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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

JULY/AUGUST 2021

NEW BUILD & PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT ALL GOING TO PLAN!

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS MORE OPPORTUNITIES ON TAP!

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contents

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

JULY/AUGUST 2021 VOL. 43 NO.7 MANAGING EDITOR TERRY SMITH EMAIL: tsmith@hamerville.co.uk

Professional Builder, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF. pb@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 REGIONAL ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER SAM SHANNON TINSLEY MOBILE: 07554 013302 EMAIL: stinsley@hamerville.co.uk GRAPHIC DESIGNER DONNA BOOTH GROUP PRODUCTION MANAGER CAROL PADGETT PRODUCTION ASSISTANT CLAIRE SWENDELL DIGITAL MANAGER JASMINE SMITH EMAIL: jsmith@hamerville.co.uk DISTRIBUTION MANAGER KARL CLARK PRINTED BY WALSTEAD PETERBOROUGH PUBLISHED BY HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF Tel: (01923) 237799 Fax: (01923) 246901 Email: pb@hamerville.co.uk

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REGULARS 7 9 11 12 34 82 83

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

SPECIAL REPORTS

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

14 FMB – 80th Anniversary 16 Readers’ Lives – Good Guys Decorators 19 Inventors’ Corner – Beadfix 22 Knauf Insulation – New Product Identification 25 Training & Upskilling – Bricklaying Courses

BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

58 Geberit – Space Saving Solutions 60 Mermaid Panels – Tiling Alternative 62 Setcrete – Floor Preparation 64 Grohe – Installer-friendly Fixings 66 NEW PRODUCTS

TOOLS, EQUIPMENT & WORKWEAR 67 Knipex – Apprentice Toolkit 70 Makita – Tools for Plumbers

28 Kiistone App – Project Management

GENERAL BUILDING

HEALTH & SAFETY

68 Knauf – Ready-mixed 30 Marley – Sun Protection Jointing Compounds 32 UK Power Networks – Electrical Infrastructure Safety 72 Marley – SolarTile Installation 81 Quickslide – Conservation NEW BUILD & PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

Professional Builder is a business magazine for firms and individuals involved in all aspects of the building industry. It is available nationally – free to the trade through leading builders’ merchant outlets. © 2021 To be removed from this magazine’s circulation, please call 01923 237799 or email circulation@hamerville.co.uk. Subscriptions to Professional Builder are available at the following rates: UK: 1 year (11 issues) – £30.00 post paid Europe & Overseas: 1 year (11 issues) – £50.00 post paid Airmail: 1 year (11 issues) – £65.00 post paid

36 Brick Development Association – Concrete vs Clay 39 Jackon – Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) 42 The Hemp Block Company – Sustainable Building BUILDERS’ VEHICLES 45 Parex – Render Guide 74 Honest John 48 Build Aviator 75 Webfleet Solutions – Estimating Software – PRO 8475 TRUCK 51 Longley Concrete – Flooring 54 AG – Concrete Facing Bricks 76 Isuzu – D-Max 78 Land Rover 56 NEW PRODUCTS

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viewpoint material GAINS! n the cold light of an impending global pandemic, our Viewpoint of March 2020, highlighting the potential for a worldwide shortage of ubiquitous builders’ sand, must have appeared crass in the extreme, especially to those unaware of the demands of publishing deadlines. Fast forward then to the summer of 2021 and, whilst we take no pleasure in its actual realisation, some form of redemption is definitely in the air with reports that the industry is facing one of its most far-reaching shortages of commonplace building materials ever. In fact, one of the Professional Builder team was actually present in a builders’ merchant’s yard recently when two burly builders almost came to blows over the last remaining bulk bag of soft sand! And it’s not just the sands of time that are running out right now, with tales of bags of cement being restricted to five per customer in many areas of the south east and basic roof tiles with 20-week lead times now commonplace. In an industry which consistently lurches from boom to bust, materials shortages are nothing new, of course. Multi-million-pound factories producing vast quantities of bricks and plasterboard, for example, can’t simply be turned off and on like a tap at the first sign of an economic upturn. At the same time, there has always been a huge dependence within the sector on the import of raw materials, which are often at the mercy of uncertain weather and trading relationships from far-flung regions. This time around, however, the general mood feels very different and, whilst the obvious dismay over certain supplies and projects being delayed will grab the headlines, there are positives to be taken.

When you factor in major infrastructure projects like HS2 and the new Hinckley Point nuclear power station, a surge in new housebuilding, coupled with a boom in Covid-inspired home improvements and landscaping projects, there is little wonder that we are seeing the strongest level of sales in building materials for 14 years. Inevitably, the simple dynamics of supply and demand mean that some price rises are unavoidable, of course, but again, is this always such a bad thing in the longterm scheme of things? We have all grown well accustomed to the “pile it high, sell it

strive to meet the desire for a more ecologically friendly world, profits are needed annually to invest in the people and machinery to produce a raft of new more sustainable products. At the same we have lost count of the builders who have told us that they have given up on the supplying of materials because their customers always claim that they can get them cheaper themselves online. They simply can’t be bothered to argue the toss over whether they are really like for like and come with the built-in guarantees associated with bona fide

“Consumers have had it all their own way for a long time but, post Covid, must expect to pay more for professional services and quality products.” cheap” philosophy, but that also comes at a price, with manufacturers inevitably dumbing down on quality and “loss leaders” to meet the ever more ferocious demands of their suppliers. As part of the Professional Builder fortieth birthday celebrations a couple of years ago we did an interesting cost comparison on general building materials and found that, almost without exception, in real terms, the price paid today is appreciatively less than it was four decades ago. In fact, compared to twenty years ago some items, such as ironmongery, are actually less expensive full stop. Economies of scale, improved distribution channels and manufacturing expertise have all contributed to drive down prices to the perceived benefit of the consumer but, in the long run, a race to the bottom is never sustainable. As we

BRYAN SHANNON It is with much sadness that we have to announce the recent passing of our Publisher, Bryan Shannon. In a career spanning more than 50 years it is no exaggeration to say that Bryan helped to change the established order of trade magazine publishing in the UK. His visionary ideas on distribution, utilising the trade counters of leading merchants and wholesalers, commitment to editorial excellence and market-leading circulations quickly established the Professional series of titles as essential reading for thousands of hands-on tradespeople. Today, the extensive portfolio includes highly regarded titles

manufacturers. “You buy it, I will fit it, but I won’t guarantee it,” seems to be the modern mantra of a lot of tradespeople right now, but it is ultimately an unhealthy compromise which is likely to erode the long-standing relationship between the builder and his local merchant, honed over many years of mutually beneficial trading. One hopes that, as the more haphazard routes to obtaining in demand materials dries up, the public will have a new-found respect for the professional builder and the merchant who, by rights, are at the very top of the food chain and will continue to do everything in their powers to come up with the right goods at a sensible price. There may be a shortage of materials right now, but builders have a wonderful opportunity to ensure that they are no longer being short-changed by their customers!

ranging from construction to motor mechanics and hairdressing, plus the highly popular Toolfair and Elex trade shows. As well as considerable magazine success, Bryan’s other great legacy is the wonderful opportunities afforded to legions of budding journalists and advertising sales representatives to cut their teeth at Hamerville Media Group, many of whom have subsequently go on to run their own successful businesses within the sector. The iconic cockerel figurehead, which he chose to reflect the importance of being up first with the news, will continue to have much to crow about in the years to come.

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News Professional Builder

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

WEIGHT OF NUMBERS Builders continue to make up for lost time with demand holding firm in the vital repair maintenance and improvement and private housebuilding sectors – with commercial projects also now joining the party. Encouragingly, much of the data points to an improvement in performance on pre-Covid levels. Builders’ merchant sales in the first quarter of 2021 are up 6.0 per cent on the same period in 2019, whilst construction output in March 2021 was 2.4 per cent (£334 million) above the February 2020 pre-pandemic level. In addition, retail sales of construction and earthmoving equipment in March were 2.9 per cent above 2019 levels, with mini excavator sales remaining buoyant. Across the industry as a whole, new

Construction is the driving force of the economy, according to the latest data

orders are already at record-breaking levels and two thirds of builders now expect to see growth continue in the next 12 months. In addition, there’s an urgent need for new recruits – and subcontractors – whilst commercial construction is expanding at the fastest rate in more than a decade. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC001

RETRO STYLE

Construction recovery needs to support green homes, says the FMB

“The Government needs to set out a clear plan about how to make our existing homes greener and more energy efficient in order to achieve net zero by 2050,” declares Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB. “Such a plan would be a boost to local trades who are best placed to retrofit our homes. To make a success of this ‘green revolution’, serious consideration needs to be given to how we solve the industry’s skills shortage and ensure that construction is seen as an attractive and fulfilling career for both school leavers and those looking to re-skill. As SMEs train 71 per cent of construction apprentices, they must be at the heart of these conversations.” IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC002

STOP THIEF!

Six in ten tradespeople have encountered suspected stolen tool sellers, according to Direct Line Almost one in three (29 per cent) tradespeople became aware of the suspicious seller through word of mouth, while just over a quarter encountered them on a website, social media or

HELP INSIDE THE HARD HAT

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is launching a hard hitting campaign to raise awareness of mental wellbeing issues. It’s an initative designed to get construction talking, addressing the perception that construction workers are often seen as being ‘hard’ on the outside; always ready with a quip or keeping up with the alpha male image. Research shows that simply isn’t true and the charity deals first-hand with the consequence of not confronting issues ‘inside the hard hat’. All of the campaign resources are available to download free of charge from the charity’s website. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC003

The campaign is also being supported by the Considerate Constructor’s Scheme who are despatching free posters to all registered sites and also including free posters with all of the charity’s Construction industry Helpine Packs FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC004

app selling second-hand goods. The overwhelming majority (91 per cent) immediately refused to buy the tools offered to them by the suspicious seller. Just under one quarter (24 per cent) notified a trade authority, while 23 per cent informed the police. One in ten still bought the tools despite their suspicions and over one quarter (26 per cent) considered purchasing them but didn’t go through with it. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC005

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News Professional Builder

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

YOUR GARAGE AWAITS

The Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) urges caution as DIY activity continues to soar

IN THE ZONE

London’s Mayor urged to ease congestion charges for builders

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC006 © Romolo Tavani/Adobe Stock

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC007

COMING UP SHORT

Pressures on materials supply is likely to continue, industry leaders warn Most of the shortages of products and raw materials impacting the market have been driven by both global and domestic supply and demand factors, according to a joint statement from John Newcomb, CEO of the Builders Merchants Federation and Peter Caplehorn, CEO of the Construction Products Association. Previously reported issues relating to timber, steel, pitched roofing, plastics and paints/coatings will continue, with certain electronic components and bagged cement growing areas of concern. There is also an impact on costs, with the Office for National Statistics projecting a rise of 7 – 8 per cent in material prices. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC008

A ‘SITE’ BETTER OFF

Developing public land set to get easier for SMEs

Smaller housebuilders are to be given a better chance of bidding to develop public land following a major overhaul of the system. Homes England has introduced a digitised delivery partnership system that will enable housebuilders to join the agency’s preferred list whenever they choose rather than waiting every four years for the panel to be renewed. The application will consider the size of the developer so SMEs bidding to deliver smaller sites will benefit from simpler entry criteria. Traditionally, the panel of preferred partners had been dominated by larger companies. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT YOUNGMAN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC010

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IN MY YARD

In My Yard has announced the launch of its online marketplace for the buying and selling of new, used and surplus stock. This digital marketplace has been set up with three specific goals in mind: Reducing the impact of construction waste on the environment, saving time and money, and building a strong local and national trades community by bringing users together. In My Yard also welcomes official trade suppliers and licenced builders’ merchants to sign up. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC009

GO WEST!

Norbord Europe has joined the West Fraser organisation. The successful and well-known Norbord brand names – SterlingOSB Zero, CaberFloor and CaberWood MDF – will remain, and it is business as usual at the three UK plants in Cowie and Inverness, Scotland; and South Molton, Devon, with no change in personnel. Working within the West Fraser family provides the manufacturer with “the opportunity to continue growing, developing and maximising our European business,” according to David Connacher, Marketing Manager at the company. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC011

The Mayor should consider reducing the impact of proposed boundary taxes affecting builders in greater London, urges the Federation of Master Builders’ branch for the capital. They’ve drafted a manifesto calling for help to access workplaces and for an assessment of road closures and restricted parking on their operations. FMB London director Sam Eden said: “The Mayor must back builders by supporting policies that matter the most to them, my members tell me this means helping them access the city effectively by being more flexible with road closures and restricted travel.”

“We have had more time on our hands to tackle the jobs often neglected, or to take more notice of what we would like to improve in the home,” explains DHF’s Head of Commercial Operations, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. “Many homeowners have attempted to complete jobs themselves that they might otherwise have left to the professionals. In all instances where professional installations are required – such as fitting a new garage door – we would urge caution, and to use a trained DHF member who can offer a correctly installed and fully compliant product.”

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YOUR LETTERS... ...problems solved

LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS

Tarmac Cement joins forces with Band of Builders on Rob’s Project Tarmac Cement teamed up with Band of Builders to help transform the home of a former quantity surveyor. More than 60 tradespeople dedicated their time and expertise to ensure that the house would be safe and comfortable for the father of four’s return from a rehabilitation centre. Adaptations to the house in Solihull, which he shares with three sons Callum, Gavin and Mackenzie, included the addition of a downstairs bedroom and wet room complete with specialist equipment. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ROB’S PROJECT AT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC012

‘BE CERTAIN, BE CERTIFIED’

BWF Fire Door Alliance launches new campaign Highlighting the importance of third-party certification of fire doors, the initiative addresses a “clear lack of understanding” over what certification is and the vital role it plays in protecting lives. Be Certain, Be Certified calls for the adoption of thirdparty certification of fire doors throughout all UK buildings. It also provides detailed information on fire door safety ahead of upcoming legislation – the Fire Safety Bill and Building Safety Bill – which will strengthen regulation over fire safety for all building types. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIRD-PRTY VERTIFICATION AND THE BE CERTANI, BE CERTIFIED CAMPAIGN, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC013

ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY

Disused agricultural buildings should become state-ofthe-art housing, urges a rural surveyor. © Helen Hotson/Adobe Stock

“Given the number on our books it’s certainly a growing trend to convert ugly grain stores into the most modern of homes,” reveals Paul Madeley, of Madeleys in Much Wenlock. The Shropshire surveyor said he hoped county planners would spot the potential to help create ‘landmark’ building opportunities and residential properties. “There are huge changes ahead for farming businesses and everyone is looking at opportunities to diversify their business,” he explained. “It’s only natural they should turn their attention to outbuildings and stores which have the potential to become something more.” FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC014

OLD TRICKS Dear Professional Builder

I’ve been keeping up to date with some of the latest entrants in your DI-WHY? feature and I’ve actually contributed a couple of examples myself. Every builder has been in the position of being called in to put right what the client has had a go at themselves and, whilst you have to be diplomatically polite with the customer, you don’t know whether to laugh or cry sometimes. I’m nearing the end of my time as a tradesman but when we were at school we had proper woodwork and metalwork lessons where you actually learnt something, and picked up an interest in earning a living with your hands along the way. I’m no educator but given then we’ve now got generations of people who can barely put up a shelf I can’t imagine that’s the case today. Surely if these subjects were taken more seriously at school you’d get more people wanting to take it up as a job? Trying to find young people that want to work on site these days is becoming impossible. ● Alex Rolles, Rochester, Kent PB: For many years now there has been an imbalance

between the importance placed on vocational courses and the more academic pathways and that does need to change. IN THE MEANTIME, IF YOU WANT TO HAVE A LOOK AT OUR DI-WHY? FEATURE ONLINE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC015

BACK OF THE NET! Dear Professional Builder

I just wanted to say how useful the Flickbook versions of your magazines are on the Professional Builder website. I pick up a copy of the magazine every month from my local merchant, but there have been times when I’ve remembered seeing a product in the mag that would come in handy on the job I was working on at the time but didn’t have the back issue. Being able to look online is very handy – and keep up the good work with what is an excellent read! ● Jason Staples, via email PB: Thanks for your positive

feedback, Jason. There are now more ways than every to access Professional Builder – in print, online and via email. THE DIGITAL VERSIONS OF PROFESSIONAL BUILDER MAGAZINE CAN BE DIRECTLY ACCESSED BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC016

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DI-WHY?

Professional Builder’s DI-WHY? is your opportunity to share the handiwork of the ill-advised have-a-go homeowner. There’s even more examples to view on the Professional Builder website and every entrant is continuing proof that encroaching on the territory of the experienced tradesman is a recipe for disaster.

Gaffer tape. It has a dark side, a ligh side, and holds the universe together... and seemingly a broken double socket. What gaffer tape finds have you come across? @RuffToolsLtd

I came across this in my home – glad I got a complete rewire before anything else… Yvonne Walker on Facebook

Out of sight, out of mind! But not from the neighbour’s side! @Rolfe Potter

SHARE YOUR PICS! IF YOU’VE GOT A DI-WHY? DISASTER YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH YOUR FELLOW TRADESPEOPLE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC017 YOU CAN ALSO SEND YOU PHOTOS TO PB@HAMERVILLE.CO.UK OR TAG US ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER, OR INSTAGRAM.

@probuilderonline

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SPECIAL REPORT TRADE ASSOCIATION

“

MASTERS AT WORK

rom the Second World War to the pandemic”, declares FMB Chief Executive Brian Berry, “Master Builders have been there to look after our built environment and be the badge of quality, both in the good times and the bad.” From humble beginnings in July 1941, when 15 small builders joined together to help Britain build back better after the Blitz, the FMB now operates throughout the UK. As champions of quality construction, the FMB uses its voice to help our members promote, protect and grow their businesses, so everyone can build with confidence. Supporting members to ‘build back better’ remains the priority as the UK

construction sector navigates its way through the Covid-19 pandemic, skills shortages, and climate change.

Protecting the best

Improving standards and increasing public confidence have been key themes throughout the trade association’s history, from establishing the first insurancebacked warranty on workmanship, materials and structural defects in the 1980s, to being a founding scheme provider of TrustMark in the 2000s. “If you appoint an FMB member you know they’ve been vetted and independently inspected and that they are a bona fide company,” explains National President Jan Etchells. “You’re inviting people into your house, so trust is important, and FMB membership gives confidence that companies are doing a good job.” The leading industry body is proud of its range of business support services, including contract templates, helplines, elearning modules, guidance and webinars, as well as a free online Find a Builder service to help companies win more work. Importantly, stresses Etchells, the organisation also bringing members together as a community, whether online or via the biennial Master Builder Awards that celebrate the best in the business. “The great thing about the FMB is that it is

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The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) – the largest trade association in the UK – celebrates its 80th birthday this year but, while the organisation has a rich history, its focus is firmly on the future.

Federation of Master Builders Chief Executive, Brian Berry and National President, Jan Etchells

like an extended family,” said Etchells who joined in the early 1980s.

A voice for the industry

Over 80 years, the FMB has continued to be a voice for the industry, lobbying on the issues affecting the Master Builder community, including licensing UK construction to protect standards, and making it easier for micro and small house builders to deliver the homes we need. “At the moment we are really struggling with product availability”, explains Etchells, “and we have just gone through an unprecedented year. We are joining together as one to say to the people who can do something about it ‘this is what you need to do.’ If you were just Joe Bloggs building company you

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might not feel as if you have any control over it, whereas with the FMB you know somebody is fighting your corner.” The importance placed on skills and giving small builders a voice in determining the training requirements for the industry, has remained consistent during the FMB’s lifespan. Bids to tackle the skills shortage have included closer involvement with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). Former National and Welsh President, Geoff Snow has been a member since 1977, and he spent 10 years as an FMB representative on the CITB’s board. “It has been really hard for builders recently. The FMB has played a big supporting role during the pandemic, and my hope is that we come out of the other side in fine fettle,” says Snow, who received an OBE for services to the construction industry and to apprenticeships in Wales, and who is currently chair of the Health & Safety and Audit Committees. “It’s had a major impact on training and there is going to be a big gap, similar to the situation following the recession in the 1980s. We have to make sure that training is a priority. Without a good foundation you’re not going to have a building, and apprentices are our foundation.” The Federation of Master Builders has been actively involved in creating new apprenticeship standards in bricklaying and plastering, and is currently developing a proposal for a general builder apprenticeship. It is also campaigning to make it easier for SMEs to take on apprentices. “SMEs deliver 71 per cent of the training in construction, but they need support to do that, and to encourage new people from all backgrounds into the industry”, says Berry.

Construction specialises in low energy, high-end houses based around Passivhaus principles. A recent project in Feock, Cornwall, used recycled materials including secondary aggregate from the clay industry, and recycled newspaper insulation, alongside features including a wildflower roof, and a water source heat pump drawing heat from the bottom of a manmade lake which is also used for swimming. The project is one of two that director and architect Ian Armstrong has entered into this year’s Master Builder Awards. He is passionate about sustainable buildings and says that being a member gives the company a platform to highlight how things can be done differently. “The Government is forcing buildings to be built in high-density developments but not everyone wants that,” he explains.

“The FMB can use companies like ours as case studies to show that you don’t have to build that way.” The company is proof that SME construction firms can deliver high-end sustainable homes, says Armstrong, who would like to see more SMEs operating in the market in the future. Working with the Construction Leadership Council, the FMB has led the development of a national retrofit strategy setting out how to upgrade the country’s 28 million homes to the highest levels of energy efficiency. “While we support SME builders to get back on their feet as the UK emerges from a year of lockdowns, we will also be keeping a clear eye on ensuring they are fit for the future”, says Berry. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE FEDERATION OF MASTER BUILDERS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC018

A green future

While the founding principles remain just as relevant today, the organisation continues to move with the times, says Berry. “Small builders will be crucial to decarbonising our homes and meeting the UK Government’s net zero carbon target for 2050, including through retrofit and sustainable building.” New member ADD Sustainable

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SPECIAL REPORT READERS’ LIVES

THE POWER OF Good

Professional Builder’s Lee Jones talks to a decorator who is, in every sense, one of the good guys

ver the course of the pandemic stories have abounded of builders going the extra mile for their clients, but for one south London decorator giving back to the community is embedded in the very business model of his company. Good Guys Decorating founder, Cyle Carth reveals how he combines a flourishing commercial enterprise with his charitable endeavours: “I knew that I wanted to support some of the people I saw struggling around me every day, and that was the real inspiration,” explains Cyle. “We guarantee a high-quality decorating service but, for every job we undertake, a percentage of the profit goes into a fund that pays for a charitable project. Whether it’s a makeover of a child’s bedroom who’s living in poverty, or for someone with mental health issues, we’ll improve their domestic space completely free of charge.” With the support of Carney’s Community, Cyle was able to develop the network of connections he needed to make his idea a reality, and the Batterseabased charity continues to provide him with many of the contacts of people that are in need of help. “We are indebted to Carney’s,” enthuses the 31-year-old decorator. “They believed in us from the start, put us in touch with organisations

that could advise on starting a business and funded our initial branding.” The first project his new venture embarked upon was to redecorate the bedroom of a 17-year-old suffering from mental health issues. “He’d been released from hospital following a suicide attempt just three weeks before we started the

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Good Guys Decorating founder, Cyle Carth enlisted the help of Stormzy on one of his give back projects

Cyle Carth is determined that his painting and decorating firm also supports his community

work,” recalls Cyle, “and the living conditions he was returning to were extremely poor. In fact, it was more akin to a prison cell than a teenager’s room. At the time we weren’t sponsored by some of the brands we are now, but one of our clients personally put up the money to be able to include additional furnishings and fittings. As a result, we were able to get him a brand-new bed, TV and a PlayStation, as well as bedside table, and wardrobe. That initial experience is a testament to the support we’ve received throughout with almost everyone we’ve approached wanting to contribute on some level.” Rather than being just passive recipients a guiding principle of Cyle’s work has always been to involve the individuals he’s helping as much as possible. “As we’ve done ever since, we let the young man shadow us throughout the work, so hopefully he can learn a few skills that would help him maintain his own space in the future. It sounds like such a small thing, but I don’t think you can underestimate the value of even a lick of paint and a brighter, more welcoming environment for someone in

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the midst of a personal crisis.” With every project, the publicity has increased exponentially, and on one of his give back jobs Cyle even enlisted acclaimed rapper, Stormzy as a willing helper. “In this instance, the schoolboy recipient was selected through Carney’s because of the positive journey he’d been on in turning his life around. He didn’t actually know we we’re doing the work and came home to find Stormzy doing some painting in his room, and we also got a BBC crew in to film it.” Good Guys Decorating is based on a simple premise and, since its launch in 2018, it has also attracted considerable and often high-profile support from the building industry. “We now have Dulux providing paint,” reveals Cyle, “and we’re developing links with the Dulux Academy, so we can refer those who want to pursue a career in the trades for further training, whilst we’re also sponsored by Very and Dunelm.” Cyle now has four decorators working for him full-time and is able to devote one week of every month to a give back project. He also believes that the free decorating he undertakes for the disadvantages attracts client who want to buy into the idea. “We live in a society where a lot of people want to help but they don’t necessarily know how, and we can facilitate that for them. The idea for giving back was motivated by the investment that was made in me as a young man. I’ve been there myself and know that children don’t have any control over their own environments but, with a small business and a skill, I have a platform from which I can help, and perhaps provide a positive role model at the same time.” FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON GOOD GUYS DECORATING VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC019

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Professional INVENTORS’ CORNER

let it bead

Tony Trebicki along with coinventer Julius Benjamin

When it comes to fixing plasterers’ beads, builders should be in the race for the tape. Lee Jones talks to experienced tradesman, Tony Trebicki, about the development of BeadFix here’s an old saying that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, and as far as a tradesman who’s still on the tools is concerned any product that’s quick and easy to use will be a welcome addition on the back of the van. That’s what Tony Trebicki along with co-inventor Julius Benjamin insists he’s devised with BeadFix, a new tape for plasterers’ beads, and it’s a solution that spreaders could well be sticking with. “We were fixing a long bead above the head of some patio doors using dabs of plaster – which is pretty much the common practice. We also used a couple of strips of gaffer tape just as an extra precaution until the dabs dried. You can, of course, nail the beads as well, but it occurred to me then that a tape that would work as a plasterers’ bead fix in every eventuality would be of some use for tradespeople.” Tony and Julius decided to experiment on their own jobs, and subsequently trialled various types of tape, but found that many of them would wrinkle and fold when

applied, which creates an issue when trying to achieve a smooth finish with a skimcoat, for example. “We found that cutting some small holes in the tape with a Stanley knife actually helped, and that’s where the design of the finished Beadfix product comes from,” Tony reveals. “At the same time, they allow the plaster to adhere directly to the substrate behind the tape, maintaining a key in the process. Where you have a sand and cement or concrete background, and nails would be no good as a fixing, that’s when our tape

really comes into its own, but it will equally work on almost any surface. In addition, unlike some of the makeshift methods, such as using tube adhesives, this is designed for the specific purpose. It’s quicker than any of them, provides a strong and reliable hold, and there’s absolutely no waste.” So simple, in fact was the plastering pairs’ conception that they were convinced that there must be a similar solution already in existence but, following extensive research, they found that the BeadFix idea was without rivals, but the design would not prove straight-forward to massproduce. “The holes in the tape are integral to how it functions, but it actually made it quite problematic to manufacture cost-effectively, especially in this country,” recalls the Birminghambased tradesman. “In the end I sent a few drawings to a maker in China, and they were able to produce some samples economically. You might think that a tape is just a tape, but there are all kinds of choices you need to make in terms of adhesives and backing. I had various prototypes made and distributed them via a plasterer’s forum for feedback and, as a result, an improved version has emerged with more and

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Professional INVENTORS’ CORNER smaller holes, both of which facilitate a better grip. We’ve also managed to source a Birmingham factory to make BeadFix now, which we are very pleased with.” From initial idea to packaged and available product, it’s been some three years for the friends to make BeadFix a reality, but the response they have received from tradespeople who’ve used it has been universally popular. “Builders can be very set in their ways, and there’s always a certain amount of resistance to new things in the trade, but once they’ve given it a go, the people we’ve spoken to have immediately recognised the value of having something to hand which is completely fit for purpose. It’s been a lot of work to bring it to fruition, but it’s actually been hugely rewarding to now see it a reality,” concludes the 55-year-old.

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

“The holes in the tape are integral to how it functions, but it actually made it quite problematic to manufacture cost -effectively, especially in this country,”

If you’re intrigued by this tale of the tape, then you could be trying it out absolutely free. Professional Builder has teamed up with the developers of Beadfix to offer a pack of tape to 10 of our lucky readers, and all you have to do is make use of our digital reader enquiry service by entering the rdr.link below direct into your browser – which is just about as easy as using this tape.

www.rdr.link/BC020

For further information on BeadFix visit www.rdr.link/BC021

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SPECIAL REPORT INSULATION

ON BRAND

Vanessa Rae, Marketing Director of Knauf Insulation talks to Professional Builder about the latest changes to the company’s range of products

What are the changes in a nutshell?

VR (Vanessa Rae) Essentially, we’ve made it easier for customers to choose, use, store, handle and transport our insulation. From clear product identification to colour-coded thermal conductivity groups, our packaging has been redesigned to give our customers all the information they need at a glance and ensure they use the right product for their application. We’ve also upgraded our compression packaging technology – already the best in the industry – which means there’s even more product per pack or pallet. This, together with other sustainability improvements, is helping to make our insulation even greener.

consistent colour-coding of the packaging into thermal conductivity groups across the range, means customers can identify the product they need immediately. We’ve also launched Rocksilk, a new brand with a fresh new look for our Rock Mineral Wool range and we’ve discontinued the Earthwool brand to simplify the brand structure.

Why have you made these changes? VR Our customers told us efficiency is of the essence; in branch they need to be able to select the right product for the right application quickly. This means they want to be able to instantly assess product benefits, such as thermal conductivity,

How does the new packaging help builders? VR Our packaging has been designed to make it easier for our customers to choose the right product for their application. Firstly, product names are bigger and clearer. We know that additional performance factors such as non-combustibility or acoustic performance are becoming more important, so we have made them more prominent on our packs. This information, together with

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non-combustibility, acoustic performance and whether it contains ECOSE Technology, our unique bio-based binder, which improves the installer’s experience and is better for the environment. Similarly, on a busy site, they want to be able to grab the product they need and install it. They don’t want to have to read the small print to check they’ve picked up the right product. That’s why we’ve colour-coded the packaging and made the most important information highly visible, which means they use the right product for each application.

What is compression packaging and why is it important? VR Unlike other insulants, such as rigid boards, Glass Mineral Wool is flexible. As well as helping builders achieve highquality installation by adapting easily to the substrate and eliminating air gaps,

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this flexibility allows the Glass Mineral Wool to be compressed in the pack and on the pallet. We have further improved what was already the most advanced packaging compression technology on the market, which means we can now compress our products down to just a tenth of their size. On average there is 15 per cent more insulation per pack for the rolls and 25 per cent more per pallet for the slabs. This makes our products even more efficient to store, handle and transport.

How do the changes make the products more sustainable? VR As there is more insulation per pack, or per pallet, we can fit more insulation per truck and customers can fit more into their vans. This means less handling overall, and fewer vehicles are on the roads, which reduces transport related carbon emissions. It also allows for more efficient storage on site. Better compression also means less

plastic packaging per m2 of our insulation which reduces the impact our products have on the environment too. We’re also introducing a new packaging film that contains a minimum of 30 per cent recycled plastic, and our new designs use less ink, so our packaging is even easier to recycle.

Why should your customers care?

VR The changes we have made reduce the carbon footprint of our products. They help fulfil the commitments we’ve made in our

‘For A Better World’ sustainability strategy and build on our long history of innovation. For example, more than ten years ago, we developed ECOSE Technology, our biobased binder, that contains no formaldehyde or added phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70 per cent less energyintensive to manufacture than traditional binders. In addition to its sustainability credentials, it has improved the installer experience with Mineral Wool – our products are soft to touch and they generate low levels of dust and VOC’s. From the new design and compression technology to reducing the use of plastic packaging and making it even easier to recycle, we’ve made our range even better for our customers. This means they can focus on delivering better buildings – and ultimately, that’s better for their customers and the environment too. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON KNAUF INSULATION VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC022

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SPECIAL REPORT TRAINING & UPSKILLING

EASy AS ABC

he trade association for the brick industry has launched a training programme aimed at upskilling candidates in a range of modern masonry techniques. The level of practical experience provided by the Association of Brickwork Contractors’ ABC Assessment Centre not only benefits the trainees themselves, it will encourage small-to-medium building firms to take on more apprentices, comfortable in the knowledge their protégé employee has a grasp of the onsite challenges awaiting them. The shortage of bricklayers is a major issue for the industry, with a reported 64 per cent of businesses struggling to hire qualified workers. This, along with the well-documented skills deficiency throughout the entire building sector on account of fewer younger people feeling suitably enticed to join-up, highlights the importance of professionally-led training programmes to developing a new generation of tradesmen and women. The ABC Assessment Centre is unique to the sector as it’s the first training provider to offer CITB-approved accreditation in relation to ancillary bricklaying processes. The short duration courses include practical and theoretical experience in brick-slip systems, fire barriers, brick soffits, windpost installation and masonry support

The ABC Assessment Centre offers a ‘win-win’ for trainee brickies and potential employers

angles. Hosted by experts with decades of brickwork experience who are available to carry out assessments on-site within a live working environment, skills learnt during the ABC programme will be added to candidates’ CSCS card, providing visible proof of their new-found expertise to current and future employers. Simon Livett, Centre Manager at the

ABC Assessment Centre, said: “The training programme is our response to industry demand for more, better-skilled operatives. Over the years, manufacturers have developed many fantastic aids for bricklayers, but there’s a growing feeling that on site, the level of workmanship has not necessarily kept pace with the evolution of new products and bricklaying techniques. Therefore, in conjunction with our members, we’ve devised a training programme which offers expert-led instruction in a range of modern brickwork installations, as well as covering a variety of core competencies such as cavity formation, wall tie installation and the provision of expansion joints.” The ABC Assessment Centre contains 16 short-duration courses. One and two-day programmes are available, with ‘background’ issues such as material storage and protection and the role of the bricklayer in the wider supply chain also covered within the training. In addition, manufacturer-led CPD training courses will offer trainees direct instruction from product

“It won’t cost a building firm anything extra to hire them, and they’ll be recruiting a trainee who has real experience of the practice and environment that professional builders inhabit daily. It’s a win-win situation for the trainee and the business.”

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SPECIAL REPORT TRAINING & UPSKILLING

designers and producers. Simon said although primarily aimed at contractors and current employees, the ABC Assessment Centre’s modern masonry programme is being rolled out to schools and colleges. A ‘demo wall’, which is currently in development, will allow students to gain hands-on bricklaying experience in their own learning environment. The ABC Assessment Centre is already established as a provider of high-quality NVQ on site assessment to the construction sector. Simon Livett continued: “We believe ABC Assessment Centre courses will not only benefit the candidates themselves in terms of upgrading their skillset and boosting their career development, they will provide a fillip for the bricklaying industry’s reputation as a whole. As the sector’s trade association, we felt incumbent to provide our members with the skills and experience to deliver

projects to the highest-possible standard. The ABC Assessment’s modern masonry training programme is a manifestation of that aim.” The level of hands-on experience offered by the ABC Assessment Centre is crucial to ensuring candidates are good to go when the opportunity arises in a professional setting. According to Tony Higson, Commercial Director at ACS Stainless Steel Fixings, and a supporter of the ABC Assessment Centre since it was founded in 2018, said a past emphasis on theory, rather than practical-based training

saw too many trainees fail to get a foothold in the industry because they were unprepared for their first real career step. “The problem with historic college courses is that the syllabus was not fit for purpose in terms of the modern-day bricklayer. Its format meant students were lacking knowledge of modern bricklaying methods. Therefore, when they arrived on site, their skill-set fell short of requirements.” Tony, whose company manufactures the ABC Assessment Centre’s Demo Wall, said trainees who complete the course will add value to any building firm that subsequently employs them in an apprentice capacity. “From day one they will be an asset to any employer,” he continued. “It won’t cost a building firm anything extra to hire them, and they’ll be recruiting a trainee who has real experience of the practice and environment that professional builders inhabit daily. It’s a win-win situation for the trainee and the business.”

To book an ABC Assessment Centre modern masonry training course, or for more information, visit WWW.RDR.LINK/BC023

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BUSINESS SOLUTIONS APP

MANAGEMENT MATERIAL

builder’s lot is never just about bricks and mortar because seeing a job through to its successful conclusion requires multiple skills – not least in project management. With many years of undertaking high end refurb jobs to his credit, that’s a reality that Tim Mullock is all too aware, and his new Kiistone app is the product of that experience. “Over the years I’ve taken on bigger and more complex projects but, regardless of the scale of the works, the same issues will always arise,” reveals the Lancashire Luxury Developments proprietor. “It’s not unusual for a £40,000 job to be agreed on a handshake – with no guarantee that you’ll see the money – and I’ve seen some very good tradespeople go under as a result. At the same time, there’s no point denying that consumers can have bad experiences with tradespeople. The Kiistone concept really came from a conviction that there must be a better way.” The idea that Tim initially conceived has since developed into a full suite of useful tools for the trades, but his starting point was to find the common denominator for any building company. “Money is always the great leveller so my ambition was to create a service that would ensure that all parties are invested in a project’s success and eliminate any

Developed by tradesman, Tim Mullock the Kiistone App is your companion for the lifetime of a project. Professional Builder’s Lee Jones finds out more.

potential points of conflict.” At the heart of the App is a system of staged payments – held securely by one of Europe’s largest Escrow providers – which are triggered at agreed job milestones. The tradesperson can then facilitate better cashflow management, whilst the client is empowered with the authority to only release those funds when they’re satisfied with the progress on site, but that’s only the beginning of Kiistone’s functionality. “Disputes invariably originate from failing to record extras or misunderstandings from verbal agreements,” continues the 41-year-old builder. “If nothing’s written down there’s no recourse, but the app offers a solution. All the messaging pertaining to a job can be conducted through Kiistone, together with supporting photography, providing a chronological timeline, whilst everything is time and date stamped. From the customer’s perspective they can then demonstrate how long it’s taken the builder to respond once they raised an issue.” Initial quotes can also be produced through Kiistone, customised to a builder’s own company, whilst any additions or concessions can be included along the way. The app will then update all the costings accordingly, allowing both builder and customer to be more flexible and reactive as to what is included as part of the price. “It’s there on your phone on site so it saves time in admin, and you can

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generate an invoice for any stage of works right there and then with the necessary paperwork updated on the spot.” It is beholden on the client as well as the builder to download Kiistone, but Tim believes the benefits in terms of trust are invaluable. The app is free to use, with payments for the services that builder and client enjoy generated by an increments on those staged payments. Over the last four years Tim has combined running his successful construction firm with the hard work of realising the Kiistone App, and he now believes he has a solution that can work for any building business. “The App contains all manner of useful tools, but you can use as much of it as you need to,” concludes the Lancashire-based builder, “and it’s web-based so you can use it on any device. I like to think of it as like a black box on a plane. It provides a continuous record and reference point for all parties. I want the app to be a vehicle for change and help the industry to move beyond the old stereotypes of cowboy builder and rogue customer. What we’re crying out for is a more collaborative culture.” FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE KILSTONE APP VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC024

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

ARE YOU SAFE IN THE SUN?

Following over a year of lockdowns and Covid restrictions, the urge to get outdoors, for everyone, has never been greater. However, whilst the sun brings benefits – such as helping to replenish our depleted vitamin D levels – it also presents a real hazard, especially to roofers and construction workers who are on site throughout the often intense summer months. And whilst Covid restrictions remain an essential part of all our lives for the foreseeable, Marley is urging contractors to focus on the importance of sun safety with the launch of its annual ‘Safe in the Sun’ campaign. Serious issue

Problems caused by the sun’s damaging rays are well-documented – from premature ageing of the skin and heat exhaustion through to deadly malignant melanoma. Moreover, being in an outdoor setting can increase the risk of being affected by these conditions. According to the British Journal of Cancer, working in the sun could lead to one death and five new cases of melanoma skin cancer per week, with construction workers recording the highest number of deaths at 44%. It’s a serious issue. However, the good news is that experts believe 4 out of 5 cases of skin cancer caused by UV exposure could be prevented if robust precautions were taken.

Protecting the workforce

That’s where Marley comes in… Daniel Redfern, Marketing Manager at Marley said, ‘As a responsible roof systems manufacturer, Marley has been championing sun safety for well over 15 years – and this year’s no different. ‘With contractors working for long periods of time outdoors, often in direct sunshine and intense heat, we aim to provide useful, no-nonsense advice to make sure our customers are aware of the potential risks, and are properly protected.

‘This year’s campaign focusses on three important lines of defence in the fight against sun-induced illness – Cover Up, Use Sunscreen and Hydrate – to make sure everyone working on site this summer stays safe in the sun.’

Cover Up

Clothing, especially those made using high rated UPF fabrics, should always be the first line of defence against sun damage, as it provides one of the most effective barriers between skin and sun. As much skin as possible should be covered, with particular attention being paid to areas that burn easily such as the neck and shoulders. On site, a hard hat is essential, ideally with a brim and flap to shade the face, ears and neck whilst UV protective safety sunglasses (UV 400 rating) will help protect the delicate eye area.

Use Sunscreen

Appy a sunscreen of at least Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 (for UVB protection) and a star rating of 4 or 5 (for UVA protection) evenly and regularly to all areas of exposed skin – including the face. Using a water-resistant formula will also help provide better protection as it is more able to cope with the effects of sweating.

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Ideally, sunscreen should be applied at least 20 minutes before going outside and then re-applied every two hours. Consistency – in terms of even coverage and regular application is essential.

Hydrate

Not drinking enough water, especially whilst working hard on site in high temperatures as the body sweats to cool down, can cause serious, and if left unchecked, emergency medical conditions. The risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and, in extreme cases, heatstroke can be reduced by ensuring that fluids, ideally water, are consumed regularly throughout the day.

Get your Safe in the Sun kit

Daniel said: “Aiming to offer sun protection when it’s needed most, Marley is offering a Safe in the Sun kit, featuring a Marley-branded T shirt, sunscreen and water bottle – in fact, everything you need to Cover Up, Use Sunscreen and Hydrate whilst on site. “All you have to do to receive your essential kit, along with handy information to make the most of the sun – safely – is visit the Marley website – www.marley.co.uk/safeinthesun and register your details. Stock is limited, so early registration is recommended to avoid disappointment.” FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON MARLEY’S SAFE IN THE SUN CAMPAIGN OR ANY OF THE COMPANY’S PRODUCTS, PLEASE VISIT WWW.MARLEY.CO.UK OR CALL 01283 722222 OR VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC025

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HEALTH & SAFETY

THE CABLE GUYS UK Power Networks is on a mission to keep you safe from the often hidden dangers of electrical infrastructure. Professional Builder’s Lee Jones reports on what advice and resources are available to the trades.

“

t won’t happen to me,” is an attitude which has been the cause of many accidents on site, and that’s certainly true of overhead or underground cable damage. When the hazards are hidden from view it’s easy to become complacent, but the consequences of carelessness can be counted in the avoidable casualties of these close encounters that are recorded each and every year. As the electricity network operator across London, the south east and the east of England, it is a mindset that UK Power Networks is determined to

challenge, and its Be Bright, Stay Safe and Plan. Locate. Excavate campaigns are its vehicles for change. In 2020, across the company’s networks, small to medium building companies were responsible for a third of recorded safety incidents on underground infrastructure and 12 per cent of reported overhead line contacts. What lies behind those statistics is the human cost in the harm that high voltage electricity can cause the unsuspecting, but if the proper processes are put in place potential tragedy can be prevented. The old adage that time is money might tempt tradespeople into overlooking safety procedures but this can be a false economy. Alongside injury to life and limb, if a builder suffers flash burns from damaging a power cable, they could be unable to work for a significant period, which can have a severe impact on the income of the self-employed in particular. In addition, digging without due diligence may result in a cable damage

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charge levied against the contractor, whilst an employer may be considered legally negligent if one of their employees was injured. The Energy Networks Association has produced a series of excavation and overhead power line films in collaboration with other energy distribution and transmission network operators with the advice of ‘Plan, Scan and Think before you Dig’ for underground electricity cables and gas pipelines and ‘Look Out, Look Up’ for overhead power lines. The UK’s biggest electricity distributor, UK Power Networks has also initiated its own Plan. Locate. Excavate campaign, a safety message which encapsulates the necessary processes in three succinct and simple words. Whenever a job requires digging, cable plans must be checked, followed by further precautions. Cables do not run in straight lines and natural ground movement can, over time, shift depth and position. Obtaining cable plans before starting the job, digging trial

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holes and use of a Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) should be regarded as routine, as well as ensuring that all staff are fully trained and well versed in the use of the equipment. Excavators should not be used within 0.5m of an identified cable, and communication is key to keeping site personnel safe. That means making sure that all those involved in the build are aware of all the above processes, and the location of assets, including subcontractors, and any tradespeople that will subsequently be working on the same site. UK Power Networks can provide its own cable plans across London, the south east and east of England but also counts Line Search Before You Dig as one of its pledge partners which covers the wider areas of Great Britain. The latter is a freeto-use online search service where a builder can check their works against the location of hundreds of thousands of miles of underground and overhead assets before a project starts. It’s not just digging, because a

TO ACCESS THE UK POWER NETWORKS SAFETY PAGES VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/ BC026 OR USE THE QR CODE

THINK BEFORE YOU DIG!

tradesperson can unwittingly disturb overhead power lines with lifting equipment, scaffolding or ladders, whilst hand-held pneumatic and power tools can equally pose a threat. In each instance, however, the same principles hold firm – and proper planning is at their heart. Contact with electricity can result in serious burns, life-changing injuries or a fatality. The answer lies in the invaluable resources that UK Power Networks and its partners provides, and the organisation is urging the industry to make good use of them to stay safe.

AN ELECTRICITY NETWORKS ASSOCIATION VIDEO POWERFULLY CONVEYS THE CONSEQUENCES OF CUTTING CORNERS WHEN IT COMES TO SAFE EXCAVATION. TO VIEW THE FILM, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC027

LOOK OUT! LOOK UP!

IT IS EQUALLY IMPERATIVE THAT EVERYONE ON SITE, INCLUDING DELIVERY DRIVERS, ARE AWARE OF ANY DANGERS. THE SAME ORGANISATION HAS PRODUCED ANOTHER HARDHITTING FILM THAT GRAPHICALLY ILLUSTRATES THAT VERY ISSUE. WWW.RDR.LINK/BC028

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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 3

SKIN PROTECTION PACKS

LIFEJACKET SKIN PROTECTION LifeJacket Skin Protection is on a mission to stop the rise in male skin cancer by making high performance skin protection products that look and feel good. Lightweight, water-resistant and non-greasy, LifeJacket’s SPF moisturisers and sunscreen gels are engineered for men. Plus, its range of UPF 50+ clothing and freestanding sunscreen dispensers for building sites help keep all workers safe while outside. Save your skin on site with the right protection. Professional Builder has three of these LifeJacket packs to give away. FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC029

SEALANT & ADHESIVE CARTRIDGES

SIKA EVERBUILD EB25 SEALANT AND ADHESIVE It’s the ultimate sealant and adhesive – EB25 from Sika Everbuild will bond and seal almost any material, indoors, outdoors and even submerged under water. What’s more, it can be used in sanitary and food preparation areas and is resistant to mould, temperature extremes and chemicals. Its exceptional strength and versatility have earnt EB25 a reputation as one of the most popular dual action sealant and adhesive products on the market. Stick with us and there will be great prizes every month, including this advanced EB25 sealant & adhesive. FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC031

TRADE BUNDLES

GEOCEL TRADE MATE ALL WEATHER SEAL BUNDLE (INCLUDING ALL WEATHER SEAL CLEAR, MUG, SEALANT CUTTER AND NECK BUFF) Geocel has relaunched its popular Trade Mate range, an extensive portfolio of professional sealants and adhesives that provide a go-to solution for any on site challenge. The range includes Trade Mate All Weather Seal, an elastomeric sealant with excellent adhesion to wet and damp surfaces to form a flexible final finish – ideal for emergency repairs and remedial sealing. You know who your Mate is on site and it’s Geocel. There are 20 All Weather Seal Bundles up for grabs. FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC030

X 10 LITRE BUCKETS

BOSTIK PLASTERER’S STABILISING PRIMER Bostik Plasterer’s Stabilising Primer primes and stabilises old walls, using recycled plastic to create an ideal key for reskimming. Specially developed for the plastering professional, it needs no mixing and its green colour provides easy application. It can be applied over porous and non-porous areas to give a surface that dries evenly for excellent adhesion and a faster, easier finish. You’re in primer position for a prize if you make use of our digital reader enquiry service and use the rdr.link below to enter our ‘Free-for-All’ competitions FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC032

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/BC033

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new build & property development

BRICK BY BRICK Sean Wilkins, Technical Manager at the Brick Development Association, looks at the differences between clay and concrete bricks

he UK has a long history of using bricks and mortar in housing, since the process of firing clay was first introduced by the Roman Empire. Almost 80 per cent of new homes built in the UK are made from bricks and they provide a reassuring sense of security, beauty, and durability for the inhabitants. To most people a brick is a brick but look a bit deeper and the huge variety of colours and textures becomes clear. Historically bricks would have been made on, or very close to the construction site. Even in the modern-day, bricks average less than 70 miles from the manufacturing location to the site. Over 90 per cent of bricks manufactured in the UK are made from clay, which is shaped, dried, and fired in a kiln to create a hard and durable product. The small remaining section of the market includes bricks made from other materials, the largest of which is concrete bricks. Concrete bricks are made from sand and aggregates, that are mixed with pigments and cement to harden into a concrete block. Concrete bricks usually imitate the appearance of classic clay bricks, which can cause issues because some of their behaviour is quite different. It is important that designers and builders are fully aware whether they are using a clay or concrete brick for the following reasons:

will almost certainly require a movement joint, where none would be required for clay. Concrete bricks tend to shrink in the long term and if there is no allowance for this movement then it can lead to cracking.

Movement

The requirement for movement joints in concrete brickwork is 6m, compared to 12m in clay brickwork. This is especially important for low rise residential construction as the use of concrete bricks

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Speed of construction

Concrete bricks tend to have lower water absorption and higher denser than clay bricks. These characteristics are important because it can limit the number of bricks that can be laid in one day. Generally, the labour cost to lay bricks is the larger part of the total cost, compared to material costs. Site trials have shown that concrete bricks are around 30 per cent slower to lay because fewer courses can be completed in a single day, before mortar starts squeezing from the lower joints. The increased labour time can lead to a higher-than-expected overall cost with concrete brick.

Longevity and value

Clay brick has been used in the UK for thousands of years so there is a large body of evidence to show that clay brickwork will last for a minimum of 150 years, with many clay bricks lasting considerably longer. Concrete bricks are

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a more recent product and there many examples from the 1980s and 90s where the pigments have leached from the brick, resulting in a dull grey concrete appearance. One of the reasons that clay brick properties retains value is that they tend to weather and age in an attractive way, making it easier to secure lending and insurance decades after construction.

Conclusion

When looking in a bit more detail it becomes easier to see the visual differences between clay and concrete bricks. The colour in concrete bricks come from pigment added to the concrete mix, rather than an inherent property of the raw clay material, so they tend to have the appearance of coloured concrete. It is easier to differentiate clay and concrete bricks when they are of a single colour because the surface texture is more obvious. However, it can be difficult to identify concrete bricks when they have had secondary processes applied during

manufacturing. Secondary processes can include ‘rumbling’ to round the edges, which replicates the effect of moulded clay stock bricks. Also, dyes can be applied to the concrete brick surface to mimic the dark spots and patches that are created on clay bricks during firing in the kiln. The only way to be certain of which type of brick you are buying is to ask to see the data sheet attached to the brick. All clay bricks sold in the UK must carry a CE (soon to be UKCA) mark, which means they are assessed against the product standard BS 771-1. Concrete bricks tend to be assessed against the concrete block standard BS 7713, which has different requirements for the declaration of performance. To ensure that you maximise the benefits that we associate with historic brickwork it is important to look a bit deeper and not to assume that a ‘brick is a brick’. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE BRICK DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (BDA) VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC034

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TRUE TO FORM Jackon Building Systems has been selected for the first ever ‘Passive House Standard’ dwelling in Scarborough

he manufacturer of insulated concrete formwork (ICF) solutions was chosen for both the foundations and external walls to help achieve Scarborough’s first ever Passive House Standard private dwelling, achieving a net positive, zero energy home. Designed by Architects Samuel Kendal Associates, this three-storey sustainable family home is embedded deep into the Scarborough Hillside, and comprises a semi-submerged basement housing a garage and music room, a lower ground floor for three large bedrooms and a top floor consisting of a large open plan

kitchen and living spaces. The company’s Jackodur Atlas raft foundation and Thermomur ICF, were the client’s preference and were chosen for their versatility, energy efficiency, speed of construction and cost effectiveness to help them achieve their aims of becoming net zero. The specialist ICF contractor Bondmor, working closely with the ICF manufacturer, and the leading approved distributors in the north of England, ICF Building Solutions, utilised Jackodur Atlas for the foundation of the build. Bondmor and ICF Building Solutions worked hand in hand with the architect and the clients prior to construction to design the building around the systems to minimise wastage and increase on-site efficiency. Jackodur Atlas was the ideal choice, as a zero waste, fully bespoke, cut-to-size foundation system helping achieve Uvalues of 0.12 Wm²K and a compressive strength of 500 kPa. The design of the XPS system assisted the contractor in constructing the foundation in a matter of days, eliminating all thermal bridges whilst

maintaining high performance insulation values with zero waste. Thermomur’s 350HD blocks were utilised for all the subterranean lower ground floor walls. Selected for its 200mm concrete core paired with its energy efficient properties (U-value 0.22 Wm²K). Bondmor were able to construct the 6m retaining ICF walls quickly without the need for additional structural support from further retaining methods, saving the client time and money. The blocks were externally clad with the same manufacturer’s 100mm XPSK300 to seamlessly line up with the Thermomur 450 blocks above in order to achieve a U-value of 0.09.

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Chosen for its high-performance insulation values and its cost effectiveness compared with other similar building systems, the above ground exposed walls were installed with Thermomur 450 achieving U-values of 0.11 Wm²K. This wall structure far exceeds the requirements of today’s Building Regulations and surpasses Passive House Standards (U-value 0.15 Wm²K). Bondmor were able to effectively construct the ICF walls and openings to allow for ease of follow-on trades. Pockets were built into those walls to allow for the universal beams to support the block and beam floor structure, openings were squared and formed to pre-determined window dimensions. This allowed the client to reduce the lead time on the window manufacturing and installation. Gable ends were cut to precise angles to allow structural bearing for the SIPS roof panel. Penetrations were installed for all service locations prior to concrete placement. The ICF systems the

company produces are in metric dimensions with internal and external fixing points running vertically through the blocks every 150mm. The system took just 27 days to construct, and the clients were very impressed with the speed and efficiency involved. ICF construction is fast becoming a widely recognised modern method of construction for developers and self-builders. It integrates both insulation and concrete in one permanent formwork solution that provides many off

site, on site and end-user benefits. These include high performance insulation values and significantly improved airtightness, leading to reduced heating and cooling requirements, excellent acoustic performance, improved fire resistance, enhanced capabilities in extreme weathers with added benefits of reduced maintenance, as well as being accepted by mortgage lenders, home insurance and planning departments. Jackon brings over 60 years’ expertise in EPS and XPS manufacturing to this market. Jackodur Atlas is manufactured from XPS (extruded polystyrene), while Thermomur uses EPS (moulded expanded polystyrene) to create the formwork. The two systems fully integrate, leading to a reduction in the need for extra on-site labour. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE RANGE OF INSULATED CONCRETE FORMWORK (ICF) SOLUTIONS FROM JACKSON VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC035

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HEMP AT HAND The Hemp Block Company is pointing the way to a healthier and more sustainable method of construction

any ‘green’ consumers may be unaware that buildings are responsible for around half of total greenhouse gas emissions. Harmful emissions are produced during the production of building materials, construction process and throughout the ongoing maintenance, heating and cooling of our buildings once occupied. The most effective sustainable remedy to this growing environmental threat would be to swap the standard highenergy, petrochemical-based insulation with an eco-friendly, non-flammable, natural alternative. Ideally, this material would be highly insulative too; as well as durable, sound absorbing and energysaving. Even better, it would be toxin-free, impervious to mould and pests, highly fire-resistant and carbon negative (able to lock up more carbon than it emits). This is no green dream. The good news is that this building material already exists. The bad news is that despite being around for almost 40 years, hempcrete is still not used as standard in construction. So, why not? Climate change and sustainability are increasingly becoming a key consideration. 32 per cent of UK consumers are now highly engaged with

adopting a more sustainable lifestyle and 28 per cent have stopped buying certain products due to ethical or environmental concerns. Hempcrete reduces greenhouse gas emissions, making it a truly sustainable building material. “Architects and construction companies are aware of the significant health and environmental benefits of hempcrete, but we are competing with huge, long-established building material manufacturers with immense marketing power,” says the Hemp Block Company’s Technical Director, William Stanwix, also co-author of The Hempcrete Book. “These industry giants offer all-tootempting time-saving resource and support to the industry alongside their product, so traditional materials usually end up being the most attractive, ‘easy’

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option, despite their effect on the planet and potentially our health.” “As things stand, smaller hempcrete companies can’t compete and current Building Controls don’t make it easy for the hemp block house builder. For us to move towards a more toxin-free, planetfriendly mode of construction, we need support from government, and new legislation, and it all starts with education. The consumer needs to be informed about the negative health and environmental implications of an outdated construction model and demand sustainable, healthier materials as standard.”

What are hempcrete blocks? Hempcrete is a natural, breathable building material with many advantages.

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Unfortunately, there have traditionally been several issues which have restricted its wider use, namely, requiring specialist knowledge, inconsistent supply, and ultimately higher cost. The Hemp Block Company has resolved these issues by making hempcrete blocks which require no specialist skills or equipment to use. They can be used in a variety of ways, from roof insulation to wall construction and flooring, and are completely biodegradable after use.

How are hempcrete blocks healthy? Unlike conventional insulation materials, hempcrete does not contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which “offgas” toxic chemicals into our homes. The blocks also help regulate internal humidity, which stops condensation gathering on wall surfaces. This prevents the formation of damp and mould spores, both of which can be harmful to human

health. Optimum indoor humidity (between 40 – 60 per cent) also helps to stop the spread of viral and bacterial infections. Hemp is one of the only building materials that removes carbon from the air, making it carbon negative and the better option for the health of the planet.

How are hemp blocks made? Hemp ‘shiv’ is created when the stalk of

the industrial hemp plant is broken up into fine chips. Mixed with a lime-based binder and water, it sets hard to become a highly effective insulator for walls, floors, and roofs. Hemp blocks are the most accessible form of hempcrete and are light and easy to use. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE HEMP BLOCK COMPANY VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC036

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new build & property development

ON THE OUTSIDE Parex provides a guide to transforming a home’s exterior with render

ender has undergone a resurgence in recent years and has become the façade material of choice for many specifiers wanting to create a fresh new exterior on contemporary or traditional homes. Available in a wide range of finishes and colours, it can not only transform exteriors but will also provide protection from the elements and make a building more energy efficient. By taking on board some of the top tips when it comes to the specification and installation of render systems, this will ensure your chosen solution best suits your requirements, whilst at the same time creating a stunning exterior.

A range of renders

wide range of building types and to create a range of smooth, textured and patterned finishes. When used in combination with a broad range of insulation types, mineral and acrylic renders offer the specifier a wide range of dash and specialist finishes which are both decorative and highly durable.

The right finish

One-coat renders such as Parex Monorex GM are suitable for both manual and spray-applied applications. A sprayapplied render is ultimately faster and more efficient than the traditional handapplied method and provides a crisp, clean finish on a wide range of substrates. To avoid shade variations always apply and finish the render application to whole elevations at the same time.

From through-coloured, one-coat renders to traditional heritage lime renders, mineral and acrylic renders, and wraparound External Wall Insulation (EWI) systems combining renders with external wall insulation, there are a number of rendering products which can be used on site and on a multitude of substrates.

When specifying render and façade systems, colour and texture will vary depending on the type of finish or solution selected whilst the application method, such as a scraped hand finishing or a machine sprayed textured finish, can have a noticeable effect on the appearance. Lime renders have also become the fashion in recent years, not least due to their added breathability and versatility, but on account of the fact they add distinctive character to new buildings, as well as in the restoration and decoration of traditional buildings. Parex’s one-coat renders are available in a standard range of 48 colours and can be used to complement the hues and colours of a

Application

Preparation

The preparation of the substrate prior to applying a render is key as it will impact the overall performance of a render system. Walls should be surveyed and structural defects rectified prior to the application of a render system. All surfaces must be clean, suitably dry,

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sound and free from anything that may interfere with the adhesion of the material to be applied. In the case of wet and patchy substrates, it is recommended that an enhanced key coat is applied and then dried for 48 hours prior to the application of the finishing coat.

Approved applicators

This is a skilled profession so the best advice is always use a professional. Failure to do this can lead to building defects due to poor installation and workmanship. It’s why manufacturers of building products have established approved applicator schemes in order to provide comprehensive training for contractors using their products and can play a part in quality control and the minimisation of defects.

Planning permission

Whilst rendering work must comply with Building Regulations, planning permission is not normally required to render a house if the materials are of a

similar appearance. However, for homes that are listed or located in conservation areas, planning permission from the relevant local authority should be obtained. Available in a wide range of styles, finishes and colours, rendered façades are a versatile, efficient and cost-effective system for any building regardless of the type or age of construction. They have

the potential to improve the outer skin of a building, update the aesthetics, adding limitless kerb appeal and are an important step in improving a building’s long-term thermal efficiency FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE WIDE RANGE OF PAREX RENDER SYSTEMS, OR FOR TECHNICAL GUIDANCE AND ADVICE, VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC037

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new build & property development

A MATERIAL WORLD Marcus Jefford, managing director of Build Aviator explains how estimating software can help new build projects stay on track despite shortages in materials and labour.

he coronavirus has had a profound effect on every aspect of our daily lives and, unfortunately, the new build sector wasn’t spared. According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the number of starts on site dropped an eye-watering 52 per cent between April and June 2020 versus the previous quarter and, likewise, the number of completions fell by a massive 62 per cent. While confusion on whether construction workers were able to be on site, and more recently the challenges of social distancing, haven’t helped the situation, supply and demand has disrupted our industry enormously, and in many ways. The construction supply chain was particularly hard hit. Some building product manufacturers had to close during lockdown and run with limited staff. Then port restrictions and a blockage in the Suez Canal led to a lack of raw materials. When you then add in the challenges of adapting to social distancing, you can see why the Manufacturers’ Organisation predicts it won’t be until 2022 before companies are back to pre-Covid form. While we’re all understanding of the challenges of the past 16 months, that doesn’t help when we’re stuck for materials mid-build, and especially as demand for products – as well as labour – have also never been so high.

A cunning plan

While we all know someone who’s found ways around product availability – with WhatsApp groups for bricks, blocks and plaster, for instance – this approach isn’t

sustainable or a productive use of time. Instead, estimating services and/or software could hold the key to many of the challenges we now face and help us deliver new build projects on time and on budget. Leading estimating services and software can help with product availability by integrating with merchant software, giving a truer picture of lead times and flagging potential supply issues even before the start of a project. What’s more, as robust estimating reports also include a schedule of works, you can easily see when you’ll need harder-to-source materials and how much

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you’ll need too. This means you can work with your merchant to make sure it’s ordered well in advance and it’s there ready and waiting when you need it. But, of course, there’s always a time when something you need just isn’t available. In these instances, our estimating service can help too. Smart comparison tools created by construction software providers can show the difference between an original estimate and an amended one, as well as highlight changes that may impact on safety, performance and an EPC. Removing the need to go through a

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quote line by line and side by side, these tools can save you lots of hassle, mean you’re developing better quality buildings, and make it easier for you to understand why the price of an estimate has changed. Beyond materials, these services can also help with labour, with the complementary schedule of works giving you a better idea of when you’ll need to find an electrician, a plumber or a plasterer, rather than knowing a few days before.

Drop the guestimate

As well as helping builders to overcome product and people shortages, using estimating services is also good practice for your business. By working with an estimating service provider rather than using guestimates for your new build projects, you can ensure you save valuable time and achieve a more accurate and detailed estimate. After uploading your plans, you’ll be assigned a dedicated estimator who has tonnes of experience in costing jobs and is often ex-trade themself. Working together, ensuring accuracy can be the difference between profit and loss, a satisfied customer or a complaint, and a night off or a night number crunching. When that’s done, they’ll also produce a full, professional report – including one for you and a client version if required. Your reports will contain a full materials list, schedule of work and a quote broken down section by section using your defined labour rates and profit margins. A SAP assessment including Registered Construction Details (RCDs) can also be provided to help you translate design into build, while avoiding thermal bridging issues. While supply and demand looks set to be a challenge for our industry for the medium term, it’s possible to overcome some of these challenges with forward planning. As well as helping you keep building, working with an estimating software provider gives you more time to run your business or be on the tools, ensures you’re working with a more detailed, accurate estimate and enables you to make more profit on your jobs.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON BUILD AVIATOR VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC038

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FLOOR PLAN roviding a quick working platform and a solid base for the continuing build, the traditional Block and Beam method of ground level flooring has been a reliable and widely used method of construction throughout the industry for many years. However, the introduction of the Future Homes Standard in 2025 is placing construction professionals under increasing pressure to improve thermal performance and sustainability, not only of their builds, but overall construction practices. The new Standard is encouraging builders to construct properties that achieve ‘world-leading levels of energy efficiency’ through the specification and installation of ‘very high fabric standards’.

Michael Longley, Managing Director at Longley Concrete, explores the wideranging sustainability, efficiency, and costeffective benefits of its flooring solutions.

thermal efficiency of a property, advancements in Block and Infill flooring is providing an affordable and effective way of meeting the requirements outlined within the new standard, by substantially minimising the potential transfer of heat through the floor. Whilst the initial installation of prestressed concrete beams remains the same, by replacing traditional pre-cast concrete blocks with Expanded Polystyrene insulation (EPS) panels, UValues as low as 0.10 W/m2K can be

achieved, without compromising on the overall stability and longevity of the build. As the EPS panels are constructed of 98 per cent air, it not only makes them an extremely high performing insulator when compared to concrete blocks, but also ensures they are 100 per cent recyclable. This further supports construction professionals in achieving the most sustainable method of construction, including adherence with the Code for Sustainable Homes and the Green Guide to Specification as an A+ rating.

Setting the standard

Exploring the role of ground level flooring in particular, on average, 10 per cent of heat is lost through the floor of a property. As the installation of adequate insulation plays an integral role in improving the

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Improving installation

Due to the lightweight nature of the EPS panels, the duration and process of installation is significantly reduced, as just one installer can handle and fit the panels using a hand saw. This results in up to 30 per cent quicker installation on site, with up to 250 square metres being installed in a single day. The very nature of construction also enables installation in wet conditions, whilst also allowing the finished floor to be easily monitored for quality assurance. The increased efficiency of installation also reduces the level of resources and associated costs required on site, an area that is now more important than ever for construction professionals across the nation as they continue to try and overcome the backlog in building due to the restrictions enforced by the government in response to Covid-19. While there are a range of Block and Infill variations currently available on the UK market, builders should look to procure solutions that have been

thoroughly tested and certified by industry accreditors, such as the UKEAS, whilst also accepted by the NHBC. This includes Top Sheet flooring systems that comprise of prestressed concrete beams, EPS insulation units and structural concrete toppings. The shape of the panels are developed to successfully minimise thermal bridging at the critical point between the wall and floor, while the Top Sheet system forms an unbridged layer of insulation above the t-beams and infill units to maximise potential thermal performance. Alternatively, systems that feature EPS insulation panels with high density EPS

rails provide substantial strength and thermal performance, without the requirement for additional sheet insulation. By installing solutions such as these, it not only ensures a trail of due diligence in relation to the improved thermal efficiency of the property, in line with the Future Homes Standard, but also gives professionals and their clients the confidence that the systems deliver the highest standards in efficiency, quality and performance. As construction professionals across the UK continue to face increasing external and internal pressures to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of their residential projects, systems such as Block and Infill flooring are providing effective and affordable techniques of construction, whilst still offering the same levels of quality, durability, and performance as well-established methods. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON LONGLEY CONCRETE’S CONCRETE FLOORING SOLUTIONS, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC039

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new build & property development

The Concrete Facing Brick has now truly come of age, according to Michael Davies, Technical Manager from AG sk any design purist what they’re looking for in a Facing Brick and they’ll probably tell you they want the very best in both form and function. It is vital Facing Brick delivers a stunning first impression. Colour, texture, how they’re laid and complemented by mortar are all essential elements – but high levels of consistency, colour integrity, strength and overall performance are equally important for the professional who puts their name to the scheme.

FACING FACTS

Here are seven reasons why Concrete Facing Brick fully merits serious consideration from builders. Sustainability: An increasingly important consideration for contractors, Concrete Facing Brick again outperforms the most common materials used. Produced using low cement and water content, no additional heat is required during curing. Therefore, CO2 emissions are minimal and embodied CO2 is typically less than 18kg/C02/per m2. Delivery and Lead Times: Recent years has seen the demand for new homes significantly increase. Many builders are no longer able to wait for many weeks and months for clay bricks like previous times, leading to a greater demand for new innovative materials, making concrete facing brick the ideal choice due to their considerably lower lead time. In fact, recent deliveries of AG Facing Brick can be called off with as little as 24 – 72 hours’ notice, with lead times on some Made to Order items being as

little as three weeks. AG also holds a range of stock items that can be despatched even more quickly, satisfying the needs of housebuilders. Durability, Acoustic and Thermal Performance: Thanks to their composition, Concrete Facing Bricks are highly resistant to sound transmission and boast a moderate rate of thermal conductivity. In terms of durability concrete bricks are fully frost resistant with minimal soluble salts, making them worthy of consideration. All AG brick is manufactured to exceed standards established by BS EN 7713:2011 and (subjected to terms and conditions) boast an impressive 60-year guarantee.

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Water Absorption: Apart from compressive strength, water absorption is important in masonry. The product’s ability to absorb water can impact colour integrity and overall performance. Concrete facing brick has typical absorption levels of 6 – 8 per cent and some as low as 4 per cent compared to many other building options which have a much higher absorption rate. Efflorescence: This can be the bane of specifier, contractor and end-user alike. Who hasn’t seen a beautiful building spoiled by the presence of efflorescence? The fact is: the higher the porosity of the material, the greater the likelihood and risk of efflorescence occurring, meaning AG concrete bricks, thanks to vapour curing, creates minimal porosity and soluble salts to achieve exceptional levels of performance. Furthermore, as an

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added protection layer, all AG Concrete Facing Bricks are shrink wrapped to eliminate exposure to rainwater that can be a key element in the development of efflorescence. Colour Integrity and Finish Consistency: Thanks to significant investment in pigment development and technology AG has laid to rest historic concerns some may have had regarding the colour integrity of concrete bricks. Using the latest technology AG Concrete Facing Bricks are produced in strictly regulated factory conditions, thereby ensuring repeatable results. Dimensional Accuracy: When it comes to designing and building, brick size matters. Dimensional accuracy is a critical element in any choice if on site efficiencies are to be optimised and waste is to be minimised. Concrete Facing Brick will deliver dimensional accuracy of 1 – 3mm

across all dimensions – much higher than many of their masonry counterparts. Apart from being aesthetically pleasing, the many benefits of concrete facing brick make them the ideal choice for housebuilders. It is no surprise then that they represent one of the fastest growing material groups in the UK brick industry, reshaping the construction landscape. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT AG’S RANGE OF CONCRETE FACING BRICKS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC040

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new build & property development product round-up

RECYCLED BRICKS

A clean-tech spin-out from HeriotWatt University has been awarded £1 million in funding by Zero Waste Scotland to commercialise production of its KBriq to more than two million bricks per year. The Kenoteq product is made from over 90 per cent recycled demolition and construction waste materials. It produces a tenth of the CO2 emissions of a traditional fired brick and requires less than a tenth of the energy in its manufacture. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC041

GROUND REINFORCEMENT

Manufactured from 100 per cent polypropylene, the easy-to-install ACO Water Management GravelGuard is an effective gravel stabilising ground reinforcement system. The incorporated geo-textile membrane helps to reduce weed growth and eliminates the need for two separate layers of membrane and grid. The integrated filter fleece can be easily cut to fit. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC042

LINTELS

A low-cost solution to improve energy efficiency within SAP is what IG Lintels is promising with its Hitherm+ solution. Incorporating a thermal break, the units are up to five times more thermally efficient than a traditional steel lintel. The company’s technical team can also provide bespoke lintels for a particular project. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC081

STEEL CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

The patented Ancon Thermal Windpost (TWP2) offers up to a 70 per cent reduction in thermal transmission through the span of the windpost. The product features integral mineral fibre insulation to ensure continuity of insulation in the cavity, and its design means it sits level with the outside face of partial-fill insulation so it can be taped to further reduce thermal heat loss. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC043

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kitchens & bathrooms

WATCH THIS SPACE Samantha Millican, Product Manager for Geberit Frames and Installation Systems, looks at what installers can do to create a space-saving, design-led bathroom.

he average size of the UK home is shrinking, leaving installers with a growing challenge of coming up with practical, affordable and stylish bathroom solutions. According to Which?, in fact, British homes are now typically 20 per cent smaller than in the 1970s, with houses built in the last decade now averaging 67.8 square metres of living space. To put this figure in some context, the size of both decks of a London bus is 55 square metres. Our homes are now smaller than ever. Meanwhile, space notwithstanding, the habits of homeowners are changing. A study by Hootsuite found that 83 per cent of Instagram users say they actively use the platform to discover brands and products when planning an interiors project. The shift, therefore, towards ‘Instagrammable’ bathrooms is becoming increasingly prevalent.

Now let’s look at the significance of the bathroom in our homes. Geberit carried out research in 2018 which told us that the bathroom was, in fact, the most important place for sanctuary in the home – and, of course, the significance of having such a sanctuary in the home will

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have been keenly felt by many of us over the last 12 months. So, it must come as no surprise that many installers must face a growing challenge: coming up with a stylish bathroom, one that offers this escape for homeowners – yet one that overcomes this challenge of space. So, what can you do to design a bathroom that ticks all the boxes for your customers?

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Ease of installation Installers may have previously associated these systems with difficult installation processes. However, product development from leading manufacturers such as Geberit now means that quick and affordable pre-wall frame systems, such as Duofix, have been designed with ease of installation in mind. These systems make concealing the cistern inside a drywall quick and neat by eliminating the need for additional, carefully positioned studding.

The wall-hung way When it comes to designing a bathroom where space is at a premium, the most effective solution is to opt for wallmounted furniture and ceramics which create the illusion of ‘floating’ above the floor. Offering a space-saving alternative to traditional close coupled toilets, wallhung toilets can open up the bathroom space whilst offering a sleek, streamlined design.

By concealing the cistern behind a stud wall, a wall-hung toilet reduces the outward projection of the furniture. And, where space is paramount, opting for wall-hung ceramics can make a real difference – the ability to conceal the cistern and lift the toilet’s footprint off the floor can make even the smallest of bathrooms instantly appear bigger. Opting for wall-hung ceramics can also enable toilets to be easily installed in those tricky spots on a project, such as under a window, in a narrow wall duct or under a sloping ceiling.

Design-led Wall-hung furniture can offer you the opportunity to upsell finishing touches to a project with the option of adding stylish flush plate finishes such as textured rustic wood or slate designs to shades that blend harmoniously into the desired colour scheme. Pre-wall frame systems, like Geberit Duofix, can also offer homeowners a variety of location choices, including remote actuated flush buttons which enable the flush to be located away from the cistern. Yet, if wall-hung isn’t possible for the task at hand, do consider the importance of saving even a few centimetres in such a small space. Geberit’s Selnova Compact series, for instance, offers solutions for small bathrooms, such as short projection toilets and smaller-depth basins. Considering storage solutions, too, can reduce unnecessary clutter in the room – vanity units or mirror cabinets are smart solutions to make the most of the space.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GEBERIT FRAMES AND INSTALLATION SYSTEMS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC044

THE PERFECT ALL-ROUNDER: Geberit is highlighting the benefits of multi-layer pipework With rising development costs and continued challenges for the construction sector, it has never been more important to make the right choices in materials selection, according to a new white paper from Geberit. ‘Multi-Layer Pipework – The Perfect All-Rounder’ from Geberit examines the materials selection process for supply piping systems. It highlights the benefits of multi-layer pipework, an increasingly popular alternative to copper and flexible plastic piping for hot and cold potable water systems. Antony Corbett, product manager for piping systems at Geberit, said: “Multi-layer pipework is not a new technology – the first multi-layer composite pipes were introduced to the UK market over 40 years ago – but it has often been reserved for non-domestic applications. Now, with greater discussion over materials selection and increased awareness of the benefits, multi-layer is proving to be an effective all-rounder which can overcome many of the challenges identified throughout specification and installation. “It is flexible to use, easy to install, leak-proof and has enhanced strength over purely plastic piping. More than that, multi-layer piping doesn’t contribute to corrosion and is hygienic, with reduced thermal expansion and no oxygen diffusion. It is the perfect solution for a wide range of uses, addressing typical challenges whilst offering tangible cost, installation and performance benefits for contractors.” DOWNLOAD THE WHITE PAPER BY VISITING WWW.RDR.LINK/BC045

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kitchens & bathrooms

Keely Greenhalgh, National Sales Manager at Mermaid Panels, explains why bathroom panels as a tile alternative are growing in popularity, and the benefits they offer to installers he surfaces market is experiencing soaring demand as one of the most popular ways to create an entirely new look in a tired or dated space. The mid to premium end of the sector is particularly flourishing, as consumers seek out high-end materials and finishes to give their home a luxury look. In the bathroom, the key trends being favoured are typically timber, industrialinspired and marble styles. For those projects seeking a natural aesthetic, wood effects are all about a sense of bringing the outside in and restoring a feeling of wellbeing. Biophilia, or a tendency to connect with nature, has become the buzzword of recent times, as consumers look to ground themselves with the family, with their home and their health. The industrial trend, meanwhile, is a mix of the raw and refined; vintage and modern, unfinished and sleek. And as for marble, its cool, serene finish with undulating veined detail is the epitome of luxurious bathroom design. This desire for greater personalisation and individual style choices in the bathroom, along with the wish for a more hygienic solution has

ON THE PANEL

resulted in laminate bathroom panels coming to the fore: an easy to clean and simple to fit alternative to tiles that enables installers to create sophisticated and styles bathroom spaces with a premium feel.

Advantages of bathroom panels

Bathroom panels can offer more choice in terms of variety and décor than tiles, with the most innovative, advanced solutions providing the added advantage of postformed edges. This intricate design detail creates a seamless finish that doesn’t require any trims, making it easier to keep hygienically clean. This in turn makes bathroom panels ideal for shower cladding, bath surrounds, splashbacks and feature areas in family bathrooms, wet rooms and en-suites. The panels themselves can be manufactured with a waterproof core and post-formed edges, which creates a beautiful design feature out of external

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corners, whilst eliminating the need for grouting, which can be difficult to maintain and is prone to mould growth over time. Designs in wood effects, marble styles, terrazzo trends and concrete imitations enable homeowners to emulate on-trend materials and finishes without the high maintenance, price tag and installation issues to match. Acrylic panels in bold, solid colours can also be used to achieve a modern look while softer shades are ideal for a calming feel. There are also acrylic patterns and prints as well as composite waterproof panels that provide the look of a metro tile with an easy-clean finish that avoids the need for grouting.

Benefits for consumers

Bathroom panels provide many advantages for the consumer and they are becoming an increasingly considered option for specification in new build bathroom projects due to the superior benefits they can provide over other surface options in

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the bathroom and shower area. Firstly, moisture and humidity don’t affect acrylic, glass or composite bathroom panels so there’s no need for homeowners to worry about mildew or mould ruining their new bathroom space. There is a huge choice in terms of design and style; the latest trends can be integrated into the bathroom with ease as bathroom panels can emulate the luxury look of wood or stone, while being fully waterproof at the same time. Homeowners will be spoilt for choice and feel empowered by the range of choice and the ability to create a bathroom design that is unique to their personal taste and style. The long-lasting, durable properties of laminate panels are, in fact, even better than the real raw materials when it comes to practicality and they are far more cost-effective too. One of the biggest benefits that shower panels can offer are trimless panels, which feature post-formed edges to eliminate the need for grouting. Grouting is notorious for discolouration over time

and requires lots of maintenance to keep clean, so trimless solutions can completely eliminate this common pain point for homeowners.

Ease for installers

Bathroom panels are also gaining increasing interest from the installer community thanks to their simple and hassle-free installation process. Not only are they quicker and more efficient to install than tiles but they don’t require a specialist to fit them either, which can

really help to speed up the installation process of a project. The panels themselves can be cut down and adjusted to suit the project on site and can be fitted over virtually any surface. Versatile, flexible and available in a wide range of styles and colours coupled with the benefits of cost, installation and hygiene, could bathroom panels be the solution to triumph over tiles? FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE MERMAID PANELS RANGE OF SOLUTIONS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC046

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kitchens & bathrooms

SMOOTHLY DOES IT uxury vinyl tiles (LVTs) have grown enormously in popularity over the years, particularly for kitchen and bathroom floors. They offer a high-quality floor finish that is easy to maintain and are available in an abundance of designs and looks. Indeed, LVTs can be produced to mimic the appearance and feel of materials such as wood, stone or ceramic tiles. However, to ensure the finished appearance of an installed vinyl floor lives up to its ‘perfect world’ showroom setting it is crucial that the subfloor base is perfectly smooth and level, free from imperfections such as ridges, dents and undulations. Thin vinyl tiles are particularly susceptible to subfloor imperfections showing through, which is not something you want if you’ve just spent hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds on designer flooring.

Luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs) are very much in vogue and Setcrete has the solutions for a successful installation Levelling compound

The simplest and fastest way of achieving a smooth, level surface is to use a purpose-designed levelling compound or ‘latex’ as it’s often referred to. If the kitchen or bathroom has a standard sand/cement screed a general-purpose levelling compound will give you the result you need, bearing in mind that different brands may perform better than others, especially in their ease of application, flow properties and selflevelling characteristics.

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The levelling compound should normally be applied between 2mm to 10mm thick (depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation) and should naturally settle to achieve a smooth finish, requiring only minimal work with a smoothing trowel.

Flexible subfloors

For flexible subfloors, such as plywood, that you might have in the upstairs bathroom of a house, a general-purpose levelling compound won’t be able to withstand the slight, but inevitable flexing of the floor as it is walked on. Over time the levelling compound will crack and eventually break up. Fortunately, high performance, fibrereinforced levelling compounds have been developed for this very purpose. The tiny fibres in the mix work in a similar way to steel rods in reinforced concrete, holding the cured compound together as it is subject to slight movements in the subfloor. Such flexible levelling compounds can normally also be applied over a variety of subfloor types, including sand/cement

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and concrete, as well as non-absorbent subfloors, such as quarry tiles, epoxy and polyurethane resins. This adaptability means that adjacent floor types can be levelled in one go using a single levelling compound to ensure a consistent and uniform finish.

Time is of the essence

When time is tight, such as on truncated build programmes, or where it is more convenient to complete the entire flooring installation in a single day, fast-track levelling compounds offer a high quality solution. The fastest compounds on the market are ‘walk on hard’ from 30 minutes after application and ready to receive a floor covering in as little as two hours. Conventional, general purpose levelling compounds normally need to be left until the following day before a floor covering can be installed and will require 2 – 3 hours before they can be walked on. A further fast-track option is available for refurbishment installations where old floorcoverings have been removed leaving adhesive residues. Normally this residue needs to be removed mechanically, adding time and expense to the job. However, specialist levelling compounds have been developed to be applied over old adhesive residues (including bitumen and carpet tile tackifiers) and without the need for priming. Avoiding these two, normally necessary, stages in the refurbishment process saves both time and cost for a builder.

Prime importance

Not having to prime a subfloor before applying a levelling compound is an exception, rather than the rule. Priming is normally crucial. It facilitates the bonding of a levelling to the subfloor and avoids unacceptably fast drying of the levelling compound when it is applied over absorbent subfloors. Without priming the integrity of the levelling compound would be compromised. Equally, if not more important than priming, is the need to check for and manage excess subfloor moisture before the start of the floor preparation. Excess moisture is the most common cause of flooring failures. This is because moisture in the screed will rise to the surface and then become trapped under the floorcovering that has been installed. With nowhere to go, the moisture will attack the adhesive used to adhere the vinyl to the floor, resulting in ‘blistering’ or tiles lifting. In older homes, the cause of moisture may be rising damp or water ingress. In new homes it is likely to be residual construction moisture in the screed (a sand/cement subfloor dries at an approximate rate of 1mm per day). Measured in terms of relative humidity (RH), moisture content of a subfloor must be below 75 per cent RH (this is reduced

to 65 per cent where wood flooring is being installed). Excess moisture cannot be determined visually or by touch or smell. The only sure way of measuring the RH of a floor is by using a calibrated digital hygrometer. If excess moisture is detected, the application of a single-coat, epoxy resin damp proof membrane will provide protection up to 98 per cent RH. Following these simple golden rules before installing LVT flooring and using the right levelling compound to create a smooth and level subfloor base will ensure the end result is not only aesthetically pleasing, but will stay looking great throughout the lifetime of the floor.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE RANGE OF SOLUTIONS FROM SETCRETE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC047

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kitchens & bathrooms

GROHE TOGETHER The latest technology and fittings from Grohe are benefitting installers, according to the company’s training manager, Adam Logan

ith installer shortages across the industry, pent up demand from lockdown and a surge in consumer home improvement projects, there has never been a greater need for efficient fittings and systems that can help simplify and reduce installation times for plumbers, installers and fitters. With so many options of fittings for consumers to choose from in today’s market, there is increasing need for universal first-fix systems that can work flexibly across any project. For those customers wanting smaller retrofit work or upgrades carried out, systems that can speed up those jobs can make them more worthwhile for the installer whilst improving customer service time and satisfaction too. Grohe – a leading provider of complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings – has worked closely with its network of installers to understand the pain points and needs within the industry in order to integrate installer-friendly solutions into its product development. The manufacturer’s Training Manager Adam Logan discusses four of the brand’s most innovative and specified systems and technologies that have been designed to improve day-to-day working practises for installers.

QuickFix

TileFix TileFix allows for the adjustment of the fixing brackets on a shower rail in both length and depth. For instance, with a 600mm shower rail, the brackets can be fitted between 570mm & 630mm in length, so you don’t have to drill new holes. The brackets can also be adjusted by up to 16mm in depth, making it a

perfect solution for partially tiled rooms. TileFix speeds up the installation process, especially in retrofit or partial upgrade projects.

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Many Grohe kitchen and bathroom taps use QuickFix technology which means they can be fitted completely tool free. By reducing the number of loose components to enable a faster installation, taps benefitting from the system are simple to fit, even using just one hand. When looking at average installation times against a standard Grohe basin mixer, installation time is reduced by up to 65 per cent. What makes QuickFix unique is that it is the only system on the market that allows the installer to push the nut to the top of the threaded shaft meaning you only have to tighten the final few turns.

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Rapid SLX

Rapido Smartbox

Consumer’s expectations of their bathrooms, in particular their shower performance and functionality, are increasing and first fix shower systems like Rapido Smartbox can allow customers to get more from their shower, offering the only non-digital concealed shower system that can control three water outlets at the same time from one singular system. Its profile is also extremely slim – just 75mm – which makes it compact enough to work within even the narrowest of walls, opening up the accessibility of concealed showers to a greater number of projects. The Rapido Smartbox is an innovative system with an array of benefits designed with the installer in mind. Time-saving features include 16 different fixing positions for both 6mm & 8mm screws, centre positions and a built in lip for easy levelling; clear indications for Hot & Cold water supply; piping instructions printed directly on the front plate so no need to keep referring back to the installation manual; standard ½” threaded UK connections so no soldering necessary; and the ability to adjust the finished trimset by up to 6° if for any reason the Rapido Smartbox can’t be installed completely level.

The Grohe Rapid SLX system is a universal concealed support frame with flushing cistern that is designed for use with wall hung and rimless toilets, a growing trend in the market, and smart shower toilets. Alongside all the features you might expect, such as clear indication of height adjustments, spring loaded feet for easy height adjustment and levelling on uneven surfaces, a 400kg weight limit, fully insulated cistern and a tiling template to ensure adequate space to run the flush and soil pipes, it also offers some additional unique features and technologies designed to aid the installer. Perhaps the most unique of these is its flow manager, a device that allows the

installer to intuitively adjust the flow of the flush to prevent splashing within a rimless toilet pan. This does not reduce the volume of the flush but rather alters the speed in which the water is introduced into the pan. Most importantly, the flow manager can be adjusted without the need for tools or dismantling of any components of the cistern. The Rapid SLX also comes with built-in conduits to run additional water supplies and a power supply which can facilitate a shower toilet such as Sensia Arena, should your customer wish to upgrade a more advanced toilet system in the future. The additional conduits make it easy for installers to perform this upgrade without complete removal of the tiled surfaces as all water and power can either be accessed via the service opening behind the flush plate or from the opening behind the ceramic. Finally, the Rapid SLX is unique in that it also comes with a magnetic small flush plate as standard which can be fitted without the need for any tools and is available in a selection of three different designs and twelve different finishes, which allows you to give your customer unrivalled choice when it comes to the finishing touches of their new bathroom. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROHE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC048 GROHE HAS ALSO PRODUCED A NUMBER OF INSTALLATION VIDEOS FOR ITS PRODUCTS. TO ACCESS THESE USE THE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC049

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kitchens & bathrooms product round-up

LOW NOISE PIPE SYSTEMS

SHOWER HEAT RECOVERY UNIT (SHRU)

The fit and forget Baxi Assure Shower Heat Recovery Unit (SHRU) range can offer up to 66.6 per cent heat recovery and up to 8 per cent SAP benefits. The SHRU are designed to recover heat from waste bath or shower water via the in-built heat exchanger, which is then transferred to the mains cold water feed to the boiler. This places less energy load on the boiler to raise the temperature to the desired level of comfort.

Building on the 30-year plastic low-noise legacy of the Wavin AS system, the new and improved AS+ solution provides advanced noise reduction in soil and waste systems. The compact design is ideal for small and narrow spaces, a unique material composition delivers sound absorption, whilst a patented blue seal assists in leak and failure-proof installation. MORE DETAILS ABOUT SMARTPLY: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC051

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC050

SHOWER EXTRACT FAN KITS

A one-box solution for a super-fast installation is how National Ventilation describes its Monsoon Shower Extract Fans. There are now two new boxed-options available; the Monsoon Shower Extract Kit with a shower grille and the Monsoon Showerlite LED Extract Kit with an energysaving LED shower light to provide illumination, as well as extraction. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC052

SHOWER

The Roman Fast Fix assembly system makes the handling and manoeuvering of sliding door showering units much easier and safer. Amongst a number of installation innovations, the company’s designers have essentially turned fully framed units into more manageable modular sections. A Sliding Door is now in two sections with an assembled door and an assembled panel packed separately – with the top and bottom rails unattached. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC054

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

sales@pnupoint.co.uk

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CONCRETE-STYLE SINKS

Building on the trend for industrial style kitchens, Blanco UK has introduced eight sinks across three ranges. Etagon, Vintera and Metra are now available in durable Silgranit in a new concrete colour. The material is anti-bacterial easy to clean and hygienic, with the same tactile qualities as concrete and gradients that differ in each unit just like real polished concrete surfaces. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC053

TAP AERATOR

Installers can achieve a long-lasting and quality flow stream, whilst protecting taps from limescale build up, with the Cascade, Smart Lime Clean (SLC), retrofit tap aerator from Neoperl. Available in many sizes to suit most basin, bath and kitchen taps, this low-cost, precisionmade device fits into the end of a tap, can be easily retrofitted and does not need to be removed for cleaning. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC055

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ALL KITTED OUT David Barnes, Marketing Manager at Knipex, looks at the tools which could form the foundations of an apprentice’s first professional toolkit.

s an apprentice, filling your toolbox with the best tools to get the job done is vital. But how do you know which tools to start a professional toolkit with? We have picked out the six key tools we believe will serve as the ‘go to’s’ in a professional toolkit for any apprentice builder and plumber.

Pliers and cutters

First up, Combination Pliers and Diagonal Cutting Nippers are key tools for plumbers. These tools will help you cut, grab, nip and twist items, even in the most cramped and hard to reach areas. These tools have many functions individually that will save you time, money and effort.

Pipe Wrenches and Water Pump Pliers

With 25 jaw locking positions, the Cobra Water Pump Pliers can be set to the desired size by the push of a button. Fine size adjustment ensures optimum handle

position and box-joint construction prevents the pliers pulling to one side when in use. A user-friendly guard prevents fingers being pinched. Whatever the job involves, whether it’s tightening nuts and bolts, bending, pressing or gripping, the Pliers Wrench is an indispensable all-rounder, suitable for every plumbing and heating engineer’s toolbox.

Pipe cutting

Getting a decent pipe cutter in your tool bag is a good way forward. The TubiX pipe cutter makes it easy to cut pipes up to 35mm in diameter and with a wall thickness of 2mm accurately. Simply place the open TubiX pipe cutter on the pipe, then position and lock the cutting wheel into place on the workpiece using the QuickLock singlehanded quick adjustment. The pipe is cut by turning the tool, and the clearance between the cutting

WIN! A STUDENT TOOL KIT

The Knipex Student Kits include a Basic Plumbing Kit featuring Combination Pliers, Diagonal Cutting Nippers, Pliers Wrench and Cobra Water Pump Pliers. A Premium Plumbing Kit features a Control Cabinet Key DoubleJoint, Combination Pliers, Diagonal Cutter, Pliers Wrench, Cobra Water Pump Pliers and TubiX® Pipe Cutter.

Knipex has teamed up with Profesional Builder to give away a Premium Student Tool Kit to an apprentice. To enter, all you need to do is provide your apprentice’s name and why they deserve the prize. For the full details on how to enter visit: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC056

ABOUT KNIPEX The story starts back in 1882 when the company’s founder, Carl Gustav Putsch, helped by (yes, you’ve guessed it!) his two apprentices, set up the company and it is still a family-owned enterprise to this day. Based in Wuppertal Cronenberg in Germany, the factory grew from just one building in the beginning into the impressive complex it is today, exporting its tools to 100 countries across the world. With over 1,000 different pliers across its product ranges, the company manufactures many types of pliers, which cater for many different applications a professional tradesperson will encounter – and our plumbing and heating range is extremely comprehensive. edge and the pipe can be freely adjusted with the ergonomic feeding barrel. The cut surface can then be deburred if necessary.

Cabinet keys

Believe it or not, accessing cabinets, cupboards and water closets will be necessary in your day-to-day work, especially if you do any work in offices, local authority or commercial buildings. A simple but universal cabinet key, like the KNIPEX DoubleJoint will more than pay you back, saving you hours of needless chasing and borrowing cabinet keys! Check out the Knipex YouTube channel for hints, tips and How To’s by using the following link WWW.RDR.LINK/BC057 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON KNIPEX VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC058

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

! n i w o t e c n a h c Your

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READY-MIXED JOINTING

READY, WILLING AND ABLE Knauf explores the advantages of using ready-mixed jointing compounds

eady-mixed jointing is well suited to meeting the demands of modern methods of working. Used for finishing joints in drywall partitions and ceilings as well as bedding tapes, ready-mixed jointing compounds can provide a fasttrack solution. Drylining walls, by taping and jointing tapered edge plasterboard enables walls to be lined without applying a plaster finish. Using plasterboard with slightly tapered edges means the joint tape can be covered with jointing compound and left flush with the main surface of the plasterboard. A light sanding of the compound should leave a smooth surface ready for decorating. Taping and jointing can be faster than plastering, and less messy. It is also a job that can be done around other tradespeople on site, whereas plastering usually requires an empty workspace. There are different types of jointing compound available including powdered jointing and ready-mixed jointing. Readymixed jointing compound has many benefits, one of the biggest is the time it saves. With no mixing to do, the product is ready to use straight from the bucket, usually requiring just a couple of minutes

stirring to loosen the material. Less effort – and physical strain – is required and the reduced preparation time means being able to get on with the job quicker. The lack of mixing also means there is reduced dust. This makes for a much cleaner site and a clean up process that is easier and less time-costly, as well as creating a safer working environment.

Sustainable working

Using ready-mixed jointing also eliminates the need for a water supply on site. Access to water is not always easy, particularly on a new build site where often there isn’t a water supply readily available. As the product does not need to be mixed with water, this reduces the need for standpipes in high rise buildings or where water is difficult to transport around site. This not only reduces costs, but reducing water usage is also an important aspect of working more

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sustainably which companies are increasingly demanding. A further benefit is less waste. Any unused ready-mixed jointing material can be placed back in the bucket and resealed ready to be taken to the next job. Once empty, the plastic pails can usually also be recycled. Ready-mixed jointing is quick and easy to apply. Sanding after application is also a seamless job as ready-mixed compounds harden much faster than traditional plasters. Furthermore, they provide a smooth and consistent finish. The Knauf Ready-mixed Jointing range has an extensive choice of products. With the longest shelf life on the market, they are ideal for the majority of application and performance requirements. It is worth noting too that the benefits of using the manufacturer’s Ready-mixed Jointing products extend beyond shelf life and ease of use. The company also offers a full system performance warranty when all the products used in a system are Knauf (eg. jointing material, boards, fixings and finishes). A fully warrantied system gives both the contractor and their client peace of mind. Ready-mixed jointing compounds allow professionals to achieve a high-quality finish in less time, allowing them to move on to the next job quicker and save money by doing so. TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT KNAUF’S READY-MIXED JOINTING RANGE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC059

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

No.5

PLUMB JOBS

For the next instalment of our series with Makita, we caught up with the team to find out what power tools plumbers should keep in their toolbox. tool that plumbers simply cannot do without is the ‘8406’ 13mm Dry Diamond Core Percussion Drill. This powerful solution is ideal for making openings for pipework, fans and flues, and, when paired with the correct diamond core accessories, can effortlessly create clean-cut, smooth holes in tile, ferroconcrete, marble, brick and more. The 8406 can accept a large diamond core bit up to 150mm in diameter and, thanks to the percussion action option, it can also drill pilot holes to accept a guide rod, and ensure that holes are cut cleanly and concentrically, making it suitable for a wide range of projects. The 8406 has been designed to

쑿 8406 CORE DRILL

withstand heavy-duty applications and site conditions, so professionals can rely on it to deliver the output needed to tackle any task. This machine delivers an impressive impact rate of 22,500 blows per minute and it has a maximum drilling capacity of 30mm in wood, 20mm in masonry and 13mm in steel. To protect users during operation, a torque limiter and side handle has been fitted to reduce the risk of injury if the core bit snags on the material being cut. The unit weighs just 3.7kg and it is a proven product for many contractors. Plumbers can also benefit from keeping a cordless 3-function SDS+ Hammer Drill to hand, such as the DHR202. This machine can be used to quickly drill large holes in masonry and chisel into concrete when you need to chase out for pipework. It can drill up to 26mm in wood, 20mm in concrete and 13mm in steel. This machine makes light work of any task thanks to a maximum no load speed of 1,100rpm and ability to deliver up to 4,000 blows per minute. The tool also benefits from the Makita’s leading LXT lithium-ion battery technology. What’s more, cordless machines offer the increased freedom needed to easily complete tasks in tight, awkward spaces or at height. For maximum versatility, the DHR202 has three operating modes: rotary only, hammer only and rotary hammer. When in hammer only mode, users can position

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the chisel to suit the task as it can rotate a full 360degrees (with 40 locking positions to choose from). Visibility when working in tight spaces is also increased with the addition of an LED job light. When drilling into materials like masonry and concrete it is vital that professionals ensure they are using the correct PPE and dust extraction. Within the Makita range there are machines such as the DHR242RTWJ and DHR243RTWJ 18V LXT SDS+ Rotary Hammers that have been designed with a built-in dust extraction box so dust is removed from the air during operation, preventing the user from breathing in the harmful particles.

쑿 DMP180

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Accessories to suit the core range: Diamond Core Bit Set (P-74712), including 38mm, 52mm, 65mm, 117mm and 127mm diamond cores, a hex adaptor for standard drill chucks, an SDS-Plus Adaptor for Rotary Hammer Drills, a 10mm pilot drill and an extension bar. WWW.RDR.LINK/BC062

쑿 DHR242RTWJ

Your toolbox checklist: Diamond Core and Hammer Drill – ideal for creating clean-cut, smooth holes for pipework, fans and flus in a variety of masonry materials. SDS+ Hammer Drill – to quickly drill larger holes in masonry or chisel into concrete. 18V Inflator – this can be used when pressurising heating/hot water systems – particularly useful when used with a pressure gauge as machines like the DMP180 can be set to switch off when a pre-set pressure is achieved. Circular Saws – for studwork or plunge cutting floors, worktops etc. Angle Drills – useful for drilling in tight areas, such as studwork and joists for pipework. Grinders – to cut a wide range of materials including metal pipework and tiles.

Plumbers’ Holesaw Kit Makita also supplies accessories directly suited to plumbing applications. For example, the D-47298 14-piece Plumbers’ Holesaw Kit contains a selection of holesaws that can aid fast cutting – and the sizes have been carefully selected for the professional plumber. The bi-metal holesaw range has a vari-pitch tooth design for cutting steel, aluminium, copper, brass, wood and plastic.

M-Class Dust Extractor When drilling or cutting masonry materials, and especially when completing tasks such as dry diamond core drilling, contractors should always use an M-Class Dust Extractor. M-Class extraction is the minimum legal requirement and essential to protect the contractor and others working within the area, and to minimise dirt and dust. Makita offers a range of M-Class extractors from 22-litre up to 42-litre to protect the operator and to ensure the site is clean and tidy once the job is complete. WWW.RDR.LINK/BC063

WWW.RDR.LINK/BC060

SDS-PLUS Drill Bits Makita has a wide selection of Diamond Drill accessories, SDS-PLUS drill bits and chisels and saw blades so professionals can always find the accessories needed for the task at hand. Incredibly durable, these accessories ensure work is completed efficiently, reducing work time. WWW.RDR.LINK/BC061

Dry Diamond Core Bit Set As well as a wide range of diamond cores and blades, check out the 5-piece Dry

Ultimate Open Tool Tote Another must-have accessory for plumbing and heating professionals is the E-05430 Ultimate Open Tool Tote that can hold over 30 tools safely and securely. This handy carrier is perfect for organising a range of tools thanks to its open design – and it includes internal and external pockets for smaller items and paperwork. The square shape offers extra stability and the ergonomically shaped steel handle with foam anti-slip webbing means users can easily transport tools to and from site. WWW.RDR.LINK/BC064 TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MAKITA AND ITS WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC065

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SOLAR PV: STEP-BY-STEP

TECHNICAL TEAM TIPS – NO 28

CATCH THE SUN

Looking to take advantage of the commercial opportunities offered by solar PV? Marley shows how easy it is for roofing contractors to install its new integrated SolarTile.

Preparation and testing

Follow your normal process for preparing the roof ready for tiles. Roofing kits are provided with brackets suitable for tile battens of 25mm thickness. Electronically test each solar panel before installation using a multimeter. This will enable the installer to ensure the panels are working correctly before installation.

Step 1

Measure out the roof to identify the location of installation of where the panels are to be installed. Open the yellow box and start with the bottom left panel. Brackets rotate into the lower slot on the panel frame. Fix the batten brackets to the left side with two 25mm screws each. Fix bottom rafter brackets to each rafter the panel crosses with two 50mm screws each.

Step 4 Step 2 Fit the sill flashing then the lower side flashing to the panel, pushing into the rubber gasket seal. Secure the edge of the side flashing using side fixing tabs and nails.

Step 3 Open the green box and fix the combi rafter brackets to each rafter panel with four 50mm screws each. Push the joining strip into the gasket on the top gasket of the lower solar panel.

Installing the second panel. Slide the upper solar panel down the roof to engage with the combi-bracket and the joining strip. Align the panels on the right corner and rotate the left corner downwards to ensure a smooth connection. Fix the left side of the panel with batten brackets and 25mm screws. Push in the upper side flashing and fix the outside edge with the side fixing tabs. Fold the protruding end of the joining strip down over the side flashing.

Step 5 Installing panel 3. Slide the first panel of the next column sideways to engage with the combi-batten brackets. Secure the new solar panel to each rafter it crosses with rafter brackets and two 50mm screws each. Push the sill flashing into the gasket at the bottom of the solar panel. Slide the lower gutter between the two solar panels from the top and fold the tab at the bottom behind the sill flashing.

Step 6 Nail the top fixing strip into a batten. Align the bottom corner of the lower gutter covers with the bottom edge of the solar panel and push the gutter covers into the gasket. Fold down the remaining tabs.

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Step 7 Open the orange box and fix three combibatten brackets to the right-hand side of the top panel. Open the blue box and fit the upper gutter between the solar panels. Push the joining strip into the gasket in the top edge of the panel below.

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Step 8

Step 9

Installing panel 4. Slide the new panel into position and fix with rafter brackets at the bottom and batten brackets to the right-hand side. Push the lower side flashing into the gasket on the right-hand side of the panel. Fit the side fixing tabs and fold over the tab on the sill flashing. Fit the upper gutter between the solar panels and nail the gutter fixing strip to a batten. Push the upper gutter cover into the panel gasket. Fold the end of the joining strip down into the gutter.

Step 10a

Installing top flashing. For each rafter it crosses, fix a rafter bracket to the top of the top left panel and secure with two 50mm screws each. Push the top flashing into the panel gasket. Feed the two straps under the foam and secure the straps to a batten above.

Step 10b

Remove the paper strip on the underside of the sill flashing and press down onto the tiles. Ensure that the bitumen strip is well bonded to the tiles beneath. The rest of the roof can then be installed as per manufacturer’s fixing instructions. Final electrical connection and sign off must be completed by an MCS certified installer.

MCS CERTIFICATION LOOKING TO BECOME MCS CERTIFIED? AS PART OF MARLEY’S ‘SUPPORTING THE ROOFER’ INITIATIVE, ALL ROOFING BUSINESSES CAN CLAIM A £50 DISCOUNT ON THEIR MCS CERTIFICATION APPLICATION IN PREPARATION FOR CHANGES TO PART L OF THE BUILDING REGULATIONS. SIMPLY VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC066 MARLEY SOLARTILE CAN BE INSTALLED IN EITHER COLUMNS OR ROWS. THE NUMBER OF PANELS REQUIRED WILL DEPEND ON ROOF SIZE AND ENERGY REQUIREMENTS. TO VIEW AN ONLINE CONFIGURATOR, OR TO DOWNLOAD A MORE DETAILED INSTALLATION GUIDE, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC067

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builders’ vehicles

OUT OF SERVICE Millions of potentially unsafe vehicles could be returning to the nation’s roads as the UK emerges from the pandemic, says Dan Powell of Honest John Vans. Builders are being urged to think twice before skipping important van maintenance after it emerged that one in five drivers have delayed or skipped their vehicle’s service due to the pandemic. A survey of 2,558 motorists by HonestJohn.co.uk found 22 per cent of drivers have not had their vehicle serviced over the past 12 months, while a further one in ten (12 per cent) said they will delay or skip their vehicle’s next scheduled service. Dan Powell, Editor at Honest John Vans, said: “Servicing your van is critical to keeping it running well and reducing the risk of road accidents, and I would urge all builders to ensure their commercial vehicles are in optimum working order. A full service history shows you have cared for the van and will allow you to command a top price when it comes to selling or part exchanging your vehicle for a newer model. It can also lower your fuel costs as dirty or worn air and fuel filters can force the engine to work much harder than it should.” For those who delayed their vehicle’s service over the past twelve months, almost half (46 per cent) cited lack of use as the primary factor — while 13 per cent said it was as a result of having to stay at home and shield due to Covid-19. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HONEST JOHN VANS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC068

Honest John’s van maintenance tips check the oil every couple of weeks, as too much or too little can cause serious damage to the internal components. Make sure the van is parked on a flat surface when you check any fluid levels as doing so on a slope may result in an incorrect reading. ✔ TYRES You should check the tyres every two weeks. Look out for any unusual bulges or dents in the sidewalls, as these may be signs of internal damage (caused by a road impact or kerb strike). The minimum legal tread depth for a tyre in the UK is 1.6mm: you can use a 20p coin to check the tread – if the outer band of the coin is visible then the tyre may be under the legal limit. Be sure to check the tyre in several spots as uneven wear may give you a false reading. ✔ ENGINE OIL It’s important to

✔ LIGHTS Faulty or broken lights are one of the most common failure categories in the MOT, but many of these are issues that could be cheaply fixed at home with a bulb replacement. Make sure that your lights are working and aligned correctly by driving up to a wall at night. If one of

the headlight beams is higher than the other then your lights may be misaligned. You can also back up your van to a wall to check that the brake lights are working properly. ✔ BATTERY Some vans suffer from parasitic battery drain, which occurs when a switch remains live long after the ignition has been turned off. You can avoid this problem (and find the faulty circuit) by switching the van’s internal lights and radio off before you turn off the ignition. ✔ SERVICING It is vital that you stick to your van’s recommended service schedule. A basic service will replace the oil and oil filter, while a major service may change the spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter and brake fluid. Both a minor and major service will include a mechanical inspection of the van that will flag up any potential problems.

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

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builders’ vehicles 씱

The PRO CHOICE Professional Builder stays on course with the Webfleet Solutions PRO 8475 TRUCK

he kind of internet connectivity that we are all increasingly taking for granted has proven to be our saviour in recent times, and businesses of every size now see the wisdom of engaging with the latest technologies. As your window into the world of Webfleet Solutions’ online fleet management services, the PRO 8475 TRUCK is one such solution. This Android 9 tablet is equipped with an easy-tonegotiate menu and access to Google Mobile Services (GMS), as well the Google Play Store, and will also connect with 3rd-party Bluetooth devices. In combination with a Webfleet subscription, business owners can transmit data from the field to the office and vice versa, managing not only their vehicles but their staff. Working time and mileage levels can be recorded, for example, as well as active feedback on driver behaviour. Thanks to a two-way channel of communication, it’s possible to manage jobs and send instructions to employees on the road or onsite, with a text-to-speech function ensuring you’re not distracting anyone

whilst at the wheel. Any electronic device destined for the construction industry needs to be able to stand up to the muck and bullets of a building site, and the 7in. tablet’s rugged design is built to withstand the inevitable abuse. Although naturally reticent of verifying the manufacturer’s claims for its durability with our test unit, it is described as drop-proof, break-resistant, shockproof, UV-resistant, vibration-proof, dust and water protected.

Multiple functions

Beneath the brawn of that robust housing, however, there is a multi-tasking brain at work. The whole SatNav package is, for example, amongst the most sophisticated available. Users can be sure of their ETAs

with the latest in TomTom Traffic navigation – with all the latest and most up-to-date maps – whilst TomTom Speed Cameras keep you the right side of the speedometer. We also found the Advanced Lane Guidance particularly welcome in providing a clear guide even at complex junctions. In addition, the integrated camera on the PRO 8475 TRUCK enables image and video recording, and even greater visibilities levels are facilitated with a video input that supports the connection of a rear-view camera. That camera can, of course, be utilised outside of the van. If an operative needs to take a picture of a delivery, a piece of plant, or any other element of a building project, for instance, these can be quickly documented by the user. Regardless of how many vehicles and workers you have in the field, the PRO 8475 Truck, in combination with Webfleet Solutions’ fleet management services, offers the reassurance of enhanced visibility of your business operations. Add to that a full suite of TomTom navigation tools and you have a powerful ally in improving the productivity of your business. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE WEBFLEET SOLUTIONS PRO 8475 TRUCK VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC069

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! S G N I D N A L Y A D D

The sands of time may have surprisingly run out for some big name players in the UK pick-up market but the tide is definitely turning for Isuzu and its all new D-Max. t might have been the mountains of sand and gravel in the working quarry, or the fact that some big name players have recently run up the white flag, but our invitation to the latest unveiling by Isuzu certainly had a ‘D-Day’ feel about in terms of the future of pick-ups in this country. The iconic Japanese company – which is celebrating 125 years of only making commercial vehicles – has been around in the UK since 1988 with the imported and appropriately named Trooper. This was followed in 2004 with one of the bestselling pick-ups of all time, the Rodeo, and then in 2012 with the D-Max. Refreshed in 2017 with new engine technology, downsizing to a cleaner and more efficient 1.9disel engine, it now meets the latest Euro 6 emission standards without the need for AdBlue. The vehicle, in all its various configurations, has always been popular with the construction and agricultural industries, yet has increasingly attracted a wider audience of weekend warriors. Now

comes the all-new D-Max, which aims to build on those former glories, adding a new level of refinement and safety whilst maintaining its impressive 3.5 tonnes towing capacity and over 1 tonne payload. The company makes no secret of its bold sales objectives – looking to almost double current levels to 10,000 units by 2025. Interestingly, they project some

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“Isuzu wants to double current D-MAX sales levels by 2025”

significant changes in what potential users want from the vehicle with a clear emphasis on adventure. To make things more straightforward at the dealerships, which now stand at well over 100 across the country, they have simplified the options with three clear categories, Business, All-Purpose and Adventure available in Single (Utility trim only), Extended and – the biggest seller by far –

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the Double Cab. Utility vehicles, as the name suggests, are ideally suited to tough working environments with features like easily cleanable vinyl flooring and durable steel wheels with the bumpers, door mirrors and handles made from hard wearing black plastic. The ambition has been to give it more powerful looking stance on the road, and to this end they have created a more horizontal bonnet and vertical front face to create an angular appearance, which obviously sat well with its extensive user focus groups.

Loads more

A new rear bumper has an integrated rear step, which makes it easier to access a load area with a very respectable payload of 1,120kg. Even though it is aimed very much at the workhorse end of the range, it has a host of driver assists as standard on all models, including what Isuzu claim is a first in the sector, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitor and emergency lane keeping. Not so obvious to the naked eye is a stronger all round steel chassis which is up to 34 per cent wider and 14 per cent higher in sections, as well as a new 5mm reinforced resin underbody air deflector. There are also 8 airbags on all double cabs including a new centre airbag. It’s long been a valid criticism of many double cabs on the market that the comfort of rear passengers is often overlooked and so here the addition of 30mm on the previous wheelbase has allowed a larger and more spacious cabin. There is 20mm more shoulder room, higher hip points and more reclined seat backs. The B pillar is positioned 25mm further forward, which means the rear aperture has increased and allows for easier access. These are small details but important for a European market where travellers tend to be of bulkier nature than their Asian counterparts. Ten cup holders located about the truck should also satisfy the needs of the thirstiest builder’s tea drinker! The All-Purpose range consists of the DL 20 and DL 40, where DL signifies that the rear diff lock becomes a standard

“There’s three clear categories of vehicle – Business, All-Purpose and Adventure – available in Single, Extended and Double Cab versions” feature, with the numbers demonstrating the model hierarchy. Again, there are a host of additional features and sophisticated enhancements, such as leather eight-way adjustable seats in the cabin for a price, but outwardly the main differences are body coloured front and rear bumpers silver door handles, a medium grey radiator and 18in. alloy wheels to provide a more premium appearance. At the top of the food chain is the V Cross version, which features a gun metal exterior styling on the radiator grille, side steps, door mirrors, door handles and 18in. alloy wheels and, of course, an upgrade of the multi-function touchscreen to 9in. and V Cross branded carpet mats. It’s all designed to let no one be in any

doubt that the V Cross driver likes to work hard and play even harder! Interestingly, and something which may have escaped the attention of many pick-up users, is the fact that by coming in at under 2,040kg the extended and double cab options are subject to normal passenger car speed limits. It’s an uncomfortable fact that many double cab pick-ups unwittingly exceed this weight limit, which by law should comply with goods vehicle speed limits, which are 10mph lower on single and dual carriageways. There are upgrades to the automatic transmission delivering 5 per cent faster gear changes (have to take the boffins word for that) and the four-wheel drive shift on the fly has three configuration settings. A new actuator now provides much faster transfer between the different drives ranging from standard on road driving to extreme conditions featuring everything involving grass and mud and lots in between. To help you decide which one shows the least dirt, the D-Max now comes in eight distinctive colours. Coming at a time when the pick-up market has clearly suffered some collateral damage to its seemingly glorious march to victory in the LCV sector, Isuzu has decided that now is the time for some serious “D-marcartion” on where it stands on the battlefield. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE ISUZU D-MAX VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC070

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TIME FOR A COMMERCIAL BREAK!

Professional Builder is a welcome convert to the “Discovery” Channel.

re you currently in the market for a shiny new, all the very latest mod cons van? Or perhaps a mighty testosterone fuelled pick-up truck has taken your fancy? Well, hold your workhorses for just a moment. It may have escaped your attention, and we have to confess until a few weeks ago it had largely avoided our discerning eye, but there is actually a third commercial vehicle option which could turn some previously well-intentioned conventions on their head. Like the best things in life, of course, it comes at a pretty hefty premium, so look away now if you are of a nervous disposition, but for those in construction hoping to make a bold statement about their particular artisanship, or simply spend more time between hard-to-access sites than actually getting their hands dirty on one, then let us take you quite literally on a

voyage of Discovery. Not exactly going for a song, but certainly all singing and dancing, the oft affectionately abbreviated “Disco” Discovery Commercial from Land Rover is much more sophisticated nightclub than

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the sweaty church hall of your youth. Expect to pay a not insignificant entrance fee but what you get from then on in is a heady cocktail mix of what has made the Discovery one of the biggest noises in family SUV’s for more than 30 years.

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In many ways it seems almost a sacrilege to turn it in to a van but clearly the company are confident that there are sufficient customers out there who value driving creature comforts and top end performance over pure load carrying capacity (748kg payload). In fact, its claimed that one in four Discovery models sold in the UK is a commercial, which basically comes without rear seats, which are replaced by a hard-wearing load area and heavily tinted windows. There’s some clever technology on hand to maximise grip for a variety of different surfaces and terrains and, with a permanent four-wheel drive with high and low range gearing, you would be hard

“You have to say the Land Rover Defender Hard Top really looks the part and made light work of the challenges it was set on our test drive through deepest rural Herefordshire, taking in a challenging off-road course and ending with a delivery of potatoes to the Chase Distillery.” pressed to find a typical UK scenario where it could get stuck. At the very rear, the load area is accessed by a powered tailgate operated via the key fob or by pressing a button in the rear number plates. Once opened, it provides a handy backstop to items falling out and can double as a seat. It’s fair to say that there is nothing else quite like it currently on the market, which can be interpreted in a number of ways, of course. Up front, as you would expect, there is an impressive level of Discovery standard car equipment with a new enhanced centre console with Pivi Pro 11.4in. HD infotainment touchscreen and intelligent seat fold technology to maximise driver comfort. The Disco is available exclusively in SE and HSE specifications, powered by Land Rover’s latest in line six-cylinder Ingenium petrol and diesel engines with 48V mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) technology, which has all the required thrust to get from 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds and cope with 3,500kg of towing capacity. Unfortunately, the weight and modifications limit it to legal van speeds, so that’s 60mph on a dual carriageway, although spotting the subtle differences would test the observation

levels of even the most zealous traffic cop. If that doesn’t quite hit all the right notes (and, with a starting price of more than £50,000, that’s financial ones as well) for your particular business, then Land Rover believe they have a hit on their hands with the newly re-released Defender Hard Top. The name dates all the way back to the 1950 original and is well worth a spin for anyone looking for impressive off-road capability, long haul comfort, toughness, and durability in the harshest of surroundings. You have to say it really looks the part and made light work of the challenges it was set on our test drive through deepest rural Herefordshire, taking in a challenging offroad course and ending with a delivery of potatoes to the Chase Distillery of which Land Rover enjoys a mutually beneficial association – well worth a visit if you are ever in the vicinity.

Design led

The Hard Top Defender comes in two body designs – 90 and 110. The interior combines a protected two-seat passenger compartment, with the option of a third central jump seat, and a flexible rear load

bay that provides 1,335 and 2,059 litres of useable load space respectively and payloads of 670 and 800kg. Again, the powerful Ingenium D200, D250 or D300 in line six-cylinder engines are coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission and intelligent all-wheel drive. The flexible load area features full rubber floor coverings, lashing points, hooks, lockable underfloor storage and a full bulkhead for security and safety. A clear sight rear camera (option) and 3D surround camera (standard) ensures maximum visibility around the whole vehicle, making light work of tight manoeuvres and off-road terrain which can see the defender wade up to 900mm (more impressive than some well-known specialist pick-ups) and tow 3,500 kg with advanced tow assist technology. Prices for the Hard Top start at around £36,000 plus VAT, no small potatoes, of course, but you really couldn’t choose to be in better company when the chips are down! FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE LAND ROVER COMMERCIAL VEHICLE RANGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BC071

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builders’ vehicles product round-up INFOTAINMENT

SAFETY SYSTEMS According to new testing by independent vehicle safety authority Euro NCAP, Ford Transit and Custom are two of the top-performing vans for active safety. Transit received a Gold award for its active safety features while Transit Custom earned a Silver award. Euro NCAP specifically commended Ford’s AEB system, recognising Pre-Collision Assist technology with Pedestrian Detection as a class-leading feature. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC072

FREE TELEMATICS AND DASH CAM DATA

Europcar Vans and Trucks has partnered with telematics leader, Geotab and dash cam provider, SureCam, to offer a six-month free telematics and dash cam video data subscription on new long-term commercial vehicle agreements. With no onerous financial commitments, and the ability to select the latest Euro VI compliant vehicles, the company is promoting long-term rental as an ideal solution for construction firms. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC074

The latest in radio and infotainment technology is a feature of the MAN TGE Vans lin-up. The rangetopping MAN Media Van Business Navigation package includes an 8in. TFT colour display with touchscreen and roof mounted 3-button module system. In addition, an advanced centre console roof mounted 3-button module offers Emergency call, MAN Breakdown Service, and MAN Info call services. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC073

LIGHT TRUCK Updated finance and long-term warranty plans are amongst the latest additions to the Isuzu Grafter portfolio. The 3.5 tonne truck range now incorporates a choice of models on the most popular Grafter 120hp, including a new option over the standard 6-speed manual transmission in the shape of a fully automatic 6-speed gearbox, as well as incorporating updated steering and suspension features. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC075

LARGE ELECTRIC LCV

Kickstarting Fiat’s foray into 100 per cent electric vehicles, the EDucato large LCV has a range of between 113 and 230 miles, depending on the variant. It is congestion charge and ULEZ-exempt, with a choice between two battery sizes – 47kWh or 79kWh. It takes just 2 hours and 25 minutes to go from zero to fully charged, and there’s a payload of up to 1,885kg, with volumes of between 10m3 and 17m3. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC076

VAN STORAGE

LEVC has announced a new official conversion partner for its new VN5 electric van. Sortimo specialises in custom-made storage solutions and offers a nationwide network of installation sites, while also helping customers to visualise the perfect van storage options with mySortimo, the online configurator. The company’s SR5 product has been customised to fit LEVC’s VN5. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC078

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SPORTY VAN A red contrast grille strip, new bumper, spoiler and 18in. alloy wheels available in gloss black are just some of the styling details on the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Transporter T6.1 Sportline. The 2.0litre TDI 204 PS engine with 7-speed DSG gearbox is capable of 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC077

WINTER TYRE You can enjoy safe, secure driving and excellent braking performance throughout the year with the Kumho PorTran 4S CX11 winter tyre, according to its makers. Designed for vans and light commercial vehicles, it features new compounds and an advanced tread design, optimising the tyre’s contact pressure with the road, reducing fuel consumption, and maximising traction on snowy roads. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC079

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ADE’S TOP WINDOW & DOOR TIPS

No. 28

! ’ L L A C ‘ S ’ N A I ADR

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

Replacing windows in conservation areas can be very good business and Quickslide’s Ade provides a guide.

There are around 10,000 conservation areas in England that require additional planning controls and restrict the amount of work you can do without planning permission. Many builders shy away from working on such projects as being ‘more trouble than they’re worth’. But, by giving them a little more thought and planning, they can be very profitable because, generally, anyone that has such a property tends to understand that they need a little more TLC than an estate home that was built just a decade ago. Windows and doors play a significant role in defining the style and character in older buildings and can be a sticking point with the owner and the local authority. To be honest, it is unlikely that you will get away with installing even the best PVCu and aluminium replacement vertical sliders in ‘Listed’ Buildings – that is those that appear in the National Heritage List for England of special architectural or historic interest. These are for firms that specialise in such properties so let’s move on to what we can all do.

Article 4 Even in generally less restricted Conservation areas the type, material and design elements of products to be installed will need to be approved by the local authority. To replace the windows and doors, you must follow specific rules. As well as the usual Planning Permission, conservation areas are also covered by an ‘Article 4 directive’, which will differ from council to council. The owner of the property

should be acceptable for any project in a conservation area. We recommend contacting your supplier for brochures and specification literature and perhaps even samples to submit to the council when applying for permission. Generally, we believe that a VS is best with a woodgrain effect for it to retain the charm of the building though in an off white or traditional colour such as a cream or even very pale green. There are a number of heritage features that should be considered, including run-through sash horns, mechanical joints, deep bottom rails, heritage hardware and astragal bars. Flush Sash Windows in woodgrain with ETL joints (External The latest Vertical Sliding Sash Windows and Flush Sash styles, should be acceptable for Timber Look) have external contours any project in a conservation area. to emulate the traditional sashes found on heritage timber windows. is likely to know if their building is As always, get the backing of a top covered under Article 4, but the rate window and door fabricator to council will be able to advise. But help you through what can seem to be beware, it is not worth ‘trying to get a maze. But in the end, it will be away with it’! rewarding both professionally and In any proposals that you put financially to complete such work. forward for your customer, you will need to take the local area and its heritage into consideration. The authority will be wanting to look at a high-quality design that shows that it will preserve the aspects of the property and its surroundings. Find out early on what you can and can’t do because, if you’re knocked back, appeals can take several months to be decided. Get it right first time!

Window Designs for Conservation Areas The latest Vertical Sliding Sash Windows and Flush Sash styles, when purchased from a quality fabricator,

ADE’S TEA-BREAK TEASER

A boy is walking down the road with a professional builder. While the boy is the builder’s son, the builder is not the boy’s father.Who is the builder? You can find the answer on Page 5

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON QUICKSLIDE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC080

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wise howell

Advertisement index Bond It .................................................................................... (page 37) Buckbootz ............................................................................ (page 56)

I often find myself wondering how our ancestors did things, without the benefit of the modern tools and materials that we take for granted. How did cavemen cut their toenails, for example? (Think about it – although maybe not for too long). I love picking up boxes of old tools at auctions. I’ve got a big collection of moulding planes – which is how the old boys used to make architraves and skirting boards, before the advent of spindle moulders and routers. I’ve got a few hand drills, and brace-and bits, which is how builders used to drill holes before electric drills came on the scene. The one thing that our forebears didn’t have, however, was sanding machines. In fact, I discovered recently that they might not even have had sandpaper! Astonishing as it might sound, the first patent for sandpaper was registered only in the 1830s – less than two hundred years ago. So, in Victorian times, although sandpaper might have just been invented, its cost would certainly have put it beyond the reach of the average builder or carpenter. So, they had to achieve flat finishes using only their tools. As far as walls were concerned, once the plasterer had finished his trowel work, the decorators had only blocks of pumice or sandstone to smooth down any rough areas, and the emphasis was on washing-down, or sweeping with a soft brush to remove all traces of grit. For carpenters and joiners, the quality of the finish depended on the skilful use of a

variety of bladed instruments. The coarsest of these was called a scratch tool, or “scratch”, and consisted of a flat iron blade clamped between two pieces of wood, used to smooth off floorboards and skirtings. This was hard physical work, and if you remove timbers in Victorian houses you will often find that the hidden back or lower edges were left rough-sawn. Cabinet makers would use the more accurate honed edges of planes to get a smoother surface. Although life without sandpaper might sound difficult, it should be remembered that furniture and good quality joinery was usually made from seasoned hardwoods, with which it is comparatively easy to achieve a smooth finish using only a blade. Nowadays builders use mostly fast-grown pine, which tends to have a raised grain and a “furry” sawn finish unless it is sanded. Orbital sanders are so-called because the pad rotates with a circular motion, scratching the object surface in all directions. Serious woodworkers prefer belt sanders, where the scratching is all done in one direction, preferably along the grain. Similar to what the old boys used to do really, with a home-made scratch. And they never had to buy a packet of refills for it.

Jeff Howell

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

Build Aviator............................................................................ (page 4) Dakea .................................................................................... (page 57) Dulux Academy.................................................................... (page 24) Dulux Decorator Centre .................................................... (page 41) Eclisse UK .............................................................................. (page 17) Everbuild EB25 ...................................................................... (page 8) Federation of Master Builders.......................................... (page 73) Geocel .................................................................................... (page 35) Isuzu International Motors .................................................. (page 6) JCP Construction Products .............................................. (page 43) Kilwaughter Minerals Ltd .................................................. (page 49) Knauf Insulation Ltd ............................................................ (page 13) Kyocera-Senco UK Ltd ...................................................... (page 46) Made for Trade .................................................................... (page 27) Made for Trade .................................................................... (page 29) Made for Trade .................................................................... (page 31) Makita (UK) Ltd...................................................................... (page 21) Marley Ltd.............................................................................. (page 44) Parex/Sika .............................................................................. (page 38 Pnu-Point Ltd ........................................................................ (page 66) Polybound ............................................................................ (page 52) Polypipe plc ............................................................................ (page 61 Quickslide ................................................................................ (page 5) REG Group Ltd .................................................................... (page 55) Ring ........................................................................................ (page 23) Robert Bosch Ltd .............................................. (inside front cover) Robert Bosch Ltd ..................................................................(page 18) Safeguard Europe Ltd ........................................................ (page 33) Saint Gobain Abrasives .................................................... (page 26) Simpson Strong Tie ............................................................ (page 40) Tesco Mobile........................................................................ (page 53) Toolfair Exhibition .............................................................. (page 50) TuffX Processed Glass Ltd................................................ (page 47) UK Power Networks ............................................................ (page 20 Webfleet Solutions.............................................................. (page 69) West Fraser...................................................................... (back cover)

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GOOD HEALTH NO.23 DUPUYTREN’S DISEASE

Let’s talk about DUPUYTREN’S DIEASE... THIS MONTH GP, ALICE FITZGIBBON TALKS This month’s article is about a condition called DUPUYTREN’S DISEASE. Dupuytren’s disease or contracture. Many people might be aware of this condition or contractures and the best option for you will have seen it before but, in the advanced be decided by the specialists. stages, it can cause fingers to curl in towards One way to treat the contractures is to the palm of the hand. Dupuytren’s disease is a have an operation. Called a fasciectomy, condition that can have a significant impact on cutting the tissue allows the surgeon to quality of life, rather than being a significant straighten the fingers back up. This operation threat to health. With restricted finger may take months to recover from, and the movement can come reduced function of the fingers may never be fully straight, or as hands. This may make it very difficult for strong again. However, it does help improve people to carry out their daily activities and be function of the affected hand. very frustrating. Another option is a procedure called a Dupuytren’s is a condition that affects the needle fasciotomy. This is when instead of fascia – a layer of fibrous tissue that lies opening up the hand and cutting the beneath the skin in the hands and fingers. Over contractures, a needle is inserted into the many years, this layer of tissue can thicken and contractures at several points on the palm. This tighten. The first sign of this is often lumps, helps loosen the tissue and may help the finger dimples or ridges that can be seen or felt on the straighten. It is less effective than surgery, but palm of the hand. These are not painful but it has a much faster recovery time. With both of may progress to pull the fingers over and in these options, given the condition cannot be towards the palm – where they cannot be cured, the contractures may well return. straightened out again – and this is called New developments in treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture. In the early stages, Dupuytren’s contracture are becoming there is no treatment. Some people may have available too. Injections of an enzyme called early Dupuytren’s nodules (lumps) that never Collagenase can be used to help dissolve the end up getting worse. If there are early contracted tissue in the hand and allow the symptoms, watching and waiting to see what fingers to be straightened up. This treatment happens is the best option. may or may not be available on the NHS in Some people are more likely to develop your area; sometimes people will pay for this Dupuytren’s disease than others. The exact treatment privately. cause of this condition is unknown but you may Dupuytren’s disease can be mild and cause be at increased risk if you are male, have other no problems for a lot of people. In others that family members affected by it, you are a smoker go on to develop contractures, there can be a or a heavy drinker, or you suffer from epilepsy or lot of difficulties with hand function day-to-day. diabetes. If you are concerned about your hands and So, when is the right time to see the doctor? the early development of The right time to see your GP is contractures then please see when you find your fingers are “You may be at increased risk [of Dupuytren’s disease] if your GP for a review so a plan starting to bend forwards and it be made should the is having an impact on how you you are male, have other family members affected, you are can contractures become more use your hands – in other a smoker, heavy drinker or suffer from eplipesy or diabetes” severe. words, when you have developed a contracture. Your FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON DUPUYTREN’S GP will examine your hands and may refer you to a specialist DISEASE FROM THE NHS: WWW.RDR.LINK/BC090 hand team. There are different treatment options for managing

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