost R Hybrid products also have the highest thermal resistance of any insulating breather membrane on the

market and are extremely cost competitive. The roof variant contains four special features developed following customer feedback, which set it apart from its sister product, with the two changes making the most difference to the user experience being the addition of a lap and the

Boost R Hybrid Roof from Actis comes into its own as energy prices soar

phishing hooks

drivers in

wave of scam emails, text messages and phone calls.

Have you received a text message or email from a government department, promising you a road tax refund? If so, you might be the target of a new criminal crime wave that’s sweeping parts of the UK. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute has reported a huge surge in scams, with the costof-living crisis prompting criminals to target people with fake text messages and emails.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has recorded a significant increase in criminal activity, with a new survey showing that half of all adults interviewed had received a “phishing” communication in the past month. Not to be confused with the popular water sport, ‘phishing’ occurs when criminals pretend to represent a Government department (like the DVLA or HMRC). Some scammers may claim to be someone from your bank or building society.

The scam usually involves a text message or email that will try to trick you into revealing personal information or banking details. In some cases, the scammer will call, claiming to be from your bank, saying you’ve been subject to

attempted fraud and insisting that you transfer your money into a new account. More than 40 million people were targeted by scammers in 2021, according to Citizens Advice.

According to the report by the ONS, the telephone-operated Crime Survey of England and Wales discovered a nine-fold rise in “advance fee fraud” (where victims are asked to make an upfront payment for goods or services which don’t exist) and a 57% increase in consumer and retail fraud from pre-pandemic levels.

WARNING!

Phishing scams will purport to be from government departments. Here’s some potential examples:

DVLA-UK: You can now check your eligibility for a road tax refund.

GOV-UK: Your business is eligible for a new government support grant scheme.

HMRC: Your business is eligible for a VAT rebate. You have 30 days to claim.

QHow can I protect myself from scams and phishing?

Government departments like the DVLA will not offer a VED road tax refund over the phone or by text or email. Likewise, your bank or building society will never email, text or phone you to ask for payment or to process a refund.

If you receive a phone call from someone who claims to represent a financial or Government department, note the details of the call and then say you will call them back.

You should then contact the organisation directly to confirm the call is genuine. You can find the contact details for all Government departments and banks online. Do not use the contact details that have been provided by the suspected scammer.

QWhat should I do if I think I’ve passed personal information to a scammer?

Report it to your bank or building society. If you have passed personal information or money to a scammer, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040. You can also report spam texts and phone calls to Ofcom.

Honest John Vans is the website that champions fairness for van owners by publishing expert, unbiased information to help builders make informed choices about their vehicles.

Daniel Powell of Honest John Vans

a new

VEHICLE SAFETY

A new artificial intelligence vehicle safety system is able to calculate the future course of motion of nearby people or objects. Based on this data, the system reliably and accurately warns the driver in real time of a possible collision before it occurs. CarEYE from Brigade Electronics is suitable for vans and can be retrofitted to existing vehicles.

SPECIAL EDITION VAN

Designed to catch the eye, the MANTruck and Bus Special Edition TGE Individual Lion S features redweave carbon-look elements, striking front end, black chrome badging and red highlights. There’s also black 10-spoke 17in. alloy wheels which cover motorsport lead red brake calipers, as well as a stainless-steel trim to the lower front bumper to the grille.

E-RELAY

The 75kWh battery on the updated Citroen ë-Relay Electric offers customers a larger range. Introduced across both 3.5 and 4-tonne models the new battery replaces the 70kWh capacity previously available. The new, larger unit brings with it an improvement in range of up to 15 extra miles, allowing drivers to travel up to 154 miles (WLTP).

E-DUCATO

Fiat Professional is now offering its five-year warranty, roadside assistance and service package as standard on its first electric van – EDucato. 555 also includes a free service covering costs of parts, lubricants and labour for every 30,000 miles covered or once every two years.

TIPPER

The three different battery packs on the Fuso eCanter enable ranges of between 70 and 200 kilometres. There’s six wheelbases, two cab widths, five weight classes (3.5 to 8.55 tonnes) and three engine variants (96 kW to 129 kW). The Next Generation eCanter is also available as a roll-off tipper version.

VAN LOCK

Vans, trucks, gates, garages, sheds and outward-opening double doors, can all be secured with the Yale Heavy Duty Van Lock. A zinc body padlock, black powder-coated, heavy duty steel hasp and a 6-pin cylinder provide superior strength and protection against lock picking attacks. Three keys are included in the kit.

SPORTY VAN

A sporty GS trim has been added to the Vauxhall Vivaro and Vivaro Electric van range, as well as an upgraded interior. The Vivaro Electric GS is capable of up to 189 miles (WLTP) from a single charge. On the outside there’s a lip spoiler, side skirts with integrated front mud guards and the addition of Y-spoke 18-inch black alloy wheels and high-load capacity tyres.

ELECTRIC LCV RENTAL AND CHARGER BUNDLE

An electric light commercial vehicle and charger can both now be rented for a single monthly payment. The Northgate offer is available to customers on 12months+ contracts. In addition to a wide choice of vehicles, the bundle includes installation of a 7kW charging unit, installed by ChargedEV. A 12months+ contract includes vehicle rental of between 12 and 60 months.

WHAT WILL BE HOT IN ’23...

Well, it’s that time of year when I don my headscarf, dangly earrings and fish out my crystal ball to predict the window, door and glazing future –at least for this coming year. And whilst windows, amazingly, are likely to continue to be bits of glass set in a frame to one degree or another, there are some nice changes coming up that you can offer your homeowner customers when you’re doing a refurb or building an extension for them.

What leaps out of the mists for Gypsy Rose Adie are aluminium bifolds finished in a choice of woodgrain, either as standalones or perhaps to match new or established PVC-U (usually) windows. We know the ali woodgrains can make a close match for the PVC-U foils because, essentially, they are the same except we really heat up the ali profile before adding the primer (to about 45-50 degrees). It’s a slower process because of how hot the profile needs to get in order to accept the foil, so add a couple of weeks lead time on top of the usual from your regular fabricator. Be warned, this is so new, you might have to shop around (though astonishingly, we can supply these right now!).

Whilst I am on the subject of foiled finishes, so popular have coloured frames become that there are now some very interesting variations on the theme. Watch out for deep woodgrain foils, smooth foils and even dual foils including agate grey on white woodgrain and anthracite grey on white woodgrain – they’re the ones we’re dabbling with at the moment.

We’re very excited about these after we carried out a survey a few weeks ago amongst our installer and builder customers, 77% of whom told us that a foiled finish is an easy upsell. 72% of them also said that they reckon they’ll sell more smooth

foiled frames this year so, if you haven’t already, get on board with them now!

Have you seen those sexy, black ‘industrial’ slimline aluminium windows and doors? Also specced as a replacement for the once prolific ‘Crittall’ steel windows, these are now really selling fast and can be matched

The case for specifying triple glazing is much more compelling where large spans of glass are installed

Bi folding garden doors will, of course, be a perennial….but if you want to offer something new then check these out…Called Indi-Fold, they open fully just like bi-folds but the individual panels can be slid open individually to offer fantastic flexibility. Open the master, hinged door then the other panels can be slid back and forth to have the opening just where you decide. Each panel can be slid to the end of the track and flipped open to give any combination of openings, right up to full width. Our experience is that once seen they’re ordered. Have a look at WWW.RDR.LINK/BAM120

What else? Oh, wait, the crystal ball is now clearing to tell me that….yes! Smart hardware will finally start to gain more popularity amongst

Adrian Barraclough runs Quickslide, one of Britain’s leading window & door manufacturers.

These clever Indi Fold doors offer an alternative to bi-folds

10TH in THE series

ONSITE WITH

homeowners, so make sure you are up to speed, especially (I predict) for upmarket installations and actually, tech-minded younger homeowners too. Get yourself up to speed and perhaps with some literature and supply arrangements in place, with one of the key players.

Lots of stuff about but we quite like AviaSmart WWW.RDR.LINK/BAM121 which have been designed by a Cambridge-based firm that are, ironically, specialists in hardware for period windows! With this heritage in mind, they are the only smart brand to have a device for traditional box sash VS replacements so if you install these, check them out – nice stuff that is easy to fit and set up.

With such power at my fingertips I have also looked at the future of British politics, the economy and the weather…..sadly the crystal ball went very misty and dark when I asked it but I can predict that if you check out these ideas, your window and door future will be very bright indeed!

Have you heard the one about the bedridden granny who was charged by her water supplier for drinking a million cups of tea in six months?

Estelle Mendoza’s monthly direct debit was raised from £33 to £215 by Thames Water because of an undetected leak.

This story caught my eye because I, too, am a Thames Water customer. And I, too, have been puzzled by the company’s recent decision to explain my water consumption to me in terms of cups of tea. My latest bill tells me I have drunk 324,00 cups of tea in six months, or taken 1,080 showers, or 1,013 baths.

At least they haven’t resorted to that other cliché, of how many Olympic-sized swimming pools I could have filled, because I frankly don’t have a Skooby-Doo what that means.

I know that now we have left the European Union we are free to use whatever units we want. In fact, the Government’s Business Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg has made clear that he wants the UK to return to Imperial measurements. That’s gallons, quarts and pints. Even Jacob hasn’t suggested measuring water using china teacups.

For me, this represents the “dumbing down” of our culture. Water is sold to us by the cubic metre. That’s a thousand litres. Not too difficult a concept to grasp, you would think, for a society where everyone is supposed to have been to secondary school for at least five years.

Milk is sold in litres. So is petrol and diesel. I don’t go to the cashier at the petrol station and expect to be told how many “cups” of petrol I’m

being fleeced for.

It’s the same with areas. How many times have you heard on the News that an area the size of x football pitches has been burned / flooded / concreted over?

Now, I know how big a football pitch is. I have spent most of my life either running up and down a football pitch, or else sitting watching other lucky people getting paid to do so. But I think I can manage to understand 10,000 square metres without having to imagine Harry Kane standing in the middle of it.

Or, for bigger events, it’s amazing how often an area the size of Wales, or Kent, gets quoted. I can sort of imagine how big those are supposed to be, but still, I’d sooner be given the actual scientific size in square kilometres (or even square miles, in the unlikely event that Jacob is still in the Government by the time you read this).

I’m afraid most newspaper journalists seem to be scientifically illiterate, and in order to understand their own stories they have to reduce volumes and areas into multiples of visual everyday objects.

Thames Water has copied this approach and, in doing so, it has made the classic mistake of underestimating its customers’ intelligence.

E-mail Jeff via his website www.askjeff.co.uk

Jeff Howell

Quickslide can match any woodgrain now – even on aluminium

Get smart – enter and secure your home using an app on your smartphone

Smart’ tech will take off this year, including this Kubu Equipped Door with sensor

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX

Here is a useful summary of all the adverts that appear in this issue of Professional Builder .

Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information

Actis Insulation Ltd..............................................................(page 69) www.rdr.link/BAM140

Albatros................................................................(inside front cover) www.rdr.link/BAM141

Buckbootz.............................................................................(page 41) www.rdr.link/BAM142

Build Aviator...........................................................................(page 4) www.rdr.link/BAM143

Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington......................(page 60) www.rdr.link/BAM144

Eclisse UK Ltd........................................................................(page 11) www.rdr.link/BAM145

EEBS Ltd...............................................................................(page 56) www.rdr.link/BAM146

estimators.com...............................................................(back cover) www.rdr.link/BAM147

Federation Of Master Builders...........................................(page 51) www.rdr.link/BAM148

Hambleside Danelaw Ltd....................................................(page 47) www.rdr.link/BAM149

Helly Hansen UK Ltd.............................................................(page 6) www.rdr.link/BAM150

JCP Construction Products.................................................(page 17) www.rdr.link/BAM151

Makita (UK) Ltd....................................................................(page 43) www.rdr.link/BAM152

Made for Trade.....................................................................(page 13) www.rdr.link/BAM153

Made for Trade.............................................................(pages 14, 15) www.rdr.link/BAM154

Marmox (UK) Ltd..................................................................(page 53) www.rdr.link/BAM155

Mascot International Ltd............................................(pages 28, 39) www.rdr.link/BAM156

PB Online.............................................................................(page 65) www.rdr.link/BAM157

Pnu-Point Ltd.......................................................................(page 56) www.rdr.link/BAM158

Puma Safety.........................................................(inside front cover) www.rdr.link/BAM159

Quickslide...............................................................................(page 5) www.rdr.link/BAM160

Rockwool UK Ltd....................................................................(page 8) www.rdr.link/BAM161

Saint-Gobain Construction.................................................(page 31) www.rdr.link/BAM162

Saniflo Ltd.............................................................................(page 44) www.rdr.link/BAM163

Shurtape UK Ltd/ T-Rex......................................................(page 55) www.rdr.link/BAM164

Tesco Mobile........................................................................(page 23) www.rdr.link/BAM165

Toolfair..................................................................................(page 58) www.rdr.link/BAM166

Tuffx Processed Glass Ltd..................................................(page 34) www.rdr.link/BAM167

Wavin.....................................................................................(page 37) www.rdr.link/BAM168

Werner..................................................................................(page 26) www.rdr.link/BAM169

West Fraser Ltd.....................................................................(page 21) www.rdr.link/BAM170

PLANTAR FASCIITIS...

This month we cover a common condition that causes foot pain. Plantar fasciitis causes pain on the bottom of the foot around the heel and the arch. The plantar fascia is the name given to the connective soft tissues (muscles, ligaments and tendons) that support the arch of the foot. These tissues can be under a large amount of pressure and may be damaged by strains or sprains. This is when the pain develops.

Typically, the pain in plantar fasciitis is worse first thing in the morning when you begin to walk, or if you have been resting and get up to move again. It can improve with exercise, but then get worse again after a period of rest. Trying to lift your toes from the floor with your foot flat on the ground can also be painful as it stretches the affected tissues.

It is not always clear why some people develop plantar fasciitis. Sometimes it can happen with no clear trigger. It is known that several factors can increase the risk of developing it.

Plantar fasciitis is more common in those who: are aged between 40 and 60 years old have recently started exercising on hard surfaces exercise with a tightness in their calf or heel overstretch the sole of the foot during exercise have recently started doing a lot more walking, running or standing up wear shoes with poor cushioning or support are very overweight.

Many cases of plantar fasciitis will get better over time using simple measures. The best way to manage the pain is with simple painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen (if you are able to take it). Applying ice to the area up to three times a day may help, along with regular simple

stretching exercises (available at WWW.RDR.LINK/BAM123 if you search for ‘heel pain’). Resting the foot is recommended.

Footwear is also really important to help manage plantar fasciitis. Shoes with arch support and cushioning at the heel will be most comfortable. High heels, slip on shoes, flip flops and walking barefoot are not recommended as they can make symptoms worse. Sometimes insoles can be used to raise the heel slightly –this may help take some pressure off the heel. Lastly, weight loss if you are overweight can also help improve the symptoms.

Some cases of plantar fasciitis will not improve with the steps outlined above. In these cases specialist input from a physiotherapist, a podiatrist or an orthopaedic specialist may be required. The input from these specialties might be further exercises, custom fit insoles, steroid injections or even surgery in some cases. In some areas you may be able to self-refer to your local the physiotherapy service, you might need a referral from your GP or you might choose to see a private physiotherapist of your choosing.

Plantar fasciitis may take up to a year to settle down. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix as the tissues take time to heal. This can be very frustrating for people who are suffering with the condition. To prevent it starting, wearing appropriate footwear in the first instance can really help. Replacing sports footwear when it is worn out is essential, for example running shoes last for around 500 miles before being worn out. Building up distance with exercise slowly is also recommended and stretching appropriately during warm down sessions. Your feet will certainly thank you in the long term for wearing good, supportive shoes!

“Plantar fasciitis may take up to a year to settle down. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix as the tissues take time to heal.”