Professional Builder March 2022

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FRE E TO THE TRA DE

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

MARCH 2022

ROOFING, FLOORING & INSULATION FROM TOP TO BOTTOM & SOME IN-BETWEEN

VEHICLES & PLANT MOVERS & SHAKERS!

THE CONFEDERATION OF TIMBER INDUSTRIES (CTI) IS CHAMPIONING LOWER CARBON MATERIALS

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ORDER TODAY AT: www.gator-tape.com

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contents

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

MARCH 2022 VOL. 44 NO.3 @PB_mag

pb@hamerville.co.uk

www.youtube.com/protrademags

@probuildermag

@probuilderonline

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

REGULARS 7 9 13 26 97 97 99

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

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ROOFING, FLOORING & INSULATION

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SPECIAL REPORTS 14 Grow Your Business with Rated People Inventors’ 16 Inventors’ Corner Corner – Gator Tape 18 Inventors’ Corner – Bricky’s Buddy Inventors’ Corner 20 Safeguard Europe – Cavity Drainage Membranes 23 Training & Upskilling – CorkSol UK

28 TuffX – Company Update 31 Hambleside Danelaw – Warm and Cold Roofs 34 Saint Gobain Insulation – Celotex Thermaclass Cavity Wall 21 37 NFRC – Roofing Careers Service 39 SSQ – Phyllite 40 Marley – SolarTile 43 Knauf Insulation – Part L Changes 46 YBS Insulation – Sustainability 48 West Fraser – CaberFloor 50 Uponor – Minitec Low Profile UFH 53 Setcrete – Deep Base Floor Levelling Compound 57 NEW PRODUCTS

68 VEHICLES & PLANT 58 Honest John – Best Used Vans 60 Webfleet – Connectivity 63 Brigade Electronics – Dash Cams 64 Rhino Roof Racks 66 Manitou – Ultra Light Manitou (ULM) 68 Takeuchi & On Your Marks Plant Hire 70 Trade Plant Hire App 71 NEW PRODUCTS

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT 72 Makita UK – Tools for Tiling 74 fischer fixings 77 ToughBuilt – ClipTech System 78 Festool – Quadrive Cordless Drill 80 Tibby Singh Reviews Trend 82 Scruffs – Workwear 84 NEW PRODUCTS

HEATING & PLUMBING

GENERAL BUILDING 86 Marshalls – Outdoor Spaces 89 NEW PRODUCTS 90 Tibby Singh Tests CT1 from C-Tec

91 Ariston – Air Source Heat Pump Water Heater 94 Grant UK – Heat Pumps

DOORS & WINDOWS 96 Quickslide – Trickle Vents

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

MANAGING EDITOR TERRY SMITH EMAIL: tsmith@hamerville.co.uk DEPUTY EDITOR LEE JONES EMAIL: ljones@hamerville.co.uk GROUP ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER CRAIG JOWSEY TEL: 07900 248102 EMAIL: craig@hamerville.co.uk NORTHERN ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER IAN DUFF MOBILE: 07810 353525 EMAIL: ian@hamerville.co.uk GRAPHIC DESIGNER DONNA BOOTH GROUP PRODUCTION MANAGER CAROL PADGETT DIGITAL MANAGER JASMINE SMITH EMAIL: jsmith@hamerville.co.uk DIGITAL ASSISTANT LUCY HARDING EMAIL: lharding@hamerville.co.uk DISTRIBUTION MANAGER KARL CLARK PRINTED BY WALSTEAD PETERBOROUGH PUBLISHED BY HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF Tel: (01923) 237799 Fax: (01923) 246901 Email: pb@hamerville.co.uk

Professional Builder is a business magazine for firms and individuals involved in all aspects of the building industry. It is available nationally – free to the trade through leading builders’ merchant outlets. © 2022 To be removed from this magazine’s circulation, please call 01923 237799 or email circulation@hamerville.co.uk.

Subscriptions to Professional Builder are available at the following rates: UK: 1 year (11 issues) – £30.00 post paid Europe & Overseas: 1 year (11 issues) – £50.00 post paid Airmail: 1 year (11 issues) – £65.00 post paid

viewpoint PEOPLE IN GLASS HOUSES...

The irony will be completely lost on them, of course, but after a few months of apparent winter hibernation you can safely assume that the Insulate Britain mob are already planning their latest attention seeking wheeze. And, if they have clapped their eyes on a new report into the potentially harmful effects of unwanted solar gain in our homes, then we have a pretty good idea where they will soon be focusing their self-righteous posturing.

So, as both the ambient and political temperature rises once again, don’t be surprised over the next few weeks if you come home from work to find some distinctly strange people in your back garden, stuck most firmly – believe it or not – to your old conservatory. OK, so we jest just a bit, but it’s fair to say that this previously ubiquitous home improvement is now considered a sun trap in the very worst way, a major factor, apparently, in our changing climate.

New regulations being brought in from June of this year will mean that conservatories will need to show that they don’t create unwanted solar gain as part of a raft of measures to future proof homes against 40ºC summers. For now, at least, the regulations will apply just to conservatories in new builds which, as a consequence, face complex and expensive modelling to show that they will not become too hot in summer and limiting the use of trendy floor to ceiling glass. It’s all part of a government commitment to improve domestic ventilation and reduce emissions by 30 per cent, which will in effect limit window sizes according to which direction they face, and whether the home is likely to overheat.

At present conservatories that are unheated and separated from the house are “As the latest victim to come under thought to be exempt but within the industry the scrutiny of the climate change the death knoll is already being sounded for doomsters, the humble conservatory the once ever so popular property add on, is of course an easy target, but again making them a premium product, and unaffordable on cheaper new properties. it seems an unnecessarily heavyAll of these new dictates are based, of course, on the prediction that 40ºC summers handed approach to something that are soon going to be commonplace in Britain. left alone was already in the process No doubt many of us will recall similar of radical change by itself.” prophecies being made more than a couple of decades ago that the UK would soon be enjoying summers akin to those of the south of France and pretty much the consensus then was “bring it on!” Certainly, anyone who has holidayed in Britain in subsequent years would confirm that very little seems to have actually changed. Sure, there has been the odd record breaker but our summers remain predictably grey and distinctly changeable.

In fact, extreme weather events have been happening since records began but, like everything else these days, they are massively hyped across the media. A seasonal storm is now an apocalyptic weather bomb, 90 degrees heat is accompanied by dire warnings for the unwary, and many floods the direct result of building in the wrong place. And, of course, every incident is now captured on a mobile device to share with the world. It always strikes us as somewhat odd how anyone can confidently reconcile the credibility of long-term predictions when even the most sophisticated multimillion computers employed by the Met Office consistently fail to accurately predict what will transpire in the next 24 hrs!

As the latest victim to come under the scrutiny of the climate change doomsters, the humble conservatory is, of course, an easy target, but again it seems an unnecessarily heavy-handed approach to something that left alone was already in the process of radical change by itself. The poorly insulated, PVC, polycarbonate roofed conservatory of yesteryear has clearly long since had its day. Almost since inception the cry has gone out that they are too hot in summer, too cold in winter and the industry has responded in due course with new materials and designs.

The conservatory has been evolving for more than 50 years and ultimately the customer decides whether it is fit for purpose and votes accordingly with their wallets. For many homeowners, a properly installed conservatory has long been regarded as a very cost-effective way of providing useful additional space in modest circumstances and over the years a lucrative line of business for professional builders. The problem clearly rests with the thousands of existing conservatories not the ones being installed currently to much higher specifications.

Unfortunately, the sledgehammer to crack a walnut approach would appear to be at play once again here and, whilst common-sense is now in short supply in so many aspects of everyday life, it really has gone completely out of the window this time!

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News Professional Builder

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

STATE OF TRADE SURVEY In the most recent State of Trade Survey from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), an overwhelming 86 per cent of respondents said now is the time to introduce mandatory licensing for building firms. With a focus on standards, licensing would professionalise the industry, remove rogue traders and help protect consumers. “Rogue traders take work away from quality builders and leave consumers out of pocket,” explains Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB. “With the cost of living rising the issue

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86 per cent of builders call for industry to be licensed, says FMB

will only get worse as consumers are drawn in by unscrupulous builders offering unrealistic timelines and prices.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE001

PAYING THE PENALTY

Van drivers risking fines, according to VW

Almost half of van drivers are risking a £200 fine and six penalty points on their licence as a result of using a sat nav app on their smartphone, according to a study by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The law now states it is illegal to touch your device – designed to prevent a loophole that allowed taking photos or scrolling on social media.

While it is still legal to use sat nav on your mobile phone, it must be safely secured to the dashboard or windscreen, where it must not block your view. In addition, you must also have hands-free access, such as a Bluetooth headset, voice command, or integration with the on-board infotainment system, with police able to stop you if they see you are distracted by the phone.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE002

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SUPPLY AND DEMAND

Nine in 10 tradespeople forced to delay projects due to ongoing supplies shortages, finds Simply Business

Ongoing supplies shortages are costing UK tradespeople over £3.5bn in lost earnings with the vast majority forced to delay projects or turn down work.

Nine in 10 (87 per cent) of tradespeople are being forced to delay projects due to the ongoing supplies shortage, a new report reveals.

The shortages are caused by a damaging combination of unprecedented demand, tighter restrictions on imports after Brexit, and rising costs of materials, with costs ultimately passed down to the tradespeople and then the consumer.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE003

OFFICE SPACE

New research from Velux reveals a dedicated home office is non-negotiable Velux’s research shows one in five (20 per cent) of those working from home want to do this more and nearly half (46 per cent) of people who work from home, now work from home five days week. The findings also reveal that installing or replacing a window was one of the top three home improvements undertaken to transform a working from home space (10 per cent) Injecting daylight and fresh air into a room with a roof window is one of the easiest ways to transform a home office and improve working conditions, argues Velux.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE004

MAKING AN IMPROVEMENT

The Latest Home Pride Index from Checkatrade reveals £40 billion was spent on home improvements last year British homeowners spent a collective £40 billion on home improvements in the last 12 months, according to Checkatrade’s latest Home Pride Index. Despite shortages of skilled trades and raw materials, over a third (37 per cent) of homeowners were more eager than ever to carry out work on their homes, spending an average of £2,706 on home improvements.

TO VIEW CHECKATRADE’S HOME PRIDE INDEX, VISIT THE CHECKATRADE BLOG WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE005

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News Professional Builder

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

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RECRUITMENT DRIVE

Construction needs to rethink how it attracts its workforce

Construction employers are being encouraged to rethink how they attract their workforce as competition for skilled workers gets more intense. CITB’s Rethinking Recruitment research has shown that just two per cent of those outside construction see it as their preferred industry to work in. Yet the same findings also reveal that construction could be more successful if it aligned its recruitment approach to values where it scores highly, including stability & security, the variety of work, the opportunity to have a positive impact and the chance to specialise and become an expert. The industry also needs to recruit more women, who currently only make up 14 per cent of the workforce, and workers from ethnic minorities, who number just 6 per cent.

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ON THE LEVEL

Local builders have a key role in helping the country level up, according to the the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) In response to the announcement of the Government’s Levelling Up White Paper, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB said: “For local housebuilders, loans through the Home Building Fund should be targeted at reversing the decline in SME housebuilders, who are now delivering only 12 per cent of our housing stock, down from 40 per cent in the 1980s. Local housebuilders develop on underutilised land that will be vital for hitting housing targets.”

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE007

THE HOUSE WINS

NHBC reports 25 per cent boost in UK new home registrations in 2021 Housebuilding has demonstrated its resilience with figures from the NHBC revealing there were 153,339 new home registrations in 2021, a 25 per cent increase on 2020. Compared to the 8-year-low seen in 2020, where registrations fell to 122,935, the sector experienced a significant rebound as it emerges from the pandemic. New home completions also showed a significant uplift in 2021, increasing by 21 per cent to 139,333 (2020 115,561).

Private sector registrations were the key driver, rising from 80,475 in 2020 to 114,477 in 2021, an increase of more than 40 per cent.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE008

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The UK’s safe digging industry is seeing its best performance to date LSBUD, the UK’s leading online safe digging resource, welcomed more than 3.4 million searches for underground pipes and cables through its central system in 2021.

This figure is up 13 per cent on 2020, showcasing how construction is more committed to safe digging than has ever been the case before. Richard Broome, MD at LSBUD, comments: “In order to approach the 3.5 million milestone, our portal has received a search enquiry every two seconds during the average working day. This is more often than we blink.”

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE009

THE HOME MAKERS

Government loans to help SMEs build more homes A £1.5bn home building fund offering loans to SMEs to help them deliver 42,000 new houses across the country has received a lukewarm response from the construction industry. The National Federation of Builders (NFB) has said the loan scheme would only be of any use if smaller housebuilders could borrow prior to gaining planning permission. NFB housing and planning policy head Rico Wojtulewicz said: “The government has not understood the planning and lending process, so the money has not gone in the right places such as the south east where there are more barriers to gaining planning permission despite acute housing shortage need.”

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE010

GET A TRADE!

Access Training UK has found that more Britons than ever are learning a trade skill with the goal of undertaking a career change The training provider has seen demand for courses explode in recent months and, since June 2021, applications have increased by 29 per cent. The most popular professions are electricians, with a 38 per cent increase, closely followed by trainee gas engineers (29 per cent) plumbers (24 per cent) and carpenters (13 per cent). Research has suggested that people are recognising that tradespeople have significant earning potential.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE011

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YOU CAN READ THE RETHINKING RECRUITMENT REPORT AT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE006

DIGGING FOR VICTORY

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News Professional Builder

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity has launched its HARDHAT to 85258 service The text HARDHAT to 85258 service will complement the existing 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline and Helpline App and offers immediate support to those who feel more comfortable texting with someone rather than holding a one to one telephone conversation.

Just like the charity’s helpline, the text HARDHAT to 85258 service is available at any time of the day or night and offers free, anonymous and confidential support to anyone in the industry who is feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, suicidal or simply struggling with everyday life.

If you need help or support now, or know someone that does, you can call the charity’s 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline on UK 0345 605 1956, ROI 1800 939 122, text HARDHAT to 85258 or visit WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE012

OWNMINDER APP

Pioneering app launches to help tackle mental ill health issues Ownminder is the first industry-specific proactive psychological health solution created to help address the sector’s stark mental health situation that sees a suicide rate three times more than the national average. It enables organisations to provide their employees with a set of accessible tools and strategies to enable them to take a positive, proactive and preventative approach to their psychological health and wellbeing.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE013

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HIRE AND SALARY

Builders are the most in demand trade across the UK and rank in the top ten paid trades The Bionic trade index looked at 10 of the highest populated cities in the UK outside of London, to find the trade jobs available and the average salary per trade in each city. London was omitted from the index to avoid skewing the results because of the sheer size and density of the capital’s population. Building and construction roles receive the highest average annual salary for trades in the UK – with builders ranking up to £31,300.

RANKING 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

JOB ROLE CITY SALARY Bricklayers Bristol £38,775 Plasterer Birmingham £37,765 Carpenter Leicester £36,582 Handyman Bristol £35,451 Electrician Glasgow £35,141 Mechanic Bristol £34,739 Plumbing Coventry £33,993 Painter Coventry £33,859 & Decorator 9 Builder Bristol £31,300 10 Scaffolder Bristol £31,300 Building and construction trades have the highest number of trade job vacancies, with the highest volumes of these being in Birmingham (2,825).

However, Bristol offers the highest average paid salaries for all construction trades analysed, sitting at £33,266.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE014

FALSE ECONOMY

Constructions firms urged to prevent ‘false self-employment’ Employment status expert and insurance firm, Qdos, have responded to the news that a sole trader has won her battle to be classed as an employee – a verdict that could spark similar cases among self-employed and gig economy workers, along with having significant tax implications for any construction businesses facilitating ‘false self-employment’.

Qdos CEO, Seb Maley, commented: “The ramifications of facilitating false self-employment can be severe. Let’s say a construction company engages someone as selfemployed when in reality the relationship reflects employment, HMRC will expect the business to stump up missing employment taxes, which can mount up considerably just for one worker.”

FOR FURTHER DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE015

RENOVATION NATION

The UK is planning kitchen renovations for 2022 whilst gardens are still a priority

A new survey of UK homeowners who are intending to move, extend or convert their property over the next 18 months by price comparison website Local Surveyors Direct (LSD), uncovers the nation’s home renovation plans for 2022. From a list of 22 refurbishments – including lofts, basements and windows – kitchens came out top (30 per cent). Of those intending to complete home renovations next year, the majority (68 per cent) are planning to spend over £2,500 up to £10,000 over the next 18 months, while over half of all those surveyed (57 per cent) intend on doing some of the renovation work themselves.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE016

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GUIDING LIGHT

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

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ADVERTORIAL

YOUR LETTERS... ...problems solved

PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

TOOLFAIR 2022

POWER TOOLS • HAND TOOLS • BRANDED ACCESSORIES

ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR Dear Professional Builder

Could I ask when your next Toolfair will be taking place? I’ve always liked being able to get hands on with the tools and I’ve picked up some great show deals at previous events I’ve attended. 쎲

Jason Priestley, Stockport, Greater Manchester

PB: If you make use of our digital reader enquiry service and use the rdr.link below you’ll find a full schedule on the Toolfair website. There are actually two Toolfair shows scheduled for March: The Bolton Arena on 3rd & 4th March and Alexandra Palace on 29th & 30th WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE105

FUEL FOR THOUGHT © Iryna/Adobe Stock

Dear Professional Builder

I run a groundworks company and have a couple of mini excavators and a dumper as part of a small fleet of plant. As from April 1st, 2022, I understand that it is the case that we will no longer be able to use rebated red diesel or rebated biodiesel in our machines? I only found out about this quite recently myself and there doesn’t seem to be enough publicity on the subject. I fear a lot of smaller plant owner/operators could be caught unawares. 쎲 David Leadbetter, Cromer, Norfolk PB: It is, indeed the case that white diesel will need to be used from that date, which carries a duty of 57.95p per litre – 46.81p higher than red diesel – as well as VAT charged at 20 per cent. More information can also be found on the Government website here: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE017

WHY SOFWARE HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT “Hefty inflation, material and labour shortages, and project delays are placing a huge pressure on building firms. If they drop the ball even for a moment, there’s a chance they’ll lose serious money. Estimating software is vital,” says Joanna Mulgrew, HBXL Building Software’s Managing Director.

EstimatorXpress tracks the latest prices and can work out not just today’s cost but the job start date cost as well - which is almost definitely going to be more. Material schedules are produced automatically so suppliers can be given advanced notice. The clever on-board dashboard provides loads of analysis including a visual overview of profit, cash flow and progress.

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

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

According to Joanna, IT skills are really not needed for using HBXL’s software. The suite is made up of five end-to-end construction software tools: As well as EstimatorXpress, there’s PlansXpress; Health & Safety Xpert; ContractsXpert and ProjectXpert. Each one has been re-engineered to be even more straightforward for the user.

The whole process is ‘step by step’ with visual aids and hints and tips that appear in the window as you go. The project data in the estimate also populates the health and safety, contracts and project management software, saving the user even more time.

As for the design side, their PlansXpress software helps builders draw architect quality buildings plans and models - without the need for qualifications. Less costly than architect services, the software’s impressive graphics are job-winners.

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

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

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SPECIAL REPORT GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Jack Lemon, Head of Tradespeople Marketing at Rated People, explains how the company can help your business thrive.

HIGHLY RATED t a time when there’s high customer demand for tradespeople, you may wonder what an online marketplace has to offer. At Rated People, we’re in the business of lead generation for tradespeople but we know that it’s not just the amount of work that matters, it’s knowing that it’s the right work at the right time. Plus, there’s a lot more to running a successful business and enjoying doing it, than the number of customers you can line up.

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Jobs waiting for you, when you want them

With 24/7 access to work opportunities, and no shortlists, you’re fully in control of the jobs you choose to go after. You tell us what work you’re interested in and set your own filters, and we show you the jobs that match your criteria. That immediate access to new job opportunities means you don’t have to turn lots of work down or worry about where your next job will be when you’re busy

We do your marketing so you can focus on doing your job You don’t need to burn through your own hard-earned cash experimenting on channels that might not bring in the work that you’re looking for. We have the inhouse expertise to do the marketing for your business. You’ll get your own profile page that does the same job as an SEOoptimised website, so you can build your reputation and secure new customers.

Build genuine ratings and reviews Homeowner customers are encouraged

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efficiently, members on annual plans get access to Member Benefits Premium, a collection of over 250 offers and discounts on business and personal expenses. You can save over £3,000 annually with six of the leading benefits, including up to 20 per cent off trade supplies and discounts on the seemingly ever-increasing price of fuel. to leave ratings and reviews for the tradespeople they’ve hired through the platform which helps you build your online reputation and is crucial to landing more work. With ratings and reviews tied back to individual job leads, it’s an honest way of gathering real feedback from real customers.

Get help with the admin

Admin is not the nicest part of the job and it’s easy to fall behind. You can organise your business from anywhere with Rated People’s free Trades App and benefit from features like a Lead Tracker to keep an eye on how different jobs are progressing both on and off the platform, and an invoice generator. It’s handy for helping get through the admin quicker so you can spend more time on the tools or with friends and family.

Drive down your business costs with offers and discounts To help you run your business more

Exclusive insights to get your business thriving in 2022

With so much uncertainty over the past couple of years, we’ve all realised just how important it is to safeguard businesses. One of the ways you can do that is by seeking out new areas of opportunity. Our Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report is available for trades businesses like yours and it’s full of insights that help you identify those opportunities – whether that’s knowing what home improvements homeowners plan to spend the most money on in 2022 and what jobs are rising in popularity or benefitting from other tradespeople sharing how they’re responding to the increase in demand. We keep you up to date with all those must-have industry insights to benefit your business and give you an edge.

FOR MORE ON GROWING YOUR BUSINESS WITH RATED PEOPLE, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE018

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Professional INVENTORS’ CORNER

TALE OF THE TAPE Phil Hogan, the inventor of the Gator Tape

Professional Builder’s Lee Jones meets an inventor who’s developed a product that is quite literally made to measure for the trades. easure twice and cut once might be the old adage, but even having abided by that time-honoured precaution you can still be at the mercy of the limits of your tape measure. Long lengths or door and window reveals can all prove problematic, but not so with the Gator Tape. Inventor, Phil Hogan, first identified a gap in the market when setting up an interior refurbishment company with his wife, as he explains: “As well as painting & decorating, we also specified and installed shutters, blinds and curtains. It was when I found myself measuring up rooms for these products, that it became apparent that there wasn’t really a suitable tape measure for the job.”

With necessity the mother of invention, Phil set up finding a remedy that would measure up. “It became a real voyage of

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discovery because in finding a solution for a very specific task we found that we’d developed a tool that would be useful for virtually every trade.” In fact, Phil would spend four years from initial prototype to finished product, perfecting its features and benefits.

Collaborating with a designer, Phil focused on refining the ergonomics, to ensure the measure is a comfortable fit in the hand, but it is in accuracy and userfriendliness that the Gator Tape makes its mark. “Like other top reading tape measures on the market it works by measuring from the back of the base plate to the hook of the tape,” continues Phil, “with the result viewable in the top viewing window. Existing examples only feature a maximum blade width of 19mm, however, whereas ours is 25mm, which provides a far superior stand-out of 2.3m on a 5m blade.”

“Not only that, the Gator Tape is the only top viewing tape measure with a Class 1 blade, which means it has the highest standard of accuracy available, with an error of no more than +/- 1.1mm over a 10m length. Readings from that hi vis blade can be viewed in millimetres, centimetres and inches and the backplate has been specifically designed so that it will stand up on its own. A powerful snout lock means you can move it around with confidence once you’ve taken a

measurement, whilst there’s also a curtain claw available.”

This attachment allows for the highly accurate measurement of the drop of curtains from a pole. It has been designed to fit securely to the blade tip of the Gator Tape, which is then simply hooked to the eyelets or rings on the curtain pole.

Unlock the tape, slide it down to the floor, and you have a very accurate reading. In addition, the product’s durable casing can be complemented by a holster which means the tool is always by your side.

There’s also no more bending the blade to try and read a measurement. In addition, with the extended stand out the self-supporting blade affords, and a base plate that allows the tool to stand up on its own, measuring the height of an area is a far more straightforward proposition.

Feedback from end users has revealed that the Gator Tape has found a place with multiple users, as Phil explains: “Kitchen and bathroom installers love it because they’re doing a lot of internal measurements. I recently demonstrated it to a carpenter on site and, having taken a measurement of the door lining he was working on there and then, bought three for him and his two lads on site.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE GATOR TAPE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE019

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Professional INVENTORS’ CORNER

Professional Builder’s Lee Jones talks to the tradesman behind the Bricky’s Buddy, a time-saving trowel holder that’s a friend at your side.

BUDDY UP!

e’ve all been there; you put something down and – almost as soon as you have – you forget where. Experienced builder, Mike Clarke thinks he has the answer – a magnetic trowel holder that means you never have to part with your trusty tool in the first place, and it will always by your side, even when up and down scaffolding or moving around site.

“I made a rudimentary version to use myself and the result was many positive comments from other tradespeople on how useful it looked,” explains the North Yorkshire-based builder. “I don’t think even brickies themselves are aware of just how often they’ll put their trowel down in the course of a day. The feedback I get from people who’ve used it is that it’s a lifesaver.”

Mike, together with his

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business partner Terry Ashmore, a North Yorkshire based Joiner, set about producing a version that they could bring to the market as a solution for the trades, and the result is the Bricky’s Buddy. The benefits, as Mike explains, are multiple: “It’s not just saving you time because there’s also a safety consideration, especially working at heights. The highgrade neodymium magnets means that the trowel will stay in place, it’s dual sided and is very easy to keep clean. The Bricky’s Buddy has a seat belt like material strap that hangs from a belt making it very durable.

From my own experience of using it, I can say that it’s absolutely no encumbrance to your movement. It only weighs 180g, in fact, so you’ll barely notice it’s there.”

In the first instance, Mike used his own Marshalltown Philadelphia

as a template for the design, but it will equally work with any trowel available today. The Bricky’s Buddy launched in April 2021 with Mike and Terry moving quickly to achieve a presence in tool shops and around the world via their website, the team are now keen to expand its retail availability still further.

“Whilst we both kept running our own successful businesses and trying to make a new product a reality has proved to be more challenging than we could have envisaged,” admits the North Yorkshirebased builder, “and there’s been a lot of working evenings and weekends on the idea. Now that we’ve got something that is genuinely useful to the industry, we would like to scale up the manufacturing and get it out there to more individuals, companies, and stores. I know it works because we’ve thoroughly tested it ourselves on our own jobs and I wouldn’t now be without it.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE BRICKY’S BUDDY VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE020

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SPECIAL REPORT CAVITY DRAINAGE MEMBRANES

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afeguard Europe, UK dampproofing experts since 1983, develop high-spec waterproofing technology. In recent years, sustainable and ethical construction techniques have become a main focus for the damp-proofing industry. Now, Safeguard Europe has upped its game by being the UK distributors of an ecologically-minded breed of cavity drainage membranes.

Oldroyd Eco membranes are created with an end-to-end process centred around dramatically reducing carbon footprint. They are manufactured with modern procedures, transported with significantly reduced road miles and made of at least 50 per cent recycled plastic. This makes them the most efficient cavity drainage membrane on the

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US

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In recent years, sustainable and ethical construction techniques have become a main focus for the dampproofing industry. Now, Safeguard Europe has upped its game by offering an award-winning ecologically-minded breed of cavity drainage membranes.

GAINS

market in terms of workability, practicality – and environmental impact.

Environmentally-friendly

Oldroyd Eco is an opaque studded cavity drainage membrane designed to manage the passage of moisture away from decorative surfaces on damp or contaminated internal walls and floors. As part of Oldroyd’s commitment to environmentally friendly production techniques, the Oldroyd Eco range was launched to manufacture standard cavity drainage membranes with up to 100 per cent renewable energy. Embedded within its multi-layer technology also lies 50 per cent recycled plastic – but not the kind you would find from a typical 2 litre Fanta bottle. Eco plastic formed from discarded fishing nets and other recovered plastics

TA I N A B L E

from the ocean, which otherwise would have been a hazard to marine life for centuries to come.

Around 30 per cent of the decline in some fish populations are a result of abandoned fishing equipment – and more than 70 per cent of marine life ensnarement is caused by discarded plastic fishing nets. They are one of the most harmful forms of aquatic plastic pollution due to the lack of end-of-life solutions. Oldroyd Eco gives new life to this seemingly purposeless plastic. Not only does it drastically reduce the amount of energy required to produce the membrane, but also helps to improve the condition of the marine environment.

This unconventional production process doesn’t detract from the product’s quality in any way. Oldroyd’s

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Multilayer-Technology (MLT) process allows the use of 50 per cent recycled plastic without compromising the physical properties of the membrane. The recycled material is sandwiched between two white layers of virgin material via a heat-controlled polypropylene production process, which delivers highly consistent membrane thickness and density for uniform flexibility, without the “banana-ing” or “rucking” problems that plague lower quality membranes.

The melting and extrusion of plastic pellets to form these layers of virgin material comprise the most energy-consuming part of the membranes’ journey, introducing the highest embodied carbon per m². Fortunately, Oldroyd membranes are produced in Norway where 98 – 100 per cent of electricity comes from renewable resources (mainly hydro-electric power) – the embodied carbon from this stage is practically eliminated.

Just to take the foot out of the carbon footprint, Oldroyd located its new production facility close to a seaport. This means that the number of road miles required to reach export markets is significantly reduced. For the purposes of calculating embodied carbon, sea miles typically emit between 10 – 25 per cent of the amount of carbon emitted per road mile, meaning that Oldroyd membranes entail less CO2 than domestically produced membranes.

“In short, the consistency of quality and versatility of these membranes is what makes them an ideal all-rounder” Versatile solution

Oldroyd Eco can be applied in a range of commercial and domestic projects. These include indoor and outdoor environments, for both above-ground damp prevention and basement waterproofing. There are several basement waterproofing specification packs available that include Oldroyd Eco membranes for different waterproofing scenarios, including underpinning basements, piled wall basements, and new build reinforced concrete basements.

It can be fixed to walls using Oldroyd Brick Plugs, which are special fixing plugs with a compression seal. For application to floors, no fixings are generally required, however a screed or a floating timber floor can be applied on top.

In short, the consistency of quality and versatility of these membranes is what makes them an ideal all-rounder for basement waterproofing. In order to make the range of basement system designs accessible to both specifiers and contractors, Safeguard has created the Basement System Packs. These contain easy-to-understand technical illustrations, as well as key design considerations such as combining dampproof courses with waterproofing systems. It also includes the relevant legislative requirements for each basement type, providing CAD drawings, NBS and CAWS clauses for both separate elements, and the complete system.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SAFEGUARD EUROPE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE021

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SPECIAL REPORT TRAINING & UPSKILLING

Chris Heaton, Marketing Manager at CorkSol UK, explains how the company is working to develop a network of expert renderers who support the use of sustainable coatings.

SPRAY TI ME!

ith the building industry under constant pressure to pioneer new, environmentally conscious building materials, it’s clear that regular cementbased renders and plasters will become less desirable over time amongst consumers and housebuilders. In response to this growing demand for green products, applicators should look to expand their knowledge of these types of materials to give them the edge in a society which has a growing appetite for sustainable solutions.

A sprayed cork coating is arguably the most eco-friendly building coating on the market, with cork bark the primary ingredient. The bark is stripped from the cork tree and grows back over time, providing a renewable source which causes no lasting damage to our environment. Starting out in southern Europe, this form of coating has gradually become more recognised within the UK market offering a greener alternative to traditional plaster-based products while also tackling some of the

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country’s most common damp and thermal insulation issues.

With cork being a superior natural insulator, a sprayed cork coating will greatly improve the thermal efficiency of properties with little or no cavity insulation helping them to stay warmer in colder months. A particular problem in rural regions where houses are made from thick stone, this is a great option for retrofitting a heritage property or homeowners who are looking to keep fuel costs down. Not only will the running costs be minimised, which is incentive enough for any homeowner, but the EPC rating of the property will also be vastly improved, making it more attractive when it comes to selling.

Secondly, as cork coatings are made from a porous, natural material, moisture is able to pass through with ease. With the promise of reduced cold spots and improved breathability, SprayCork is a go-to solution for tackling damp and condensation. A huge problem in council housing and rentals, mainly due to improper ventilation and smaller spaces accommodating larger groups of people, damp can be incredibly hard to treat and will often reoccur over time. More recently, applicators are regularly being asked to specify solutions for campervan conversions as staycations rise in popularity. Sleeping, cooking and washing inside a van is guaranteed to create moisture in a small space, but SprayCork is guaranteed to alleviate the chances of condensation forming on the ceiling and walls.

The CorkSol training courses were launched back in September 2017 and since then, we hold around 65 sessions each year. On the course, applicators learn about the environmental, thermal and economic advantages of SprayCork.

The course is designed to help

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SPECIAL REPORT TRAINING & UPSKILLING

applicators not only apply the product to the highest standards but promote the wide range of benefits that help tackle an ever-prevalent climate crisis.

Hosted at CorkSol’s new and improved training academy in Halifax, applicators are invited to extend their knowledge and get hands on with the revolutionary SprayCork coating. These informative training days are well attended by the trade and have become a highlight in the training calendar for applicators up and down the country.

On the day, delegates are introduced to the manufacturer and the brand’s ambitious visions for the future. It’s then over to the resident applicator, who directs the first spray session, and shows applicators how to mix the product, set up the equipment, add the colour pigment and deliver the best spray technique, before trying it for themselves. In the classroom, applicators learn about cork and its benefits, how and where it can be used and the marketing support which is

Paul Cooper from D P Developers (left) and Joff Ward Managing Director at CorkSol (right)

available to support sales.

Following this, delegates are back to spray the second coat, looking at the main problems which arise, including overspray and patch repairs, both of which can be combatted by the thin profile of SprayCork. Each applicator is given a question book to complete before being listed as an approved applicator.

There are currently over 160 CorkSol

approved applicators nationwide. It has always been important to the company to curate and maintain a list of trusted professionals, who are confident using this spray cork coating for their projects. Once approved, applicators don’t need to update their certification, as ongoing jobs promote correct application, but CorkSol is always available to offer offsite assistance and provides an annual open day to focus on spraying methods and answer any questions.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TO ATTEND A TRAINING DAY VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE022 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON CORKSOL VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE023

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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 4

X PAIRS OF KNEEPADS

TOUGHBUILT GELFIT FANATIC THIGH SUPPORT KNEE PADS As part of its #KneelSmartKneelSafe campaign, which is highlighting the serious health implications of not wearing knee protection on-site, ToughBuilt is giving away four pairs of its GelFit Fanatic Thigh Support Knee Pads. With a design that embraces the natural shape of the knee, these pads offer the ultimate in stability with easy side-to-side movement for safer, all day kneeling comfort.

The latest in knee protection technology could be yours absolutely free! We have four pairs to give away.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE024

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PRIZE BUNDLE

UNILITE SLR-4400, TRIPODSGL AND MT5M2 Unilite’s portable LED lighting is optimised for the tough and unpredictable life of a builder. The prize bundle includes an SLR-4400, TRIPOD-SGL and MT5M2. The main prize is a powerful 4400 lumen worklight and its compatible tripod, delivering unstoppable flood lighting on site. In addition, the winner will also receive the new highly durable 5M site tape measure.

See the light and get involved in Professional Builder’s Free-for-All. We’re giving away a high quality worklight and tape measure to one lucky winner.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE026

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X POCKET DOOR SYSTEM

ECLISSE CLASSIC SINGLE POCKET DOOR SYSTEM (Suitable for timber door [standard sizes only] in a choice of finished wall thickness 95mm, 100mm, 115mm or 125mm.)

Maximise usable space and add a stylish addition to any home with Eclisse Classic Pocket Doors. The door system now comes in an unrivalled choice of finished wall thicknesses to match your stud work whether you are using CLS, Scant or other options. They are easy and quick to install, space saving and practical.

We’re opening doors to a host of great prizes including an Eclisse Pocket Door system. To enter, use the rdr.link below to go direct to the Professional Builder website.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE025

X PAIR OF SAFETY TRAINERS

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SOLID GEAR REVOLUTION 2 GTX SAFETY TRAINER A blend of ergonomic design, athletic comfort and S3 protection is how Solid Gear is describing the Revolution 2 GTX. The safety trainer features a lightweight construction, waterproof GORE-TEX upper, whilst the locking drawstring ensures the shoe fits. In addition, E-TPU midsole and ‘bounce back’ technology, reduces foot and knee fatigue.

Kick out inferior footwear with Professional Builder’s Free-for-All and the chance to win a pair of Solid Gear Safety Trainers.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE027

3

X PAINT BUCKETS

PURDY PURDY PAIL Purdy is giving three lucky winners the chance to get their hands on the Purdy Pail – along with three handy Pail liners. The one litre capacity paint bucket has different grip options, a brush magnet, and a mini roller ramp. The Pail liners allow for quick colour changes and clean up once work is completed.

Our bottomless bucket of prizes now includes this handy tool from Purdy.

Get entering and one of three could be yours!

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE028

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/BAE029 26

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A ‘GLASS’ ACT

Glazing firm TuffX provides an update on its operations and its growing product range

lass has been placed in the spotlight this year by the United Nations General Assembly with 2022 being named the International Year of Glass. It’s a fitting tribute too because in both domestic and commercial buildings, glass is being used today in ways that would never have been thought possible just a couple of decades ago.

One company celebrating the International Year of Glass and all that is glass in building, is a company that has been supplying the material for 85 years, TuffX. From its beginnings as a corner shop, TuffX has now grown to be one of the largest manufacturers of glass products in the UK.

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Longevity matters

Paul Higgins, Commercial Director of TuffX comments: “In an era of new startup businesses, we are proud of our heritage and are committed to keeping a firm emphasis on the outstanding quality and service that our customers have come to expect from us.

Entrepreneurial spirit is a great thing, and it’s the reason TuffX came into being in the first place, but longevity and stability are also important to tradespeople that are under pressure day-to-day. The last two years have

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28 MARCH 2022 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

been a stark reminder to us all of the importance of partnership in business, which is precisely why we will continue to invest in all of the products and support our customers need.”

One such investment is an extension of the company’s current premises. The site in Knowsley is undergoing a 30,000 sq ft extension which when completed later this year will give TuffX 115,000 sq ft of space in total. This follows ongoing investment in machinery and other periphery factory improvements which totalled £2 million. The manufacturer has also expanded the company fleet multiple

times to maintain service levels, despite a growing portfolio. In fact, to ensure builders and installers get the products they need without any hassle, the company offers nationwide delivery direct to site via its fleet of 40 vans and trucks.

The most recent vehicles to be added to the fleet include a Sprinter van, a 7.5tonne truck, a 10-tonne truck and a 13tonne truck – a range of sizes that complement the existing fleet and ensure TuffX can continue to be relied on to deliver products economically on a large scale, along with rural deliveries on routes with potentially restricted access.

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Growing the range

The evolving TuffX Infinity Range of products has catapulted the company’s growth more recently as it meets the growing demand for incorporating architectural glass into the home.

Innovative new products that allow light to flood into and around open plan properties, and seamlessly join the outside space with the inside, are proving increasingly popular says TuffX. “The Infinity Range was launched with framed fixed rooflights and walk on units in 2019,” explains Paul, “but we have added to our portfolio considerably since then to meet the desire for more and more glass in the home. We are expanding the factory to house this growing range, with our glass rooflight, roof lanterns and pond glass all being added in the last few years.

“Our rooflights and walk on units have proved particularly popular with builders as well as homeowners because they are so easy to install on site. They come

assembled so – assuming the aperture or roof upstand have been built to the correct specification beforehand – these products offer a drop in-and-seal solution.

“We are proud to say that we are currently the only company that can supply fire rated walk-on glass floor units.

These units really open the space inside the home by allowing light to flow between floors, while remaining usable in areas where fire egress building standards need to be met. We also offer

thermal walk-on units for use for example on the roof of an extension that is doubling up as a balcony upstairs, and walk-on glass floor units for use inside the home between the ground floor and a basement or cellar. Our framed and all glass rooflights and roof lanterns continue to be popular for extensions and renovations, while our pond glass is perfect for raised garden ponds and builtin aquariums.

“Consumers are opting for more glass in their homes, whether in the walls, floors or ceilings, and this is a trend we passionately believe is here to stay. With a programme of continuous investment and product development, and a dedication to elevated levels of customer service, the team at TuffX will carry on supporting builders and installers to deliver on homeowner’s ever-expanding requirements.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON TUFFX VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE030

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roofing, flooring & insulation

BACK TO BASICS topping condensation and moisture from developing in pitched roofing is imperative when seeking to prevent mould and damp. Approved Document C2 states that: “Roofing can be designed to protect a building from precipitation either by holding the precipitation at the face of the roof or by stopping it from penetrating the back of the roofing system” (6.3). Approved Document C2 also requires that roofs be designed and built so that their thermal and structural performance are not negatively affected by interstitial condensation.

Condensation can be formed through improper ventilation and insulation.

Depending on where insulation is installed, the building could have a warm or cold roof. Insulation positioned closely above, between or below the rafters forms a ‘warm’ or ‘hybrid’ roof, whereas insulation installed horizontally at ceiling level will create a cold roof.

The modern building is designed to keep warm air in, with standard features such as double glazing and thicker insulation meaning that heat retention and energy efficiency are prioritised. This results in a variance of air temperatures and pressures.

Tumble-dryers, kettles, and even breathing, adds to the water vapour in the air, also increasing the vapour pressure.

The warmer the air, the greater capacity there is to contain moisture. Gaps leading to the loft space allow this warm air to reach the cold surface under the roof, resulting in condensation. This can then damage timber rafters and cause damp and mould to develop.

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What are the ventilation requirements for cold and warm pitched roofs? Hambleside Danelaw explains.

Cold Roof Insulation Requirements

In a cold roof design, generally internal roof moisture needs to be allowed to exit the building, otherwise it would condense in the roof space. This can be done through ventilation openings located at the eaves over a fascia, through a soffit or at a brick corbel, at low or high level through the roof surface using slate or tile ventilators, or at high level using a mechanically fixed dry ridge and hip systems such as Hambleside Danelaw’s CON6+.

A combination of solutions to meet requirements specified will ensure that moisture has a way to exit the building. All

of Hambleside Danelaw’s vents are designed to keep large insects and birds out, while maintaining the necessary airflow in the roof space.

Hambleside Danelaw produce a wide range of roof surface ventilators for slates and tiles that match most common tile profiles, all listed in our compatibility chart for roofing accessories. Our vents are acid rain resistant, come with UV stabilisation for durability, and are thermally stable. They can also be connected to pipework or ductwork and used as terminals for soil pipe ventilation and mechanical extraction delivering a very discreet solution.

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Warm Roof Insulation Requirements

A warm roof is designed to prevent any moisture from forming on cold surfaces in the roof construction. This means that warm roofs do not generally require ventilation, but there should be an Air & Vapour Control Layer (AVCL) or vapour barrier on the warm side of the insulation depending upon the detailing. This prevents the passage of warm, moistureladen air to the colder uninsulated parts of the roof.

A warm roof can also be formed incorporating a ventilated gap between the roof tile underlay and insulation layer.

Underlays

Ventilation can also be provided by using an underlay, which can be installed with other methods of ventilation. Underlay use needs to be considered in the tilefixing specification as there may be increased wind loading on the tiles when using air permeable types.

Underlays are fixed underneath the

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roof tiles and can be classed as either HR (High Resistance) or LR (Low Resistance), their classification depends on the level of vapour resistance. When using HR underlays pitched roofs should have ventilation openings at eaves level equal to a 10mm wide opening and running the full length of the eaves to promote cross ventilation. For pitches above 35° or roof spans in excess of 10 metres, a 5mm continuous opening should be provided at the ridge. Increased ventilation openings are needed if the insulation

follows the pitch of the roof for part or all of the rafter length.

LR underlays, in accordance with BS 5250, will allow for a reduction in the area of the eaves ventilation openings. This is dependent upon how well sealed the ceiling is, and on the air-openness of the type of roof covering above the underlay.

When using a Low Resistance underlay as well as AVCL on the warm side of the insulation, it may be that no ventilation will be needed to be used in the roof construction.

When using either HR or LR underlays the ventilation requirements for the roof space should be considered for the best solution for the building design.

The actual ventilation requirements will always depend on a combination of other factors including the pitch and span of the roof.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HAMBLESIDE DANELAW VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE031

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GET YOUR FILL

Helen Moss, Technical Manager at Saint Gobain Insulation explains the full fill and partial fill insulation options for masonry cavity walls.

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hoosing between full and partial fill installation, and subsequently selecting the correct insulation type, is essential in terms of compliance with Building Regulations and is crucial to the energy performance and the carbon footprint of a building.

There is a variety of products available for full fill cavity insulation. PIR, glass mineral wool and blown insulation offer different properties and specification will depend on the client’s needs and building performance requirements.

Full fill solutions are designed to prevent moisture movement through the cavity, eliminating the need for a clear cavity that is required when partial fill insulation products are installed. The distinctions between cavity insulation products available on the market are often subtle, but it is crucial that the right products for a project are selected to achieve optimum performance of the cavity wall insulation.

All cavity wall solutions must have thirdparty certification, confirming they are fit for purpose. These solutions must also be specified and installed in accordance with the relevant certifications. We will now explore the benefits of each cavity insulation type in the context of full and partial fill installation.

PIR cavity insulation for masonry cavity wall

A masonry cavity wall being insulated with Celotex CW4000 partial fill insulation.

The key advantage of PIR cavity insulation boards, whether for partial or full fill

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construction, is their low thermal conductivity that translates into a thermal performance that is commonly 50 per cent higher when compared to alternative insulation materials. The addition of an aluminium foil facer helps improve the thermal performance of any air cavity the PIR board faces into. Traditional PIR boards with square edges are frequently used for partial fill insulation with the residual cavity creating an effective barrier to the passage of moisture.

As requirements for thermal performance of building envelopes increase in line with the updates to energy efficiency regulations, PIR boards are becoming more prominent as a full fill

installation too. By filling the cavity with thermally efficient insulation, the achievable U-value of the masonry cavity wall is improved compared to a partial fill solution, without increasing the overall thickness of the construction.

Further improvements can be made to the U-value by choosing a solution with a lower lambda value, such as Celotex Thermaclass Cavity Wall 21 with a thermal conductivity of 0.021 W/m.K. The design of the PIR board’s profile for full fill application can in some cases differ from that of partial fill. In this case the straight edges are replaced with rebated edge profiles, resulting in interlocking joints that help prevent moisture from penetrating through the insulation layer.

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Glass mineral wool insulation for cavity walls The flexibility of glass mineral wool batts affords the capability to accommodate small variations in cavity width, such as those caused by mortar snots. Glass mineral wool products benefit from the batts being effectively knitted together, offering a continuous thermal envelope. Glass mineral wool products such as those in the Isover range can achieve Euroclass A1 Reaction to Fire classification and have excellent acoustic insulation properties. The thermal performance of glass mineral wool is typically around 0.034W/m.K, depending on the product, and when installed across the whole width of the cavity wall, achieving a thermal performance roughly equal to partial fill PIR cavity wall insulation.

Blown wall insulation for cavity walls Blown wall insulation is an alternative full fill solution which is pumped into cavities via holes drilled into the outer leaf of the masonry wall which may make it appropriate for existing properties. The suitability of the masonry wall itself and the building location however must be carefully considered. The use of blown insulation is not limited to existing buildings and can commonly be seen in new build housing sites.

How does Thermaclass Cavity Wall 21 change the way we think about cavity way insulation?

Innovation in the design of full fill PIR cavity wall insulation, as seen with Celotex Thermaclass Cavity Wall 21, means that the Uvalue of masonry cavity walls can be significantly improved.

Suitable for use in all but the most severe exposure zones, Thermaclass Cavity Wall 21 features tongue and groove edge profiles, a low emissivity foil facing, and a thermal conductivity of just 0.021 W/mK that helps to deliver lower U-values compared to other cavity wall build-ups of equivalent thickness.

The product is a result of research, innovation and development of insulation technology and product design that can help improve the thermal comfort of buildings. It means the higher thermal performance of the building envelope can be maintained whilst allowing for a thinner design of the cavity wall of a building.

TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL THERMACLASS CAVITY WALL 21 PRODUCT BROCHURE, DATASHEET AND INSTALLATION GUIDE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE032

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support: “When recruiting a trainee it may well be necessary to visit four different websites just to find out how to do it, and access the grants and financial support that’s on offer,” continues Ruth. “The NFRC Roofing Careers Service brings all that information together in one place and presents it in a logical and easily navigable order, making it an invaluable resource for the time-poor tradesperson. For employers, that includes job descriptions, basic financial planning templates, advice on employment contracts, and links to funding opportunities.”

Staff retention

YOU’RE HIRED! T

he skills crisis is now welldocumented and sourcing staff in many of the trades, including roofing, is becoming increasingly problematic. There is equally a growing recognition that the industry itself needs to do more to nurture the next generation and the NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) Roofing Careers Service is helping small and medium sized firms to do just that.

“The most recent figures for apprenticeship enrolment reveal that they are increasing dramatically,” reveals Ruth Scarrott, NFRC Head of Careers, “and the driver for that is that employers are realising that they can’t rely on others to develop talent – they have to recruit the

Once you’ve got the right people in place it’s now harder than ever to keep them and here again the NFRC portal will be able to help: “One very worrying statistic is that 40 per cent of the people who begin a college-based construction course don’t actually go on to work in the industry. Attitudes to employment are changing, with Millennials now far more prepared to take radical shifts in their career path at any time in their working lives. Regardless of the sector, the job market is currently candidate led and, if they are to stay within the sector, that means properly mentoring young people.

That’s a function of the site we’ll be looking to grow much further in the future, with all the avenues for continuous professional development signposted, including setting up your own business.”

The NFRC Roofing Careers Service will help employers take on and retain new talent and has been specifically designed for SME contractors. Professional Builder’s Lee Jones speaks to the organisation’s Ruth Scarrott about the new initiative.

right people themselves.”

For the busy tradesperson, however, the main obstacle to taking on an apprentice has always been the time it takes to source the right advice and

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Positive image In addition, relevant case studies focusing on individual success stories will demonstrate the diverse range of opportunity within roofing, and communicate a much-needed positive image. Similarly, a parents’ section will address some of the negative stereotypes that have bedeviled the building trades and seek to dispel them. If an NFRC member is need of more bespoke and tailored support, Ruth and her team are on hand to talk to individual employers and address specific challenges directly.

A part of Ruth’s role is also to bring together employers and educators in order to deliver what the industry needs and here again she outlines just how much work needs to be done: “There are currently only 10 training providers in England offering roofing apprenticeships compared to over 200 for carpentry & joinery. In addition, of those 10 roofing trainers, not all of them are providing courses in the different specialisms, such

as waterproof membranes. That’s why we need employers and education providers to work together to make sure that the right skills are emerging from the system.

Not only that, many colleges who want to provide the right training, and have the roofing rigs to do it, but they often have issues with finding the tutors to take the courses.”

With over 80 per cent of NFRC members in the SMEs category facilitating their recruitment functions will clearly have an impact on the numbers of new roofers coming into the industry. “There’s loads of small local firms who want to do the right thing and take on an apprentice – and value the idea of how a young person on the payroll – but simply don’t know how,” argues Ruth. “The NFRC Roofing Careers Service is there to help them do just that.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE NFRC CAREERS SERVICE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE033

The NFRC Roofing Careers Service is completely free to use and is open to both NFRC members and nonmembers alike.

The Careers Service is split into the following categories: First steps on the ladder (getting in) – this is aimed at young people and their influencers, providing them with clear careers advice, encouragement, and signposting.

Holding the ladder for others (employers’ portal) – this is aimed at employers to help them to build their businesses, take on an apprentice or trainee, and recruit in an inclusive way.

Later in the year, two extra sections on career progression (Climbing the ladder) and leadership and other professional roles (Rooftops) will be launched.

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Riverstone First

Riverstone Montana

Riverstone Ultra

LET THERE BE PHYLLITE hyllite – it’s a material a lot of people in the trade aren’t very familiar with, and that some possibly haven’t heard of at all, but those who try it quickly learn why it’s become one of the world’s most soughtafter roofing materials over the last twenty years.

To the untrained eye, phyllite looks a lot like slate – but it’s stronger, harder and denser. Phyllite is extremely durable.

It offers great aesthetics, it provides outstanding weather resistance, and it doesn’t fade or discolour.

Whether in new-build or historic renovation, SSQ’s Argentinian phyllite – known as Riverstone – is already a renowned product. Since we first brought it to the UK over twenty years ago, the material has become a highly-prized alternative to some of the country’s most popular indigenous slates.

Comprehensively assessed by independent geologist Barry Hunt, Riverstone was found to exhibit ‘many features that are equivalent or superior’ to three leading indigenous slates. The material offers the sort of pronounced grain, low water absorption, low calcium carbonate content and pronounced dressed edges as indigenous slate, but with significant advantages.

With a geological age of over 600 million years, it’s even older than much indigenous slate, giving it exceptional strength and weather resistance. And, given that the lead times for some indigenous slates are literally years long, it’s little surprise that in Cornwall, Wales, Scotland and other areas were slate roofs

P

SSQ’s Technical Director, Richard Cook introduces phyllite and outlines why it’s one of the most sought-after roofing materials of all.

establish depots all around the UK, allowing us to maintain high levels of stock, and meaning we’re able to guarantee quick delivery to customers wherever they are in the country.

With thousands of pallets of Riverstone already in the UK, lead times have been maintained at just 3-5 days.

Testing and guarantees

are widespread, Riverstone has become a highly popular alternative.

Lead times

Despite the huge disruption we’ve seen over the last 12 months with COVID, Brexit and more, SSQ has managed to maintain consistent supply.

A number of investments have helped greatly during this tumultuous period – first, the decision to buy the Argentinian quarry that produces Riverstone, which gives us unparalleled control over the amount of material produced and where it goes. And second, our decision to

Riverstone’s performance has seen it receive excellent results from some of the world’s toughest testing regimes and achieving the highest possible classification in BS EN 12326 – W1-T1-S1.

Most impressively of all, though, is the fact that on our finest Ultra-grade Riverstone, we offer a 100-year weathertightness guarantee, and the opportunity to choose an insurancebacked guarantee covering all materials and workmanship.

Landscaping and cladding

Riverstone is also available as a versatile solution for landscaping and cladding. The product comes in two stylish finishes – natural split, whereby the product has been expertly hand-split to produce a traditional riven surface, and brushed antique, which results in a smooth, matte look.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE RANGE OF NATURAL SLATE PRODUCTS FROM SSQ VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE034

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roofing, flooring & insulation TECHNICAL TEAM TIPS – NO 34

SOLAR, SO GOOD With changes to Part L coming in June of this year, Daniel Redfern, Marketing Manager at Marley, gives an overview of what builders and roofing contractors need to know now.

What is Part L?

Daniel said: ‘Part L is a Building Regulation that covers the ‘Conservation of Fuel and Power’ concerning both new construction projects and some refurbishment work, for dwellings and other buildings in England. It sets the standard for current and future energy performance and carbon emissions, which for the UK are a target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with any energy produced by fossil fuel offset by renewable resources.

‘Managing the carbon footprint for new build construction and the refurbishment of the UK’s current housing stock is seen as a key driver to reaching the net zero goal. As such, manufacturers are working hard to develop products that will help support this vision – such as our Marley SolarTile. Coming into force on 15th June, 2022, it is important that builders know what Part L means for them and how to fully prepare to make the most of the rapidly approaching changes.

Meeting energy targets

‘One of the most cost-effective ways of achieving the targets is with a combination of an efficient gas boiler

along with a solar photovoltaics (PV) system on the roof. With Solar Energy UK predicting that Part L could lead to a fivefold increase in new homes incorporating solar technology, this represents a significant opportunity for builders who are willing to upskill, enabling them to fit solar systems.

Grasp the opportunity

‘As Part L begins to take effect, there will likely be an increased demand for building contractors who can install solar systems. This will provide some great opportunities, such as increased profit margins and no tendering restrictions since all aspects of a roof – both solar and non-solar – can be completed. To be fully prepared for Part L, we recommend considering the following: 씰

Become MCS certified

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) covers installations of solar PV systems. To apply, you will need to get the appropriate training for solar PV connection and apply to a certification body to arrange assessment. More information can be found at: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE035

In addition, as part of our ‘Supporting the Roofer’ initiative, all roofing businesses can claim a £50 discount on their MCS application via a collaboration with NAPIT. Use the rdr.link for more details:

designed to increase confidence in installation and help you make the most of solar PV opportunities. There are also easy to follow demonstration videos and estimating tools on our website. 씰Research

available

solar PV systems

Our integrated SolarTile is compatible with all clay and concrete tiles and slates, so solar PV can easily be incorporated into any roof design. Supplied as a complete kit, all components, such as adhesive flashing and fireproofing materials are included and, featuring double fixing to battens and trusses, there’s no need for counter battens so there’s no extra material costs. Coming in colour-coded boxes for ease of installation, the patented push-together design means that installation times of less than one hour per kilowatt peak can be achieved.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE036 씰Take

advantage of free training and resources Look out for our free training sessions

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FOR ADVICE AND FURTHER DETAILS ON PART L OR MARLEY’S SOLARTILE SYSTEM VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE037

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PLAYING YOUR PART Wide-reaching changes to Approved Document L come into force this June, but what do they mean for domestic builders? Matthew Neary, Product Manager – Glass Mineral Wool at Knauf Insulation explains how to achieve compliance.

NO.7 IN THE

SERIES

What’s changing?

Approved Document L: Conservation of Fuel and Power sets out new minimum standards for the thermal performance of buildings in England. It will make properties significantly more energy efficient and will affect both new builds and extensions.

As well as improving thermal efficiency, it seeks to close the gap between as-specified and as-built performance. This means builders will need a better understanding of how products perform and how installing them correctly can affect product and building performance.

The new standards come into force on 15th June 2022. However, where a building notice or an initial notice has been given or full plans deposited with a local authority before 15th June 2022, it can be built to the previous standards providing work on that particular building

has started before the 15th June 2023. All this means builders must get to grips with the changes fast.

But don’t panic. Whatever your project, there are cost-effective ways to comply with Part L using trusted Mineral Wool insulation solutions.

How does Approved Document L affect extensions?

Under Approved Document L, the ‘limiting U-values’ (minimum thermal performance standards) for every building element have been significantly reduced.

Roofs and floors have a target U-value

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of 0.15W/m2K. This can be easily achieved by increasing the depth of insulation or using a product with a lower lambda value.

For walls, the situation is more complex. The limiting U-value is now 0.18W/m2K – a significant 0.10W/m2K reduction compared to the previous limit of 0.28W/m2K. To achieve compliance, wider cavities will be needed when using either a full-fill non-combustible Mineral Wool insulation solution, or a partial-fill rigid foam solution with an associated 50mm clear cavity. This shouldn’t be a cause for concern, because widening the cavity on an average 20m2 extension, represents less than 0.6m2 of floorspace.

When deciding on the best insulation solution, remember that focusing solely on thermal performance means that you may inadvertently compromise on other factors. The best and most affordable solution is to use non-combustible Mineral Wool insulation.

Why use Mineral Wool over other insulants?

One of the most compelling reasons for using Mineral Wool insulation is to minimise the risk of fire. It is non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 or A2-s1,d0 reaction to fire classification, so it will not add to the development or spread of fire should it occur.

Building Regulations already ban the use of combustible insulation in the external walls of certain types of buildings over 18m in England and Wales (11m in Scotland). But there is increasing pressure to use non-combustible materials regardless of building height. This is demonstrated by the publication of the new Homes for Londoners standards, which bans the use of combustible materials in the external walls of all homes regardless of height.

Acoustic performance must also be considered for those applications with low mass such as rainscreen façade systems or timber frame constructions.

Unlike other insulants, Mineral Wool is highly sound absorbent so will help to reduce noise.

Builders need to consider the sustainability of the products themselves.

Reducing operational carbon (the greenhouse gas emissions from energy

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Changes will be made to ensure EPCs reflect the real performance of properties

used in a building) alone won’t meet the Government’s net zero targets. It also depends on the quality of the building fabric. This means regulations governing embodied carbon (the greenhouse gas emissions generated through the construction of a building and the manufacture of the products used in it) are inevitable. So, products that are lower in embodied carbon should be used.

Knauf Insulation’s Glass Mineral Wool is a good choice when it comes to embodied carbon. Its products contain up to 80 per cent recycled content and are manufactured with ECOSE Technology, its unique bio-based binder, which is 70 per

“Mineral Wool is easier to install correctly than other insulants. It adapts to slight imperfections in the substrate and butts together eliminating gaps.”

cent less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders. Products can also be compressed so there’s more insulation per pack or pallet, and per truck. This means less packaging used, fewer trucks on the road and less transport-related carbon emissions.

The final factor to consider is how build and install quality can affect product and building performance. This is because alongside the improvements in thermal efficiency there will be closer scrutiny of real-world performance. So, builders need to use the right products and install them correctly to prevent unintended air gaps that reduce thermal, fire safety and acoustic performance.

Mineral Wool is easier to install correctly than other insulants. It adapts to slight imperfections in the substrate and butts together eliminating gaps. By contrast, combustible rigid board insulation, such as PIR, can be difficult to install correctly. In cavity applications, misaligned masonry or mortar snots can cause breaks in contact between the substrate and the insulation. In timber applications, boards must be cut to the exact profile of the timber. Even if achieved, timber can bow creating gaps over time. Builders must also tape joints and install separate fire barriers in certain applications, which increases installation time, complexity and costs.

One thing that’s certain is that your build must achieve the standards set out in Approved Document L, but how you do it is up to you. The most important thing is there’s a tried, tested, and affordable solution that will help you achieve compliance – non-combustible Mineral Wool insulation.

Knauf Insulation DriTherm Cavity Slab 32 offers the best combination of thermal, fire safety and acoustic performance as well as strong environmental credentials FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE RANGE OF SOLUTIONS FROM KNAUF INSULATION VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE038

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A SUSTAINABLE E C I O H C Whether it’s in the product itself or its manufacturing, sustainability is a guiding principle for YBS Insulation.

Professional YBS Insulation Builder’s Lee Managing Director, Daniel McKane Jones hears from the company’s Daniel McKane and Lawrence Becker about the company’s green Technical Director, Lawrence Becker credentials

ost companies will now be striving to demonstrate a sustainability ethos to their customer base. If, however, you are an established manufacturer of a range of products that can significantly improve the thermal performance of roofs, floors and walls you clearly have a head start on a good many others. YBS Insulation has been championing the multi-foil concept for over 25 years, and it is a market that is acquiring new converts year-on-year. A high thermal performance with a thinner material, inherent space saving attributes when compared to PIR – especially in room in roof applications – and the sheer versatility of where it can be used, have all gained plaudits, not to mention that it will also keep a property cooler in the summer as well as warmer in the winter.

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Recyclable materials

Climate change and the spiralling increases in energy bills has brought the issue of insulation into sharp focus. Not only can YBS Insulation offer a product that can keep heating costs down it does it with recyclable materials. “Our SuperQuilt product accounts for over 50 per cent of our sales and it contains up to 83 per cent recycled raw materials,” explains Managing Director, Daniel McKane, “whilst BreatherQuilt is 74 per cent recycled. Not only that but by reducing the amount of packaging we use to deliver SuperQuilt, we’ve saved 3.4 tonnes of plastic with just one customer, and that’s something we’re now replicating across the business.”

It’s an argument that Technical Director, Lawrence Becker echoes: “There’s always two aspects to sustainability. The first is what we do ourselves to reduce our carbon footprint as a business, and the second is the

product itself – and we’re scoring very highly on both. When sourcing raw materials we will, wherever possible, prioritise its recyclability, and all of our packaging contains up to 100 per cent recycled content. Our factory produces over 2million metres of reflective multi-foil insulation every year, whilst our production lines achieve zero waste to landfill. Not only that but our multi-foils are designed to last a minimum of 60 years within a building.”

As a result, YBS Insulation can point to a product with a sustainable provenance that delivers on U-values. “That’s a real win on every front for both builder and homeowner,” adds Dan. “When you add to that just how easy it is for multiple rolls of multi-foil to be transported in the back of a van – and for it to be passed through a loft hatch – and you have a very compelling argument for its use.”

SuperQuilt reflective multi foil insulation is a two-in-one solution

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delivering a high level of thermal performance, whilst also acting as a vapour control layer. In pitched roof applications, BreatherQuilt can boast the thermal properties of an insulating multifoil with a breathable membrane, which is both water resistant and vapour permeable.

High performance

Lawrence outlines just one application where a multi-foil installation is the right choice: “On a standard pitched roof on a refurb job the target U-Value for Building Regs would be 0.18 W/m2K. To achieve that with PIR you’d need 90mm between the rafters, and 50mm below. With a three-layer YBS Insulation solution of BreatherQuilt, and two layers of SuperQuilt, the time-consuming and wasteful PIR element can be eliminated, whilst also controlling the passage of moisture, and there’s no risk of the air leakage that can occur in PIR joints.”

This UK manufacturer’s facility in

Creswell, Derbyshire also features extensive research, development and testing resources. It is here that the next generation of multi-foils emerge from the lab and the latest of these are Breathe-R and Breathe-R Ultra, both due to be launched to the market later this year.

With the appetite for home improvements showing no sign of abating YBS Insulation actually witnessed its turnover increase over the Covid era. It is a period which has also seen a period of major restructuring at the company with

Daniel McKane becoming Managing Director, and Lawrence Becker taking up the position of Technical Director.

Alongside that there’s been a number of additional revenue-driven appointments, whilst a YBS Insulation training centre based at its Derbyshire home will open its doors this year.

Global warming, government legislation, and a cost of living crisis is now precipitating real change. At the same time, it is also placing unprecedented scrutiny on manufacturers’ products and processes.

YBS Insulation is one company that can demonstrate a commitment to the sustainability cause at every stage.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON YBS INSULATION VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE039 TO WATCH A VIDEO THAT SHOWCASES YBS INSULATION’S ENVIRONMENTAL CREDENTIALS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE040

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THE FLOOR IS YOURS West Fraser’s CaberFloor provides a solution for all applications

ust as sound foundations are essential for any building, the right flooring system lays a good foundation for a quality flooring finish, saving problems and costs later. When considering flooring products for newbuild or refurbishment projects, builders can be sure that West Fraser’s CaberFloor range includes the right solution.

Leading the field in the popularity stakes, is moisture-resistant CaberFloor P5 flooring. The high-strength particleboard is ideal for domestic and most other floors and removes the need for intermediate noggins. The boards are moisture-resistant, stable, durable, easy to lay and, with a tongue and groove or square-edge profile, provide an excellent surface for subsequent floor laying operations.

Some floors require more advanced solutions and, no matter the size or shape of the floor being laid, there are key questions to ask. Although not necessarily obvious, the first point to consider is whether the building’s roof will be in place. If the answer is no, the floor will need to withstand the elements. This is where CaberShieldPlus proves its worth as it is designed to allow building work to continue in all weathers.

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Tough protection This advanced product has all the inherent benefits of P5 but offers doublesided protection with a tough, permanent waterproof coating and is BBA approved for 60 days exposure, when laid according to manufacturer’s instructions.

It is also a non-slip, safe working platform that withstands high site traffic.

An alternative solution is CaberDek which is BBA approved for 42 days exposure, when installed according to manufacturer’s instructions. The P5 grade flooring has the advantage of a strong, waterproof and slip-resistant peelable film. It provides protection from the elements and construction mess and, when removed, leaves a clean, finished floor. The film is impact, puncture and tear-resistant to withstand high site traffic and also provides 44dB sound reduction when used in conjunction with leading Ibeam and insulation manufacturers.

Sealing and fixing All three products comply with BS EN312 and are designed to be used with the CaberFix range of specially developed sealing and fixing products that include powerful adhesives and tapes. For example, P5 is best used with CaberFix Joint&Joist, an adhesive and sealant that will adhere to a wide variety of materials, creating a strong, silent, and flexible bond.

Similarly, CaberFix D4 complements CaberDek and CaberShieldPlus. This adhesive bonds flooring to joists, T&G joints and seals exposed perimeter and edges.

Beyond the advantages and practicalities of using these solutions, the materials and processes used to manufacture the product offer the reassurance of being sustainable. The full range of board products is available in a wide selection of sizes to minimise waste.

All timber used is responsibly sourced and FSC certified. The panels are

manufactured in the UK from locally grown timber and are net carbon negative. Additionally, all of compnays’ UK mills have obtained the coveted ISO 14001 environmental accreditation.

MORE INFORMATION Samples of all construction panels can be ordered on the company’s website. Head to the housebuilder page on the site to download a selection of tools including a fully-interactive guide to all products and a checklist to make sure you have everything you need for your build.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE041

Online resources also include a handy flowchart to help builders, specifiers and architects choose the right flooring system for every project, coupled with installation guides and videos for the individual CaberFloor products.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE042

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LOW AND BEHOLD Mark Dowdeswell, Senior Category Manager at Uponor, outlines best practice when installing its Minitec low profile UFH system

nderfloor heating (UFH) was once seen as an aspirational product. However, it is becoming increasingly seen as a standard must-have, with the market growing at over 13 per cent annually. The reason more and more people are choosing underfloor heating is being driven by a number of factors, including an increased awareness around energy efficiency as well as how underfloor heating provides economic benefit, increased thermal comfort and also saves space in the building it is installed in.

In the past, underfloor heating was reserved for new builds, with retrofitting being seen as time consuming, expensive and difficult. However, the combination of better knowledge and improved technology has led to low profile systems that are more than suitable for retrofit project thanks to the specialist heights and designs they are available in. This system can be installed on top of a variety of materials, including solid concrete, timber suspended floors or tiles.

They also allow for a variation of floor coverings to be installed on top without impacting heating efficiency.

There are numerous key differences when installing a regular underfloor heating system compared to installing a low profile one. To highlight the best practices when installing a low profile system, we’ve collated a step-by-step guide to applying the ultra-thin, wetscreed based system Minitec.

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Remove any old carpet and adhesive, then clean and prime the concrete screed so it is ready for you to apply the underfloor heating panels. The panels can also be directly installed onto tiles, but they must be cleaned thoroughly and primed. For wet-screed systems such as Minitec, the primer must be compatible with the levelling compound, which will be applied at a later stage.

It is crucial that the subfloor is stable, flat and properly prepared, otherwise, it can lead to problems later on, such as damage to the floor finish. If the underfloor heating panels are to be installed on top of old floorboards, it is important to lay at least 5mm of self-levelling screed first.

Stage 1

Stage 2 Next, fix the edge strip to the wall and lay the underfloor heating panels across the floor area. Both the edging strip and the panels of the Minitec system have a selfadhesive layer on the back to assist application and make sure the system is secure.

Remove the protective backing on the edging strip and press along the wall, starting from the right-hand corner of the room. The edging strip is provided in various profiles to help create an effective seal along the wall and floor. Remove the back from the panels to expose the adhesive layer. Attach the panel at the first corner and roll it out over the floor, making sure to apply pressure to secure the panel in place.

Minitec panels can be walked on without boarding being placed over it and once the whole area is covered, the panels can be easily shaped by simply cutting them with a knife.

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Stage 3 Once the panels are down, connect the polyethylene pipes as per the floor plan, making sure the pipes are laid in loops of equal sizes. The Minitec panel allows the 9.9mm pipes to be clipped in at a minimum of 50mm centres. This is the distance between two pipes measured from the ‘centre’ of one to the next. 50mm is much closer than the typical 100mm centres and allows the underfloor heating to be more reactive, meaning it is able to heat up 50-60 per cent faster than standard underfloor heating systems. If there are any obstacles in the room, you need to alter the centres on the pipe to avert them.

When you combine the tracking within the panels alongside the flexibility of the pipes, it helps you to lay the pipes in both consistent and accurately spaced lines. Minitec panels are designed to allow the pipes to be installed in both 90˚ and 45˚ bends. To do this, simply apply firm pressure to fit the pipes into the panels’ grooves, using your foot to press them into place.

With the system being so robust, you don’t have to worry about breaking the panels during this step.

Once you have the pipes in place, it is advised that you mix and pour a levelling compound on top, covering the pipes and panels. With Minitec, there are prefabricated holes at regular intervals, allowing the levelling material to flow in smoothly and bond directly with the underlying substrate. This layer is applied until it reaches just above the panels’ studs, achieving the 15mm installation height.

Compounds are available with curing times as low as 30 minutes, allowing the floor finish to be completed on the same day if required. Traditionally, hard surfaces such as ceramic tile or stone will be chosen as they are suitable materials for transferring heat to the surface of the floor.

However, Minitec will work efficiently with the majority of floor coverings including carpet – as long as the combined tog rating of the carpet and underlay does not exceed 2.5 tog value it won’t affect the UFH’s ability to heat the room.

The heating system itself can be brought up to temperature just three days after laying the compound.

This is also the point at which you can optimise the efficiency of the Minitec system by connecting it to the Smatrix Pulse smart control.

Stage 5

Stage 4

Once these steps have been completed, it is time to install the manifold, connect the pipes and test the system. If you are connecting to the Uponor compact manifold with branch compressed connections, the pipe will need to be bent at a right-angle and pushed onto the compression adaptor. The end of the pipe, including the adaptor, is compressed onto the pipes and sewed onto the manifold.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON MINITEC FROM UPONOR VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE043

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THE NEXT LEVEL Setcrete Deep Base Floor Levelling Compound goes down thick and sets real quick

Deep base compounds are used to level up significant differences in floor levels

uilders faced with levelling up a significant difference in floor height (maybe up to 50mm) between two rooms – the floor in a house extension and the floor in the original building, for example – would traditionally opt for a sand/cement screed to build up the lower floor level. While this ‘does the job’, there is a better alternative.

Deep base floor levelling compounds can be installed up to a depth of 50mm in one go and, what’s really impressive, is that they can be walked on as soon as 90 minutes after application. Carpets or ceramic tiles can be installed from only six hours after application. Resilient floorcoverings, such as vinyl, rubber or lino can be installed after 24 hours (although if the thickness is above 10mm, it is recommended that the deep base compound is capped with a thin layer (3mm) of high-performance levelling compound or ‘latex’ once it is ‘walk on hard’ and then left for 24 hours).

B

Moisture menace

Before installing the levelling compound, the subfloor should be checked for the presence of moisture. This can be done using a handheld moisture meter or, more accurately, using a digital hygrometer.

You can’t reliably judge the presence of moisture by smell or touch. The maximum moisture level, measured in terms of relative humidity (RH), should be 75 per cent RH or 65 per cent if wood flooring is

going to be installed.

Excess moisture is more likely to be present if the subfloor was laid before DPMs became mandatory in buildings, or if it is a newly laid screed and may have high levels of residual construction moisture. The most common cause of floor failure by far is excess moisture. It can attack adhesives, which leads to floorcoverings blistering or becoming detached from the subfloor, causes wood floors to warp, and provides ideal conditions for mould growth.

If excess moisture levels are detected, a rapid set liquid DPM can be applied over the screed, before the deep base levelling compound is installed, to provide a

protective moisture barrier. The best performing DPMs will cure in around three hours at 20°C.

Quick and easy

If moisture levels are below the 75 per cent (or 65 per cent) threshold, the deep base levelling compound can be installed immediately, following priming and drying of the appropriate primer. The water-mix power is simply poured onto the area to be raised and allowed to flow into position, requiring only minimal work with a smoothing trowel. The compound will typically have a working time of 20-30 minutes and will be ready to walk on after around 90 minutes.

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roofing, flooring & insulation

In contrast, a sand/cement screed used to level up a floor can take a day or two before it is ready to be walked on and, importantly, will take many more days to naturally dry out before a floor covering can be installed. These screeds will typically dry at a rate of around one day per millimetre depth of screed, which would mean around 50 days for a 50mm screed to become fully dry. The temptation is to proceed with the flooring installation before the screed is fully dry, which is virtually guaranteed to lead to problems.

While a rapid set DPM could be applied over the screed to manage moisture levels, a newly laid screed should be left for a minimum of seven days before the DPM is applied. A suitable levelling compound should then be applied before a floorcovering is installed.

Substrate suitability

As well as being suitable for use over sand/cement screeds and concrete, deep

be used over both wired and wet underfloor heating (UFH) systems.

Priming

Minimal work with a smoothing trowel is required to tease the levelling compound into place

base levelling compounds are also suitable for use over non-absorbent subfloors such as ceramics, granolithic, terrazzo, epoxy and polyurethane resins, and ceramic and quarry tiles that are in sound condition and well adhered to the subfloor.

They have found widespread popularity in raising floor levels in conservatory extensions and for filling in trenches in floors where an internal wall has been removed to create a more open living space. Furthermore, they can also

It is important that subfloors are primed with a suitable primer before applying the levelling compound. Priming ensures good adhesion between the compound and the substrate, providing a higher quality finish. It also helps to prevent pinholing and unacceptably rapid drying of the levelling compound when installed over absorbent subfloors.

Any builder will tell you that anything that cuts down time on a job and makes the installation process easier, while at the same time delivering top notch results is something worth considering. In the case of levelling up subfloors, deep base levelling compounds are certainly in that bracket.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON SETCRETE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE044

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roofing, flooring & insulation product round-up

STRUCTURAL OSB

A new tongue and groove, structural OSB/3 panel with improved slip resistance and durability has been added to the already extensive Medite Smartply portfolio. Smartply Sure Step is a lightweight panel suitable for flooring and roof decking. Its UV cured specialist coating is designed to sustain the effects of the weather and construction foot traffic.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE045

PROBLEM SURFACES

Toupret’s Problem Surfaces has a new addition in the shape of Fill-Flex. A highly flexible filler for gaps and cracks, it is suitable for filling the gaps around skirting, architraves and on staircases where movement is possible – its flexible formula moves with the substrate and won’t crack.

The filler is suitable for new and renovated surfaces, and it adheres to paintwork with no need to spot prime.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE046

SOLAR PANELS

Tata Steel has introduced a ‘solar ready’ enhancement to the Confidex Home Guarantee, helping developers and selfbuilders deliver homes built for the future. The guarantee is valid on standing seam residential roof and wall systems manufactured from Tata Steel’s Colorcoat Prisma and Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra and available via its four UK supply chain partners: Tata Steel (Colorcoat Urban), Catnic (SSR2), Euroclad (Vieo) and EQC (Seamlap/Seamlock).

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE048

ROOFING MEMBRANE EXTERNAL AIRTIGHTNESS MEMBRANE

The Wraptite external airtightness membrane range from A. Proctor Group is to be extended with Wraptite UV. This Class B fire rated membrane is designed for use behind open jointed cladding, has what is described as exceptional water and UV resistance, and combines the properties of vapour permeability and airtightness into one self-adhering product.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE047

LOW PROFILE UNDERFLOOR HEATING

Designed to keep the overall floor height to an absolute minimum without compromising heat output, RWC has launched a new underfloor heating (UFH) solution to complement its existing JG Underfloor heating range – JG LowFit. The low-profile panelling options range from 16mm20mm in thickness and the product is suitable for use in both new build or retrofit applications.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE050

A high technical specification, advanced levels of tensile strength, tear resistance and ductility, is what Onduline is promising for its the ONDUTISS AIR breathable vapourpermeable membrane. The BBA accredited product features a microporous functional film protected on both sides by a layer of polypropylene and is available in four different grades, 100gsm, 120gsm, 140gsm and 160gsm.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE049

LUXURY VINYL TILE (LVT)

There’s 90 products – 46 Woods and 48 Stones – in the Amtico Spacia Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) collection.

Woods have been arranged into six versatile and usable palettes – including Cool, Warm and the new Golden tones – to provide a variety of texture and colour. Heritage Oaks offer a reclaimed timber aesthetic with softly worn grains and sawn mark detailing.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE051

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BEST USED VANS Boost your building business with these brilliant used vans. Dan Powell, Editor of Honest John Vans, names his top five buys for £15,000.

Van buying checklist

MoT

Do not buy a van with less than four months left on the MoT. Most sellers will give their van a new certificate before selling it. Only those with something to hide will attempt to sell a vehicle with just a few months left on the MoT

The used commercial vehicle market is filled with hidden gems and a budget of £15,000 will get you behind the wheel of an extremely capable builder’s van in 2022.

The medium size panel van has been the most popular new commercial vehicle in the UK for a number of years, which means the used market is overflowing with excellent vans that are designed to carry your tools and materials at a price you can afford.

This list features our favourite used vans from Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota, Peugeot and Vauxhall for under £15,000.

We think all of these vans deliver classleading comfort, fuel economy and load moving potential.

Volkswagen Transporter The Volkswagen Transporter is one of the most desirable vans on the used market.

Easy to drive, practical and well built, it’s the go-to van for millions of builders. A budget of £15,000 will get you a T6 Transporter with above average mileage from 2015 or 2016. All T6s from this era are powered by Volkswagen’s impressive 2.0 TDI diesel engine, and most will carry three Euro pallets weighing up to 1331kg

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Beware of DIY racking

It’s common for vans to be sold with custom racking, but some DIY jobs will cause long term problems. At best, poorly fitted racking will let water in and create water traps that make the van vulnerable to rust. At worst, a bodged racking system may compromise the structural integrity of the van.

(1274kg in the long-wheelbase model) while providing a maximum load length of three metres.

Ford Transit Custom The builder’s favourite, the Ford Transit Custom has been the UK’s best-selling van for a number of years now and it’s easy to see why tradespeople hold it in such high regard. Stylish, affordable and comfortable, the Transit Custom pairs big load moving potential with car-like comfort. It also has lots of smart features, which includes a bulkhead hatch that allows the space

Service history

Unless it is cheap or comes from a trusted friend, you should always buy a van with a service history. In a perfect world, this will be a fully-stamped service book from a main dealer.

Pay for a history check

Most history check firms will provide details for light vans (up to 3.5 tonnes).

Prices generally start in the region of £10 and will confirm the vehicle’s identity, as well as flagging up any warnings for outstanding finance or if the vehicle has been stolen or written-off.

Beware of dodgy traders

A dishonest van trader may pretend to be a private seller to avoid their legal obligations. Tell-tale signs of this activity is the seller having multiple vans for sale. Always start the phone conversation with a friendly “I’m interested in the van for sale”. If they reply with “which one?” they’re probably not who they claim to be.

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wheelarches, which allow 8x4 foot panels to fit in with ease.

Toyota Proace

under the front seats to be used. Aim for a 2017 and 2018 van for £15,000, as these are powered by Ford’s powerful and efficient 2.0 EcoBlue diesel engine.

Vauxhall Vivaro

Vauxhall launched an all-new version of the Vivaro in 2019, but we think the old shape van (built from 2014 to 2019) is a smart buy for £15,000. Admittedly, the Vivaro isn’t the biggest van in its class, but even the short wheelbase model will accommodate three Euro pallets. You also get a 1.2-metre width between the

The Toyota Proace is the only van on this list that can be bought with a manufacturer warranty. That’s because Toyota covers its vans for up to 10 years if owners choose to have their vans serviced at the Toyota dealer network.

Cheap to run, good to drive and capable of carrying a maximum payload of 1400kg, the Toyota Proace is a compact van that delivers excellent value.

Peugeot Expert

The Peugeot Expert is built at the same factory as the Toyota Proace in France.

However, because the Peugeot isn’t backed by the same type of warranty as the Toyota, the Expert tends to be cheaper and more plentiful on the used market than the Proace. Under the bonnet, the Expert is offered with the choice of 1.6 or 2.0-litre diesel engines, with the standout performer the 115PS 1.6 HDi which officially returns 54mpg.

FOR MORE VAN AND PICK-UP BUYING ADVICE, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE052 OR TYPE “HONEST JOHN VANS” INTO YOUR ONLINE SEARCH ENGINE.

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vehicles & plant

BEST FLEET FORWARD As the economy rebounds, the outlook for the UK construction sector looks a positive one with increased activity across the board, from residential repair and maintenance to large infrastructure projects. Growth may be slow, but latest IHS Market/CIPS Construction PMI data suggests the disruption caused by supply shortages are now easing.

Building back stronger

Meeting the rising demand, keeping customers happy and building back stronger calls for smarter ways of working.

According to industry analysts, the construction sector is among the least digitised in the world. The transformative benefits of technology, however, are increasingly being recognised.

Firms are exploring new process and practices, underpinned by automated workflow – a trend accelerated in no small part by the pandemic. Telematics data, for example, can inform how and where assets are being moved, and how powered machinery is being operated, offering greater visibility over building projects.

Firms rely on the efficient and timely transportation of essential materials to and from site and telematics data can provide vital operational insights to help minimise project delays and cost overruns.

Using Webfleet, Webfleet Solutions’ vehicle management software, for example, businesses can benefit from dynamic scheduling processes. They can use up-to-date traffic data and journey times to calculate estimated times of arrival when using vehicles to move materials and assets between sites, adjust schedules and send the most appropriate drivers to jobs.

Beverley Wise, Regional Director UK & Ireland for Webfleet Solutions, explains how digitisation and telematics can help firms build back stronger and greener.

Even in development areas without street names, drivers can be efficiently routed to their destinations by creating geofences around target building sites.

Furthermore, this same functionality will alert managers if vehicles or assets leave designated areas, reducing the risk of plant theft.

Diagnostic information will also monitor the health of connected vehicles and assets, alerting firms to mechanical issues that might be developing and helping them to avoid costly repairs and vehicle downtime.

In recent times, open telematics platforms have led to integrations between fleet management software and office suites, such as supply chain planning and asset management. They have also led to integrations with mobile devices, including tablet-style devices, such as the Webfleet Pro 8 series, that host business apps to automate on-site tasks.

Building back greener

Smarter processes and a smarter use of resources is also called for if the industry is to reduce its carbon footprint. Electric LCV adoption is gathering pace and as

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regulations tighten, and the potential to reduce vehicle running costs become more compelling, fleet electrification in the construction sector will accelerate.

Systems such as Webfleet offer dedicated software to signpost the electrification potential of fleets and allow EV operations to be optimised through a range of connected tools. Access is available for everything from mapped charging infrastructure and vehicle charging insights to real time battery levels and remaining driving ranges.

For traditional combustion-powered vehicles, telematics data can support decarbonisation by enabling trends to be identified and the root causes of fuel wastage to be tackled.

Incidents of unnecessary idling, for example – which often occur on-site when vehicles are left waiting for extended periods during the loading and unloading of materials, and during operator breaks – can be easily identified.

With construction firms increasingly called upon to record and act on carbon emissions as project performance indicators, the importance of such digital solutions should be underestimated.

The benefits of digital transformation for the sector are clear, and those ahead of the curve will find themselves in the fast lane to competitive gain.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON WEBFLEET VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE053

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ON THE RECORD Emily Hardy – Marketing Manager, and a commercial vehicle road safety expert from Brigade Electronics UK, provides a guide to everything you need to know about commercial dash cams.

D

ata analysis from the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) revealed that of the 2.7 million motor insurance claims made across the UK between 1st October 2019 and 31st December 2020, 170,000 are suspected to be linked to crash-for-cash schemes.

So what can be done to protect drivers, and companies, from cash-forcrash schemes? According to a survey undertaken by Brigade Electronics, cameras and recording technology significantly reduce incident reports and personal injury claims. With so many types of dashcam on the market, however, what type is the most effective?

Q

What type of commercial dashcam do I need?

씰

Front facing dashcams: A stand alone, front facing dashcam, such as Brigade’s DC-101-000, offers great protection against crash-for-cash scams because the accident is usually caused by the vehicle in front.

씰

Front and rear-view dashcams: As well as offering the same protection as a stand-alone camera, the addition of a rear facing camera provides greater coverage around the vehicle.

While drivers will rarely need to prove an accident wasn’t their fault if their vehicle is rear-ended, it’s always useful to have footage to back this up. These cameras also act as an effective deterrent against theft and vandalism,

particularly for goods vehicles. 씰

Internal cameras: These cameras can provide proof that a driver was paying full attention at the time of an accident, and offer evidence of any altercations or cab break-ins.

Q

What recording modes are available?

There are four common modes of recording, and a high-quality commercial dashcam system will offer all of these in one camera: 씰 Continuous recording – activated automatically when the engine is started. 씰 Parking recording – while the vehicle is parked in a stationary position, the dash cam will record anything that triggers the incident through its motion detection system. 씰 Event/incident recording – this mode uses the built in G sensor to record footage before and after a collision. 씰 Manual recording – similar to a video camera. Capture events that occur in front of the vehicle, whether it is in motion or not, by pressing a button.

Q

Are there any other features to look out for?

In order to strengthen protection against false claims, it’s essential to choose a camera with a GPS antenna, which picks up the location and speed of the vehicle.

Also, look out for dashcams with a wide

field of view, and a HD display able to recognise number plates and faces to ensure recordings are clear and comprehensive. There are a few other features that are worth considering: 씰 The user interface – make sure the software is intuitive and easy to use, so you can quickly and simply recover video data. 씰 Full colour control – for optimised night-time recording, particularly useful for companies that operate with high levels of night-time driving. 씰 A wide dynamic range function – to eliminate bright spots on footage. 씰 Locking box and key – to prevent theft or tampering. 씰 A super capacitor – which automatically provides backup power in the event of a power failure ensuring no data is lost and recordings are safely stored.

Sadly, there’s no way to guarantee that vehicles won’t fall victim to an insurance scam but installing the latest dashcam technology offers peace of mind for companies and their drivers and offers the best chance of refuting false claims and protecting the company.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON BRIGADE ELECTRONICS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE054

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A RACKING IDEA

A prerequisite of any roof rack for commercial proposes is that it is suitably robust, highly durable and has a large carrying capacity essential for any working environment. Being exposed to the rigours of the road and the outdoors, means that this equipment also needs to be corrosion resistant.

Strength and functionality

To ensure maximum service life for roof racks, thorough durability testing needs to be carried out. This begins early in the design process; in-house engineers should utilise advanced analytical software to identify and eliminate any potential weaknesses.

Physical prototypes are then created and tested to destruction to ensure maximum strength in all areas. Continual improvement also needs to be carried out on existing designs too. This approach delivers highly robust roof racks with high load carrying capacities.

In some cases, this is even taken a step further. For example, Rhino’s AluminiumRack is independently crash tested to 20G at Millbrook Proving Ground in the UK – twice the industry standard city crash test of 10G. Its anodised aluminium alloy construction ensures durability and an

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innate resistance to corrosion, delivering a long service life.

Roof racks must also be highly functional. Rhino ensures the usability of its roof racks thanks to a full width durable steel roller attached to composite stub axles, which allows for easy loading and unloading at the rear.

Aesthetics and aerodynamics

Modern vans are starting to look more like passenger cars. Sleek lines and sharp details are becoming standard across all manufacturers, so modern roof racks need to match this design philosophy.

The AluminiumRack is designed to be sleek and smooth, seamlessly integrating with the aesthetics of modern vans.

Innovative features such as polymer composite nose cones improve aerodynamics and reduce wind noise while driving.

By selecting a roof rack with an aesthetic that closely matches the van, users improve the looks of a vehicle while also maximising aerodynamic efficiency.

Optimum fit

Making sure a roof rack is optimised for the van model, wheelbase and height is imperative. A poorly fitted roof rack will not only look odd but offer reduced

For the modern professional, choosing the best van roof rack from the wide selection available can be daunting.

So, what are the key characteristics to look out for in a quality product?

Rhino Products explores the important features. usability and safety. Choosing an optimised design will also help ease fitting.

Rhino has designed the AluminiumRack to fit a wide selection of the most popular commercial vans, covering major brands such as Renault, Peugeot, Citroen, Volkswagen and Ford.

A compatibility tool and comparison tables on the website allows customers to check that their van is supported and to select the optimum rack.

Bespoke installation kits tailored to each model and wheelbase deliver a perfect fit. Each kit includes instructions, all necessary parts and two Allen keys – with two ladders and two 10mm/13mm spanners (depending on the rack) required to complete fitment.

Designed for efficiency

Improving fuel efficiency is a goal of all van fleets. Additionally, to help minimise environmental impact, many fleets are going electric. Whether fully electric, hybrid or combustion only – choosing a roof rack which has reduced weight and good aerodynamic properties helps to maximise range and fuel efficiency.

EXPLORE THE RHINO PRODUCTS RANGE OF VAN ROOF RACKS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE055

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SMALL WONDERS

Versatile and transportable, the ULM (Ultra Light Manitou) is set to achieve very good things in a small package. Professional Builder’s Lee Jones finds out more. n every class of machinery the market for compact solutions is increasing exponentially, and that’s certainly the case in telehandlers.

With its ULM concept, Manitou has ambitions to be the leading player in the sector, and its new machines feature a host of features designed to win over owner/operators.

Elsewhere in the company’s range telehandlers are designated with the prefix MT (Manitou Telescopic) for construction and MLT (Manitou Loader Telescopic) for agriculture, further distinguished by a red boom for the former and black for the latter. The ULM is by contrast a tool that transcends those classifications and will be pitched at farming, the building industry and landscapers. Occupying those diverse working worlds demands versatility and that’s achieved not just through the performance and functionality of the machine, but with a comprehensive attachments portfolio, beginning with buckets, but also including forks, augers, bag handlers, and a jib.

Central to the ULM concept is the machine’s transportability, and that’s why it’s been designed to be light enough to be moved from site to site on a trailer with a 3.5tonne towing capacity van or pick-up. That makes it a viable ownership option for even some of the smallest contractors who might be currently relying on rental. At the same time this is a plant hire compatible telehandler that could easily be offered to contractors as part of a machine and trailer package.

The ULM is not one machine but a range, with two options available. Firstly, there is the 412H, featuring a 1,250kg

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capacity, complemented by the 415H with a 1,500kg capacity, and a transportable weight of 2,550kg and 2,900kg respectively. With brownfield developments now very much in vogue size matters, particularly in an urban setting and, for construction companies large or small, machinery that’s nimble enough to navigate a tight site is essential.

With a total weight of 2,550kg the end

user can carry the 412H on a trailer – accompanied by a 150–200kg attachment – and comfortably remain within a 3,500kg towing limit. The 1,500kg capacity 415H has a 2,900kg without attachment, which means it too can be make use of trailer transport.

Thanks to a width of just 1.49m and a height of 1.92m this truly is a compact unit with dimensions that will facilitate navigation through garage or double doors. At the same time there’s a 4.30m lifting height, and a choice of two-wheel, four-wheel and crab steering, with a maximum speed of 25kph. Add to that a high ground clearance of 29cm – as well as a choice of tyres – and this is a machine that can easily traverse

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challenging ground conditions. Moreover, both the 412H and the 415H utilise a hydrostatic transmission and are powered by a 35hp Yanmar engine with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) but without the need for AdBlue.

Robust build

A unit in the ultra-compact telehandler class might be new territory for Manitou but it is a model in the same mould as its larger siblings, with the robustness in boom, and 4-wheel drive rough terrain prowess for which the manufacturer is renowned. Heavy-duty axles are complemented by a characteristic Ushaped boom construction, for example, a design which affords the highest possible strength and resistance. In operation, the tipping angle of the bucket aids digging, whilst the hydraulic cylinder on the boom is well protected.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is of

primary importance to the French material handling expert’s customers, and that’s why a number of innovations have been introduced to control costs. An antiemulsion filter reduces the air in the hydraulic oil, for instance, which means less oil is required. In addition – and in a new development from Manitou – the ULM is the first machine to eliminate the use of a compensation cylinder. The boom features two cylinders for lifting and tilting, with an electronic compensation system that utilises sensors to measure the angle of the boom, and bucket. Not only does this reduce overall weight, and the amount of oil used, there’s fewer components, and the capacity of the hydraulic tank is reduced by around 25 per cent. Add to that a Stop & Start option that prevents unnecessary idling and you have a very economical solution.

In maintenance all filters are easily accessible, with easy refuelling of the

30litre fuel tank. Road lights and front mudguards are standard, whilst rear mudguards are an option and working lights can also be positioned on the cab – front and rear – as well as on the boom.

At the driver’s seat creature comfort have not been neglected either. Operators can enter an air-conditioned space (available as option) through a wide opening door.

Here, they can take control with a floating armrest-mounted Manitou JSM (Joystick Switch and Move) system which allows one hand on the steering wheel and one on the stick at all times.

In the cab

Furthermore, an EN 15000 system avoids overloading of the machine, whilst there’s different modes for working with buckets and forks. An in-cab screen highlights issues with operation through pop-up messages, helping the driver to use the machine correctly. In a further driverfocused feature, a shock resistant and transparent polycarbonate panel above the seat enhances visibility without compromising the FOPS accredited strength of the cab.

Designed and built at the company’s Laille production plant, the ULM is a true multi-tasker that can take its telehandlers into hitherto uncharted territories, including the landscaping market. Indeed, its vital statistics and versatility should appeal to contractors of all sizes.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE MANITOU ULM VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE056

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Mark Palmer-Broughton’s faithful Takeuchi TB216 is a breed apart, according to its owner. Professional Builder’s Lee Jones goes on site.

ONE MAN AND HIS DIGGER

f as an operator you’ve learnt your trade on excavators of 20-tonne and upwards – and can point to more than 15 years of experience at the controls – then the more diminutive class of machine should be yours to command.

For the last three years Mark PalmerBroughton of On Your Marks Plant Hire has been digging out the footings for extensions, excavating swimming pools, and undertaking all manner of landscaping and small building works.

Previously, however, he has worked on units anything up to 80 tonnes in size, and that gives him invaluable insight into the power, versatility and performance of his Takeuchi TB216 – not to mention considerable prowess at the driver’s seat.

“I bought my first Takeuchi to do some extra work of my own on weekends,” recalls the Berkshire-based

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owner/operator, “and things just really took off from there. There’s a lot more demand for mechanised solutions on even the smallest jobs now because builders have recognised just how quickly you can complete the works and move on to the next. When they hire me they get a very experienced digger driver and a machine as a single package. I’ve been working alongside a friend of mine, landscaper, Christian Light at CJ’s Garden Maintenance for the last few years and, whether it’s that kind of job, driveways, levelling, or more substantial swimming pool projects, there’s so much a digger of this size can do.

From his own knowledge of the excavator market Mark new that Takeuchi was the brand he wanted to invest in when he was setting up his business, and it’s proven to be the right decision, with

his current TB216 the second unit he’s owned from the Japanese compact plant specialist: “It’s a superb machine and I don’t think there’s anything else like it on the market,” he continues. We caught up with Mark and his 1.6 tonne unit on an extension in Newbury where he was digging the footings for a 4metre extension, as well as removing the spoil for the foul drainage connections. Mark bought the TB216 from Takeuchi dealer, CBL last year and it’s been in daily use since, even during the darkest days of the lockdowns. Indeed, Mark reports that he has been even busier during the pandemic as many home-bound property owners look to maximise their living space and enhance outdoor areas.

So what is it about Takeuchi that appeals? “The thing that really stands out is the digging power that’s at your

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vehicles & plant 씱 disposal from a relatively small unit. The expandable and retractable tracks are a very useful feature as well. Fully extended they provide a good deal of stability when excavating and, when pulled in, you can make your way through a 1metre wide gateway, whilst the reach is very good.

It’s a very comfortable machine to use and to be seated at – even for long periods – with all of the controls falling easily to hand. Not only that but I know from when I sold my first Takeuchi that the residual values are excellent and was actually very pleasantly surprised by just how much I got for a second-hand digger.

Unlike a lot of SME contractors I’m in a position where I’ve driven a lot of mini excavators in my time and there isn’t really anything to compare to this Takeuchi.”

Impressive performance

Mark opted for the canopy, but the 1.6tonne Takeuchi TB216 is also available with a cab, whilst as an additional security feature dealer CBL fitted a tracker to his model, and the unit is further protected by the CESAR Datatag system. The hydraulically retractable track frame moves from 900-1,300mm, with a longer than average track frame of 1,520mm further improving stability. There’s an impressive maximum reach of 4,090mm, a maximum digging depth of 2,390mm, whilst two-speed tracking means the unit can easily tackle challenging terrain.

“Mark reveals that much of his recent work has been in digging footings and his digger will make short work of a 600mm wide, 1.2m deep trench for an extension” Mark has enhanced the versatility of his Takeuchi TB216 with a range of attachments, including a 150, 300, 450 and two 600mm buckets, a grading bucket and a grab, all of which can be easily transported on his trailer with 3.5 tonne towing capacity vehicle. “On this job, we took down the existing utility room using the grab attachment, and we’ve then dug the footings for an extension that will extend 4.2metres from the existing property, and it’s only taken a few days, with five lorries loads of muck away taken out in that time. On other projects I’ve done some dredging work on a silted up stream and have also used the Takeuchi with the grab attachment to

lift beams for concrete flooring.”

Mark reveals that much of his recent work has been in footings and his digger will make short work of the standard 600mm wide, 1.2metre deep trench for an extension. “The boys on this job had to dig out a section where there was a water pipe running across and that took them nearly two hours, whereas for me it would have been ten minutes with my digger.

The only advertising I do is through the On Your Marks Plant Hire Facebook page, and most of my work is word of mouth, and that keeps me more than busy. The service and support from CBL has been first class and the reliability of the machine can’t be faulted.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON TAKEUCHI VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE057 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ON YOUR MARKS PLANT HIRE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE058 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON TAKEUCHI DEALER, CBL VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE059

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vehicles & plant Finding equipment is set to get easier with the Trade Plant Hire app. Professional Builder looks at a new service that could streamline the experience for both tradespeople and stockists. “

‘APPY’ DAYS

or tradespeople, finding the right tool for the job for exactly when they need it is not a straightforward proposition, and that’s where Trade Plant Hire comes in,” explains Ivan Yardley, Managing Director of Trade Plant Hire.

F

Digital tool

Trade Plant Hire is effectively a website but, from the point of view of an end user armed with a smart phone, it behaves just like an app, as Ivan reveals: “From an icon on the home screen tradespeople can access an advanced interface where they can search for kit by entering a specific product, the postcode of a job site, as well as the duration of the hire. The app will then generate a list of options based on location and the dates required, including description, price, VAT breakdown, deposit, and insurance. It will then list items that are available from stockists who will deliver to that area within the required timeframe.”

The functionality doesn’t end there, however, because, using the well-known and secure Stripe service as a gateway, it’s also possible to make deposits and payments through the app. Multiple transactions can be made, with delivery on different dates and to specified addresses. Crucially for the plant or tool hirer, the builder is required to accept the rental provider’s terms and conditions prior to the final processing of the sale, which eliminates the need for the stockist to change their established processes in any way. Once checkout is completed a VAT receipt and order notification is

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Trade Plant Hire Managing Director, Ivan Yardley, (right) with former England and British Lions rugby union international, Tim Stimpson, who is a member of the consortium behind the concept

emailed to the builder. Not only that but any supplier can create an account and list equipment on the app for free.

Trade Plant Hire is structured to manage the hire experience from end to end. As an illustration, account holders have the facility to administer active, past, and future orders. Contractors are alerted the day before the end of the hire period by email, for instance, and, in the event they would like to extend, a new invoice is then generated. Orders can be cancelled up to 12 hours before, whilst records of all previous transactions include digital copies of VAT receipts, which are then easily retrievable when tax

return time arrives.

Former England and Lions rugby union international, Tim Stimpson is part of the consortium behind the app: “A good example of just how effective it can be is when a builder is working away in an area not covered by their established suppliers,” Tim adds. “Finding anything from a cut-off saw to scaffolding or a micro-excavator is then just a few clicks away. Builders are ideally placed to be able to use their phones as aggregators to find the best product at the most competitive price – and that’s what the Trade Plant Hire app can achieve. It automates everything that would have previously taken timeconsuming research.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TRADE PLANT HIRE APP VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE060

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vehicles & plant 씱 product round-up

LARGE LCV

VAN SECURITY

The recently launched Ducato and all-electric E-Ducato will send a text to the vehicle owner if a thief is trying to break into their van. Fiat Professional’s Theft Assistance detects when someone is trying to break into a vehicle, tow it without authorisation or disconnect the battery.

If any of these are detected, the owner receives assistance from a ‘my:Assistant’ operator.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE061

TRAILER TOWABLE EXCAVATOR

A trailer towable weight class and a reduced tail swing makes the Takeuchi TB325R a very manoeuvrable solution. Weighing-in at just under 2,440kg with cab or 2,310kg with canopy, there is plenty of room for attachments and materials on the trailer. The unit comes with 16.5kW of power, 19.3kN of digging force and breakout of 11.3kN, along with digging depth to 2,540mm and ground reach to 4,350mm.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE063

TRAILER

The Osprey is the newest edition to the Towmate Trailers range. It features hard-wearing durable LED lights, heavy duty steel mudguards, rear propstands, durable running gear and a 3-year warranty package. With a number of widths and lengths on offer it’s also possible to configure to a specific size.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE065

The largest model in the manufacturer’s line-up, the Citroën Relay, features two new Euro 6.3 Diesel engines and enhanced standard specification. Cruise control with programmable speed limiter is now standard on ‘X’ versions, while a 12V socket is fitted to the load area on ‘X’, ‘Enterprise’ and ‘Driver’ Panel Van versions, as well as a new USB charging socket on the dashboard of ‘Enterprise’ and ‘Driver’.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE062

MINI-EXCAVATOR

Compact, versatile, robust and reliable – that’s how Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA is describing its ViO17 zero tail swing mini-excavator. The upper frame of the machine slews within its track width, making it the perfect choice for tight job sites. whilst a transport weight of just 1,695kg, means moving between jobs is also straight forward. To watch a video on the new ViO17 use the rdr.link below: GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE064

HYDROGEN FUEL CELL VEHICLE The e-EXPERT Hydrogen, from Peugeot features a hydrogen fuel cell system combined with a 10.5kWh battery that helps power the electric motor. A full refuel with compressed hydrogen takes just three minutes, resulting in 249 miles (WLTP) of electric range, and a maximum speed of 80mph.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE066

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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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

No.13

DHK180 18V LXT POWER SCRAPER

In the latest instalment of our Toolbox series with Makita, the team explore the products that help make tiling effortless.

DJV182Z 18V LXT JIGSAW

Prepping surfaces

When prepping surfaces with plyboard sheets or backing boards, the DSS611Z 18V LXT Circular Saw makes quick work of cuts. This machine features a powerful 3,700rpm (no load speed) motor and has a maximum cutting capacity of 57mm. To prevent injury, the DSS611Z has a retractable guard with a calibration line for easy depth adjustment and a double safety trigger that prevents accidental start up. It also includes a removable dust nozzle that allows compatible dust extractors to be connected.

Alternatively, the DJV182Z 18V LXT Jigsaw can be used. This machine can deliver a no-load speed of up to 3,500spm (strokes per minute) and has stroke length of 26mm. Thanks to toolless blade change, users can quickly and conveniently change the blade to suit different tasks – and the option of three orbital settings or straight cutting means this machine is highly versatile. It also

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features a blower function to keep the cutting line clean and visible.

To remove grout, Makita recommends the DTM52Z 18V LXT Multi-Tool. This machine features variable speed control so operators can quickly and easily adjust the speed to suit the application. Its 12 angle settings provide perfect blade position at any working angle and the tool is compatible with all Starlock, Starlock Plus and Starlock Max accessories so it is easy to find the right one for the job.

What’s more, accessories can be quickly DTM52Z 18V LXT MULTI-TOOL

and easily changed thanks to the inclusion of Makita’s latest tool-less blade changing system. Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT) also makes this machine more comfortable and safer to use, even over extended periods of time.

When it comes to removing tiles, the DHK180 is a must have. This 18V LXT Power Scraper delivers the high power you would expect from a corded machine but brings the safety and improved usability benefits of cordless. It has 12 settings to position the chisel at the required angle and variable speed control so operators can easily adjust the tool to suit the task. The anti-vibration housing and AVT ensure operators are protected and help to reduce fatigue.

To ensure precision, the SK105DZ 12VMax CXT Red Cross Line Laser is a must have tool. The LED light flashes to alert the user if it is out of level – and it offers two brightness modes to suit varying work conditions. The SK105DZ can be powered using Makita’s CXT or LXT batteries (LXT connection requires a DC jack to connect to the DECADP05 USB adaptor), making switching between tools and tasks effortless.

Cutting and securing tiles

The CC301DZ 12VMax CXT Tile Cutter has a high-power motor that rotates at 1,600rpm, making light work of precision cutting in tile and glass. This machine is also highly versatile and can make cuts from 0-45degrees. The CC301DZ features an easily refillable 500ml water tank that supplies water to the cutting wheel to reduce dust during operation for improved user safety – it also prolongs the life of the diamond wheel. Thanks to the manufacturer’s Compact eXtreme Technology, the CC301DZ is compact and

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Accessories to suit the above core range: D-72914 Grout Rake

The D-72914 Grout Rake is a useful tool for removing dirt and faded joins between tiles on floors and walls. It features a rubber anti-slip handle for maximum user stability, comfort and safety.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE069

Multi Tool Accessories CC301DZ 12VMax CXT TILE CUTTER lightweight, making it comfortable to use and easy to transport around site.

Alternatively, for cutting porcelain or thicker exterior tiles the DCC500Z 18V LXT 125mm Disc Cutter can be used. This powerful machine can produce bevel cuts up to 45degrees and is ideal for dry cutting with a diamond blade. It features Makita’s Autostart Wireless System (AWS) that enables the machine to wirelessly connect with compatible dust extractors via Bluetooth so that when the machine is in use, the extractor automatically runs for maximum protection against dust. It also includes a dust collecting port and dust cover. Thanks to Automatic Torque Drive Technology, the speed of the DCC500Z is automatically adjusted in line with the load conditions to ensure optimum operation.

When it comes to sealing or securing certain tiles, the DCG180Z 18V LXT Caulking Gun is an ideal companion. It can hold 300ml cartridges (or 600ml sausage packs) and has a 360degree rotating sealant holder. The DCG180Z has a no-load pushing speed of 0-29mm per second and features variable speed control so users can adjust the delivery of sealants to suit the task. It also has a compact and lightweight design that makes it comfortable to use over extended periods of time and means operators can cover large areas with TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MAKITA VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE067

ease. The anti-drip function prevents excess sealant from oozing out, minimising mess.

Drilling and fixing

For general drilling and fixing tasks, the DLX2145TJ two-piece combo kit is perfect, as it includes the DHP458Z 18V LXT Combi Drill and DTD152Z 18V LXT Impact Driver, housed in a Makpac connector case. The DHP458Z Combi Drill with side handle and depth stop, is extremely compact, making it ideal for use in tight and awkward spaces. It also features a handy battery fuel gauge so users can easily identify when the battery needs re-charging, ensuring maximum efficiency.

The DTD152Z Impact Driver is ideal for all fixing applications (from smaller screws to apply boarding through to larger fixings when installing studwork for framing), offering up to 3,500 impacts per minute. It is compact, lightweight and includes an ergonomic soft grip for ease of use and operator comfort. It is also been cleverly designed so that the battery is protected from damage due to over discharge, high temperature of overload current, ensuring optimum performance and battery longevity.

Makita offers a wide range of accessories that can be used in conjunction with the DTM52Z Multi Tool to tackle a huge number of tasks, including removing adhesives and grout, sawing and cutting materials and sanding down rough edges.

It also offers Starlock, Starlock Plus and Starlock Max accessories.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE070

Diamond accessories

For cutting into porcelain, ceramic and thicker exterior tiles the DCC500Z should be used with a 115mm or 125mm diamond blade. These blades do not rip or tear the material, ensuring a clean and precise cut every time.

The P-66628 Mini Diamond Drill Kit with 6, 8 and 10mm bits can also be used with any high-powered drill to offer professional users a great solution for drilling in ceramic tiles. Their diamond coating and water feeder ensures excellent cutting quality and durability for a long life.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE071

IF YOU WANT TO WATCH AN INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO ON THE MAKITA DTM52Z 18V LXT MULTI-TOOL VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE068

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TOOLS & FIXINGS

NAILED IT! A new 1st fix gas nailer is set to put fischer UK customers in a winning frame of mind!

ischer UK has started the year with a bang by introducing its second gas nailing tool in the range, the FGW 90-F. This latest addition to an expanding range of gas nailing solutions focuses on the wood to wood market which the brand has become more synonymous with in the past 5 years. The FGW 90-F, is a clipped head 1st fix framing nailer designed to deliver; power, versatility, speed and reliability at market leading levels.

Dan Czerwinski, Marketing and Product Manager told us more: “The fischer group has been working for nearly three years developing a 1st fix framing nailer that would fit the exacting requirements of the UK market. To this end there has been a lot of involvement and direction from all those at the sharp end because, as one of the biggest users of this type of product in the world, whatever we bring to market, it must be suitable for what we know our British customers are demanding.”

Continues Dan: “It’s early days into the launch, of course, but once the trade has properly got its hands on the new FGW, I’m confident that they will quickly come to appreciate the many special features which will make it stand out from the crowd.”

“Firstly, the look of the tool is rather unique with the ergonomics of the nosepiece really helping to make a difference when being used in tight or precision critical applications. For every user, though, two of the most important factors are the weight and power. When

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using a tool all day and firing 90mm nails into various types of timber, the professional needs a power to weight ratio that can cope with extended periods of use. With our latest offering the tool has 95 joules of power and weighs only 3.5kg, making it not only one of the lightest tools available but also a market leading power/weight ratio.

Adds Dan: “The weight is also distributed exceptionally well throughout the tool and the slightly elongated body, and narrower cover cap gives a pinpoint, balanced centre that can be crucial for anyone firing nails in large quantities without becoming quickly fatigued.

Flexibility

“Another significant feature is the improved battery life with its Li-ion cell.

The battery on the FGW 90-F will fire 8,000 nails with a single 90 minute charge. And at a higher than standard 2.5 Ah, the powerful battery affords the user much more flexibility and reduces the amount of times you need to recharge the tool,” concludes Dan. Launching the new tool is only part of the story, however. The company is also keen to emphasise the considerable attention which has been given to the rules and regulations involved in the use of gas nailers. “Service classes and corrosion resistance is hugely important for the wood to wood fastening segment

and it can be the cause of many issues and complaints,” explains Sales Director, John Craig. Service class requirements should always be followed, specifically when the work area is exposed to the elements, although we have seen many examples of where this can be mis-sold and lead to problems later down the line. We have been fighting a battle since day one with service classes, and there is a lot of misinformation and mis-selling of products that can lead to a slippery slope of product performance. All fischer nails come clearly marked in 3 distinct service classes. 1, 2 and 3, and are fit for purpose.

Full transparency of what we offer is always a number one priority for our customers,” states John.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SERVICE CLASSES, WHAT THEY MEAN AND HOW THEY SHOULD BE FOLLOWED YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE USING THE LINK: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE072 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE FGW 90-F VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE073

New Style PB Live - PB_Layout 1 06/01/2022 09:31 Page 1

THE TRADESHOW FOR PROFESSIONAL BUILDERS

Professional

LIVE!

Top trade products, exhibition specials and hands-on demo zones FORTHCOMING SHOWS: BOLTON ARENA, BOLTON 3RD/4TH MARCH 2022 ALEXANDRA PALACE, LONDON 29TH/30TH MARCH 2022 YEC, HARROGATE 28TH/29TH APRIL 2022 Register for free at www.probuilderlive.co.uk

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

When it comes to pouches, totes, tool belts and accessories, ToughBuilt’s ClipTech system carries some serious advantages. Professional Builder finds out more.

On a typical job, you’ve probably never calculated how much time, effort and energy you have spent going backwards and forwards to your tool bag or van to grab tools, fixings, fastenings and a hundred other things beside. If you did, the chances are the results would surprise you.

ToughBuilt’s ClipTech system seeks to minimise exactly that, helping professionals to organise their tools faster and easier, and allowing them to carry what they need, when they need. This heavy-duty range of tool bags, pouches, totes, belts and accessories are all compatible with the ClipTech system and can be connected by one clever little innovation.

Central to this system is the humble ClipTech Hub. This patented attachment point can be easily connected to any tool belt (whether that’s one of the four offered

by ToughBuilt or one from other manufacturers) as well as to the manufacturer’s range of Hard Body Massive Mouth bags, totes, a ClipTech Wall Organiser, or even screwed directly to a wall or joist. The hub is part of over 50 products in the range and growing fast.

“Once you start using ClipTech products, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them” explains ToughBuilt’s Matt Handley. “They combine practicality,

AT A FAST CLIP versatility and flexibility in equal and impressive measure but ultimately increase productivity on the jobsite.”

“Key to the system is a unique attachment point called a ClipTech Hub. These hubs can be used to attach one of our pouches virtually anywhere, without the need for any kind of tool and with the complete peace of mind of knowing, that once attached, your pouch will stay securely in place. You can add or remove different pouches from your tool belt as quick and readily as you need to.”

There are a number of pouches in the range to choose from in all shapes and sizes, including general utility pouches and mega supply pouches for holding hand tools, power tools, fixings, fasteners and other similar items.

No matter which pouch or holster you choose, the manufacturer promises they are ‘ToughBuilt’ in name and in nature. To cope with the most demanding site environments, they benefit from a rugged 6-Layer Construction and use heavy-duty, reinforced rivets.

ToughBuilt are so sure about the

quality, durability and longevity of their products that its backing them up with a 25-year guarantee, which can be activated by registering your purchase on the company’s website.

Hard Body, Massive Mouth Tool Bags

A well-designed tool bag is every tradesperson’s dream, and ToughBuilt’s ClipTech-enabled hard body Massive Mouth Bags are packed with design features. These impact-tested bags come with a ClipTech bar, allowing you to attach multiple pouches and carry everything at once, meaning less trips to and from the van.

Finally, the Rolling Massive Mouth bags feature rugged off-road wheels, a telescopic handle and waterproof body meaning less weight to carry, with a 38cm opening for clear visibility and quick access to what’s inside.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON TOUGHBUILT VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE074

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

DRILL SEEKERS Two new cordless drills from Festool combine both brains and brawn

or devotees of the brand, the Festool Quadrive PDC and DRC 18/4 machines were already very good machines but, not a manufacturer to ever rest on its laurels, the German power tool specialist has introduced two new models that will inherit the mantle.

As a result, its latest flagship cordless drills – the Quadrive TPC and TDC 18/4 – promise to be powerful, versatile and, with four speeds, equipped to take on any number of applications.

F

Switching tasks

A guiding principle with both tools has been versatility. Thanks to some clever electronics, a sophisticated switching concept provides the right torque and speed for the task. Indeed, whether you are working on wood or metal, the Quadrive TDC 18/4 cordless drill will effortlessly do the job, and with its brushless EC-TEC motor promises resilience and endurance alike. At the same time, thanks to an axial impact feature, this new percussion drill is just as impressive when drilling into masonry, and both units can be combined with a

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large number of attachments.

Many tradespeople will know the discomfort that comes with a tool jamming and suddenly twisting in their hand, but Festool has felt your pain and introduced a new intelligent kickback stop system that minimises the risk of this happening. This is a manufacturer that prides itself on the detail in the design and with the tool in hand it’s immediately apparent that ergonomics has been given careful thought, whilst other features that focus on comfort and convenience include a belt clip that can be attached on both sides, and a bit holder for secure and magnetic bit storage at the side of the tool.

A four-speed metal gearbox will handle high power and speeds, whilst the fully optimised switching concept allows users to quickly switch in any direction as required. On both the TPC and TDC it’s possible to switch from any gear

straight to any other on the without intermediate stages, saving time and improving handling. Moreover, thanks to fixed stops, fast downshifting is possible at any time as required.

Brushless motor

Festool embraced the longer lasting performance and power that brushless motors afford earlier than many of its peers, and – having been made in its own motor production facilities in Germany – the EC-TEC unit that is in evidence in its new cordless drills is very much a product of in-house development and manufacture. It provides even more torque and speed under load than its predecessors with the requisite power for work with screws and drills with larger diameters, while enabling clean work progress when working with small drill diameters.

In second gear, the new units provide a whole 40 per cent more torque compared to their previous PDC and DRC models, for example, achieving full traction even with 8mm screws.

With carbon brushes eliminated, the EC-TEC motor is wear-free and converts the energy from the battery into optimum power with

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virtually no losses. Here again there’s some intelligent machine management at play with micro-processors that monitor and control the temperature, voltage and current consumption of the motor, electronics and battery.

Whether it’s screwdriving with up to 75 Nm of torque in first gear or precise drilling at 3,600 rpm in fourth gear, the new TPC can deploy a smart use of power. For applications with high power needs, the 4.0 Ah Li-HighPower Compact battery pack provides a powerful, compact and lightweight solution. The 5.2 Ah battery pack is the right choice for even more power and a longer operating period for more difficult drilling and screwdriving applications.

Attachments

Not only is there a large number of attachments, a smart FastFix system allows these to be changed quickly and without the need for any tools. A depth stop and eccentric adapter also enables depth-limited screwdriving close to edges, and a quick angle adjustment is available for both the new angle attachment (AN-UNI) and the eccentric adapter (EX-UNI) which is enabled in next to no time simply by rotating the green ring, with the attachment no longer needing to be released from the machine.

Additional Work App functions

When combined with the free-of-charge Work App (iOS and Android), and a Bluetooth battery pack, the two cordless drills offer some practical additional functions. Both are equipped with LED lighting that can be activated in poor lighting conditions, for example, the brightness and lighting duration of which can be adjusted through the app.

For left-handed people, the Work App can be also used to reverse the right-hand/left-hand selector switch so that the switch now protrudes on the right-hand side of the drill in clockwise rotation and, therefore, no longer presses into a left-handed user’s hand.

Software updates can be performed or repair orders created for servicing (depending on availability).

The IoT functionality (righthand/lefthand selector switch and LED control) will be available with the latest version of the Work App in the second quarter of 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE NEW FESTOOL QUADRIVE TPC 18/4 AND THE QUADRIVE TDC 18/4 VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE075

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

THE CORDLESS TREND T

Tibby Singh is on Trend with the latest tool technology rend is a brand that needs no introduction and its route to success has been from manufacturing routing equipment. Innovation is the core value at Trend Tool Technology and more recently the company introduced its T18S 18V Cordless Range consisting of an impressive 11 Cordless Tools: 씰 ¼” Router 씰 Mitre Saw 씰 Circular Saw 씰 Biscuit Jointer 씰 Angle Grinder 씰 Impact Driver 씰 Combi Drill

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씰 씰 씰 씰

LED Site Light Random Orbital Sander Detail Sander Third Sheet Sander

In this review I will focus on the Cordless 1/4” router and the Mitre Saw. My first ever router was a Trend Corded router, which is still going strong. I remember having a conversation on site about how cordless tools will be the future but found it hard to imagine a cordless router or mitre saw as these require substantial power. Now the day has come, where I write my first product review of both.

The box of the ¼” CORDLESS ROUTER isn’t the smallest, but I’m probably comparing it to the box of the corded router. However, upon opening it, I was taken back to see how small and light in weight it is. Then I realised the box is a fair size as it comes with a variety of accessories that all have their allocated space.

I was keen to get it running and it felt strange not having to run around looking for a socket. It runs off Trend’s T18 TX Lithium-ion batteries which have a light indication and is available in 2, 4 and 5Ah. The 4Ah is more suitable for routing applications.

It is relatively quiet for a router, and you can feel the power kick in. A router can be a dangerous tool, so it has a safety on/off switch. It has an expected variable speed from 1-6 which increases its versatility when working with variety of materials.

Its versatility is further enhanced due to its dual base, a plunge and trim base. Just when I thought things couldn’t get better, I realise it’s a two in one. The bases can be interchanged in a matter of seconds and securely locks in place. When it has the

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Tibby Singh — www.TibbySingh.com

trim base on, it is smaller and lighter making it ideal for light duties such as edge mouldings. On the other hand, the plunge base is designed for heavier duty tasks such as mortising and rabbeting. It has an impressive 60mm plunge depth which is the deepest on the market.

Both the bases have the expected depth settings from a micro adjustable setting on the trim base with engraved increments, to an adjustable depth stop on the plunge base for rapid repeatable cutting depths.

On trim routers, the base usually has a small surface area which can sometimes become unbalanced. Trend has solved this problem by having an elongated base that prevents tipping. Another top feature is its flat top design, so when it comes to changing bits, you can turn it upside down and it will balance perfectly making it easier and safer to do so.

Something that opened my eyes was the built-in twin LED lights. This is very popular in many other tools these days so it’s great they have incorporated this in the router, which is always used for precision tasks. Routing is associated with dust, so one of the many accessories included is an extraction adapter to help reduce harmful dust particles.

I think it’s my new favourite tool and at first it felt like a chore getting the router out and setting it up but now it’s the opposite, I feel like getting a groove on every time.

TREND CORDLESS MITRE SAW Another groovy tool is Trend’s Cordless Mitre Saw. Again, I couldn’t believe how compact and light it is, weighing under 10kg. The 5Ah batteries are recommended with this to increase the efficiency as there’s extended power capacity.

I wouldn’t say it’s cut out for 1st fix tasks but it’s second to none for 2nd fix tasks. However, size doesn’t matter because this loves big wood – to be precise, it can cut up to 210mm wide and 51mm deep stock. The main reason for this is its sliding arm.

Even if the timbers are long in length, it has slot-in work support extension bars that are discrete. In addition, it has a deep fence for maximum support and a work clamp to secure materials when cutting.

The mitre saw cuts mitres from -47 to +47 degrees with pre-set indentations at the common angles, which are 0, 15, 22.5 and 45 degrees. As well as having the ability to cut compound mitres from 0 to +45 degrees.

Although it’s small it seems to have all the functions a chop saw twice its size would have, such as trenching. This is great to know because it’s something I often use, especially when it comes to assembling door linings together with housing joints.

It’s hit home the level of detail Trend have put into this as it even has a mounted laser. This is always handy as it allows quick alignment. There’s also a dust bag with zip for easy emptying and you can set it up to an extractor.

Trend’s Cordless Mitre Saw is certainly cut out for multiple tasks and, just like the router, it doesn’t feel like a chore setting it up, whether it’s high up on the scaffolding or down below.

After getting a feel for both Trend’s Cordless Router, and Mitre Saw, it’s clear the manufacturer’s route to success continues.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TREND TOOL TECHNOLOGY RANGE OF CORDLESS SOLUTIONS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE076

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TOOLS & WORKWEAR

FIRST IN A NEW SERIES

Q

Why is the Switchback Safety Boot a customer favourite?

“Good question. Over the years, we’ve had a staggering amount of positive feedback from customers such as: ‘Best boots so far, I’ve had the previous versions and have now got the latest version’; ‘I would without a doubt recommend these boots’; ‘My fav for daily comfort’; as well as ‘the best boots I’ve ever had’.

The Switchback is lightweight and flexible for freedom of movement, and it’s also a good all-rounder that can be worn on site, at home or outside work.

We’re so pleased that the Switchback has become a great hit with our customers.

It’s for this reason that we developed the Switchback with more features.”

Q

Tell us about the Switchback 3, what’s new?

“Since 2013, we’ve made further developments to the Switchback to improve its practicality, comfort, and design, for tradespeople to wear day-in and day-out. The Switchback 3 – Scruffs latest version – comes with improved eyelets that can be wrapped or threaded, and aluminium toe caps for less weight.

Furthermore, the safety boot has better contouring for an improved fit and added comfort, an improved sole to give better foot flex, and extra grip for safe working.”

Q

Why do you think the Trade Flex Trousers are a best seller?

“These trousers are made with built-in

DRESS FOR SUCCESS Scruffs Switchback 3 Safety Boots

Scruffs sat down with Professional Builder to talk about some of its best sellers. stretch for comfort and flexibility. What’s more, they incorporate a load of clever design features that are ultra-practical.

Plus, they look good!”

Q

Tell us more about the design features.

“These slim fit trousers include: 씰 Hard wearing abrasion-resistant CORDURA knee pad pockets 씰 Easy access holster pockets for handy storage 씰 Cargo pocket with a mobile phone pocket, ruler pocket, and secure zip pocket 씰 Hammer loop, tool loops and D-ring for tool and accessory storage Also, they’re available in black and graphite.”

Q

How do you come up with your hoodie designs? Why should a tradesperson choose a Scruffs hoodie?

“Hoodies have always been a hit with the trades, on and off site. Almost every tradesperson has that trusty old top – the one they throw on to keep comfy and warm.

This was our inspiration when designing our hoodies. We wanted to create a range of workwear that was durable, comfortable and warm, and we added some modern features, so they look good too. Also, all our workwear and safety footwear products are put to the test by real people on the job. Trade is at the core of everything we do, so we like to make sure our kit works as hard as our customers do.”

Q

Scruffs Trade Flex Trouser, Graphite

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Moving onto your Trade Hoodie, why do you think it’s more popular compared to other hoodies?

“The Trade Hoodie was developed with tradespeople through focus groups and wear trials, which is why it’s got abrasionresistant Abratect panels on the cuffs and elbows. These are usually the first areas to wear out on a standard hoodie, but the Abratect panels mean the Scruffs Trade Hoodie can withstand much more wear and tear. It’s also made from proper comfy brushed fleece and has two zipped pockets to keep valuables safe. Oh, and it looks pretty decent down the pub after work too!”

Scruffs Trade Hoodie FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SCRUFFS WORKWEAR RANGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE077

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT WEATHERPROOF WORKWEAR

TETHERED TOOLS

Stay dry, warm and comfortable by choosing from a range of waterrepellent jackets in the Snickers Workwear AllroundWork and FlexiWork collections.

The PU garments with welded seams feature GORE-TEX for enhanced durability.

There’s a waterproof membrane, they’re windproof and, in order to layer your working clothes properly, there’s extensive size options to choose from.

PLUNGE ROUTER

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE079

Driven by a powerful 1,100W motor, the Makita UK RP1111C Plunge Router with ¼” collet, delivers 8,000-27,500 rpm with a plunge depth capacity of up to 57mm. The RP1803 - ½” Plunge Router provides a deep 0-70mm plunge depth capacity. Both feature an anti-restart function to minimise accidental start-up even if the tool is plugged into the power source with the switch on.

TO WATCH A VIDEO OF THE TETHERED TOOLS IN ACTION VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE080

CORDLESS SCREWDRIVER PORTABLE POWER STATION

EcoFlow has announced the expansion of its UK offering by introducing several new products into its range. The portable power station manufacturer is officially being distributed in the UK via Hampshire Generators. Batterypowered portable power solutions offer a compact, silent and eco-friendly alternative to traditional generators – which generally run on fossil fuels.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE078

APP

Tradespeople can access everything from warranties and receipts, to battery information and services with the my.FEIN app. The new service from Fein is joined by the manufacturer’s new ALG 80 BC battery, with an 8A charging current for short charging times and Bluetooth connectivity. The app will communicate charge status and cycles, whilst sending notifications when the battery is full.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE081

The 18V LXT battery platform from Makita UK has seen further expansion with the introduction of the DFR551 18V LXT Brushless Auto Feed Screwdriver. Ideal for repetitive fixing tasks, and rapid screw driving tasks, it’s trigger activated for easy use and complete control. There’s a no-load speed of up to 6,000rpm and the screw feeding mechanism has been designed to reduce screw fall and ensure durability.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE082

HIGH-VIS WORKWEAR

There’s jackets, trousers, shorts, toolvests, shirts and fleeces available in the extensive Snickers range of High-Vis men’s and women’s workwear. Satisfying Class 1, 2 and 3 protection, and the ISO 20471:2013 standard for high visibility warning clothes, all the garments have durable colour-fast protection that will last for wash after wash, retaining shape, comfort and protection levels, whilst custom-profiling is available.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE083

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There’s now over 45 models of Knipex pliers in its Tethered Tools range.

The flexible tether permits a large operating radius and comfortable handling of the secured tool and stretches to a length of up to 1.5m when under strain. An adapter strap guarantees that the tool can be switched safely, quickly and without problems from the tool bag to the tether.

84 MARCH 2022 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE084

Use our digital reader enquiry service for further information online

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OUTDOOR SPACES

GREEN GIANTS Marshalls explains how builders can ensure their projects are sustainable

W

ith climate change firmly at the top of the agenda, it’s easy to see why a clear approach to building (and living) more sustainably is becoming a “needs-must” as opposed to “nice-to-have”. Spending time considering a sustainable approach to your building projects lies not only with winning the hearts and minds of your customers, but also with considering the environmental impact of what you’re creating.

Three steps to creating environmentally conscious projects

When considering an eco-friendly approach to your work, focus on these three things; 1. Re-train your brain – Look for opportunities for basic training on climate change or simply tap into information available online. Find out what your suppliers are doing to make their products and business more

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sustainable and ask the right questions; sometimes a product that is promoted as ‘eco-friendly’ is actually no better than its rivals so look at the detail behind the marketing.

2. Refine and improve – If you’re not already, start recycling all product and material packaging, or look for suppliers who have reduced their reliance on plastics and other materials. Consider the distance products will travel to get to site, could you source more locally or bulk order to reduce the number of deliveries?

Small changes can have a big impact, you don’t need to reinvent your entire supplier’s list or product inventory, just ask more questions and choose wisely.

3. Listen to others – Use your networks to listen to how others are doing things more sustainably to see what you can replicate, or even avoid pitfalls. And speak to your customers about sustainability too, find out what’s important to them and make changes

based on their priorities. With so many different approaches to reducing your impact on the environment, there’s often a tried and tested way of doing something that saves you reinventing the wheel.

Building sustainable outdoor spaces Look for opportunities to use alternative methods and materials which suit a more sustainable approach to project planning.

Often, a more sustainable product brings other benefits too, it might save the customer money, reduce a risk to the property or help them to comply with local legislation.

Recommend permeable paving Climate change is increasing the risk of flooding in the UK, and it’s becoming more of a concern to homeowners than ever before, particularly those who live near water. Dealing with a flood in the home or garden can be devastating, but there are ways to reduce the risk.

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Permeable paving can be used for patios and driveways and is commonly found in commercial car parks and other public schemes. A quality permeable product will allow surface water to pass between the blocks into a specially calculated sub-base. As well as reducing the risk of flooding for your customers, it can sometimes remove the need for them to seek planning permission for a new driveway, depending on local legislation.

As mentioned, the sub-base for a permeable project is different to other materials, so make sure you do your research.

Converting to concrete bricks

Not only do concrete bricks allow for a breadth in choice of colours and finishes, but they have also significantly less embodied carbon than other alternatives products to the exothermic curing process. Because there is no need for kiln firing during concrete brick production – a saving on average, of up to 49 per cent less carbon compared to other options in the market.

Re-use materials

If you’re renovating an existing home, look for ways to repurpose old materials and save excess new ones to turn into garden features. Old concrete paving slabs can become the base of a new garden room or summer house, and leftover timber can be turned into built-in garden seating or raised beds. If it suits your customer’s style, salvage yards can be a great place to find old gates and chimney pots that can be repainted and brought back into use.

Not necessarily a material, but if you’re asked to create a sustainable outdoor space then rainwater harvesting is a musthave. If your client is looking for something a little different, suggest a rainbox planter which can be created using spare timber and covered with veneer walling for a modern finish. The planter can be designed to receive and filter rainwater from a diverted downpipe and include a tap and overflow, perhaps even going into a small pond.

Build in biodiversity

People are increasingly asking for more planting in their gardens, be it in raised

beds or extra trees and shrubbery. As well as becoming an ever-changing finish to an outdoor space, it also creates biodiversity.

Although largely seen as an active path for the homeowner to venture down, there is ample opportunity for you to be involved with reinventing a customers’ space to enable a more “bio-diverse” environment.

If you’re designing a garden, or enlisting a specialist to help, consider building multiple levels for a range of flower or plant beds to offer breadth in choice for your customer or suggest implementing a water feature to allow an even wider offering to nature and its residents.

Relating back to the re-use of materials, old roof tiles and bricks with holes in can be used to build insect homes.

In summary, the best way to make a shift to becoming more sustainable is to take small steps. If you’re already doing great things, do more; and if you’re just starting out then use your contacts to find out how they do things. Be inquisitive with suppliers and talk to them about their products and processes, the ones who are doing good things will be happy to share their thoughts with you. And, of course, once you’ve begun your journey then make sure you tell your customers about it! People are more environmentally conscious than ever before and your new methods might just get you the project over a competitor.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON MARSHALLS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE085

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THE TRADESHOW BUILT FOR THE TRADE PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

TOOLFAIR

POWER TOOLS

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HAND TOOLS

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BUILDING EQUIPMENT

All the latest tools, live demos, show specials – all under one roof!

FORTHCOMING SHOWS: BOLTON ARENA, BOLTON 3RD/4TH MARCH 2022 ALEXANDRA PALACE, LONDON 29TH/30TH MARCH 2022 YEC, HARROGATE 28TH/29TH APRIL 2022

Register for free at www.toolfair.info

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GENERAL BUILDING ZERO CARBON CONCRETE BLOCK

The UK’s first zero carbon concrete block is how Cemex is describing its ReadyBlock Zero. The new CarbonNeutral block looks identical to a traditional concrete block and the only difference is it embodies up to 80 per cent less carbon, with the remaining carbon offset, and is part of the manufacturer’s VERTUA family of low carbon and sustainable solutions.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE086

INSULATION PANELS

Gradient’s Deck-VQ vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) will insulate a flat roof to accommodate a terrace or balcony extension. Superthin with what it said to be an ultra-high thermal performance, the insulation ensures required U-values can be met without the need for costly, time-consuming structural changes when space is limited.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE87

LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM

Designed to constantly monitor water usage, and identify potential failures, the RWC Reliance Valves MultiSafe Leak Detection System can prevent costly leaks. It works by sending an alert when a leak is detected, and automatically shutting off the water supply, whilst also identifying potential areas for conservation.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE089

GLASS REINFORCED PLASTIC (GRP)

Stormking is emphasising the many benefits prefabricated products and offsite manufacturing can offer. Delivered to site either complete or in a limited number of pieces, they are easy to install, saving both time and money – especially when compared to traditional building materials and methods.

Builders can mitigate noise pollution in wastewater pipes with Wavin’s Acoustic Soil Plus (AS+) solution. It features a material composition that absorbs sound through increased pipe thickness and density. This allows the system to have a structure-borne dB rating of less than 10 exceeding internal acoustic standards laid out in government legislation.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE088

SHOWER TRAY

All of the stone resin shower trays in the JT portfolio are now 25 per cent lighter in weight. The reduction comes from a blend of natural fillers making them more ergonomic and easier to install. Last year, JT extended its shower tray offering with the new Naturals range, which responded to the bathroom trend for natural textures and colour schemes.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE090

BAR MIXER

With the Push Button Bar Diverter mixer shower from Triton users can easily switch between a single spray pattern handset and overhead fixed (rainfall) shower drencher at the push of a button.

Benefitting from thermostatic temperature control, the product helps to maintain a consistent, comfortable water temperature.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE091

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS OIL BOILERS

It’s the blue flame burner technology that ensures the Navien oil boilers range maintains the highest standards of energy efficiency and performance. Its blue flame units boast efficiencies of up to 104 per cent, as well as ultra-low NOx emissions of only 57mg/kWh – making the LCB700 the only domestic oil boiler capable of achieving an ErP A+ energy rating.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE092

WASTEWATER PIPES

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE093

Use our digital reader enquiry service for further information online

Comfort, contemporary design, and easy installation are some of the features of the relaunched Eurosmart classic bathroom tap from GROHE, according to the manufacturer. Suitable for a bathroom, cloakroom, or en-suite upgrade, a hybrid version combines hygiene-enhancing touchless and manual operation, whilst there are a number of lever variants available.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE094

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SEALANTS & ADHESIVES

Tibby Singh — www.TibbySingh.com ver the last few years, I’ve seen a real increase in the sealants and adhesives available on the market. It can be overwhelming and confusing when you see all the options on offer these days. Time is money and people just don’t have the patience to research which product is the best for a certain application. One company that you might be familiar with is C-Tec and the company’s product, CT1. The manufacturer developed CT1 after extensive research and the result is a unique sealant and construction adhesive all in one tube, making it the ultimate snag list eliminator.

Following CT1’s success other products have been developed based on the same ethos. The newest addition hoping to seal the deal is the BT1 Ultimate Bathroom Sealant & Adhesive. It’s produced using TRIBRID Technology. In simple terms this basically means bacteria and microbes can’t survive, making it much more hygienic and easier to maintain. It has the evidence to back this up, as it’s scientifically been proven to reduce bacteria by up to 99.99 per cent, and it’s also free of solvent.

O

BT1 has impressive adhesion properties that can be used on the following substrates: Woods Metals Brickwork Concrete Fiberglass Glass Ceramics uPVC It’s successful on most plastics even in wet conditions. So, if you find yourself working in the drizzle, it means edge caps can be stuck onto the fascia boards. The only downside is that you can’t say you’ve been rained off.

At the moment the BT1 is only available in white, which makes it versatile for most applications. However, when it’s fully cured it can be painted with all common waterbased products. Finally, a typical 3mm bead will be cured within 24 hours so it won’t feel like watching paint dry because you can arrive the next day and crack on.

Another product that grabbed my attention was the PGB, Power Grab and Bond. This also uses the same TRIBRID Technology but is specifically designed to

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Professional Builder’s Tibby Singh is sticking with C-Tec

SEAL OF APPROVAL

bond materials together. I’ve always had a traditional approach by using fixings but in some cases it’s not possible, or you can’t even get a decent fixing due to the poor substrate. This is where the PGB eliminates all the problems by working its magic. It adheres to endless materials from stone, granite, concrete, wood, metals, glass, mirrors, and most plastics.

What’s most impressive is that it bonds

materials that you’d never think about coupling up such as wood to concrete and metal to stone.

It can take around 24-72 hours to fully cure so if you’re sticking something upright it will need supporting temporarily whilst it goes off. I am impressed with the advanced technology C-Tec is using in its products and they have sealed the deal for me.

“What’s most impressive is that it bonds materials that you’d never think about coupling up such as wood to concrete and metal to stone.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE C-TEC RANGE OF PRODUCTS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE095

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DOMESTIC WATER HEATING

HOT TOPIC

Victoria Gutierrez, Head of Marketing at Ariston, looks at one of the most accessible forms of water heating technology – the air source heat pump water heater – and explains how units can be fitted into existing properties.

2022 is set to be another year where sustainability is at the forefront of heating and hot water technology. However, as new technologies become commonplace, what is the best option available when it comes to providing domestic hot water?

Following a brief dalliance a few years ago, it became apparent that not all properties in the UK were suitable for, or compatible with, solar DHW. This was attributed to either inadequate roof areas, buildings facing the wrong direction to gain enough solar energy, or simply being uneconomical to install. Fortunately, another sustainable option was soon realised, in the form of heat pumps.

Thanks to their versatility and adaptability, air source units have become the most popular type of heat pump available. After all, they have excellent coefficients of performance (COP), plus they require very little maintenance and are easier to install than ground source alternatives.

Easy integration

One of the reasons behind the popularity of air source heat pump units is they can be easily integrated into existing properties.

They are both exceptionally sustainable and versatile when it comes to different types of building as, once installed, they are usually capable of functioning completely automatically. Unlike gas and oil products, heat pump technology delivers heat at lower temperatures over longer periods of time, boosting efficiency while lowering running costs.

As a result, manufacturers are now looking to utilise air source heat pump technology while focussing solely on renewable hot water production. Modern ‘adapted technologies’ of this nature enable

more properties – including those in off-gas areas and also in light commercial settings – to integrate renewable heating technologies and use them effectively, without having to invest in larger products.

When it comes to the latest sustainable technology, Ariston is leading the way, having developed the Nuos Plus Wi-Fi: a heat pump water heater that combines air source technology with an unvented cylinder. This enables quick and efficient hot water delivery, coupled with a high COP (up to 3.14) – culminating in a viable alternative to traditional electric storage water heaters. Furthermore, units can be sited with ease, as well as help reduce household utility costs.

These heat pump water heaters feature an evaporator, compressor, condenser and an expansion valve. When the unit is operating, a refrigerant fluid crosses the evaporator, absorbing heat from air that has been drawn in by a fan. This process ensures that the refrigerant evaporates, engaging the compressor to increase the pressure of the refrigerant gas, causing its temperature to rise. Inside the condenser, the refrigerant gas then passes its heat to the water held within the cylinder. This exchange process ensures that the refrigerant starts to return to its original liquid state by condensing and, once it has passed through the expansion valve, the refrigerant fluid loses further pressure and returns it to its formative state.

Professionals will find the ‘plug and play’ principles of

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DOMESTIC WATER HEATING

heat pump water heaters greatly beneficial for retrofit projects. Plus, there is no need for F-Gas qualifications. Units either need to be fitted to an exhaust duct or adequately ventilated in a room with a volume of no less than 30m3. If an air exhaust and/or extraction duct is present, this must have access to the outside from the point where the unit is installed.

The heat pump water heater can then be connected to the appropriate electric and hydraulic systems, as well as the necessary condensate drainage outlet. The unit needs to remain in a vertical position at all times, with the required space left around it as stipulated in the installation instructions.

Furthermore, in terms of controllability (especially in the case of the Nuos Plus Wi-Fi), intelligent, built-in software is available to learn users’ water usage habits, before automatically creating a pre-heating

schedule. So, having spent seven days learning, the unit can then use the data acquired to implement a completely bespoke, intelligent heating programme. This ensures water is always available when required, without unnecessarily wasting energy (or water).

So, as the industry sets on the pathway

towards a sustainable future, there are now water heating technologies available that can be integrated into existing systems with ease. Not only does this keep things simple from an installation perspective, it also keeps end users happy – both in terms of usability and ensuring their properties remain energy efficient.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE ARISTON NUOS PLUS WI-FI HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE096

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WATER MANAGEMENT

KEEPING THE HEAT ON Andrew Scanlon, Applications Manager from Sika Everbuild explains how central heating inhibitors and cleaners play a vital role in maintaining and protecting water-based heating systems, improving efficiency and keeping costly repairs at bay.

If there is a loss of water pressure in the system due to a leak, will leak sealer products only provide a temporary solution which requires further maintenance in the future?

A: Even a very small leak can result in a significant loss of pressure, making the whole central heating system run less efficiently, burning through more energy and therefore costing more. It’s not always possible to see where a leak is, let alone reaching the spot to fix it.

This is where leak sealer products, which can either be in liquid or aerosol form, offer an excellent solution and many do provide a robust long-term fix. The P32 Leak Sealer, for example, is designed to seal small inaccessible leaks permanently. It works by quickly locating the areas of water loss before forming a soft barrier to block up small capillary holes without restricting flow throughout the rest of the system.

Q

How can the pH value of the water in the system be rectified if it’s not at the right level?

A: The pH value of water flowing within a central heating system should always sit between 8.0 and 8.5 on the scale, which is slightly above neutral to ensure that the metals in the system do not corrode over time and cause blockages. Chemical inhibitors such as P30 Protector will protect systems against internal corrosion by using enhanced pH buffering to ensure the optimum pH level is maintained constantly which prevents limescale build-up.

Q

Q

Are biocide products really needed or are they just a clever marketing

ploy?

A: A biocide can be a really important part of ensuring central heating systems

remain clean and clear so that they run at peak efficiency. Powerful cleaning products will remove larger deposits causing blockages in a system — including limescale, sludge and rust — but typically won’t remove the microscopic fungus or bacteria which can create blockages or corrode parts of the system if left untreated.

For example, our P26 Biocide has been formulated to kill fungus and bacteria rapidly and, once treated, remains in the whole system preventing any new formation of bacteria and fungus.

What special treatment (if any) does an older central heating system require?

A: Older systems are more likely to have a variety of build-ups including limescale, rust deposits and sludge which may have accumulated over time, and are often worse if a system has been left switched off for long periods too.

For such cases, we’d recommend the full clean, protect and test treatment and opting for a high-performance product such as P24 Power Cleaner which will effectively clear all the build-ups and blockages within the system. It’s also ideal for use when a new boiler has been installed, whatever age or condition of the rest of the system. Commissioning

Q

residue such as flux, oil and rust can get left behind in the system so it’s worth doing an intensive clean to flush the system clear and protect the new boiler from the outset.

How long will different types of inhibitors provide protection from further build-ups within a wet central heating system, on average?

A: Having the optimum amount of inhibitor in the system is key to achieving the best results. But how long it will last very much depends on the system itself as well as the type of inhibitor used.

Electrolytic or magnetic scale inhibitors typically are able to provide up to 10 years protection from limescale for the whole system with little maintenance required.

Generally speaking, with a chemical inhibitor it’s advisable to check levels annually using a simple test like which shows whether any additional inhibitor needs to be added. This is a really quick way of making sure systems are fully protected before the tell-tale signs of a blockage or build-up start to be seen.

Some systems will require annual topups while others can go several years without this need, but testing regularly is a way to prevent problems at the earliest opportunity so your customers can save time, energy and money.

Q

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON SIKA EVERBUILD VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE106

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HEAT PUMPS

HEAT PUMP MYTH BUSTER

With Net Zero carbon targets firmly on the agenda, John Morris, Renewables Business Development Manager at Grant UK, debunks some of the misconceptions and myths about heat pumps. he landscape of the heating sector is set to change as the country moves towards achieving Net Zero. Air source heat pumps will play a pivotal role in the coming years and the increased demand for this renewable technology will present manufactures, merchants and installers with exciting opportunities to grow their businesses.

Recent Government research however has investigated the impact of the transition away from high carbon fossil fuel heating systems on 4,000 heating installers who work in areas of England and Wales that are not connected to the gas grid. It highlights the need for more education and training in the months and years ahead.

As the report points out, those installers who worked in areas with predominantly older housing stock perceived the lack of insulation as a limiting factor in a heat pump’s suitability for these houses. Some installers interviewed also said that heat pumps would not work efficiently during the winter months, despite evidence that heat pumps are able to comfortably operate at or below zero degrees Celsius.

This confirms that there are some myths around heat pumps which do need to be addressed:

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Myth 1: Consumer demand for heat pumps is low There can be no denying that homeowner interest in air source heat pumps is growing. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of their impact on the environment and are actively looking at ways in which they can reduce their carbon footprint.

The Government’s Clean Growth Strategy is going to shape legislation that will move the market away from fossil fuels, making homeowners transition from high carbon heating systems to greener, more sustainable alternatives.

Myth 2: Heat pumps are only suitable for new builds Air source heat pumps are an ideal solution for new builds because the necessary energy-efficient measures can be installed during the early phases of a property’s build. However, that is not to say that an air source heat pump is solely suited to new homes – far from it. The Aerona³ heat pump, for example, has been installed into many existing homes, being retrospectively fitted to replace an older heating system.

A retrofit installation may involve the installation of additional roof or wall insulation or other measures to reduce

heat loss from the property, but provided the entire system has been properly designed, with correctly sized heat emitters and the most suitable heat pump output, an older home can comfortably go green with an air source heat pump.

Myth 3: Heat pumps do not work efficiently in the winter months If an air source heat pump has been installed correctly, with the appropriate control parameters in place, the unit will operate efficiently all year round. Heat pumps are designed to operate in low temperatures – Grant’s Aerona³ heat pump can operate in conditions as low as -20ºC – and while their SCOPs will not be as efficient when compared to operation in warmer outdoor temperatures, they still operate with good efficiencies.

A heat pump will work considerably more in the winter months compared to the spring and summer, but this should not be mistaken for inefficiency. Between November and February when a home’s heating and hot water demand is at its highest, a heat pump will use an estimated 63 per cent of its annual energy usage so, during these months, electricity usage can be expected to increase.

However, this usage will significantly

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drop during the remaining months of the year when the heat pump’s energy consumption is very low.

Myth 4: Heat pump product training is not essential It is incredibly important for installers who are not currently installing heat pumps to complete training on this technology before they start working with them. Without suitable product training to give installers a solid understanding of how heat pumps work and what maximises their performance, there is a risk of installations being completed incorrectly which can result in underperforming heat pumps and therefore unsatisfied end-users.

Air source heat pumps are different to install compared to a conventional boiler — a heat pump installation will not be a ‘like for like’ replacement installation and, as previously mentioned, thorough design preparation is needed.

Helping to combat another common myth, Grant UK has published a new video on its YouTube Channel which shows homeowners just how quiet air source heat pumps really are. The video features an Aerona³ heat pump in operation, showing its sound levels and providing comparative sounds of other common household appliances.

The short video features footage of the Quiet Markapproved Aerona³ 13kW air source heat pump working, providing audiences with the sound levels of the unit both close up and further away.

TO WATCH THE VIDEO, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE097

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GRANT UK’S RANGE OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE098

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

ALL VENT WELL

2nd in a new series

ONSITE

Are your customers hyper-ventilating over Trickle Vents? Quickslide’s Ade offers some advice.

Unless you have been living in a cave you will have picked up something about a new set of Building Regulations that are due to become statutory in June this year. Whatever the reality might be, every builder should have a working knowledge of the Building Regs. But if the idea of sitting down with a cuppa and poring over an edition of the new Regs to find out what the changes are is not exactly top of your To Do list, then if you have any questions, at least about windows and doors, then give me a call…

The changes for windows, doors and related glazed products are for the most part, relatively small and dealing with a respected window and door manufacturer will ensure that they only supply products that are produced to the new standards as a minimum. But these is one element that you might come up against that is causing some consternation amongst window retailers and which may well come up when you are sorting frames out for your customers, so you should be prepared.

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It concerns a part of the Building Regs called ‘Document F – Ventilation’. The key issue with this is the imposition of background ventilation – trickle vents – on all new and replacement windows. Essentially this means that all replacement windows will now be fitted with trickle vents, whether you or your customers like it or not. There is even talk of rebellion amongst some retail window installation companies who believe that it will lose them sales!

A report earlier in 2021 claimed that the vast majority of homeowners were against the new rules with many retail installers saying they will lose business. However, it is very difficult to back this up and it’s all getting a little overblown. The new rules are intended to counter the effect of homeowners sealing up and insulating their homes, and thus removing essential ventilation in the house. But the counter argument is that such a broad-brush ruling will simply make homes less energy efficient by letting cold air in. Most homes older than 20 years are full of holes anyway!

Other issues are potential challenges to the supply chain with the increase in demand for vents that are invariably supplied from the Far East; and, of course, an increase in the cost of frames, though this will be fairly minimal in the overall price of a frame. Generally, however, homeowners don’t like vents, as they spoil the smooth lines of their lovely new windows and doors. And that is the biggest issue.

The powers that be in the window and door industry are working to resolve the conflicts that vents are creating. But in the meantime, our advice is: Get over it! As it stands trickle vents are here to stay and unless you want to run into potential problems getting a FENSA certificate, then you should educate your customers and raise awareness of the new regulations, simply because it isn’t worth it for your customers to

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break the rules in the longer term.

Get into good habits and if you’re asked by customers to change the specification of their windows and doors, perhaps because they are trying to shave a bit off the cost, or because they’ve decided that they don’t like trickle vents, push back with advice that explains why such things are in place.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON QUICKSLIDE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE099

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wise howell

TRADE MEDIA

Have you ever had a job cancelled because

DOOR & HARDWARE FEDERATION (DHF) TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

work? It happens more often than you might

DHF TS 013 parts one, two and three are a series of new Technical Specifications from the DHF. Entitled Code of practice for the safety of industrial doors, domestic garage doors, powered gates & traffic barriers, parts one and two of the series replace the separate guidance previously issued for gates (TS 011) and industrial & garage doors (TS 012).

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE100

LOBO SYSTEMS VIDEO DEMONSTRATION It’s the patented clamp that allows the LOBO Systems work platform to be assembled safely without tools into any size or shape. It can easily transported and erected from a flat pack into any required configuration with options that include Lifting Slider beams and stored in a secure LOBO Towerstore unit when not in use.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE101

DRYVIT UK EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION WEBSITE If you want to get upto-speed with the key sustainability factors surrounding external wall insulation and finishing systems then visit Dryvit UK’s new website. Comprising an insulation core and outer weatherproof layers, the company’s insulated external wall insulation and render systems are designed to help buildings stay warm in winter and cool in summer.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE102

PANELSTYLE NEW BROCHURE There’s 13 new decors in the PanelStyle PVC wall and ceiling panelling collection, all of which feature in the company’s new brochure. The 34-page publication showcases a total of 59 decors across its Splashpanel, Proplas and Proplas Tile ranges as well as highlighting the benefits and providing technical information.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE103 Use our digital reader enquiry service for further information online

your client didn’t have permission to do the

imagine. The usual reason is a lack of planning consent. Fortunately it is now easy for builders to check on the local authority’s website to make sure the application has been approved.

But what about when a client doesn’t actually own the building?

I first came across this a few years ago, when a building mate took on a cellar conversion job. Planning and Building Control were both sorted.

However the job was halted abruptly when the building’s freeholder walked on site. He announced that the cellar beneath the client’s groundfloor conversion flat was not included on her property deeds. She had been using it for storage and her washing machine for years, and always assumed it was part of her flat.

I later came across a similar case, this time for a loft conversion above a top-floor conversion flat. The leaseholder had been using the roof space for storage for years, and had previously installed a loft ladder and rooflight.

He even went to the expense of having construction plans drawn, before finding that he didn’t actually own the space. Fortunately building work had not started, although some builders had spent time visiting the site and estimating for the works.

More recently, I found an even more unusual situation. A pair of purpose-built maisonettes, and the downstairs owner wanted to build a back addition. She had planning consent, building control approval, and also did the right thing by serving a party wall notice on the

upstairs owner.

It was only when the upstairs owner asked his solicitor for a copy of the deeds that he discovered a clause – dating back 100 years – forbidding any such expansion.

Again, it was fortunate that no work had been started, but several builders had spent time measuring and estimating.

So how can you check that your clients have the right to do works on their properties? You could ask them, of course!

Unfortunately some owners don’t fully understand the implications of the leasehold / freehold position. And some owners who do understand might even be less than honest.

If you have any doubts about ownership, it is a simply matter to check on the Land Registry website. For the princely sum of three pounds, you can download a copy of the title deeds (which include the price paid, and if there’s a mortgage on it). For a further three pounds, you can also get a site plan.

As regards any leasehold vs freehold confusion, it is wise to ask your client if they have obtained a licence for alterations from the freeholder, a simple document that will avoid you wasting time and money by starting a job that might not get finished.

Jeff Howell

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

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

Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information ACTIS Insulation Ltd............................................................(page 42) www.rdr.link/BAE120

Marshalls PLC ......................................................................(page 62) www.rdr.link/BAE143

Buckbootz ............................................................................(page 76) www.rdr.link/BAE121

Plastic Moudings Northern Ltd ..........................................(page 47) www.rdr.link/BAE144

Build Aviator ..........................................................................(page 4) www.rdr.link/BAE122

Pnu-Point Ltd ........................................................................(page 71) www.rdr.link/BAE145

C-Tec N.I Ltd ........................................................................(page 52) www.rdr.link/BAE123

Pro Builder Live....................................................................(page 75) www.rdr.link/BAE146

Dakea ......................................................................................(page 8) www.rdr.link/BAE124

Professional Builder Online ..............................................(page 95) www.rdr.link/BAE147

Dulux Academy....................................................................(page 22) www.rdr.link/BAE125

Quickslide ..............................................................................(page 5) www.rdr.link/BAE148

Eclisse UK..............................................................................(page 21) www.rdr.link/BAE126

Rainy Day Charity ................................................................(page 92) www.rdr.link/BAE149

Estimators Online ................................................................(page 49) www.rdr.link/BAE127

Rated People Ltd ............................................................(back cover) www.rdr.link/BAE150

Everbuild EB25 ....................................................................(page 45) www.rdr.link/BAE128

Reconomy ............................................................................(page 38) www.rdr.link/BAE151

Faithfull Tools ......................................................................(page 59) www.rdr.link/BAE129

Ring ......................................................................................(page 54) www.rdr.link/BAE152

Federation of Master Builders ..........................................(page 24) www.rdr.link/BAE130

Rocket Door Frames............................................................(page 25) www.rdr.link/BAE153

Festool UK Ltd......................................................................(page 65) www.rdr.link/BAE131

Safeguard Europe Ltd ........................................................(page 76) www.rdr.link/BAE154

Fischer Fixings Ltd ..............................................................(page 83) www.rdr.link/BAE132

Saint-Gobain Construction Prods Ltd ..............................(page 29) www.rdr.link/BAE155

Gator Products Ltd ..............................................(inside front cover) www.rdr.link/BAE133

Scruffs....................................................................................(page 41) www.rdr.link/BAE156

Glazing Vision Ltd................................................................(page 85) www.rdr.link/BAE134

Siroflex Ltd/OB1 ....................................................................(page 11) www.rdr.link/BAE157

Helly Hansen UK Ltd..............................................................(page 6) www.rdr.link/BAE135

SSQ UK Ltd ..........................................................................(page 35) www.rdr.link/BAE158

Land Rover ............................................................................(page 61) www.rdr.link/BAE136

Tesco Mobile ........................................................................(page 27) www.rdr.link/BAE159

Made For Trade ....................................................................(page 15) www.rdr.link/BAE137

Toolfair Exhibition................................................................(page 88) www.rdr.link/BAE160

Made For Trade ....................................................................(page 17) www.rdr.link/BAE138

TuffX Processed Glass Ltd ................................................(page 56) www.rdr.link/BAE161

Made For Trade ....................................................................(page 19) www.rdr.link/BAE139

Ulti-Mate ..............................................................................(page 85) www.rdr.link/BAE162

Makita (UK) Ltd ....................................................................(page 55) www.rdr.link/BAE140

West Fraser ..........................................................................(page 33) www.rdr.link/BAE163

Mannok Build Ltd ................................................................(page 30) www.rdr.link/BAE141

YBS Insulation Ltd ..............................................................(page 32) www.rdr.link/BAE164

Marley Ltd ............................................................................(page 36) www.rdr.link/BAE142

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GOOD HEALTH NO.30 HEARING

Let’s talk about

HEARING...

THIS MONTH GP, ALICE FITZGIBBON TALKS HEARING LOSS

This month we cover another common problem – hearing loss. Most people will have damage hearing. With this kind of hearing loss experienced temporary changes in their hearing there is no treatment to help it improve. at some point. These experiences show us how Hearing aids can be used to try and make it difficult it can be to manage with reduced easier to hear sounds if there is some hearing hearing. I certainly get a lot of patients who left. Prevention of hearing loss is the best step complain about it! Often hearing loss happens you can take so I strongly advise ear gradually and you might not notice. Others protection if you regularly use loud tools – around you might be the first to tell you it is a looking after your hearing now will help you in problem. Having difficulty keeping up with the years to come. conversations, asking people to repeat Other causes of hearing loss may be themselves, turning up the volume on the TV short lasting. These can include wax build and struggling to hear on the phone might be up, ear infections and perforated eardrums. signs that your hearing is not as good as it was.

Wax build-up is painless. To remove excess Sometimes, sudden hearing loss is a medical wax, drops such as olive oil can be used to emergency. If you are completely well and you soften it. There are many over the counter rapidly lose hearing on one side (both sides less drops that dissolve wax too that can be likely) then you must see a doctor as soon as effective. Cotton buds should never be used possible. This might be due to a condition called to clean the ear canal.

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL).

Ear infections are normally associated with SSHL happens due to a problem with the hearing loss, pain and sometimes discharge sensory organs of the inner ear. There can be a from the ear. Your GP will be able to assess number of causes including medications, for ear infection by having a look inside the infection, blood circulation problems and ear canal and recommending treatment if neurological conditions such as Multiple needed. Perforated or “burst” ear drums can Sclerosis to name a few. In most cases of SSHL happen as part of an ear infection or due to the cause is unknown. Seeking urgent medical sudden change in pressure – when flying, for help is important to get a timely diagnosis and example. If the eardrum bursts there is treatment to increase the chances of recovering sometimes a ‘popping’ sensation, then some hearing. Around half of people with SSHL reduced hearing. Ear drums often heal will recover some or all of their hearing within 1-2 themselves, but this can take 6-8 weeks for weeks. SSHL can happen at any age but people things to get back to normal. in their late 40s and early 50s are affected most.

Hearing loss can be a difficult thing to Gradual hearing loss happens as part of the manage. If you are concerned about your ageing process or from repeated noise exposure hearing, please see your GP. Alternatively, over many years. We can’t stop ageing many high street outlets can also provide unfortunately but using ear protection in noisy audiology testing. Having your environments is key to preventing noise exposure related hearing loss.

“Prevention of hearing loss is the best step you hearing tested by a specialist will identify the level of hearing Loud noise causes the cells in the can take so I strongly advise ear protection if you help loss there is, and suitable hearing inner ear to overwork. Over time they aids may be offered. become damaged and stop working regularly use loud tools – looking after your Next time, we will talk about properly leading to hearing loss. This hearing now will help you in the years to come.” tinnitus, a condition closely linked type of hearing loss is gradual and is to hearing loss. related to activities such as working with loud power tools or always listening to loud music. If you FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HEARING LOSS FROM are closely exposed to a single loud noise that is extreme e.g., a THE NHS WEBSITE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAE104 very close firework, then that might be enough to permanently

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