Professional Builder February 2022

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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

FEBRUARY 2022

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A TIDY VAN IS A TIDY PROFIT! TOUGHBUILT’S MASSIVE MOUTH BAGS AND CLIPTECH TECHNOLOGY HELP TO ORGANISE YOUR TOOLS FASTER AND EASIER. SEE MORE INSIDE...

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contents

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

FEBRUARY 2022 2021 VOL. 44 NO.2 @PB_mag

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

REGULARS 7 9 12 20 81 83

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

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SPECIAL REPORTS 14 Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity – Help Inside the Hard Hat 16 Andy Hares is an NFRC ‘Local Hero’ Inventors’ Corner 18 Inventors’ Corner – ASAP System

@probuilderonline

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

NEW BUILD & PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

26 Rockwool – Part L Changes 29 Freefoam – PVC-UE Step-by-step 32 Marshalls – Home Exterior Projects 34 PipeSnug – FlueSnug 37 Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI) – Offsite and Timber Frame 40 Knauf Insulation – KinetiK app 42 NEW PRODUCTS

67 GENERAL BUILDING 60 Lime Green and RetrofitWorks 62 The Tile Association (TTA) – Large Porcelain Panels 64 Kingspan – Insulation Guidance 67 Swish Building Products – Guttering 69 NEW PRODUCTS 78 Marley – Part L and Roofing 79 Quickslide – Surveying

44 TOOLS & WORKWEAR

22 HEALTH & SAFETY 22 WernerCo and the No Falls Foundation 24 H&S PRODUCTS

44 Snickers Workwear – Weatherproof Working 46 V12 Footwear – Product Test 48 Mascot – Workwear 51 Tibby Singh Reviews EMMA Safety Footwear 52 Makita’s Toolbox Talk 54 The ToughBuilt Range 57 NEW PRODUCTS

72 BUILDERS’ VEHICLES 71 Honest John – Van Recalls 72 The Van Insurer 74 The NEW Ford Ranger

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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 DIGITAL ASSISTANT LUCY HARDING EMAIL: lharding@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. © 2022 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 TALKING A GOOD ONE! “We never hear from satisfied customers, only ever from those with an apparent axe to grind.” It’s a familiar retort from many small business owners and one that will certainly resonate with a lot of Professional Builder readers. And, of course, with the explosion of social media in recent years bad news travels faster than ever before, damaging previously pristine reputations built up over many years and – in some extreme cases – putting the very existence of some businesses at risk.

Now no one is suggesting for one moment that all builders are exempt from genuine complaints. The very nature of the work itself, being in and around people’s homes, upsetting their daily routines, the unpredictability of the weather, unforeseen structural issues and delays to materials can all contribute to escalating problems, even amongst the most experienced and well-intentioned tradespeople. By then, of course, the damage has already been done, and across the nation community Facebook pages are filling up with posts from disgruntled clients, some even going as far as to name and shame businesses involved, so as to dissuade others from using their services in the future. Oh, for those simple days when good old-fashioned word of mouth, positive or bad went no “There is a very good reason why further than near neighbours! the message of more than a quarter The biggest cause of all this angst, it would seem, is a lack of communication, of century ago that ‘it’s good to where contractors have not responded talk’, still resonates today in a to a customer request for a quotation or social media obsessed society.” have failed to inform customers of delays to the working schedule that may have already been agreed. It is widely accepted that material and labour shortages, and the Covid restrictions, have caused issues with work being completed on schedule, both domestically and commercially.

Most customers are well aware of these issues and understand the need for a certain amount of flexibility. What they cannot accept, it transpires, is a lack of warning or communication about that fact. Obviously, these type of community Facebook pages do attract a few habitual “Moaning Minnies” and we have expressed on many occasions the emergence of the cowboy customer for whom the principal objective is to withhold bona fide payments by all means. The story is often very one-sided but, having said that, tradespeople need to understand in these days of twenty-four-hour social media interaction, it is so easy for a customer to air a gripe and create a potentially damaging impression of a company.

Ensuring you respond in a professional and articulate way to customers gives them much less ammunition if they are in the mood for a rant. And the value of a personal phone call or, where possible, a face-to-face interaction with customers should also never be underestimated.

Even more worryingly, perhaps, we are now seeing this over reliance on social media and digital outlets as a principal form of communication on an international level where the Prime Minister himself recently fell out spectacularly with France’s President Macron. The French leader was angered after Johnson reportedly tweeted a letter outlining a five-point plan to tackle the issue of Channel crossings before Macron had been privy to the plans beforehand. “I spoke two days ago with Prime Minister Johnson in a serious way. For my part I continue to do that, as I do with all countries and all leaders. We do not communicate from one leader to another on these crucial issues by tweets and letters that we make public,” lamented Macron. Say what you like about the French President, he certainly has a fair point on this occasion as the UK’s relationship with potential allies is further strained, all because of a lack of proper respectful communication at the highest levels.

Hopefully, the promise of high levels of demand for your skills from home improvers will last well into the New Year, so don’t let poor communication leave a black mark against what could be an especially profitable period for your business. It’s been more than twenty-five years since BT’s iconic “it’s good to talk” ads featured loud and large on our TV screens, but it’s fair to say that the message is certainly more apt today than ever before.

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News Professional Builder

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

COUNTING THE COST Injury and ill health is costing UK construction £1.29 billion a year The figure is derived from a new study of data from the Health & Safety Executive by the construction site storage experts at Sitestak. Despite this high cost, non-fatal injuries in UK construction having actually decreased by 45.56 per cent over the last decade.

Peter James, Managing Director of SiteStak comments: “While the number

of injuries are on a slow overall decline our study reveals that ill health in the industry is still leading to a large human and financial cost. Injuries in construction remain stubbornly high.”

The SiteStak materials management system has been specifically designed to improve organisation on building sites, which prevents accidents.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SITESTAK STUDY, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD001

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HEALTH CHECK

Mental health issues in construction are not being addressed amongst smaller firms

High levels of mental distress, and a reluctance to seek professional help among UK construction workers, is leading to increased alcohol consumption, non-prescription drug use and even self-harm, according to a new major study. “We have a real concern that the data shows that sole traders, and those working in smaller firms with more severe anxiety were least likely to seek help,” reveals Sarah Casemore, Managing Director of Mates in Mind.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD002

BREATHE EASY

Vent-Axia Welcomes Part F of the Building Regulations Vent-Axia has welcomed the publication of new Approved Document Part F of the Building Regulations, as a “vital step to improve indoor air quality” as we move toward the Future Homes Standard on the road to Net Zero. However, as buildings become more airtight to improve efficiency it is essential to consider indoor air quality too to protect the wellbeing of inhabitants. The new Part F therefore sets out “significant changes”, which will drive adoption of low carbon ventilation as an industry standard and improve the quality of the air we breathe in buildings.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD003

PAINT MISBEHAVIN’

PaintCare is urging paint recycling

Households across the UK are stockpiling enough paint to coat the Forth Rail Bridge 212 times, posing major environmental issues, reveals new research from the Royal Society of Chemistry. Despite spoiling in a matter of months if stored incorrectly, 73 per cent of UK adults have admitted to stashing away pots of unused or partially used decorating paint – 43 per cent of which is more than three years old. “We urgently need more facilities and ways for people to be able to recycle and reuse unwanted paint so it doesn’t go bad sitting in a shed – or end up incinerated or in landfill,” declares Celebrity decorator and TV presenter, Linda Barker.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD004

TOUGH CHALLENGE

Swarfega is once again on the hunt for the Toughest Trade in the UK

Following the success of plasterers in 2018, skin care expert, Swarfega is once again on the hunt for the toughest trade out there. The competition will run until March 2022 and tradespeople will be challenged to post a picture of themselves or a colleague battling their toughest task on the Swarfega Facebook or Twitter page, along with the hashtag #ToughestTrade and a short reason why they think their trade should win 2022’s accolade.

The tradesperson crowned the 2022 winner will receive £200 in Amazon vouchers and three runners up will also receive a £50 Amazon voucher.

GET MOVING QUICK AND POST YOUR IMAGES ON THE SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS BELOW: SWARFEGA’S FACEBOOK PAGE: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD005 SWARFEGA’S TWITTER PAGE: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD006

‘VEST’ IN CLASS

Forterra highlights road safety with hivis donation

Forterra has donated £500 worth of hi-vis vests, hats and construction toys to around 40 children at Grange Park Pre-School. During the shorter days of winter, staying safe and visible in the dark while on foot is even more important, especially for youngsters. The pre-school has already been using the items for trips out and to help give the children an understanding of road safety and the different kinds of jobs people do.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD007

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News Professional Builder

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

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MOD CONS

Are modular and prefabricated buildings storing up problems for the future?

TAKE VAT!

Search traffic for the VAT Reverse Charge in construction has risen 40 per cent

FOR FURTHER DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD008

SELF HELP

Self-assessment customers are making use of monthly payment plans to pay their tax

FOR FURTHER DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD009

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THE STANDARD BEARERS

Plans are now in place for new buildings to be more energy efficient

The Government has announced that from 15 June 2022, new homes and buildings in England will have to produce around 30 per cent lower CO2 than current standards, and emissions from other new buildings, including offices and shops, must be reduced by 27 per cent. “We support the efforts to get to net zero and will do all we can to achieve it,” declares Richard Beresford, chief executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB). “We have been working with NFB members so they can more quickly deliver net zero projects and releasing guidance to assist them. We are in a great position to help the Government understand the challenges, barriers and easy wins.”

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD011

ACCESS ALL AREAS

New build homes must offer gigabit wi-fi access

A technical consultation on offering all new homes access to high-speed wi-fi has been announced by the government. Under the proposals, builders will have to offer a gigabitcapable connection in all new homes subject to a £2,000 cap per dwelling. This will include optical fibre cables, ducts, chambers and termination points. If such a connection is impossible, then the next fastest broadband connection will need to be installed. The consultation will close on 28th February 2022 with legislative amendments to part R of Building Regulations 2010 happening as soon as parliamentary time allows.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD012

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More than 20,000 Self Assessment customers have used the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) online monthly payment plan service since April to spread the cost of their tax bill, totalling £46 million so far, it has been revealed.

Where customers are struggling to pay their bill in full, the selfserve Time to Pay service allows Self Assessment customers to manage how they pay their tax liabilities. Customers can use the online service for tax bills worth up to £30,000 without the need to talk to HMRC.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD010 © FrankBoston/Adobe Stock

Part of a new ‘Construction Industry Search Report: 2021/22’, the research – by leading digital marketing agency, Koozai – reveals that over 64,000 searches were made for VAT domestic reverse charge over the last three months.

Compared to the previous quarter, this represents a 39.94 per cent quarter-on-quarter increase in searches. The VAT domestic reverse charge for building and construction services was a change made by the government in how VAT for certain kinds of construction services (and related building materials) is handled. For more information about the ‘Construction Industry Search Report: 2021/22’ use the rdr.link below.

According to Global Home Warranties it is a real possibility. Every new home requires a latent defects warranty to cover anything unforeseen that might happen between year two and year three. During the first 24 months the builder is responsible for correcting any issues. “The problem is,” said Jim Edwards, commercial Director for Global Home Warranties, “how do you inspect modular components for latent defects? This would require sending our surveyors to every factory currently producing such systems, as far away as China in some cases. This means that while we can inspect the way they are installed, we equally have to accept that offsite components are fit for purpose and have reached the highest possible standard.”

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ADVERTORIAL

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CASH POOR

HBXL’S MISSION TO HELP BUILDING FIRMS ‘GO DIGITAL’.

It’s now critical that small suppliers get paid within 30 days, says OSBC The Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) welcomes the clarity provided by a report from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) on payment problems faced by small businesses. The FSB has found that 30 per cent of the firms in its survey are struggling to get paid. The current economic situation is causing increasingly difficult challenges for small businesses, and the best way to make sure these businesses survive 2022 is to pay for their products and services as quickly as possible, and certainly within 30 days.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD013

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YOU’RE HIRED!

Tradespeople are recruiting, according to Direct Line business insurance

Over eight in 10 tradespeople who have seen an increase in their workload have added or plan to hire new staff or apprentices, with nearly a third (31 per cent) intending to or already boosting their teams by five or more, according to new research from Direct Line business insurance. For most tradespeople, business has been booming whilst there is also a broader positivity about the outlook for the industry. 80 per cent have seen an increase in their workload since July compared with the first six months of this year.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD014

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ENDING ON A HIGH

A Christmas miracle is how the final set of contract awards data for 2021 has been greeted.

Even though the final month of the year is traditionally quiet, and is greatly curtailed by the festive holidays, December 2021 still delivered £4.4 billion in new contract awards, above the established £4.0 billion monthly benchmark, according to data from the Builders’ Conference. In addition, the statistics for the final month of 2021 show an encouraging geographic spread of forthcoming workload. However, the construction sector still faces the triple threat of skills shortages and both materials and fuel price hikes.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD015

Managing a building firm with the help of software is no longer a ‘nice to have’ but a necessity, according to Joanna Mulgrew, HBXL Building Software’s Managing Director. “Building firms that are still reliant on pen and paper and spreadsheets risk being left behind, or worse still, disappearing. The interest in construction software over the last 12 months has risen significantly, and with good reason,” she explains. “The more profitable businesses today are letting digital solutions do the heavy lifting - from the quoting and project management, through to health and safety and contract writing.”

HBXL’s ‘Go Digital’ campaign is designed to take any fear factor out of software programmes, by making them accessible to smaller 1-5 person building firms.

According to Joanna, IT skills are really not needed for using HBXL’s software. The suite of five end-to-end construction software tools has been re-engineered to be even more straightforward for the user. The whole process is ‘step by step’ with visual aids and hints and tips that appear in the window as you go. The project data in the estimate also populates the health and safety, contracts and project management software, saving the user even more time.

Hand-holding and free training All new users receive an onboarding session, help with their first estimate or CAD drawing, and have the option of eight free hours of live-streamed training to sharpen their new found skills if they feel they need it.

“Hefty inflation, material and labour shortages, and project delays are placing a huge pressure on building firms who are also navigating the impacts of the pandemic. If they drop the ball even for a moment, there’s a chance they’ll lose serious money. Estimating software is vital.”

EstimatorXpress tracks the latest prices and can work out not just today’s cost but the job start date cost as well, useful bearing in mind the likely increase in prices over time. Material schedules are produced automatically so suppliers can be given advanced notice - helpful while it’s first-come-first-served. And the onboard Gantt chart will also take a date change in a job and cascade the consequences.

CAD is no longer the preserve of architects and technicians as far as HBXL is concerned. Their PlansXpress software helps builders draw architect quality buildings plans and models - without the need for qualifications. Less costly than architect services, the software’s impressive images can help win the work too.

In the first instance builders are being invited to have a short online demonstration. The number of slots has been expanded to meet the demand. Call 0117 916 7898 to book your demonstration or go online to www.hbxl.co.uk/online-demo

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News Professional Builder

YOUR LETTERS... ...problems solved

SAFETY FIRST

WaterSafe launches film to recruit qualified plumbers

National accreditation body WaterSafe has launched a film starring its members to recruit more qualified plumbers in England to its register, which is free to join. The film highlights the vital role that qualified, approved plumbers carry out every day.

Plumber brothers and WaterSafe members Mike and Dave Turnbull are encouraging qualified plumbers to sign up to WaterSafe.

The plumbers highlight how membership boosts their business, with a listing on the largest online directory for approved plumbers in the UK, which is promoted by all water companies and drinking water regulators.

Mike Turnbull, plumber and WaterSafe member said: “I think every qualified plumber should get WaterSafe approved – being able to self-notify plumbing work is such an advantage, and I get regular jobs coming my way from my local water company.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON JOINING WATERSAFE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD016 © Kirill Gorlov/Adobe Stock

ON THE CHARGE!

New van market grows by a fifth as battery electric demand more than doubles New light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations bounced back from the pandemic-hit 2020, growing by more than a fifth (21.4 per cent) in 2021, according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 355,380 new light commercial vehicles were registered in the year, ending with the best December for the sector since 2015 with a 7.8 per cent increase. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) uptake also soared by 142.3 per cent.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD017

VANTASTIC!

The Ford Transit Custom was the UK’s top-selling model among commercial vehicles last year.

More than 53,000 buyers chose new Ford Transit Customs to help their businesses thrive. In addition to delivering 10 per cent more one-tonne Transit Customs than in 2020, Ford also last year supplied more than 34,000 of the larger two-tonne Transit, making it the UK’s third best-selling vehicle in the year. Ford’s total commercial vehicle range accounted for one in every three vans bought in 2021.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD018

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Always check the small print on your insurance policy

BLOWING YOUR COVER Dear Professional Builder I’m now retired but have been a self-employed builder and project manager for the past 30 years or so. I wanted to share my story with your readers because I really don’t want any other small, selfemployed tradespeople to go through the same as me.

One of my sub-contractors fainted and fell off a 7ft scaffold some three years ago now and, although not seriously hurt, is pursuing me for compensation through the courts. It turns out that my trade insurance policy will not cover me because the sub-contractor has been classified by the insurer as a labour only sub-contractor and not a bona fide sub-contractor, thereby implying by law that he is considered an employee of mine and not self-employed, so I should have taken out employers’ liability cover with the policy. As a layman, self-employed implies self-employed to me but, as it turns out, not in employment law.

Not only is it crazy to expect normal chaps like me to have this kind of knowledge, and to differentiate between the different types of sub-contractors, but I feel very strongly that the insurance companies should only offer complete blanket cover for sub-contractors to their policy holders to cover all eventualities on site.

Consequently, I now find myself £20K down in legal fees and fighting to minimise the compensation damages if I lose in court. It’s an awful situation to be in and easily avoided if, firstly, I had understood the different nuances between subcontractors, and, secondly, if my insurance company had provided proper cover by law.

The message I really want to get across is to absolutely make sure your policy includes employers’ liability even if you don’t think you need it (which is only a modest cost) to cover all eventualities and scenarios.

I think it would be interesting reading for many of your builders who may find themselves under insured, and hopefully prevent some of them falling into the same trap. I imagine this potentially disastrous situation happens a fair bit? 쎲 Chris Clarke, via email PB: Thanks for your email and I’m sure it will serve as a salutary warning to many of our readers who should be checking what is actually covered under their insurance policies. If anyone else has had similar experiences do get in touch because we would be interested to hear about it.

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SPECIAL REPORT LIGHTHOUSE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CHARITY © Jamie/Adobe Stock

With the pandemic placing issues of mental health into sharp focus, the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity’s latest campaign is guiding the industry’s workforce towards help and support. Professional Builder’s Lee Jones talks to Bill Hill.

Help Inside the Hard Hat “

ur mission is quite clear,” declares Bill Hill CEO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity: “That no construction worker or their family should be alone in a crisis.” It is for that reason that the charity’s proud history as a benevolent organisation, providing material financial support to those in need, has in recent years been complemented by a growing and extensive range of mental health services.

The need for this provision is indeed pressing, because the statistics reveal that that construction industry is losing two people to suicide each and every day, and a study recently undertaken in partnership with Caledonian University has further demonstrated that it’s a number which is stubbornly refusing to improve. “It’s fair to say that within occupations like civil engineers and architects we have made progress,” reveals Bill, “but when it comes to the boots on the ground the incidents of workers taking their own lives has actually gone up. It’s clear that the message is

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simply not getting through to that demographic and that’s where Help Inside the Hard Hat came from. With an estimated 53 per cent of those earning their living in the sector either selfemployed, agency workers, or operating on zero hours contracts, that’s a huge number, and precisely the people who need the help the most.”

All of the artwork associated with the Help Inside the Hard Hat campaign is free to download from the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity website and includes a series of posters. The abiding principle is to raise the awareness of suicide as an issue in the sector, and the financial and emotional triggers that can

drive individuals down that path, whilst at the same time directing those in need towards what’s available.

“One of the most encouraging aspects of the campaign so far has been the willingness of companies to use the posters on the outside of hoardings as well as around their sites,” enthuses Bill.

“It sends a message to the public that this is an industry which is trying to look after its people, which is imperative if we are to present a positive image and attract more young people into built environment occupations.”

Moreover, with a current workforce that is 87 per cent male, attracting more women into the industry will not only address a worsening skills crisis but, it is hoped, could also change cultural attitudes and mindsets. Put frankly, the ‘pull yourself together’ reflex action that is often a feature of the male psyche can be detrimental in confronting mental health issues. Continues Bill: “One of the few positive things to come out of Covid is that construction has proved that it can accommodate flexible working, and that

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will be beneficial in addressing the gender imbalance, whilst hygiene and welfare standards have been improved across the board.”

The first pillar of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity’s support is the 24/7 helpline with the number of callers to that service requiring counselling for the sake of their mental well-being increasingly exponentially. As a result, the range of resources that the charity delivers in that field has developed in parallel. When sorrows come they come not single spies but in battalions, and it is invariably the case that anxiety, stress or even suicidal thoughts are precipitated by underlying financial or relationship concerns. For just that reason the pandemic saw the introduction of full-time case workers on to the helpline staff with a brief to take a holistic approach to an individual and their circumstances in order to build a package of care.

Sustainable path

“Our case workers are trained to ensure that an individual is moved to a more sustainable position before they are discharged, and to ensure that they have access to other organisations that might be in a position to help them. There’s a lot of great charities around doing good work, whether it’s the Samaritans, Relate, Anxiety UK or the various substance abuse specialists. There are, in fact, thousands of bodies that can provide help and that’s where our app is a big bonus. It provides the user with some easily digestible information on the condition they have, as well as coping strategies and, in addition to our own contacts, we now have over 3,000 organisations included as well as a geo-locator that identifies the nearest sources of support. The app has been a useful tool in encouraging first contact, providing a softer point of entry for individuals who still might be adversely affected by the stigma attached to the problems they’re facing.”

Moreover, the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is proactively engaging in a whole series of training initiatives on such topics as building resilience, managing stress, and work/life balance, finances and

more. Just as with the helpline and app, this whole suite of courses is delivered free of charge to the end user, and the take up has been substantial.

“Awareness campaigns like Help Inside the Hard Hat are absolutely vital,” concludes Bill. “What keeps us awake at night is the idea that somebody could take their own life because they didn’t know we were there to help or were reluctant to make contact. We’re expanding our range of services even further next year. There will be a network of Lighthouse Beacons, for example, which will be drop in centres, where support can be accessed in person, and will be particularly useful for people who are working away from home. In addition, we’re focusing on apprentices, with a pilot programme in London across five colleges where tutors will be given mental health training and vulnerable students will have access to life coaches.

Everything we’re doing refers back to that guiding principle – that you don’t have to be alone in a crisis.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE HELP INSIDE THE HARD HAT CAMPAIGN VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD019

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SPECIAL REPORT READERS’ LIVES

ROOF DIAMOND

Professional Builder’s Lee Jones profiles roofer, Andy Hares who went above and beyond for his client in some of the darkest days of last year’s lockdown

hilst the pandemic period can’t be said to have had many bright spots there was a certain sense of solidarity within communities. Small acts of individual selflessness restored our faith in humanity at a time when it was much needed, and there were many builders who did their bit. One roofer who epitomised that spirit was rewarded for his efforts with an NFRC National Federation of Roofing Contrators’ award.

“There’s always been a great community spirit within Shrewsbury” reveals the Shropshire-based tradesman, “and that’s something that’s been in evidence during the recent difficulties.”

The recipient of the 2020 NFRC Local Hero Award had completed a re-roof for a client around a year before the Covid-19 struck as well as a couple of further guttering projects, but the relationship was destined to continue. “I knew that Jeff’s wife had a serious illness and asked if I could help, and we spent the lockdown running errands, doing shopping for him and supporting wherever we could. Sadly, she passed away last year. Jeff had been looking for a fitting way to thank me and, having heard about the NFRC awards, contacted my wife to let me know that he’d nominated me for it.”

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Andy’s humility is as heart-warming as the generous gift of his time as he insists that “it’s something that anyone would have done in that position,” but the judges were sufficiently impressed to reward him with an accolade which celebrates the roofers who have gone above and beyond. It is a category of the NFRC awards that is a welcome antidote to some of the more negative publicity that can often bedevil the industry, and the proprietor of Darwin Roofing is one of many who acted selflessly when it was needed most. “Certainly, where I live there was a lot of people pulling together to help each other out,” he recalls, “and it was nice to see.”

Indeed, Andy’s company is of the kind that has since become all the more integral to the economy and wider society – the local jobbing tradespeople that are helping homeowners fulfil their new-found ambitions to improve their properties and keep UK plc ticking over in the process.

The firm undertakes a mix of residential and commercial works around Shropshire and employers a few reliable and highly skilled workers across two gangs of roofers. “At first the lockdown was hard, with long queues of vans at whatever builders’ merchants were open for business and a one in one out policy,” recalls the 37-year-old. “We had a couple

of lads on the payroll at the time and wanted to keep going for them as much as anything, but trading conditions were too tough to continue during the worst of it. Like most good roofers, however, we’ve been flat out ever since the restrictions eased.”

With 18 years of experience on the tools Andy is well practised in the art of maintaining client/builder relationship and believes there is no substitute for honest communication and reliability. “You’ve got to base everything on being straight with people,” Andy concludes, “and that goes for price transparency, and making sure you deliver what you’ve quoted. A recurring theme with the public is that they want tradespeople to turn up when they say they’re going to and do a good job. We make sure our lads do just that and are polite and kind to the customers.

It sounds simple but if you get that right it’s the basis for everything that follows.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON DARWIN ROOFING VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD020 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF ROOFING CONTRACTORS’ (NFRC) AWARDS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD021

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Professional INVENTORS’ CORNER

STEPPING UP TO THE CHALLENGE

The ASAP (Adjustable Stairwell Access Platform) aims to eliminate one of the on-going safety issues in new build construction, whilst saving time and improving sustainability.

Professional Builder’s Lee Jones finds out more. any in the housebuilding sector will recognise that second floor stair installation is a high-risk activity of the construction process. The Risk Assessment Method Statement (RAMS) on staircases advises the use of sacrificial joists, flooring, and the addition of the industry standard barrier system for stairwells, but this is often not applied in practice, and the result can be potentially dangerous and/or fatal.

Richard Pearson, the proprietor of Pearson Carpentry, and Operations Manager, Andrew Sims, were unsatisfied with a situation that leaves a hole, not just in the regulations, but in the new build itself. They set about finding a solution that was safer and more productive for their workforce and the result is the ASAP Adjustable Stairwell Access Platform.

The guiding principle behind this product’s design has been safety, and it would then take a further two years to design, build and rigorously test. When it was subsequently introduced to site on the contractor’s own projects, it is a testament to ASAP’s efficacy, that it quickly became a very welcome and standard practice amongst Pearson Carpentry’s onsite teams.

“The system has a safe working load of up to 1,000kg,” explains Keirsten Redmond, a Contracts Manager at the company with over 16 years of experience on the tools. “As the name suggests it will extend to fit a multitude of different stairwells and is fully tested at its

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maximum range. The assembly and disassembly is simple – with an ASAP video timing installation in under five minutes – and the components can easily be transported between jobs. Whilst a QR code located on the side of the beams will bring up an installation guide on any smart device.”

Add all that up and you’ve not just saved time on your program, but also considerable cost benefits can be accrued into the bargain. If installed at joist stage, it eliminates the need for any sacrificial joists, as well as the associated joist hangers, flooring, fixings, and labour.

Moreover, a bespoke trap hatch allows for easy access and, as a result, the system can then be left in throughout the rest of the build, providing a safer working environment for subsequent trades.

In addition, ASAP can withstand the weight of a birdcage scaffold and reduces the amount of overall waste from a housebuilding project. “The product really comes into its own on a three storey terraced or semi-detached timber frame

builds,” continues Andy. “In those instances, the party jack walls from ground floor to underside of truss need to be covered with plasterboard. On a threestorey structure, the ASAP removes the additional visits for both the dryliner and the carpenter.”

Ashford-based Pearson Carpentry operates around the south-east and a large part of its business is with national house builders. Owner, Richard Pearson goes on to say: “I believe the ASAP design will become as important as bricks and mortar for national house builders going forward”. Mr Pearson has brought more than 30 years of experience to bear on his ASAP solution, and the result is a product designed by builders for builders, with all the virtues of safety and productivity embedded in the design that you would expect from such experience.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE ASAP ADJUSTABLE STAIRWELL ACCESS PLATFORM VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD022

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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 10

X SHOWER PLATES

PLUMBCRAFT TOOLS 150 AND LEVEL Utilising his twelve years of experience as a plumber, James Bushell has developed a time-saving and accurate solution for fixing shower pipework to brick and studwork. With 150 and Level from Plumbcraft Tools there’s no more fiddling around with levels and tapes whilst trying to clip pipes because levelling and centring is made a much easier proposition. The shower plate is suitable for all bar showers, and thermostatic mixer taps.

You can be at your level best on site with Plumbcraft Tools.

Enter and one of 10 could be yours.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD023

10

X ROLLS OF TAPE

GORILLA WATERPROOF PATCH AND SEAL TAPE – WHITE Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape is a flexible tape which creates a permanent bond that’s 100 per cent waterproof and airtight. This extra-strong adhesive tape can patch holes, cracks, gaps and tears, instantly repairing leaks. It’s UV-resistant and available in black or white. It’s great for roofing, gutters, windows, and much more.

As always, simply use the link below to go to the Professional Builder website where you can enter all our great competitions.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD025

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3

X PAIRS OF KNEEPADS

RECOIL KNEEPADS Recoil Kneepads were invented by a University of Strathclyde student, Vicky Hamilton, after her father, Gordon Hamilton – a time-served carpenter who was suffering from arthritis – challenged her to design him new kneepads that were both comfortable and practical. The kneepads use patented RECOIL360 Technology which utilises a coil spring system to absorb impact and spread pressure more evenly across the knee. They also feature a wear-and-grip surface, a double Recoil spring action and comfort padding.

We have three pairs of these vital pieces of safety equipment to give away.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD024

X BEANIE HATS

SNICKERS WORKWEAR REVERSIBLE BEANIE Giving you reversible warmth on top, this soft and cosy beanie has a contemporary oversized design for a more relaxed look on site. With a Snickers Workwear logo knitted into the fabric it can either be a stand-out hi-vis or a more subtle grey. It comes in light, soft and stretchable fabric for optimum fit and comfort.

If your name is pulled out of the hat you could be wearing this warming beanie.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD026

5

X £60 VOUCHERS

YALE HOME HOME SECURITY Need to get stocked up on home security essentials? With the darker nights making easy pickings for opportunists, it’s a perfect time to recommend a home security upgrade to your customers. From mechanical solutions including 3-star cylinders and padlocks to modern smart alarms and CCTV, stock up and save by winning one of five £60 Yale Home vouchers.

Secure a great prize from Yale by getting involved in our great giveaways!

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD027

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/BAD028 20

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HEALTH & SAFETY WORKING AT HEIGHT

HEAD FOR HEIGHTS WernerCo and the No Falls Foundation are working together to set the gold standard in work at height safety

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ernerCo was recently announced as the first Gold Sponsor of work at height safety

charity the No Falls Foundation. In an exclusive interview for Professional Builder, WernerCo’s Managing Director Justin White meets the foundation’s Chair of Trustees, Peter Bennett OBE, to discuss the benefits of the partnership and how working together can reduce falls from height.

Justin White

Peter Bennett OBE

Peter Bennett, OBE (PB): Falls from height remain the biggest cause of workplace accidents and fatalities, what do you think manufacturers can do in the fight against preventing falls from height?

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Justin White (JW): “Within the industry, reputable manufacturers are producing high quality products that meet all of the existing standards and, when you look at falls from height statistics, they often occur due to bad planning or user error.

However, more can be done to educate the end user, through training, clearer instruction manuals and product recommendations, for example.

“With this in mind, we are launching a Ladder Safety Campaign in 2022, which will be directed at the end user, including a series of guides to encourage safe work at height practice.”

PB: We were delighted to have WernerCo on board as our first Gold Sponsor. What do you see are the benefits manufacturers can achieve from sponsorships of foundations such as the No Falls Foundation?

JW: “Relationships such as these provide manufacturers, such as ourselves, with a

way to fulfil a genuine desire to reduce falls from height. It gives us a chance to be at the forefront when it comes to undertaking research, raising awareness and generally sharing ideas with the foundation and engaging in dialogue to work together to see what more can be done in the bid to try and prevent falls.”

PB: We’ve discussed the dangers that occur from working at height for many years and yet the figures around accidents in the workplace rarely change. What do you think are the biggest challenges in overcoming falls from height?

JW: “Education is a very real issue when it comes to overcoming falls from height.

The regulations are very clear that anyone who works at height must be ‘competent’ to do so. However, there is a widespread perception that ladders are so simple to use, so why would you need training? It is this complacency that leads

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to falls from height incidents and a mindset that needs to be changed.

“There has been a steady increase in the uptake of training, but nowhere near enough with the number of people using working at height equipment on a daily basis. Training has to be a priority if we’re to see any positive change to the accident figures.

“End users also need to ensure that the equipment they choose is fit for purpose by undertaking inspections before every use and making sure it meets all safety standards, but also in terms of making sure that they have chosen the right equipment for the job they’re about to undertake.”

PB: You joined the company nearly three years ago and since taking over as MD have you seen a shift in how companies view falls from height?

JW: “Falls from height has been the number one cause of fatalities in the working environment for decades. I think that on the whole it has always been taken seriously by construction companies but falls from height remain worryingly and stubbornly high every year.”

“Education and awareness have a big part to play when it comes to trying to reduce falls from height. Companies need

to start thinking about the bigger picture.

It’s all well and good ensuring the endusers are trained in working at height equipment but there also has to be good planning and management on every job as well. Time pressure and workload expectations mean that sometimes corners are cut, and this is when accidents happen – which can be prevented.”

PB: What steps has WernerCo taken to improve work at height safety?

JW: “WernerCo has recently expanded its training offering with the introduction of a new Training Manager. Safety when working at height is our main priority, which is why we offer accredited training courses at our facilities. We also provide a wide range of on-site training to customers and end users across the industry, including ladder, tower and equipment inspections, advice and best practice while using WernerCo products.

“We undertake a wide range of marketing activities to promote best practice when working at height and we are proud to work closely with PASMA and the Ladder Association, keeping up to date with standards and regulations.”

PB: The No Falls Foundation has some exciting plans over the next couple of years but what are your hopes for the future working relationship between WernerCo and NFF? JW: “I think that it’s an exciting time to be involved with an organisation such as the No Falls Foundation. Change is starting to happen surrounding working at height and we’re glad to have a place at the table – being able to listen and learn from the conversations taking place and hopefully shaping a better future.

“We’re also optimistic that we’re setting an example for other manufacturers to get involved and support the foundation in what it’s trying to achieve.”

PB: It’s been a tough couple of years for us all so what are your hopes for the future of the industry?

JW: “The end goal is to ultimately reduce

working at height accidents. Construction is at an all-time high and skills shortages remain an issue. The hope is that while they plug that gap, there is a huge focus on training from the ground up with a bid to promote best practice from the very beginning.

“An exciting change for next year will be the launch of the No Falls Foundation’s ‘The No Falls Charter’ – a way for organisations who are involved somehow with working at height to commit to taking it seriously and ensure they’re doing everything they can to prevent falls from height. Involving the whole stakeholder chain – from design straight through to the end users.

“Reducing work at height accidents is the ultimate goal and we’re hopeful that initiatives such as these will be the catalyst to making the change needed.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WERNERCO VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD029 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NO FALLS FOUNDATION VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD030

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HEALTH & SAFETY LATEST PRODUCTS

NOISE, VIBRATION AND DUST

Combining real-time noise, vibration and dust monitoring equipment into one device, eNView from KP Acoustics Group equally promises straightforward plug and play usability. It’s also lightweight and compact, measuring just 95mm x 110mm x 225mm and weighing a mere 1.6kg. It facilitates real time, remote measurement, simple enough for anyone to understand.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD031

WORKWEAR

British manufacturer Wearwell will become the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor of Herock products. The Belgian brand benefits from modern designs, strong technical and scientific credentials and streetwear-inspired aesthetic, according to Wearwell. More than 200 different products will be available, including shoes, trousers, jackets and t-shirts, as well as the Sherock collection which has been developed specifically for female professionals.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD032

SAFETY BOOTS

With a focus on comfort and S3 safety, Solid Gear’s new and athletic-looking Prime GTX boots are ideal for winter wear. This durable and hi-tech safety footwear combines the snug BOA Fit System, GORE-TEX Stretch Technology in the upper, a Vibram outsole with a full and lightweight EPTU mid-sole, with oil-and slip-resistance and grip on snow and ice – even at low temperatures.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD033

RISK ASSESSMENTS

A new software product, CHAS RAMS, will provide CHAS contractors with a web-based risk assessment and method statement (RAMS) solution. It allows users to create better RAMS in less time, anywhere and on any device, without the need for training or technical expertise. In a matter of minutes, users can create customised risk assessments, tailored to each project.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD034

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new build & property development

FIT FOR THE FUTURE Paul Barrett, Head of Product Management at Rockwool, advises on the major changes to Approved Document L which wil come into force in England later this year.

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everal changes to Approved Document L (ADL) are due to come into force in England in 2022. These updates are a stepping stone to the Future Homes Standard that aims to make sure all new build homes built from 2025 produce around 75 per cent less carbon emissions than those constructed under current regulations.

Through updates to ADL and Part F (ventilation) later this year, the Government wants to reduce emissions by 31 per cent as part of the journey to the higher target three years down the line.

As, at the time of writing, no firm date for Part L changes has been announced, those currently designing new build

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projects, looking for land or working through planning, should have the amendments very much on their radar.

While housing developers who have submitted notice or deposit plans before June 2022 can build to current Part L standards if work has commenced by 2023, to build saleable, comfortable and efficient homes for the future, it is good practice to be working to higher standards now.

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What’s changing?

One of the big changes builders will see in new Part L is a focus on closing the gap between specified and as-built performance, with greater scrutiny of build quality. In England, this will mean the introduction of Building Regulations Part L (BREL) reports for dwellings and the need for photographic evidence of compliance.

Photographs will need to be taken at various construction stages before elements are concealed to show build quality and that the designed details have been followed. When it comes to insulation, images should show evidence of the thermal continuity at foundations/structures, external walls, roofs and openings, pipes and ducts.

A good fit The upcoming changes will mean installers need to achieve a tighter, continuous fit with insulation in the future.

But what does this mean in practice?

In theory, this could mean more cutting on-site and/or taping at board joints with foil tape to achieve a seamless fit. But for the already busy fitter, this equals extra time on jobs that they don’t have.

However, by choosing stone wool insulation versus other types of material on the market, there are easier ways to achieve the as-designed performance, without impacting on time and workload.

Stone wool insulation is highly pliable meaning it can be closely friction fitted to frames, without the need for impractical levels of precision cutting on a busy site.

As it limits the need for cutting, there’s also less margin for error, making it easier to achieve reliable and effective thermal performance that reduces thermal bridging.

The pliability of stone wool also helps at abutments between insulation boards, another area that can be prone to thermal leakage. The composition of stone wool insulation allows individual slabs to knit together to create a seamless fit that

NEW PART L 씰 씰

helps deliver the designed U-values.

For the busy builder, the same stone wool product can also be used for multiple applications, such as loft, floors and walls – helping to minimise wastage and streamline material ordering and planning.

A lasting reputation For builders and developers who pride themselves on building quality new build homes and thrive on a strong reputation, stone wool insulation is also a natural choice.

As well as making it easier to achieve thermal continuity at build stage, stone wool based insulation gives ongoing performance and advantages beyond thermal comfort that benefit developers and homeowners in equal measure.

Buildings do naturally expand and contract, and over time can lead to the formation of gaps and voids. Stone wool, however, has strong dimensional stability and, when fitted under compression, can accommodate building movement, without a loss in thermal performance or sumping and sagging. In fact, it’s proven to provide consistent performance – shown by tests even after 55 years in use – without a drop in its thermal properties.

For developers, this gives confidence in the quality of a build well into the future and avoids timely and costly customer call backs.

With stone wool insulation, builders can also give potential buyers the added reassurance of fire safety, something that’s increasingly on the homeowner’s radar. As stone wool is naturally noncombustible, it does not contribute to fire spread and is capable of withstanding

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Focus on designed vs built performance New BREL report for homes Photo evidence taken at various construction stages Evidence of compliance needed

by Building Control

CHECKLIST FOR CHOOSING INSULATION 씰 Does it require precision cutting or can it be flexed to fit? 씰 Is it easy to fit around services? 씰 How does each slab join? Is taping required or does it naturally knit together? 씰 Is it resilient to building movement over time? 씰 Does it provide fire, acoustic and thermal performance in one? 씰 What are its sustainability credentials? temperatures in excess of 1,000°C. Likewise, because it is manufactured from naturally occurring volcanic rock that is continually replenished by the earth’s crust, stone wool is a sustainable choice, which again, is becoming more of a motivator for purchasers.

As the pressure to build more energy efficient homes increases, forwardthinking builders and developers can get ahead of the curve by designing and building homes to the upcoming standards and specifying solutions that make a seamless fit and ongoing performance that bit easier.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE RANGE OF INSULATION SOLUTIONS FROM ROCKWOOL VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD035

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new build & property development

CLAD ALL OVER Freefoam Building Products guide you through the installation of its easy to fit PVC-UE cladding system.

reefoam manufactures a range of long lasting, low maintenance cladding systems. Designed for high performance, The company’s PVC-UE cladding is produced with an environmentally friendly and durable lead free formulation. The product is suitable for a wide range of new build homes or garden room, and for any home renovation project.

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Easy to install

All Freefoam cladding products are easy to fit. Both the standard PVC-U and Aluminium range of fitting trims ensure every installation is straightforward, and designed to create a neat and professional finish.

Very low maintenance

PVC-UE is a very stable material. Cladding products made from PVC-UE do not require repainting or regular maintenance.

A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s required to keep these cladding products looking their best. This offers a major long-term advantage over wood cladding, saving time and money.

Cut heating costs with exterior cladding

With heating costs always a concern, fitting exterior wall cladding can provide the ideal solution to insulate your home. When installed with generic insulation materials, the Building Research Establishment’s (BRE) ‘Green Guide to Specification’ has given PVC cladding an A+ rating.

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new build & property development Please note: fitters should use this feature as guidance only. When fitting cladding refer to full fitting instructions on freefoam.com.

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STEP ONE Fix breather membrane to entire area to be clad. Breather membrane should be fixed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

STEP TWO Fix cladding battens to the area to be clad at 400mm centres. Double battens should be used at all edges, corners and joins.

STEP THREE Fix first parts of vented closer and starter trims. Ensure 10mm expansion gap at the ends of trims

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STEP FOUR Fix first part of two-part corner, joiner and edge trims. Do not cut the second parts of these trims to length yet.

STEP FIVE Fix first cladding plank into the vented starter trim, push firmly down and ensure the plank is fully engaged and level before screwing into place. Ensure 8mm expansion gap at the ends of planks. (Do not clad beyond expansion groove on the trims).

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STEP SEVEN Use butt joints to connect boards. Butt joints do not need to occur at batter position.

STEP EIGHT Once all cladding has fixed, measure, cut, and fix second parts of two-part trims.

STEP SIX Slot each board onto the board beneath and screw fix into place. Check boards are fully engaged and level as the installation progresses. Clad to top of the installation, leaving a 5mm gap between the top plank and the ventilated trim to allow for expansion. Use cladding material or treated softwood to pack as necessary.

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FINISHED STEP NINE Fix cover trim to vented starter trim. NB: Continuous ventilation from the bottom to the top of the installation is critical to the performance of the cladding.

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TO WATCH A VIDEO ANIMATION OF THE FREEFOAM BUILDING PRODUCTS PVC-UE CLADDING INSTALLATION VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD036 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE FREEFOAM BUILDING PRODUCTS RANGE OF CLADDING VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD037

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new build & property development

DRIVE AND AMBITION

Marshalls explains how you can drive the cost out of home exterior projects ccording to research, it takes potential homebuyers less than eight seconds to decide whether or not they like a home, which means that investing in the exterior is vital for developers and homeowners looking to sell. Similarly, with a rise in electric vehicles and people spending more time at home, there has also been an increase in people investing their savings in transforming an existing front garden into a driveway.

But, it can be hard to know where to focus the majority of the budget when it comes to outdoor home projects. Is it worth spending money on expensive materials? Or should you scrimp on the finish in favour of the groundwork?

Knowing where you can afford to cut costs and where you can’t can be less than straightforward when it comes to hard

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landscaping, but in this article, Marshalls offer some advice to get you started and help you explain the cost to customers.

Introducing the 80/20 rule

When it comes to choosing materials, it’s well worth knowing that surfacing materials frequently cost as little as 20 per cent of the installed cost of a pavement, driveway or road. The

remaining 80 per cent of the cost of paving is below the surface. Getting the groundwork right is critical to the longterm success of an outdoor project; it affects both the look of it over time and the functionality. The 80/20 rule is easy to understand and can help you explain the finer project details to a customer too and give them the information they need to make decisions on the surfacing materials. A few pounds per square metre on blocks or flags makes little difference to the overall cost of the project, so it’s worth pricing up the products they love as well as lower budget options.

If you’re working on a new build project with multiple plots, you can use the 80/20 rule to calculate the benefit of a slight upgrade on the finish and the increased sale value that could bring.

For example, on an average site, the

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difference between a standard paving product versus a premium one could cost as little as £40 per plot – whereas the overall benefit of the kerb appeal is much more significant when it comes to house prices.

“By taking the time to research and consider the specifics of the project you’re working on, and saying yes to supplier advice, you can increase profits and potentially pass on savings to customers too”

Talk to suppliers early Suppose you engage with manufacturers during the planning stage of a large project. In that case, you’ll receive expert, warrantied product and design advice, and you could drive significant cost out of the build and potential repair work caused by improperly installed paving.

Doing this can free up budget for architects and designers to be just as creative on the outside as they are on the home’s interior, helping you with those all-important first impressions.

Save money with sub-base design All external works (such as access roads or driveways) have a function. Primarily they’re there to do something; to provide durable, hardwearing surfaces that support heavy loads, withstand collisions and stay looking good for years to come.

As explained by the 80/20 rule, the majority of the cost of hard landscaping is frequently hidden beneath the surface; the structural layers that provide the functional robustness of the installed system.

Making sure your sub-structure is

Benefits of Sub-Base Design

engineered correctly can bring far more significant financial gains than cutting corners on the surfacing material, and this is where supplier advice can be worth its weight in gold. Enlisting expert advice, or taking the time to understand it entirely yourself, pays dividends when it comes to understanding what is needed and where value engineering can make a real difference. Value engineering is used to solve problems, identify and eliminate unwanted costs and improve function and quality and it’s key to driving the cost out of your sub-base. Ensure that the substructure at the core of your external works serves its purpose without being over-specified, and you’ll be creating a project that looks and stays beautiful.

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Environmental: Less energy and carbon used in excavation, less waste to dispose of, and less aggregate all add up to reduce the carbon footprint of your project.

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Practical: In areas where excavation is limited (to avoid services, for example), designs frequently make a block paved surface a realistic option where it wasn’t before.

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Repairs: A properly designed paving structure is much less likely to fail under loading pressure or become waterlogged in heavy rain.

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Financial: Crucially, design models combined with rationalised subbase designs drive cost out of the project; from installing correctly engineered sub structures drive cost out of the project by reducing materials labour, machinery, transport and energy costs; making block paving a more cost-effective option than ever before.

All areas of the construction sector are being subjected to everincreasing levels of financial pressure, and housing developments, extensions, and improvements are no different, so you must stay on top of costs. By taking the time to research and consider the specifics of the project you’re working on, and saying yes to supplier advice, you can increase profits and potentially pass on savings to customers too.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PRODUCTS AND ADVICE OFFERED BY MARSHALLS, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD038

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new build & property development

SEALING THE DEAL Alex Lever, Director of PipeSnug, highlights how to save time and cost on new build boiler installations while meeting the new requirements for pipe seals and grommets in Part L of the Building Regulations.

ringleford Heights is a semirural Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ development on the outskirts of Norwich. Working at the site, the Daly Group is a successful contractor operating across East Anglia and parts of Cambridgeshire. The Group also works with other housebuilders such as RG Carter, Hills, Redrow, Tillier Homes and Elemento.

As part of their remit at Cringleford Heights, the company is installing Ideal Boilers into each home, along with FlueSnug, a product designed to fit all 100mm boiler flues, which removes the need for pointing around exit pipes and can be used both externally and internally.

When the Daly Group went back on site for servicing and maintenance, it found that they often had to reseal

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pipework. This could have been for a number of reasons, such as the quality of the mortar, shrinkage and so on.

Endorsed by major boiler manufacturers, FlueSnug removes any need for pointing, can be installed in seconds and snugly fits the 152mm core-drilled hole in the wall through which the boiler pipe and flue exits. It prevents heat escaping, acts as a barrier to drafts, damp, insects and pests and gives a great, neat finish as it can be used both inside and outside the property.

Ian Hudson, Commercial Director for the Daly Group saw its potential straight away, not only in its time saving benefits, but also how it would help them to comply with changes to Part L of the Building Regulations – which mandates the need for pipe collars where pipes enter or exit a home, helping to maintain

the energy efficiency of the building. In these regulations, mortar and silicone are not considered to be an effective seal, and FlueSnug and PipeSnug create a professional finish and seal all-in-one, easily and simply meeting the regulations.

Time saving

One of the most obvious advantages to using FlueSnug is its time saving capacity.

Jack O’Donnell, the Daly Group’s Contracts Director estimates it saves 30 minutes installation time pre-mixing and pointing of mortar, per boiler.

His team runs six plumbers on the site and the feedback has been brilliant from all of the engineers. The product also saves time in terms of compliance; when checking each installation, you can immediately see that the hole around the flue has been sealed. It also looks so

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much more professional and is cleaner than traditional mortar or sealant. This aspect of compliance is important to the Daly Group as it adheres to very high standards and offers a twoyear warranty to its customers. Every installation must also reach the standard required to meet the NHBC 10 Year Warranty.

As with all new homes, those at Cringleford Heights are rigorously tested for air tightness to ensure energy efficiency and reduce energy bills for the homeowner. Air tightness testing also makes sure the property’s carbon footprint is lower and that fewer CO2 emissions escape into the atmosphere.

FlueSnug brings results here too; a finish that boosts energy efficiency and ensures compliance with standards as well as the high quality demanded by Barratt and David Wilson Homes.

Another benefit of using the products is being able to install FlueSnug without the need for scaffolding or a cherry picker, eliminating the hazards of working at height for engineers. This is because FlueSnug is flexible enough to be pushed through the brickwork from the inside, and rigid enough to pop back into place to provide an air and water tight seal. During servicing, if you need to inspect or access the flue then FlueSnug can simply be removed and then replaced. This is another time saving benefit which makes service teams’ jobs a lot easier and again can be done from the inside of the building, removing risk and the need for expensive scaffolding and health and safety equipment. 쎲 Professional Builder has been at the birth of some real success stories over the years. We first went on site to feature PipeSnug when it was launched by builder Chris Burdett and Alex Lever in 2017. Since then the company has gone from strength to strength and launched FlueSnug in 2020.

FOR MORE DETAILS ON PIPESNUG AND FLUESNUG VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD039

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new build & property development

CLAIM TO FRAME

Alex Goodfellow, chair of the Confederation of Timber Industries, looks at the importance of lower carbon materials in housebuilding and the role of offsite timber frame here is now no doubt that action must be taken to reduce carbon emissions from human activity. In August this year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued a stark warning that unless ‘immediate, rapid and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions’ are achieved it may not be possible to limit global temperature rises to the critical 1.5°C to 2°C range.

With an update to the Climate Change Act in 2019, the UK Government made a commitment to achieve net zero by 2050.

This will require large-scale changes in every sector, including the building materials and techniques used for new housing.

One relatively simple change, and one that is advocated by the Government’s Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy, is to replace higher carbon materials such as concrete, brick and steel with low carbon materials such as timber as trees absorb

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and store CO2 as they grow. The Climate Change Committee (CCC) estimates that using timber frame to build 270,000 homes per year would mean three million metric tonnes of CO2 could be absorbed and stored – the equivalent of removing 648,131 cars from the roads.

What does this mean for housebuilders?

Some of the UK’s biggest housebuilders already build a sizeable proportion of their homes in timber frame and have pledged to increase that proportion significantly over the next five years.

Another significant introduction is the Homes England requirement for 25 per cent of homes built through its Affordable Homes Programme to be delivered using modern methods of construction (MMC).

In some areas of the UK, timber frame is already the go-to method for new homes.

For example, in Scotland the majority of homes are timber frame, while in England it represents only a small proportion.

Besides the environmental drivers, there are clear practical advantages for housebuilders. These benefits were outlined in a recent report from the AllParty Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Timber Industries, which explained how the increased use of timber and MMC could contribute to relieving the housing crisis.

Accelerate construction

Firstly, off-site manufactured timber frame systems have the potential to accelerate construction by delivering new homes 30 per cent quicker with less waste generated. An off-site manufactured timber frame house can be weathertight in just a matter of days while for a fully brick built house this can take weeks. This not only minimises the risk of weather delays but also provides the opportunity to begin work on the interior areas while the exterior is being completed, shortening the overall build time.

The controlled factory environment also allows a higher level of quality

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new build & property development

control to ensure fewer defects and eliminates certain health and safety risks associated with on-site construction. The more of the build that is completed offsite, the greater these benefits become.

In addition, one of the key issues for many housebuilders is the lack of both skilled and unskilled workers, with construction job vacancies reaching 43,000 between July and September 2021 – the highest level in 20 years. This means that utilising off-site production can have tangible benefits as the property can be built with fewer people, or the same size team can build more homes faster.

For example, the serious shortage of bricklayers, among many other skilled trades, is an issue that is familiar to everyone in the sector. Using timber frame for the structural walls instead of concrete blocks essentially halves the amount of work a bricklayer needs to complete on each property, allowing them to progress to the next one quicker.

Despite these advantages, and the

shift that is already taking place in the market, there are some businesses that still see timber frame as a more expensive approach. However, this is a misconception as STA data suggests that off-site timber frame is in practice 2-3 per cent cheaper than masonry build.

Existing capacity

In addition, the Structural Timber Association (STA) estimates that there is

existing capacity within the established and thriving UK timber frame manufacturing sector to double the annual output and reach, or even exceed, 100,000 timber frame houses per year.

This means it is possible for housebuilders to partner with a specialist timber frame manufacturer, many of which are already expanding their capacity, to deliver the required homes.

Taking action to reduce the carbon emissions associated with construction is an essential part of meeting the UK’s net zero target. However, increasing the use of timber and MMC not only helps housebuilders achieve their own sustainability goals but can also provide the answer to many of the issues facing the sector.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF TIMBER IN CONSTRUCTION, AND THE WORK OF THE CONFEDERATION OF TIMBER INDUSTRIES, (CTI) VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD040

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THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

A new app will give Supafil installers a competitive edge

nsulation is the hidden hero of our homes. When it’s installed well, you don’t notice it – it helps maintain comfortable temperatures in a building while minimising the need for artificial heating or cooling.

But that hidden nature also makes it difficult to spot when it’s not installed well – either because the wrong products have been used or they’ve been fitted incorrectly. This is especially true for insulation that’s sealed away in cavity walls on site. That’s why Knauf Insulation has launched an installation tracking app that makes it easier than ever for Supafil Approved Installers to prove the value they deliver for their customers.

The KinetiK app makes it possible to record detailed installation data. It creates a plot-specific record of essential installation data for each job, which can then be shared with housebuilder customers. “As quality control becomes more important to housebuilders, partly driven by new legislation, installation evidence will become increasingly valuable,” declares Steve Duke,

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Commercial Director, Knauf Insulation.

“KinetiK gives our Approved Installers a way to provide this data for their customers, something their competitors can’t offer.”

The app works by tracking the installation process from start to finish.

Installers select the specific development, plot and application from a pre-populated list, then scan the unique QR code printed

on each pack of Supafil as it’s installed.

The app also prompts them to take photos at relevant points throughout the process.

The data is collated into a complete record that can then be given to housebuilder customers and used by installers to manage their own quality control.

Knauf Insulation plans to use KinetiK as a digital platform for further innovation.

“We’re actively developing new services based on the reliable source of installation data to help the construction industry respond to what we believe will be its next big challenge – ‘as-built’ performance.

Watch this space,” said Duke.

The full Supafil range includes solutions for cavity walls, party walls and timber frame construction. It is noncombustible with a Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification and was the first solution of its type in Europe to be awarded the Declare ‘Red List Free’ label, which certifies that the product does not contain any harmful chemicals from an agreed list.

For further information about the KinetiK® app visit WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD041

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Novora proves quality & added value “Our fundamental challenge is that our work is invisible. We put a product into buildings that can’t be seen. We know we’re delivering a quality installation, but it’s not easy to prove that to our customers,” reveals Craig Leggett, Managing Director of Supafil Approved Installer, Novora Building Services.

The vast majority of insulation installers are well-trained and conscientious professionals, but when so many jobs are won and lost on razor thin margins, there can be additional pressure to cut costs. “Operator leeway” as Craig euphemistically puts it. “If there’s no way of verifying the quality of an installation, how can my team compete against less diligent contractors willing to cut corners?”

More often than not, it comes down to trust. Novora’s existing customer base has faith in the quality of the work it does – aided by the company’s existing rigorous training, monitoring and inspection schemes.

But how can that same trust be built with new customers?

Novora needed a way to prove the quality and value of its installations in a crowded and competitive market. A market that is increasingly demanding quality-assured installations as regulations get stricter. Knauf Insulation’s latest innovation provided an answer.

Continues Craig: “This new technology allows us to give our customers independent verifiable data that their insulation has been delivered and installed in accordance with the specification, protecting the value of our high quality Supafil installations.”

Novora was the first Supafil Approved Installer to adopt KinetiK, trialling it on over five hundred plots across many sites for multiple developers so far, with great success. “Our installers have embraced it. For them, it’s easy to use and it provides welcome proof of a job well done. We’ve been using tablets on site for over six years anyway to reduce our paper use. We work hard to reduce carbon emissions in homes – we don’t want to negate that by bringing down a forest just to prove it!”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON NOVORA BUILDING SERVICES VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD042

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new build & property development product round-up

DEVELOPMENT FINANCE

Bridging lender, TAB will originate £100m in development finance within the next 12 to 18 months with a particular emphasis on lending to the sub-£5m section of the market which it says is currently underserved by rival lenders. Its development finance product starts from 0.9 per cent per month, with a minimum loan of £250,000 and maximum loan of £10m.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD043

PVC HOARDING

The UK’s first NetZero hoarding system is how Panthera describes its EnviroHoard product. It has an average 70 per cent lower embodied carbon than a plywood hoarding and is both recycled and recyclable, whilst also cutting down on waste wood being transported from site.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD044

FLOORING

CaberDek, part of West Fraser’s CaberFloor range, is designed to withstand the elements for up to 42 days between laying the floor and fixing the roof, when installed according to manufacturer’s instructions. It’s easy to lay and, when used with CaberFix tape and CaberFix adhesive, will create a fully water-tight floor covering.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD045

TOPSOIL & SUBSOIL

British Sugar TOPSOIL’s Landscape20 General Purpose Topsoil and General Purpose Subsoil products have been officially welcomed to NHBC Accepts. Under the scheme, products are rigorously assessed to ensure they can meet NHBC’s robust standards, enabling quicker assessment of a home for warranty and reducing the risk to the builder of delays.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD046

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SUSTAINABLE WOOD

A new-build family home with a sustainable vision has made extensive use of Kebony for the property’s façade. The Norwegian timber firm uses an environmentally friendly process which modifies sustainably sourced softwoods by heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol – an agricultural by-product – enhancing its durability, hardness, and dimensional stability.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD047

PRECAST CONCRETE

Precast Structural Solutions (PSS) is a new company that specialises in the design, supply and installation of precast concrete products. The company’s avowed aim is to be a partner rather than a supplier by supporting customers through the design, supply and installation stages of their projects, along with ongoing technical support.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD048

NHBC STANDARDS

Updates to NHBC’s 2022 edition of its technical Standards include Chapter 3.1 ‘Concrete and its reinforcement’. There are also updates to Chapters 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 ‘Walls – external masonry, timber frame and internal’ to reflect requirement changes and a minor technical amend to 9.2 and 9.3 – ‘Floor, ceiling and wall finishes’.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD049

FACADE DESIGN

Builders can design a facade online with the Vandersanden texture generator.

The tool displays facing bricks and brick slips in a detailed and lifelike manner with different combinations of colour, laying pattern and joint thickness. In total, it allows more than 1.1 million combinations to be created, each of which can be downloaded with images and technical specifications.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD050

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tools & workwear

ALWAYS

BRING THE WEATHER Snickers Workwear explores the latest weatherproofed solutions

f you haven’t got particularly effective rainwear, your mid-and base-layer clothes could get damp and uncomfortable which will affect your body’s own in-built climate control system.

Apart from wet clothes getting heavy, it’s also possible that you could get a rash from simple irritation through friction.

Your body can also lose heat – probably faster than you can generate it to dry your clothes out. That’s fine if you’ve been drenched by a sun shower when it’s warm, but if it’s cooler or even cold on site, your body temperature is going to drop.

Not only can stewing in your wet clothes chafe and irritate your skin, if you’re wearing damp or wet clothes for too long, bacteria, and fungus from the air can multiply in the wet clothes environment and then run rampant on your skin.

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Stay dry in the rain

Staying dry and comfortable on site is all about choosing the right type of rainwear for the job. Your choice depends on a

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variety of factors, from the type of rainfall to how intensely you’re working and how many hours you spend outside – and whether or not the clothing you wear can to combine to create its own climate control system.

Here’s what to think about when dressing for wet weather work:

For 100 per cent waterproofness for a full day’s high-intensity work– choose a breathable waterproof garment with taped seams for maximum protection and breathability. 쎲 For 100 per cent waterproofness in low-intensity work in pouring rain – choose a PU garment with welded seams. 쎲 For a basic protection against water – choose a garment that is waterrepellent. The garment will keep you dry if it’s drizzling but still offers breathability. 쎲 Don’t forget that what you wear underneath your outer layer really matters – think about Climate Control for your body. 쎲 Also sustainability in the clothing you choose is a major factor nowadays.

Look for clothes that have a reputation for longevity and are made from environmentally friendly fabrics to reduce waste and pollution.

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For high-intensity work, make sure your base-layer clothes are made of breathable fibres and fabrics that keep you dry and ventilated by wicking moisture away from your body. You’ll then need a mid-layer fleece or gilet made from knitted or quilted materials to provide comfortable insulation by creating a pocket of air around your body. Then top it off with a third and final outer layer jacket to protect you from the elements like rain, hail, snow, wind, or cold.

Layering your working clothes properly will ensure that your energy and performance levels are as weatherproofed as you are.

‘Waterproof’ vs ‘water-repellent’.

When it comes to ‘water-protected’ workwear it’s important to know what’s behind each of the terms – they are different.

Peter Dumigan, Managing Director of the Hultafors Group UK says: “A waterproof garment – like our GORE-TEX jackets – is the most effective 100 per cent protection in rainy weather. This kind of waterproof fabric consists of an outer layer called the “face fabric”, usually made of polyester with a laminated membrane or a coating that prevents water penetration”.

It’s achieved by sealing the internal fabrics completely from external conditions. All seams and cut lines are taped or sealed to stop the water coming through the stitched areas of the fabric.

Water-repellent garments only offer basic protection against the effects of water, but at the same time can provide great breathability to ventilate your body when you’re active.

Water-repellent protection is achieved by using a hydrophobic fabric, which means that the water is repelled on contact. The fabric is treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish that causes the water to form drops on the surface of the fabric that run off or can be brushed off easily.

Choosing the right kind of weatherproofed workwear.

“How wet are you likely to get on site?” asks Peter. “Your answer will help you choose the right type of rainwear to wear.

What does the weather forecast say? Is there a risk of heavy rain, showers or drizzle? Will your work be low-intensity or more active?”

“Finally, how long will you be exposed to the wet weather – minutes or hours?

Hence, longer shifts will put more demands on your working clothes and the waterproof technology used in the garments. That’s why you need to consider whether you should be wearing waterproof or water-repellent clothing”.

“So, for longer exposure, or if you need 100 per cent protection on site in the rain, look for our GORE-TEX jackets.

These highly technical garments are extremely durable with a membrane that has over 1.4 billion pores per square cm.

They’re waterproof to keep you dry,

windproof to keep you warm, and breathable to keep you comfortable all day long”.

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

Also, don’t forget about ventilation!

Your clothes’ breathability is as crucial for your comfort as the outer-layer protection against water, especially when you’re working really hard. Clothes with good climate control will transport sweat away from the skin. Breathability comes in two ways. Either the breathability of the fabric itself, such as our 37.5 sports fabric, or built-in ventilation functionality, such as zippers or meshed fabric areas at the sides and back of the garments.

Finally, whatever the rain may do to dampen your spirits, as far as your work clothes are concerned, by choosing the right workwear, you can work effectively and comfortably all day long.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE HULTAFORS GROUP UK RANGE OF WORKWEAR, SAFETY FOOTWEAR PROTECTIVE WEAR AND PPE PRODUCTS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD051 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON SNICKERS WORKWEAR RAIN WEAR VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD052

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tools & workwear

HAPPY FEET t’s often said that a builder’s most important tools are their hands, but if you’re not showing your feet some love then you’re in for a world of pain. Comfort is, of course, king but a sturdy pair of safety boots are also your first line of defence against the minefield of potential hazards that even the most well-run of sites can present. Whether it’s slipping on scaffold boards, sharp objects under foot, or a pallet of bricks on your pinkies, if you are going to stay safe – and upright – you’ll need to tread carefully when it comes to product choice.

V12 is stepping up to the challenge with an extensive range that combines technology, with a flair for stylish fit and design, and the V2120 Lynx IGS in an attractive honey colour is a case in point.

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Professional Builder’s Lee Jones tests the latest in safety footwear technology from V12

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Even before you’ve formally introduced them to your feet the first impression from the box is the lightness, which is achieved through a composite safety toecap, composite mid-sole and metal-free construction. The benefit to builders of a reduction in weight can’t be underestimated, especially in all-day use on heavy ground or up and down ladders, whilst steel toe caps will also conduct the cold more than their composite counterparts. Indeed, these feel as nimble as anything you’re like to walk out on in your civvies. Add to that the luxurious feel of a Nubuck upper, a V-Dri waterproof membrane and there’s already a certain feelgood factor underfoot, with the embossed V12 logo adding a distinctive point of detail.

Rain check

If you’re looking to test workwear in the wet then we live in a climate where you won’t be waiting for very long, which is precisely why your safety boots need to perform when the rain inevitably arrives.

To improve traction when things get more treacherous V12 has developed its IGS Intelligent Grip System, and integral to the design is an intricately hexagon-patterned slip resistant sole.

It’s a feature that has been three years in the making and the guiding principle has been to reduce the incidents of falls from height – which still represents the biggest cause of fatalities and serious injuries in the sector. The sources that V12 has drawn upon in that mission have been numerous, including tyre industry technologies, materials science and its own extensive testing regime on a whole range of ‘real world’ surfaces.

The result is a sole that conforms to firefighter levels of safety on ladders, and the IGS equipped footwear is now the first to achieve the EN15090:201 Ladder Grips standard. Examine the underside for yourself and you’ll notice four deep ladder grips and a well-defined heel, which combine to keep you on the right side of a rung. V12 has also analysed when slips will occur and, in order to increase contact with the ground, adjusted the angle of the heel of the boots accordingly.

The building industry is nothing if not

Sustainably-sourced in Europe

V12 works tirelessly to ensure that its products and processes reflect its commitment to having a positive impact on the environment and that is why the Lynx boot is made in Europe from sustainably-sourced leather. The tannery used for this sustainablysourced product is Gold LWG-certified.

The Leather Working Group (LWG) is an international organisation made up of stakeholders across the leather supply chain, working to promote environmental best practice within leather manufacturing and related industries. diverse and the terrain that the trades are asked to traverse reflects that. Whether it’s the mud-soaked world of a groundworker, a roofer treading battens, or a bricklayer on scaffold boards, successful boots will have to deliver on them all. That’s why V12 has enlisted the help of tyre manufacturers in developing its hexagon IGS construction, a design that optimises water dispersal, with the small six-sided shapes presenting multiple

sides to efficiently cut through liquids.

Moreover, the larger lugs are selfcleaning whilst grooves provide effective drainage channels. Add to that its very own rubber compound and it’s evident that an awful lot of thought has gone into this design. In use the benefits are immediately apparent, with the boots providing a reassuringly solid platform on ladders and a good grip on wet ground.

A new pair of boots need to be comfortable from the very first day and durable enough to continue in that vein.

Here, the IGS system also features a shocking absorbing heel for reduced impact, and what the manufacturer calls its Energyse insole, which channels air around the foot, reducing heat build-up and moisture.

Last but not least

That theme of design and technology is continued throughout the V2120 Lynx IGS. For the uninitiated, one of the first steps in footwear development, for instance, is the ‘last’, a mould which determines the shape of the finished project and this manufacturer’s is based on scans of over 4,000 feet.

These boots proved to be a sturdy and reliable companion on site and they are certainly made for working. A little bit of research of my own has revealed just how much thought is embedded in the manufacture of a humble pair of boots, and the result is a very safe and comfortable wear.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE V12 RANGE OF FOOTWEAR VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD053

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tools & workwear

In the Mascot workwear collection you’ll find a solution for every trade

FIT FOR ALL Functional features

ll jobs and professions come with their own needs and place different demands on your workwear. In the Mascot range you can find solutions for various trades, giving you the opportunity to select products to suit a specific task. You will find clothing in a range of different fabrics and materials, for example, each with their own benefits, a choice of different fits, and boasting an array of features. This allows you to acquire workwear that will meet the demands and requirements of your working day, whilst conforming to your own tastes and style.

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In the Mascot portfolio you can find a wide selection of workwear and safety footwear for a multitude of construction professions.

The features, the fabric quality, the colour and the look of the workwear depend on the environment and the tasks. If you want to perform to the maximum, it is essential that you select the correct clothing for your working environment throughout an entire workday.

If you work as a craftsman, for example, you may need a number of pockets for tool storage. If you work within one of the wet trades or in groundwork, on the other hand, you might need workwear that keeps its fit and colour even after many washes, even if it is exposed to industrial washing and drying processes, Whatever your job, maintaining a professional image means high demands will be made on your personal appearance.

No matter your trade, it is important to have high freedom of movement throughout the working day. That’s why you’ll also find durable work trousers and work jackets from Mascot in Ultimate Stretch fabric. The material moves with you in all directions, giving you enhanced freedom of movement and comfort and, with most of the products in Ultimate Stretch benefitting from a water-repellent finish, they are also ideal for outdoor use.

Take care of your knees

If you spend a lot of time working in a

kneeling position it is crucial that you protect your knees. A pair of functional knee pads provides increased protection for your knees. In Mascot’s range you will find workwear trousers, bib & braces and coveralls that are compatible with kneepads. Mascot offers a wide size range and leg lengths so you can choose the right size of work trousers to suit you – and have your knee pockets in the right place.

Durable products

High durability is crucial when you are working at a fast pace, and Mascot has developed its own fabrics to be able to offer you the best solutions. Durability is assured with Cordura fabric on all the high usage places, such as kneepad pockets, holster pockets and ruler pockets. When you choose products with Cordura, you ensure that your work trousers and jackets last longer.

Workwear with responsibility

Durability is also a form of responsibility, not only benefitting you, but also the environment. The production of workwear inevitably leaves a global imprint but, by producing garments that last a long time, it eliminates the use of more raw material and energy than is necessary. For you, the wearer, it also provides a more cost effective purchase, as well as less products going to landfill. The Mascot brand is a guarantee of long-lasting workwear and robust solutions, together with responsibility for people and the environment.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE MASCOT RANGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD054

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tools & workwear Tibby Singh – www.TibbySingh.com

STEPPING IT UP! Professional Builder’s Tibby Singh finds his feet are a fan of EMMA Footwear

e can take footwear for granted but I think it plays an essential part in our productivity. If our feet feel tired, then we also feel tired, thus preventing us from performing to the best of our ability.

Having been around for 90 years EMMA Footwear are an established brand, and I got a chance to step into the manufacturer’s ‘Paris’ footwear to see if it really is très bien.

The first impressions are that the bubbles in the soles give a sporty look, whilst they’re clearly robust, and, thanks to the woven PU coated textile – and a nano carbon composite protective toe – are very light in weight. It’s great to see that the outer toe cap also has an extra wear-resistant coating, which is good for the wear and tear that comes with working on your knees. They feel comfortable to walk in and, with the addition of a Hydro-Tec Anti-bacterial lining, you won’t get sweaty feet – even after a long day.

EMMA Footwear not only take safety seriously, but comfort is also imperative.

They have the basic range of safety shoes and then go as far as having orthopaedic solutions, such as the SemiOrthopaedic Safety Shoe, as well as a

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Semi-Orthopaedic Modifications ExFactory initiative.

Fit for purpose

The Semi-Orthopaedic Safety Shoe offers extra room and a raised toe cap, which means there’s no problem in fitting the appropriate insole. Taking it a step further, it’s the first time I’ve seen a company offer something like a SemiOrthopaedic Modifications Ex-Factory service. EMMA mobile fitting will take measurements and carry out a foot scan on site. This information is then used to identify any necessary modifications. The new shoes are then adapted immediately after production. This could be anything from arch support, heel stabilisation, and extra toe room. They ensure everything possible is done to achieve the perfect shoe for you. Having ruptured my Achilles tendon this service is certainly something I’ll be looking into.

On top of all that, EMMA Footwear is also concerned with its carbon footprint and takes sustainability very seriously. The company implements a policy of circular manufacturing based on the principle of a circular economy. This includes making

sure that materials are selected for their long and useful life, all raw materials are reused, a future application is known for every material, and the factory is run from the sun’s energy.

All this helps me understand why there is literally a smiling face engraved in the footprint of these shoes. Whether you choose from the ‘New York’, ‘Berlin’ or ‘Paris’ models the result is a happy planet, and I am impressed to see a company taking the kind of steps that could a massive impact.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON EMMA SAFETY FOOTWEAR VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD055

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tools & workwear

No.12

OFFICE SPACE

The team at Makita look at the power tools and accessories that professionals should keep close at hand when constructing ‘shoffices’. s a result of the pandemic, and subsequent restrictions, many workers in the UK have experienced a shift away from office working. As such, to make working from home more comfortable, there has been a notable increase in the number of people looking to set up designated working spaces either inside or outside their home.

For professional tradespeople called in to construct ‘shoffices’, there are a number of power tools that can help to make the process easier. Firstly, the DLX2180TJ 18V LXT Two Piece Combo Kit is the perfect jobsite companion. With the DHP84Z 18V LXT Combi Drill and DTD153Z 18V LXT Impact Driver included (as well as the DC18RC compact charger and two 18V LXT batteries), this kit can be used for any drilling or fixing task. All products also come in a handy Makpac case for easy transportation to and from the van, and around site.

The DHS680 18V LXT Circular Saw is also a useful tool to keep close at hand.

Thanks to Automatic Speed Control, the cutting speed of the DHS680 is always aligned to the load conditions, ensuring optimum operation at all times. The electronic current limiter also works to prevent overload and protect the machine from damage.

For ease of use, the DHS680 features

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a twin LED job light to illuminate the work piece and a blower function that can be used to clear wood dust from the cutting line. Its compact and lightweight design and ergonomic soft grip makes this machine comfortable and easy to handle and reduces user fatigue, even when used over extended periods. The DHS680 also has a large base for more stable operation.

When it comes to fitting waterproof membranes, the DST221 18V LXT Stapler should be used. It has been designed to provide precision and durability, with smooth staple loading and feeding, and is compatible with commercial staples. It

DTD153Z 18V LXT COMBI DRILL

DSP600ZJ TWIN 18V LXT PLUNGE SAW also includes a depth adjustment feature, rubberised soft grip and a useful hanging hook for keeping the machine secure when not in use.

For fitting decking and flooring, the DFR750 18V LXT Auto-Feed Screwdriver is perfect. It has been designed for durability, with a rigid aluminium casing and features to prevent dust ingress. An anti-tilt device keeps screws secure to prevent swinging, and the foldable screw guide keeps the screw strip from tangling.

Thanks to Makita’s lithium-ion battery technology, the DFR750 offers greater run time so users can work for longer periods of time without having to stop to replace or recharge the batteries, and the automatic feeding of the screws means faster fixing for improved productivity.

In addition, Makita’s DJV182Z LXT 18V LXT Jigsaw and DSP600ZJ Twin 18V LXT Plunge Saw can be used for cutting window frames in wooden wall panels.

The DJV182Z has a rigid aluminium base that can bevel 0 to 45degrees left and right and the machine can be set for either orbital (with the option of three different settings) or straight cutting. The ability to change the blade without needing additional tools also means that users can quickly and effortlessly adjust the machine to suit different tasks.

To protect operators, the DJV182Z features a ‘soft no load’ function that automatically reduces the motor speed during idling to suppress the vibration of the machine body. It also features an LED job light and blower function to keep the workpiece clear of wood dust.

In comparison, the DSP600ZJ is a 165mm cordless plunge cut saw that

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utilises two 18V LXT batteries for additional power, making it ideal for heavier-duty applications. It features Automatic Torque Drive Technology (ADT) that works to automatically adjust the cutting speed to match the load conditions to ensure optimum operation – and to increase efficiency further, the DSP600ZJ bevels -1 to 48degrees and includes a depth stopper for splinter free cutting. The DSP600ZJ is also compatible with a guide rail.

Finally, the DBN600ZJ 18V LXT Finishing Nailer can be used for installing skirting or architrave. For ease of use, this machine features tool-less depth adjustment and nail jam clearing, and a rocker switch for changing between sequential and bump fire modes. The machine can fire up to 800 shots per battery charge (using a 4.0Ah battery) and its ergonomic body enables nail firing in tight spaces. It also includes a handy window, so it is easy to check the quantity of remaining nails. The body bumper has also been designed to protect the workpiece from scratches and damage during operation.

Thanks to the 18V LXT battery system, professionals can use all of the above machines using the same batteries. This makes switching between tools and tasks effortless and assists with maximising onsite productivity and efficiency.

Your toolbox checklist: COMBI DRILL – can be used for drilling and fixing applications.

AUTO-FEED SCREWDRIVER – for fitting decking and flooring.

IMPACT DRIVER – for driving screws and tightening nuts.

JIGSAW AND/OR PLUNGE SAW – can be used for cutting window frames in wooden wall panels.

CIRCULAR SAW – to make cutting timber to size effortless.

STAPLER – ideal for fitting waterproof membranes.

FINISHING NAILER – ideal for installing skirting or architrave.

Accessories:

Makita’s DCU180 18V LXT Wheelbarrow is a motorised unit that makes transporting heavy goods effortless. It has two speed options and a reverse gear to choose from, with a three-stage adjustable handle for easy operation – and the handle can be folded away for compact storage. The brake lever with a locking mechanism keeps the wheelbarrow secure and in place when not in use. Professionals can choose between a traditional wheelbarrow bucket for transporting dirt or sand, or a pipe frame carrier for moving other building materials.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD056

DSP600ZJ TWIN 18V LXT PLUNGE SAW TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MAKITA AND ITS LXT PLATFORM VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD058

Finally, the SK105GDZ 12V CXT Green Cross Line Laser offers increased visibility in brighter work areas and there are two brightness modes to choose from depending on the work conditions. Helpfully, the LED light flashes if it is out of level. Better still, the SK105GDZ can be powered by LXT batteries when used with a USB adaptor.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD057

TO WATCH AN INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO ON THE DBN600 FINISHING NAILER VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD059

FOR A VIDEO ON THE DSP600 PLUNGE SAW VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD060

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tools & workwear

TOUGH LOVE Professional Builder caught up with ToughBuilt, the US manufacturer of tools and accessories ll of us will remember 2021 for different reasons, and for ToughBuilt it will go down as the year the company launched its European operation. In its native North America, the extensive range of products enjoy near iconic status amongst trade professionals and have a huge following thanks to their levels of innovation and their ability to help make common trade tasks quicker, easier and, ultimately, increase productivity.

ToughBuilt proudly possess a number of market-leading products, including Sawhorses, Knee Pads, Massive Mouth Tool Bags, Totes, Mitre Saw Stands, Roller Stands, Hand Tools as well as its unique ClipTech system of Belts and Pouches. All those solutions are backed with a market leading 25year guarantee if users register their purchase within 30 days.

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New Products. New Innovations.

The start of 2021 also saw multiple product launches, extending the range with knives and shears, which all stay

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sharp for twice as long as other comparable knives, and the Pro Grade Aviation Snips, which are said to deliver ten times more cuts than regular snips.

The release of the range of rugged Massive Mouth Hard Body Rolling Bags followed in mid-2021, complete with wide openings, providing what is described as exceptional accessibility and storage capability. The material is hardwearing, with heavy-duty reinforcement rivets to withstand the

most challenging job site demands.

Furthermore, they are compatible with the attachable ClipTech pouches.

Then, in October, the tools and accessories expert brought us its Scraper Utility Knife which allows trade professionals to seamlessly transform from a utility knife to a scraper. “The Scraper Utility Knife combines two frequently used tools in one handy product,” comments ToughBuilt’s Matthew Handley. “It can be used as a utility knife

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to cut all manner of materials or as a scraper to remove paint, sealants, putty, adhesives and labels from surfaces like windows, mirrors and tiles. What’s more, switching between these two functions is as simple as pressing a button.”

#KneelSmartKneelSafe

As well as new products and new choices, the manufacturer also introduced a safety initiative to the professional market in 2021. Given its position as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of knee pads, ToughBuilt knows more than most about knee safety and the damage that can be caused if knees aren’t afforded the correct levels of protection.

Indeed, the company is so passionate about this subject that it launched its #KneelSmartKneelSafe campaign last year in Europe, which aims to raise awareness of the need for greater knee protection.

As Matthew Handley explains: “ToughBuilt would like to see knee pads treated with the same importance as hard hats or eye protection when it comes to

personal protective equipment. After all, the consequences of not using them can be every bit as devasting.”

ToughBuilt on the Road

2021 also enabled the manufacturer to take to the road and to make its UK debut at exhibitions. One of the most important and successful events was Toolfair, Sandown in Surrey, where product demonstrations, a free ClipTech pouch to every visitor and the chance to win a ToughBuilt XL Rolling Massive Mouth bag in a head-to-head foot-golf challenge

were just some of the attractions. To cap the year off, a 12 Days of Christmas promotion was staged in December where €20,000 worth of products from across the entire range were given away.

No matter how impressive 2021 was, the brand intends to go one better in 2022. As Matthew Handley concludes: “ToughBuilt’s European presence continues to grow all the time and an increasing number of trade professionals are beginning to appreciate why we are the category leader for products like sawhorses, knee pads and hand tools in the US and further afield.”

“Ambitious plans for 2022 include many more innovative product launches and appearances at various nationwide shows. We don’t want to reveal too much at this time but what I will say is it’s definitely worth watching this space.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON TOUGHBUILT AND THE RANGE OF TOOLS AVAILABLE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD061

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tools & workwear product round-up

SCREEDING TOOL

The Marshalltown Ezyscreed Combo Screed is made from lightweight aluminium with a heavy-duty gripped handle that includes a built-in spirit level to check concrete levels while you work. It features a dual-edge design with a sharp edge for cutting and a round edge for floating concrete and the handle can be removed and reattached to the bottom side of the screed to improve product life. It is available in five sizes from 900mm (3ft) to 3,000mm (10ft).

40VMAX MACHINES GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD062

METAL CHOP SAW

A new Bluetooth charger, a metal chop saw and its brand-new service app, my.FEIN, are amongst the new releases from FEIN. The MKAS 355 metal chop saw features an 1800 watt motor, with soft start technology and ergonomic handle.

The cold cutting process means the material isn’t as heated, resulting in no metal dust extract.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD063

SAFETY TRAINER

A high-performance blend of ergonomic design, athletic comfort and S3 protection is what the manufacturer is promising for the Solid Gear GTX safety shoe. The waterproof GORE-TEX upper delivers dryness while the locking drawstring ensures the shoe fits like a glove. Foot and knee fatigue is also reduced with a E-TPU midsole and ‘bounce back’ technology.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD064

DIAGONAL CUTTERS GUIDE

Pliers’ specialists Knipex has launched a web guide to the World of Diagonal Cutters. The guide – which includes videos and instructional images – will help professionals understand the differences between diagonal cutters, front cutters, oblique cutters, centre cutters, high leverage and special diagonal cutters – and many others. The information is also designed to help tradespeople select the right cutting tool for the job in hand.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD065

There’s a further extension to the Makita XGT 40VMax range of machinery with the launch of the DA001G Brushless Angle Drill and DG001G Brushless Earth Auger. The former delivers a noload speed of up to 1,500rpm and a maximum torque of 136Nm. Comparable to a 36cc engine product, the DG001G XGT 40VMax Brushless Earth Auger has a no-load speed of up to 1,500rpm and a maximum drilling capacity of 200mm.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD066

MID-LAYER WORKING CLOTHES

Continuous work in cold weather produces body heat and sweat, but when your rate of work slows, the sweat cools and you’ll start to feel cold and damp. The solution is Snickers Workwear’s body-mapping Mid-layer working clothes that deliver advanced ventilation to control and regulate the heat from your body. Made to last from sustainable fabrics these garments insulate and keep heat around your body by effectively creating an air pocket inside your clothes.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD067

TOOL PROTECTION

A new tool protection solution for tradespeople, includes an inventory management app, smart iOT sensors and smart insurance. The ARMD app provides a record of tools that the tradesperson owns which includes verifiable proof of ownership. The ARMD Guard is a smart van alarm which uses motion sensors to provide immediate phone notifications to tradespeople when their van is attacked and includes a GPS tracking facility to track down vehicle location.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD068

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tools & workwear product round-up

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.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD069

DIAMOND CUTTING TOOLS

CorePlus is a new comprehensive range of Diamond Cutting Blades, Dry Diamond Core Drill Bits, Diamond Tile Drill Bits and Diamond Hole Saws. 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.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD070

RADIO CHARGER DAB

Charge up, hang up, and turn up the sound with the full range speaker, a tweeter, and multiple hanging options available with the Milwaukee M12 Radio Charger DAB+. The unit includes a 12V DC port for quick, convenient charging of all M12 batteries.

Additionally, a 2.1 USB port delivers fast charging for electronic devices like mobile phones and tablets.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD071

ACCESSORIES

By dividing the complete product range into the Bosch Expert (Blue), Bosch Pro (Gray/ Blue) and Bosch (White) lines it’s now easier

to choose from the manufacturer’s accessories. Professional users can read on the packaging the advantages and the key technologies in the Expert accessories portfolio. New products available include the new “Expert HEX-9 HardCeramic” tile drill bits.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD072

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SUSTAINABLE BUILDING Lime Green and RetrofitWorks have come together to champion sustainable building practices

IN THE LIME LIGHT

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ow carbon, healthy and sustainable solutions are really important for all of our retrofit measures,” says Michael Huth, membership development manager, RetrofitWorks – a not-for-profit cooperative making UK homes healthier and more energy-efficient. We’re on a mission to change UK homes for the better, in terms of energy efficiency, health and carbon emissions, all with the greatest ease and at the lowest cost to homeowners and local authorities.” In early 2021, RetrofitWorks partnered with Lime Green, which manufactures and supplies healthy insulation systems for its members’ projects.

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Building a community

“We work with homeowners to assess their properties, create a whole house retrofit plan and detail the relevant building performance requirements. We then put homeowners together with contractors to improve their home’s energy efficiency. We needed a partner who could work with us to solve pretty common but tricky problems in solid masonry buildings,” says Michael.

“Local communities are at the heart of

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our approach, so it was also important that our chosen partner aligned closely with our contractor members and understood the issues specific to the neighbourhoods they serve. At the same time, we needed a manufacturer who could ‘speak the language’ of the contractors and installers.

“We started with internal insulation

“Low carbon, healthy and sustainable solutions are really key for all of our retrofit measures. Lime Green’s Internal Warmshell Insulation system – using woodfibre boards and Solo lime plaster – ticks all of those boxes.”

systems – several manufacturers have their own systems and suggestions, but one stood out. Lime Green has been at the forefront of developing and manufacturing lime renders and plasters for some time at its hi-tech factory in Shropshire. The company manufactures the Warmshell Internal Wall Insulation (IWI) system, which has been tried and tested

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for many years. In our opinion, it’s one of the best solutions for solid masonry buildings and fits exactly what we need.

“Apart from its excellent products, of all the potential partners, no one did more than Lime Green to help build our internal insulation process. They were the only team able to support the installation of its materials with both offsite and onsite training for our contractors, as well as CPD training for our contractor members.”

CPD Training

“Every relevant RetrofitWorks’ contractor has been through Warmshell training – each course tailored to each group to ensure it’s installed effectively,” says Simon Ayres, co-founder and managing director, Lime Green.

“It all starts with the big picture: the challenges of retrofit and general building maintenance and how to overcome these.

Then we consider what will work and what won’t. That’s the theory covered, and then we give hands-on experience installing the system. Contractors see for themselves where challenges might lie.

These workshops usually last around 4-5 hours, with 3-4 hours spent on the practical, so contractors leave feeling confident about using Warmshell.”

Healthy materials

“We are closely aligned with PAS 2035, and we are keen to find suppliers that support our mission. Lime Green’s design and technical support, as well as their system guarantees, assure us there won’t be any compromise. That means we continue to deliver extremely high-quality retrofits for homeowners and tenants,” continues Michael.

“Low carbon, healthy and sustainable solutions are really key for all of our retrofit measures. Lime Green’s Internal Warmshell Insulation (IWI) system – using woodfibre boards and Solo lime plaster – ticks all of those boxes. The manufacturer has been good in engaging and really getting to grips with what we and our contractors need. The team supports us onsite and keeps us up to date on how they’re improving their products. I would absolutely recommend the company’s products to others looking to sustainably retrofit or renovate their home or building

project,” concludes Michael.

The Warmshell System

The Internal Warmshell Insulation System is a natural, healthy solution that insulates cold masonry walls from the inside. It consists of: 1. Duro levelling coat: to create a breathable, wicking and draft-proof base for the insulation system.

2. Warmshell board adhesive: to ensure the insulation bonds successfully with the Duro base layer.

3. Warmshell woodfibre: highly-insulating and moisture-buffering woodfibre board.

4. Solo Onecoat lime plaster: to give a breathable, decorative finish.

The system can then be painted with a mineral paint to retain breathability or left unpainted to achieve a more authentic lime finish.

Before you start using any internal insulation, you should first assess your building’s suitability, considering the overall building, its location and any technical requirements. Lime Green’s internal insulation checklist can help with

this process and can be accessed via the link: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD073

An important partnership

“Working with RetrofitWorks is a delight because we’re all working to the same objective: making British buildings healthier and more energy-efficient by using sustainable insulation,” says Dominic Putnam, head of business development, Lime Green.

“Householders are looking for a ‘onceand-for-all’ fix to a problem that’s often dogged their property for years.

RetrofitWorks removes the guesswork and helps them find the best course of action and signposts them a trusted contractor. That gives householders peace of mind, as well as saving them time and money.”

Reputable contractors interested in getting involved with RetrofitWorks to improve UK homes’ energy efficiency through retrofit, can find out more – or apply to become a contractor member – here: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD074 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE LIME GREEN PRODUCTS DISCUSSED VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD075

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TILING

GOING LARGE! The Tile Association (TTA) provides essential info on the installation of large porcelain panels

t will not have escaped anyone’s notice that tile sizes are increasing.

Large porcelain panels are now seen in both commercial and residential installations. This article serves as an introduction to the information which TTA can offer on this topic – with much more in the technical document ‘Large Format Wall & Floor Tiles and Panels in Internal Tiling’ which, along with all 16 TTA technical documents, is available as a free-of-charge download to members.

The bigger the tile size, the more dramatic the statement that can be made in the home, particularly when allied to the fashionable concrete or industrial look.

Large porcelain panels are so classified if their surface area is greater than 1m2 or any tile edge greater than 1,200mm.

The main reason for their popularity is that they offer a no-nonsense, sleek and unfussy aesthetic. This is due to the fact that porcelain panels of this size have far fewer grout lines, allowing a clean and uninterrupted finish. When used in bathrooms, kitchens and other hygiene-

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sensitive environments, this also means easier cleaning along with health and wellbeing benefits.

However, their installation does pose a number of challenges for the tile fixer.

Firstly logistics: getting the materials to site and having enough space to store the

crates or ‘A’ frames they come in is one issue. Even with a telehandler on site, the forks must be adjusted to the width of the supports on the crates.

Sometimes the jobs are badly handled and the panels are taken out of the packing by labourers and stacked against

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a wall without use of any lifting aids or frames. Problems occur when the panels are sold to customers, without any consideration for access, especially if they are being used in an upstairs location.

This is usually OK on a new build, but on refurb work a lot of staircases only allow a maximum size of 900 x 2.4 m. Since the standard panel sizes are 2.4 x 1.2 and 3m x 1m and above, what some fitters do is ask the customer to carry up a sheet of expanded polystyrene, which makes them realise how difficult the material handling is and how realistic their requests are.

However, there are alternative methods, such as using scaffolding platforms outside and gaining access by removing windows if required.

Sticking point

Secondly, additional care and the appropriate trowels and techniques are required when laying an adhesive bed and back buttering panels. Walls need to be plumb and square prior to installation of the panels, and floors need to be as flat as possible. Issues can arise where the floors are of a reasonable standard for normal flooring but just don’t meet what is needed to achieve solid bedding with large porcelain panels.

Thirdly, many clients underestimate the installation costs, which are around the

same or slightly more than the retail cost of the porcelain panels themselves. Due to the high cost of the panels, customers’ expectation of the finish is brochure quality. If a panel breaks while fabricating the pieces, this has to be replaced at either the client’s cost or the fitter’s, so this is also factored in on the pricing of a job. Some fitters average out the amount of replaced panels over a 12month period as a percentage over every job, others will just put a caveat on their quotes that they are charging for their labour only and not responsible for supplying any panels if breakages occur while installing. Clarity over this is very important, as customers don’t like surprises and no one wants to be working and not making any money if the panel is replaced at the fitter’s cost.

Grout joints should be minimum 3mm wide, together with expansion joints where needed.

There are also requirements regarding the fixing of large porcelain panels. These are included in the current revision of the British Standard relating to tiling – BS5385-1: 2018. This states that: Where tiles greater than 0.1 m2 face area are required to be fixed to walls above 3m above floor level they should be secured by mechanical fixings.

Also: Where tiles are to be mechanically fixed the background should be sufficiently robust to take the method of attachment.

So, such tiles and panels in these types of installations should be mechanically fixed to a supporting metal framework by means of special clips or anchors which are fitted to undercut slots or holes formed in the back of the ceramic tiles or slabs.

Various types of proprietary support and mechanical fixing systems are manufactured for this purpose.

For the fitter there is undoubtedly a steep learning curve required when it comes to installing large porcelain panels.

The skills needed are a combination of tiling, glass handling and cutting. Even some of the highest skilled tilers avoid installing large porcelain panels either because they don’t want to invest in the equipment needed or because there are easier product areas to specialise in or they had a previous difficult experience with the material.

The Tile Association recognises the importance of all these issues around fixing large format tiles and panels.

Recently a group of UK tile installers, retailers and distributors took part in a four-day trip, organised by TTA, to Castellón, Spain, hosted and funded by ASCER, The Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers’ Association and the Castellón Chamber of Commerce. The aim of the trip was to learn about porcelain panels, through a number of visits to local factories and showrooms, as well as gaining some hands-on experience.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MEMBERSHIP OF TTA AND HOW TO BENEFIT FROM THE TECHNICAL EXPERTISE WHICH TTA HAS ON LARGE FORMAT TILES AND PANELS, AS WELL AS OTHER ASPECTS OF TILING, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD076

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INSULATION

PUMP UP THE HEAT

Jonathan Ducker, Head of Regulatory Affairs at Kingspan Insulation explains why you need to insulate before considering a heat pump installation

his April, the Government is looking to kick start the heat pump revolution with its new Boiler Upgrade Scheme, offering grants of up to £5,000 to cover the switch from gas to electric. Whilst the overall budget for the scheme is limited, it still means that for the first time, heat pumps will be a more affordable option for a lot of homeowners. To get these units to perform well, however, and ensure they are affordable to operate, you need to take a careful look at how well insulated the house is.

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Why heat pumps?

The switch to heat pumps is all part of the effort to make the country Net Zero Carbon by 2050. The energy used in our homes makes up about 14 per cent of emissions and a lot of that is down to heating. The Government’s plan is to switch building heating from fossil fuels to electricity. At the same time, they’re looking to add more renewable generation to the National Grid with the aim of fully decarbonising it by 2035.

Heat pumps are a key part of this due to their efficiency.

Heat pumps work by extracting heat

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either from the outdoor air (air source) or through pipes buried in the ground (ground source). This heat is used to evaporate a refrigerant which is then pressurized – creating more heat. Whilst new boilers are around 92 per cent efficient, ground source heat pumps can reach efficiencies of 300 per cent or more.

This makes them a lot more affordable to run than direct electric alternatives.

Why you need to insulate first

The main challenge when fitting a heat pump is that they work best at lower temperatures than gas systems. Whilst gas boilers are often designed to operate at 65°C - 75°C, heat pumps work more

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efficiently at 55°C or below. This is why it’s often a good idea to fit underfloor heating with them to spread the heat more evenly across rooms.

Obviously, this change also means it’s important to keep in as much heat as possible. This is especially important with air source heat pumps as they must work harder to generate heat in the winter due to the cooler air temperature. If the building then wastes a lot of this heat, it can lead to big heating bills or make it difficult to get homes warm.

To show how much difference this makes, we carried out some energy modelling on three typical houses (below).

As you can see, the heating bills for the

IF HEATED BY A 250 PER CENT EFFICIENT AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP

Solid walled house with no insulation (energy demand: 17,000 kWh/year); Average existing house with no insulation (energy demand: 11,000 kWh/year); Existing home with properly insulated walls, roof and floors (energy demand: 5,000 kWh/year)

Efficiency adjusted kWh/yr demand 6800

£/year (electric)2 1183.20

4400

765.60

2000

348.00

1

Climate Change Committee, UK Housing: Fit For The Future? (https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/uk-housing-fit-for-the-future/)

2

Energy prices based on (https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/quarterly-energy-prices-march-2021)

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means you need to be audited annually, it’s a good way to check you’re up-to-date with best practice. It’s also likely to be an essential requirement for any future government funded schemes, so if you’re planning on carrying out insulation retrofits in the future, it makes sense to get on board.

You can find more information about the scheme and training providers at

solid walled house are more than three times that of the properly insulated home, so it pays to get it right

Creating a plan

When insulating the building, the package really needs to be designed around the specific house. Factors such as the home’s design, location and the constructions used for the walls, floor and roof will impact the best solution. Before you fit anything, you’ll need to find and deal with any existing issues such as damp. Keep in mind also that any insulation you fit will make the building more airtight. This means you’ll need to fit more ventilation, particularly in bathrooms or kitchens.

Given these complexities, if a customer is looking at getting a heat pump fitted, it’s a good idea to work with a Retrofit Coordinator and carry out the improvements to PAS 2035:2019. This is a public specification which sets out a clear process for assessing a home,

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD077

Getting the right results

dealing with any issues and developing a medium-term improvement plan which details the best order for installing the improvements. The installation and commissioning will then need to be carried out to PAS 2030:2019, meaning you’ll need to get yourself qualified under the scheme. The best way to do this is by becoming TrustMark Registered.

Whilst this can be a bit costly, and

The switch to heat pumps is going to mean lots of energy retrofits will be needed in the next few years. By getting qualified under PAS 2030:2019, you can keep yourself up to speed with latest changes, deliver good value to customers and ensure you’re in the best position to take advantage of any future government funding schemes.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON KINGSPAN VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD078

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WATER MANAGEMENT & GUTTERING

YOU’VE ‘GUTTER’ HAVE IT!

Dave Osborne, Technical Manager at Swish Building Products, highlights the importance of correct guttering system installation in new and replacement projects.

By understanding how to choose a guttering system with the appropriate flow-rate, and fitting both the guttering and downpipe so the system works cohesively, you’ll be rewarded with a smart installation that will serve to prevent building damage and last for many years to come.

For both new and refurbishment projects, preparation is key to achieving a successful installation. For new projects, you should select a gutter system that meets the design flow-rate or area of the relevant roof. As well as normal levels of rainfall, a domestic or light commercial eaves gutter system must be able to cope with intense rainfall lasting at least two minutes. To help you chose the best solution for your project, the British Standard BS12056 shows how to work out the amount of rainwater (in litres per second) that could run off a roof.

With regards to replacement projects, it is a natural decision to replace guttering ‘like for like’. However, you should consider the greater frequency of storms and increased rainfall we now experience and modify the gutter system’s capacity as a positive precautionary measure.

Gutter installation guidelines 씰

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Planning makes for the perfect project Start by planning your installation using specific component diagrams that can assist you in selecting the correct materials from the very beginning. Arming yourself with the knowledge of how to correctly install guttering is also key to a successful installation.

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Position the running outlet accurately by holding a plumb line against the fascia directly over the drain. Mark the position on the fascia with a pencil. Fit the outlet no more than 50mm below the level of the roof tiles, then fix with 2 x 25mm x 5mm round-head stainless steel screws (do not use countersunk screws as these can be over torqued with cordless drivers, consequently damaging mouldings).

Fit a fascia bracket just below the top of the fascia board at one end of the run of guttering (opposite end of the outlet).

Tie a plumb line (string) around the base of the bracket and stretch from the bracket along the fascia board before tying it to the outlet.

Check that there is a fall towards the outlet (1:350 is recommended) to encourage water to drain efficiently.

Mark the position of the fascia brackets, spacing them according to the gutter system chosen (see table below) but no more than 150mm from any corner, union, running outlet or stopend.

In locations where heavy snowfall is prevalent, we recommend that fixing centres for fascia brackets be reduced to 600mm.

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Fix the fascia brackets with 25mm x 5mm stainless steel screws – we would recommend using all available fixing holes.

Starting at the outlet, fit the first length of gutter by tilting the gutter to fit under the back clip, and clip in at the front edge.

Fit a union bracket at the other end of the first length and screw it into the fascia using all available fixing holes, then fit the next length of gutter into it. Continue joining lengths ensuring all joints line up with the “fit to here” depth marked in the fittings.

Cut the last section of gutter to fit using a hacksaw and fit a stopend.

Use lubricant/silicone spray on all gutter seals for ease of fitting and for improved in-service performance.

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WATER MANAGEMENT & GUTTERING

Downpipe Installation Guidelines 씰 씰

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Using a plumb line, mark a vertical line on the wall from the running outlet to the drain.

Place an offset bend onto the base of the running outlet.

Place a second offset bend on a length of downpipe and measure the section length required to join the two offset bends, cut a suitable length of downpipe – the “swan neck”.

Hold a downpipe clip centrally over the plumb line and mark the fixing holes on the wall with a pencil. Repeat down the wall, spacing pipe clips no more than 1.8m apart.

Drill the fixing holes.

Working from the top downwards, install the downpipe. If additional lengths of downpipe are required, join using a socket and pipe clip.

Leave a 10mm gap between the end of the pipe and the bottom of the pipe socket to allow for expansion. Fix a pipe clip over the joint.

Use wall plugs suitable for the substrate and when fitting pipe clip screws to ensure that the application is secure.

Fix pipe/socket clips with 2 x 32mm x 6.5mm round head stainless steel screws.

Where required, fit a shoe at the bottom of the downpipe so that it directs water into the drain, if required. Fix the joint with a pipe clip.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SWISH BUILDING PRODUCTS WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD079

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GENERAL BUILDING SMART SECURITY

The Sync Smart Home Alarm and Conexis L1 are the latest Yale Smart range products to be awarded the BSI Kitemark. In addition, the company’s range of Indoor Wi-Fi Cameras and outdoor cameras all provide end-to-end encryption. This means any footage, notifications or audio from the camera can only be accessed by the user, ensuring privacy and security.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD080

DOOR COLLECTION

The inherent properties of high pressure laminate means the Formica Door Collection is highly resistant to stains, impact, scratches and moisture, whilst it is hygienic and easy to maintain. There’s also a comprehensive range of colours, wood decors and tactile surface finishes available.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD081

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD082

ROOF LANTERN

It’s the slim ringbeams as standard, a 40mm wide rafter and slim lowline rafter caps on the Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions range of roof lanterns and rooflights that creates what its makers describe as visible elegance. In addition, the design maximises the use of external light and enhances thermal efficiency and solar control.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD084

Worcester Bosch has introduced the 7001iAW air to water heat pump and the Hybrid 7000iAW, a low-carbon air to water heat pump and hybrid heat pump and boiler respectively.

The 7001iAW can provide both cooling and heating, whilst the Hybrid 7000iAW is compatible with a range of heat pumps and combi boilers.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD086

MULTI-FUNCTION FAN

With a choice of intermittent or continuous running, National Ventilation’s Monsoon Energysaver IntelliSense i7 fan runs at a quiet 17dB(A) at low speed.

The unit also offers an intelligent humidity sensor, a useful overrun timer and presence sensor, an airing function to avoid stuffy odours in the bathroom, while offering a high performance of up to 110m3/hr.

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

GAS BOILERS

LOFT INSULATION METHODS

Made using non-combustible glass mineral wool, the ARC Eaves Insulator from ARC Building Solutions can be installed at the wall plate and ceiling junction to ensure full thermal insulation. Designed to resolve issues of traditionally difficult to reach areas, the product is fitted from above before the roof covering is installed, can be used in conjunction with all ventilated facia and soffit designs, is compatible with ventilation openings of 10,000mm2/m and available to fit 600mm rafter centres.

Comprising four Combi and four System models – with outputs from 20 to 40kW – Navien’s Arated NCB condensing gas boilers deliver what is described as outstanding ErP efficiencies from a standalone unit. Each unit is easy to install and “OpenTherm” ready, allowing for instant access to the latest heating control technology.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD087

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD083

SHOWER RANGE

Simple to fit, the Gainsborough SLIM shower range has been designed to easily replace any brand of electric shower, with four (SLIM Mono) or eight (SLIM Duo) multifit options. The showers are backed by a twoyear guarantee and a dedicated training programme is available for installers.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD085

Use our digital reader enquiry service for further information online

GARDEN TRANSFORMATION

It’s the cold rolled galvanised steel construction that makes DuraPost by Birkdale 80 per cent lighter than concrete. In addition to an enhanced strength-toweight ratio, it also benefits from a slim and unobtrusive profile, maximising the available garden space. It won’t crack or rot, as timber or concrete can, and will withstand wind speeds of up to 110 miles per hour.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD088

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PROFESSIONAL BUILDER FEBRUARY 2022 69

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Register for free at www.toolfair.info

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builders’ vehicles 씱

TOTAL RECALL Dan Powell, the Editor of Honest John Vans, tells you everything you need to know about van recalls.

Each year thousands of vans and pickups are recalled for important safety checks. The problems themselves can range from something as minor as a wonky windscreen wiper to a serious fire risk. How can you find out if your van’s affected by one?

How will I know if my van has been recalled?

DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) safety recalls are issued when a safety problem has been identified with a vehicle. The process is quite straightforward, with the van or pick-up manufacturer being asked to issue a national recall for all affected models.

In most cases, you’ll get a letter from the van manufacturer that will ask you to book an appointment at your local dealer so your vehicle can be checked and, if necessary, the problem part replaced.

Only approved van dealers can carry out DVSA recall work, so don’t expect your local mechanic to deal with it.

How can I check if my van or pick-up has been recalled?

If your vehicle is second-hand or if your contact details aren’t up to date then the manufacturer might not be able to reach you. The DVSA has a handy online recall checker (WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD094) that lets you look up your van and see if any recalls are outstanding.

You will be asked for your van’s registration plate number and possibly its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – which is usually found on the bottom left corner of the windscreen and on the engine.

Will a van recall cost me anything?

The recall is completely free of charge.

You will not be asked to pay anything.

The dealer should repair the van or replace it if the problem is so serious that it cannot be fixed.

In rare cases, your van may be off the road for a few days if the dealer doesn’t have the necessary parts or workshop capacity to complete the recall straight away. If this happens then you should ask for a loan vehicle from the dealer.

Do van recalls have a time limit?

No, the manufacturer is required to carry out the work as instructed by the DVSA. It isn’t uncommon for some builders to find a recall from two or three years ago that’s been missed because the letter has been sent to the wrong address or lost in the post. If your van has a recall from several years ago, the manufacturer is legally obliged to check/fix the problem.

Will a recall affect the resale value of my van?

No, the recall shouldn’t affect the value of your van. You will be given paperwork that confirms the work has been completed and you should store this in your van’s history folder, which should contain all of the maintenance and servicing receipts for your vehicle.

Can I complain about a recall?

If you are unhappy with the level of service then you should make a complaint in writing (via email or post). Address it to the dealer service manager and make it clear why you feel the level of service is unsatisfactory. You can also complain to the vehicle manufacturer direct and/or the DVSA if your complaint goes beyond a general customer service issue.

FOR MORE VAN ADVICE, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD095 OR TYPE “HONEST JOHN VANS” INTO YOUR ONLINE SEARCH ENGINE.

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builders’ vehicles

INsuring success

Professional Builder puts the questions to Ed Bevis, Commercial & Marketing Director, The Van Insurer on what the company can provide the trades

PB

For those who may not be familiar with The Van Insurer can you explain your business offering?

Ed Bevis (Ed): The Van Insurer is a dedicated van insurance price comparison website that is committed to helping customers get to their cheapest quotes as quickly as possible. Following its launch more than ten years ago, the site has sourced thousands of online and offline insurance quotations for customers across the breadth of the whole UK, ensuring that quotes from its high-quality panel of more than 40 insurance brokers

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72 FEBRUARY 2022 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

are quickly matched to customer needs.

We recognise that buying insurance is time-consuming, so we aim to deliver consumers what they need, a competitive insurance quotation within about five minutes of starting their quote journey with us.

PB

What benefits do your services bring to clients that your competitors might not?

Ed: Quotes obtained through our website are backed by our Cheapest Price Guarantee. If a consumer can find a cheaper like-for-like online quote from anyone else, we’ll guarantee to beat it.

Also, while the vast majority of our policy sales are through our website, we recognise that some people prefer the human touch and so our telephone line is always available to those customers who might like to talk through their insurance options if their personal circumstances or their van are not, let’s just say, standard!

We’re proud that 94 per cent of reviewers on Reviews.io would recommend our services and we average a 4.64/5 rating.

We’re avowed petrol heads as well (although we’re incredibly excited by the green revolution beginning to sweep the commercial van industry too), so we regularly post online content that helps to keep our customers informed of relevant van and insurance topics. Our social media platforms provide regular updates on sector news and what’s happening within the van community in addition to entertaining snippets and competitions.

PB

Is there anything specific you would like to highlight?

Ed: We’re proud to offer van insurance for vehicles of pretty much every shape and size and our Cheapest Price Guarantee means that our customers always get a competitive quote.

We also cater for people who have modified their van and might struggle to obtain insurance because of those modifications by providing a dedicated phone line to a specialist broker partner who will be able to help them. We want to make sure every van driver can get the best insurance deal for their unique circumstances.

072_PB_FEB22_Layout 1 10/01/2022 15:43 Page 73

PB

Taken as a whole, how would you describe the last 12 months for the company?

Ed: Obviously, it’s been a challenge for businesses of every size and in every sector. Lockdowns were difficult for us too, but The Van Insurer actually proved more resilient during the pandemic that we might have thought. The number of people we’ve seen getting quotes has continued to grow and we’re seeing interesting shifts in the make-up of people insuring vans, be that people who’ve been forced into a career change and now require van insurance, more female van drivers, selfstarters keen to make the most of market opportunities and, of course, key worker van drivers on the front line.

We’re committed to providing both new and existing customers with competitive quotes easily and quickly and we’ll continue to do so into 2022.

S E E I T. . .

SEARCH IT ...SHARE IT

Professional

PB

How has COVID-19 affected you your industry?

Ed: The past couple of years have really brought home to us the value that van drivers provide to the UK economy. We’ve been humbled to see the lengths people and their vans will go to in order to help their communities, often at great expense to themselves. So, while lockdowns have inevitably affected our market from a financial perspective, we’ve been inspired to re-double our efforts to make insurance buying one less thing for van drivers to worry about and wherever we can, giving a shout out through our social media to van-driving essential workers to whom we all owe so much.

BUILDING ■ FLOORING ■ PLUMBING ■ ROOFING ■ CARPENTRY ■ PAINTING AND DECORATING ■

PB

What are your plans going into the future? Both short and long-term?

Ed: The motor insurance price comparison landscape is continually evolving, and we want to be at the forefront of developments to make consumers lives easier by ensuring our service is the best it can be. That could take the form of improvements to the process of getting insurance quotes through mobile technologies or working with the absolute best brokers in the market to deliver the insurance solutions that tech-savvy customers need at the right price. We won’t stand still and are committed to ensuring that everyone can access cheap, high quality van insurance quickly.

Be Social... join the conversation @PB_mag @probuildermag

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE VAN INSURER, INCLUDING ITS CHEAPEST PRICE GUARANTEE, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD096

www.facebook.com/ProfessionalBuilder/

W www.probuildermag.co.uk

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builders’ vehicles

GREEN WITh ENVY

umour has it that it wasn’t all that long ago when an intrepid motorised traveller could traverse the length of the country without once setting a wheel on a tarmac or concrete highway. These green laners as they are affectionately – and sometimes not so politely – known by aggrieved landowners (even though it is completely legit) have an intimate knowledge of the hollow ways, drovers’ roads, ridgeways, and ancient tracks which have criss-crossed this green and pleasant land of ours for millennia. In fact, before the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act in 2006, it is reckoned that the number of public bye ways and unclassified roads was double what it is currently, although thankfully there are still some stunning places to escape the frenzy of modern life if you know where to look.

One of the best places to head for, according to the Green Lane Association, which works tirelessly to retain the right to go off piste, is Wales and in particular the area around the Brecon Beacons. With

R

As one of Wales’s favourite sons knows, there is nothing better than the green, green grass of home, especially in a Ford Ranger pick-up!

more than its fair share of deep streams to ford and precarious rock climbs it would, of course, be most foolhardy – not to mention downright dangerous – to attempt any form of green laning in anything other than a robust 4x4. And, it just so happens, we know a company who can provide that form of transport in spades. So, on a snowy early December day, we found ourselves in Builth Wells ready to embark on six hours of one of our most eye opening and exhilarating driving experiences to date.

Extensive range

Lined up before us was the latest additions to Ford’s already extensive range of highly regarded Ranger pick-ups and with suitably macho brand names like Stormtrak, Wolftrak and Raptor, the eighty plus miles of untamed wilderness in front of us suddenly didn’t appear

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74 FEBRUARY 2022 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

quite so daunting.

To the uninitiated, green lanes can run for perhaps one hundred yards to several miles at a time and in these parts, where the sheep seem to outnumber humans by 20 to 1, there are surprises around every corner. At one stage we found ourselves next to an isolated farm owned by Prince Charles and then a hilltop fort once a refuge for marching Roman centurions, as they tried to tame not only the landscape but the bloodthirsty barbarians. The snowy backdrop and black ice certainly added to the drama, and more than one boulder strewn hill climb initially appeared unrealistic until the Ranger was slipped efficiently into the selectable 4x4 mode.

One could only wonder what the Romans might actually have done for us if only the same technology had been applied to their famous chariots!

Quite what the locals made of a

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convey of townies playing silly soldiers in their backyard is open to debate, and there is no doubt that the highly impressive contours and stylish good looks of the Ranger could count against it in the eyes of the more traditionalist pickup owner who wants a no-frills workhorse as opposed to a show pony. But having driven a diverse selection of Rangers over the years, the claims to fame are clearly much more than skin deep. Sure, they may look on first impression as being more at home down by the beach than on a muddy farm or building site, but it is primarily for just such purposes that they have been painstakingly designed and rigorously tested to do their best work, with market leading performance levels and towing and carrying capacities. It’s just a shame that the opportunity to switch lanes for even just a few hours is becoming increasingly hard to find on so many levels these days.

“After all the hype surrounding the pick-up market a few years back, when leading brands were fighting over and amongst themselves to add their own version to the commercial vehicle stable, it would appear that there are now just a handful of horses left in the race with some key players surprisingly pulling out.

It’s left Ford in an enviable position, and one which they seem intent on capitalising on with new models and further enhancements to the line up just around the turn.”

■ RAPTOR SE Adding more dramatic style to the ‘bad ass’ truck feel, this top of the range limited edition version has some special exterior and cab enhancements to make the off-road experience even more distinctive. The powertrain features the 213 PS 2.0 Litre, 10-speed automatic gearbox with a selectable four-wheel drive six-way Terrain Management System. The payload is 545kg with a maximum trailer weight of 2,500kg braked.

RAPTOR SE ■ STORMTRAK Based on the premium Wildtrak series, it offers similar engine and driving characteristics as the Raptor but has a more workable 1,034 kg payload and 3,500 kg braked max trailer weight.

STORMTRAK ■ WOLFTRAK Designed with the business owner in mind, the 1,179kg payload and longlegged tubular sports bar offer significant load moving ability supported by a standard load bed protector. Also available as a Supercab option.

WOLFTRAK ■ MS RT Does what it says on the tin — designed for customers who value the Ranger’s hard working capability but want the racing pedigree and hand finished exclusivity of the MSRT Series.

FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE FORD RANGER VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD097 FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD098

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vehicles & plant product round-up

PICK UP

Thanks to the option of a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel powertrain, the latest Ford Ranger delivers more power and torque when towing heavy loads. In addition, widening the truck by 50mm means customers will be able to load flat sheets of plywood or a full-size pallet. The tailgate can also double as a mobile work bench with an integrated ruler and clamp pockets to measure, grip and cut building materials.

CONNECTED VEHICLES

Geotab has announced a partnership with MAXUS to bring the benefits of connected vehicles to its customers. The latter’s Intelligence Onboard solution provides data driven insights through the Geotab software platform, including near real-time insights into state of charge (SOC), energy used, energy cost, live GPS tracking, charging data and range.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD103

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD099

VAN BREAKDOWN COVER

Unlimited call-outs, a replacement van and a tow from anywhere in the UK will all be included in RAC Van Breakdown cover. The two new products – Van Lite and Van Total – are designed to keep both business and recreational users on the move and make it quicker and simpler to get their van back on the road should one of the RAC’s expert patrols not be able to fix it on the spot, as they normally do four out of five times.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD100

PICK UP TRUCK

A collaboration between Isuzu UK and Arctic Trucks builds on the allnew D-Max. The AT35 features a strengthened chassis, Bilstein Performance Suspension and an All-Terrain Wheel and 35” Tyre Package.

Inside there’s a 9” Multifunction Touchscreen with Bluetooth that will sync with Android Auto and Apply CarPlay.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD101

E-LCV RANGE

With the launch of the Combo-e compact, Vauxhall is one of the few manufacturers able to offer fleets and business customers an electric van across its entire LCV line-up. With a WLTP range of up to 205 miles, and a maximum payload of up to 1,226kg, the Vivaro-e is amongst the the best-selling models in the e-LCV sector.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD102

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ELECTRIC LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLE

Like its internal combustion engine counterparts, the Fiat EDucato enjoys what is described as a best-in-class payload of up to 1,950kg and maintains the same volumes of between 10m3 and 17m3. The vehicle has a range of between 113 and 230 miles, depending on the variant, and it is congestion charge and ULEZ-exempt.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD104

VEHICLE ACCESSORIES

Commercial vehicle accessories available from Rhino Products includes roof racks, bars, ladder transportation systems, rear steps, pipe tubes and rear door ladders. The PipeTube Pro is fitted with a rubber O-ring seal to prevent water ingress, and a PVC lining that eliminates a galvanic reaction occurring, which can lead to discolouration of items stored inside.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD105

E-PARTNER AND E-BOXER

The functionality of their diesel counterparts but with minimal noise and zero tailpipe emissions – with the arrival of the ePartner and e-Boxer the entire Peugeot commercial vehicle range now offers an electric variant. Other advantages include lower running costs, ease of driving, immediate throttle response, high torque as well as the absence of vibrations and odours.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD106

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078_PB_FEB22_Layout 1 10/01/2022 15:44 Page 78

ROOFING

TECHNICAL TEAM TIPS – NO 33

PLAYING YOUR PART

J

une 2022 sees the introduction of some significant amendments to Part L regulations, as a stepping-stone to the Future Homes Standard 2025.

The changes will require all new build homes to achieve a 31 per cent reduction in carbon emissions, which will be achieved through a combination of fabric efficiency improvements and the use of energy saving technology, such as solar PV or heat pumps.

While under the Future Homes Standard 2025, it is anticipated that heat pumps will be the primary source of heating in new homes, in the short term, housebuilders will be looking for the easiest and most cost-effective solution.

Therefore, to meet the initial 31 per cent reduction, it is expected that an efficient gas boiler, combined with solar PV on the roof, will be the favoured option.

For contractors, who already offer pitched roof installations, this represents a significant opportunity to add solar PV to their services. So, with just a few months to go, how can contractors get ready for Part L?

Familiarise yourself with the Part L changes

The new Part L will introduce the requirement to have renewable technology on all new homes, updated thermal element U values, measures to prevent overheating and changes to how energy running costs will be measured.

From June 2022, there will be a one-year transition period but if work hasn’t started on a building by this date, then it will be

Daniel Redfern, from Marley, gives five top tips on getting ready for the carbon cutting Part L changes.

subject to the new requirements. Also, remember that if you’re refurbishing more than 50 per cent of the roof, then Part L comes into effect; the whole of that roof must then be brought up to the thermal efficiency demanded by the regulations.

Boost business by adding solar PV services

Adding solar services is now much easier than in the past, thanks to new integrated PV systems that are much simpler to install. Our Marley SolarTile simply replaces a section of roof tiles, acting as a MCS 012 approved building material and becoming a seamless part of the roof design. It is designed with a simple push fit connection, so can be installed by a roofer, along with the rest of the tiles, up until the point of electrical connection and sign off. At this stage, contractors can then either partner with an electrician to complete the connection and final sign off, or become MCS Certified themselves.

Consider MCS accreditation

Being MCS Certified means you can offer solar services yourself, including managing the process and pricing for customers. As well as giving your customers, peace of mind and consumer

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protection, the certification can also help you grow your business, as people will often search for an MCS Certified Installer. That’s why, 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/BAD107

Look for free training opportunities

To help contractors make the most of solar PV opportunities, and gain confidence in installation, we will be running free training courses throughout 2022. To see how simple it is to install the tiles, you can also view demonstration videos at WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD108

Use free tools

We have a free online configurator on our website, which builds an array of panels for you. All you need to do is fill in the grid to place the panels in position and the system works out which flashing kits are needed and produces a price. It even calculates the kWp output, so you can easily achieve the required performance.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES ABOUT GETTING STARTED WITH SOLAR, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD109

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FIRST in a new series

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

ALL YOU SURVEY This is the window and door equivalent of measure twice, cut once. And the first step upon which every window and door installation can succeed or fail.

Silicone is used far too copiously when, rather than being used as a trim, it is applied as a filler because of poor measuring and specification. Get the surveying right and everything else should drop into place – literally. Get it wrong, and any profit from the job will join your reputation down the pan.

Quickslide’s Ade addresses the critical subject of surveying 쎲 쎲

쎲

쎲

쎲

쎲 Follow these basics, on every job and it will become ‘muscle memory’ to carry them out every time: 쎲 When surveying, it’s important to explain the process to the homeowner – explain why they may need different extras so that nothing comes as surprise. 쎲 Check there are no structural defects to the aperture 쎲 Allow 10mm for expansion – any material, any window and any door. 쎲 Measure three different points vertically (top middle and

ONSITE

쎲

bottom) and two points horizontally. Find the narrowest point and still deduct 10mm.

Check across the diagonals to confirm the aperture is square For larger apertures, such as for bi folds, set up a laser level and measure from the laser line at each end, then from the top to the laser line to see if they are plumb/level, or what will be required to make it level and get the door size right. And, as always with aluminium, there is no margin for error!

If the window is set back behind the outer skin of the stone (‘in check’) add 20mm to the total width of the window.

Be aware that if the internal windowsill is less than 800mm apart from the finished floor, the glass must be toughened. If you have a window seat or perhaps even a bath (something that is fixed near to the window) you must measure from the height of that.

On renovations, you must check on the heads of the stone or brickwork that there is a single leaf lintel in place to carry the bricks or stone work. If there isn’t you must install one.

On renovation projects you will need to measure both internally and externally. If there is a large difference between the internal and external measurements (+30mm) you will have to use the smallest measurement and allow for an add-on to be included onto either the top, bottom or even the sides depending on whether the difference is caused by the internal windowsill height, internal head height, tiled walls etc. The add-on will appear as an external window ‘extension’ filling the gap caused by the differing internal and external measurements. You should only ever have about 10mm hidden in plaster or timber work internally.

Be aware of Building Regs, especially Part B

WITH

(Fire Safety) for Egress. All bedrooms must have escape hinges, for example. 쎲 New builds – you may need trickle vents, and make sure you can provide proof that the product specification has been tested to PAS 24:2016; any reputable manufacturer will offer a comprehensive PAS 24 security upgrade. 쎲 Laminated glass – See Document Q for regulated use of laminated glass And always double check your measurements…again!

Bear in mind that the new Building Regs have been published at the time of me writing this, and there are some updates on PAS24 although nothing to affect the advice given here. Nonetheless, you must become familiar with the amended Regs for when they become mandatory in June.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON QUICKSLIDE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD110

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INSULATION

SAFE AND SOUND

NO.6 IN THE

SERIES

Bradley Hirst, Technical Services Manager from Knauf Insulation, provides three top tips for using insulation to create quieter, healthier and more productive buildings.

Go beyond the regulations

Building occupants can be disturbed by noise, leading to poor concentration and – in very severe cases – illness. Approved Document E of the Building Regulations (England and Wales) states that the build-ups of dwelling-houses, flats and rooms for residential purposes should provide reasonable resistance to sound from other parts of the same building and adjoining buildings. Other regulations detail the complex acoustic requirements for schools, hospitals, and healthcare buildings.

To meet the legislative requirements, acoustic insulation should be installed in internal walls between a bedroom or a room containing a water closet, and other rooms. But there’s a strong case for going beyond the minimum standard, especially with the increase in people working from home.

In fact, you only need one roll to soundproof the additional internal partitions not specified under Approved Document E during the new build construction of a threebedroom home with minimal labour. For a busy family, it’s an inexpensive way to transform the way they use their home.

For technical advice about the specific acoustic requirements of your project, talk to your insulation manufacturer.

Choose specialist acoustic insulation

A good fit ensures the best performance

To ensure optimum performance, acoustic insulation must be installed correctly. Slabs or rolls should be butted tightly together and friction fitted between the building elements. This will ensure there are no unintended air gaps that will allow the transmission of sound, disturbing occupants.

For acoustic applications, always use a product designed to reduce noise. Some insulation materials do not absorb sound and will reflect it back or let it pass through the build-up.

Rigid insulation boards, for example, have a closed structure that doesn’t absorb sound, so noise reverberates back as echoes. Instead, use Mineral Wool that has been specifically developed for acoustic performance, such as Knauf Insulation’s Acoustic Roll. Mineral Wool has an open structure that absorbs sound, helping to create quieter buildings.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON KNAUF INSULATION VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD111

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wise howell

TRADE MEDIA Repairs and renovations should

ACO HOUSE & GARDEN

A new section on the ACO website – House & Garden – aims to help raise awareness of water management in landscaping projects. Visitors can view a variety of products that fit into the desired aesthetic and will find all the resources needed for domestic projects, including patios, driveways and building thresholds. There’s also a dedicated stockist / merchant locator.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD112

INSULATION MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (IMA) GUIDE TO PIR INSULATION IN FLAT ROOFS

The Insulation Manufacturers Association (IMA) has introduced a guide to the use of PIR insulation in flat roofs in England. The document covers the latest requirements of Approved Document B (ADB) of the Building Regulations 2010 for England in relation to PIR insulation in flat roofing applications, and looks at its thermal and strength.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD113

GRANT UK G1+ POINTS PROGRAMME

The range of items available for installers to order through Grant UK’s G1+ Points rewards programme has been expanded. G1+ installers who access their Portal can now redeem their Points against a diverse range of electricals, homeware and other gifts. From Apple technologies and kitchen appliances through to RayBan sunglasses and luxury luggage.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD114

NARM UPDATED ROOFLIGHTING GUIDANCE

In response to the issue of new Building Regulations for each of the devolved nations of the UK, NARM (National Association of Rooflight Manufacturers), has updated its technical document entitled ‘NTD01– An introduction to natural daylight design through rooflighting’. The updates cover fire safety aspects affecting rooflights, including escape of building occupants; inhibition of the spread of fire; and structural integrity.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD115 Use our digital reader enquiry service for further information online

leave a building looking “as good as new” – shouldn’t they? Well, not always. Sometimes the challenge is to make your work appear as though it has always been there.

The problem with some building repairs is that – although they might be structurally sound – they stand out like the proverbial sore thumb. Getting them to blend in with their surroundings can provide the ideal finish to a job – although it is not always easy.

Which is why the New Year found me phoning around a number of local chimney sweeps, to see if I could scrounge a bag of coal soot.

The hundreds of thousands of UK homes built in the Victorian era must have looked beautiful when they were just finished. All those miles of freshly built brick terraces – in yellow London stocks or pristine Northern or Midland reds. All pointed up in gleaming white lime mortar.

But those pristine finishes didn’t last long. Because every room in every one of those houses had a fireplace, burning coal, which was the wonder fuel that powered the industrial revolution, and raised living standards for the working people who flocked in from the countryside to populate our great cities.

And the black smoke that rose out of all those flues and chimney pots was absorbed by the rain, and drizzled back down onto the roofs and walls of the houses. So all that lovely new brickwork quickly lost its fresh look, and became a bit – well – sooty.

Which left me with a problem. I had done a neat job of turning a Victorian

window opening into a patio door. I’d preserved the original segmental arch over the opening, and I’d stitched all the brickwork repairs in to match the bond.

Trouble was, the re-used yellow stocks, and the fresh lime mortar, all looked too fresh against the rest of the soot-blackened wall.

I thought about trying black pigment, maybe in a waterglass solution. But the risk with that would be that if the colour was too dark, the waterglass makes it permanent Then I remembered that an old brickie had once told me about using soot to blend in his brickwork repairs. It sounded worth a try. If the colour was too dark, it should be possible to scrub it off again.

The soot trick worked a treat. Coal soot is kind of sticky, with the tars it contains, so simply stirring it in water, and applying with a brush, is all that’s needed.

The funny thing is, there are a couple of houses down the street where firms are doing their best to clean the soot off the brickwork and return it to its original sparkling condition.

While at the same time here am I, with a pot of soot and a brush, trying to make my work look old and grubby.

Which, in its way, can be just as satisfying.

Jeff Howell

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

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

Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information Bucklbootz ..........................................................................(page 55) www.rdr.link/BAD120

Plastic Moudings Northern Ltd ..........................................(page 36) www.rdr.link/BAD137

C-Tec N.I Ltd ........................................................................(page 50) www.rdr.link/BAD121

Pro Builder Live....................................................................(page 77) www.rdr.link/BAD138

Eclisse UK ............................................................................(page 35) www.rdr.link/BAD122

Pro Builder Online ..............................................................(page 73) www.rdr.link/BAD139

Estimators Online ................................................................(page 28) www.rdr.link/BAD123

Quickslide ..............................................................................(page 5) www.rdr.link/BAD140

Helly Hansen ..........................................................................(page 6) www.rdr.link/BAD124

Reconomy ............................................................................(page 38) www.rdr.link/BAD141

JCP ConstructionProducts ................................................(page 65) www.rdr.link/BAD125

Ring..........................................................................................(page 8) www.rdr.link/BAD142

Made for Trade ....................................................................(page 17) www.rdr.link/BAD126

Safeguard Europe Ltd ........................................................(page 24) www.rdr.link/BAD143

Made for Trade ....................................................................(page 19) www.rdr.link/BAD127

Sievin ....................................................................................(page 56) www.rdr.link/BAD144

Made for Trade ....................................................................(page 21) www.rdr.link/BAD128

Siroflex Ltd ............................................................................(page 13) www.rdr.link/BAD145

Makita (UK) Ltd ....................................................................(page 25) www.rdr.link/BAD129

Tesco Mobile ..........................................................................(page 4) www.rdr.link/BAD146

Marley Ltd ............................................................................(page 43) www.rdr.link/BAD130

Toolfair Exhibition................................................................(page 70) www.rdr.link/BAD147

Marmox UK Ltd ....................................................................(page 41) www.rdr.link/BAD131

Toughbuilt Industries UK Ltd ............................................(page 49) www.rdr.link/BAD148

Marshalls PLC ......................................................................(page 39) www.rdr.link/BAD132

TuffX Processed Glass Ltd ..................................................(page 31) www.rdr.link/BAD149

Mascot International Ltd ................................................(back cover) www.rdr.link/BAD133

UK Power Networks ............................................................(page 36) www.rdr.link/BAD150

Metabo..................................................................................(page 59) www.rdr.link/BAD134

Webfleet Solutions ..............................................................(page 68) www.rdr.link/BAD151

Mirka ....................................................................................(page 58) www.rdr.link/BAD135

West Fraser ..........................................................(inside front cover) www.rdr.link/BAD152

Optimaxx ..............................................................................(page 66) www.rdr.link/BAD136

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GOOD HEALTH NO.29 MENTAL HEALTH

Let’s talk about

DEPRESSION...

This month we return to one of our mental THIS MONTH GP, ALICE FITZGIBBON health topics – depression. Depression is a real TACKELS A COMMON MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE condition that will affect 1 in 10 of us at some harming themselves. Having these point in our lives. It can be mild, moderate, thoughts is part of the illness. Many severe or somewhere in between; it can come people can recognise them as this and are and go or be there constantly. Depression can able to see past them. For others with just happen to some people; in others it can be severe depression, these thoughts can be related to childhood events, bereavement, more difficult to get rid of. If you are ever significant life events or genetics. Sometimes it struggling with suicidal thoughts then is difficult to recognise depression, especially in please know that help is available and yourself, as it can present in different ways. The there is always someone to listen and most important thing to remember is that help. Speak to your GP, health depression is an illness that can be treated and professional or the Samaritans (phone most people are able to fully recover. number 116 123).

Everyone has a range of feelings. It is As I mentioned before, having normal to experience different feelings at depression can feel lonely. Sometimes it appropriate times – feeling happy you are feels like there is no hope and it is difficult spending time with loved ones or feeling sad to imagine being able to feel better. But that someone has passed away. With the chances are that you will if you get the depression, feeling down, sad, hopeless and right help. Treatments for depression being tearful might happen with no reason work. They vary from self-help techniques behind it and it will last for longer than two – meditation, exercise and lifestyle weeks. Losing interest and enjoyment in changes, to talking therapies and activities you used to find entertaining might specialist psychological therapies to also be a sign. Increasing symptoms of anxiety, medication, including anti-depressant worry and irritability might also be a feature, as tablets. In severe cases of depression, the well as finding your concentration is poor. It can GP might refer to a local psychiatry team feel very lonely to experience lots of negative for help in managing the symptoms and to feelings and thoughts that won’t go away. How get more support. you feel can be very difficult to be open about, I remember one patient who came in to which is why some people hide their see me “because my wife said I am depression. Talking about it can really help. crabbit” (‘crabbit’ is a Scottish word for Depression can also have physical irritable). He had mild depression. symptoms. Feeling more tired than normal, Sometimes other people around us notice sleeping poorly, experiencing changes in we are not ourselves before we do. If you appetite, loss of sex drive and feeling aches think you might be feeling and pains in your body can all be “I remember one patient who came in to see me ‘because persistently down or have linked to depression. Often, as a of the symptoms GP, I see patients come looking my wife said I am crabbit’ (‘crabbit’ is a Scottish word for any mentioned above, then for help with physical symptoms irritable). He had mild depression. Sometimes other people please visit your GP for a chat and only after a good chat and about it. We can help you exploring all the options might it around us notice we are not ourselves before we do.” explore what’s going on and become clear that their mood make suggestions to help you feel better. might be the underlying issue.

With depression, many people also experience unwanted FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON DEPRESSION ON thoughts. These can be difficult to deal with and affect selfTHE NHS WEBSITE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAD116 esteem. Some people with have thoughts of hopelessness or

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