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FRE E TO THE TRA DE

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

DECEMBER 2021

INTERIOR REFURBISHMENT THE INSIDE STORY!

WORKING IN WINTER KEEPING THE ELEMENTS AT BAY!

SEE INSIDE FOR NERS! THIS YEAR’S WIN al Profession

TOP PRODUCT AWARD 2021 IT’S ALL HANDS ON CABERDEK AS THE HIGH QUALITY FLOORING BOARD IS COVERED WITH A PROTECTIVE FILM TO REPEL EVERYTHING THE GREAT BRITISH WEATHER CAN THROW AT IT.

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contents

Total Average Net Distribution 112,725 1 July 2020 – 31 June 2021

DECEMBER 2021 VOL. 43 NO.11 @PB_mag

@probuildermag

www.youtube.com/protrademags

pb@hamerville.co.uk

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

REGULARS 7 9 11 12 26 81 83

Editor’s Viewpoint News Letters DI-WHY? Free-for-All Wise Howell The Doctor’s Advice

SPECIAL REPORTS 14 Band of Builders’ Biggest Project 18 Jouplast – Company Profile 20 Training & Upskilling – Uponor 22 Payaca – Job Management 24 Homes Through the Ages

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INTERIOR DECORATING & REFURBISHMENT

44 Dulux – ColourFutures Training 46 Jeld Wen – Staircases 48 Palio Trade by Karndean – Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) 52 Mirka – LEROS Short 55 Saniflo – Space Saving 56 Purdy – Prep Tools 57 NEW PRODUCTS

74 VEHICLES & PLANT

73 Honest John – Ford Transit Custom 74 Cat – Next Generation Mini Excavators

64 34 TOOLS, EQUIPMENT & WORKWEAR

WORKING IN WINTER 32 34 37 38 40 42

CHAS – Protecting Workers Makita – Tools for Winter Mascot – Winter Jackets MCR Safety — Gloves Marshalls – Artificial Grass NEW PRODUCTS

62 CorePlus – Diamond Blade Selection 64 Festool – Cordless Mitre Saw 68 Senco – F-16S Fusion Finish Nailer 69 ToughBuilt – SawHorse

TOP PRODUCTS 2021 The Charles Godfrey Award 2021 27 Charles Godfrey Award 28 Top Products

l Professiona

TOP PRODUCT AWARD 2021

78 GENERAL BUILDING 58 Actis – Boost R Hybrid Roof 70 NEW PRODUCTS 72 Ring – Professional Programme 76 Marley – Business Growth 78 Knauf Insulation – Cavity Walls 79 Thompson’s – One Coat Damp Seal 80 Quickslide – Material Choices 81 Trade Media

PROFESSIONAL BUILDER DECEMBER 2021 3

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Total Average Net Distribution 112,628 1 July 2019 – 31 June 2020

MANAGING EDITOR TERRY SMITH EMAIL: tsmith@hamerville.co.uk DEPUTY EDITOR LEE JONES EMAIL: ljones@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: ian@hamerville.co.uk GRAPHIC DESIGNER DONNA BOOTH GROUP PRODUCTION MANAGER CAROL PADGETT DIGITAL MANAGER JASMINE SMITH EMAIL: jsmith@hamerville.co.uk DISTRIBUTION MANAGER KARL CLARK PRINTED BY WALSTEAD PETERBOROUGH 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. © 2021 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) – £65.00 post paid

viewpoint park life It was Jose Mourinho in his pomp who came up with the immortal line that teams coming to play his all-conquering Chelsea team would invariably park the bus at Stamford Bridge. Well, these days you wouldn’t want to leave even a small family saloon anywhere near the stadium with the latest figures showing the local borough council charges more than £6.00 per hour to park up. That’s up a third in the past four years and, for a diesel vehicle in a high tariff area, it means being there for ten hours can result in a bill of £88.50 when other environmental charges are included. In fact, with the Capital’s £15 congestion charge, and an emissions fee of £12.50 on top, it’s not uncommon for the bill to amount to a staggering £139 for a single visit. Not that the tentacles of the green motoring agenda are confined just to our capital city, of course, with Bath and Edinburgh to name but two quick to follow TFL’s lead, with significantly increased parking charges and so called clean air surcharges. Like everyone, of course, we heartily welcome measures that help improve the quality of life in our towns and cities, and reduce the impact polluters have on the environment, but surely the time has come to clearly differentiate between the “Given all that we have faced in the past causal tourist and the thousands eighteen months it is truly staggering of people who have built that, at a time when we need the businesses on the back of supplying big city dwellers and powerhouses of our towns and cities to workers. start driving the economy, tradespeople Already there are worrying are being further hamstrung by such signs that many tradespeople, faced with the exorbitant costs of punitive daily running costs.” travel, are simply turning their backs on jobs within the city walls. As one disgruntled reader emailed us recently: “At one time I could have two or three gangs working for up to three months on basement and loft conversion work in and around the upwardly mobile Islington area but, these days, it’s simply not worth the hassle. It’s already hard enough passing on the spiralling cost of materials and labour to my customers without trying to justify as much as another two grand on the job simply to cover travelling expenses. No wonder so many people are looking to up sticks and move to the country — and not just because of Covid. If this continues it won’t be long before vast swathes of the Capital’s housing stock are falling into disrepair and all the knock on effects that has on a post pandemic society. It is a trend picked up by the Federation of Master Builders who report that eighty per cent of their members have had to raise their prices as a result of the unprecedented cost of parking, and, as they can no longer absorb that extra level of expense, some are considering pulling out. As we have seen in the past, vacuums such as this are invariably filled by opportunists who will look to save money by cutting corners and carrying out poor quality work. All of which helps perpetuate the myth that all builders are cowboys, something the industry has worked extremely hard to combat in recent years. Given all that we have faced in the past eighteen months it is truly staggering that, at a time when we need the powerhouses of our towns and cities to start driving the economy, tradespeople are being further hamstrung by such punitive daily running costs. Hardly surprising that so many now consider the green agenda as nothing more than a back door tax on businesses. Britain is very lucky to have, as the popular media likes to refer to them collectively, an army of white van men and women diligently going about their business every day. However, those once proud legions who routinely roamed our city centres are now in real danger of being reduced to an ever diminishing bunch of undisciplined mercenaries. If you are one of the fortunate ones to be parking up your van at home for the full duration of the imminent festive break then may we take the opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a very merry and healthy Christmas. We certainly deserve it!

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News Professional Builder

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

CASTING THE NET © PeskyMonkey/Adobe Stock

Retrofit challenge a missed opportunity, insists the FMB Despite welcome announcements on funding for skills, business rates and housing, it’s disappointing that the retrofit challenge to make our homes greener and more energy efficient has not been grasped by the Government, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the Budget and Spending Review. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB said: “The Chancellor has missed the opportunity to give householders peace of mind about how they can tackle the net zero challenge. With nothing on retrofit for owner occupiers in

last week’s Heat and Buildings Strategy, I’m struggling to see how the country will reach its legally binding net zero targets by 2050 if it doesn’t fix the UK’s 29 million leaky homes.” FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB001

DECISION OF THE BOARD

‘Time to reconstruct CITB’ says National Federation of Builders

A new report from the National Federation of Builders (NFB) has called for a fundamental restructuring of the CITB. Key recommendations include the creation of a new construction careers body, reform of the Levy including stripping CITB of Levy raising powers, and the removal of the grants system and corresponding reduction in Levy. The NFB’s members have also called for the delivery of apprenticeship and qualification financial incentives through Government, and ending CITB projects and programmes. The report ‘Reconstructing CITB, The NFB View of CITB: A New Way Forward for Skills and Training Deliver’, can be accessed via the link below: IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB002

DUST YOURSELF DOWN

Bureau Veritas is urging construction firms to eliminate dust risks “The focus on respiratory health as part of the HSE’s inspection initiative is a necessary step in improving practices,” declares Fran Watkins-White, Head of CDM Services at Bureau Veritas. Construction companies should consider the risk of exposure to dust and other hazardous materials from project conception, effectively ‘designing out’ the dust risk through construction planning. The organisation can provide support in this process through its CDM Consultancy services. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB003

THE RIGHT ‘SCUFF’

Get your hands on a £50 Dulux Trade Scuffshield Matt voucher

Dulux Trade is offering decorators the chance to get their hands on its anti-scuff paint – Dulux Trade Scuffshield Matt. Incorporating new ‘Scuff Resistance Technology’, it is designed to reduce the impact of plastic and rubber materials on the paint surface to protect walls against everyday scuff marks from items like shoes and bags. Use the link below to access the form and receive your £50 voucher. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB004

THE SHOW’S ON THE ROAD

HB42 launches its Ultimate Roadshow Coming soon to a merchant near you! HB42 has launched its Ultimate Roadshow, the centrepiece being its new trailer stocked full of products, information and goodies. The trailer is designed to fit into merchant yards and car parks and is ready to welcome installers inside. “Our experts will be on hand to give hints and tips and practical information which will help our customers understand the breadth and flexibility of our range,” says Scarlet McAleese-Banks, CoManaging Director of HB42. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB005

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News Professional Builder

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

SOUNDS LIKE A CHALLENGE!

Kick It With Keylite Challenge rolls out nationwide

CHECK IT OUT!

Checkatrade reports increase in ecofriendly energy alternatives Amidst the ongoing energy crisis, Checkatrade has revealed that there have been staggering increases in the number of people looking into eco-friendly energy alternatives. Since October last year, its website has seen a 42.6 per cent rise in searches for air and ground source heat pumps and a 99 per cent increase in searches for solar panel installation over the same period. Checkatrade has devised a series of cost guides to help prepare for the extra energy costs and sustainable alternatives to current systems, calculating that the the supply and installation of an air source heat pump will cost in the region of £9,000-£11,000, for example. FOR FURTHER DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB006

COMING CLEAN

Grant UK responds to the UK Government’s plan to drive down the cost of clean heat Leading heating specialists Grant UK has broadly welcomed the Government announcement that it plans to incentivise people to install lowcarbon heating systems in ‘a simple and fair way’ as they replace their old boilers over the next few years. As part of the plans, households look set to benefit from a oneoff £5,000 government grant through a £450 million Boiler Upgrade Scheme part of £3.9 billion of new funding to decarbonise heat and buildings. FOR FURTHER DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB007

10 DECEMBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

The Kick It With Keylite Challenge has been fundraising for Children’s Health Foundation Crumlin and Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. The challenge involves participants seeing how many attempts it takes them to kick, throw, putt or bat a ball through a Keylite Roof Window – which means no matter the chosen sport, anyone can Kick It With Keylite! Now, the charity initiative has been expanded to support the Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity local to Keylite’s head office in Burton upon Trent, and to raise the total fundraising target to £30k across the three charities. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB008

PITCHING IN

Russell Roof Tiles warns of disruption from proposed legislation changes The modifications relate to BS EN 1991-1-4: 2005 + A1: 2021, part of the Eurocode series, and the European standard for wind actions on structures, which is currently undergoing its five-year review. Set for introduction in 2024, the revision will impact on the fixing requirements of UK manufactured roof tiles and slates and means costs will go through the roof, according to the manufacturer. Although Britain has now left the European Union (EU), there are still best practice standards we must adhere to wherever possible. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB009

#DownTools

VW has launched a campaign for a better work-life balance With research revealing the damaging impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the mental health of the UK’s workforce, the manufacturer has partnered with the charity Mental Health UK to provide free well-being support and guidance. Research for the brand’s #DownTools campaign found that 75 per cent of people work beyond their contracted hours and almost half face having to work at least one weekend a month to catch up, with a third admitting working extra hours has increased due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. VW has partnered with Mental Health UK to curate an essential well-being toolbox, providing free support and guidance on how to look after your mental health. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB010

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YOUR LETTERS... ...problems solved

INTO THE WOODS

Structural Timber Association responds to the Government’s Net Zero Strategy

The Structural Timber Association (STA) has welcomed the Government’s Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener, which places a firm emphasis on reducing the embodied carbon of buildings by adopting more sustainable materials, such as timber. The STA provides an online library which contains a wealth of documents, including information on all aspects of timber construction, from Building Regulations to best practice principles. It can assist those specifying structural timber for projects or provide technical support during installation on site. FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB011

BUILD BACK GREENER

Glenigan launches Sustainable Construction Report The Glenigan Sustainable Construction Report: ‘Build Back Greener: Challenges & Opportunities for UK Construction’ is an analysis of how the UK construction industry is responding to the drive towards Net Zero 2050. It establishes a barometer, indicating positive steps already made and forecasting future progress towards a carbon neutral industry. TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT GOT TO WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB012 TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GLENIGAN GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB013

MUCH IN DEMAND

Strong construction demand but supply hit by “perfect storm”

The Construction Products Association (CPA) has revised construction output growth up for 2021 from 13.7 to 14.3 per cent. Output in private housing, the largest construction sector, is forecast to rise by 17.0 per cent in 2021 and by 6.0 per cent in 2022, whilst the ‘race for space’ in the RMI sector will result in a 20.0 per cent rise in output this year. However, supply chain constraints, skills shortages, product availability and cost inflation, HGV driver shortages, the impacts of energy cost rises, and delays at ports are all expected to make up an unprecedented number of challenges for the months ahead. FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB014

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE KIDDING? Dear Professional Builder

Loved the analogy between all the recent shortages and Dad’s Army’s Corporal Jones in this month’s Viewpoint. So much so that myself and a couple of the guys on site took up your advice and spent some time over a brew playing the ministerial match up game…. This is what we managed to came up with: Boris “now look here men” Johnson – obviously Captain Mainwaring himself. Sergeant, “do you mind awfully” Wilson – AKA backstabber Michael Gove. Private “we are all doomed” Fraser – got to be Chris Whitty. Matt Hancock as accident-prone Pike. Wide-boy Walker played by Chancellor, Rishi Sunak. Priti Patel as Wilson’s flighty bit on the side, Mavis. Teresa May as Mainwaring’s heard – but never seen – nagging wife. Ken Clarke as “can I be excused” Private Godfrey. Then, of course, there is the self-righteous Vicar, portrayed by Sir Keir Starmer. Warden “F!@? off ‘Napoleon’” Hodges who in a nod to 21st century wokeness has to be sweary Labour Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner! Keep up the good work! Pete Dowling, Reading. PB: Not a bad effort, we think, but sure other Professional Builder readers could do even better.

FEELING THE HEAT Dear Professional Builder

I’ve been reading a lot lately about the incentives that the government is putting in place for heat pumps. I do think that the technology is fantastic but I fear they may be overselling it. There are going to be homeowners out there who do a bit of research and realise that the upfront cost is actually quite high, and there could be quite a lot of extensive and disruptive work required if you’re retrofitting these units into existing properties. Ian Bidwell, Leeds, Yorks. PB: Heat pumps are just one of many low carbon technologies with the potential to make a difference to emissions, but they are certainly not a panacea. As with any heating system it needs to be compatible with the property and it’s important that installers are equipped with the knowledge to advise the general public on what’s right for them.

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DI-WHY?

Professional Builder’s DI-WHY? feature is proof positive that the vast majority of repair, maintenance and improvement works are best left to those with the necessary experience and skills. There’s more to see on the Professional Builder website and if you’ve been asked to come to a client’s rescue then you can share your experiences with us via social media or email.

How do people get away with this? And probably get paid for it. This was on a roof two doors down from where I was working in Scarborough – shocking. Ian Atkinson, via email

I recently saw this on a very exclusive street in Leicester. I could not believe that any homeowner, especially not one with such a nice house, would allow this on their property – and on the front! It wasn’t impossible to reroute it into the roof and come out in the same place. Spencer Seal, via email

I took this last year of some really poorly aligned doors, drawers and end panels. A DIYer attempted this. Matthew Jones on Facebook Good use of gaffer tape and foam! @JamesB177 on Twitter

The hole truth! Tom Watson, via email

SHARE YOUR PICS! IF YOU’VE GOT A DI-WHY? DISASTER YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH YOUR FELLOW TRADESPEOPLE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB015 YOU CAN ALSO SEND YOU PHOTOS TO PB@HAMERVILLE.CO.UK OR TAG US ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER, OR INSTAGRAM.

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12 DECEMBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

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SPECIAL REPORT BAND OF BUILDERS

BIG BAND TIME Band of Builders is bringing tradespeople together on a mission to change lives. Lee Jones visits BoB’s latest – and largest – charitable endeavour. t is their most ambitious project to date and a testament to the progress that the Band of Builders charity has made. “If we were to price this up as a job it would take four months and represent over £120,000 worth of work,” BoB volunteer, Kevin Cox tells us as he takes a break from ‘Cher’s project’, “and we’re doing it in just 24 days.” The very worthy recipient of that aid is Cher Little, who was tragically struck down with meningococcal septicaemia last year, and subsequently had both legs amputated below the knee. After she was released from hospital, the home she

I I

shared with her plasterer partner, Mark proved to be wholly unsuited to a wheelchair-bound resident. “The NHS provided a bed, which we put in the living room, and that’s really been my world,” reveals the Flintshire mother of two. “Although I’ve since been able to make use of prosthetic limbs my mobility was still severely restricted. There was very little privacy, and it was difficult to cope psychologically.” Enter an intrepid team of volunteer tradespeople, who answered the call after Cher’s sister appealed for help. “Over the course of three separate phases we will

14 DECEMBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

Cher Little (right), with Band of Builders’ Ellen Manning (left), is “overwhelmed” with the support she has received from the charity

open up and increase the size of the ground floor, by removing internal walls, widening doors and adding an extension,” explains Kevin, who is the project lead on the Connah’s Quay site. “A downstairs toilet and wetroom will be added – all level access – with a landscaped garden to the rear, whilst Cher’s upstairs bedroom will be refitted.” The East London based general builder is well versed in the worthy endeavours of BoB having previously worked on at least eight of their projects and estimates that he presently devotes around 200-man hours a year to the charity. “I’m passionate about what they do because it gives ordinary tradespeople like me the opportunity to make use of their skills and give something back, especially given that they devote their resources to helping people in the industry.” “There’s a very special dynamic on a BoB site that you just wouldn’t get

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Plumbing and heating engineers, Robbie Browne (Right) and Sam Coaker (Left) of S Coaker Heating

anywhere else. Where ordinarily one trade might not care very much what they leave for the next coming in after them, everyone here is working together for a common cause and really can’t do enough for each other. That’s what makes it so special.” Over the course of the works, this unassuming north Wales property will play host to over 70 volunteers, whilst the local community has also thrown in its support, with surrounding businesses delivering food, and a nearby pub lodging BoB personnel in rooms free of charge. Not only that, but Mold-based Rowlands Contracting have paid for skips, a grab lorry, and have supplied an excavator and manpower. Two of the people to give up their time are plumbing and heating engineers, Robbie Browne and Sam Coaker, the latter the proprietor of Norfolk-based S Coaker Heating, with both undertaking a combi boiler conversion on Cher’s home. “The atmosphere of working for a greater a good and the camaraderie is infectious,” enthuses Sam. “We’re just doing what we do on a daily basis but, in this instance, it’s making an untold difference to someone’s life.” It’s an opinion that Robbie reiterates: “The events of the last year have made it clearer than ever that we do need to help each other where we can and that’s where Band of Builders is providing such a great example.” “I really don’t have the words to express how much this will mean to me, and I’m so very grateful for everyone who is taking part,” declares Cher. “It’s completely overwhelming to think that complete strangers would come together to help.”

BoB Project Lead, Kevin Cox (left) is a Band of Builders veteran IF YOU WANT TO GET INVOLOVED WITH BAND OF BUILDERS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB016

BEST FOOT FORWARD In addition to taking on bigger projects Band of Builders has also developed a number of commercial partnerships in recent years, with V12 Footwear one of the companies to step up to the challenge and pledge to raise funds. “From the moment I heard of the charity, I knew we should throw all we could at it to support such a great cause,” reveals Managing Director, Andy Turner. “We feel humbled and privileged to be involved in a support program for Band of Builders.” On Cher’s project many of the BoB volunteers and staff were sporting the latest in V12 footwear – the V2150 BoB Charity Boot. Featuring exclusive Band of Builders laces, every pair sold will see £5 donated to the charity. Tony Steel, Operations Director at Band of Builders, said: “To receive backing from a company like V12 is yet another great development for Band of Builders. They’ve got some exciting plans that we know will not only raise funds but will be really engaging for both our members and supporters. Our motto at BoB has always been ‘TogetherStronger’ and V12 really get that – coming together with us to help us achieve even more and help more people.” Just because you’re helping a charity doesn’t mean you’ll be missing out on any of the features you’d expect from high-quality safety footwear. The boots feature a lightweight composite safety toecap, cushioned anti-fatigue insole and moisture-wicking lining to keep feet cool and dry. There’s also a flexible anti-penetration steel midsole for underfoot protection, all finished in suede leather. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE V12 V2150 BOB CHARITY BOOT VISIT

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB017

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SPECIAL REPORT DECKING COMPONENTS

ON A PEDESTAL! Professional Builder finds out more about the growing ambitions of a company which is looking to raise the profile of all types of decking in more ways than one! the Self Levelling is the best product for 20mm ceramic which is the best selling slab

Picture courtesy of Aggregate Industries France

We have to confess that the Jouplast brand is new to us, and we suspect the vast majority of Professional Builder readers. However, we understand that the company, through its UK distributor Plastic Mouldings Northern, now has its sights set firmly on becoming a significant player in the UK landscaping market during 2022 and beyond. Tell us more? Since 1986, Jouplast has been recognised as the leading name in France for adjustable decking and paving pedestals. Its success is credited to a combination of great technical expertise, creative design, and a desire to manufacture products which meet the needs of the market. The decking and paving pedestals allow the user to raise and lower the head by simply rotating the green (decking) nut or the (blue/grey) nut

for the paving and by doing so perfect levels can be set on timber joists or on 20mm thick ceramic slabs. TMP Convert, who produce the components, are based in south east France, within the ‘Plastic Valley’ industrial region and have long been experts in the design and manufacture of landscaping products. Starting with the simple pedestal the range has grown into an impressive offering of innovative solutions for outdoor construction projects – all designed to make the job easier for professional installers.

As in France we would imagine, the decking market here in the UK is constantly evolving. How are the company keeping pace with these new trends and materials and how adaptable to this new market is the product portfolio?

The range has expanded considerably in recent years to cover a wide variety of paving projects, as well as wooden and composite decking. Our R&D team is continually developing new products to solve practical on-site issues, from levelling without the need for groundworks, rot-proof structures, and even simpler methods of height adjustment. These are the same problems facing the landscaper the world over. We also focus on developing products that are as easy as possible to install, including urban garden design, small garden spaces and combinations of different elements and materials.

For those landscapers who have typically employed more traditional methods of providing a base for the decking, can you explain how the pedestal concept works in principle?

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SPECIAL REPORT DECKING COMPONENTS

We have seen a lot of attractive decking projects which have been somewhat spoilt by unsightly fixings. How have you addressed this issue? The solution is a totally invisible fixing system that allows timber boards to be fixed to the joists with no visible screw heads. It’s a little more time consuming but the end results are well worth the extra effort. It’s part of our mission to constantly develop new accessories to optimise the work involved in building all types of patios and decked areas.

The Jouplast, 50/80mm plastic adjustable, pedestal risers provide an innovative and simple way to ensure that you end up with a perfectly level deck. Laid onto an existing solid surface and spaced at 700mm centres, the decking joists are placed onto the head of the risers and attached through the moulded slot with a 30mm screw.

One of the biggest recent trends in landscaping options is the emergence of 20mm ceramic tiles. We have responded to the popularity of increasingly large tile formats – and tiles that mimic wood planking – with a comprehensive choice of paving pedestals that simplify installation. These include adjustable pedestals, both fixed head and self-levelling versions, perimeter support plates, right down to the lateral support clip to cover edges of the terrace — all for a professional result. The over-riding motivation behind all of our pedestals is to allow the contractor to achieve precisely the look the customer desires without the need for invasive major groundworks and large-scale machinery. This is particularly useful in tightly packed urban environments where space and access may be restricted.

Q A

There’s much more to the range than just pedestals right? Absolutely. Our 2.40m Heavy Duty Lawn Edging strip can be used to clearly separate distinct areas of landscaping (lawns, gravel, sand, paving, concrete paths, etc.), provide firm and stable edge support for exposed aggregate concrete and cold lay asphalt, and create distinct landscaped spaces, such as paths, flowerbeds, and terraces. For ground stabilisation there is a range of honeycomb stabilisation gravel mats for landscaping pedestrian areas, traffic routes and parking areas in public and private spaces. We are committed to developing products that are as easy as possible to install so that you can achieve a perfect result quickly and easily. With gravel stabilisation mats you can create all-gravel surfaces that are perfectly level and stable, easy to walk on and wheelchair friendly.

Environmental issues are obviously high on the agenda these days. How are you helping your customers to meet those commitments in what can be potentially major changes to the landscape? As a business we fully understand the importance of protecting nature against the damage that can be caused by impermeable surfacing materials like concrete and tarmac, and are proud to offer products that can be driven on to make access roads and parking spaces more natural and kinder to the environment. Whether in landscaped, urban, private, or public settings, it is possible to consolidate the ground used for this type of access without the need to use polluting materials. As part of our contribution to creating a healthier environment for future generations, we use only 100 per cent recycled materials in the design and manufacture of our products.

Q A

All sounds very encouraging. How soon will UK landscapers be able to access the full Jouplast range? The range is available right now from Plastic Mouldings Northern who hold over a quarter of a million units in their UK warehouses enabling prompt delivery. In addition some of the best selling products are stocked by a well known UK wide merchant. The clear ambition within the business is to make Jouplast the go to brand for all types of decking solutions here in the UK as it is in France. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON JOUPLAST VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB018

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SPECIAL REPORT TRAINING & UPSKILLING

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE ike many sectors, the building industry is suffering and has been experiencing a skills shortage for some time now. This has been exacerbated by the pandemic, Brexit, and an ageing workforce. Despite this, trades are seeing an increase in demand for work which has largely been driven by an increase in consumer confidence, repair and maintenance work, and a renewed interest in home improvements. Now more than ever, we need to ensure training is an integral part of the construction sector if we want to meet the current demand for work, increase productivity, retain staff and attract a new generation of workers by positioning the trades as an attractive vocation.

At a time when skilled tradesmen are in high demand, Luciana Kola, Marketing Manager at Uponor, explains the benefits that training can bring to your business and how it can give you a competitive edge.

Evolve with the industry

It doesn’t matter if you’re an employer, part of a team or a sole trader, training plays an important part in any business. It can help retain experienced workers, upskill new employees, increase productivity and minimise issues around liability. Training is not a box-ticking exercise, it should be seen as a continual process. The sector is constantly evolving with new product innovations, working practices changing, and legislation and building standards being updated or introduced, so continuous training is essential if you want to remain competitive and win new work.

The benefits of training

Of course, training can cost, both in time and finances. But when you look at the benefits it brings to a company or individual tradesperson, the return on investment can be vast. Some key benefits of training include: ■ Staff Retention – By training employees, you not only increase your offering, but make them feel valued,

presents a huge opportunity for plumbers to make the most of this growing market by learning how to install the different product options, in particular those that work alongside more energy-efficient heating methods, such as heat pumps.

Learn invaluable skills

which helps to boost morale. ■ Improved performance – Improving skills and knowledge builds confidence and improves both performance and productivity. ■ Increased safety – Training is one of the best ways to reduce errors and ensure staff safety. ■ Quality control – By participating in manufacturer training, you can ensure that installations run smoothly, minimising the risk of liability issues later down the line.

The competitive edge

Consumers are aware of new technologies and expect their plumber, electrician or builder not just to be aware of these, but to offer them. Keeping up to date with current best practices and learning new techniques will ensure you remain competitive. For example, when you look at the heating industry, the popularity of underfloor heating has risen over the past few years as people look for more sustainable ways to heat their homes. In fact, the latest research suggests that the market is likely to grow by between 4 – 6 per cent over the next 4 years. This

Like many product manufacturers, we do all we can to support our customers by providing specific product training to help you keep up to date with the latest developments in the industry, as well as support those just starting out. We launched our free on-site installation training programme at the end of 2017 and have so far issued an incredible 2,000 certificates and trained staff from around 300 companies. Manufacturer training such as this is invaluable as it gives delegates an indepth understanding of how products work, correct installation methods, and important health and safety aspects of carrying out an installation, including the correct handling of tools. By partaking in manufacturer training, you can have confidence that the products you’re installing are not just high-quality but are backed by the manufacturer. This way, if a problem does arise, as long as you installed the product correctly, you won’t be liable for any potential damage or claims.

Investing in your future

With a skills shortage across the sector, now is the time to invest in both your own training and that of your workforce. The long-term benefits are substantial and will help you to become more productive, more competitive and make the most of the increased demand for skilled trades.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TRAINING AVAILABLE FROM UPONOR, VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB019

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SPECIAL REPORT JOB MANAGEMENT

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS Through Payaca the trades can manage their business and the projects they undertake – and upsell along the way. Professional Builder’s Lee Jones talks to the company’s Matt Franklin about the functions available. or time-poor tradespeople the business of actually managing a building firm can often be the most frustrating of tasks, but one software developer is priding itself on listening to what builders need and providing some answers. “From Payaca’s inception as an idea we’ve always communicated with small businesspeople in the building trades to find out what they wanted,” reveals company founder, Matt Franklin. “Our initial prospective was to develop a digital tool that could help SMEs provide multiple payment plans and credit options to their customers, as well as helping them to upsell in the process, but the functionality has since grown quite considerably.”

Multiple functions

Indeed, it became clear to Matt and his team that was just one of the issues that they could help the trades address. Accessible via desktop, tablet or mobile, Payaca is the result – an easy-to-use job management software platform from which builders can run their business, grow as a company and potentially increase the value of the individual projects they undertake. It automates and digitalises many of the process that might presently be undertaken manually, including quotes, invoicing and communicating with customers, and provides real added value along the way. Any business that’s required to deliver a quote to a customer, and then fulfil the work, will experience many of the same problems, and that’s very much Payaca’s area of expertise, as Matt explains: “Our

quoting system can include a multiplechoice list of add-ons that the prospective client can then easily select from. It’s how we’ve all become accustomed to buying things as consumers, whilst from the tradesman’s point of view, there’s the potential for additional revenue built into every quote, and it presents the professional image of a builder who provides a full-service offering. “The upselling opportunities don’t end there because the tradesperson can also offer individual packages. If you are a plumber or heating engineer, for example, and you wanted to upgrade a client to a smart thermostat installation, that service and its costs can be included as an optional extra. We’ve spoken to tradespeople who are producing multiple versions of quotes for the same job but through our system you can get to the customer agreement stage much more quickly. At the same time, it will improve the client experience in a way that they will really appreciate, increasing the prospect of a recommendation.” Moreover, materials and services that a

building firm sells can all be easily uploaded onto Payaca. The system has been designed to integrate with leading accountancy programmes, such as Quickbooks and Xero, or they can be easily imported from spreadsheets. Once you’ve built up that catalogue Payaca can calculate a profit margin on an item-by-item basis, and then summarise those figures at a job level. If you need to include additional mark-up to account for unforeseen costs that can equally be achieved without being visible to the customer. All the information pertaining to a particular job, from quote to invoice, and all the communication in-between, is accessible in one place on the platform. Tradespeople can also download any forms and certifications, or any further documentation the customer needs to sign digitally. “From sole trader status through to five or six employees, and multiple projects, we want the entrepreneur to be able to grow with us and help them along that journey,” concludes Matt. “We’ll be expanding the business analytics tools available, so that users can easily interrogate the profitability of different parts of job, quote success rate, and profit margin. We’ll soon have a facility to organise staged payments through the lifetime of a job, and there’s much more to come.”

PAYACA IS AVAILABLE TO THE TRADES AS AN ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB020

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SPECIAL REPORT HOMES OVER TIME

OUR HOUSE © soundsnaps/Adobe Stock

Style and sustainability: St. Modwen Homes explores how the UK housing landscape has changed over time

Georgian: 1714 to 1830

Georgian homes were characteristically grand. Even on a smaller scale, symmetrical and tall facades matched Greek-style motifs and spacious interiors. However, you wouldn’t find natural brightness in every room. The window tax, which was based on the number of windows in a house, lasted the duration of the Georgian era. Some homes would brick up window facades to avoid paying an additional levy on their property. Even today, you can see some buildings with bricked up gaps where reglazing has not occurred even 170 years later. Compare that to the new homes of today where large windows are popular to maximise natural sunlight and brighten the space.

Victorian: 1837 to 1901

The Victorian era moved us nearer to many of the houses we know today. Bay windows were popularised along with red-coloured brickwork. The centred and symmetrical fashion of Georgian homes had also been abandoned, favouring offcentred doors to the left or right of the façade. Geometric tiling also featured heavily in Victorian properties, adding decoration to flooring and walls. For those living in working-class areas, you would expect the toilet to be in an outhouse. Thankfully, this Victorian trend hasn’t lasted. Modern houses are more likely to feature toilets both downstairs and upstairs. However, bay windows and stylised interiors are still popular today.

Edwardian: 1901 to 1910

ur home designs are an identifying aspect of our nation’s culture. Wood panelling, bay windows, and stone bricks are instantly recognisable as a product of British construction when compared to other homes around the world. As we progress through the years, it’s inspiring to see how our homes have also changed with the times – both inside and out. From Tudor panelling to double-glazed

O I

windows, home designs throughout history have played a bigger role in our lives and culture than you may think. So, how have we got here? How have housebuilders and homemakers through the years shaped the development of what we call home? Here, with some help from national house builder, St. Modwen Homes, we take a look at the history of British homes and how they’ve changed to fit our culture and needs through the ages.

24 DECEMBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

Edwardian and early twentieth-century homes build on the architectural stylings of the Victorian period. A return to

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symmetry, bay windows were boxed, and doorways became ornate and trimmed with white wooden frames. Moving communities into garden estates, families enjoyed a simpler style of house. Corners became squared, and ceilings were lowered for a cosier interior. However, people could enjoy peering out into their own gardens through characterful windows – making homes even lighter during the day.

Post-war: 1945 to 1979

Following the Second World War, Britain faced a housing crisis. To combat the national shortage, then-Prime Minister Winston Churchill envisaged the construction of temporary accommodation for the public. Alongside 1.2 million new homes, over 150,000 prefabricated homes (or ‘prefabs’) were built between 1945 and 1951. Prefabs were intended to be used by occupants for up to ten years.

that homeowners would expect. Now, over 75 years later, some prefab homes remain occupied, and their unintended longevity is inspiring architects to consider modular homes as one option for future housing.

Turn of the century: 1990 to 2010

By the 1990s, the style of the modern new-build house had been refined. The brickwork was neat, featuring classic red or newer beige colours that helped create vibrant estates, echoing the stone facades of the Georgian period. Meanwhile, streets of semi-detached or townhouses maintained a consistent style that helped create culture and inclusivity within communities. Driveways and front gardens became more common, while inside the house, ceilings remained low and windows were wide. Double glazing and insulation were also used to help maintain heat and keep utility bills low.

The home of today: 2021

Bungalows were a suitable choice for simple timber or steel frames, with concrete also being used. While simple in design, this era of accelerated construction demonstrated British innovative approaches to construction. Non-traditional building techniques were developed, including prefabricating structural elements of the homes away from the site. This allowed for faster construction while maintaining the quality © 1000 Words/Adobe Stock

Now that we’re caught up on the history of homes in the UK, we can see how old architecture has influenced the homes of today. Taking the best elements from a range of historical styles, new-build homes today are more than just an amalgamation of older properties; they represent future ambitions in our culture. Sustainability is now a key part of construction and life. Homes today can be upgraded with electric vehicle charging ports, solar panels on the roof, or a waste water heat recovery system. Plus, insulation ensures that homes remain warm in the winter with limited energy needs.

In some cases, tall ceilings have made a triumphant return and floor-toceiling windows allow natural light to fill rooms. Some windows even cover two floors – but don’t worry – there’s no tax on these panes. As well as decadent gardens, communities are based around green space. Parks and woods are never too far from reach for families to enjoy. Interiors are as spacious as the outdoors, with the return of open plan living, making kitchen and living areas the perfect place to host gatherings with family and friends. So, whether you’re looking for houses for sale in Burslem or houses for sale in Copthorne, you know that a lot of history has gone into its style, design, and construction. Our homes aren’t just parts of our culture and history – they’re also a big part of our lives. From raising families to creating a space to work, our homes have changed to make our lives easier, more enjoyable, and more sustainable. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ST. MODWEN HOMES VISIT

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB021

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Professional

BUILDER’S

We give our verdict on new products in our unique site tests, but now 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 is simply just type in www.rdr.link followed by the unique code.

! L L A R O F E E FR £100

OF CAST STONE PROFILES + FREE DELIVERY

FORTICRETE CLICK CAST STONE Click Cast Stone from Forticrete offers top quality Cast Stone profiles, delivered in just four working days. From Cills to Copings, Quoins to Plinths, each profile is manufactured using selected limestone and sandstone aggregates to replicate the high quality texture and appearance of natural stone, without the associated price tag. Cast an eye over Professional Builder and you’ll find great prizes every month, including this fabulous offer from Forticrete. FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB022

X 12 PAIRS OF GLOVES

MCR SAFETY GP1005NA Win the latest hand protection! The winner will receive 12 pairs of these amazing multi-purpose work gloves from MCR Safety so you can kit out your entire team. GP1005NA has fantastic grip, it’s light in weight, breathable, comfortable and it protects you from everyday knocks and scrapes. With touchscreen fingertips there’s no need to remove the glove when using a phone, tablet or electronic equipment. It could be glove at first sight if you enter our ‘Free-for-All’ competition. There’s one prize of 12 pairs of the latest hand protection up for grabs. FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB024

BOX LEVEL SETS

KAPRO 705 EAGLE OPTIVISION LEVEL SET The Kapro 705 Eagle Optivision level set features 600mm, 1,200mm and 1,800mm box levels and a 250mm cast boat level in a handy carry bag. Each box level has three solid shockproof acrylic vials with highly visible red bubble edges for optimal vision, includes 2 per cent gradient lines on the horizontal vial and an accuracy of 0.5mm/m. Find your level with Professional Builder and another round of great giveaways. As ever, simply make use of our digital reader enquiry service via the link below. FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB023

X PAINTERS MATE BUNDLE

GEOCEL PAINTERS MATE Painters Mate Flexible Filler is a mould resistant and durable acrylic sealant that affords a professional finish every time without the need for sanding post application. Ideal for filling cracks on door and window frames, walls, skirting boards and more, both internally and externally, it can be overpainted in just one hour, and is available in white, brown or magnolia. This Painters Mate bundle includes Flexible Acrylic Filler in Brilliant White, a Geocel mug and a sealant cutter. FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB025

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/BAB026

26 DECEMBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

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TOP PRODUCTS 2021 Welcome to Professional Builder’s prestigious annual industry accolade – the awards which celebrate the innovations of the past twelve months. These are the products and services that have enhanced your profitability, or simply made life just that little bit easier on site – and the best thing is that they are chosen by you, our readers, the experts at the sharp end of a sector that remains amongst the most buoyant. With the injunction to ‘build back better’ ultimately left to the nation’s army of white van men and women, 2021 has been a year when the status of tradespeople has taken on a new importance. Homebound property owners have been turning to builders to transform their domestic spaces, and you have answered the call with

al Profession

record levels of activity. Much more than a magazine, Professional Builder is now able to communicate the information you need to fulfil that demand across multiple platforms. The following pages feature the ideas that have caught your eye in the medium of print, as well as our digital coverage and advertising.

TOP PRODUCT AWARD 2021

The Charles Godfrey Award 2021 E very year, Professional Builder bestows a special prize in honour of our former Products Editor, Charles Godfrey. As a champion of the entrepreneurial inventor who toils – often over many years – to deliver a timesaving solution to the trades, it is these solitary designers and makers that are the most fitting recipients of an honour that bears Charles’s name, and this year, our judges have chosen the Matey Measure™. Measure twice and cut once might be the old adage, but there are times when your trusty tape might still leave you short. As a time-served builder of over 30 years its inventor, Stephen Capon is all too aware of how some of the seemingly smallest problems can create significant issues further down the track – and that’s where Matey Measure makes its mark. Tape measures, will of course, bend in an internal recess, which makes it very difficult to measure accurately. When the Brighton-based builder was struggling to gauge the dimensions of a deep recess at the back of a kitchen in order to cut a glass panel to fit the space exactly, he had his Eureka moment. “You have to create a template to cut

glass and, because of the awkward access, as there always is in these cases, there was an element of guesswork involved and you could be as much as 3 or 4mm out, which means making the template Experienced tradesman, bigger to compensate. I was Stephen Capon (right) is the inventor of the Matey Measure thinking then that there must be a better way – and that was the germ of the idea.” “The device securely clips onto a tape measure,” he explains. “If you are measuring a window reveal, because the tape will bow where the two perpendicular angles meet, you won’t get a completely accurate number. With the Matey Measure, however, it’s possible to get hard up against the wall, or cabinet, or under tiles above a kitchen worktop, or whatever marks the end of the distance you’re looking to calculate, and it will clearly show the exact length.” FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE MATEY MEASURE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB027

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TOP PRODUCTS 2021 For more information on each of our winners use the relevant www.rdr.link for more information online

EDITORIAL

Pasquill Timber Frame Extension Kit

It’s all in a day’s work with the Pasquill single storey timber frame extension kit. Supplied with bi-fold doors, there’s no deep foundations, a one-load delivery, minimal groundworks and one-day installation.

www.rdr.link/BAB028

Centurion Safety Products Nexus Extreme Mips

Wise heads will be choosing the Nexus Extreme Mips, the first industrial safety helmet to offer a four-layer protection system, incorporating a pure-grade ABS shell, an EPS liner, a cradle, and, finally, the Mips Elevate Multi-directional Impact Protection System.

www.rdr.link/BAB029

Fischer Fixings FGC 100

Fix yourself up with quick and easy fastening in concrete and steel with the fischer FGC 100. The tool features the versatility of easy nail depth adjustment, an interchangeable noise piece, and fast loading.

www.rdr.link/BAB030

Festool SYS-PowerStation

Festool has taken the lead with its SYSPowerStation. This portable energy storage solution provides a constant 2,990 watts permanent power and up to 11,000 watts short-term power, which means it operates all mains-powered tools continuously with no loss of performance.

www.rdr.link/BAB031

28 DECEMBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

Marshalls Bricks & Masonry Concrete Facing Bricks

It’s easy being green with the Marshalls Bricks & Masonry concrete facing bricks. A very low and cement content, is complemented by recyclable material, and there’s no need for firing in a kiln. Not only that, thanks to the continuous carbonation during their lifetime, they are a net absorber of CO2.

www.rdr.link/BAB032

Fernox Express Inhibitor Test

Get on the fast track to protection with a portable testing kit and app for plumbers and heating engineers. The Fernox Express Inhibitor Test and the same manufacturer’s Water Test App combine to accurately analyse, record and share data on the health of a heating system.

www.rdr.link/BAB033

Marley Roof Defence

It’s great barrier relief with Marley’s flexible, lightweight Roof Defence. Supplied on a roll, an inverted T intumescent seal expands when activated by heat, filling the space between roofing battens and sealing all spaces under the tiles, slates, and other roofing elements.

www.rdr.link/BAB034

Isuzu D-Max

Whether it’s work or play, you’ll want to pick up a double-cab D-Max. An impressive 3.5 tonne towing capacity is complemented by a payload of 1,120kg, with some significant interior and exterior refinements on the highest spec models.

www.rdr.link/BAB035

RWC Easifit TMV

The manufacturer was a pioneer of the concept and today RWC is continuing to push the boundaries. The Easifit TMV is a thermostatic mixing valve with push-fit ends, which will help speed up many installations, whilst its compact design is ideal for tight spaces.

www.rdr.link/BAB036

Dulux Heritage Range

The Dulux Heritage collection is designed to reflect British interior design traditions, whilst appealing to a modern consumer demand for period touches. There a velvet matt for walls, or eggshell for woodwork and metal, with a much expanded range of colour options.

www.rdr.link/BAB037

Mascot Accelerate

Mascot is accelerating advances in workwear with the latest generation of four-way stretch fabric. The result is a collection of fleece jumpers, trousers, and jackets that provide maximum manoeuvrability but can withstand industrial washing.

www.rdr.link/BAB038

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TOP PRODUCTS 2021 Tembe DIY is declaring war on waste plastics with eco-friendly foil packaging for its Hippo Sealants, Fillers and Adhesives range. Not only does it product 96 per cent less waste, but there’s 38 per cent more product for the end user.

www.rdr.link/BAB039

Senco Duraspin Productivity redefined is the pledge for the Senco Duraspin collated screwdriver. Ideal for drywall fixing, the manufacturer’s new Auto-Feed Attachments will also convert your Dewalt or Makita screwdrivers into auto-feed machines in seconds.

www.rdr.link/BAB040

Made for Trade Visoglide Plus Sliding Patio Door With a slim aluminium profile, large sash widths, and a choice of colours – all backed up by industry leading customer service – Made for Trade is throwing open new opportunities for builders with its Visoglide Plus Sliding Patio Door.

www.rdr.link/BAB041

Buckbootz BBZ8000 These boots were made for working

and they’re going to work all day for you. Lightweight, 360º reflective, nonmetallic – and with EN certified ankle impact protection (AN) and Achilles support – these Waterproof Safety Wellingtons walk the walk on site.

www.rdr.link/BAB042

Quickslide Legacy PVCu Sash Window Window shoppers will be quick to admire the near invisible joints in the frame, and the curvy ovolo frame shape on these PVCu units. Add to that a host of installer-friendly features and you have a worthy Top Product winner.

www.rdr.link/BAB043

Altaterra Dakea Roof Windows Built for the trade is how this manufacturer describes its extensive collection of roof window options. Its customers are supported throughout the process, from product selection through to an easy and time saving installation and aftercare, with a 20 year guarantee available.

www.rdr.link/BAB044

Bosch Professional 18V Combi Drill Unrivalled power and control is what Bosch is promising for its GSB 18V-150 C

Combi Drill. A brushless motor with BITURBO technology, ProCORE18V batteries, and maximum torque of 150Nm, ensures fast progress in screwing, drilling, and impact drilling operations.

www.rdr.link/BAB045

Ring Create a Ring of Security If you want to be as safe as houses then make sure yours is secured with Ring. Smart solutions include Video Doorbells, Stick Up Cam Plug-in motion activated cameras, Floodlight Cam, and Spotlight Cam.

ADVERTISING

Tembe DIY Hippo Foil Sealant Range

www.rdr.link/BAB046

Rockwool For insulation that’s safer, warmer and quieter It’s easy to work with, simple to install, demonstrates superior fire and noise performance, and can significantly reduce heat loss, so why wouldn’t you warm to the Rockwool range of stone wall insulation?

www.rdr.link/BAB047

Safeguard Europe Damp Problems/ Damp Solutions Whether its rising damp, condensation & mould, or penetrating damp, Safeguard has the solution. The manufacturer’s Dryrod, Dryzone and Stormdry products are your damp busters on site.

www.rdr.link/BAB048

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TOP PRODUCTS 2021 Whether it’s through social media, online or straight to your inbox via our eNewsletters, our digital platforms are the perfect stage to showcase the latest industry solutions Knauf Insulation

The latest incarnation of the iconic Transporter van was a Twitter winner. www.rdr.link/BAB049

Our LinkedIn audience are seeking out this manufacturer’s sustainable solutions www.rdr.link/BAB054

Big Wipes

Build Aviator

Wera Tools

Spectre

A Big Wipes Instagram demonstration cleaned up at Professional Builder’s very own Toolfair www.rdr.link/BAB050

Toolfair was again the venue for a Wera Tools Facebook video www.rdr.link/BAB051

A Professional Builder newsletter showcases easier loft conversions and garden rooms with ByDesign www.rdr.link/BAB055

You were ‘FIX-ated on the Ultimate Spectre Trade Prize www.rdr.link/BAB056

Insulation Jig Rated People

Facebook provided the platform for the latest in heat pump action www.rdr.link/BAB052

Artex

It’s been a race for Gyproc FibaTape on YouTube www.rdr.link/BAB053

30 DECEMBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

This new invention certainly made the cut with visitors to Professional Builder’s website www.rdr.link/BAB057

Band of Builders

The charity’s ‘The Big Brew’ mental health campaign was just your cup of tea. www.rdr.link/BAB058

DIGITAL

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

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working in winter

COLD COMFORT As the seasons change, so do the risks faced by workers. CHAS provides tips on how to keep focused on health and safety during the winter months

hen winter approaches, outdoor workers have to negotiate new hazards. Poor light, exposure to cold and slippery surfaces can lead to accidents causing severe injury, ill-health and even a threat to life. When workers experience excessive cold, they are more likely to behave unsafely as their ability to make decisions and/or perform manual tasks deteriorates. Shorter daylight hours can also affect the ability to see and be seen. Every year there are over 2,500 RIDDOR incidents involving transport in the workplace and being struck by a vehicle is one of the most common causes of fatal workplace accidents. Apart from causing dangerous driving conditions, rain, ice and snow can increase the risk of slips and trips, which are the most common cause of major injury in UK workplaces.

Here, CHAS sets out ten ways to help prevent accidents throughout the winter:

Carry out daily safety meetings. Safety briefings are a useful way to keep health and safety in workers’ minds and should cover changes in weather, temperature, shorter days and low light. Keep meetings brief and focused to maximise retention: discuss the day’s activities, risks that apply, and how to work safely. Make sure workers know that if at any time they feel they are working in an unsafe way, they can stop, report and seek advice.

Review your safety clothing. Thermal comfort is key to worker productivity and maintaining a consistent body temperature is vital. Manual work can also produce sweat,

which contributes to rapid cooling of body temperature, so it’s important that protective clothing includes a breathable base layer to wick away moisture. An insulating mid-layer and waterproof outer layer, meanwhile, protect against the cold, wind and rain. Also, consider whether footwear provides enough grip, warmth, and waterproofness. Are winter helmet liners or beanies compatible with hard hats? You cannot just pull your hoodie up under your hard hat! Do workers require extra layers, thick socks and/or gloves? Working in cold temperatures can cause loss of feeling, making it difficult to carry out detailed work with the hands and can even lead to frostbite.

32 DECEMBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

Issue photoluminescent safety helmet/hard hat stickers. A study published by The Institute for Work & Health in January 2013 showed that the rate of work injury goes up between 5pm and 5am, when light is poor. In winter, this may be exacerbated by shorter daylight hours. Photoluminescent helmets give the wearer an added level of safety. When passing through areas of ambient lighting, the luminescent material will absorb energy and then glow as the wearer passes into darker areas. Retro-reflective stickers can also be added to helmets to enhance the visibility and safety of workers, and highlight key messages, day and night.

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Equip workers with comfortable and EN ISO 20471-compliant highvisibility clothing. Hi-vis clothing helps drivers of approaching vehicles see the wearer, gives them more time to react and reduces the risk of people being hit. Genuine hi-vis has fluorescent material providing daytime visibility, and retroreflective tape that reflects light directly back toward light sources. Reflective over-vests or jackets are available as well as full-body hi-vis clothing, with thermal insulation for winter temperatures. Wearing more unusual colours – or any colour that passes the EN ISO 20471 test – to replace or contrast against the traditional yellow can also help wearers to stand out and combat ‘hivis fatigue’.

Encourage staff to take regular and frequent breaks. Working in cold temperatures can lead to a lowering of the body temperature, which in turn can cause problems with concentration and tiredness, increasing the risk of accidents. It can also be more tiring working in low light. Identify cold areas of work and enable individuals working here to take regular breaks in warm, sheltered environments

and consume hot drinks. Drying rooms should also be provided where wet clothing can be dried.

Put up clear signage throughout the workplace to warn of danger. Slips and falls can occur more frequently in winter due to wet floors, snow and ice. Health and safety signs can help by ensuring workers are aware of and alert to the hazards. According to the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations, 1996, employers must use safety signs where significant risk to health and safety continues after all other relevant precautions have been taken. Once a business has selected compliant safety signage, they must keep notices clearly displayed, unobstructed and well-maintained.

Introduce warm-up exercises. Encouraging workers to take part in 10 minutes of stretching at the start of their working day can get their blood circulating and warm up cold muscles. Calisthenics exercise can produce similar results. It is a form of strength training that exercises large muscle groups using minimal equipment. As well as fostering team spirit exercise increases energy levels – and therefore productivity – and decreases soft tissue injuries.

Practise driving, parking and backing up. Vehicles are common causes of accidents, particularly in low light. Twenty people were killed at work after being struck by a moving vehicle in 2019/20, representing 18 per cent of all workrelated fatal injuries. Of 65,427 incidents during that period, 2 per cent (1,483) involved RIDDOR-reportable injuries caused by a moving vehicle (4). Look to implement a reverse park requirement for all car parks to ensure that all vehicles pull off in a forward movement. Ensure that all workers are qualified in the jobs they are doing, especially when it comes to operating vehicles. It is also important that operators are advised to take things slower when the weather is bad and, if necessary, wait until conditions improve. If possible, supplement on-site learning with an online health and safety course.

Be aware of worker diets and encourage healthy eating. It’s easy for healthy eating to go out the window in winter but a diet high in sugar and stimulants such as caffeine can cause blood-sugar crashes, affecting concentration, alertness and informationprocessing. There is also a strong connection between nutrition and sleep, with caffeine diluting our sleep drive. The knock-on effect of poor sleep and fatigue can be a huge threat to workplace safety, as well as health.

Be aware of mental health. Contrary to popular belief, suicide rates spike in the spring, not in winter. However, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is sometimes known as “winter depression” because the symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter. Mental Health First-Aid England courses can teach people to spot the symptoms of mental-health issues, offer initial help and guide sufferers towards further support. Also, consider providing access to free online resources about tackling mental ill health in the workplace. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON CHAS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB059

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working in winter

쑼 DML809 Site Lights

No.9

WINTER’S TALE In the next instalment of our Toolbox series with Makita, the team will be looking at the products that all tradespeople need during the winter months.

Lighting 쑼 DML812 LED Flashlight

egardless of the trade you work in, the winter months often bring with them the challenge of working with reduced light and darkness. However, with the correct kit professionals needn’t worry. Makita has several lighting solutions available in its range, many of which can be powered by LXT batteries, or by mains power, making working in dark conditions so much easier during the winter. For those working outdoors, products like the 18V DML811 and DML809 LXT Site Lights are ideal. These are dust and waterresistant (IP65 rated) so they can handle tough job site conditions and unpredictable weather. Both models also have three brightness settings so professionals can adjust the output to suit the brightness needed for the task at hand. The DML811 delivers up to 3,000lm of light (at full brightness) and up to 13.0 hours of continuous illumination when powered with a 6.0Ah 18V LXT battery on the low setting. In addition, the DML809 operates with 96 luminous

34 DECEMBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

daylight white LEDs for maximum visibility and offers up to 10,000lm on its highest setting, and will run for 8.5 hours when operated with two 6.0Ah 18V LXT batteries on the lowest setting. To ensure maximum flexibility, and make sure the work area is effectively lit, the DML811 and DML809 can be positioned at any angle up to 240°. It can also be mounted on the sturdy GM00002073 Tripod Light Stand that telescopes up to 76” and allows for easy 360° rotation of the light to ensure the work area is well lit. In addition, the DML810 LXT 18V Self Righting Site Light is ideal for work areas with uneven surfaces, or busy work sites where the light may be easily knocked. It delivers luminous power of between 1,500lm to 5,500lm and will illuminate for up to 18.0 hours. What’s more, it is also IP54 certified as dust and water-resistant. To keep professionals working disruption free for longer, the DML810 can fit two LXT 18V batteries – but only uses one battery at a time to power the product.

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Flooding 쑼 DML811 Site Lights

This means that when the first battery runs out of charge, the second will automatically take over, doubling the run time. Even better still, for large sites the DML810 can be connected to up to eight other units when powered via a mains supply, creating a “daisy chain” formation. For smaller work areas, products like the 18V LXT DML812 LED flashlight are often a more suitable solution as they can be easily carried around site and used to quickly illuminate spaces, such as inside the boiler cupboard, or to view exposed pipework. The DML812 has an adjustable head that can be positioned at any angle up to 90° and four lighting settings to suit a variety of tasks – flood (up to 1,000lm and 7.5 hours run time), spot (up to 600lm and 10.0 hours run time), spot and flood (up to 1,250lm and 6.0 hours run time) and strobe. It also features a bracket hook so users can safely hang the DML812 from joists, pipes or scaffolding. 쑿 쑼 DML812 LED Flashlight WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB060

Another issue that many might encounter during the winter months is flooding. In fact, according to government statistics, one in six properties in England are at risk of flooding. With recent winters bringing heavy storms and wet conditions, it is vital that tradespeople are prepared with a reliable solution at hand, such as Makita’s PF1010 240L Submersible Drainage Pump or PF1110 250L Submersible Drainage Pump. The PF1010 is ideal for draining muddy, contaminated water from cellars, basins and garden lakes. It has a delivery volume of 240litres per minute, minimum suction level of 40mm and a submersion depth of up to 5m. Alternatively, the PF1110 is perfect for dewatering bigger swimming pools, rain basins and flooded cellars and offers a delivery volume of 250litres per minute, minimum suction level of 50mm and a submersion depth of up to 5m. Both the PF1010 and PF1110 can effectively remove particles up to 35mm, making them ideal for almost any project. WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB062

Warming Finally, Makita also has a wide selection of personal items ideal for winter in its range, including the DCV202Z 18V Heated Vest, DCM501Z Cordless Coffee Maker and DCW180Z Cooler/Warmer Box that can make working in winter easier – and much warmer. All three machines can be powered using Makita’s 18V LXT batteries which means that professionals can stay within the LXT system to power their cordless power tools, garden machinery products and personal items. As such, only one charger is needed on site. WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB063

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MAKITA VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB061

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working in winter

JACKET OF ALL TRADES W hen the wintertime is approaching it is essential to be properly dressed in clothes that can withstand cold, rain and wind, and Mascot offers a wide range of functional and durable winter jackets of high quality in varied colours. Breaking with the notion that a winter jacket must be thick and heavy to be warm and comfortable, the Accelerate winter jackets (18335-231, 18345-231, 18035-249 and 18045-249) are comfortable to wear and give you optimum protection from the elements. The jackets are breathable, wind and waterproof (certified according to European standards) and come in versions specially designed for both men and women. At the same time, the garments are made from a lightweight and very durable outer material.

Effective weather protection with complete freedom of movement – that’s the promise for the Mascot Accelerate range

Stay warm

With Mascot Accelerate winter jackets you will benefit from a Climascot lining with lightweight insulation. Besides having a high insulating power, Climascot gives you a breathable lightweight textile that takes up very little room when compressed. On an active working day in cold surroundings, the lining will prevent your body from the build-up of excess heat but still keep you from getting cold and wet.

Comfort

These winter jackets have a modern fit, which means they easily follow the body’s movements. This makes them comfortable to wear whatever the task at hand. The jackets also come with an internal storm flap which prevents cold air

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! Mascot could be very lucky for you because the workwear manufacturer is offering two prizes of one ladies and one man’s winter jacket (18335-231/18345231) – with a free choice of colour. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning one of these great prizes is visit the Professional Builder website via the link below where you’ll find the full details of how to enter.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB064

from blowing up into the sleeves and through the zip.

Functionality

Six different colours/colour combinations are available with a multitude of smart features for a busy working day. The hood is lined, detachable and fitted with an elastic drawstring for easy adjustment. Each jacket has an inner pocket, zipped breast and front pockets, as well as a detachable ID card holder. There is also an elastic drawstring at the hem which can be used to adjust the product so that it fits nice and tight against the body. The sleeves are reinforced with Cordura fabric for increased wear resistance, whilst integrated reflectors ensure that you remain visible. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON MASCOT’S WINTER JACKETS FROM THE ACCELERATE RANGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB065

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working in winter

SCREEN STAR

The MCR Safety gloves range is a touch of class

ouch screen interfaces have revolutionised operations in many areas. In addition to touch-screen machinery and equipment, there is genuine need to operate devices such as smart phones and tablets as a normal part of our everyday working lives. It would be totally counterproductive to introduce inhibiting factors that inadvertently sabotage our technological advantage.Those inhibiting factors include something as simple as hand protection and the humble work safety glove. It’s obviously, an essential item of PPE that must be provided by law in many environments, yet it can be annoying and disruptive if it has to be removed every time you operate tech.

Hand protection

Industry has been crying out for a work glove you want to wear rather than one you have to wear – a glove that’s comfortable, durable and can be used with touch-screen devices. MCR Safety has answered that call. The manufacturer has recognised the need for a glove conducive to modern needs, yet still able to offer the required level of personal protection. Research and development has led to the introduction of a range of gloves that can be worn continually throughout the day without the need for removal when interacting with a screen.

Cut-resistant yarn

Starting at level ‘A’, used for general handling purposes, right up to level ‘F’ for high-risk environments, the range also spans the entire breadth of the EN388 cut resistance scale. Many of the gloves in the MCR range with touch-screen capabilities are also manufactured using a new innovation in cut-resistant yarn. It’s strong like steel and soft like silk and is completely exclusive to MCR Safety.

How is the new yarn different?

Historically, glass fibre has been used to fortify yarn but it will not withstand heavy usage or repeated cleaning due to the brittle nature of its structure. It becomes fractured causing particles to break free and make contact with the skin. A source of irritation which renders the glove far less wearable. The advanced new yarn uses microreinforcements. These ultra-fine fibres used in the CT1062, CT1063, CT1064 and CT1065 range deliver high levels of cut protection without including any glass fibre. The yarn is thoroughly tested, and demonstrates superiority in performance

and durability, with the added benefit of being silky smooth, comfortable, flexible, and dexterous. with no risk of irritation to the skin.

Choice of coating

Research showed that offering a choice of different coatings could increase the appeal for these gloves in different sectors. The coatings are designed to maximise benefits and provide an ideal hand protection solution for a wide variety tasks and environments. Coatings are used to enhance grip, dexterity, durability, breathability, resistance to oil and liquid penetration and, of course, comfort. They include, PU, Nitrile and Latex which are processed and applied in different ways to boost protective properties. In addition to these traditional coatings, there’s another MCR Safety exclusive known as PuraTec, developed especially for premium quality hand protection. It’s water-based and completely free from DMF and silicon which means zero skin irritation, zero odour and it’s also non-allergenic. MCR’s wide range of touch-screen compatible gloves can be viewed on its website and in the new 2021 brochure. All the gloves are lightweight and form fitting, offering dexterity and, of course, the delicate touch required to interact with a screen. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON MCR SAFETY VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB066

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working in winter

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE With homeowners increasingly turning to artificial grass, Marshalls offers some installation advice and winter tips

Image courtesy of Bespoke Landscapes

he growing popularity of artificial grass is no surprise; homeowners and landlords are looking for ways to make gardens low maintenance, and it is an easy way to have a picture-perfect outdoor space all year round. With advances in quality in recent years too, we’re also seeing more people choose to use natural-looking artificial turf alongside real grass. It is particularly popular in family gardens, where a section of artificial lawn works well in a play area to reduce the amount of mud and grass stains. If you’re looking for some advice on installing artificial grass, keep reading for our step-by-step guide. And, if you’re adding it to a garden during winter, for tips to ensure a quality finish.

How to install artificial grass Clearing the area

If you’re replacing a natural lawn, start by digging out the turf down to about 100mm to ensure that the finished product doesn’t stand unnaturally tall over surrounding paved areas. To edge the area, use a tanalised timber frame and secure it with timber batons or use a concrete edging block/restraint with an internal concrete haunch of approximately 100mm.

Preparing the base

A sub-base (graded to MOT Type 1) underneath the turf promotes proper drainage and provides a solid foundation to lay the grass onto. Make sure you remember the geotextile membrane underneath to prevent the sub-base from sinking into the soil below. Cover the area with the sub-base and compact in two layers to a 70-75mm depth.

Levelling off

Spread a layer of sharp sand to about 20mm depth, smooth out evenly across the sub-base and press it down using a compactor or hammer and plank.

Weeding out

Roll out sheets of weed membrane over the sub-base as a bedding layer to prevent weeds from growing and help with drainage. Aim for around 30cm of overlap between sheets of weed membrane.

Roll out the lawn

Roll out the grass making sure the pile is facing towards you or the main viewpoint, allowing 5cm of extra grass on all sides. To give a more natural appearance, avoid lining up the ends of the rolls exactly.

Cutting and tidying

Unroll the grass, take a craft knife and trim the rough edges away from the grass rolls. Place the grass rolls neatly together,

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TIPS so nothing shows from underneath. We’d recommend cutting through the latex backing cloth and not the grass itself as this will get very messy; run the knife next to the stitch lines but avoiding cutting into the stitching where possible.

Glue together

Remove 2-5 rows of stitches from both adjoining rolls of grass using a Stanley knife. Fold the edges back and lay jointing tape, with the shiny side laid face down. If using Marshalls Always Green lawn, then apply the artificial grass glue with a cartridge gun onto the jointing tape in a zig-zag pattern, making sure each roll of grass has at least 5cm of adhesive in contact with the tape. Hold the grass back and press down on the tape to spread the adhesive. Try to keep the blades of grass from getting onto the glue.

Pinning it down

If you’re using a timber frame, secure the grass to it with pan head screws every 150-200mm, or glue the grass to the horizontal concrete haunch of the edging

block. If not, use a hammer to bash in the ground pins 20-30cm apart around the edges. Brush these edges to disguise the appearance of the pins in the ground.

Sweeping success

Once the glue is dried, sweep off the surface with a broom to cast off loose blades of grass and dirt. Infill the grass using silica sand and either a power or a stiff brush, ensuring your brushstrokes direct into the pile. Evenly distribute the sand so that no excess appears on the surface of the turf. Leave it to settle and cure for 1-2 hours – more if it’s cold – before walking on it.

✔

✔ ✔

✔

FOR INSTALLING ARTIFICIAL GRASS IN WINTER ✔ When it’s colder, artificial grass with a latex backing can become more rigid, which means that creases and ripples might not flatten as easily as they would in warmer weather. Here are our top 5 tips for winter installation: Keep the grass as warm as possible before you install it – ideally in a heated garage or conservatory Aim to lay the grass on a sunny day if possible Roll the grass out and lie in situ as soon as possible on installation day, giving time for more minor creases to drop out If you find more significant creases or ripples, pour hot (not boiling) water onto them to help flatten Fix the grass once the roll is flat, with no ripples or ridges

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ARTIFICIAL GRASS FROM MARSHALLS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB067

WHY IS ARTIFICIAL GRASS A GOOD OPTION FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS? ✔ It’s a low maintenance choice – swap the mowing for brushing to keep it looking healthy ✔ It’s weatherproof, so it looks good all year round, and there’s no mud to contend with ✔ It’s safe for pets; hose down regularly to prevent odours

Image courtesy of Laleham Landscapes

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working in winter product round-up

FLOORING

Made from the same moisture-resistant particleboard as the standard West Fraser CaberFloor P5, CaberDek ensures that, whatever the weather, work can continue cleanly and safely. A protective film on the upper surface prevents rain and frost damage to the new floor as well as offering a safe non-slip working area. Provided it is correctly installed with the same manufacturer’s CaberFix adhesives, the product can be left exposed, and remains BBA approved for up to 42 days, without risk of damage. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB068

TOWER LIGHT

Delivering up to 27,000 lumens of task and area lighting, the battery-powered and cordless Milwaukee MX Fuel Tower Light is a genuinely portable solution. The telescopic unit can be set up in seconds, features outriggers for levelling, with a maximum mast height of 3.1m which then collapses back down to 1.2m for easy transportation and storage. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB069

MORTAR

It’s the air entrained formula of the ready to use Blue Circle Mortar from Tarmac that provides enhanced frost resistance. Additionally, rainwater contamination and damage is prevented with weather resistant tub packaging.

WINTER JACKET

Base layers, insulating mid layers and weatherprotective outer layers make up the Snickers Workwear climate control system. As an example, the new FlexiWork Inverted Pile Jacket can be used as a jacket in cooler conditions or a mid-layer when the weather is more inclement. Made of laminated polyester fabric with a furry pile lining for warmth and comfort, it also features shaped shoulders for a better fit and optimum freedom of movement. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB072

HI-VIS WORKWEAR

There’s an extensive range of jackets, trousers, shorts, toolvests, shirts and fleeces for men and women in the Snickers Workwear Hi-Vis protective wear range. The lightweight Repreve Polyester padding in the new AllroundWork Class 2 Hi-Vis padded jacket combines hardwearing polyamide fabric and CORDURA reinforcements for durability. It’s windproof, and warm, whilst stretch panels ensure mobility. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB073

WORK GLOVES

Keep your hands comfortable and protected with Snickers Workwear and its extensive collection of Work Glove styles. Designed for dexterity, durability, comfort and precision, there a wide range of sizes, with individual gloves developed for different workplaces and tasks. In addition, special patterns, vents and ribs – combined with durable materials – deliver cutprotection, ventilation, waterproofing and insulation. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB074

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB070

STRETCH WORKWEAR

Durable stretch materials and certified visibility in accordance with EN ISO 20471 are combined in Mascot’s hi-vis clothing. The fluorescent and stretch trouser fabric is lightweight, highly durable, boasts a water-repellent finish, and is suitable for industrial washing at temperature of up to 60° C. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB071

42 DECEMBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

BASELAYERS

Thanks to 37.5 ventilating technology Snickers Workwear’s Baselayer garments facilitate efficient body moisture transport. The AllroundWork, FLEXIWork and LITEwork designs are made from quick drying, lightweight fabrics – including odour-reducing merino wool – that come with special ventilation features to control and regulate the heat from your body. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB075

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interior decorating & refurbishment

TRUE COLOURS The Dulux ColourFutures initiative is helping tradespeople communicate interior décor concepts to their clients. Professional Builder’s Lee Jones finds out more.

The Dulux Colour of the Year for 2022 is Bright Skies™

dopting an optimistic outlook for the year ahead is not going to do us any harm and Dulux is certainly doing its bit with its nominated Colour of the Year for 2022. Bright Skies is described as a transformative blue that can breathe life into any space. Every year, the decorating giant devotes considerable resources to engage with global design trends in its search for a shade that captures the prevailing mood, and it is an initiative which is indicative of the obvious importance of colour to the paint industry. It is, of course, the primary consideration for any homeowner, and can be a choice that can cause much anxiety, but are tradespeople offering their clients the right level of support in the decision? Dulux is empowering decorators to do just that, and Nicola Holmes is charged with their instruction through the manufacturer’s ColourFutures courses. “We want to give tradespeople the confidence to help their customers,” enthuses the Skills Development Consultant – Colour and Design at Akzo Nobel, “and we’re doing it through a whole range of tools, as well as in-person tuition and online resources.”

When lockdown first brought the shutters down on society in March 2020, Dulux eagerly embraced digital technologies as a vehicle to connect with its trade and consumer customers and, as Nicola explains, the response was hugely encouraging. “We made a significant amount of training and product material available via the internet, which allowed us to communicate with those who were already interacting with us regularly, but we also developed a new and wider audience. Last year’s Colour of the Year was launched for the first time on a digital platform, for instance, and it allowed a lot

44 DECEMBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

of decorators to get involved. It demonstrated a real appetite amongst people in the industry to engage with design ideas, and we launched ColourFutures™ live sessions as a result. With the Covid restrictions easing it has evolved into some very popular face-toface sessions conducted at the Dulux Academy within a dedicated colour studio.” Nicola believes that colour is not something that should be left to the client and that engaging with the subject has tangible business benefits: “Some decorators are apprehensive about broaching the issue of colour to customers because they feel they don’t know enough about it, but demonstrating that ability could well make for a point of difference with the competition, and that’s the principle behind our courses. Tradesmen and women are obviously practical people and the best way to learn is to get hands on. We encourage the attendees to create mood boards and combine different shades. The Academy allows them to work with a variety of substrates, from wallpaper to plaster and wood, developing an appreciation of sheen levels, and exploring what effect each might have on the finish. Natural lighting, and the position of

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COLOURFUTURES

windows is discussed, as well as the huge range of artificial lighting that’s EXISTS ONLINE AS A now available and how a paint is 45-MINUTE SESSION, WHILST perceived as a result. It’s important for the decorator to find out if there are THE COURSE DELIVERED AT plans to change the lighting in a room THE ACADEMY IS A after they’ve painted, for instance.” Anyone in the building trades will HALF-DAY DURATION. know that communicating with a client is key to any project’s successful completion. That’s certainly true of something as personal as a choice of colour, and that’s the starting point for Nicola and the ColourFutures team. “It’s imperative that decorators have an understanding of what ambience the customer is looking to create,” she continues, “and the importance of listening can’t be underestimated. There home office? When they visit a new or are few key questions that can start the prospective client we encourage conversation and are fundamental to decorators to take in the style that’s getting it right: Who is going to be using already evident in the property. Do they the space? If it’s for a child, for example, want the new décor to break with that or how old are they? What time of day is the connect, and what fixtures and fittings are room likely to be occupied? How a colour already in the space? Kitchen units, sofas is perceived can change significantly and curtains can be changed as easily as during the course of a day and, if they’ve the paint scheme and need to be taken made their choice in the morning, have into account.” they considered how it might look in the Moreover the types of paint being evening? Wet samples are invaluable, and used, and the differences in finish that a a good trick is to paint the proposed vinyl matt, gloss or Satinwood can shade onto the back of a wallpaper achieve, are integral to design sample and put it in different locations considerations. In this context the around the room at different times.” expertise of a professional painter is “Careful consideration should also be invaluable in guiding the homeowner to given to how the room is going to be the right choice. The Dulux Visualiser App used. Will it be an area for relaxing or a

Nicola Holmes, (left) Skills Development Consultant — Colour and Design at Akzo Nobel

The updated Dulux Trade Expert app provides multiple solutions for decorators, including integration with the manufacturer’s Trade Colour Sensor.

allows a colour to be picked from anywhere, with the nearest shade in the manufacturer’s portfolio then sourced, and an immediate impression of how that will appear on a wall generated on a smartphone or tablet. The Mood Board App can help clients combine colours in an overall scheme, and the recently updated Dulux Trade Expert app also offers colour visualiser technology. “Customers will appreciate a decorator being honest with them and giving them the benefit of their experience,” concludes Nicola. “What our ColourFutures course provides is the knowledge and insight for them to do just that.” FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE DULUX COLOURFUTURES COURSE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB076

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interior decorating & refurbishment

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN Tony Pell, stair product manager at Jeld-Wen, explains how technical accuracy, a bespoke service and streamlined manufacturing can ensure highquality, fit-for-purpose and timesaving staircase solutions.

t is no secret that the knock-on effect of Brexit and Covid-19, combined with an uplift in demand resulting from an increase in home improvements, has led to an ongoing scarcity of raw construction resources. The nationwide shortage of timber, which has been in limited supply since the first lockdown last March, isn’t expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until early next year and, as global demand reaches an all-time high, UK supply chains are feeling the strain. So, how can you ensure the most cost and time effective installation of stairs both to meet client expectations and to give your business confidence to deliver?

Minimise Time, Save Money

Major manufacturers like Jeld-Wen, who have been forward-buying and stock piling essential materials for longer than the past 12 months, have been less affected by shortages, and builders’ merchants are starting to implement longer-term planning into their purchase patterns to mitigate future delays. Jeld-Wen is proud to continue upholding a competitive lead-time for staircase manufacturing and offer a range of tailored services to support all builders, saving time and money at every stage – from the initial planning and building compliance, to carpentry and construction, to the finishing touches. Working with a large volume of housebuilders means we have a steady supply of materials and an average manufacturing lead-time from four weeks. When working to a tight schedule and

budget, an unavoidable part of fitting a staircase is painting – one of the most laborious jobs, especially when trying to achieve a high-quality finish or if there are knots in the wood. Pre-primed components can reduce the time spent on this by days, and stairs are available with a pre-primed finish, meaning builders simply need to apply the final top-coat on site for the final touch. With increasing pressure on timescales for project delivery, pre-assembled options can be an invaluable solution to speed up installation during the construction process. Jeld-Wen provides fully assembled balustrades to exact specifications, eliminating the need for additional carpentry and enabling a quick and easy fix on site.

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Find A Service That Delivers

It goes without saying that when staircases are well-constructed, measured and installed, builders will benefit from a smooth installation process, while the homeowner can enjoy a quality final product. When it comes to stairs, even the smallest inaccuracies can be costly and difficult to rectify and can have a knockon impact further down the line. Not only that, but a badly measured or designed staircase can present safety hazards and compliance issues. What may initially appear as a minor error could inevitably become a major problem in time, and even impact the value of a property when the owner eventually comes to sell. In 2015, the Office for National Statistics suggested that 787 deaths in England and Wales were caused by a fall on steps or stairs, while there was an estimate of 250,000 non-fatal accidents resulting from a fall on stairs that were serious enough to merit a trip to A&E. Many properties don’t meet basic safety

standards when it comes to staircases, including missing handrails, broken spindles and balustrades with weak lateral restraint. To mitigate these hazards, it’s crucial to work with a reputable, tested and certified manufacturer and consider outsourcing measurement and planning to a technical expert who is experienced in the structural design of staircases. When builders work with Jeld-Wen, they benefit from access to a nationwide network of stair technical support executives, who can visit project sites and provide a full survey with precise

measurements, including step height, handrail and tread width, stairwell dimensions and headroom clearance. Using specific software, designs are reviewed to ensure the highest level of accuracy and compliance with relevant Building Regulations, enabling the customer to enjoy a streamlined service every step of the way. Pre-machined stair components, cut to exact measurements in the factory using five axis technology, are also supplied ready for easy installation and designed to reduce time and labour spent on site. This includes a pre-cut and pre-notched wall string for a neat finish, a pre-notched newel post, which makes it easier to make any final adjustments on site, and pre-drilled newel and string tenons to give a much tighter draw bore fit and reduce the chance of squeaking stairs. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON JELD-WEN’S STAIRS AND THE SERVICE THE COMPANY PROVIDES VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB077

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interior decorating & refurbishment

THE LAP OF LUXURY Professional Builder’s Lee Jones explores the Palio Trade by Karndean range of luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs)

Luxury vinyl tiles can be easily cut with a Stanley knife

“

t’s probably one of the biggest growth areas in the building industry of the last ten years,” declares Matthew Brown, head of trade at Palio Trade by Karndean, “and it shows no sign of abating”. Indeed, the manufacturer’s Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) range is now ideally placed to service that demand, with a solution suitable for almost every conceivable project. So just what does account for the popularity of LVT flooring amongst consumers and installers alike? Hard flooring is now virtually de rigueur in interior design circles and LVT enjoys a number of attractive characteristics in comparison to laminate, natural wood, or stone. It’s easy to lay, hardwearing and compatible with high traffic areas. The entire range can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, en suites and utility areas. It’s waterproof, hygienic, and available in a range of finishes, whilst all Palio flooring products are compatible with wet or dry underfloor heating and come with a 20year residential guarantee.

Matthew explains the evolution of the Karndean brand: “We launched Palio as a separate entity back in 2014 and at that time there were relatively few LVT players in the market. The plan then – as now – was to appeal to an audience beyond traditional floor layers, with a versatile and

48 DECEMBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

easy to lay solution that could be undertaken by virtually any competent general builder, carpenter or the kitchen and bathroom trades. When the range moved into builders’ merchant outlets it would find its public, and the product has since developed to meet an everexpanding demand.”

Format choice

Palio Trade by Karndean luxury vinyl flooring is available in three formats – rigid core, loose lay and gluedown – with the same bank of 10 design choices across that trio of options. “The introduction of a rigid core product in Palio Rigid and Palio Core was a bit of a game changer for us,” continues Matthew. “It makes the product more stable and resilient, particularly in kitchen installations where it may be subject to heat from an AGA, for example, or above underflooring heating (UFH), as well as in front of bi-folds and full glazed windows. Its honeycomb structure eliminates any excessive movement or expansion, but

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the benefits don’t end there. A 2mm underlay also provides enhanced sound insulation properties, with impact sound reduced by 19db, which makes quite a difference in a bedroom installation, for instance, or multi-occupancy dwellings.” Palio Core and Palio Rigid also have the added advantage of being far more forgiving on difficult or uneven substrates. Over a 2metre expanse it can, in fact, accommodate up to 5mm of undulation and can be installed over an existing ceramic floor, plywood, chipboard, or floorboards, via a robust click lock mechanism. In addition, because rigid core allows the floor beneath to breathe, it is the ideal solution on what have often proven to be problematic anhydrite, gypsum-based screeds.

Simple to lay

Palio Looselay requires a smoother subfloor but, thanks to a friction grip backing that is designed to secure the product in place using a combination of weight and friction, is even faster in installation, again with the advantage of finish that features an acoustic underlay. Moreover, if the project requires access to underfloor services, then Looselay is the flooring of choice. “We have a popular time-lapse video, where one of our trainers fitted a 71m2 office area, complete with columns and pillars, in 48 minutes,” reveals Matthew. “That time included cutting around architraves and so on – and it looked superb.” The Gluedown fitting option requires more extensive sub-floor preparation, with the right screed or a properly prepared plywood a prerequisite. In addition, correct adhesive selection is imperative, and here there’s a choice of a pressure sensitive solution for high traffic areas, an acrylic adhesive, a high temperature offering where the likes of log burners are in situ, or a universal adhesive. The Universal Adhesive is a fibre reinforced, wet set product, with a temperature tolerance of up to 50ºC. Given the wide range of projects on which it can be used, it is invariably the manufacturer’s specification of choice. The reward for exercising those additional floor laying skills is the greater potential for bespoke, personalised

designs, with results that can be spectacular. “With Gluedown builders can start to incorporate added design features such as borders and design strips,” Matthew continues, “and you really are only limited by your imagination as to the finish you can produce. We have examples on social media of one tradesman who’s created images of Jimmy Hendrix and Elvis Presley, just with black and white LVT, and it can develop into an art form. Having said that, the current trend is minimalist with clean lines, but if a consumer what’s a personalised motif – and has the money to pay for the additional time the job will take – then Gluedown gives an expert installer the opportunity to do just that.” The Karndean Designflooring Training

Academy at Evesham in Worcestershire offers a LVT three-day course that covers sub floor preparation, adhesive selection, and introduces tradespeople to the design potential, including tackling design strips with Gluedown. “The strap line is ‘designed for the trade to fit’ and that very neatly sums up the offering,” Matthew concludes. “A multi-format option with one colour bank allows installers to take on a huge range of jobs within a single range, and it’s that versatility that makes the Palio Trade by Karndean proposition unique.” TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PALIO TRADE BY KARNDEAN VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB078 OR FOLLOW @PALIOFLOORING ON TWITTER OR FACEBOOK.

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interior decorating & refurbishment

THE SHORT ANSWER Professional Builder’s Lee Jones investigates the latest solutions from the sanding and abrasives specialist, Mirka.

he best inventions are often those that beg the question, “why hasn’t it been done before?”, and that’s certainly been the direction of travel of the Mirka range over the last couple of years. “When we first launched the Dual Voltage LEROS the first reaction from many of our customers was to ask how more manufacturers haven’t adopted what is such a convenient concept for the trades,” explains Chris Proffit, Business Sector Manager – Construction & Decoration at the company. “Merchants only need to stock one tool, and the builder can invest in just a single machine, as well as eliminate the need to carry around a heavy and cumbersome transformer.” Developed as a result of a demand for a site-work compatible 110V machine to go alongside the existing 230V, the Finnish manufacturer’s answer was to create a two-in-one solution, where only the lead needs to be changed to switch between the two voltages. Powered by the constant speed, efficiency and reliability that a brushless motor affords, the unit’s 180-degree flexible head, and 5mm random orbital motion guarantees a professional finish, whether it’s on site or in domestic renovation jobs. With the recent introduction of the Mirka® LEROS-S 950CV (LEROS-Short), the latest addition to the wall and ceiling sander range takes the concept in a compact direction. Only available as Dual Voltage, the machine combines the same features as its bigger brother in the product family with a size that makes

A professional painter and decorator gives his view on the Mirka LEROS: “Since buying the LEROSS it has been a massive time saver on all the jobs we have used it on because it has enabled us to work smarter not harder. In addition having access to the LEROS-S has allowed us to teach Max, our young trainee, a valuable lesson in terms of how tools assist us. We did this by giving him a “1980’s” pole sander to use, so he could appreciate and understand how much of a difference Mirka’s tools make when it comes to level of prep being carried out alongside the time saved, which then can be spent on other jobs.” Trevor Mangan, TJ Painting and Decorating

working in confined spaces a much easier proposition. In addition, thanks to Mirka’s dust-free net abrasives, working in tandem with suitable dust extraction, end users can enjoy the virtually dust free operation that this Mirka has consistently pioneered. Not only that, but great attention has been paid to the ergonomics of the tool when in use, with a comfortable 3.2kg weight, complemented by two grip points, and a balanced feel regardless of the angle at which the machine is being asked to sand.

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interior decorating & refurbishment

Mirka is a company that champions innovation in its own tools, but the firm is also quick to support the latest trends in building techniques, not least the increasing adoption of spray plaster. Previously the preserve of larger commercial and residential sites, it is now finding a place on smaller jobsites. In response, Mirka has been working in partnership with Knauf to develop the best ways to finish their airless plaster product, this includes a new range of skimming blades. Designed to be used to smooth plastered surfaces before sanding the final finish with a Mirka® LEROS, the tool is available in a wide range of sizes – from 15cm to 100cm, together with the added convenience of an extension pole. The blade’s shape has been designed to deliver the control that plasterers need, but within a lightweight construction. The most common sander in the range remains the Mirka® DEROS 150mm random orbital machine. The original and

the best, it’s a great all-rounder – and still the lightest tool of its type available on the market – that will tackle a wide range of applications, from walls to woodwork. It is, however, the case that a round pad is not necessarily compatible with square corners, and that’s where the Mirka®

DEOS becomes an invaluable addition to the armoury of the painter and decorator. “We often see tradespeople progressing through the range,” enthuses Chris, “where they experience the features and benefits of dust free sanding that a DEROS provides and then expand further into our product portfolio.” Throughout its history Mirka has quietly led where others then follow. Where some power tool makers made capital on the adoption of brushless motors, for example, Mirka has always used the technology in its sanders. “Our guiding principle has always been about compact, lightweight and ergonomically designed tools,” reveals Chris, “and that’s a theme that runs through all of our launches. For a painter and decorator, it’s all about improving the finish and we’re supplying the means to do just that.” FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE RANGE OF SOLUTIONS FROM MIRKA VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB079

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interior decorating & refurbishment

Ann Boardman, Head of Marketing and Product Management at Saniflo UK, talks about how to provide living spaces in those hard to reach places

THE RACE FOR SPACE How often do you come across an attic, a basement, an under-the-stairs cupboard, a space in a large bedroom, or even a garage that could be converted into extra living space if only it had a water supply and drainage? This can be the case with older buildings, in particular. Many plumbers and installers lose out on business opportunities because they’re unfamiliar with the possibilities available for providing kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms in what most people would consider to be inaccessible spaces. However, there is a whole host of possibilities to provide extra, useful living space in the most awkward of spaces, even when there is no mains drainage. All that’s required is a water supply and carefully selected products to provide drainage.

Basement refurbishment

You might think that providing basement living space in an old Grade I listed building is an impossible task. Just recently one such property – a Guest

the glass panel – which is split into two halves for ease of maintenance. The whole unit provides low noise levels of just 47dB(A). Replacing a shower enclosure can also be straightforward. In this case, a new, high-quality lightweight, low level shower tray – a 1,600mm white and just 40mm thick and featuring a fine textured anti-slip surface and a shower cubicle with 900 fixed panel with 450mm pivot section were selected to create a large ingress and spacious shower.

Removing the waste

House in Edinburgh – underwent a refurb to provide basement living space comprising a sitting room, bedroom and bathroom. The small, but perfectly formed bathroom was only possible thanks to a solution that pumps waste up and away to the drain at street level. A very old, functioning pump, plus an old-fashioned shower and sink were removed in readiness for new wall-hung sanitaryware. This required an alternative pumping solution and a solution combining a macerator, frame and a push button cistern, which was installed behind a wall. A stylish cladding solution of white glass covers the frame and the wall hung WC was attached to the frame through

In this case, it was essential to have a product that can take the waste from the shower and sink as well as the WC. The discharge pipes go up the wall and across the ceiling to a store cupboard in the hallway where it taps into the external downpipe into the drain. A macerator also features in one of guest bathrooms of this property and the owners claim that the room couldn’t have en-suite without it. Macerators and pumps really do enable the addition of bathrooms, especially in older properties with old plumbing infrastructure. TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SANIFLO’S SOLUTIONS PLEASE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB080

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interior decorating & refurbishment

PREP TALK

Laura Hettenbach, Senior Trade Brands Campaign Manager at Purdy explains what to look for when selecting prep tools and the products that every professional should keep in their tool kit.

reparation is the key to achieving a professional finish – and, as such, when decorating a room as much as 70 per cent of a job can be spent just on prep work. When selecting which tools to use, it is vital that professionals think carefully about their design and usability, as sub-standard products can make or break the final result. In addition, selecting the right prep tool for the job can make a huge difference to on site efficiency and productivity.

Tools Kit Necessities

MULTI–TOOL A versatile addition to any tool kit, multitools can be used to complete a number of tasks on a typical job site. They come in a number of variations and incorporate several tools into a single unit that is easy to carry around. For instance, the Purdy 10-in-1 Multi-Tool can be used as a flat or Philips-head screwdriver, to set and pull nails, open cans and packages, and spread compound. Always look for models that feature a rubberised ergonomic grip and long tang for enhanced comfort and stability.

CARBIDE SCRAPER For removing paint from woodwork, scraping glue, or scouring stone, brick or plaster, a carbide scraper is the best choice. There are numerous products available on the market, however the most effective carbide scrapers feature a strong bolt that attaches the blade to the handle. This offers increased stability so that users can put their full force into scraping without worrying that the blade will come loose. With the Purdy Four Edge Carbide Scraper, users also benefit from a choice of four blades – two for aggressive scraping and two for finishing so they can use it across numerous tasks for maximum efficiency.

56 DECEMBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

PUTTY KNIFE A putty knife is a useful tool to keep close at hand as it is designed for applying filler and compound and can also be used for scraping paint from surfaces. Available in both flexible and stiff variations and a range of sizes, the Purdy putty knives are designed to withstand tough applications. They are manufactured from stainless steel and feature a full-length tang making them a strong and durable prep tool suitable for professional use.

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product round-up

PAINT BUCKET

Durability

When selecting which prep tools to purchase, the first consideration should always be the durability of the product. One of the most common issues with low-quality prep tools is their susceptibility to rust – especially when they are regularly used over extended periods of time and not dried properly once the job is done. If this occurs, it can reduce their effectiveness and compromise their ability to do the job. To reduce the risk of rusty tools, leading manufacturers produce stainless steel prep tools. This is because stainless steel includes a high level of chromium and when chromium reacts with oxygen it forms protective layer that prevents corrosion and rust from occurring. Although it is still important to properly dry stainless steel prep tools after use, professionals can trust that they will be long-lasting and deliver the best results.

Construction

Using poorly constructed prep tools for heavy-duty applications is a recipe for disaster and can affect a professionals’ ability to achieve a quality finish. For the best results, look out for prep tools that have a long tang — which is the part of the blade that connects to the handle. If the tang is too short, the blade may come loose, bend, or in a worse case scenario the tool may break apart completely, rendering it useless. However, choosing products with a full-length tang that spans the whole length of the tool will guarantee improved strength and stability – even when used for heavyduty applications. When choosing a prep tool, it is also recommended to consider its end use to ensure that the product selected is up to the task. For instance, choosing a carbide scraper that has been specially designed for more aggressive scraping will result in safer and more efficient functionality.

Usability

Finally, a prep tool that is durable and well-constructed is worthless if it is difficult or uncomfortable to use. Leading manufacturers have designed prep tools with the end use (and user) in mind. For instance, tools with a rubberised grip and tapered handles are easier to hold and help to prevent fatigue and maximise control — which subsequently improves safety on-site as the tool is easier to hold and less likely to slip while in use. Choosing high-quality prep tools from Purdy will help professionals to improve their on-site efficiency and productivity – and will ultimately lead to a better end result for the customer. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PURDY AND ITS EXTENSIVE RANGE OF PREP TOOLS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB081

With different grip options, a brush magnet, and a mini roller ramp, the Purdy Pail paint bucket could be a versatile addition to a decorator’s tool set. There’s a coffee-cup style adjustable hand grip for pouring and holding, and a flexible bail handle for general carrying. The latter feature has been manufactured to fit securely onto a ladder hook whilst there’s the added convenience of a side mini roller rest. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB082

SCRAPER UTILITY KNIFE

The patented features on the ToughBuilt Scraper Utility Knife allows users to quickly flip between a utility knife and a scraper with the flick of a thumb. As a utility knife it can be used to cut all manner of materials whilst as a scraper it can be used to remove paint, sealants, putty, adhesives and labels from various surfaces including windows, mirrors and tiles. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB083

CORDLESS PAINT SPRAYERS

All the power of corded sprayers with the freedom of cordless is how Graco is describing its GX21 Cordless and Classic 390 PC Cordless airless paint sprayers. The GX21 is designed for smaller residential renovation and newbuild projects, and will professionally apply both waterand oil-based materials, including interior paints, primers, stains, acrylic paints, enamels, and latex. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB084

PAINTERS MATE

Part of Geocel’s comprehensive Mates range, Painters Mate Ultra Fine Filler is a ready to use, fast drying compound that delivers a smooth finish. Its lightweight formulation can be overpainted in just five minutes and can be used on most building substrates, including wood, stone, concrete, metal and plastic. The product is available in white; and in either 500ml or 1ltr containers. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB085

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IN HY REGARD Actis Boost R Hybrid Roof will come into its own this winter

n insulating breather membrane specifically designed for roofs will come into its own this winter, as it will help stave off the effects of the weather as temperatures plummet. Actis Boost R Hybrid Roof, which is aimed at the new build and refurb market, is proving extremely popular with specifiers and builders looking for an easy-to-use and thermally extremely effective way of eliminating condensation and preventing moisture entering the building. The CE-marked product, used on the cold side of roofs, is an evolution of Actis’ popular Boost R Hybrid. The two Boost R Hybrid products also have the highest thermal resistance of any insulating

breather membrane on the market and are extremely cost competitive. Both have LABC and LABSS registered details, are LABC warranty and Premier Guarantee approved and accepted by the NHBC when used in accordance with the certification. The roof variant contains four special features developed following customer feedback, which set it apart from its sister product. It is easily distinguished from its sister wall product by its colour. The roof variant is black while Boost R Hybrid Wall is silver. Additionally, Boost R Hybrid Roof comes in larger rolls which cover 15sqm. The two changes making the most difference to the user experience are the addition of a lap and the inclusion of builtin adhesive tape.

What makes BoostR Hybrid Roof unlike any other breather membrane? It’s cleaner, with less waste and environmental impact. It’s leaner, saving space and project costs. Its self-adhesive lap makes installation quick and easy. And it’s thermal performance? Simply roof-raising. Used on its own, or with the rest of the Hybrid range, BoostR Hybrid Roof is the future of insulation.

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT MINI PLIERS

CLIMATE CONTROL WORKWEAR

Not only will you stay warm with Snickers Workwear’s 37.5 Technology you’ll look and feel cool too. The fabric is a quick-drying material that captures and releases moisture vapour – like your sweat – for superior coolness and dry working comfort and is integrated into the Swedish workwear expert’s base- mid- and top-layer garments. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB087

CHISELS

The HDC Chisels available from Hultafors UK now benefits from an ergonomic Santoprene handle and 11 different blade widths up to 40mm. All the blades are forged using a one-piece I-beam steel construction for strength and rigidity with a robust profile for breaking strength and a design that maximises power transmission downwards through the tool.

Two versatile tools in one convenient set is what the trades can enjoy with the Knipex Mini Pliers Set XS. The Cobra XS is described as the smallest fully functional water pump pliers in the world, whilst the Pliers Wrench XS is 100mm long and has a width across flats of up to 21mm. In addition, it has a continuous gripping capacity for all common widths, both metric and imperial.

PRESSURE WASHER

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB090

CORDLESS EDGE TRIMMER

It’s the combination of the 18V battery technology and a brushless motor on the HiKOKI Power Tools’ M1808DA 18V Cordless Edge Trimmer that delivers a cutting speed that is faster than similar corded trimmers. Furthermore, it guarantees a high level of efficiency – with a fully charged BSL1850C battery M1808DA trimming approximately 120 metres of MDF with a 6mm straight collet.

The Makita 2x18V (36V) LXT Pressure Washer can be supplied with water not only from a tap, tank or bucket, but features a storage case that doubles up as a 50-litre capacity water tank to create a functional pressure washer without the need for a mains water supply. With two pressure selections, the solution delivers a pump speed of up to 3,450rpm and a maximum water flow of 380L per hour. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB093

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB091

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB088

SERVICE APP

The my.FEIN service app allows users to access everything from warranties and receipts, to battery information and services. Simply scan the nameplate using the camera on a smart device and the app will store all registered Fein tools. New tools registered can then qualify for the manufacturer’s three-year warranty. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB089

HANDHELD IMAGER

LINE PINS

The new handheld imager from Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, has doubled its operating range and in-picture measurement accuracy for many indoor and outdoor applications, such as exterior building measurements for scaffolding, façade, and roofing projects. It can capture façades of four-storey buildings with centimetre accuracy in seconds. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB092

Use our digital reader enquiry service for further information online

Designed for bricklaying, masonry work, general building and hard landscaping, Marshalltown’s new line pins are forged from one piece of hardened steel to prevent bending, cracking or breaking. They are then chrome plated to avoid rust and corrosion with a large circular head for striking and a pointed, leaf shaped blade that can be easily inserted into a brick course or directly into the ground. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB094

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER!

Brian Trevaskiss, Marketing Manager of CorePlus explains how to choose the right diamond blade for the job. Selecting the right diamond cutting tool can be confusing. Products that look the same with overly complicated naming can mean you choose the wrong tool for the job, wasting time and money. However, there are some basics to understand when it comes to choosing the correct product which are worth knowing. For instance, correctly identifying the material you’re going to cut is the most important factor in choosing a blade. Blades for cutting hard, dense (less abrasive) material such as tile, hard brick, stone or hard-cured concrete require a softer metal matrix bond — these wear faster, replacing worn-out diamonds fast enough for the blade to keep cutting. Blades for cutting soft, abrasive materials such as block, green concrete or asphalt require a hard metal matrix bond to resist abrasion and hold the diamonds longer. As a general rule, determine the material that will be cut most often, or the material for which top blade performance is most important. Before you get started also decide

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which is most important to you — the initial price of the blade, or the cost per cut. For smaller jobs, or occasional use, a low-priced blade may be preferable. For longer jobs, or regular use, a higher priced blade will actually be less expensive to use because it will deliver the lowest cost per cut. For really big jobs, the lowest possible sawing cost (cost per metre) is usually much more important than the initial price. There are advantages and disadvantages to both wet and dry cutting. Wet cutting will keep the blade cooler and will significantly extend the blade life. Wet cutting is the most costeffective method but is not always safe or practical. When using an electrical power hand saw, it is not safe to use water without an appointed safety rated accessory system. The advantages of dry cutting are that no water supply is needed and does not require specialist equipment, such as water spray systems, and cutting can be done near electrical equipment. Also,

“The advantages of dry cutting are that no water supply is needed and it does not require specialist equipment, such as water spray systems, and cutting can be done near electrical equipment.” there is no water damage to the environment. The disadvantages are that dry cutting can only do short shallow cuts to keep blade cool. A large amount of dust generated, causing a premature wear of equipment and generally it leads to a shorter blade life and slower overall cutting speeds.

Clear packaging

When we developed the CorePlus range, we recognised that choosing a Diamond Cutting Blade should be made a lot simpler. The range has specially designed packaging that makes it easy to match the

right diamond blade to the job in hand and therefore making it easier to choose at the trade counter. Trade users need simply look at the packaging and it clearly shows them the type of jobs it will do and blade life they can expect. The simple star rating displayed on the back of each blade pack clearly indicates how the blade will perform. For extra simplicity, when long blade life is the key selection criteria the ‘Elite Endurance’ mark provides the maximum number of cuts for your spend. Essentially, CorePlus matches userfriendly, no-nonsense packaging with high quality diamond technology, which we believe will make the range a success for tradespeople.

Safety

Impressive safety and quality standards are integral to the range and the products are manufactured with state-of-the-art production technology. All our diamond cutting blades are manufactured to EN 13236 and our Elite Endurance range meets the additional certification standards required by oSa the German Organization for Safety of Abrasives. Whilst quality and concentration of diamonds is an important factor in cut precision, the bond matrix that delivers the diamond is just as crucial. Our bond technology has been developed by the metallurgist professor at the University of Sheffield here in the UK and is specially formulated for different substrates. FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON THE COREPLUS RANGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB095

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

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

CUTTING OUT THE CORD

The range of cordless solutions from Festool continues to expand with the cordless sliding compound mitre saw As a manufacturer Festool will never aspire to offer a portfolio of 300 or more power tools to the trades but will instead deliberately focus its attention on finding solutions for specific target groups. It’s a selective approach which encourages precision engineering, innovation – and an acute understanding of what its customers need – and chief amongst these are carpenters and joiners. If you’re working outside on decking or facades, or indeed on any number of jobsites and locations, then mains electricity is not always readily to hand, a

problem that can only be solved by long cable runs or cutting the timbers elsewhere. The real answer, of course, is cordless, but battery technology has often come short of satisfying the energy hungry appetites of high torque machines. At present, in fact, cordless only represents 12 per cent of the market in mitre saws – but Festool has ambitions to change all that. The German power tool expert’s existing mains powered Kapex KS 60 sliding compound mitre saw is already admired for its robustness and precision. The challenge has been

TECHNICAL DATA KAPEX KSC 60 THE TOOL IS SUPPLIED WITH 5.2 AH BATTERY PACKS AND A DUAL CHARGER IN THE NEW SYSTAINER³, WHERE TWO BATTERIES CAN BE CHARGED AT A TIME. Power Cutting depth 90°/90° Bevel angle left/right Rotary base left/right Saw blades diameter Spot lighting Weight without battery Characteristics

64 DECEMBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

36V (2 x 18V) 60 x 305 mm 46°/47° 60°/60° 216 mm Yes 16.6kg Bevel, elevation feet

to translate those qualities into a cordless version without any compromise, and the result is the Kapex KSC 60 cordless sliding compound mitre saw – a machine with the stamina to operate all day, and with the same power as its corded sibling. It achieves that performance with a combination of the latest generation brushless EC-TEC motor, and a dual battery system, consisting of two of the manufacturer’s existing 18V units, delivering more torque but with the convenience of also being able to run the unit from just one battery if required.

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As you would expect from Festool, the saw provides the same highly accurate range of cutting that end users will demand, with mitre angles of up to 60 degrees on both sides and the bevel angle of up to 46 degrees (on the righthand side) or 47 degrees (on the left-hand side). Twin column guides with two bearings delivers a smooth slide of the saw blade, whilst an LED light marks the correct cutting line on the material every time. A handy bevel is included as standard, and conveniently housed on the tool, which means interior and exterior angles can be easily measured and transferred to the machine.

Festool prides itself on not just selling tools, but technologies that come together as a system, improving the productivity of the end user in the process. The Kapex KSC 60 is certainly a good example with some intelligent features and design details that the trades will applaud. Additional feet will allow the workbench on the KSC 60 to be raised to the exact height of the same company’s SYS 3 M 112 or SYS 1 Systainer, for example, which means it can then be used as a workbench to support long workpieces safely and securely. These are all features which have been achieved within a compact, low weight unit, where flush-mounted guide rods, ergonomically positioned carry handles and a convenient transport safety device all enhance portability. The underframe of the KSC 60 is a stand and a transport frame in one, which can also be easily elevated to a height that’s comfortable for your back. In operation, the variable speed pre-selection, means

the saw can be adapted to suit the material. Add to that a range of saw blades engineered specifically for wood materials, laminate or aluminium – colour coded for easy product selection in yellow, red and blue respectively – and the result is a very versatile package. Next month we take a look at Festool’s advances in dust extraction. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE NEW FESTOOL KSC 60 CORDLESS SLIDING COMPOUND MITRE SAW VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB096

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

THE FINISHING TOUCH

Professional Builder’s Tibby Singh has a FIXation with Senco

Tibby Singh – www.TibbySingh.com

Having previously reviewed Senco’s 1st fix framing nailer I was looking forward to seeing if the same manufacturer’s 2nd fix F-16S Fusion Finish Nailer also fires on all cylinders. As previously, there’s no gas needed as it runs off the company’s Fusion Technology, an innovation that does away with cells to provide reliability, power and speed. It is equipped with a brushless motor and, to prep the firing mechanism, it uses a cylinder of compressed nitrogen to pressurise, shoot and re-pressurise over and over without any external air source. The advantage of this is that there’s no hose, and also it’s completely odourless. Finish nailers are most often used indoors, so this benefits everyone working within confined spaces. The tool will nail anything from 19mm to 65mm nails, making it ideal for a vast range of finishing applications. It also has a thumbwheel depth setting, which is precision engineering. Unlike thumbwheels on other nailers, where you’re left guessing the depth, this one has a dial gauge – which is a thumbs up from me. The mechanism might be complicated, but the operation couldn’t be easier – you literally fire and you’re away. It operates in the same way as the 1st fix, so turns on from a button just above the battery, which allows you to switch from sequential mode to bump mode in a flash. In the sequential mode it will show a solid green light, and this allows

precision nailing, which means you’ll need to press the trigger each time you want to drive a nail into the surface. Whereas the bump mode allows you to keep the finger on the trigger and it fires nails on each surface contact, continuously as there is no ramp up time. This is perfect when nailing boards as it increases speed. This mode is indicated by a flashing green light.

Protection

What also gets a green light from me is the nose protection on the end. This helps protect and prevent marring the surface you’re nailing into. This is crucial, because not only will you have to fill the pin holes but also the bruises in the wood. At the top, it has a small LED light, which always helps to shed light on the situation. The nailer runs off an 18V Li-ion and 18V battery, which also has a battery indicator, something that I’d expect on all batteries these days. What I didn’t expect was for the battery to be charged so quickly, thanks to the rapid charge it reaches 80 per cent in just 15 minutes. Senco’s certainly nailed it again with this Fusion F-16S Finish Nailer, and it’s one of the best 2nd fix nailers I’ve used. Finishing jobs off with this nailer is an absolute pleasure!

68 DECEMBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

If you want to take a look at Tibby Singh’s previous review of Senco’s new DS722-18V High Speed Autofeed Screwdriver, which screws up to 75mm fixings, then make use of our digital reader enquiry service via the rdr.link below and view the feature on the Professional Builder website. WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB097 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SENCO FUSION F-16S FINISH NAILER VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB098

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT Tibby Singh – www.TibbySingh.com

TALKING TOUGH

From the point of view of efficiency and safety something that was drilled into me from an early age was the importance of having a decent workstation set-up, and one of the first tasks I undertook as an apprentice was to make some wooden sawhorses. I later went on to get some plastic trestles, which were much lighter, but didn’t last very long. In fact, I still have my wooden trestles, but they’re not exactly portable. So, when I got my hands on ToughBuilt’s Sawhorses I was looking forward to putting them to the test to see if they were built to survive the toughest on site conditions. There are four models/sizes available in the UK: - C300 - C650

- C550 - C700

All of the sawhorses are constructed from 100 per cent high-grade steel and, unlike plastic trestles, they instantly feel robust, with a heavy-duty powder coating

Professional Builder’s Tibby Singh is backing the right horse from ToughBuilt

and zinc finish. Unlike my wooden sawhorses these can be folded up and even have a carry handle for easier transportation. They hardly take up any space in the van, yet they can work in any space to create jobsite tables. Some models bring more features to the table than others, such as the material support pegs that are included on the C550, C650 and C700. This allows you to insert 4x2’s and even 4x4’s on the C700 to create a solid table, which can be used for several purposes. I find it perfect for using them when it comes to cutting boards. It feels sturdy, unlike the plastic trestles that feel in comparison like you’re working on a waterbed. These three also have adjustable feet, which makes it ideal when working on slightly uneven surfaces. Taking it a step further the C650 and C700 have adjustable legs, so there’s no longer the need to pack

the legs with off-cuts of timber. The C700 is the head of the family and has other features, such as the ability to fix a sacrificial 2x4 timber to the top of the sawhorses. It’s cut out to be the best as it also has cutting brackets which means you can make quick cuts safely and efficiently. Even if you’ve just started out on site as an apprentice, and don’t have a van, these can fit in any car, so there’s no excuse. I just wish they were around when I did my apprenticeship. I had to place my wooden trestles on the seat, which felt like I was carrying extra passengers. I can confirm that you won’t be horsing around with the ToughBuilt Sawhorses and they are built to last the toughest conditions on site come rain or shine! FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TOUGHBUILT SAWHORSE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB099

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GENERAL BUILDING FENCING

Manufactured from cold rolled galvanised steel, the DuraPost by Birkdale has a superior strength-toweight ratio in comparison with traditional concrete and timber fence posts. When compared with the Classic DuraPost, Commercial DuraPost has a greater thickness of steel, with enhanced strength, whilst there’s increased height options, and a choice of colours.

SLATE

CUPA 50 – a non-carbonated, deep grey slate – is the latest addition to the Cupa Pizarras portfolio. It features a uniform, smooth surface, and thin laminations, and will be available in a range of sizes between 20x20cm and 64x45cm. It also comes in a range of thicknesses, from 3.7mm to 7.5mm. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB100

WATER SOFTENERS

The Ultra HE and Premio HE are the latest models to join Monarch Water’s range of sustainable water softeners. The new models measure 557H x 269W x 489D (Ultra HE) and 778H x 269W x489D (Premio HE). The Ultra’s capacity of 1,520 litres at 300ppm between regenerations makes it ideal for families up to 10 people, while the Premio, with a capacity of 3,040 litres at 300ppm, can accommodate occupants of up to 20 people.

UNDERFLOOR HEATING

Further enhancing the established OMNIE Ultimate system, the Ultimate2 board consists of XPS insulation – improving output while the 2-3mm deep diffuser channel surrounding the multi-directional runs increases screed contact with the pipe, thus cutting the warmup time. The overall installed depth of just 27mm leaves plenty of room for tiles to be laid on top without the need to trim doors or skirting. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB104

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB103

KITCHEN SPLASHBACK PANELS

Splashback panels are a no-fuss alternative to tiles that are fire retardant, waterproof, scratch resistant and easy to fit. The Alloy range from Wilsonart features 12 patterned, aluminum solutions that can be used wall-to-wall or simply as a hob panel, or installed across the entire width of the kitchen for an uninterrupted design. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB105

FLEECE BACKED EPDM

Avenir Roofing is now the exclusive UK distributor of the Lineflex Fleece Backed EPDM flat roofing solution. Available in two thicknesses Lineflex is a heavy-duty solution. The membranes are laminated to a tough polyester reinforcement layer which increases durability as well as improving tear and puncture resistance.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB101

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB106

BATHROOM FURNITURE

LOW PITCH ROOF WINDOW

It’s the glass-to-edge technology on the Velux Low Pitch roof window that allows water to run off the roof easily, whilst the aluminium profile provides a smart drainage system. The specially designed flashing and the extra wide apron ensures a watertight construction of the roof window in low pitch roofs even down to 10°, and there’s a 10-year product warranty. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB102

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There’s two new finishes, an improved drawer system, more space, new hinges and upgrades to the internal panels on Geberit’s Renova Plan bathroom furniture. Now available in Hickory Light and Hickory – in addition to existing White high gloss coated and Lava matt coated – the new colours match those available in the company’s Selnova Square S product. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB107

SMART HOT WATER TANK

Unlike a conventional cylinder, which heats the whole contents, Mixergy’s smart hot water tank only heats what is needed. This minimises the primary carbon used to generate a dwelling’s hot water, while maximising the availability of cold water for storing renewably generated energy; from Solar PV, for example. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB108

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PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

TOOLFAIR

POWER TOOLS

•

HAND TOOLS

•

BUILDING EQUIPMENT

R FO S K ES AC IN B US B

THE TRADESHOW BUILT FOR THE TRADE

All the latest tools, live demos, show specials – all under one roof! FORTHCOMING SHOWS: WESTPOINT ARENA, EXETER 9TH/10TH DECEMBER 2021 ALEXANDRA PALACE, LONDON 27TH/28TH JANUARY 2022 BOLTON ARENA, BOLTON 3RD/4TH MARCH 2022 YEC, HARROGATE 28TH/29TH APRIL 2022

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SECURITY INSTALLATION

MAKE A SMART CHOICE with the Ring Professional Programme

Ring is urging contractors and installers to join its Professional Programme.

The smart home market is growing. A recent survey of 2,000 people by OnePoll showed that 57 per cent of households now have at least one smart device. This survey also found that a third of respondents had installed a smart doorbell, while 33 per cent had smart security cameras placed on their properties. This trend has continued into 2021. According to a survey conducted by Statista of 2,080 respondents, 73 per cent of households had at least one smart device installed for entertainment purposes, such as smart TVs, and at least 31 per cent have smart speakers with an integrated virtual assistant (Statista 2021). As the survey results show, there is a clear upward trend in demand for smart technology in the UK. This creates an opportunity for professional installers; while many consumers may know about the ‘smart home’, some still seek the comfort and reassurance of having their local tradesperson or security installation company handle the set-up of a full smart home or security system. Offering quality

advice and services to customers leads to an increased level of positive referrals by word of mouth. Ring is working with professional installers, to help their customers to feel safe in their homes. Ring Professional Programme has been developed specifically for expert installers across the UK. The programme is specially designed to help educate professional installers on the range of whole-home security products, how to install them, and the benefits for their customers. The goal of the programme is to help installers confidently seek new leads and clients looking for smart home installations. The programme is free to join, offering exclusive updates, training videos and installation materials, a certificate for completing the training, and access to the team at Ring 24/7 to ensure the delivery of trusted, informed advice and excellent customer service when installing and setting up Ring security products. Signing up to it is simple. Just scan the

72 DECEMBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

QR code using the camera function on your smartphone. The Professional Programme sign-up form then pops up – fill in all the relevant details and press 'submit'. As a smart bonus, everyone that signs up for the programme will receive a welcome pack, which includes a 40 per cent off voucher to use with Ring (see reverse of voucher for T&Cs). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON RING VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB109

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builders’ vehicles 씱

CUSTOM CHECK Everything you need to know when buying a used Ford Transit Custom from Dan Powell Editor of Honest John Vans. The Transit Custom was first launched in 2013 and became an instant hit, thanks to its car-like road-handling and heavy-duty load capacity. Both the L1 and L2 wheelbases are offered in H1 and H2 (standard and high roof) while the load capacities span 6.0 cubic meters for the regular roofed L1 and 8.3 cubic metres for the L2 H2 van. All versions of the Transit Custom can take three standard Euro pallets, while models with a load-through bulkhead hatch will carry longer loads of up to 3.4m (3m on L1) to slot under the passenger seat. The space between the wheel arches is best in class, allowing for an 8x4ft board to be loaded flat to the floor.

Engines At launch, the Transit Custom came with a 2.2-litre TDCI ‘Duratorq’ turbo-diesel with 100PS, 125PS or 155PS. The 100PS version has 310Nm of torque, growing to 350Nm with the 125PS model and 385Nm with the 155PS flagship unit. The 2.2-litre TDCI unit is widely referred to in Transit Custom circles as the Euro5 engine. From mid-2016 Ford replaced the 2.2litre Euro5 engine with a smaller, but more powerful Euro6 compliant ‘EcoBlue’ 2.0-litre unit. Like the 2.2-litre before it, was offered with three different outputs with the 130PS being the sweet spot in the range due to its punchy performance

and impressive fuel economy. A six-speed manual is standard, but from 2017 Ford offered the choice of a SelectShift automatic with either the 130PS or powerful 170PS models. Only those wanting the high-end Sport Van will need to venture to the 170PS version.

Maintenance Sold with a three-year/100,000-mile warranty when new, many Transit Customs are still being cared for by Ford’s official service centres. All require an annual or 12,000-mile service, whichever comes sooner. Don’t skip services on low mileage vehicles, as urban-based work is tougher mechanically than vehicles doing larger, sustained mileages. Take your Transit Custom to an independent specialist and you’ll pay around £120 for a standard service. If the brakes need work you’ll be looking at a bill of £120 for the front ones and the same again at the rear. The Transit Custom is susceptible to rusting rear hinges, but it’s easy to fix with regular checks and a spray-on rust inhibitor. The intercooler pipe is also known to split where it rubs against a nut on the alternator; however, this is quick to fix with a whistling sound during the gear

change indicating that the pipe is on the verge of breaking.

What to watch Older versions of the Transit Custom were reportedly prone to thefts due to a fault in the locking – seeing the driver’s door barrel lock opening and not setting off the alarms. Ford issued a security update to fix this in 2017, though many people also fit higher security locks as an additional precaution. Listen for whistling during gear changes, if you hear it then check the intercooler pipe. It splits where it rubs against a nut on the alternator but this is a quick and easy fix. Have a look underneath and check for oil leaks, the crank oil seal can let oil out between the engine and the gearbox. The 2.0-litre ‘EcoBlue’ engine had some teething issues when it was launched in 2016 with reports of noisy idler pulleys, and adjustment needed to the belt tensioner. All of this should have been fixed by Ford under warranty in late2016 or early-2017 and the seller should have paperwork to match. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HONEST JOHN VANS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB110

For more van and pick-up buying advice visit: www.honestjohn.co.uk/vans or type“Honest John Vans” into your online search engine.

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vehicles & plant

Talkin’ ‘bout next generation W

Professional Builder’s Lee Jones examines the latest Caterpillar mini excavator models

ith a reputation amongst owners and operators that precedes it and then some, Cat is certainly not a manufacturer that will indulge in meaningless marketing monikers. The company’s Next Generation initiative, for instance, is a signal of guiding principles in machine design, and is championing industry-first features, lower costs, and increased performance. The latest group to join the line-up are the 302.7CR, 303CR, and the 303.5 CR models. As an explanation of the nomenclature, CR represent Compact Radius, with all models designed with zero or low rear overhang. In addition, the last two digits refer to the weight – 2.7, 3.0 and 3.5 tonne. Cat has already successfully introduced compact excavators in the 1-2 tonne and 6-10 tonne classes onto the Next Generation platform and reports that the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many of the innovations on the machines that hit the market more than two years ago, such as stick steer and

cruise control, are in evidence on these latest additions, including the move towards electro-hydraulic (EH) controls. It is technology that has already gained plaudits for its adjustable operator settings, and a much greater degree of flexibility across different jobs. Those settings are controlled via an in-cab monitor, through which joystick response, and implement speed can each be tuned to a particular task, thereby speeding up the machine for more aggressive applications or slowing it down where necessary. Furthermore, adjustments can even be made on the basis of individual cylinders, thereby adjusting hydraulic flow to bucket, or swing, and providing a highly customisable solution in the process. “As with all the Next Generation minis the introduction of stick steer allows for the control of machine travel by pressing the yellow button on the joystick on the

74 DECEMBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

left side,” explains Alex McDonald, Product Specialist – Mini Excavators at Caterpillar. “This is particularly useful when backfilling a trench with a blade, for example, where the blade control is in the right hand, and travel in the left. Similarly, the cruise control function is the perfect companion to hydro-mechanical tools. In some jobs the machine can, therefore, be tracking, whilst the tool is still running, reducing complexity and operator fatigue.”

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In tackling ownership and operational costs, a tilting cab facilitates greater access to the mechanics of the machine whilst working in the field, which could well eliminate the need to transfer it to a workshop. The likes of valve banks and alternators are all fully in view, and that’s a theme that is continued with daily servicing, all of which can be conducted from ground level, from compartments that open without tools. Inside the cab all three models are available with air con, with the 302.7CR currently the only 2.7tonne class excavator on the market to be equipped with this welcome creature comfort. Caterpillar’s next generation of compact diggers are not just the result of a factory design and build but of a concerted and exhaustive regime of testing. Indeed, before going to market, over 4 ½ thousand hours of on-site customer trials have already been chalked up, across the widest possible range of applications and territories. As a result, end users have praised the ease with which the 302.7CR can be transported, with tools, on a load bed or trailer, as well as the flexibility and responsiveness of the machines. The ergonomic controls and a highly readable and accessible monitor has equally won fans, as has the handsfree calling that Bluetooth connectivity provides. Moreover, whether it’s cooling with the air con or demisting with a heater, a pleasant working environment will always elicit a positive response.

The 303.5CR replaces the existing 303.5E2 CR model, a machine that has itself garnered a very favourable reputation in the marketplace. From that position of strength Caterpillar has added the technologies that characterise the Next Generation concept, including the aforementioned EH control and the lower fuel consumption that the Cat C1.7 Stage V engine affords. The 303.5 will also be the first digger in its weight class to benefit from an angle blade where, when combined with stick steer, significant efficiencies in backfilling applications can be accrued. The 303CR replaces the outgoing 303ECR, and features a Cat C1.1 Turbo, the same powertrain utilised not just in the 302.7CR unit, but also in the previously introduced 1-2 tonne models, making parts management across a fleet a much simpler proposition. More importantly, that engine achieves a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 10 per cent, with improvements in travel speed for the 303CR in particular over its predecessor. The most compact of the new introductions the 302.7CR replaces the 302.7DCR and occupies a critical space in the market for hirers and contractors alike. In this size of excavator owner/operators demand maximum performance from a machine that sits within the 3,500kg tow limit within the UK and the EU, and that’s just what this 2.7tonne solution provides. Not only that, but Caterpillar has recognised the multi-tasking role now required of these excavators with much improved lifting capability. An expandable undercarriage option on the 302.7 CR will retract the track width to 1,355mm in confined spaces and then expand to 1,780mm for greater stability. TO WHICH A VIDEO OVERVIEW OF THE NEW CATERPILLAR NEXT GENERATION EXCAVATORS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB111 FOR A FILM THAT FOCUSES ON THE 302.7CR CUSTOMER STORY VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB12 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE ENTIRE RANGE OF CAT NEXT GENERATION MINI EXCAVATORS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB113

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PITCHED ROOFING

TECHNICAL TEAM TIPS – NO 32

GROW GETTERS!

Marley’s Daniel Redfern looks at some simple, but effective, ways to grow your business NFRC membership

Checkatrade or yell.com. To make sure you appear higher in internet searches for roofers in your area, take out a free Google My Business listing.

As well as reassuring your customers of high-quality standards, being a member of the NFRC allows you to have a unique profile on its website and a listing in its directory, which can help to drive business leads, as this is often the first point of call when someone is looking for a trusted roofing contractor.

Solar PV

Accreditations and certificates

Accreditations and certificates can provide valuable resources and training to further expand your business. Some examples of accreditations that can help your business stand out are: ■ NFRC Competent Person Scheme – As well as offering peace of mind for customers, NFRC CPS allows roofing contractors to self-certify that their work meets the requirements of Approved Document L1B of the Building Regulations, without having to go through the process of getting costly Building Control sign-off. Your business will also be listed in the directory, generating leads from customers looking for a competent roofer. ■ RoofCERT accreditation – This provides individual roofers with visible proof of their essential roofing skills. It also gives businesses the ability to demonstrate they employ fully qualified roofers, who can do the job safely and properly.

Some manufacturers and trade bodies offer ‘find an installer’ services. This can be a good way of generating sales leads, particularly in the domestic RMI sector. The installer locator on the Marley website is free to join and gets your business in front of the thousands of homeowners visiting our site monthly. To register, use the rdr link below and fill in the installer locator request form. WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB114

Social media and case studies

Sharing your work to promote your business both on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram and on your business website too is an ideal way to get your jobs seen by more potential customers. Just make sure to ask customers for permission to take and share photos of projects. And don’t forget, if you don’t already, you can set your Facebook page as a business page, allowing you to create a company description and provide contact details. You can also often promote your business within local Facebook community groups.

New innovations mean solar PV technology is much easier to install than in the past. The latest integrated solar panels, like our Marley SolarTile, simply replace sections of the roof tiles and can be installed by any roofer, up until the point of electrical connection. You can either partner with an electrician to do this or become MCS certified yourself. This can help you grow your business, as people will often search for an MCS Certified installer. As part of our ‘Supporting the Roofer’ initiative, all roofing businesses can claim a £50 discount on their MCS certification application. Simply visit WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB115

Invest in apprentices

For contractors looking to grow their business, investing in apprentices is one way of guaranteeing a skilled workforce for the future, while receiving funding from the Government. Depending on the size of the business, you could have up to 100 per cent of an apprentice’s training and assessments paid for, you would just need to pay their salary for their working hours and time spent training.

Reviews and online directories

When you’ve completed a job, provide customers with business cards to pass on to friends and family and ask them to leave a positive online review. This could be on your website or social media page, or on online business directories such as

76 DECEMBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

FOR MORE INFORMATION, ADVICE AND FREE ESTIMATING AND SPECIFICATION TOOLS, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB116

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THE TRADESHOW FOR PROFESSIONAL BUILDERS

Professional

LIVE!

Top trade products, exhibition specials and hands-on demo zones FORTHCOMING SHOWS: WESTPOINT ARENA, EXETER 9TH/10TH DECEMBER 2021 ALEXANDRA PALACE, LONDON 27TH/28TH JANUARY 2022 BOLTON ARENA, BOLTON 3RD/4TH MARCH 2022 YEC, HARROGATE 28TH/29TH APRIL 2022

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INSULATION

No.4

NEW

SERIES Start with certification

GET YOUR FILL This month, Bradley Hirst, Technical Services Manager from Knauf Insulation, advises on best practice for insulating cavity walls. Use Mineral Wool insulation

There are two options for insulating cavity walls: full fill, which completely fills the cavity, and partial fill, which leaves an air gap between the insulation and the external leaf. Mineral Wool, which can be used for both full and partial fill solutions, offers significant benefits over other insulants. It provides the best combined thermal, fire safety and acoustic performance, and it

You must use insulation that has third party certification verifying its suitability for cavity wall applications, such as Knauf Insulation’s DriTherm Cavity Slab, which has been certified by the BBA. This demonstrates that it meets the performance standards set out in the Building Regulations. For England and Wales, these are Approved Document L (thermal performance) and Approved Document C (moisture).

is easier to install correctly. As such, it adapts to any slight imperfections in the substrate and knits together, eliminating air gaps that reduce performance. By contrast, rigid board insulation often used for partial fill solutions can be more difficult to install correctly. Joints must be taped to eradicate gaps and separate fire barriers are needed, both of which increase costs and installation time.

Match insulation to the cavity depth

For full fill applications, use a Mineral Wool slab of equal width to the cavity to ensure there is intimate contact between the insulation and the masonry leaves. Using a slab that is too thick will mean the insulation is compressed, compromising its thermal performance. Freshly laid masonry units can also be dislodged when mortar is wet as the insulation will try to recover to its manufactured thickness. Using a slab that is too thin means the required thermal performance won’t be achieved because the cavity isn’t fully filled. Either way, the installation won’t meet the standards determined by the Building Regulations or the testing requirements of the thirdparty certification.

Keep insulation covered

While Mineral Wool insulation for cavity wall applications does contain a water repellent additive, always cover the top of the cavity at the end of the day or during heavy downpours. This will protect the insulation and masonry from rain and frost during construction in accordance with the requirements of BS 8000-3:2020 workmanship on construction sites, masonry code of practice.

TO FIND THE RIGHT MINERAL WOOL PRODUCT FOR YOUR APPLICATION, DOWNLOAD THE NEW KNAUF INSULATION SOLUTIONS GUIDE AT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB117

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TACKLE IT

No.6

WITH One Coat Damp Seal is tough on damp. This low odour, solventbased product works to permanently seal and remove damp stains and prevent damp from re-occurring in just one coat.

To conclude our series with Thompson’s, Technical Services Chemist at the company Chris Fletcher will be looking at Thompson’s One Coat Damp Seal including its applications and benefits.

HOW TO APPLY IT First things first, it is important to remove any mould or damp. We recommend removing mould using a mould killer to ensure the best results – as if mould is present, it will simply grow through Thompson’s One Coat Damp Seal and any paint applied to the surface. The product can be applied onto a damp surface; however, it is important to ventilate the room and open doors and windows to make sure it is not dripping wet. It is also important to remove any wallpaper or flaking paint with a damp cloth and fill in any cracks or holes in the surface if needed. Next, apply the solution with a brush or roller over the affected area, plus the space 30cm around it. Always allow it to dry for four hours before decorating over the top. As the product is solvent-based, never dispose of it into drains or watercourses. Instead, contact your local authority to find out how to safely get rid of it.

KEY BENEFITS?

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

Thompson’s is giving five lucky winners the chance to get their hands on a prize bundle including a Makita MR052 Cordless Radio and some Thompson’s goodies. To win, use the rdr.link below to visit the Professional Builder website and answer the following question correctly: Q: HOW LONG SHOULD YOU LEAVE THOMPSON’S ONE COAT DAMP SEAL TO DRY? A: TWO HOURS B: FOUR HOURS C: SIX HOURS To enter visit the Professional Builder website by using the link: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB118

The micro-porous formula allows trapped moisture to escape, without letting moisture in. As a result, surfaces that have suffered from damp can continue to dry out once it has been applied, but no new moisture can seep in and make the issue worse. The product is also highly pigmented and appears white on surfaces to prevent damp stains from being visible through paint for a professional finish. Thompson’s One Coat Damp Seal also only requires one coat making it easy to seal and cover stains quickly. What’s more, paint or wallpaper can be applied just four hours after application so the job can be completed in one day – meaning there is no need for a return visit to site and disruption to customers is kept to a minimum. TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THOMPSON’S AND ITS WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB119

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ADE’S TOP DOORS & WINDOWS TIPS

No. 32

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

MATERIAL EVIDENCE! ers When choosing windows and doors for their property, homeown are often polarised by the choice of material for the frames.

The choice for original and replacement window and door frames is timber, PVC-U and aluminium in all but listed and conservation-area properties. Each material has its pluses and minuses but, whatever the choice, it’s very difficult to buy a duff window these days, as long as you choose a reputable supplier. Things have changed a great deal in the past decade to put paid to some of the old tropes about window frames. Whilst cheap original timber frames installed in estates homes thirty plus years ago helped to create the market for replacements, first by aluminium and then by PVC-U (or u-PVC as it was then), the timber industry responded (eventually!) and timber frames from a reputable source will now give many years of service and performance. Similarly, although aluminium was squeezed out by the ubiquitous white PVC-U frames back in the Seventies, around five years ago aluminium windows and doors made a storming comeback, led by the aluminiumframed bi-folding doors featured on the many architectural shows on television. Faced with the revival of both timber and aluminium, the PVC-U industry also

80 DECEMBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

pulled its collective socks up with the offer of subtle coloured and textured frame finishes and the ability to emulate any architectural style.

So how do you choose?

Timber is often the only choice, coupled with strict curbs on the style of window, in listed buildings or those in conservation areas. As such they are often expensive and supplied by specialist manufacturers. But for general new build or refurbishment, timber windows may now be regarded as being on a par with anything manufactured in aluminium or PVC-U and are still regarded by many as more appropriate for upmarket properties. In terms of maintenance, timber windows will require more looking after than their metal and plastic equivalents but should still put in many years between re-staining or painting. Timber still commands a very small and select corner of the overall market however, with the remainder fought over by aluminium and PVC-U. Both materials are light years ahead of where they were, with the (frankly

horrible) anodised aluminium windows and bright, white (obviously plastic) PVC-U casements thankfully well behind us. The key advances in PVC-U framing include the style of frames that can be produced, including the now highly sought after ‘flush sash’, and coloured and textured surface finishes. These developments alone have combined to disguise that the frames are plastic, and with other subtle design changes PVC-U windows and doors may be blended seamlessly into most architectural styles. Even vertical sliding box sash frames can be manufactured to offer highly convincing authenticity, a huge boost for the owners of properties of all ages defined with this style. Aluminium has received an amazing comeback in recent years and, from being something that was often only installed in sliding doors, there is a huge choice of residential window and door styles now available. Generally, aluminium allows the manufacture of frames with slimmer profiles and are often specified to compliment a bi-folding or sliding doors installed in a home. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON QUICKSLIDE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB120

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wise howell

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT As I write this, the news is all about

WAVIN REWARDS APP

the Cops. And I don’t mean the

Customers can accrue points every time they buy Wavin products, including those in the Hep2O and Osma ranges, with the Wavin Rewards mobile app. The points can then be redeemed against a range of vouchers and gift cards from brands including Amazon, Argos, Just Eat and Greggs, as well as Jet2 Holidays and TUI. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB121

ACE & EIC NET ZERO GUIDE

A new Net Zero guide targeted at SMEs working in the built environment has been jointly released by the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) and sister organisation, the Environmental Industries Commission (EIC). The guide highlights the steps that should be taken towards a carbon free future, with practical advice and support. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB122

ROCKWOOL RED BOOK

A series of key technical updates have been included in the 2021 version of the Rockwool Red Book. The interactive guide to stone wool insulation provides access to product certification and a wide range of specification support materials across the product range. There’s also updated digital links to approved documents and regulatory guidelines. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB123

NARM NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ROOFLIGHT MANUFACTURERS ‘UNDERSTANDING CWCT CLASSIFICATIONS OF ROOFLIGHT TYPES’

The latest technical document from the NARM is intended to clarify any potential confusion over the specification of glass rooflights and ‘walk-on’ rooflights. The NARM Quickguide 08 is available from the organisation’s website, alongside a wide range of other technical documents covering different aspects of rooflight specification. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB124

blue-helmeted variety. (Although, come to think of it, when did you last see a policeman wearing a helmet?). One of the Cops in the news is COP26, the international climate change conference in Glasgow, which is supposed to get the leaders of the world’s nations to agree to stop burning stuff, and generally stop emitting pollutants and waste heat into the earth’s atmosphere. In case you were wondering, COP stands for Conference Of the Parties. No? Me neither. Another Cop is actually tied up with first COP, but written somewhat differently, as CoP. It stands for Coefficient of Performance, which is the ratio of how many units of heat can be recovered from the condenser coil of a heat pump, relative to the number of units of electricity used to power its compressor and fan. As you will almost certainly have heard, heat pumps are being promoted as the answer to the “carbon emissions” problem of the UK’s housing stock. If we all replace our gas boilers with heat pumps – so goes the theory – then we will help slow down global warming. The interesting thing about this particular CoP is that a figure of 3 is being banded about – by politicians at least. So theoretically you put one unit of electricity in, and you get three units of warmth out. Win-win, as they say. A CoP figure of 3 is important, because electricity

is currently around three to four times more expensive than gas. (In my house, I’m paying 3.2 pence per unit for gas, and a whopping 16 pence per unit for electricity). So if you want to persuade me to shell out ten grand or more for heat pumps, then it’s vital that the promised CoP of 3 holds up. The problem is, heating engineers tell me that in practice a CoP of 2.5 or even 2 is more realistic. Perhaps even falling as low as 1 in very cold weather. In which case my winter heating bill is going to be three to four times higher than what I’m paying currently. Now, I wonder if the world’s leaders at COP26 will have addressed this issue by discussing why electricity is so much more expensive than gas? As long as electricity is made by burning gas in turbines, then there will be a mark-up, of course. But shouldn’t electricity from wind and solar generation be cheaper, or even “free”? Well, it would be if the renewable energy industry wasn’t subsidised so heavily by the government – and if the subsidies weren’t loaded onto everybody’s – er – electricity bills! I’m looking forward to seeing how one COP has dealt with the other CoP. A case of Good Cop, Bad Cop, maybe?

Jeff Howell

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

Use our digital reader enquiry service for further information online

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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 ACTIS Insulation Ltd ..........................................................(page 58)

Makita (UK) Ltd ..................................................................(page 39)

www.rdr.link/BAB120

www.rdr.link/BAB135

AO.com ................................................................................(page 16)

Mascot International Ltd ..................................................(page 39)

www.rdr.link/BAB121

www.rdr.link/BAB136

Atlas Roofing Solutions ....................................................(page 60)

Omnie ....................................................................................(page 8)

www.rdr.link/BAB122

www.rdr.link/BAB137

British Gypsum/Saint Gobain Ltd ....................................(page 13)

Pnu-Point Ltd ......................................................................(page 63)

www.rdr.link/BAB123

www.rdr.link/BAB138

British Gypsum/Saint Gobain Ltd......................................(page54)

Pro Builder Live ..................................................................(page 77)

www.rdr.link/BAB124

www.rdr.link/BAB139

Buckbootz Ltd ....................................................................(page 36)

Quickslide..............................................................................(page 5)

www.rdr.link/BAB125

www.rdr.link/BAB140

Build Aviator..........................................................................(page 4)

Rainy Day Charity ..............................................................(page 65)

www.rdr.link/BAB126

www.rdr.link/BAB141

Dakea ..................................................................................(page 59)

Safeguard Europe Ltd........................................................(page 36)

www.rdr.link/BAB127

www.rdr.link/BAB142

Estimators-online ..........................................................(back cover)

Soudal (UK) Ltd ..................................................................(page 47)

www.rdr.link/BAB128

www.rdr.link/BAB143

Everbuild Building Products Ltd ......................................(page 50)

Tesco Mobile........................................................................(page 31)

www.rdr.link/BAB129

www.rdr.link/BAB144

Ford Motor Co Ltd..............................................(inside front cover)

Toolfair Exhibition ..............................................................(page 71)

www.rdr.link/BAB130

www.rdr.link/BAB145

Knauf Insulation Ltd ..........................................................(page 53)

TuffX Processed Glass Ltd ..................................................(page 6)

www.rdr.link/BAB131

www.rdr.link/BAB146

Made for Trade....................................................................(page 19)

Vortex ..................................................................................(page 52)

www.rdr.link/BAB132

www.rdr.link/BAB147

Made for Trade ....................................................................(page 21)

Wera Tools UK Ltd ....................................................(pages 66, 67)

www.rdr.link/BAB133

www.rdr.link/BAB148

Made for Trade ..................................................................(page 23)

West Fraser ........................................................................(page 43)

www.rdr.link/BAB134

www.rdr.link/BAB149

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GOOD HEALTH NO.27 ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSMS

Let’s talk about ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSMS... THIS MONTH GP, ALICE FITZGIBBON EXPLORES THE ISSUE OF ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSMS

This month I thought I would write about Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (also known as abdominal or low back pain that starts and does AAAs). Many people will not have heard of these, not settle down. If the aorta bursts, it can cause however, every man in the UK will be invited for sudden onset severe abdominal or back pain, an ultrasound scan once they turn 65 years old in collapse, a fast heartbeat, shortness of breath order to check for this condition. So, what is an and sweaty, pale and clammy skin. This is AAA? because so much blood is lost very quickly. Any An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a swelling of symptoms of a ruptured (burst) AAA need a major blood vessel. The aorta is the biggest immediate medical attention and a 999 blood vessel in the human body. Every time the ambulance should be called if these develop. In heart beats, blood is pumped at high pressure many people who have an AAA, it does not into the aorta – it travels through the chest and cause any symptoms and does not impact their down through the abdomen – and is essential for life. Most people who have an AAA will die of blood to travel around the body. When there is an unrelated cause, and not because of their an AAA, there is a weakness in the wall of the aneurysm bursting. aorta which causes a swelling (known as an If you are diagnosed with an AAA, there are aneurysm). As blood continues to be pumped at several things you can do to reduce the high pressure from the heart, over time this chances of it getting bigger. These include, swelling can get bigger and bigger. In some stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake, cases, the aorta may burst due to the swelling. If eating a balanced and healthy diet with this happens, it is immediately life threatening reduced fatty foods, maintaining a healthy and often fatal; this is why early detection of this weight and exercising regularly for 150 minutes condition is important. If the presence of an AAA per week as recommended by the NHS. These is detected early, it can be monitored by steps to a healthy lifestyle also reduce the risk ultrasound scans to monitor the size of the of developing an AAA in the first place. swelling. If, and when, the swelling reaches a So, if you are called for your screening certain size, an operation to repair the swollen appointment, please attend for the ultrasound piece of aorta might be offered. This operation is scan. It is painless and it won’t take long to do. major surgery, with a risk of death, and only If your aorta appears healthy then it is people who are fit enough to survive the reassuring. If there is any swelling detected operation may be even be offered it. then the next steps will depend on the size of So, who is at risk of developing an AAA? Well, the aneurysm. If you have a diagnosis of an men over the age of 65 (that’s why they are AAA it is important that your offered a screening ultrasound to check) and “Who is at risk of developing an AAA? Well, men over the age of close friends and family are aware of the signs to look out some women over the age 65 (that’s why they are offered a screening ultrasound to check) for just in case you become of 70 if they have risk factors. Risk factors include and some women over the age of 70 if they have risk factors.” unwell. high blood pressure, a family history of AAA, smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ABDOMINAL and cardiovascular disease. Having a AAA may give no AORTIC ANEURYSMS FROM THE NHS VISIT: symptoms or signs. In some people who are slim, a pulsing WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB125 sensation may be felt in the tummy area. In others, there may be

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