Professional Builder March 2024

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FRE E TO

THE TRA DE

Professional BUILDING ■ PLASTERING ■ PLUMBING ■ ROOFING ■ CARPENTRY ■ PAINTING AND DECORATING ■ THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE BUILDING INDUSTRY

MARCH 2024

ROOFING, FLOORING & INSULATION HOUSE WARMING

VEHICLES & PLANT ON THE RIGHT ROAD ROCKWOOL’S SOUND INSULATION SLAB IS THE STRONG AND SILENT TYPE

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contents MARCH 2024 VOL. 46 NO3

@PB_mag @probuilderonline

pb@hamerville.co.uk www.probuildermag.co.uk

www.youtube.com/ProBuilderMag

Professional Builder, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF.

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Editor’s Viewpoint News Free-for-All Wise Howell Trade Media The Doctor’s Advice

33 VEHICLES & PLANT

FREE FOR ALL! In it to win it...

see page 21

24 VW – Choosing the Right Van 27 The New Maxus eDeliver7 30 PB Reviews the Mercedes Benz Citan 33 Driving the MAN TGE Lion S 36 Stop Thieves with TVL Security 39 Takeuchi Mini Diggers 42 Rhino Products’ Van Accessories 43 NEW PRODUCTS DOORS & WINDOWS

12

67 Quality Service with Quickslide 68 Origin – Modern Homeowners

SPECIAL REPORTS

12 Safe Working with UK Power Networks

70 GENERAL BUILDING

15 BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

15 Estimating with Build Aviator

70 fischer fixings – MS Hybrid Sealants 72 Simpson Strong-Tie Testing 74 J-strut Temporary Steel Support

ROOFING, FLOORING & INSULATION

45 ISOLINE LOW LINE – sub-roof system 48 ForgeFix – Fixings 50 Rockwool – Sound Insulation Slab 53 Tibby Singh Reviews Setcrete 54 Marley SolarTile 57 DEKS – Roofing Range 59 Samac – Choosing the Right Screw 63 Hultafors Group – New Square Models 64 NEW PRODUCTS

76 TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

76 Bosch Rotary Hammers 79 Snickers Workwear – Trousers with Kneepads 80 NEW PRODUCTS

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NOW LIVE!

Professional BUILDING ■ PLASTERING ■ PLUMBING ■ ROOFING ■ CARPENTRY ■ PAINTING AND DECORATING ■

t s a c d Po

IF THEY ARE TALKING WE ARE LISTENING! Professional

Podcast

AND YOU CAN TOO, AS WE CATCH UP WITH SOME OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY’S MOST INTERESTING AND KNOWLEDGEABLE CHARACTERS ON THE NEW GROUND BREAKING PROFESSIONAL BUILDER PODCAST WITH LEE JONES AND EDWARD KELLY. LEARN A NEW BUSINESS SKILL OR FINE TUNE AN OLD ONE FROM THE GUYS AND GIRLS AT THE SHARP END, WHO HAVE BEEN THERE, DONE IT AND GOT THE PB T SHIRT TO BOOT!

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Total Average Net Distribution 131,640 July 2021 – June 2022

EDITOR LEE JONES EMAIL: ljones@hamerville.co.uk ASSISTANT EDITOR EDWARD KELLY EMAIL: ekelly@hamerville.co.uk GROUP ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER CRAIG JOWSEY TEL: 07900 248102 EMAIL: craig@hamerville.co.uk NORTHERN ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER IAN DUFF MOBILE: 07810 353525 EMAIL: probuilder@sky.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER DONNA BOOTH GROUP PRODUCTION MANAGER CAROL PADGETT DIGITAL MANAGER JASMINE SMITH EMAIL: jsmith@hamerville.co.uk DIGITAL ASSISTANT LYDIA MCFARLANE EMAIL: lmcfarlane@hamerville.co.uk DISTRIBUTION MANAGER KARL CLARK PRINTED BY PCP TELFORD PUBLISHED BY HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF Tel: (01923) 237799 Fax: (01923) 246901 Email: pb@hamerville.co.uk

Professional Builder is a business magazine for firms and individuals involved in all aspects of the building industry. It is available nationally – free to the trade through leading builders’ merchant outlets. © 2024 To be removed from this magazine’s circulation, please call 01923 237799 or email circulation@hamerville.co.uk.

Subscriptions to Professional Builder are available at the following rates: UK: 1 year (11 issues) – £30.00 post paid Europe & Overseas: 1 year (11 issues) – £50.00 post paid Airmail: 1 year (11 issues) – £80.00 post paid

viewpoint what are friends for?

Every successful builder will know that example of many, Wirral-based plumber their skillset can be a sought-after Chris Griffiths of Unique Heating & commodity, especially amongst friends Bathrooms was rewarded with a Local and relatives. A familial plea to pop Hero accolade for spending his entire round and have a ‘quick look’ at that career doing just that. leaking tap or rehang a door – not to It’s a situation that is equally mention some considerably more symptomatic of something which is often substantial jobs – is an occupational less widely recognised amongst the hazard. trowel- and power tool-dodging public, Have you ever wondered, however, just and that’s the societal value of the army of how much hard-earned cash you’re spreaders, chippies and brickies that forsaking with your philanthropy? Thanks quietly ply their trade on a daily basis. The to new research from Direct Line for true value of tradespeople to their local Business we can, in fact, put a figure on it communities was brought into sharp focus – and it turns out it’s quite eyewatering. It during the pandemic, with many heartis estimated that the warming stories of “It is a fact that we all rely builders going the extra nation’s trades are undertaking a on the unique set of skills mile for their clients. whopping £1.2 billion in But it’s not just for that builders have spent unpaid or reduced rate their benevolence that years acquiring. But, when builders should be held work every year.

Individual builders are next time you’re asked by in higher regard. During losing out on £1,400 the various lockdowns your kith and kin for a worth of earnings, they were brought in to which is the average transform homeowners’ favour, perhaps first price of a Premier domestic spaces to consider if it really is a League season ticket, new ways of living. deserving enough case.” Housebuilders are whilst the emotional cost to personal charged with delivering relationships in having the courage to say the new properties that the country so no can also weigh heavily on all parties. desperately needs and tradespeople will Builders have admitted to feeling be at the forefront in retrofitting our compelled to comply with requests even existing housing stock in the battle for when it is to the detriment of their own energy efficiency gains for many, many business. It is a situation that is not helped years to come. by decades of devaluing vocational trades When he wasn’t hosting illicit soirees in in our schools. As a result, barely anyone Downing Street, Boris Johnson was urging under the age of forty can hang a shelf the industry to build back better and if we and, with the age of DIY dying out, the cast our mind all the way back to the time-served tradie’s talents are in more Second World War, it was construction demand than ever. professionals who were called upon to Of course, that doesn’t mean that we restore our towns and cities from the would be curmudgeonly enough to rubble of the blitz. suggest that mates’ rates should be It is a fact that we all rely on the unique abandoned. There is a real value and set of skills that builders have spent years personal satisfaction in helping your acquiring. But, when next time you’re nearest and dearest that goes well beyond asked by your kith and kin for a favour, monetary gain, especially if they’re perhaps first consider if it really is a struggling to afford repairs themselves. deserving enough case and to what extent There are also numerous cases of you will be inconvenienced. You might tradespeople routinely taking on minor then reflect on just what they’d do if a jobs for complete strangers without builder’s abilities on the tools were in even levying any charge at all. In just one more short supply than they are already.

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News Professional Builder

email your news to us at pb@hamerville.co.uk Tel 01923 237799

THE CALL OF DUTY © Matauw / Adobe Stock

Keep people safe from future dangers of asbestos, regulator warns Buildings that people use in their daily lives, such as workplaces, schools and hospitals are the focus of a new campaign to keep people safe from the dangers of asbestos.

Asbestos: Your Duty, launched in January, aims to improve understanding of what the legal duty to manage asbestos involves.

Sarah Albon, HSE’s chief executive said: “To keep people safe from the harms of asbestos, a culture of safely managing of the material is needed in our building industry and among those responsible for buildings.

“Asbestos exposure in Great Britain

is still the single greatest cause of workrelated deaths due to exposures decades ago.

“Together, we must protect people in the workplace and reduce future workrelated ill health.”

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB002

DI-WHY? IS BACK!

Professional Builder’s DI-WHY? section returns!

DI-WHY? is all about the bodge jobs and failed home improvements that professional tradespeople see on a daily basis, ranging from dodgy plumbing to wonky wallpaper.

If you’ve spotted any horrendous examples of DIY gone wrong, which illustrate perfectly why these jobs should be left to the professional trades, please send them in to us on pb@hamerville.co.uk. Or DM us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB003

apprentice of the year

BMI Apprentice of the Year 2024 competition opens for entries

This year’s contest will take place on the 24th and 25th July. It is open to apprentices in both pitched and flat roofing and will see finalists undertake a series of challenges, providing opportunities to showcase and develop their skills – these range from technical and practical capability and teamwork through to marketing and business acumen.

The two winners will receive a £1,000 cash prize and three years’ worth of training at the BMI Academy. The deadline for entries is April 26th.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB004

SHIELD & protect

The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) urges tradespeople to check for the BSIF Registered Suppliers shield when buying safety equipment

Between December 2021 and December 2022, the BSIF completed compliance tests on 127 non-BSIF member products. Only 18 products were fully compliant, with 108 – or 85% – failing to meet regulatory criteria.

By contrast, 86% of 387 tests carried out by the BSIF on products supplied by members of the BSIF’s Registered Safety Supplier Scheme (RSSS) passed immediately. The issues around the remaining 14% were then resolved, and all 387 products are now fully compliant.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB005

works wonders

£100,000 in holiday vouchers up for grabs for Baxi Works installers

Baxi has launched its latest promotion the #GetawayGiveaway, which will also see three lucky installers win £5,000 of holiday vouchers and five installers win £2,000 towards their next holiday on each of the four draws.

To enter, Baxi Works members must register the any of the brand’s 200/400/600/800 boiler ranges, Indirect and Direct cylinders, Megaflo Cylinders or Air Source Heat Pumps before March 27th 2024.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB006

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News Professional Builder

email your news to us at pb@hamerville.co.uk Tel 01923 237799

ASSURED SUCCESS!

LABOURS OF LOVE

Bradstone Assured programme now open to all gardening Trade workers are asked for free work or advice by friends and and landscaping professionals As part of the scheme, relations at least twice a week

installers benefit from a Although the majority would not do their 10-year guarantee on job unless they were paid, new research products, a 5-year

by Helly Hansen, a premium workwear guarantee on installations, manufacturer, reveals workers give up a suite of comprehensive over a week of their time on average training modules and every month, free of charge. much more.

Eager to please, a quarter (25%) offer mates rates as they feel Neil Bills, General guilty not doing it and 68% say they feel pressure to, even though Manager of Bradstone they don’t want to (23%). says: “While the entry criteria for Bradstone Assured is stringent, FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB010 we believe in rewarding our members with unparalleled benefits – for us this is not just a certification it’s a partnership that empowers professionals to deliver excellence in every project.”

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB007

THE MORE the merrier

Worcester Bosch launches new promotion for installers © KMPZZZ / Adobe Stock

ON THE NAUGHTY STEP

47% of tradespeople have walked away from jobs due to customers’ behaviour

This figure comes from research from Direct Line Business Insurance. The research also revealed that 41% of tradespeople have had arguments with customers because of their behaviour, with the most common issue being late payment (62%). Other reasons for arguments include customers trying to tell tradespeople how to do the job (57%) and customers adding additional jobs on top of what had already been agreed (39%).

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB008

GETTING FIT

Free retrofit training course launched

The FitMore Promotion is available to all installers on the company’s Excelerate programme and will run until 31st August 2024, with a chance to receive up to £1,000 in Gift Cards.

To qualify, installers simply need to activate the offer and then install and register via Excelerate up to 10 additional Greenstar boilers or Bosch Heat Pumps compared to the same period in 2023. Installers will then be rewarded for the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 8th, and 10th extra install.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB011

THE BORROWERS

Direct Line Business Insurance reveals the hidden cost of lending tools

Construction professionals can now access a free course from The Retrofit Academy to kickstart their career.

David Pierpoint, CEO and founder of The Retrofit Academy, said: “Whether an individual is eager to unlock a new career in energy efficiency measures, or a company is looking to upskill its team in energy efficiency considerations, Retrofit 101 provides a fundamental starting point to launch into the sector.”

New data from the insurer finds that 83 per cent of tradespeople regularly lend their tools to workmates, family or friends. However, the data reveals that tradespeople are being hit in the pocket, with 41 per cent saying that they were returned late or in some cases not at all. Over a third (39 per cent) of tradespeople who have lent out their tools to friends, family or workmates have had their ability to work negatively impacted, costing them money as a result. To view the full findings of the study use the rdr.link below.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB009

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB012

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HERE TO HELP

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity looks back on a supportive 2023 The charity continues to be a steadfast beacon of hope for those in need and in 2023, it saw 4,438 people reaching out for support through its 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline.

Its charitable spend also increased by 12% to £3,727,386.

One of the charity’s most successful front-line interventions has been the hugely popular MakeItVisible on site initiative. In 2023 the team visited 390 worksites and engaged with more than 25,000 site workers.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB013

TO CATCH A THIEF

Fear of theft and violence putting a strain on the mental health of tradespeople

New research from commercial insurer NFU Mutual found that more than nine in 10 tradespeople say they or someone they know have been a victim of theft.

Figures like this clearly weigh heavily on those in the industry, with almost a third of tradespeople (29%) admitting that the fear of theft and violence on their business contributes towards difficulties with mental health.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB014

© scharfsinn86 / Adobe Stock

‘WHEELY’ POSITIVE

UK demand for new vans grows in every month of 2023 – as businesses go electric in record numbers The demand grew by 21.0% to reach 341,455 units in 2023, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). More businesses invested in fleet renewal every month compared with the year before – with a record number of zero emission vans joining Britain’s roads. Rising to 20,253 units, new battery electric vans also grew by 21.0%.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB015

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SPECIAL REPORT HEALTH & SAFETY

Service heads left in wheelie bins or nailed to the ceiling are just some of the dangerous scenarios that network operator engineers have come across

IN FOR A ost of us are taught from a very early age not to mess with mains electricity. Some tradespeople, however, seem intent on ignoring the potentially life-saving advice and the results are truly shocking. “We’re getting more and more infringements every year,” reveals Jason Webb, UK Power Networks connection services manager for the London area, “where our engineers have been confronted with the potentially lethal results of interference to our electrical infrastructure.”

Examples include a cable protruding from the ground where a structure has been demolished, and a binbag taped around it. Live service heads have also

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When it comes to altering or moving UK Power Networks’ infrastructure the message is very clear – leave it to the electricity distributor’s team of specialist engineers or risk serious consequences! PB’s Lee Jones reports.

been found in wheelie bins or nailed to the ceiling with wires left hanging. In every instance, tradespeople, the general public and UK Power Networks’ engineers who are called in to put it right, will have been exposed to the risk of serious burns or even a fatality.

Jason explains the scale of the problem: “Our surveyors are seeing examples of equipment moved so that it can be worked around, or simply to avoid paying for it to be disconnected

and relocated. Ultimately, however, the contractor is still liable. With no way of ascertaining what damage has been done to equipment when it was tampered with, the supply will have to be cut off at the footpath and a new service run in. The builder responsible will then be footing the bill. Not only that, tampering with the electricity network, or installing an illegal connection, also means they are subject to prosecution.”

Employers have a duty of care to their

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“We want to make it clear to the construction industry that doing the right thing isn’t a difficult process, especially if it’s factored into the quote for the job and the build schedule.” employees and the implications of being found responsible for their injury can be financially ruinous. Should it be a member of the public or a builders’ client that comes to harm it’s a similar story, all of which builds a compelling case for adhering to best practice at all times.

So, what’s the correct procedure? UK Power Networks point out that it is in no way an onerous process. Indeed, keeping everyone safe is simply a matter of proper planning and ensuring that the safe handling of electricity assets is included in the project’s overall timeframe. Make sure you’ve talked to your homeowner client and they’re fully aware of what needs to be done. If the job you’re working on requires that electricity assets owned by UK Power Networks need moving, if a new connection is required, or supply interrupted then engineers will need to undertake a free site survey on application.

Only trained and authorised engineers should be working on the electricity distributor's assets

Jason has nearly three decades of experience at UK Power Networks and he says interference with the electrical infrastructure is getting worse: “There is definitely a lack of understanding amongst tradespeople about what point they are required to get us in for a survey, and they do not understand the dangers involved in interfering with the network.

As a result, they jeopardise their own safety and those around them.

We want to make it clear to the construction industry that doing the right thing isn't a difficult process, especially if it is factored into the job and the build schedule. In the end it all comes down to having the right plan in place and making sure that the electrical assets are a priority. The alternative is to run the dangerous risk of someone not going home to their family.”

■ Ingrained behaviours can be difficult to overcome. If interfering with the network has worked once there’s a perception that it’s okay to do again. But, when it comes to a close encounter with the electricity network, there are no second chances, and the consequences can be catastrophic. UK Power Networks, and other organisations, have made available a host of invaluable resources to guide builders through the process to ensure they remain safe. Here are the details: FOR CABLE PLANS AND THE SAFE IDENTIFICATION OF UTILITY ASSETS VISIT LSBUD (LINE SEARCH BEFORE YOU DIG) WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB021 FOR NEW CONNECTIONS/MOVING EQUIPMENT/DISCONNECTIONS/EVS, SOLAR & HEAT PUMPS, AND MUCH MORE VISIT THE UK POWER NETWORKS WEBSITE AT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB022 AND GO TO OUR SERVICES. SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE ON REPLACING METER BOXES/BOARDS/EARTHING AND FUSES CAN BE FOUND UNDER THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT HEADING AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB023 IF YOU’RE INVOLVED IN LOW CARBON TECHNOLOGY INSTALLATIONS GO TO: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB024 HEALTH & SAFETY EXECUTIVE ADVICE ON AVOIDING DANGER FROM UNDERGROUND SERVICES CAN BE FOUND AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB025 UK POWER NETWORKS ALSO PROVIDES A HOST OF OTHER SAFETY PAGES AND RESOURCES: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB026

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BUSINESS SOLUTIONS ESTIMATING SERVICES

A SUSTAINABLE MODEL

Karl Nicholson is one of the founders of Next Gen Luxury Homes, an evolution of K Design and Build that focuses on building premium, technologically advanced, sustainable homes.

Karl tells us the how and why of this latest venture and how estimating services have supported the process.

“

e’d created a successful business in K Design and Build, helping homeowners build, repair, renovate and update their homes and gardens in and around the home counties for over 15 years,” said Karl. “But in April 2022, we decided to start a new venture, creating Next Gen Luxury Homes.

“We saw an opportunity to focus our business on the next generation of building – hence the name – incorporating aspects such as smart technology, alternative construction methods and more sustainable products.”

Karl continued: “In the UK, we’ve been stuck in an era of building for hundreds of years, constructing in a one-dimensional, traditional way with the same protocols etc. for decades. With Next Gen Luxury Homes, we want to give people the option to design and build their homes differently and show how you can build in a higher level of construction, not only meeting and exceeding fire, thermal and energy efficiency regulations but using a higher skill level too.”

Speaking about the opportunity in the market, Karl said: “We could see there was some demand to deliver a new standard of quality and people who want sustainable living to be a seamless part of

W

the home, but we’ve also got to educate the market.

“Some of our customers are drawn to us because they want to know more about the next generation of home – perhaps more from a technology perspective – but we work with them to incorporate eco measures harmoniously too and take them on a journey,” added Karl.

New methods Talking about his decision to specialise in this area, Karl said: “New and more sustainable building methods have always been an interest. There was a real passion to learn about what’s out there, what’s possible and bring new innovations and building techniques to our customers. But we’re also upskilling ourselves in terms of training on aspects such as solar PV, heat pumps etc. That takes time and investment, but slowly, slowly, we’re getting there.”

Starting a new venture, while running an existing business and completing training is no mean feat. However, one way that Karl and his team have been able to take time away from ‘the day job’ is by using Build Aviator estimating services.

“I’ve been working with Build Aviator for ten-plus years to give me more time to do whatever is right for my business at that time,” said Karl. “Before it might’ve given me the time to be on-site, do accounting or scheduling jobs, but now working with Build Aviator gives me the time to do research and development, look at new innovations in the market, get out to trade shows and develop partnerships,” said Karl.

“With the volume of enquiries we have, I could spend all my time costing up jobs, which would mean creating Next Gen Luxury Homes and bringing the vision we’ve got for the business to life would be near impossible.”

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BUSINESS SOLUTIONS ESTIMATING SERVICES

Continuing, Karl said: “We employ four people, we’ve still got bills to pay so we need our bread and butter projects and income coming into the business alongside the upskilling and business development work we’re doing. It makes so much more sense to use an experienced estimator.

They’re quicker and they’re more efficient.

It would take me a good week, if not longer, to cost up a full house build and do the take-off, but the Build Aviator team, use our plans, generate an estimate with minimal input and can then turn an estimate into the materials we need on site

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in a matter of days.”

Via Build Aviator, Karl can also learn more about innovations entering the market and reduce wastage for a more sustainable build. “Through their merchant relationship, our estimator can advise on new sustainable products and smart technologies and highlight potential improvements in our report,” he added.

“There’s also an opportunity to reduce wastage on site through the Bill of Quantities generated during the estimating process which in turn helps reduce the footprint of the build.”

Concluding, Karl added: “Deciding to specialise, do training or start a new venture, like anything, takes time and investment. It costs money to upskill. But I would encourage everyone in the trade who has a genuine interest in sustainable building to pursue it. Start small and take one step at a time and look at ways you can create efficiencies and work smarter in your business by outsourcing estimating.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BUILD AVIATOR VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB027

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

IN GOOD COMPANY

oth statuses have their pros and cons, but one will be better suited to your company depending on its specific needs as well as your own personal preferences. This guide provides the key advantages and disadvantages of each to help you make an informed decision about what’s right for you and your business.

B

It’s a question all new businessowners have to contend with: should you register as a sole trader or limited company?

Sole trader A sole trader is typically a self-employed person who works for themselves (though sole traders can have others working for them). Because this status means there’s no legal distinction between the individual and the business under the law, sole traders can be thought of as being the business.

Pros: ● Less paperwork. While both sole traders and limited companies have to complete an annual Self Assessment, sole traders face far less paperwork as they’re not so heavily regulated as a legal entity. ● You’re in charge. Unlike limited partnerships, which may be subject to multiple shareholders, each with some decision-making power, sole traders have full control over business decisions. This also means that... ● You keep all the profits. A sole trader keeps all profits from the business after taxes.

Cons: More accountability. Since a sole trader is typically one person, and the law doesn’t distinguish between the individual and the sole trader, sole traders are therefore wholly liable should anything go wrong, e.g. debt, legal trouble, etc. ● More taxes. While sole traders get to keep all of their profits, they pay more tax compared to limited companies, at ●

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●

a rate of between 20-45%.

Less desirable to clients. Some companies see sole traders as being less professional than limited companies. If you’re trying to get work with bigger companies or corporations, this is something you’ll therefore want to bear in mind.

Limited company A limited company is recognised as a separate legal entity under the law, meaning that the owners of the business – or shareholders – aren’t held personally liable for financial losses.

Pros: ● Reduced liability. In a limited company, businessowners or shareholders are not held personally liable for the business’s financial losses. Instead, they’re only considered liable proportionate to the number of shares they have in the business. ● Higher regard. Being a highly regulated entity, limited companies are often seen as more desirable to work with over sole traders, which could improve your client uptake. ● Less tax. While sole traders get to keep all of their profits, limited companies pay less tax, at 19-25% compared to the 20-45% sole traders pay.

Cons: ● More upkeep. In addition to the annual Self Assessment tax return, which sole traders also have to complete, limited companies have to file annual company accounts and keep meticulous financial records. ● Extra fees. Limited companies must register with the Companies House, which does incur a fee. Additionally, because of the extra admin involved, many limited companies enlist the help of an accountant, which is then an additional cost. ● Your business is more exposed. The fact that limited companies have to register with Companies House means that details of your company – annual accounts, records, directors and shareholders – can be seen by anyone as a matter of public record.

Trade insurance Whether your business is in construction, builders’ merchants, painting and decorating, or something else, at Towergate Insurance we provide tailored trade insurance to suit the specific needs of your business.

Visit WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB028 for more information or contact 0330 828 5586 to speak to one of our expert advisers.

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give our verdict on new products in our unique site tests, Professional butWenow we want to give you the chance to try them – AND KEEP THEM – for yourself! All you have to do to enter the free draws

BUILDER’S

is simply just type in www.rdr.link followed by the unique code.

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PAIRS OF MEN’S OR WOMEN’S SAFETY BOOTS

V12 FOOTWEAR V2120 LYNX OR V2125 LYNX The Lynx from V12 Footwear is a strong and great-looking waterproof safety boot available in both men’s and True Women’s Fit, giving unbeatable protection and comfort. This durable safety style is extremely lightweight due to a fibreglass toecap and midsole and features an outstanding non-slip water-dispersing tread. Even better, the Lynx is a carbon neutral product, so it protects the planet as well as the wearer.

Step to it and win a pair of high-performance safety boots. There’s a choice of either men’s or True Women’s Fit footwear available.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB029

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EASY AIR WEDGES

EASY INNOVATIONS HEDGEHOG EASY AIR WEDGE The multi-purpose Hedgehog Easy Air Wedge is an inflatable wedge that makes easy work of fixing and levelling. It holds windows, doors, appliances etc in place for easier installation. The builtin CorePlate Technology ensures that the wedge remains rigid and does not buckle when pushed into small gaps.

Entering Professional Builder’s great competitions and giveaways is as easy as using this inflatable wedge.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB031

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FAST FIT SEAT COVERS (IN GREY)

TOWN & COUNTRY COVERS FAST FIT UNIVERSAL SEAT COVERS The Town & Country Covers Fast Fit universal seat covers can be fitted and removed in seconds. The cover is designed with two things in mind, speed of fitting and removal, while providing excellent protection to the seat. It is in one piece, which slips over the headrest and covers the front of the seat.

We’ve got it covered in this month’s giveaways and so could you. Three of these seat protection products must be won!

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB030

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BULLDOG NEWCASTLE DRAINERS

BULLDOG NEWCASTLE DRAINERS The Bulldog All Metal Newcastle Drainer has a solid forged blade designed for deep, narrow trenches, post holes and drainage channels. It exceeds BS3388, the British standard for loading and is hardened and tempered for strength.

Each tool is fitted with a strong tubular 28” steel shaft and has a tough MYD metal handle with a hardwood grip for comfort.

We’ve dug deep to find another great round of giveaways including this prize with the famous Bulldog name.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB101

Easy to Enter! It’s now easier than ever before to enter the competitions on our website. We’ve collected all the competitions on one handy page, meaning you only have to enter your details once! www.rdr.link/BBB032

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TOOL BUCKETS

HULTAFORS TOOL BUCKET The Hultafors tool bucket is as simple as it is clever. With its ergonomic shape and comfortable handle you get a tool carrier that saves both your body and your wallet. Made of durable PP plastic with a max load of 100kg, it’s shaped to be carried close to the body with a handle that can be locked in an upright position ready for the next job.

Make sure our ‘Free-for-All’ is on your bucket list. As ever, use the rdr.link below for the full entry details on the Professional Builder website.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB033

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VAN LOCKS

YALE HEAVY DUTY VAN LOCK With a zinc body padlock, 6-pin cylinder and black powder-coated, heavy duty steel hasp, Yale’s Heavy Duty Van Lock has been designed with heightened security in mind.

Suitable for a range of applications, including gates, sheds, outward-opening double doors and vans, the lock has been rigorously tested to provide extensive protection against a range of attack methods.

Lock and load with this robust security solution from Yale.

There’s 10 up for grabs.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB034

Easy to Enter! It’s now easier than ever before to enter the competitions on our website. We’ve collected all the competitions on one handy page, meaning you only have to enter your details once! www.rdr.link/BBB035

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VAN OF THE

WORLD

Working to keep you on the road, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has shared its top tips for choosing the right van, to support businesses to run smoothly.

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With commercial van drivers in the UK spending an average of five hours in their vans each and every day, it’s important to have a vehicle that is both comfortable on the road and practical for your requirements, whatever your line of work. With the added dimension of electrification, and an increasing number of businesses across the country transitioning to – or considering – electric vehicles for the first time, it can be outright overwhelming trying to pick the right van.

Having a van that you can count on is a priority for owners and fleet managers – not least because of the expense and inconvenience of a breakdown – and, for many customers, van reliability starts with choosing the right vehicle.

To do so, there are several key questions that you should consider for your business – how many miles do you typically drive? Where do you operate?

How many people will be in the van at any one time? What are your heaviest loads, and how much do they weigh?

Offering a diverse range of vehicles, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has a model to suit almost every trade – from the compact Caddy to spacious Crafter panel vans, and from the evergreen Transporter

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to the all-electric ID. Buzz Cargo.

Practicality in the commercial vehicles sector goes well beyond just the size of the load bay and its weight capacity, though. In fact, buying a van that can be fitted with a unique racking system, or even a bespoke conversion, can make all the difference for your business. So, where to start?

With a strong legacy in facilitating premium light commercial vehicle conversions – from large fleet conversion requests to bespoke requirements – alongside a range of off-the-shelf conversions as part of its ‘Engineered To Go’ conversion programme, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ network of nationwide Van Centres can support businesses to meet their unique requirements, from design to delivery.

Then, of course, there’s the question of electrification. Despite range anxiety and charging accessibility still frequently – and often unfairly – cited as barriers to uptake, battery technology continues to evolve at pace, with improvements spanning electric commercial vehicles too. For many business owners, electric vehicle consideration continues to increase as a result, with 70% of UK van drivers* now agreeing that an electric vehicle would be suitable for their business.

Delivering an all-electric range of up to 254 miles thanks to a 77kWh battery, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ first allelectric van – the ID. Buzz Cargo – is capable of charging from 5% to 80% in just 30 minutes**, making it practical for

“By using Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ online vehicle configurator, you can take the guess-work out of choosing the right van for your business.” short and longer journeys alike.

With an interior load space equivalent to a van such as the Volkswagen Transporter, and a footprint much closer to that of a Caddy compact van, the ID. Buzz Cargo is highly manoeuverable, practical and easy to drive, while offering impressive sustainability credentials to support businesses’ transition to electric.

Another important consideration when choosing a van is technology. With many commercial vehicles now fitted with hitech accessories designed to make life

easier, it is also true that vans are so much more than load-lugging workhorses these days. To ensure you are getting the most out of your vehicle, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends researching the technology available before making any purchasing decisions.

By using Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ online vehicle configurator, you can take the guess-work out of choosing the right van for your business.

The decision-making process doesn’t stop here, though. After selecting the vehicle that’s right for your business, there are choices to be made around aftersales and financing and, with so many options available when purchasing a commercial vehicle, it can be tricky for business owners to know which direction to go.

Regardless of how you operate your fleet or which vehicles you run, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles encourages businesses to avoid separating buying a van from running it, by selecting the right partner to keep operations running smoothly.

With a comprehensive range of purchasing options and a finance expert available across its network of nationwide Van Centres, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Financial Services is on hand to guide business owners through the process and establish the best solution for your business.

This could include taking out a service and maintenance contract, presenting a cost-effective solution that keeps running costs to a minimum, while taking the sting out of unplanned bills and helping you keep on top of repairs.

To minimise downtime and help keep businesses on the road, every Volkswagen van comes backed by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ ‘Working With You’ promise – a commitment to working in partnership with businesses, providing the best products and aftersales support – to take the stress out of van ownership, and allow you to focus on your day job. *According to a 2023 Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles survey **When plugged in to a DC quick-charging station

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON VOLKSWAGEN VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB036

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DELIVER THE GOODS

MAXUS is on the charge with another addition to its expanding battery powered line-up.

Given the distance it has travelled as a brand in a relatively short space of time there’s no doubt that MAXUS is committed to an aggressive and ambitious programme of expansion. It’s an attitude which is built on championing electric commercial vehicles, with the latest model to roll from its Chinese production facility delivering a level of quality that you would expect of the more established, premium players.

In the UK and Ireland, Dublin-based Harris Group is the distributor of these Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) built vans. Harris Group has called an impressive Liverpool office, workshop and warehouse facility home since September 2022 – from where it services its now 73 strong dealer network – and this was also the base for our recent test drive.

This is the third electric LCV to be added to the MAXUS range, slotting between the existing eDeliver3 and eDeliver9.

Competing in the 3.5 tonne payload segment, the EDeliver7 has a builder

friendly 1-tonne payload, and an anxiety easing 230mile range. Charging times are 43 minutes to 80% capacity when using a DC charger, or full charge in 8–9.3 hours with an AC charger. There two battery sizes on offer – 77kWh, 88kWh. When approaching the vehicle first impressions are inevitably dominated by an intricate grille design that renders a unique road presence, with an almost woven texture that enhances the flowing lines and movement at the front end. The interior is similarly dominated by one feature and that’s the 12.3in. touch screen with access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s also your window onto the convenience of the rear parking camera and a host of other vehicle settings.

There are, for instance, three regenerative braking levels at your fingertips. For the uninitiated this is the system through which EVs capture energy

when the vehicle is decelerating and returns it to the main battery. If you’re not used to driving electric LCVs the highest setting can feel slightly aggressive at first but it will preserve more of the charge.

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vehicles & plant The driver’s seat provides further insight into features that are supplied as standard. There is, in fact, a generous level of functionality which includes the luxurious warmth of a heated leather steering wheel. On the road this electric vehicle exhibits all the benefits you would expect from this form of power with low noise, and plenty of acceleration – all from a satisfyingly high driving position.

So, coming to the business end of any van what can a builder expect to fit in the back? Well, quite a lot as it happens because there are three size configurations (L1H1, L2H1, L2H2). Access is a via a single sliding door, rear wing doors with 90°/180° opening, and there’s tie-down loops. Load volumes range from 5.9m3 L2 H1 up to 8.7m3 on the largest L2 H2 variant.

It’s the same story with the safety technologies available which includes Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front &

Rear Parking Sensor, Autonomous Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Reversing Camera, Front Collision Warning System (FCW), and the aforementioned 360° Camera.

If that’s not enough then Lane Departure Warning & Lane Keeping, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Intelligent Headlight Control (IHC), Speed Limit Sign Identification System, and a Fatigue Driving Monitoring and Early Warning System are also available.

Telematics and connectivity It should, of course be recognised that transitioning from diesel to electric does require a different mindset. It will need more forward planning in how you manage charging levels, for example, but a very

TAKE IT TO THE MAXUS Battery technology has advanced at pace and that means even the biggest beasts in the commercial world can now take advantage of the CO2 saving, zero emissions technology. The eDeliver9 is the EDeliver7’s larger sibling and, with a range of 219 miles, it can outperform many of the more established names in the large van sector. It is supplied with a 150Kw / 310Nm motor, and a choice of three battery configurations – 51.5Kwh, 72Kwh and 88.55 Kwh with A/C & DC charging as standard. The maximum payload volume ranges from 9.7m3 to 11m3. All vans get a single sliding side door and have bright LED lighting, 8 tie down points and a non-slip protective floor covering.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE MAXUS EDELIVER9 VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB037

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useful tool in smoothing your path is the MAXUS Intelligence Onboard system.

Powered by Geotab, the world’s number one telematics solution, and a company that can count Amazon and the US Federal Government as clients, it provides real time date on the status of vehicles.

Even if you only own one van rather than a small fleet the information it collects represent a host of useful insights. In usage it will build up a comparison on running costs compared to an internal combustion engine powered diesel. Alerts will be sent to the end user if the vehicle suddenly stops charging, which means your vehicle will always be ready to go when you need it, and there’s live vehicle tracking. Free for the first 12 months, MAXUS Intelligence Onboard is then £15 per month per vehicle. The amount of data visible through the app or the online dashboard can be tailored to usage and, by providing a full history of vehicle usage, it is envisaged that it will help with depreciation and resale value.

All MAXUS vehicles come with a fiveyear warranty or 60,000 miles and include five years roadside assistance cover as standard. There’s an eight-year warranty on the battery. MAXUS might still be an unfamiliar name to many but with the automotive direction of travel firmly on an electric avenue – and with products that bear favourable comparison with some of the more exalted names – that is a situation that’s destined to change.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE MAXUS EDELIVER7 VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB038

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builders’ vehicles

CITAN AND RELAX It’s all the gears and plenty of ideas with Professional Builder’s latest vehicle test as we seamlessly shift between a seven-speed auto Mercedes Citan and its six-speed manual sibling If you’re in the business of working in other people’s homes then projecting a professional image to the client is a prerequisite. A part of that package is the van you drive, and arriving at the job with the three-pointed star of MercedesBenz proudly emblazoned at the front of your vehicle is a very good place to start.

Of course, this German manufacturing giant has never been just about looks because there’s always a generous helping of practicality, design finesse and technology to add to the mix and the Citan is a case in point. The result is a product that has seen some very

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significant remodelling from its first launch in 2012, with improvements across both the Progressive and Premium trim levels.

We recently tested a six-speed manual, as well as a seven-speed automatic, and it is the driving experience in the latter which is immediately telling.

Automatic choice Whilst the auto variants in many commercial vehicles need to have a good long think about shifting up or down before they do the job, the dual clutch system on the Citan – where one clutch controls the odd number gears and another the even – makes for a faster and smoother change. That’s not the only feature that enhances the driver experience either because the handling is very good, even when unladen, with a

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suspension that is a match for some of the ploughed fields our poor highways and byways have become.

Specifying the right load capacity is, of course, crucial for builders and, in such a diverse industry, the requirements can vary widely depending on the trade. The L1 variant features a 1,806mm load length and a maximum payload capability of 666kg on the Premium. There’s a sliding door measuring 615mm, with the option of doubling up on both the left and right sides, whilst a loading sill height of 59cm and load compartment height opening of 1,059mm will make life just that little bit easier when retrieving or replacing tools and materials.

Open the twin rear doors to their 180º limit and a surprisingly spacious cargo area is before you, which can accommodate two Euro pallets. If you’re after greater grunt from your workhorse then an L2 model is on its way but, at the time of writing, the vital statistics for this vehicle were yet to be announced.

Both vehicles are powered by 1.5-litre diesel engine, with 95 hp and 260Nm of torque. It is the latter figure which is more important to builders when carrying heavier loads, or towing, and the Citan is rated to tow up to a maximum of 3,500kg. The ECO start/stop function helps to ease the pain at the pumps with a welcome 54.3mpg.

Safety first The safety features that Citan customers can enjoy at no additional cost are generous, including Active Brake ASSIST with pedestrian recognition technology; ATTENTION ASSIST, which detects drowsiness in the driver and encourages them to take breaks when tired; and HillStart ASSIST to prevent rolling back.

There’s also a speed limiter, and an emergency breakdown assistance call button.

Features that are always very welcome when navigating the precarious space between a skip and an obtrusive scaffold pole are a reversing camera and parking sensors, both of which are provided as standard. Blind Spot ASSIST, Active Lane Keeping ASSIST and Speed Limit ASSIST can all be specified as options.

Inside the cab, what is most prominent

“This is a solid performer in the compact van segment with a number of features to recommend it, not least the driver-friendly automatic”

is an MBUX Multimedia system accessed via a 7in. touchscreen. This is your window to a world of connectivity including DAB radio and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. In addition, the Mercedes me service is free for the first three years and takes the digital insights you can glean from your vehicle a step further with access to real time data via your smartphone. This is a very useful tool for van operators with software updates, fuel levels, mileage, and more, all visible remotely. One omission does seem to be a built-in sat nav, which isn’t available even at the highest spec.

Regardless of trim all Citan models benefit from a high level of interior comfort and convenience, including a multi-function and adjustable steering wheel. Opt for the Premium variant,

however, and body-coloured bumpers, chrome trim, gloss black dashboard finish, 16in. alloy wheels and LED headlights with High Beam Assist and front foglamps will all be yours.

As with all Mercedes-Benz vans, the new Citan comes with a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty and roundthe-clock roadside assistance, a service which is free for three years, and renewed every 12 months after that. Called MobiloVan, it covers breakdowns, accidents and even some situations where it’s nobody’s fault except your good self, including running out of diesel or losing your keys.

Overall, this is a very solid performer in the compact van segment with a number of features to recommend it, not least the driver-friendly seven-speed auto option, and a cab that would not disgrace a decently priced car. It’s true that the payload is not as generous as on some of its rivals in the same weight class but, if it you make the calculations – and it adds up on what you need to carry on a daily basis – then factor that Mercedes Benz badge into the equation as well.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE NEW MERCEDES CITAN VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB039

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OF THE MOMENT

The MAN TGE Lion S is an aristoCAT amongst large panel vans.

With a hard-earned reputation in the HGV sector well and truly secured, MAN Truck & Bus is intent on becoming a heavy hitter in the light commercial vehicle market. First launched in 2017, the manufacturer’s TGE is billed as a premium van and we were asked to put that claim to the test with the recent test drive of the top of the range, limited edition trim, Lion S model.

Based on the VW Crafter – and produced in the same Polish factory as the Volkswagen – the MAN TGE already sits at the high end of the market, with the Lion S enhancing that status still further.

This is a big van but that doesn’t mean that all that practical and usable space will inevitably compromise the aesthetics. The MAN badge and Lion insignia are a bold centrepoint to a sloping black grille. A red

stripe along the vehicle’s flanks adds to a sculpted feel, whilst 17in. alloy wheels expand upon the same theme.

The demonstrator model Professional Builder had on loan featured additional Lion decals and this is certainly an LCV where feline grace meets big cat power.

There is, in fact, a huge choice of exterior styling within the MAN TGE portfolio, which includes standard topcoats, metallic and pearl-effect finishes and another 100 further paint finishes available on request.

Added to that are alloys or steel wheels in silver or black.

Wherever you look the MAN TGE Lion S exudes sporty lines, which is complemented by a more luxurious interior than you might be accustomed to, with a liberal use of leather in both the seats and the multi-function steering

wheel. The retractable armrest to the lefthand side of the driver adds to the comfort levels and a truck-like feel. For the local jobbing builder their trusty workhorse is always a multi-tasker, and when fulfilling its role as a mobile office MAN has delivered on a very pleasant retreat from the muck and bullets of a building site.

There are three different infotainment

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vehicles & plant specifications to keep you amused and connected, for instance, with the highest offering an 8.5in. colour touchscreen, hands-free operation and DAB+.

Our test drive journey took us to a back-to-brick house renovation in the bucolic Staffordshire countryside, and the responsive and effortless twin-clutch, eight-speed automatic gearbox belied the considerable distance. It should equally be noted that the suspension, even without a load in the back, makes for a very smooth ride. The 2.0litre engine delivers a satisfying level of power for a large vehicle and, once at the job, the rear parking camera helped us navigate a site with its fair share of tight spots. Even without the camera, the driving position offers good levels of visibility around the front.

The option of intelligent all-wheel drive is also a useful function if you’re navigating muddier sites and, when you’re back on the terra firma of tarmac, the system automatically adjusts to front wheel drive. Front wheel and rear wheel drive variants are also available, with the latter particular suited to a tipper, chassis cab or crewcab model.

“The MAN TGE range is extensive, featuring panel van, chassis cab and crew cab options. Those models are futher divided into an even wider choice including three heights, three lengths and two wheelbases” Alternative fuel A green and pleasant rural setting is equally fitting for a vehicle which is proudly labelled as HVO ready. This cleaner alternative to diesel is still a comparatively new concept amongst small and medium sized contractors but is one of the many fuelling and power options – alongside battery electric and hybrid – to emerge in response to global warming. According to its advocates, hydrotreated vegetable oil can reduce net CO2 emissions by up to 90 per cent and is a drop in fuel with no modifications to the internal combustion engine required.

The MAN TGE, for example, is designed to run on both diesel and HVO. In addition to our LION S model the TGE range is extensive, featuring panel van, chassis cab and crew cab options.

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Those models are further divided into a wide choice of vital statistics, including three heights, three lengths and two wheelbases. At its most expansive that will deliver a voluminous 18.4m3 of load space with a 3.5 tonne towing capacity into the bargain. Lengths extend from the standard 5,986mm to the extra-long panel van at 7,391mm. Roof space heights can be similarly specified to your needs with the maximum on the panel variant up to 2,590mm.

There are multiple safety, comfort and security packages on offer either as standard or as options. In the former category you can enjoy Autonomous Emergency Braking, Crosswind assist, Multi-collision braking and Hill Ascent Assist. The latter category includes trailer assist and adaptive cruise control, as well

as much more besides. The needs of individual builders are as diverse as the industry itself which is why MAN is adopting a bespoke approach in almost every aspect of the vehicle’s features. It’s certainly true of the load bay where you can add another sliding door or specify different bulkheads and steps.

The MAN TGE already exhibits very high levels of build quality and there’s the added reassurance of a 24-7 breakdown service. Indeed, an extensive dealer network that’s already well-versed in keeping downtime to a minimum amongst its truck customers – and that offers extended workshop opening hours at some locations – is dedicated to keeping you on the road.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE MAN TGE MODELS VISITWWW.RDR.LINK/BBB102

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CALL SECURITY!

The TVL Security message is simple – honest tradespeople should never have to go work worried that their tools, van or even themselves could be placed in danger

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TVL Security deploys multiple approaches to protect builders. For instance, via Tell TVL – an online community-driven crime prevention initiative – victims of van crime are encouraged to log information regarding attacks on their vehicles and equipment, with this data then used to help the police pinpoint crime hotspots and trends. The community effort has highlighted several interesting findings, such as that 50% of reported incidents took place in broad daylight in busy public places, while the most frequent method of break-ins is via the side load door.

“That sort of information was practically impossible to collect quickly before Tell TVL,” says Laura Moran, TVL Group’s Managing Director. “It just goes to show the power of collaboration.

Thieves are always sharing information on easy targets and entry methods. If we’re to eradicate van and tool theft, it is critical we combine our efforts too and get the important safety messages – such as how simply marking your tools with an easily readable set of initials, company name, or similar – can help deter theft.”

It is TVL Security’s product portfolio that is its bread and butter, however. It covers all elements of the vehicle, typically targeting the weak points that thieves usually look to exploit. While many operators – sole traders, in particular – may not feel able to justify the cost of installing additional security products on their vehicles, not doing so can place their livelihood at risk.

Offering multiple layers of protection, ArmourShell features an external, semiautomatic lock which leverages anti-drill inserts and a hardened steel locking bolt to seal the van’s doors with a bullet cylinder.

This design prevents even the most tenacious thieves from deploying power tools for a quick ‘smash and grab’ job.

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A glance at the product’s unique external shell though would likely prove enough of a deterrent, however. TVL Security deploys a unique, angled body that easily deflects direct hammer blows, while the inter-locking rear body and 45degree body chamfer prevent the shells from being forced apart.

“Though the ArmourShell’s internals do a fantastic job of keeping thieves at bay, its overall design is a real statement in itself,” says Moran. “Most thieves would quickly come to the conclusion that attempting to enter the vehicle by damaging the unit would not be worth the time nor effort.”

A broad portfolio The company’s CATPRO catalytic convertor protector also makes use of visual deterrence. While it includes high-security anti-tamper fixings and an 11mm Boron Alloy securing chain as last lines of defence should a thief try their luck, its bright lime green casing means most potential criminals will know at just a glance that any vehicle fitted with this solution is again more hassle than it is worth.

The same logic applies to the PedalBox, which can be installed and secured around the vehicle’s pedals.

Made from high-grade steel and anti-drill manganese plates, TVL Security finishes this solution in a durable bright yellow powder coat, guaranteeing it can be spotted in practically any light level through the vehicle’s window.

TVL Security’s broad portfolio continues. LatchShield, ProtektaPlate and ProPlate do what they say on the tin – adding stainless steel shields and plates to specific vulnerable areas around the vehicle such as door locks to prevent thieves using screwdrivers, drills or anything else to tamper with the internal mechanisms. Meanwhile, SlamHandle, RepLock, DeadLock and HookLock complement the OEM’s standard lock fittings, each providing additional strength to keep thieves out of the van.

In addition, the UK’s first smart van locks come with remote monitoring capabilities to allow vehicle owners and fleet managers to instantly see whether their assets have been properly secured.

The HookLock 2.0 and ArmourShell 2.0

units are also paired with a leading vehicle tracking system and an accompanying app, which provides not just access to real-time data, but historical data too.

The Anti-Cut Shielding panels are inspired by the use of aramid fibres in other products – such as bulletproof vests and cash-in-transit security vans. These lightweight panels can be installed internally in areas around vehicle locks or the van’s roof. If a thief attempts to penetrate the vehicle’s exterior using a power tool, they’ll quickly find themselves tied in knots.

The products have also been given police backing via Secured By Design’s Police Preferred Specification accreditation scheme. Having undergone a rigorous testing and auditing process, this means that TVL Security’s portfolio can be officially recommended by police forces across the UK. The vehicle security systems’ specialist has also secured an official partnership with Ford, through An official partnership with Ford means many TVL Security products are available as factory-fitted options.

which products are now available as factory-fitted options across the Transit range. As a result, several solutions can be installed even before a customer’s vehicle arrives in the UK.

Protect+ Most recently, the ‘Protect+’ range, builds on its existing Protect portfolio, with the revised solutions benefiting from more features and additional protection. “Our Protect+ customers now receive a highsecurity dimple key to help crack down on illegitimate key copying, ‘floating’ antidrill pins installed within the lock’s cylinder to stop lock picking, and anti-drill plates too,” says Moran. “That offers a comprehensive security package that will stop even the most brazen criminals in their tracks.”

Moran’s message though closes on community spirit. While she is hugely proud of TVL Security’s robust range of products and partners, she firmly believes that communication can provide just as valuable protection for tradespeople.

“In our experience – and in the experience of our community members – Tell TVL can, in many ways, provide as strong a defence against thieves as anything made of steel,” she concludes.

“The Tell TVL members we already have on the platform can be kept fully up to speed on how crime and attack trends are changing far quicker than ever before.

If they combine that knowledge with a thorough security specification, any would-be thief will be left thoroughly disappointed.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON TVL SECURITY VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB104

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landscape artist

One compact excavator brand has been the constant companion of a Staffs business owner since he started trading. Professional Builder’s Lee Jones visits a builder who is trusting in Takeuchi.

The eponymous Tom Wilson of TCW Landscaping has been running his own company for eight years and can point to a further two decades of experience in all things driveways, patios, gardens and groundworks. That’s more than enough time to develop a keen eye for what makes a mini excavator and Takeuchi has always been his digger of choice.

“I don’t advertise, all my work is won on the basis of recommendation, and I never need to travel that far,” reveals the Staffordshire-based tradesman. “I get real personal satisfaction from doing a quality job for a homeowner who will be

genuinely delighted with the end result and I’ve no interest in trying to compete on price when I quote. That only works as a business model if you’re doing things properly, and using the right equipment is a part of that. I wouldn’t ever go away from Takeuchi because, for me, they are by far the best diggers.”

The latest addition to his firm’s family of equipment is a Takeuchi TB325R. The machine is relatively new to the Japanese manufacturer’s line-up with the ‘R’ in the model’s name designating that it is

reduced tailswing, a feature Tom ably demonstrated by digging and slewing hard up against the wall of the major house renovation he was working on in rural Staffordshire. With the body of the excavator remaining within the width of the tracks there’s far less opportunity for rear swing impact.

It’s a property that is, in fact, destined to be his own home and is also where a growing collection of vehicles and plant are based. “With the kind of work we’re doing in domestic properties the reduced tailswing is essential for us but there’s still plenty of breakout force. I already own a Takeuchi TB210R micro, again with reduced tailswing, but having the bigger machine as well enables quicker excavation and muck away on larger projects. At the same time the TB325R is still something I can tow from site to site.”

Indeed, with an operating weight of 2,440kg it can comfortably be towed by a pick-up truck or van. Tom makes use of his similarly robust Nissan Navarra or Ford Transit Tipper for that very job, and most vehicles in those classes can now boast a towing capacity of up to 3,500kg, which

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vehicles & plant

“What you really notice with the Takeuchi units is the amount of power at your disposal, even in the smaller machines. At the same time they’re very smooth in the controls, which means it’s easier to undertake finer grading working.”

will allow for a couple of attachments or an extra bucket on board should you need them.

“What you really notice with the Takeuchi units is the amount of power at your disposal, even in the smaller machines. At the same time they’re very smooth in the controls, which means it’s easier to undertake finer grading working.

I went for the LED work light package when I specified the machine from dealer, JA Bloor, and that’s a feature I was really surprised by. We’ve been working into late afternoon in the winter months and they really do illuminate a wide area very effectively.” Other optional extras on the TB325R include multiple auxiliary hydraulic circuits and an optional Takeuchi Fleet Management (TFM) telematics system.

One further reason for Tom’s continued loyalty to the brand is the Takeuchi Security System (TSS). It features an enhanced level of protection

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where only programmed keys can be used to start the machine. The use of an un-programmed key will trigger an alarm.

“We often need to leave our machines on the job,” explains Tom, “and the TSS does provide a level of peace of mind that they will be harder to remove from site.”

Standard features on the TB325R include an automatic engine deceleration which helps conserve fuel. Its robust steel construction is complemented by a heavyduty wraparound counterweight that contributes to the stability of the machine.

The interior has seen improvements in size and visibility from previous models with the comfort of a suspension seat. At the driver’s seat the highly responsive Pilot Operated Joystick Controls allow for precise movements.

Tom’s TB210R micro is the nimblest of go anywhere solutions. With the track frames pulled into the fully retracted position, it’s only 750mm wide, which means it will fit through a standard

residential doorway or gate. When you’re ready to work those tracks can then be extended to 1,020mm for enhanced stability. At the same time, with a threecylinder motor boasting 11.6hp (8.8kW) and a healthy 36Nm of torque, its power belies its compact dimensions.

“I’ve owned Takeuchi machines since I started my business and, with the TB210R now joined by the larger TB325R, I’ve got everything I need for the work I undertake,” concludes Tom. “I really couldn’t be without them now.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TAKEUCHI TB325R VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB044 IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE DETAILS ON THE TB210R GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB045 TO GET IN TOUCH WITH TAKEUCHI DEALER, JA BLOOR VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB046

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vehicles & plant

YES YOU KAMM!

Over twelve months on since the introduction of the Kamm Generation of van accessories from Rhino Products, we caught up with the company’s CEO, Steve Egerton, to find out more about the way installers can benefit from this increasingly well-known range.

Europe’s leading manufacturer of commercial vehicle accessories, Rhino Products are already well known to tradespeople up and down the country.

The company has been helping tradespeople maximise their vans’ storage capabilities for two decades, having celebrated their 20th anniversary in September this year.

Upholding its strong principles of quality and innovation, Rhino has overhauled its entire roof rack and bar range, built upon the hugely successful KammBar. This latest family of products has been launched as the Kamm Generation.

A complete game-changer of design, each of these new products use the same ultra-aerodynamic teardrop shaped bar profile used on the original KammBar. This means that the entire range also benefits from the fast fitting, preassembled leg design that allows users to fit the products in record time.

Q

How does the new Kamm Generation steel bar deliver even more for tradespeople?

Steve Egerton (SE): One of the strongest roof bar systems on the market, Rhino’s KammBar Fleet has a stylish and practical design that enhances both the appearance and storage capabilities of any van. The high-tensile alloyed steel bar

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has the unique teardrop shape that reduces drag and fuel consumption, along with an inorganic zinc topcoat seal, which protects against even the harshest of weather.

Q

What other options are available when it comes to roof bars and racks?

SE: Ultra-aerodynamic, stylish, and corrosion resistant, the KammBar Pro is the market leading, premium roof bar of choice for van users. The anodised aluminium finish delivers the highest possible protection against rust and corrosion, whilst also giving the bar a sleek, modern look to complement your van.

The next product to join the Kamm range was the KammRack, benefitting from the ultra-aerodynamic ‘Kamm’ bar profile, making it Rhino’s quietest rack ever. The KammRack also shares the fastfitting, pre-assembled feet. This, coupled with the ‘click together’ side frames and crosstubes, means it is easy for one person to fit.

The start of 2024 will see the launch of the KammRack Black, which will be the same stylish roof rack in powder coated black with an aluminium roller, further complementing today’s modern commercial vehicles.

All of the Kamm Generation products

are compatible with Rhino’s full range of accessories, including our iconic PipeTube Pro.

Q

Is there a roller system available for the Kamm Generation?

SE: Both the KammRack and KammRack Black are supplied with a strong anodised aluminium rear roller. Complementing the KammBar Fleet and the KammBar Pro, is the upgraded, lightweight yet durable aluminium roller.

Lighter than Rhino’s previous rear rollers, the company has managed to substantially reduce the weight of the product without compromising on its strength. Every member of the Kamm family has been refined – even Rhino’s Kamm load stops have had a complete redesign, decreasing wind noise and drag.

Q

With a successful launch of the Kamm Generation under way, what else can we look forward to from Rhino Products?

SE: The company’s most recent release, the MR4 Modular Racking range, is the first internal product to date. With a whole host of accessories and configurations available, it allows the user to customise their van to their specific needs. The strong, yet lightweight high tensile steel systems come with bespoke fitting kits for every vehicle, providing the quickest and easiest fitting process possible.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RHINO AND THE COMPANY’S RANGE OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ACCESSORIES VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB047

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vehicles & plant 씱 product round-up

ANTI-THEFT SCHEME

In a bid to help fight against machinery theft in the UK, the Construction Equipment Association, together with the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) and NFU Mutual, has committed £650,000 over the next three years to advancing the goals and objectives of the CESAR Scheme and help the NRCU and NCATT. As a proven theft deterrent and an effective recovery tool, the CESAR Scheme has gained recognition from every police force in the UK. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB048

PORTABLE COMPRESSOR

To go hand in hand with its expanding range of electric compact excavators and loaders, Doosan Bobcat has shown off its Bobcat branded PA7.4 (7/45) compressor equipped with a generator option. It is part of a complete line of portable compressors, generators and light towers. The PA7.4 (7/45) compressor-generator provides 4.0 m³/min (140 cfm) of compressed air at 7 bar nominal pressure.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB049

COMPACT WHEELED LOADER

PICK UP TRUCK

As part of its recent corporate rebrand, KGM Motors UK has announced its revised model line-up. Under this revision, vehicles within the line-up will undergo adjustments to meet updated specifications, reforming models to two variants per vehicle and embracing a unified alpha/numeric nomenclature, K20 K30, K40 and K50 variants. The award-winning Musso pick-up retains its established EX, Rebel, Saracen, and Saracen names.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB050

ECO-FRIENDLY ONSITE FUEL

The New Era Fuels’ FuelBox has emerged as the benchmark for the convenient and eco-friendly distribution of various fuels, offering easy handling, spill-proof dispensing, and robust protection against contamination and adverse weather conditions. Moreover, its recyclability significantly reduces plastic usage by up to 90%, while the bag-in-box system takes up a fraction of the room a traditional jerry can does, reducing hazard waste disposal.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB052

Following the recent introduction of two battery-powered RT compact wheeled loaders, Kubota (UK) has widened the range with the introduction of an additional 10 EU Stage V compliant diesel models. This includes an extensive range of tipping loads that extends from 550kg up to 1,600kg, while operating weights are from 1,100kg up to 2,900kg. Cab or canopy options are available depending on the model, with ROPS and FOPS protection.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB051

3.5-TONNE TRUCK

When Wigan-based company Dasco Construction wanted ‘proper little trucks’ to replace less robust van-based vehicles, the FUSO Canter stood up to the task. Dasco’s Canters are all 3.5-tonne 3C13 models, with Comfort cab and 2,500mm wheelbases and fitted with Scattolini aluminium tipping bodies. Powered by fuel-efficient 3.0-litre turbodiesel engines, the compact exhaust system means the vehicles also meet the EURO VI – STEP E emission standard.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB053

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roofing, flooring & insulation

LAYING IT ON THE LINE Ardit Strica, Technical Manager for Onduline Building Products, explains how its ISOLINE LOW LINE roofing system is the perfect blend of sustainability and innovation

nduline’s ISOLINE LOW LINE sub-roof system not only offers long-term protection against any potential water ingress, but also incorporates 50% recycled cellulose fibres, contains no asbestos, and releases no hazardous substances.

Designed specifically for use on low pitch roofs, as low as 10 degrees, this lightweight bituminous underlay sheeting is fitted under roof tiles, thus being

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shielded from direct UV exposure and elements such as wind and leaf debris, making it an exceptional long-lasting waterproofing solution.

Furthermore, by establishing roof tiles as a secondary line of defence, it becomes possible to maintain a roof pitch significantly lower than the minimum recommended by the tile manufacturer.

This not only addresses the need to maximise living space, given the reduced pitch that minimises the roof void, but it

also opens up opportunities for the application of traditional tiles in situations where they wouldn’t have been able to be utilised previously, such as extensions or large roofing projects, greatly enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of a property.

INSTALLATION ON BATTENED ROOFS ●

Prepare the roof eaves detail to match the roof pitch by incorporating a fascia board, a tilting fillet, and an eaves tray support board where needed

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Install and secure the eaves tray onto the roof structure

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When using a membrane, place it between the rafters with a slight drape (recommended maximum of 15mm) and on top of the eaves tray, ensuring a minimum 100mm overlap between the two. Avoid exposing or extending the membrane past the top fascia board

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Install support battens using the tile gauge, adhering to the tile manufacturer’s recommended distance between battens. Ensure support battens are at least 50mm x 38mm in size and securely fastened to rafters

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Install ISOLINE LOW LINE sheets, beginning at the bottom of the roof and aligning them parallel to the fascia board using the eaves line as a guide.

Each sheet includes two horizontally embossed overlapping guidelines, with a recommended horizontal overlap of two guidelines (approximately 210mm)

and a vertical overlap of two corrugations (approximately 100mm) ●

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Stagger the sheets similar to tiling, starting the second row and every alternate course with a vertically cut sheet, creating a broken bond sheet pattern. Lay tiling battens over the ISOLINE sheets, aligning them with the support battens, and secure the system with suitable nails or screws Use smooth shank fixings with a minimum head diameter of 3.5mm.

Fixings should only penetrate the

sheets at the apex of the corrugation and be spaced approximately every 300mm along the length of the tiling batten ●

Ensure fixings penetrate the support battens by a minimum of 15mm

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Fix the ventilator comb between the eaves battens and complete the installation by overlaying the eaves battens with a batten cloaking piece.

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Opt for deep flow guttering to minimise the risk of rainwater overshooting.

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roofing, flooring & insulation INSTALLATION ON FULLY BOARDED ROOF ●

Utilise timber decking with a minimum thickness of 20mm to fully cover the designated area ● Install eaves trays securely onto the boards ● If a membrane is part of your roofing system, lay it next. Ensure a minimum overlap of 100mm between the membrane and the eaves tray. Avoid extending the membrane beyond the top edge of the fascia board ● Adhere to the installation instructions provided for a battened roof

INSTALLATION FOR A WARM ROOF ●

ISOLINE LOW LINE can be installed above a warm roof, providing the proper fixings and ONDUTISS vapor-permeable membrane are utilised ● Integrate adequate ventilation into the warm roof system to enhance performance ● Please be aware that our secondary roofing system functions as a cold roof and cannot serve as an integral component of a warm roof section but can be installed above it

ROOF DETAILS SOLAR INTEGRATION ●

●

At ridges and hips lay roofing membrane across the butt joint in the sheets and dress down a minimum of 300mm either side of the ridge. When using ventilation products, the membrane can be trimmed instead at the ridge level to allow the flow of air ● For side wall abutments use a conventional 2-3 layer waterproofing system as shown on the image above. Note: the top-most flashing layer must be chased into the wall. ● For the end wall abutment, fold the roofing membrane upwards on to the wall (approx. 100mm). Install Onduline Apron Flashing Piece. The tile battens and tiles can then be fixed, and a two-part lead flashing can be applied. Abutment ventilators can also be used.

WATERTIGHT PIPE/VENT PRENETRATION

To seamlessly incorporate solar panels into the roofing structure it’s best to use a Hanger Bolt fixing or a similar alternative ● Choose bolts of varying lengths based on the specific PV bracket and tile type ● Thread the bolt until the seal establishing solid contact with the ISOLINE sheet. ● Exercise caution to avoid over-tightening and causing the collapse of the sheet corrugations. ● Penetrate the ISOLINE sheet exclusively at the top of the corrugations ● Always affix structural components to rafters ● If fixing is required in the absence of a rafter, incorporate an additional structural component (rafter or equivalent).

●

Lay the sheets, maintaining a gap equivalent to the width of the pipe Horizontally overlap the ISOLINE sheets by aligning the embossed lines on the top sheet with those on the bottom sheet, providing approximately 220mm end lap coverage. For side overlaps, use two corrugations (approximately 100mm) ● Position the pipe flashing piece, ensuring a 150mm overlap between the flashing and the bottom sheet. For side overlaps, make sure the flashings cover a minimum of two corrugations on both sides ● Overlap the top sheet, ensuring a minimum of 150mm overlap between the flashing and the top sheet ●

Note: When securing solar panel brackets, treat the ISOLINE sheets solely as waterproofing components, not as structural elements. Rafters typically serve as the primary structural components in a pitched roof.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ONDULINE’S ISOLINE LOW LINE ROOFING SYSTEM, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB056

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roofing, flooring & insulation

FORGE AHEAD Tony Armitt, Commercial & Technical Director at ForgeFix, explains how the business is continuing to innovate its products to keep up with new regulations.

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or the past couple of decades, the UK government has introduced various schemes and initiatives to make both new homes and older houses more energy efficient. The likes of the Green Homes Scheme, The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) and Energy Company Obligation have encouraged homeowners and landlords alike to work on making homes more energy efficient.

When it comes to new builds, the Future Homes and Buildings Standard, introduced in 2021, has laid out new regulations that mean new build homes

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built from 2025 must produce 75-80% less carbon emissions. With this in mind, builders and contractors have to make sure that they have the correct and best quality materials for the job.

Approved Document L The government recently introduced new Building Regulations to reduce the amount of wasted energy in homes. As part of these regulations, insulation thickness has increased to reduce the UValue of homes. A U-Value measures how well parts of a building transfers heat and is a measure of heat loss in the building in

areas such as a wall, roof, or floor. To put in layman’s terms, the lower the U-Value, the better insulated the home.

The new regulations have had their biggest impact in loft and roofing insulation, with loft insulation now required to be 270mm, floor insulation should be 150mm, pitched roofs 170mm and between rafters 100mm board insulation is needed.

Flat roofs should be 150mm and this can be laid over the deck or 100mm over the deck and 50mm between the roof joists.

These changes have had a significant impact in the designs of rooms as well as the materials needed to construct them.

Due to this increase in thickness, materials that are used to secure the insulation have also needed to adapt. For example, to secure 150mm insulation onto a timber deck board with an 18mm timber overlay board, a tradesperson would require a screw at least 220mm long to produce a firm fixing.

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Extended screws With this in mind, longer screws are needed for the thicker insulation because they provide a more secure grip and help to penetrate the full depth of the insulation, ensuring that it is properly supported. If shorter screws are used with thick insulation, they may not reach the framing behind, reducing the stability of the insulation and potentially causing it to sag over time. Additionally, using longer screws can prevent damage to the insulation, as it helps to distribute pressure more evenly.

This is why ForgeFix expanded its Spectre woodscrew range.

The advanced multi-purpose range added new sizes of screw to help the trade comply with the building regulations. The range now includes 6.0 x 200mm and 6.0 x 240mm woodscrews as well as 8.0 x 180, 200, 240 and 280mm versions.

The range is specifically designed to make the tradesperson’s life just that little bit easier. To support tradespeople, the size of the product is conveniently included on the packaging so the right screw for the job can be easily found.

What’s more, ForgeFix also provides longer screws in the TechFast range which is also used for more technical timber roof insulation installations and the range is self-screwing – making the job easier for the tradesperson.

In the Techfast range, screws in sizes 5.5 x 185mm and 5.5 x 235mm are available and are specially designed to fix roofing panels to a steel frame whilst providing a waterproof fixing. The longer lengths are sufficient to pass through the insulation and the screw is designed to self-drill into the metal frame up to 12.5mm thick. Only 10mm of visible thread is required making 185mm screws suitable for most applications. What’s more, the Techfast screws come with a hex head for increased torque, have an EPDM rubber/stainless steel washer and have an exterior coating which is C4 rated according to standard ISO 12944-2.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SPECTRE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB057 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT TECHFAST GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB058 TO LEARN ABOUT THE WIDE RANGE OF FORGEFIX FIXINGS AND FASTENERS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB059

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roofing, flooring & insulation

THE LIFE ROCKWOOL helps to prioritise acoustics on a renovation project oise can have a major impact on our day-to-day health, life and wellbeing and especially so when the unwanted sound is in our home.

According to Department for Environmental Food and Rural Affairs, ‘noise exposure can cause annoyance and sleep disturbance, both of which impact quality of life’.

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The impact of noise is something renovator Josh Williams knows all too well following experiences in his first renovation project. So, when embarking on his next build, the bespoke finishing joiner considered how to create a quiet, comfortable home from the start. Josh and his family purchased a four-bed detached home in Cwmbran, South Wales, with plans for a major renovation

project. As well as reconfiguring several interior walls, serial renovator Josh is building a double storey extension that includes a master ensuite, downstairs toilet, office and utility room.

“In our first home we shared a party wall and would always hear our neighbours and their TV,” said Josh.

“After a while, we built a stud wall using ROCKWOOL Sound Insulation Slab and acoustic plasterboard, so when we moved to this property and started renovation plans, noise was a big consideration.

“While this home is detached, there were other factors to consider. We’ve got a young family and one of the rooms is an office space within the house. Plus, there’s an integrated sound system in the kitchen, so it’s as much about keeping noise in as it is out.”

Efficiency drive In addition to the acoustic considerations, a major challenge for the project was time. Josh completed the renovation alongside running his successful custom joinery business. “While I’m a trade, I definitely overlooked the time pressure of doing a full-time job and renovating,” said Josh. “I was working on my home

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whenever I got spare time so products that help me work efficiently were really important.”

Throughout his property, Josh chose to fit Sound Insulation Slab, a product that is purpose designed for internal and separating walls and floors. Thanks to its stone wool composition, the material has a non-directional fibre orientation and high density. In addition, it traps sound waves and dampens vibrations, making it ideal for busy homes and spaces, such as gaming, music rooms, and home offices.

Giving extra peace of mind for Josh and his family, Sound Insulation Slab also has a Euroclass A1 reaction to fire rating – the highest available – and is capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 1,000°C.

Fit for purpose A further benefit for the timepressured renovator, however, is its ease of fitting. Supplied in 400mm widths to fit standard stud wall centres, as well as a wider 600mm option, Sound Insulation Slab needs limited cutting. The product also features a Flexi edge that enables easy, friction fitting without leaving gaps or cracks that could affect noise and thermal leakage. Where cutting is needed for cables, pipes, sockets and services, the slabs can be quickly cut using an insulation saw or knife. For internal walls, Josh used 100mm thickness of Sound Insulation Slab.

“It was a joy to fit,” said Josh. “Because it’s designed especially for internal and separating walls and floors, it’s already in 400mm centres and pushes straight into the frame. Then the rest is just trimming, which I did easily with an insulation knife. As it’s flexible insulation, and 1,200mm in length, it’s also easy to feed through wires and cabling without much cutting.”

Josh continued: “It’s also a really versatile product which, when you’re doing a project with lots of different room types like I am, I don’t have to use different products for each room. I can use the same in the office, kitchen and bedroom. From a noise point of view, you can hear but also feel the difference it makes in a space. Sound is deadened and you can’t hear traffic for example.”

Concluding, Josh added: “This is the second time I’ve used Sound Insulation Slab on my home and it’s been so easy to use with great results.

I’ve also just started work on converting a singleskin garage into a gym for a customer of mine we’re using Sound Insulation Slab to help insulate and improve the acoustics.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ROCKWOOL SOUND INSULATION SLAB VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB060

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roofing, flooring & insulation Tibby Singh – www.TibbySingh.com

LEVELLING UP Professional Builder’s Tibby Singh finds a simple solution in Setcrete’s Floor Levelling Compound

hen it comes to preparing and levelling floors it can be overwhelming choosing the correct product for the job. I had two areas of concrete floor where I needed to self-level, with one area being almost 40mm out of level. For that kind of depth, most products I came across meant I had to mix it with aggregate. So, knowing I would have to get material on top of another material felt like an even bigger task.

It was then that I came across Setcrete, who manufacture a wide range of Floor Levelling Compounds. I was pleased to find out that its Deep Base Floor Levelling Compound is designed to raise floors quickly and allows for between 5-50mm in one application. It is even better knowing that it can be used in light to heavy-duty applications onto sound absorbent and non-absorbent subfloors.

The product is ideal for so many tricky situations, including where two adjacent rooms need to be raised to the same level, and it can be used on underfloor heating. When building up to

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that depth it is natural to think it will take days to dry, but with the latest fast drying cement technology, it has a walk on time of as little as 90 minutes, depending on the temperature.

Deep Base is perfect for building up in the lower areas of the floor and it is not expected to get the smoothest surface or finish.

However, if that is something that must be achieved –as in my case – then finish the floor off with Setcrete’s Level-Smart Floor Levelling Compound.

Again, this is easy to use and can be applied at thicknesses from 2-30mm.

However, for thicknesses greater than 10mm, and up to 30mm, it must be mixed with dry graded aggregate to the required ratio. That is the benefit of using Deep Base first and then finishing off with Level-Smart. This product also dries quickly with a walk on time of just 90 minutes and new flooring can be installed after four hours, again depending on the temperature. So, LevelSmart is ideal when you’re up against the

clock – and you need to work smart and not hard. It’s so easy to work with, it requires minimal effort with a trowel and, as always, a spike roller should be used to eliminate entrapped air and smooth out flow lines to give a more uniform appearance.

Setcrete does have its own Acrylic Primer which prevents unacceptable rapid drying of Setcrete Floor Levelling Compounds over absorbent subfloors and promotes adhesion to non-absorbent surfaces. It is a green colour making it easier to see what areas have been covered. The drying time also varies on temperature but may take between 20-30 minutes at 20ºC on absorbent subfloors and from 60 minutes at 20ºC on nonabsorbent subfloors.

Although Setcrete has various solutions for a wide range of applications it is the first time I have used these products – and I am impressed. They don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk to a flawless finish, with minimal effort.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SETCRETE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB061

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roofing, flooring & insulation NO.11 IN THE SERIES

OPPORTUNITIES ON THE HORIZON As the growth of solar PV continues to rise in 2024. Stuart Nicholson, Roof Systems Director at Marley discusses how building professionals should be looking to maximise the opportunity the renewable technology offers. hanges to legislation, high energy prices, increased consumer awareness about the climate emergency and the Government’s net zero target, are combining to ensure renewable technologies are now fully part of the construction sector’s decarbonisation journey.

Solar PV is a proven technology solution that delivers access to more sustainable energy for homeowners and has been identified as a key component of the emerging specification templates ahead of the launch of the pivotal Future Homes Standard in 2025.

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Industry expectation Due to mandatory changes to Building Regulations introduced last year, solar PV specification is predicted to soar in the years ahead. Indeed, forecasters predict that of the 200,000 new homes currently built each year, around 160,000, will include solar PV. So, as demand grows, those working in the industry need to prepare to maximise the business building opportunity this presents. While the cost of solar PV has reduced significantly over

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the past decade and innovative integrated solutions, such as Marley’s SolarTile, are straightforward to install, it’s important those working in the industry can take advantage of soaring solar PV demand and add real value to their new build or refurbishment projects.

MCS certification and establishing solar partnerships MCS certification covers installations of products used to produce electricity and heat from renewable sources, including solar PV. While tradespeople don’t have to be certified to install Marley’s SolarTile system, the final connection and sign off must be made by an MCS certified installer.

Those working in the industry may look to form a partnership with a certified electrical contractor or become MCS certified. To do this, prospective solar PV system installers need to undertake the appropriate training for solar PV connection and apply to a certification body to arrange an assessment.

Upskilling Professionals should also make the most of solar PV training opportunities to gain essential system knowledge and obtain

the confidence to undertake installation as part of new build or retrofit schemes.

To assist, Marley has launched its SolarTile Installation Training Course.

Running weekly, the series of in-person training courses will cover the theory behind solar PV technology and the practical steps needed to ensure a safe and compliant installation.

The one-day sessions, held at Marley’s training centre in Burton-upon-Trent, offer a comprehensive and in-depth overview of solar PV, how it works, solar PV system design, practical installation training, and tips to consider for complex system arrays.

The training course also provides installation guidance on how to install SolarTile, and complementary accessories such as ArcBox, as well as sharing how energy generation calculations are undertaken.

Get familiar with solar PV systems Tradespeople should look for a reliable and high-quality roof-integrated solar PV system, as these are easier to install and provide better aesthetics than ‘on-roof’ traditional panels. With an integrated system, both tiles and solar panels are installed together, so there is no modification to the roof tiles which secures the overall roof warranty.

The integrated system is compatible with all Marley’s clay and concrete tiles and slates, so solar PV can easily be incorporated into any roof design. It has an integrated tray, so no counter battens are required and delivers higher wind and fire resistance than separate tray systems.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SOLARTILE, OR THE SOLARTILE INSTALLATION TRAINING COURSE, VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB062

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ALL HANDS ON DEKS Professional Builder puts the questions to Ollie Janes at DEKS about the company and its roofing products range

market shape up and what do merchants need to know?

OJ: DEKS FastFlash is our market-leading lead replacement product, which offers the end user an easy to apply fully adhesive product. The adhesive and stretchable nature of the material makes it stand out in the market, and sales have grown significantly in the last few years.

It’s a firm favourite with installers once they have tried it. Email us at sales@deks.co.uk and we will send a sample, as seeing is believing.

Q

Q

We’ve spoken to you in the past about your drainage offering, but there’s much more to DEKS than that.

Can you offer a brief overview of the business and the sectors in which it operates?

Ollie Janes (OJ): DEKS has a global footprint covering Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) from our office and warehouse based just south of Bristol, with the other DEKS sites located in Chicago and Melbourne. DEKS is one of 25 business units which operate under our parent company Skellerup Holdings PLC WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB105 that is based in New Zealand.

As a group we manufacture a diverse range of products from rubber and

plastics, such as welly boots, rubber washers for push fit plumbing, foam inners for ski/snowboard boots, rubber liners for milking cows, non-slip foam decking for boats, silicone tubing for coffee machines and hundreds of OEM rubber and plastics products for customers globally to name just a few. All the businesses are supported by multiple technology and manufacturing sites enabling us to design and manufacture products. DEKS EMEA predominantly focuses on the drainage, roof flashing, solar and lead replacement markets.

With sustainability concerns and the cost of energy bills so apparent, we are seeing an increasing number of tradespeople diversify into solar PV panels and the various accessories needed to install them. We understand that such solar fitting solutions already form a key part of your product portfolio with more to come in the coming months.

What can you tell us?

OJ: The DEKS range has always included rubber flashings for cables which are used on-roof solar applications, but the range has grown significantly in the last year.

New products such as TileFlash – a rubber rosemary roof tile with cable ports, BirdBrush – a quick and innovative method of bird proofing your solar panel instal, HookFlash – a bracket flashing for slate roof installation and last but not least DEKS FastFlash which is the go-to “fit and forget” flashing for in-roof solar installations.

Q

Q

Looking at Roof Flashings, a key part of your proposal is lead replacement solutions. How does the UK

How do you see the market shaping up in the rest of 2024?

OJ: We have seen significant growth over the last few years in sales and we don’t see this stopping anytime soon. We have a growing portfolio of products, and we are leveraging our manufacturing base to bring more online in the drainage, roofing and solar marketplaces this year and next.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON DEKS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB063

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NAILING IT!

James Robinson, Sales and Marketing Director at Samac Fixings, explains why selecting the right screw for each specific job is essential.

s the construction industry rapidly evolves with updated Building Regulations and technological advances, the demand for specialised, superior-quality fasteners and fixings has reached an alltime high. With precision-engineered designs and sophisticated coatings, screws have evolved from basic wood screws to complex structural fasteners, providing builders and contractors with opportunities for significant savings in time and expenses while ensuring topnotch workmanship.

Using the correct screw is paramount for builders, as each screw type is tailored to specific materials and conditions, ensuring the integrity and durability of the build. Getting it wrong can lead to compromised structural stability, potential safety hazards and increased costs due to repairs and replacements. Choosing the right screw means accounting for the material being fastened, the environmental conditions it will face and the load it must bear. This precision not only strengthens the construction but also upholds industry standards and can

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prevent costly callbacks.

Using a non-loadbearing screw in a structural context, for instance, could have dire consequences: it could buckle under pressure, compromising the building’s integrity or even cause a disastrous collapse. In the same way, using screws that lack corrosion resistance in environments exposed to moisture or the elements can result in the fasteners deteriorating, thereby undermining the construction’s long-term stability and safety.

Save time Today, screws are engineered for specific applications. TEK Screws, for instance, are designed with a self-drilling capability that removes the need for pre-drilling steel sections, saving you time and money. This feature also ensures a secure and tight fit, reducing the risk of leaks and other issues that can arise from poorly secured sheet metal.

If you’ve got a decking project, don’t just choose a basic wood screw –

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decking screws are designed to resist rust and corrosion caused by outdoor elements. They are also built to withstand the constant expansion and contraction of decking materials due to temperature fluctuations, ensuring a long-lasting hold.

The feature of the screw that is designed to reduce those movements is the specially designed locking thread.

Samac’s Performance Decking range reduces movement of the decking boards and has a reduced head size, specifically designed to fit in the narrow space between decking boards. The Type 17 Cut Point reduces splitting and eliminates the need for pre-drilling, while the TX screw heads provide increased torque transfer and so reduces the likelihood of cam-out or stripping. This means fewer damaged screws and faster, easier assembly.

When it comes to roofing, again there are fasteners and fixings that make the job simple and secure. Collated nails, such as the Viper range, are perfect for roofing applications, ensuring a strong hold and easy application, crucial for the fast-paced nature of first fix roofing. It is really important to use the correct 3.1 gauge and Service Class 2 nails for securing battens and these are included in the Viper range. Atlas Bolts, known for their strength and reliability, are perfect for heavy duty applications where security and durability are paramount.

the construction process. Recognising this, Samac Fixings has added 6 x 220mm and 6 x 240mm screw lengths to its Performance Plus Range of screws. These new sizes are designed to travel through the increased thickness of the latest insulation materials, ensuring even distribution of pressure and maintaining the insulation’s stability and effectiveness over time, in line with the latest energy efficiency and building compliance standards.

Insulation

Coatings

Part L of the UK building regulations now mandates a minimum roof insulation level of 0.18 W/mK for all new-build homes and extensions so thicker insulation materials must be used to meet the new standard.

This means longer screws are needed in

Screw coatings are not just about aesthetics; they play a vital role in the longevity and functionality of fasteners.

For instance, zinc coatings are common and provide a basic level of protection against corrosion, making them suitable for interior use. More robust coatings, or metals such as stainless steel, are designed for outdoor or moisture-rich environments to resist weathering and rust. For high-stress or outdoor wood constructions, ceramic-coated screws offer high resistance against corrosion and are less likely to snap under tension.

Each coating is engineered to extend the screw’s life and enhance its performance in specific conditions, safeguarding the structural integrity of the build over time.

Ruspert coating is a high-grade, multilayered metallic coating applied to

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fasteners, offering excellent protection against environmental elements, including salt spray, chemicals and moisture, significantly extending the life of the screw. Ruspert-coated screws are particularly good for outdoor applications or where the screws are exposed to corrosive chemicals, ensuring the reliability and longevity of both the fasteners and the structures they hold together. Samac Performance Exterior Screws have a Ruspert coating that makes them a musthave for any outdoor project. Salt spray tested to 1500 hours (50 per cent greater than many other screws available) and coming in a range of sizes, they can withstand truly tough conditions.

Choosing the right fastener for the job directly impacts the durability, safety and efficiency of a construction project. The correct screw or nail ensures that materials are securely fastened, withstands environmental stresses and meets the specific demands of the application, whether it be for structural stability or resistance to corrosion. Making the right choice guarantees that a builder’s work stands the test of time, reflecting their commitment to quality and safety.

FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE SAMAC FIXINGS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB064

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DEAL

A SQUARE Hultafors has launched three new square models for the trade. A professional model, a lightweight model, and a successor to its adjustable mitre square Quattro. oth the professional and lightweight models resemble classic squares with black handles and 45mm wide steel blades. A new feature is that the professional and Quattro models have scribing notches – a long row of holes in the middle of the blade that allows for cutting or drawing parallel along an edge.

The professional model feels very solid in hand with an anodized aluminium stock and an extra thick blade. The lightweight model can live up to its name thanks to a stock made of ABS/PC plastic and a thinner blade.

The Quattro has a rotatable blade with fixed positions for 45, 90, and 135-degree angles and is also completely foldable. The blade can now rotate three-quarters of a turn, which means there are two positions where the blade is at a 90-degree angle. This provides the option to choose between a sharp outer corner, just like a regular square, and a rounded outer corner that’s helpful if, for example, some construction plastic or foam protrudes and obstructs in the corner where you are working. Another advantage is that if you work with thin sheet metal it can slide into

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the slit of the stock where the blade folds in, but if you turn the blade 270° you can use the back of the stock instead, where there is no slit.

However, Product Manager, Peter Victorin does not only want to highlight the new features but also talks about the quality. “Our squares are based on the fact that they are sometimes subjected to rather harsh treatment on construction sites. Therefore, we have not only worked on ensuring high angle accuracy but also that they must be very robust. A crucial part of our sustainability efforts is to ensure that our products have a long lifespan and can truly withstand the reality

on modern construction sites. It has been a challenge, and we have put great energy into finding the right materials and manufacturing techniques to deliver both durability and high precision.”

Sustainability The new products are part of the manufacturer’s sustainability work, and Hultafors has invested in completely new production equipment for the squares.

They are manufactured in one of its four European factories, and since 2018, it has managed to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions from those factories by a whopping 70%. Furthermore, it has an ambition to continue with that work and by 2030, it aims to have reduced the footprint by 92% compared to the 2018 figures. But carbon dioxide reduction is not everything.

Another example is the scale on the blade, which is now laserengraved instead of using a relatively chemical-intensive etching technique that was used in the brand’s old square models.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE HULTAFORS RANGE OF SQUARES VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB065 TO WATCH A VIDEO OF THE HULTAFORS GROUP QUATTRO ADJUSTABLE MITRE SQUARE IN ACTION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB099

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roofing, flooring & insulation product round-up

ROOFING UNDERLAY

The product of over 25 years of experience in pitched roofing membranes, A. Proctor Group’s Proctor Air is an air and vapour permeable, highly water-resistant roofing underlay. Its characteristics allow even very complex pitched roofs to breathe, without the need for air gaps or secondary venting. A 15-year warranty ensures peace of mind too.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB066

INSULATION

Recent reports from Oxford University and ONS on the impact of rising temperatures on life have underlined the importance of better insulated homes, declares Actis. The company’s Hybrid range of insulation and membranes and its new two-in-one Eolis HC have an important role to play in helping buildings stay cool.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB067

HARDWOOD FLOORING

Archwood brands Atkinson & Kirby and Richard Burbidge have partnered with Manchester design house, BOBO1325, to launch a styling collection. Promoting sustainability, Atkinson & Kirby’s hardwood flooring is manufactured in the UK and comes in a range of grades and designs.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB068

CONDENSATION RISK ANALYSIS

Quick and easy to use, Knauf Insulation has launched its condensation risk analysis tool.

Saving specifiers time, the tool allows the user to evaluate the risk of interstitial condensation and generate U-value calculations in less than five minutes with downloadable graphs.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB069

SOUND ABSORPTION

Already well known for its extensive portfolio of wood flooring options, Havwoods has now launched the Hushwood Acoustics collection. Hushwood Fiber and Hushwood Flute are available in a range of colours, offering visually appealing sound absorption.

The company’s flooring options are considerable too, with a number of colours and patterns on offer.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB071

WALL MEMBRANE

Construction professionals are being urged to balance air tightness with ventilation at the specification stage. An example of this in practice is Klober’s Permo Frame, a single-layer, vapour permeable house wrap wall membrane for use on timber frame and steel-framed walls allowing the structure to breathe with no risk of condensation build up.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB072

ROOF BATTEN

Developed following the Hackett review into Building Regulations and fire safety, the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) is backed with industry support and aims to change the way construction product manufacturers manage and provide information on products. Marley’s JB Red Batten has become one of the first construction products to achieve verification with this new CCPI, boasting a BBA certification too.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB073

NATURAL SLATE ROOFING CONSTRUCTION MEMBRANES

With products like Roofshield, Don & Low has been at the forefront of construction membranes for more than 25 years. Its range is made in the UK, offering solutions that meet performance, energy efficiency, and compliance demands, while also being environmentally friendly. The company’s technical experts are always on hand for advice.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB070

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A roof refurbishment project at a stunning Edwardian residence in Leeds has benefitted from CUPA PIZARRAS’ CUPA R12 Excellence. The natural Spanish slate is tested and certified to T1, S1 and W1 levels and won’t discolour, split or crack, boasting a 100-year guarantee. The slates feature thin laminations with average thicknesses of 3.5mm, 5mm and 6mm.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB074

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

BE CYBER SECURE! Tradespeople face growing cyber threat with businesses urged to step up digital security radespeople are being urged to step up cyber security measures after new figures revealed almost a quarter of people surveyed had fallen victim to online criminals in the last 12 months.

Research by commercial insurer NFU Mutual* showed that 23% of those surveyed said they or their business had suffered a cyber attack or cyber incident in 2023. The survey also highlighted that seven in every 10 tradespeople are worried about the threat of cyber crime and the impact it could have on their businesses – with 35% saying they were ‘very concerned’.

Although the vast majority of tradespeople were concerned about cyber crime, conversely 14% admitted being unconcerned or very unconcerned, prompting the commercial insurer to urge everyone in the industry not to take the threat lightly.

James Trevis, NFU Mutual’s Cyber Specialist, said: “Cyber crime is sadly becoming an ever-increasing threat to our industries – and tradespeople are no different – so we’re urging bosses and employees to stay vigilant and do all they can to avoid falling victim.

“It’s important to remember that if you utilise digital technology in any way to run your business, you’re potentially exposing yourself to cyber security threats – and

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the ramifications can be very serious.

From financial fraud and loss of income to reputational damage and even legal liability, tradespeople should be aware of the cyber risks they face.

“Tradespeople are a pillar of our communities so it is vital they feel they are protected and supported should the worst happen.”

If you use any of the following digital technology to run your business, then it’s worth thinking about your cyber security needs: ● The use of laptops and computers, tablets or mobile phones to communicate with customers, order materials and book jobs ● Servers or digital storage facilities to hold customer and employee data ● A website to promote your business and book work ● The use of online banking to transfer funds, purchase supplies and receive payment from customers ● Internet connected devices – such as office computer networks, CCTV and lighting

To help protect your trade business, NFU Mutual recommends the following: Use strong passwords – but crucially don’t use the same log in details or passwords across multiple accounts and services, always separate personal and business accounts. ● Implement Two Step Verification (Multifactor Authentication) – this is a simple method which requires two different methods to ‘prove’ your identity before you can use a service, generally a password plus one other method, such as a text message or fingerprint. ● Ensure all software is up to date and kept updated on a regular basis. ● Back up your files and data weekly ●

and store on a separate, secure device.

Educate employees around cyber risks, including how to spot potentially dangerous or fraudulent emails. It’s important to remember that employee error or negligence can also leave your business exposed, so making sure your staff are trained on the risks is key. ● Install a firewall and anti-virus software on all company devices and keep them updated. ● When setting up connected or “smart” devices, ensure factory set passwords are changed and all security features are enabled. ●

We understand the importance of safeguarding your business in the physical world, as well as the digital one.

That’s why NFU Mutual partners with expert providers to arrange cyber insurance to provide critical support, control and protection in the event of a cyber incident. To find out more, visit: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB075 * Survey of 500 UK tradespeople conducted by OnePoll on behalf of NFU Mutual between 12-19 December 2023 The National Farmers’ Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England.

Registered office: Tiddington Road, Stratford-uponAvon, Warwickshire, CV37 7BJ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority

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TIME IS MONEY! Quickslide explains that when choosing a supplier, it’s the little things that count Just as is said about cars, these days there really should be no such thing as a bad window, with pretty much every PVC-U and aluminium frame being manufactured on some sort of CNCcontrolled machine (less can be said of entrance doors but that is a discussion for another day). And with prices being ultra-competitive, what is the next area in which window and door manufacturers can edge ahead of the competition to win your business?

Service! And not just how quickly the order department answers the phone, or how quickly your order turns up…. It is the natural order of things that when the playing field levels out on any aspect of service and performance then industry leaders move on and up the ante with something else. And whilst these little increments don’t seem that important in isolation, as the supermarket says, ‘every little helps’.

So, what should you look out for from your current supplier now? These are just a few things that I believe make a real difference to the average installer’s day and even more so when they are added together…

Pre-gasketed bi-folds These are a game changer. Fitting bifolds correctly is a skill and must be done with patience to get it right. So, anything that can cut the time on site, and therefore potential for breakage and delay, has to be welcome. Building bi-folds as completely as possible in the

DOORS & WINDOWS

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

21ST in THE series

ONSITE

WITH

Touch up paint

factory, including fitting gaskets, is a nobrainer as far as I am concerned. Flat packed bi folds might be cheaper at purchase, but after you consider the time and effort spent on site assembling them, it isn’t worth a few per cent off.

Pre-glazed PVC-U windows The old argument that pre glazed windows risk damage in transit and handling just doesn’t wash anymore.

And neither is it worth a tiny extra margin that might be made by buying the IGUs locally and bringing frame and glass together on site. Frame handling and transport is now a science and breakages should be at a tiny level. And no messing about with toe and heeling on site, even when you’ve got someone expert enough to do it well.

Even large and heavy vertical sliding box sash windows can be comfortably handled and installed pre-glazed, as sashes can easily be removed and refitted once the frame has been installed.

Yes, really…around half of all frames manufactured and installed now, are coloured or foiled. So, if a small area of damage occurs on site, that doesn’t otherwise require a remake, the frame manufacturer should be able to supply some touch up paint quickly to enable a quick repair without any fuss or drama.

Other little wrinkles that can save time and hassle are little things such as the driver calling ahead to confirm the actual delivery time when they are en route; and correct paperwork…how many times has admin been thrown by details being incorrect, especially such as test reports and accreditations – homeowners have never been so well informed and can be only too ready to jump all over the details.

The devil is in the detail…you should be able to get great products and at competitive prices too from pretty much any window and door fabricator. But, when added together, it’s the little things that can make life so much easier.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON QUICKSLIDE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB076

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DOORS & WINDOWS

HOME TRUTHS

Victoria Brocklesby, COO and Cofounder at Origin, the UK’s leading manufacturer of luxury aluminium doors and windows, shares her insight into what’s motivating homeowner preferences in 2024.

This year is set to be an interesting one for the housing market. The latest forecast from Savills predicts that house prices could rise by 3%, whilst construction market analysts, Glenigan, predict that there will be an 8% increase in construction levels compared to 2023. Both insights are positive for housebuilders, but if last year taught us anything, it is that housebuilders still need to create homes that align with evolving homeowner preferences to secure those all-important sales.

So, what’s on homeowners’ minds?

Longevity and sustainability Energy efficiency was an important consideration to prospective property buyers throughout 2023, and we don’t see that changing anytime soon.

While the technical aspects of Building Regulations might not be at the forefront of homeowner’s minds, the implications of energy efficiency are. Reduced environmental impact and lower utilities bills are compelling selling points when looking to attract house buyers.

Away from energy efficiency, we predict that the homeowner’s main focus will be on longevity as they look for product quality. Not only does it work out as better value for money in the long run,

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but it also complements the wider consumer trend to live more consciously.

Buy well and buy once. Finishings that use sustainable materials and ensure longevity, whilst still providing aesthetic appeal, will be the priority.

Alternatives to plastic When it comes to windows and doors, homeowners are looking for alternatives to plastic. Google searches for ‘aluminium doors’ have continued to steadily grow over the past five years, whilst searches for ‘PVCu doors’ have been in rapid decline.

This is because aluminium offers a sleeker profile and slimmer sightlines, meaning more light can enter a property and views are maximised, whether that be via bi-fold or sliding doors, and windows.

Due to its inherently low cost, PVCu products can only offer homeowners bulky frames with thick sightlines.

Multi-generational living Multi-generational living has soared since 2020. The decline in ‘empty nesters’ means that families want to update their homes to meet the needs of different generations all living under the same roof.

To accommodate this, open-plan layouts have been ditched in favour of broken-plan designs. Popularised in the

1970s, open-plan layouts are no longer practical for the growing modern family where space for work and socialising needs to be separate.

Builders can help homeowners strike a balance between having separate, functional spaces and ensuring natural light in the home. They can do this by adding internal glazed doors to a property. Internal doors have become the most searched-for door type on Google over the last three years with searches rising by 35% in the past year alone. This is because homeowners are looking for ways to create practical areas within their homes, whilst still retaining natural light.

Further to this, our Origin Internal Door range webpage has consistently been the most viewed product page on our website since launching in June 2022.

With more people now working from home, the Origin Internal Door can also create dedicated home office areas by using a combination of doors and screens with a corner post to create a new room in the home.

In summary In 2024 it remains paramount that housebuilders keep potential homeowner’s front of mind. We predict sustainability and lifestyle changes are here to stay. Those proactive builders that consider the wants and needs of their customers, will be the ones that dominate sales in 2024 and beyond.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ORIGIN, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB077

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ADHESIVE, SEALANT & FILLER

MULTITASKING The fischer MS Hybrid range complements the manufacturer’s high-quality fixings

Hybrid adhesives and sealants are nothing new but, as tradespeople increasingly move away from traditional methods of fixings – and traditional standalone sealing and bonding products – they are becoming more and more popular. A hybrid polymer adhesive and sealant product is easy to use. In addition, rather than having three or four different tubes of “something” in your tool bag, why not just have one?

This is where a Hybrid adhesive product sets its own standards.

Generally speaking, a hybrid adhesive can remove any need for prep work such as drilling, you don’t need any tools apart from a dispenser and when using the product as an adhesive the load is evenly spread across the surface it is joined to.

So, for smaller construction jobs, a hybrid

adhesive can take away the need for traditional fixing. Then we throw in the fact that most hybrid adhesives can also be used for sealing, replacing your traditional silicone products. Some can even be used for corrosion protection, electrical insulation and fixing smaller leaks and minor repairs where wet/damp surface are involved.

As it looks to stand out as a manufacturer, and supply adhesives and sealants that match the performance of its existing range, fischer fixings recently launched its own range of products in this already popular but fast-growing market.

The range itself looks impressive and is very extensive. Giving industry matching performance with a wide range of applications spread across six main product types. The “landmark” product is the multipurpose – hence the name Multi MS. fischer hopes to take on the big names and Professional Builder will be doing our own product test to prove if the Multi MS stands up to its claims!

Versatile fischer Multi MS is the newest multi surface adhesive, sealant and filler with the highest initial tack. The product is designed to bond a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, glass, ceramics, brick and concrete. It’s so versatile there is nothing this adhesive can’t stick together and it is suitable for jobs both large and small. It’s waterproof and mould resistant and can be applied on any damp substrate.

A high elasticity enables its tension-

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compensating property – which means it won’t crack or break when put under repeated loads or stress. It’s also perfectly suited to sealing floor joints, baths and door frames. Once fully set, it’s even paintable and sand-able, so you can match it to the aesthetics of your existing substrate, wall or whatever your using it on.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE FISCHER MULTI MS SEALANT, ADHESIVE AND FILLER VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB078 TO VIEW A TOOLBOX TALK VIDEO ON THE FISCHER MS HYBRID RANGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB079 FISCHER BELIEVES SO MUCH IN ITS NEW PRODUCT THAT IT’S LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO GIVE IT A TRY. THERE IS A CONTACT FORM ON THE COMPANY’S WEBSITE FOR FREE TEST PRODUCT. JUST FILL IT IN, LET THEM KNOW THE COLOUR OR PRODUCT YOU WANT AND FISCHER WILL SEND IT YOU FOR FREE: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB100

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WOOD CONNECTORS

TRIED & TESTED If you’re assuming that there’s not much to choose between the wood connectors, fixings and fasteners you’re familiar with then think again, because one manufacturer is putting that opinion to the test. Professional Builder visits a unique Simpson Strong-Tie facility to find out more There’s a reason that professional builders will come to instinctively trust a product, especially when it’s a load bearing component and failure is not an option. What won’t be apparent to the trades is the huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes into making sure that Simpson Strong-Tie’s solutions perform.

The manufacturer’s testing facility is unique in its sector in that it is United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited and audited. It’s a status that eloquently testifies to the quality of the range – and a significant level of ongoing investment. At the same time, it’s a lesson to every builder that if you trust in a supplier with a meticulous attention to detail then quality will always count.

The standards for all the tests that are carried out at the centre are accredited by UKAS, for some products this is an EU Market product approval requirement.

Moreover, all the work that the six-strong Simpson Strong-Tie team carries out needs to reflect real world scenarios and a full range of applications. I-beams, laminated veneer lumbers (LVLs), glulam and cross laminated timber (CLT) products from leading manufacturers are held in stock.

The timbers themselves have to be very carefully selected and prepared with Simpson Strong-Tie technicians visiting merchants themselves to select timbers

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A Simpson Strong-Tie SAE Joist Hanger subjected to many tonnes of compression

A different joist hanger (EWH) taken to fracture to understand its failure mode better

based on density, moisture and visual inspection quality as the selection standard requires a range of timber densities to be used.

Once back at the Tamworth facility, the wood is stored in environment chambers which are monitored daily by UKAS calibrated instruments, a process governed by another standard to ensure timbers are conditioned appropriately before use. The correct level of moisture content needs to be achieved before any further testing can be undertaken and some materials – such as oak – can take years of conditioning before they’re ready.

Even softwoods of a decent thickness can be held in the chamber for over 12 months, with strict adherence to a regime of daily monitoring.

When the timbers have completed first stage conditioning they can then be assembled with Simpson Strong Tie products and, after second stage conditioning is complete, are ready for testing – a process that can take a few weeks to several months depending on the size of the timber elements. When fully conditioned the testing can begin, and the forces involved are huge. Joist hangers are an effective long term

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solution to connect supported elements (joists) of a structure to supporting members by providing a strong connection fitting, and their strength can’t be in doubt. We witnessed a Simpson Strong-Tie SAE Joist Hanger undergoing a ten-minute compression test. In this instance, one hanger withstood 37kN of compressive force before failure, which is around 3.7tonne of load, and more than the gross vehicle weight of the largest Ford Transit. The same test is undertaken at least five times. Evaluations are made in different orientations – typically in download, uplift, and laterally – with all the materials that an SAE joist hanger has been designed to work with, and with every available size.

If that’s not enough then the joist hanger is analysed not only for load but also for deflection, this test’s standard requirement called for all tests to be taken to at least 15mm differential deflection between the supported (joist) and supporting member. If it’s a new product the whole painstaking process can take several months to complete.

A further set-up calculates the energy required to pull a standard 5x50mm CSA Connector Screw from a material and the time it takes to withdraw from the timber sample. To ensure the integrity of the test the fixing needs to be inserted into the material as close to 90° as possible, and it should achieve a max force before failure force of anything up to 3kN for between 3 and 7 minutes.

A 1.4mm thick, 15mm wide piece of carbon fibre – a sample of a material that’s used to reinforce and repair concrete in the Simpson Strong-Tie FRP solution – is subject to some equally brutal treatment.

With one of the best strength-to-weight ratios available, it’s time to bring in the heavy mob with a machine with a 300kN – or 30 tonne capacity. In testing, it demonstrates the tensile strength to achieve 70kN, or 7 tonnes, which is the equivalent of suspending four mid-size cars or one average African elephant from this unassumingly flimsy strip.

Every stress that fixings and wood connectors will need to resist is calculated and that includes corrosion. It is here that enclosed machines can subject screws to harsh environmental conditions, including

Salt spray, humidity and temperature exposure analyses corrosion performance

incessant salt spray, heat and airflow, with cycles of varying humidity into the bargain.

Over just a few months, years of exposure of coastal like environments can be replicated, alongside more conventional and real-world climatic conditions.

Some types of screw will, in fact, undergo at least 10 individual test methods. The hardness of an individual fixing at 50microns from its edge is evaluated, with a diamond indenter compressing into a cross section. The torque required to screw into different types of pre-conditioned timbers is examined, with a separate test for pulling out a fixing. An X-ray machine measures the thickness of the zinc coating along the entire length of a screw down to the miniscule level of single-figure microns, as well as its chemical composition, and the geometry of a screw is measured to determine conformance to manufacturing

Timbers are confined to environment chambers for months – or even years – before testing begins

Simpson Strong-Tie fixings are subject to anything up to ten individual tests

specification tolerances.

Every new product is subject to an entire battery of tests but existing Simpson Strong-Tie solutions running from the Tamworth production line are regularly analysed for quality control purposes. Changes in building techniques also demand new types of testing. The wood connector specialist is increasing its presence in the Cross Laminated Timber market, for example. CLT is a material that exhibits high levels of tensile and compressive strength and the fixings need perform to the same high standard.

There are over 100 pieces of UKAS calibrated equipment at Tamworth. In addition, the accreditation service undertakes a sampling audit of the testing centre’s work every year, including demonstrations of individual tests, staff training, and comparisons with other labs.

All of that adds up to a considerable investment and ensures that Simpson Strong-Tie continues to have all the right connections.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON SIMPSON STRONG-TIE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB080

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

‘PROP’ STAR

A new solution to an old problem is set to strut its stuff on site. Professional Builder catches up with the team behind the Jstrut temporary steel support If you’re in need of temporary support on site then you’ll reach for a telescopic steel prop, but just because a product is ubiquitous doesn’t mean the concept itself can’t be improved upon. Anyone who’s accustomed to using what is generically known as an Acrow will be able to tell you that spinning the collar to the required height can be hard work, especially if it’s jammed by the inevitable cement, mud and sand-based detritus of a building site. Resorting to a hammer for those last few turns can risk injury, and it can often be an awkward proposition for one person, with many a pinched finger testifying to the unwieldy task of holding the steel in place whilst trying to adjust the height.

Despite those drawbacks, since it was first introduced nearly a century ago, the Acrow has remained largely unchanged – until now. A UK engineer decided that this industry staple needed to be brought into the modern world and he’s achieved just that by utilising a power tool that’s become as universal a solution for tradespeople as the Acrow itself.

Changing the norm The J-strut inventor, Austin Owens, was alerted to the Acrow’s limitations by a builder and took up the challenge of finding a better way. Austin and his team designed a hollow pinion gear which fits on a standard impact wrench and interfaces with a modified collar and pin on the J-strut support. Simply attach the quick-fit pinion to a ½in. impact wrench, locate over the locking pin and let the cordless power tool do the work. It’s

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(LtoR) Will Helme and Austin Owens of J-strut

safer, quicker and can easily be undertaken by one individual.

“The Acrow has been accepted for so long because it’s fundamentally a very good idea,” explains the developer of this UK-made enhancement and UK-designed product. “What we’ve done is augmented what everybody is already familiar with using a tool that almost every builder will have in their van.”

Acrows are available in five British Standard heights all with the same design

Here’s what professional builders said about the J-strut

of trapezoidal thread. The range extends from the 1.1 – 1.8m Size 0 through to the 3.3 – 4.8m Size 4. It is the Size 1 steel prop, however, that dominates, representing over 60 per cent of the market. As a result, although there are plans to introduce J-struts in all sizes, it is currently exclusively available in that Size 1 category. That makes the load capacity at the lowest 1.8m extension 3.2t, whilst at its fullest 3.1m height it will support a maximum of 1.9t.

“The ability to hold the J-strut in one hand and drive it with the other saves an additional person and a whole load of struggling” Jonathan Taylor – D5 Construction “J-struts are so quick and easy to use compared to normal props, they make our lives so much easier” Chris Corner – Chris Corner Construction

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“We’ve been using J-struts for 12 months now, they’re brilliant – so much quicker and easier to use than Acrows and we’ll never go back!”

Oli Wildsmith – Wildsmith Construction & Conservation “How good is that! Thank you @j_strut_ this has made me and my team very happy, such a great bit of kit.”

Sam Butler – SB Construction

“We’ve conducted extensive on-site trials and the reaction has invariably been ‘that’s amazing, and where can I get one,’” enthuses the company’s Product Champion, Will Helme. Four years in the making, the J-strut has been refined through several prototypes, with enhancements to its features along the way. In terms of compliance to standards and regulations, in fact, it actually goes beyond the BS 4074 benchmark for telescopic steel props and is a fully

patented solution. “The upgrades we’ve made have been a result of feedback from builders who’ve been using the product,” continues Will. “For example, a new forged pin design prevents that pin from moving as the collar rotates. Instead, it now locks firmly in place.”

“When we’ve given them to builders to try out, we invariably find that they don’t want to hand them back,” adds Austin.

“The ambition is for the J-strut to become as standard a solution as the Acrow itself.”

DID YOU KNOW? The story of the Acrow begins much as the J-strut has done with an inventive and entrepreneurial individual on a mission to solve a practical problem. In the days when flat caps and waistcoats were de rigueur, on-site falsework was held up by timber structures that were usually fashioned on site.

In 1935 William de Vigier came up with the idea of a steel support that could be adapted to the right height with a threaded collar. It was easy to install and take down, could be moved from job to job, and saved huge amounts of time and materials.

So where, you might ask, does the Acrow name come from? Well, it was actually the name of the Swiss-born inventor’s solicitor – Mr A Crowe. In keeping with that tradition, the J-strut itself is named after the inventor’s late father-in-law Jim Stout – hence the J-strut.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE J-STRUT VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB081

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

IT’S HAMMER TIME! In the latest edition of our Bosch Professional overview, we unleash the power of rotary hammers and reciprocating saws, as well as exploring the latest safety features

With the Bosch range of BITURBO18V Rotary Hammers you’ll be very hard pressed to find a material you can’t drill or chisel through – all with the increased comfort of reduced vibration. In keeping with the whole ethos of the BITURBO range they are, in fact, more than a match for their corded counterparts.

The smallest in the BITURBO range is the GBH 18V-34 CF SDS plus, producing 5.8J (Joules) of pneumatic energy. Next up is the SDS Max 18V-36 C with 7J. The SDS max 18V-40 C will deliver 9J and the largest SDS max 18V-45 offers 12.5 joules of pneumatic hammer energy.

That kind of output from one 18V battery is a testament to the power and efficiency of the ProCORE18V and

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BITURBO systems. In each case the numerical designation represents drilling diameter in concrete with hammer drill bits, with the GBH 18V-34 SDS plus achieving 34mm, the 18V-40C 40mm, and so on. A soft start function helps you more easily guide the drill into the material.

Whilst many builders still talk in terms of weight when it comes to rotary hammers – asking for a 7kg hammer, for instance – Bosch has moved away from that classification because its tools are so much more powerful than the weight class would immediately suggest. The SDS max 18V-45 C 12.5J, for example, would bear favourable comparison to the 8kg, and mains-powered, GBH 8-45 DV. Both deliver the same impact energy

of 12.5 joules but, even with the battery attached, the 18V is actually lighter. Not only that, but in common with the rest of the BITURBO rotary hammer range, it benefits from a host of additional features in safety and connectivity, including an Active Vibration Control system with a decoupled D-handle.

Active Vibration Control is particularly useful on tools that are inherently Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) susceptible, such as reciprocating saws.

Humans are mostly liquid and, as a consequence, are very susceptible to vibration. The only way to stay safe is to take a break from tools that vibrate as a matter of course.

Thanks to a combination of clever engineering and design aesthetic the GSA 18 V-LI C Professional cordless

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reciprocating saw can be used safely for longer periods. A large, spinning counterweight, is complemented by a deliberately curved or bent design from blade to the D handle. It’s that offset which means that the vibrations are not running directly back into the arm from the blade.

If machines with the level of power of Bosch’s BITurbo Rotary Hammers catches in the material – and you’re not prepared – they can cause serious injury, which is why they’re fitted with KickBack Control.

Because the system is activated via an accelerometer sensor the safety function will protect you even if you’re not operating the tool correctly – by not having a side handle attached or holding it correctly, for example.

Indeed, so committed is Bosch to safety, that even the newest standard 18V Professional machines, such as the GBH 18V-24 C Professional Cordless Rotary Hammer with SDS Plus, are equipped with KickBack control, as are tools that are not meant to be used with a side handle at all. This safety feature is by default always on, but it can be deactivated, with the machine displaying a yellow light to indicate that it has be turned off.

Bosch has also introduced the entry level SDS Plus Rotary Hammers – the GBH 18V-22 – but even on this machine KickBack Control and Vibration Control are in evidence, as well as a brushless motor. Indeed, it also has its own compatible dust collection box in the form of the GDE 12. Regardless of the machine, safety should be an easy message because, as a tradesperson, if you’re not working you’re not earning.

Hammering it home To quite literally hammer home the point, Chris Murray and the Bosch training team conducted a head-to-head comparison drilling into a 28mm C40 high strength concrete slab – a race that the batterypowered machine marginally won. In terms of runtime, you’re looking at around 12-15 minutes of continues chiselling on a 12amp hour ProCORE18V battery in this kind of application.

The BITURBO ProCORE18V platform doesn’t just beat standard 18V for capacity but also in speed. Again, in another video test with the training team,

the BITURBO GKS 18V-68 GC cordless circular saw was pitted against a GKS 18V-57 G. With a bigger motor, larger blade and more power, the BITURBO is a comfortable winner. How about the 18V150C BITURBO Combi versus the standard, each equipped with a 28mm auger drill bit? Again, it’s the BITURBO that blasts ahead of its rival.

Dust off Bosch is running an entire campaign on dust control in 2024, and it is targeting the issue with every part of its product portfolio, including accessories. Hollow drill bits that can collect dust have been around for a while, and include the Bosch Speed Clean examples, but they are prone to clogging. The recently launched Bosch solution is an SDS drill bit that can be easily dismantled and cleaned.

Wall mounted GDE dust collectors are already available in the range, and these have been joined in recent years by on-

board dust collectors. The GDE 16 Plus fits on a number of rotary hammers, including the 18V-24 C Professional Cordless Rotary Hammer with SDS Plus, the 18V-26 C, and on the brand new 18V28 C. There’s also an M Class Bluetooth enabled dust extractor in the pipeline as well. Chris (Bosch power tool trainer) demonstrated a GDE 18V-12 on the new GBH 18V-22 Cordless Rotary Hammer and the amount of dust when drilling into concrete was negligible.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE BOSCH PROFESSIONAL RANGE OF ROTARY HAMMERS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB082 IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON THE GSA 18V-LI C CORDLESS RECIPROCATING SAW VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB083 TO LEARN ABOUT KICKBACK CONTROL VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB084

The evolution of Bosch Professional battery technology to the ProCORE18V platform

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

A FRIEND IN KNEES Snickers Workwear has announced a world’s first in work trouser technology Making durable, functional and ergonomic trousers that offer great comfort for people who are always on the go has been a constant challenge over the last three millennia.

As much as we might take the functionality of a pair of trousers for granted, they have developed and evolved over the years through innovation – by responding to the demands of wearer’s needs and their practical requirements. As Peter Dumigan, Managing Director of the Hultafors Group UK, tells us, the needs for comfort, wellbeing and efficiency not only shaped the first trousers but have driven the latest innovation in modern work trousers almost 2,500 years later.

It is said that the origins of trousers as a practical garment can be traced back to the warrior equestrian societies of Eastern Europe and Asia Minor as far back as the sixth century BC. The Scythian and Persian peoples developed trousers as a practical alternative to wearing robes on horseback.

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Trouser-type garments took many forms over the next 2,000 years and it was only into the early 19th Century that ankle-length trousers – until then worn mostly by the lower working classes became more widely accepted as the garment of choice throughout society.

The evolutionary process of trouser design and development was one in which garments were tailored to the practical needs of their wearers.

It was further driven by the impact of the industrial revolution and the need for clothing in the workplace that was specifically suited to the needs of those employed there. Probably the most significant clothing development in the 19th Century was Levi Strauss’s invention of the canvas work trouser for miners in 1853. It was the first of its kind, but it was

not until 1873 that further innovation was seen with Strauss’ introduction of blue denim trousers, later incorporating metal rivets for greater garment durability and longevity.

Despite innovations such as the zipper-fly for trousers and the basic-styled garments like the bib ‘n’ brace and boilersuit, the workplace had to wait over 100 years – until 1975, in fact – for the next stage in trouser evolution. It was the invention by Matti Viio – a Swedish electrician – of the Holster Trousers with Kneepads that heralded the Snickers Workwear brand and the era of purposedesigned working clothes for modern-day professional tradesmen and women.

Since 1975, Snickers Workwear has been inventing and reinventing Work Trousers with Kneepads each with a combination

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of market-leading design technology, hitech fabric innovations for comfort and functionality, and more, recently a sharp focus on sustainability.

After nearly 50 years of continual innovation, Snickers Workwear now has a range of over 90 styles of trousers with eight different types of kneepad in the patented KneeGuard Systems for individual worker needs in a wide variety of working environments. From professional trades in building and construction, to engineering and maintenance, logistics and warehousing, heavy and light industries as well as hazardous workplaces, Snickers Workwear has a pair of trousers to suit and kneepads for protection – for all shapes and sizes.

In what is probably the most groundbreaking work trouser innovation, the brand has now launched the world’s first built-in, certified kneepads which are completely integrated into a pair of Snickers Workwear’s premium stretch work trousers – the unique AllroundWork, Stretch Trousers with Capsulized Kneepads and Holster Pockets. The result of an intensive research and development process that has spanned the last three years, they deliver low-profile, comfortable impact protection – tested, performance validated and certified to exacting International Standards. These new work trousers are an innovative combination of cutting-edge sportswear technology coupled with well-established workwear know-how to suit craftsmen and women who are constantly on the move and want the comfort, flexibility and durability of welded-into-place, certified knee protection.

absorbent.

Comfort and protection is further enhanced by a foam comfort layer for pressure release when working while kneeling. Finally, there’s an inner polyester fabric which seals the outer protection layers onto the trouser leg and provides a comfortable surface between the wearer’s knee and the kneepad itself.

It’s effectively a capsulized layer cake with a number of protection layers that work with each other to dissipate the energy created by the impact of working on your knees or if you accidentally bump them in and around the workplace.

Building capsulized kneepads Designed and engineered in partnership with YBC the capsulized kneepad components comfortably deliver effective penetration protection and impact absorbtion for the wearer.

A durable CORDURA stretch covering provides external fabric durability. It integrates with the first performance layer of high-density foam which delivers maximum protection. This combines further with a shield of Ortholite comfort foam technology that’s highly shock

More trouser history It’s widely accepted that the long-term effects of knee injuries and the impact of working on your knees can cause of a lifetime of discomfort and restricted movement. Yet history has shown that properly designed trousers have an important part to play in delivering comfort, efficiency and well-being in physical activities.

The design technology in work trousers has developed considerably

since Strauss’ first purpose-built workwear for miners. But while factors like durability and functionality have been the only drivers the design of Work Trousers for the last 170 years, Snickers Workwear’s latest innovation takes the trouser design and development process to a new level.

Nicole Rimér, Head of Innovation at Snickers Workwear explains more: “We have set out to solve a common frustration for workers who are constantly moving around; standing up and kneeling down. Now, thanks to our capsulized kneepads, they can get all the comfort and freedom of movement they want and still have the practical knee protection they need.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON SNICKERS WORKWEAR’S ALLROUNDWORK, STRETCH TROUSERS WITH CAPSULIZED KNEEPADS AND HOLSTER POCKETS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB085 FOR A FULL GUIDE TO KNEEPADS AND THE SNICKERS WORKWEAR RANGE OF KNEE PROTECTION VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB086

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT TESTING EQUIPMENT

For plumbers and heating engineers to ensure customers are kept safe, and systems run as efficiently as possible, it is vitally important that high quality test and measurement equipment is on hand. Arctic Hayes offers a range of testing equipment, covering temperature, gas and pressure and electrical. The company has also recently released a guide to key types of testing equipment.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB087

TOOL BACKPACK

Recognising that being a tradesperson often means tools need to be transported comfortably and securely, KNIPEX has developed a range of tool cases and backpacks, such as the Modular X18 (00 21 50 LE) service backpack. It can hold up to 15kg, adapts perfectly to its wearer and is as durable as they come. There’s a total of 21 straps, 37 pockets and a luggage strap too.

LONG ROOFING SCREWS

FREE BATTERY PACK

Until March 31st 2024, HiKOKI Power Tools is giving away a free Multi Volt battery pack to customers who spend £300 including VAT or more on any of the company’s cordless tools from an approved seller. Compatible with all the company’s cordless Power Tools, like the new SB3608DA 36V Cordless Belt Sander, the BSL18A36 MV Battery Pack can intelligently switch between 36V and 18V and be charged in just 32 minutes.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB089

MID-LAYER WORKWEAR

Built for active work, Snickers Workwear’s range of lightweight Midlayers are fully flexible and can be worn as an outer layer when it’s warmer or a mid-layer when it’s a bit cooler. They’re full of handy technical features and innovative fabrics to tame the wind, plus brand new energising colours to brighten the spring-time workday. Street-smart styles include the Windblocker Half-zip Hoodie or the Lightweight Flexiwork Mid-layer Jacket.

There’s also a new Windproof Soft-Shell Jacket for women.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB090 GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB088

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In light of Part L Building Regulations changes mandating a minimum roof insulation level of 0.18 W/mK for all newbuild homes and extensions, Samac Fixings has announced the introduction of new screw lengths to its Performance Range. These 6 x 220mm and 6 x 240mm screws are meticulously engineered to travel through the increased thickness of the latest insulation materials.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB091

ADJUSTABLE BAR CLAMP

The Jorgensen Heavy Duty E-Z HOLD Adjustable Bar Clamp, available through Rollins & Sons, allows for rapid, easy clamping with up to 600lbs of pressure and can be quickly converted to spreader clamps, with contoured comfort grips and quick-release lever. Two clamps can also be joined together to create a clamp with more than double the opening capacity of a single clamp.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB092

SWEATSHIRT RANGE

The Midweight Logo Sleeve Graphic Sweatshirt (K288) from Carhartt offers the perfect solution for those who move between active workdays and relaxed downtime. It is available in two new colours: fog blue and apple butter. It is part of the brand’s latest sweatshirt line, featuring warm and cosy hoodies designed for both work and leisure.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB093

Use our digital reader enquiry service for further information online

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wise howell

TRADE MEDIA CONDENSATE PIPE GUIDE

Winter may be nearly over now, but with unpredictable UK temperatures liable to extreme cold spikes, The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) has released an updated condensate discharge pipes best practice installation and maintenance guide. The trade body has additionally urged engineers to make homeowners aware of the simple steps needed to thaw a frozen condensate pipe when cold conditions strike.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB094

TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Don’t forget to check out the NHBC Technical Standards for 2024. The NHBC Standards define the technical requirements and performance standards for the design and construction of new homes registered with NHBC and provide guidance on how these can be achieved. There have been several significant changes and updates across Parts 3 to 8.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB095

BATHROOMS WEBSITE

Created with many new features and tools to support the trades, PJH is pleased to announce the launch of its Bathrooms to Love website as part of its Bathrooms to Love BOND initiative. As well as boasting an elegant and intuitive design, the new website also hosts Enhanced Stockist Locator Pages. It features cutting-edge Augmented Reality technology too, allowing customers to visualise how products will look in their own spaces.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB096

WOOD PANEL CHECKLIST

As the expert in innovative engineered wood panels for the UK construction and housebuilding market, West Fraser supports its customers in many ways; including with a popular downloadable checklist for housebuilders and an- interactive product guide. The checklist can be downloaded to help in the selection of the perfect product from floor to roof. It is just one of many resources designed especially for the housebuilder.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB097 Use our digital reader enquiry service for further information online

The Labour Party has said that if it wins power at the General Election, it will introduce legislation requiring estate agents to have qualifications.

Well, I was amazed to hear that estate agents did not already need qualifications.

So, for all those people who criticise the building industry for being unregulated, and for harbouring so many so-called “cowboys”, let’s have a look at the profession that encourages people to part with eyewatering sums of money, in the largest financial transaction of their lives.

(The Labour Party’s proposal, by the way, is that anyone planning to become an estate agent would have to have at least one A-level – not exactly rocket scientists, then.)

My neighbours have currently got their house on the market, and are having serious estate agent trouble.

They have been working away for a couple of years, and had rented the house out to students. Some of their tenants – lovely young people that they were – apparently had a “studenty” thing of not liking central light fittings in their bedrooms. So they had removed the light bulbs from the ceiling fittings, and lit their rooms with festoons of fairy lights and other “mood lighting” instead. No damage done.

Only when the estate agent comes to show some prospective buyers around the house, she goes into one of these bedrooms, flicks on the light switch and – being confronted by darkness – announces, “Ah, looks like you’ll need to get the house rewired, then”! So these buyers promptly reduce their offer price by £10,000, to allow

for the mythical rewire.

Next time the estate agent shows some buyers around, the students have all left, and the owners are present. She walks into one of the bedrooms, flicks the light switch, and – hey presto – light comes shining from the ceiling fitting. “Ah, so you’ve had the house rewired, then?”

The owners showed commendable restraint by not strangling her.

When I was recently viewing houses for myself, I looked at one that had obviously been repossessed, and the distraught owner had taken off with the boiler and most of the copper pipework, leaving only the radiators. The estate agents’ description helpfully explained, “The property benefits from wallhung radiators which – if connected to a suitable boiler – could be used to provide central heating.” Well, thank you, Sherlock.

Finding examples of estate agents’ howlers is so easy, it’s like shooting fish in a barrel.

Unfair, really. But I feel if things were to improve, it would take more than asking the poor dears to manage an A-level in History or Geography. A couple of years studying construction at evening classes, or the equivalent time on a building site would be of infinitely more use, I would have thought, both to the estate agents and their clients.

Jeff Howell

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

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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 A Proctor Group ................................................................ (page 44) www.rdr.link/BBB120

Justablip ............................................................................ (page 16) www.rdr.link/BBB139

Actis Insulation Ltd .......................................................... (page 56) www.rdr.link/BBB121

Kingspan Insulation Ltd...................................................... (page 8) www.rdr.link/BBB140

Bobcat ................................................................................ (page 26) www.rdr.link/BBB122

Made for Trade .................................................................. (page 17) www.rdr.link/BBB141

Bosch Accessories .......................................... (inside front cover) www.rdr.link/BBB123

Made for Trade ............................................................ (pages 18,19) www.rdr.link/BBB142

Buckbootz.......................................................................... (page 69) www.rdr.link/BBB124

Marley Ltd .......................................................................... (page 47) www.rdr.link/BBB143

Build Aviator...................................................................... (page 66) www.rdr.link/BBB125

Maxiflex/Keypoint Abrasives Ltd .................................... (page 22) www.rdr.link/BBB144

Clipacore/CK Tools .......................................................... (page 62) www.rdr.link/BBB126

Nissan UK Ltd .................................................................... (page 29) www.rdr.link/BBB145

Continal Underfloor Heating .......................................... (page 38) www.rdr.link/BBB127

Onduline Building Products Ltd ...................................... (page 61) www.rdr.link/BBB146

Dakea ................................................................................ (page 55) www.rdr.link/BBB128

Origin Doors Ltd................................................................ (page 23) www.rdr.link/BBB147

Eclisse UK Ltd .................................................................... (page 11) www.rdr.link/BBB129

Quickslide ............................................................................ (page 5) www.rdr.link/BBB148

Federation Of Master Builders Ltd .................................. (page 41) www.rdr.link/BBB130

Rainclear Systems Ltd ...................................................... (page 58) www.rdr.link/BBB149

Festool .................................................................................. (page 6) www.rdr.link/BBB131

Reliance Water Control................................................ (back cover) www.rdr.link/BBB150

Garador .............................................................................. (page 43) www.rdr.link/BBB132

Rocket Door Frames ........................................................ (page 58) www.rdr.link/BBB151

Glazing Vision Ltd ............................................................ (page 62) www.rdr.link/BBB133

Takeuchi MFG (UK) Ltd .................................................... (page 35) www.rdr.link/BBB152

Hambleside Danelaw Ltd.................................................. (page 61) www.rdr.link/BBB134

Toolfair ................................................................................ (page 71) www.rdr.link/BBB153

House Builder XL Ltd........................................................ (page 35) www.rdr.link/BBB135

Tuffx Processed Glass Ltd .............................................. (page 52) www.rdr.link/BBB154

Hultafors Group UK Ltd.................................................... (page 49) www.rdr.link/BBB136

UK Power Networks .......................................................... (page 41) www.rdr.link/BBB155

Hultafors Group UK Ltd .................................................... (page 51) www.rdr.link/BBB137

Vortex ................................................................................ (page 38) www.rdr.link/BBB156

Isuzu Truck UK Ltd ............................................................ (page 32) www.rdr.link/BBB138

Werner UK Sales Ltd ........................................................ (page 14) www.rdr.link/BBB157

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GOOD HEALTH NO. 52 OCCUPATIONAL DERMATITIS

SAVING YOUR SKIN This month we cover another condition that can be work-related – dermatitis.

Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin and is a condition that presents similarly to eczema. Occupational dermatitis is one of the most widespread causes of ill health and affects workers in many industries. The Health and Safety Executive estimates that 84,000 people in England have dermatitis caused or made worse by their work.

This condition is seen in many industries as there are many potential causes: contact with foods, rubber/latex gloves, water, chemicals and cleaners to name a few, may all cause skin reactions.

In this condition, the skin becomes red and itchy and develops blisters and cracks. Over time, it can become thickened, just like in eczema. So, how do we know its work-related dermatitis and not eczema? Often people with eczema have a history of skin problems starting in childhood. It may be present all the time – regardless of being at work or not – and can occur on the body and areas of skin that would not be exposed to chemicals at work. With work-related dermatitis, it is mainly seen on the hands where the skin has been exposed to chemicals. It often flares up during a period of work, but then may improve if the person was away on holiday, for example, before coming back when work restarted. It is also a clue if more than one person in a workplace has the same thing happening to them.

Work-related dermatitis is known as a contact dermatitis. That means the skin must be in contact with the cause for it to happen. It is a significant problem and can have long term consequences for affected people. Dermatitis can be very painful, require considerable treatment and take a long time to settle down. In some cases, it may never fully resolve.

There are two types of contact dermatitis: irritant and allergic. Irritant contact dermatitis makes up most cases (80%). This is when the skin is directly damaged by contact with a substance; this can happen in various ways. It may be

GP ALICE FITZGIBBON EXPLORES ANOTHER WORK-RELATED CONDITION

that the skins protective layers get damaged by repeated exposure to solvents, detergents or soap in handwashing, or that there is physical damage, such as repeated friction or minor cuts from something eg. fibreglass, which breaks down the protective layer of the skin. Exposure to acids or alkalis can cause chemical burns.

In the construction industry, common irritants seen are cutting oils, solvents and degreasing agents which remove the skins outer oily barrier layer and allow easy penetration of hazardous substances. Wet cement coming into contact with exposed hands is a particular example of a skin irritant.

The less common type of contact dermatitis is allergic contact dermatitis.

This is when a person develops an allergy over time to the product they have been exposed to on multiple occasions. This can happen over a time period of days to months to years! There are some known

chemical products that have a higher likelihood to cause allergy – these can be things like latex in gloves, adhesives used for floor coverings, wood dust or chromates in wet cement. When someone develops allergic dermatitis, even a tiny exposure may cause a big reaction; it may occur in areas of skin that have not been directly in contact with the culprit substance. Once someone has developed the allergy, it is likely to be present for life.

You may have noticed that wet cement featured in both types of contact dermatitis. It is possible to develop both types together. It is not uncommon for people to be working in an environment where they are exposed to multiple agents that may be harmful at the same time.

So how to avoid dermatitis at work?

Avoidance or minimising skin contact with potentially harmful agents is the key. If a specific chemical product is identified, it can perhaps be removed and replaced with a less hazardous alternative. Excess chemical products should be removed safely using drainage vacuuming or local exhaust ventilation. If contact occurs, washing the agent off the skin as soon as possible is important, using hand cleaners that are appropriate for removing the product but will not damage the skin. And lastly, as with many things, prevention is better than cure: using appropriate PPE – gloves, face masks, overalls – to avoid any contact with hazardous materials is essential.

If you think you have dermatitis then it is important to identify it, treat it and make changes to the workplace to prevent it becoming a chronic problem. Sometimes it is not straightforward to know the cause so if you have concerns about your skin, report it and seek a review from a healthcare professional for advice.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON DERMATITIS FROM THE NHS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BBB098

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