Professional Builder May 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

MAY 2022

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Total Average Net Distribution 112,725 112,628 1 July 2020 2019 – 31 June 2021 2020

MAY 2022 VOL. 44 NO.5 @PB_mag

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

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13 Building Heroes Charity 16 Band of Builders’ Latest Project 18 Part ‘O’ Regulations 20 Marshalls – Supply Chain Partners 22 Health & Safety Training 25 Training Update

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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.

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viewpoint macho pride comes before a fall! building site – something which is now recognised as a major With an equal measure of both mild amusement and selffactor in the mental health crisis so prevalent amongst young righteous smugness, it has been known for us, on occasion, men within the industry – is also at work when it comes to to revel in the misfortune of all those hapless DIYers whose safety procedures on site. We’ve lost count over the years of botched attempts to improve their properties over long Bank turning up at small sites where even basic PPE appears to be Holiday weekends are more likely to end up in a lengthy in very short supply. A hard hat may appear for the camera, spell at our already over stretched A&E departments. With but is discarded as soon as we are heading down the road. the holiday season once again in full swing, our pencils were Younger people, by their very nature, are likely to be less being sharpened in readiness for the usual catalogue of cautious when it comes to facing up to risk, adopting the sprained ankles bruised limbs and scrapped knuckles. And then everything changed when the latest damning health and attitude that nothing bad will happen to them, but death and serious injury are no respecters of age it would seem. safety statistics for the construction industry at large landed Pressure to meet deadlines, inevitably leads to short cuts on our own desk – talk about people in glass houses and all and a make do approach with equipment that may not be up that. There was us loudly pontificating on the fact that the to the job. It’s one of biggest bugbears of all professional great British public shouldn’t be let loose anywhere near a tradespeople to see a quote for work undercut by someone hammer or saw, when it seems we can’t even get our own who quite clearly doesn’t have the house in order.

New figures* show that fatal “Lack of investment in professional appropriate plant and equipment carry out the job safely and accidents in UK construction have quality access equipment in particular to proficiently. risen by almost 10 per cent in the is why falls from height continue to There will always be accidents past five years. There are now on building sites, of course, and more than 1.6 deaths per 100,000 plague the industry at large.” even the most professionally run workers, which is four times the are prone to basic human error from time to time, but the figure for all other big industries. It’s also double the rate for risks can be minimised. Training is key to protecting transportation and the storage sector and around two and workers, whether it’s highlighting potential dangers or half times that of manufacturing. teaching them to make their own risk assessments. Then Despite many high profile campaigns in recent years, there is ensuring workers not only have the necessary PPE, falling from height is still the number one cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in the construction industry, accounting for a helmets, safety goggles and slip resistant footwear but actually wear it at as a prerequisite of being on site. mind boggling half of all deaths on site. As well as the human Those in charge, whatever the nature or size of building misery of these deaths, there is also a huge financial burden project, have a responsibility to implement statutory rules, being inflicted on both the industry at large and the families procedures and policies, and continuously assess what is of workers affected. The economic cost to Great Britain of all working and what is going wrong. If an injury has occurred construction injuries and ill health was around £16.2 billion in there should be a proper appraisal of when that individual is 2018/19, and the majority of these costs fell upon the injured ready to return to full time duties and not be rushed back into individuals themselves. Depressingly, latest figures for 2020 the fray aggravating their recovery. Some companies are also show the total cost was up by more than a third from 2018. being encouraged to implement buddy systems whereby So, where is it all going wrong? Especially since the UK people are actively encouraged to look out for each other, has some of the most thorough health and safety regulations whilst temporary assignments, reduced hours and planning a anywhere, whilst our larger sites are now so regulated that stepped return for those who have experienced a trauma at there is the impression that one almost needs a special work can also play an important part in making the workplace permit just to breathe these days! a safer and more productive place.

One of the most striking statistics** is the fact that, males As the professional face of the building sector, the time are seven times more likely than women to have a non-fatal has clearly come to step up to the plate, because the accident or injury at work – and not just because there are construction industry has been the fall guys for health and many more male workers. In 2019/20 there were almost 400 safety for far too long! non-fatal accidents per 100,000 male construction workers compared to just 52 for the same number of females. * Findings collated by specialist providers of plant hire in London, Herts Tools.

It would suggest that the same macho dynamics of the ** Figures courtesy of construction site storage experts, Sitestak.

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News Professional Builder

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

TAKE VAT! VAT cut will help boost green homes, says FMB ©TomaszZajda/Adobe Stock

The Chancellor’s decision to slash VAT to zero percent on home energy saving measures will help boost the drive for greener and more energy efficient homes, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). “This VAT cut will help householders insulate their home at a time when energy bills are escalating,” enthuses Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB. “It will also provide a muchneeded boost to local builders operating in the retrofit market. The Government now needs to build on the VAT cut and implement a long-term National Retrofit Strategy to provide business certainty.”

APPY CUSTOMERS

There’s an app to fill your trade job gaps

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG001

WIELDING THE TAX

£1.4bn owed to Britain’s construction workers following pandemic property market boom It’s estimated that one in three of us are actually owed money by HMRC – that’s almost 11 million people across the nation. However, RIFT Tax Refunds’ research shows that the proportion owed a tax refund is far higher amongst those employed full-time in construction – as high as 83 per cent. Of the 1.39m people working full-time in the sector, RIFT estimates that just over 1.15m could be owed a tax refund. With the average one-year claim sitting at £1,244 per person, that’s just shy of a staggering £1.44bn owed to those who kept Britain building during one of the most difficult periods in recent history.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG002

ENVIRONMENT AWARDS

Worcester Bosch launches Environment 2050 competition

The Environment 2050 competition encourages installers to work with customers to make environmentally-friendly choices for their heating and hot water system.

There will be a total of 16 installer winners, consisting of four winners per season, in four categories – boilers, heat pumps, solar and hybrids – who will each receive an 18V cordless Bosch Drill, £200 towards a charity of their choice, a framed certificate, branded van stickers, marketing material and local PR. An overall winner will also be chosen from the seasonal winners and will receive a Bosch power bundle worth over £500 and FSC certified British Oak-engraved Award.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG003

The Trade Jobs App is a free platform where tradespeople can post their availability when they have a gap in their work schedule, review available jobs in their work area and receive notifications when new jobs are posted. On the website tradejobs.app it’s possible to post jobs, view profiles of available tradespeople and get in touch to hire them. When a tradesperson is required urgently there is a list of people with their actual availability. The App for Tradespeople is available for download on Google Play and App Store.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG004

SAFE HANDS

WaterSafe celebrates the vital role of qualified, approved plumbers All WaterSafe approved plumbers are trained in the Water Fittings Regulations and Byelaws – which help prevent the risk of contamination of drinking water from poor plumbing practices and sub-standard fittings and products. That’s why the register is the only one in the UK supported by all water companies and the drinking water regulators.

Approved plumbers are also trained not to waste water and can help property-owners save energy and reduce their carbon footprint by offering advice on water-saving fixtures and fittings.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG005

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News Professional Builder

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

COINS GRAND CHALLENGE

Competition aims to boost construction innovation

LONDON PRIDE

British bricklaying talent showcased at Best in London Brick contest Best in London Brick (BiLB), the professional bricklaying competition established by Forterra, saw Alfie Thompson from Swift Brickwork Contractors take first place. Luke Lovegrove from Highgrove Master Masonry LTD came in second, and third was Connor Honeyman from Winchmore Brickwork.

Hosted by Lewisham College, the contest saw professional bricklayers from across the UK compete to build a set competition piece.

TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG006

THE HOUSE WINS

The COVID-19 pandemic and economic fears over Brexit failed to put a dent in the UK construction sector’s confidence, and now Storms Eunice and Franklin and the clouds gathering over Ukraine have suffered a similar fate. House building once again performed strongly, whilst regionally the west midlands, the north west (£538 million) and Scotland all reported a significant increase in demand, with London retaining the leadership of the regional table. © Fabio Balbi/Adobe Stock

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG007

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FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG008

LISTEN UP

Employers must provide the same level of hearing protection to all workers Under amended PPE regulations employers in Great Britain need to ensure that they are ready to provide the same level of hearing protection to workers who carry out casual work as employees who have a contract of employment, advises Casella UK. Updated personal protective equipment (PPE) regulations, which came into force on April 6th 2022, extends employers’ and employees’ duties to all workers, regardless of employment type.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG009

LEVELLING UP

Levelling Up Home Building Fund faces obstacles, finds Sirius Property Finance

The Levelling Up Home Building Fund will see government loans given to SME developers to help fund new projects, with the rationale being that smaller firms often struggle to get adequate funding from private lenders. The fund boasts a total pot of £1.5 billion and the minimum loan that SMEs can apply for is £250,000. With an estimated 2,500 SME developers in the country, it works out that there is £600,000 available for each. However, current market data show that firms are typically applying for loans between £2 million and £5 million. Even working with just that minimum value of £2 million means that the £1.5 billion pot can only stretch to cover 750 SME developers, leaving an estimated 1,750 SMEs without finance. Of course, not all firms will borrow as much as £2 million, and some may not apply to borrow anything at all, but if the government is serious about helping SME developers and, thus, helping the UK economy ‘Level Up’, they need to pledge far more than £1.5 billion. A figure of £5 billion would at least cover every SME taking a loan of £2 million.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG010

© Zephyr-p/Adobe Stock

There’s a spring in the step for construction according to Builders’ Conference

The COINS Grand Challenge is aimed at driving innovation and kickstarting ideas which could improve either the construction industry or the built environment.

Ideas shortlisted for previous competitions range from fungibased insulation to automated timber design tools and can be at any stage of development. This is an opportunity for you to grow your idea, win cash prizes, recognition and business investment of up to £100k and the good news is that anyone can enter. The deadline for entries is 31 May 2022.

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ADVERTORIAL

© Scharfsinn86/Adobe Stock

PREACHING TO THE CONVERTER

Convert from gas network to hydrogen urges industry body

Mike Foster, Chief Executive of the trade body Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), has called upon the Prime Minister to bring forward the announcement to convert the UK’s gas networks from natural gas to hydrogen. The Government has intimated that the decision would take place in 2026. “Green hydrogen is not limited to gas reserves under the feet of a select few countries, not all of them friendly, but its supply will come from countries with an abundance of wind or sun. The UK is one of those countries.”

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG011

© StockPhotoPro/Adobe Stock

EFFICIENCY DRIVE

Energy crisis to cause green renovations ‘boom’, but is there enough support?

A landmark study from Cornerstone Tax has found that 36 per cent of homeowners think that making their home more energy efficient is a priority.

However, many are finding the price of doing so a major obstacle, resulting in 45 per cent finding it too expensive without government support. David Hannah, principal consultant at Cornerstone Tax comments: “Perhaps in the future the government can provide much needed support to homeowners who are looking to refurbish their home to make it more ecofriendly. There’s evidently huge demand for greener homes.”

READY FOR THE LATEST HEALTH & SAFETY LAW CHANGE? You’re likely well aware of the obvious reasons for observing health & safety rules and regulations and you’ll know there’s a financial implication for non-compliance.

You’ll have nothing to worry about if you comply with all your CDM 2015 duties. All should be well if you complete your Construction Phase Health & Safety Plan, your Risk and COSHH Assessments, Method Statements, Health & Safety Policy, Safety File, Toolbox Talks, permits, registers and records. And not just complete them; act on them too. But does your paperwork reflect the most recent regulation change?

The law changed on 6th April 2022 On 6th April 2022 the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations were extended. They extend employers’ and employees’ duties regarding PPE equipment (safety helmets, eye protection, high vis jackets, protective gloves and footwear, and so on) to limb (b) workers as well. So based on the outcome of your risk assessments you need to provide PPE free of charge to limb (b) workers as you do for employees.

What is a limb (b) worker?

They’re someone who generally has a more casual employment relationship.

They carry out irregular work for more than one organisation. After one month of continuous service they receive holiday pay but don’t have any other employment rights. They have a contract (could be verbal) to do work for a reward.

BMF launches Ukraine Appeal to unite support from merchant industry

What’s the cost of non-compliance?

Should a limb (b) worker have an accident on site and you HADN’T provided the PPE you were supposed to, then you could face prosecution and legal action by the worker. If a Health & Safety Executive (HSE) inspector makes a surprise visit to site, and your limb (b) worker is not using the required equipment you may be issued with a notification of contravention. An intervention involving letter writing, report-writing and so on, costs builders on average £750 – the clock doesn’t stop until the issue has been fully resolved and re-inspected.

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) is calling on its members and their customers to help raise vital funds to support those affected by the war in Ukraine. BMF CEO, John Newcomb, is the current President of the European Federation of Building Material Distributers (UFEMAT). He is co-ordinating a pan-European campaign, calling on support from the building materials industry across the continent. Funds raised through the appeal in the UK will go to DEC, the Disasters Emergency Committee, which works with the UK’s 15 leading aid charities to provide and deliver aid.

Health & Safety Xpert to the rescue Do-it-yourself Health & Safety management can be challenging. That’s why simple-to-use Health & Safety Xpert is so popular. You tell the software what you’re building and it selects the paperwork relevant to the project.

Choose the Premium version and it will provide you with an editable Build Programme advising which phase of the job to apply the documents. It’s as easy as that. You can subscribe from £499+VAT per year and any further legal changes in that time will automatically be made to the software.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG012

© SERHII BLIK/Adobe Stock

UKRAINE APPEAL

THE TRADE BODY HAS CREATED A DEDICATED APPEAL PAGE: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG013

Watch a short online demonstration of Health & Safety Xpert in action. Call 0117 916 7898 to book your demo or go online to www.hbxl.co.uk/online-demo

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SPECIAL REPORT BUILDING HEROES

A SERVICES INDUSTRY Professional Builder’s Lee Jones investigates a charitable endeavour that’s arming former military personnel with the skills for a second career in construction. embers of our armed forces are moulded by their training and active duty and, as a result, are invariably possessed of a mindset that makes them a valuable asset to employers. Discipline, the ability to give and take orders, showing initiative, leadership and working as part of a team are all pre-requisites for a successful service career. Conversely, what the same individuals may well be lacking is the specific skills required to make the transition to earning a living in a civilian occupation – and that’s where the charity, Building Heroes is on hand to help.

The initiative began as the brainchild of Brendan Williams, the son of a master

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bricklayer, and the brother of a serving member of the armed forces. Whilst visiting a Personal Recovery Unit with his sibling – where wounded, sick and injured personnel were provided with constuction training as part of their rehabilitation – Brendan immediately realised just how worthwhile it could be for the same experience to be provided to anyone leaving the military.

“That was back in 2013, and we’ve since expanded to 12 dedicated training centres delivering a nationwide coverage,” explains Phil Ascott, Academy Lead for Swindon & Wiltshire. “We partner The Building Heroes class at the Salisbury Campus of Wiltshire College

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SPECIAL REPORT BUILDING HEROES

with Further Education Colleges and independent training providers to offer an initial five-week City & Guilds Level 1 Diploma in Construction Skills course where attendees can experience a range of different trades before deciding to pursue a particular building discipline.”

Not only that but the charity also provides a comprehensive system of support and mentoring well beyond mere classroom tuition as Phil reveals: “We can help with everything from mental health issues to enhancing employability. It’s important for us that we take an individual approach, and tailor our support programme in each case. There will be some that will have had experience of construction before or during their military careers, for instance, and others who’ve had none, whilst we can also support those looking to move into selfemployment through our Building Heroes Property Services team.”

Management material One popular pathway is into site management, where previous experience of organising large logistical operations can offer those from the military with a head start. Indeed, contractors have themselves recognised that a pool of talent waiting to be tapped exists with Barratt Developments setting up its

Armed Forces Transition Programme, for example, whilst Persimmon Group is also actively recruiting ex-military personnel. In addition to its centres, Building Heroes is itself pursuing an Academy model, where it provides construction projects of more than three years duration with trainees.

Through partnerships with the likes of Costain and Davidsons Homes they can learn on a live site and are ideally placed to move into employment when their construction course ends. The charity is also working with CITB to deliver its Onsite Experience Hub for Swindon and Wiltshire.

“My career in the services has given me invaluable interpersonal skills, as well as academic qualifications, but I needed to add a practical element to that,” explains Paul Parrott, a learner at the Wiltshire College centre we visited who has previously accrued 24 years’ experience as a military policeman.

“That’s where the Building Heroes course is invaluable. MPs will typically be directed towards the security industry but I’ve always really enjoyed DIY so this training gives me the opportunity to see if I can make a living out of property maintenance. You can try out a few trades and then progress from there, but you can already see that the aptitudes you already have, such as forward-planning and a proactive attitude, will be very useful.”

Diverse roles

Bryan Piper, Plastering Tutor, Wiltshire College (Left) and Phil Ascott, Building Heroes Academy Lead for Swindon & Wiltshire (Right).

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The range of training offered by Building Heroes is, in fact, as diverse as the industry it is supplying. The Charity is partnering with Eurovia to deliver a groundworks training scheme, for instance, whilst there are construction plant centres in both Plymouth and Newcastle. Its Sailsbury and Reaseheath centres can provide local accommodation for attendees, with a Level II Engineering qualification on the prospectus of the Harwich centre in Essex. Phil outlines the full scope of the Building Heroes proposition: “It’s not just service leavers we want to support, but also military veterans who may have been struggling to find a suitable pathway in civilian life.

Some may have fallen on hard times and we partner with other agencies to help.”

Paul Parrott has 24 years’ experience as a military policeman and is now benefitting from the training that Building Heroes offers.

The construction sector is desperately in need of new recruits and former service personnel are uniquely placed to fill many of them, a fact which makes the Building Heroes programme a virtuous circle of compatibility. Since its inception over 1,700 individuals have benefitted from its training and support and there are plans for further expansion. Bryan Piper, Plastering Tutor at Wiltshire College is passionate about the students under his direction. “A Building Heroes group is always very engaged, eager to learn and willing to try anything,” he enthuses.

“They really are a pleasure to work with.”

“Leaving the military can be difficult for many,” concludes Phil, “and Building Heroes exists to smooth that path. It is a fact that the number of unemployed veterans is too high, especially when it is considered that many of the qualities that make good members of the Armed Forces are directly transferable into the working world. We want to make sure that none of that talent is wasted.”

IF YOU’RE AN EMPLOYER AND YOU’D LIKE FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED WITH BUILDING HEROES VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG016 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON WILTSHIRE COLLEGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG017

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SPECIAL REPORT CHARITY PROJECT Howard Holden with daughters Daisy (14) and Tilly (12)

HOWARD’S WAY he wife of a father of two – who was left with severe brain damage after suffering heart failure – has paid tribute to Band of Builders (BoB) after they built a ground-floor extension so that her husband could finally go back to his Oswaldtwistle home after nearly two years in a rehabilitation centre in Leeds.

In an emotional homecoming, Howard Holden – who was surrounded by his wife Sam and daughters Daisy (14) and Tilly (12) – was greeted by friends, well-wishers and tradespeople from BoB, who completed a project to extend his house in just 12 days.

Sam thanked the gathered crowd and said: “You’re brilliant, fantastic people, and for Howard it’s going to make a massive difference – not just to be back home but to help his recovery, as he’ll be able to have his own space to relax in a safe environment.”

She added: “I know that people say we’ve been unlucky about what we’ve been through, but how can we be

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Over the last few months Professional Builder has been focusing on some of the charitable endeavours that tradespeople regularly undertake. This month, Band of Builders has helped a Lancashire dad of two finally return home after two years.

unlucky when we’ve had the pleasure and the honour of meeting such an amazing group of people.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to the volunteers and everyone who donated food and materials. You make the world make sense.”

Howard suffered unexplained heart failure in his sleep in April 2020. Despite wife Sam and daughters Daisy and Tilly performing chest compressions until paramedics arrived, Howard was left with severe brain damage due to lack of oxygen to his brain.

“Ever since that day, it’s been a nightmare,” Sam reveals. “From coming so close to losing Howard to having to watch him relearn everything, it’s been a difficult road for all of us. Covid restrictions combined with the distance have made it difficult for us to see Howard, and we have had to rely on Skype or Zoom when really we just wanted to be together. There have been so many ups and downs along the way as

time has gone on, and at times we thought he would never get to where he is now.”

The 55-year-old, who was put in a medically induced coma for two weeks, has since had to relearn everything, from walking and talking to eating, at a residential brain injury unit in Leeds, more than 60 miles from his home.

Howard has worked in the building trade for most of his working life, including 14 years as a plasterer before he retrained as a building surveyor at the age of 50. His current condition means he now suffers from severe fatigue, mobility issues and other brain-injury symptoms, such as confusion and short-term memory loss.

Billy Thomasson, volunteer project lead said: “The team of volunteers has been incredible, and worked so hard, and it’s all worth it to see Howard come home.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE WORK OF BAND OF BUILDERS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG018

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SPECIAL REPORT SUSTAINABILITY

home comforts Professional Builder continues its sustainability focus with a look at Part ‘O’ of the Building Regulations. Recticel explains more.

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ue to be effective from June, Part ‘O’ of the Building Regulations relates to overheating in properties and focuses on the need to uphold the health and wellbeing of occupants. The new regulation aims to limit instances of high indoor temperatures in new-build residencies by mitigating unnecessary solar gains in summer whilst ensuring there is provision to remove excess heat from the property where required. So, does insulation have a

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part to play in the cooling process?

Part ‘O’ is a response to concerns that with designers being urged to create properties of ever-greater airtight performance in order to improve thermal efficiency, buildings are overheating due to a lack of proper air regulation. With solar gain being a major contributor to indoor temperature increase, the regulations outline a number of fixed shading measures which should be used to offset it. These include shutters, external blinds, overhangs and awnings.

Glazing design is also highlighted as a consideration to reducing overheating risk, with window-size, orientation and gvalue (the rate at which glass transmits solar heat) being cited as important to the specification process.

Non-passive solution to staying cool Part ‘O’ regulations state that ‘as far as reasonably practicable’ the standard should be achieved using passive means.

Insulation falls into that category and is proven to prevent heat escape in colder months, particularly when installed as part of fabric-first building design. To a certain extent, quality insulation will also negate heat entry into a property. However, on its own it will not be enough to combat uncomfortable temperature increases caused by excessive solar gain. This is why Part ‘O’ recommends non-passive interventions in the form of mechanical

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cooling and ventilation systems are used to reduce heat build-up and meet regulations. However, it stipulates that such interventions should only be seen as a secondary solution to other passive measures including open windows and exterior ventilation louvres.

Although not the ultimate solution to the overheating issue, quality insulation remains integral to creating energyefficient homes, and with it reducing CO2 emissions. According to a 2021 report by the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC), energy inefficiency meant the UK’s housing stock accounted for 20 per cent of the country’s greenhouse gases. Poorly insulated walls, ceilings and roofs are a major cause of fuel usage in counteracting the resulting energy escape.

It’s important, therefore, that the risk of overheating is not a barrier to achieving a thermally efficient home. Properties can be airtight and breathable it just requires a degree of common sense and utilising natural ventilation where required, such as opening windows, to prevent rooms from overheating in summer months.

Otherwise, costly and energy-consuming mechanical ventilation systems will impact our homes’ sustainability by neutralising the insulation’s effect in creating a comfortable interior climate throughout all four seasons.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON RECTICEL VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG019

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CHOOSE YOUR PARTNERS A Marshalls explains how you can get the most from your suppliers

strong partnership with suppliers and manufacturers is key to ensuring your business operations run smoothly. Given your stretch of resource in terms of managing your own business, it’s vital that you understand how to get the most from these relationships and benefit from their expertise.

Although it’s likely that your merchant is your “go-to” when it comes to day-today interaction with the products you need, and want, there’s also a place for having a good relationship with manufacturers. Here, we detail how you can get the most out of your relationship with suppliers.

they can often offer different products.

When comparing manufacturers, always remember to consider more than just the price; this is just one factor in selecting the right product for your project. Your business reputation relies on happy customers so make sure you’re confident of product quality, that it will be long-lasting and is suited to the purpose you’ve given it.

Coming back to your capacity as a business owner, it’s also important to consider availability of stock and ease of ordering, and what the delivery service is like.

Buy smarter

Do your research

Where possible, buying in bulk will help you to keep your purchasing cost-effective and allow you to plan further ahead too. It will also allow you to keep a log of preferred products and show these easily to your customers; consider keeping an image bank of standout projects which highlight the products you know you’ve got stock of and/or can get hold of easily.

Make sure that you’re accurately measuring jobs well in advance of them starting, and always provide a couple of different product options to your customer.

This shows them a full breadth of choice and demonstrates the understanding you have of the products on offer.

Make sure you scope out merchant branches closest to you and take note of the stock they have to offer. Consider both national and independent merchants as

Your merchant and manufacturer partners are the pinnacle of all product knowledge,

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Widen your information sources

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SPECIAL REPORT SUPPLY CHAIN

“Always utilise your partnerships with key contacts across merchants and manufacturers – they have a wealth of information prepped and ready to share with you! The digital progression in our industry has allowed lots of scope to have all the information you’d need right at your fingertips.”

Using AR can help customers visualise products in their spaces

Danny Laino, Key Account Manager, Marshalls so tap into this as much as possible to ensure you’re offering the most up-todate information to your team and customers.

Keep your finger on the pulse of the industry and sign up to merchant or manufacturer newsletters – this way you can keep an eye on seasonal deals, special offers or promotional discounts.

Follow their social media accounts too, as many will share the latest news and products on there, as well as customer photos and videos to inspire your work.

Many merchants hold trade events, which are well worth considering too.

They give you the chance to see products and machinery in real life, and an opportunity to meet and ask questions of those that make and sell them. Finally, you might also want to consider local business networks, where you can look for peer-to-peer support in other members of the trade that operate in the same area and make useful connections with those that are outside the industry too. Whilst you might be in direct competition with some, a good relationship can work out well for you both in the long run; it might be they pass on business to you when they’re busy or you can benefit from each other’s specialisms on bigger jobs.

relationships with manufacturers and merchants. Most suppliers will offer samples on request, giving the chance to touch and feel products and lay them in situ. For those suppliers where you have a closer relationship, you may also find you get access to a samples kit, which gives you a range of samples to take round with you when you visit customers and potential clients.

If you’re in contact with the right people, some suppliers will offer a design service when you purchase product through them. Having a professionally created design can be the key to winning work – tap into specialist sales teams and request support for a visual for the more technical jobs.

Supplier membership schemes One thing worth exploring is supplier membership schemes and the potential benefit of those to your business.

Particularly with suppliers you use regularly, it’s worth seeing that’s on offer.

Membership schemes will vary in quality

and cost but all will offer various perks that could make your working life easier.

The Marshalls Register, for example, is for professional patio and driveway installers and gives members access to samples kits, design services and the opportunity to win regional and national awards.

Associating yourself with a reputable supplier can help you to win more work, and secure the more prestigious contracts too, so take a look at what’s available.

In summary, it pays to be proactive and take the time to understand what your suppliers and merchants can offer you. It’s physically impossible to go to every event, read every newsletter, and be a member of every scheme, but if you understand what’s the most relevant to you, you can streamline the information and benefit from the most relevant opportunities.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE RANGE OF PRODUCTS AND SUPPORT AVAILABLE FROM MARSHALLS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG020

Utilise services available to you The majority of customers will want to see products in their space before deciding what to choose, particularly if there is a lot of choice. Thanks to virtual reality, a growing number of manufacturers are now able to offer customers the chance to use their phone to do this; it’s a quick and free way to visualise a project and get instant feedback.

Of course, some customers will still prefer physical samples, and this is where you get the benefit from good

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SPECIAL REPORT TRAINING & UPSKILLING

THE BEST OF HEALTH Nick Higginson, CEO of Phoenix Health and Safety explains the importance of health and safety training in the construction industry any people working in the construction industry have years of experience and expertise in their roles as builders, electricians, plumbers and general contractors. But anyone working in a construction environment must also ensure that health and safety procedures are maintained and held to the highest industry standards.

Regardless of the task at hand, it is the responsibility of a business to educate employees on the latest developments in the industry – whether it’s planning, controlling or monitoring health and safety in the workplace.

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What do we mean by health and safety in construction?

Most businesses understand the importance of a workplace culture that values employee wellbeing and safety, and ensuring that staff feel safe in the workplace is essential to a businesses success. A focus on health and safety training improves the safety culture within an organisation and reduces the risk of injuries in the workplace.

Health and safety qualifications are beneficial to both business owners and employees; the correct training can reduce liability for the business and demonstrate care for staff, whilst providing employees valuable, transferable qualifications that can make them more employable and provide a potential salary boost.

Alongside this, self-employed builders will often have the sole responsibility for site health and safety on their projects,

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and a health and safety qualification can educate you on the potential risks associated with your job.

Why study a course relating to health and safety?

Wellbeing in the workplace is more important than it’s ever been. Employers are responsible for protecting the mental health of their employees, which includes stress associated with working in potentially high risk environments.

Training staff in health and safety gives both the employee and their organisation knowledge of the latest laws and procedures in the industry, whilst ensuring that staff feel confident working and planning in the workplace.

Health and safety training is about minimising risks and keeping people safe, but it also makes great financial sense,

with less injury-related absence from work and reduced risk of legal liabilities.

When choosing a health and safety qualification, ensure that it is the relevant one for your needs as different courses are catered towards specific sectors, careers and seniority. Whether you prefer e-learning or in person lessons, there are a wide range of courses available both online and in the classroom.

NEBOSH Construction Certificate NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) is a globally recognised organisation, with its courses considered the gold standard in health and safety qualifications.

The NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction Certificate is one of the most widely respected health and safety qualifications available

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in the construction industry. It provides candidates with the practical skills and technical knowledge to effectively manage health and safety on a construction site.

This includes areas such as health and safety culture, CDM (Construction Design and Management) roles and responsibilities, assessing construction site risk, and work equipment.

CITB Qualifications CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) is the industry training board for the construction sector in England, Scotland, and Wales.

CITB courses provide site managers, agents, and other construction industry professionals with the skills to deal with a variety of health and safety issues. For example, the Site Managers’ Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) course covers the core health and safety issues involved in construction for those who manage and monitor small groups of people working on a construction site.

Other CITB courses include SSSTS (Site Supervisors’ Safety Training Scheme), where construction site supervisors have a more supervisory level of training around the environment, legal, and safety welfare of a project or working construction site.

CSCS CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) cards provide proof that those working on a construction site have the necessary training and qualifications to carry out their work safely. Whilst holding a CSCS card is not a legal requirement, most principal contractors and major house builders require workers on their sites to hold a valid card.

IOSH IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) qualifications promote awareness of health and safety among the workforce and help to create safer environments. IOSH Working Safely provides basic training in health and

safety for workers at all levels and industries. They’re a great, affordable way to train your team, with IOSH Working Safely costing just £85 per delegate when they study via E-learning.

Return on investment Whatever specific course or training you decide is right for you and your team, you’ll get a return on your investment with a safer workplace, reduced liabilities and a happier team.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING, AND WHAT PHOENIX HSC CAN OFFER, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG021

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TRAINING TRAINING ROUND-UP

WEBSITE

The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has announced the launch of its new training website. The resource will allow learners to sit accredited examinations online. It also delivers the organisation’s Distance Learning Programme (DLP) remotely with training presentations offered in ‘bite-sized chunks’. The website is also IOS compatible.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG022

MOBILE TRAINING VEHICLE

Navien has unveiled its new ‘Navi-Van’ which allows the company to take its products out on the road directly to installers.

The van is liveried with manufacturer’s latest branding and imagery, as well as equipped with a wide range of heating and hot water technologies, including the company’s NCB condensing gas boilers and LCB700 Blue Flame oil boilers.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG023

DOMESTIC VENTILATION

There’s a new training suite for the NICEIC Domestic Ventilation Training Course at Vent Axia’s Crawley headquarters. The facility helps installers improve their knowledge and understanding of domestic ventilation systems with the room featuring an array of working Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) units.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG024

ONLINE SCHEME

An online training scheme from the Ground Source Heat Pump Association will increase the understanding of heat pumps, improve the skill levels of people already working in the UK heat pump industry and give guidance to people who are seeking careers in the industry. It will provide people with practical advice and essential information. For more information about the GSHPA training course use the link below to watch a video: GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG025

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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 5

X WORK TROUSERS AND KNEEPADS

MASCOT ADVANCED TROUSERS & COMPLETE KNEEPADS Water repellent, lightweight and hard-wearing, Ultimate Stretch material is just one of the features of these Mascot trousers (17031-311).

The detachable holster pockets is made from durable Cordura and can easily be zipped off when not in use, or if the trousers need to be washed. The abrasion resistant, cut resistant and very strong kneepad pockets are made with a combination of Cordura, Kevlar and Dyneema.

Step out in style with the latest in workwear technology from Mascot. There’s five pairs of trousers and kneepads to give away!

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG026

2

X BRICKY’S BUDDY

BRICKY’S BUDDY This time saving tool will keep your trowel securely by your side.

Bricky’s Buddy features highgrade neodymium magnets, is dual sided and is very easy to keep clean. The product has a seat belt like material strap that hangs from a belt making it very durable, and it only weighs 180g.

Buddy up with Professional Builder and another great round of giveaways.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG028

3

3

X KIP TAPE AND SYSTAINER

SHURTAPE With three variants – Premium, Wallpaper and Outdoor – Kip tapes are crafted using Jinzokei fibres which are produced exclusively in Japan, offering a highquality acrylic adhesive with greater resistance to water and moisture. The tapes leave no residue and work across several surfaces, making them ideal for tradespeople looking for razor sharp paint lines for a reasonable price.

We’ve teamed up with Kip Tape to offer three winners a bundle of tapes and a Systainer box for carrying your kit.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG027

X BRICK TROWELS

MARSHALLTOWN 11” PHILADELPHIA PATTERN BRICK TROWEL The Marshalltown DuraCork Brick Trowel features a unique patented handle with textured and tacky feel for superior grip and includes integral bumper and finger guard. The blade is forged from a single piece of high carbon steel and then heat treated for strength and durability with an extra strong impact area.

It’s time to throw in the trowel amongst our other fantastic prizes so make sure you use our digital reader enquiry service below to enter!

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG029

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X ROLLER KITS

HAMILTON 5 PIECE FOR THE TRADE MASONRY ROLLER KITS Hamilton’s 5 Piece For The Trade Masonry Kit contains high density knitted sleeves and specially formulated synthetic mix brush – both designed for good coverage on rough surfaces. Ideal for brickwork, concrete and outdoor projects, it includes two sleeves, frame, brush and tray. The roller frame is a 5-wire cage for stability, and tray is made from 100 per cent recycled materials.

We’re rolling out a host of free tools including these masonry roller kits.

Five must be won!

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG030

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/BAG031 26

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carpentry & joinery

A CLASS ACT Not all treated timber is the same. David Hopkins, CEO of Timber Development UK, offers some advice on how to make sure you get the best results from preservative-treated timber.

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s a builder, you know what makes a good piece of timber. When you’re in a merchant’s branch picking out the materials for your next job you know the look you want, the size you need, and you know the differences between the types of timber available.

But do you know the difference between a Use Class 2 treated timber, and one that’s been treated to Use Class 4? And do you know why it matters?

The industry often uses the word timber to refer to any piece of wood that has been prepared to use in a building or on a construction site, but not all timber is the same. Some species are more durable, some have a longer working lifespan, and others are more stable and less prone to shrinking or warping over time.

Some timber species are more readily available than others, and timber suppliers often extend the useful service life of these species through the use of preservative treatments. Many softwood components used in modern construction, for example, are treated with preservatives during the manufacturing process.

Image courtesy of Hoppings Softwood Products

of safety and durability, especially when you use the wrong timber outside and in structural applications, such as fence posts, deck posts, joists and beams.

Wood Protection Association Chief Executive Gordon Ewbank explains: “Preservative treatment provides wood with added durability. While one piece of treated wood may look very much like any other, the level of preservative protection could be very different. That’s because the British Standard for wood preservation – BS 8417, requires that the loading and penetration of preservative, impregnated into the wood, is tailored to the desired end use.”

Timber for internal or external use Some of these treatments make the timber suitable for external use, while other treatments are designed for internal use only, and it’s important that you understand the differences and buy the right treated timber for your project.

Using the wrong treated timber can have very serious consequences in terms

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Image courtesy of SR Timber

Use Classes The British Standard for wood preservation, BS 8417, groups the uses of timber into various ‘Use Classes’. Three of the most common Use Classes found in construction products are Use Classes 24, which are described in BS EN 335.

These are: Use Class 2 – (Above the ground or DPC, covered): covers timber for interior use in a dry environment, such as battens, framing, joists, roofs Use Class 3 – (Above the ground): covers timber for exterior applications above ground, such as deck boards, cladding, and fence rails. Use Class 3(u) indicates uncoated wood, while Use Class 3(c) indicates coated wood, such as on a painted timber window.

Use Class 4 – (In-ground contact): covers wood used on, or in, the ground and for external structural support, such as fence posts, deck posts, joists and beams, whether or not it sits on other materials, like an under-deck weed-suppressing membrane.

To make it easier for you to identify

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which is the right timber for your project, Timber Development UK members who supply preservative-treated softwoods have committed to clearly marking the relevant Use Class application on both their sales and delivery notes, and their invoices – and we’re encouraging builders’ merchants to clearly mark the relevant Use Class in their branches as well.

Some producers may offer a warranty on their timber if it is installed under certain conditions and for a specified use, but not all treated timber comes with a manufacturer’s warranty, so it is always best to check – and if you do need a warranty, always get confirmation in writing of the likely performance of the timber when used for your intended application.

No more green treated timber Previously, you might have seen timber

being described as ‘green treated’, but this phrase does not give you enough information to know whether it is treated for use under Use Class 2, 3 or 4. So if you’re in a builders’ merchant and the timber in the yard doesn’t have its Use Class clearly displayed, speak to the merchant staff and check exactly what treatment has been applied before you make a purchase, otherwise you risk using the wrong timber.

products during the manufacturing process or incorporated into the materials used to make wood-based products, such as MDF and OSB. Timber Development UK and the Wood Protection Association have published a range of guides and leaflets to help builders understand the different levels of preservative protection and where each should be used. These resources are free to download from WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG032

Flame-retardant treatments Flame-retardant timber treatments must always be applied in a factory-based, quality-controlled environment that adheres to strict standards – never on site. They can either be applied to

There is also a free online training presentation that runs through the basic facts at WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG033 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TIMBER DEVELOPMENT UK VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG034

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carpentry & joinery

HIT THE DECK! With the Marley range of quality European Redwood boards, it’s all hands on deck for builders.

Professional Builder’s Lee Jones finds out more.

Marley CitiDeck® timber decking is the perfect accompaniment to the whimsical treehouse designs and imaginative play structures made by Huubie Build

n recent times we’ve learnt to appreciate the great outdoors like never before, and that’s equally true of our gardens. Homeowners are now treating it as another room in the property, that should be utilised yearround, and that’s reflected in the amount that’s being invested in the sector.

Indeed, recent research has revealed that landscaping is actually one of the most cost-effective ways of adding value to a house price.

With its European Redwood decking range, Marley is championing the natural and renewable beauty of timber, a material that weathers attractively, introduces inherent warmth into garden features, blends with its surroundings, and is perfectly in tune with our new-found enthusiasm for our environment.

Within the Marley range there are two anti-slip options. AntiSlip Plus® achieves its enhanced safety credentials through bauxite inserts in a standard grey, and is available either castellated or smooth.

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CitiDeck® features flint-based anti-slip inserts, which provide a softer finish, and is always a smooth board. “CitiDeck was specifically developed for the London 2012 Olympics, with an inclusivity agenda at its heart,” explains Laura Qualters, Area Sales Manager for Marley’s decking products.

“Traditional grooved boards are actually quite onerous on wheelchair users, in particular, so we set about introducing an anti-slip board with a smooth finish. The benefits don’t stop there, of course, because it’s also easier to clean, and exhibits a modern and contemporary finish that is much in vogue in either a residential or commercial setting.”

a timber deck can be safely used – immediately after a heavy rain shower, for instance – and would, of course, be the sensible choice around hot tubs or pools.

Furthermore, all Marley’s anti-slip decking is supplied with the added assurance of testing for slip resistance by the Health and Safety Laboratory.

Timber remains the most environmentally-friendly landscape material available, a fact that’s now a key determiner in consumer purchasing decisions. Thanks to a pressure impregnated water-based preservative the decking is protected against rot, fungal decay and insect attack, whilst

Anti-slip The cost of anti-slip decking compares very favourably with its composite counterpart, and these higher quality boards are a specification that homeowners are increasingly choosing.

Given the vagaries of the great British weather it greatly extends the times when

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carpentry & joinery

European Redwood as a species absorbs treatment particularly well. Moreover – and contrary to popular belief – with a high quality product such as Marley’s, there’s no need to retreat the timber once installed and, depending on usage, it will enjoy a thirty-year desired service life. Ongoing maintenance is, in fact, merely a matter of removing surface debris, and an annual brush up with a purpose-made deck cleaning product is all that’s needed.

European Redwood is already one of the most attractive options in exterior projects, and its appearance and strength is further enhanced with Marley’s visual assessment to a minimum C16 standard.

Grading of this kind eliminates strength reducing characteristics that may be present – such as abnormal knots or distortion – and the in-house process is third-party accredited by BM TRADA, who audit the manufacturer’s production processes annually. “Thanks to that process, an installer knows that when they see boards with our stamp on,

they’re guaranteed to a certain quality,” continues Laura. “In addition, grading provides a level of confidence when longer spans or heavy loadings are specified in commercial jobs because they know it can be achieved safely.”

Supply chain certified All Marley timber decking is supplied with PEFC or FSC supply chain certification, confirming that it is sourced from sustainably managed forests. The

manufacturer is also certified by the Timber Trade Federation as a Responsible Timber Purchaser meaning it has implemented and demonstrated a due diligence process for timber products placed on the UK market.

Marley also runs a series of CPD (Continuing Professional Development) seminars which contractors can engage with. Builders can then achieve a deeper understanding of what constitutes a quality timber decking material, considerations when choosing a board, as well as an appreciation of the journey from source to manufacturing and installation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE CPD VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG035 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE MARLEY DECKING RANGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG036 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HUUBIE BUILD VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG037

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carpentry & joinery

A NEW BENCHMARK Since its arrival in the UK, ToughBuilt has developed a reputation for offering products that help the trade build faster, smarter and stronger. Its latest introduction looks set to maintain that track record. Professional Builder finds out more. “

he new ToughBuilt Quickset Workbench has been engineered to easily create a sturdy practical work area” explains the company’s Matt Handley.

“It can be used by joiners, carpenters and a whole host of other trade professionals to make more of their time, energy and the amount of space available. By helping to increase their efficiency and work rate, it can ultimately help them to increase their bottom line.”

As its name suggests, the Quickset Workbench can be deployed in a matter of seconds, simply by pulling the leg release handle. Once set up, it is more than up to the majority of tasks you can throw at it.

Thanks to a heavy-duty construction, it can support up to 454kg in weight. Equally heavy-duty legs complete with rubber feet

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ensure maximum stability and that bench only moves when you want it to.

From a functionality point of view, the unit is fully loaded with well-thought-out features. Not only are there multiple surface slots and holes for inserting clamps to hold materials whilst they’re being worked on but there are also numerous measuring gauges and a protractor etched onto the bench’s work surface for extra precision.

In addition, a strong and comfortable carry handle coupled with an overall weight of just 15kg ensures impressive portability when the workbench is collapsed. Plus, each corner of the work bench is ClipTech compatible and the bench is supplied with one ClipTech Hub. There is the option to buy more as required.

Stands that deliver The launch of the new workbench adds to the manufacturer’s line-up of jobsite solutions. This includes ToughBuilt’s Roller Stands, which are ideal for moving and supporting large and heavy items.

The range includes a heavy-duty, general-purpose stand which can keep materials stable and level as they’re being measured or tooled, a V-Roller Stand which also ensures items remain centred and an innovative 3-in-1 stand.

This latter product benefits from a material stop, a ball bearing roller and a directional roller, enabling you to move items in any direction of your choosing.

All three ToughBuilt Roller stands are like having an extra pair of hands on-site and can support a weight of 60kg. They also share other attributes in common

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such as adjustable heights, custom feet for secure and stable positioning, and a construction from premium grade steel for maximum strength and support.

Both the new workbench and the company’s roller stands are part of a family that share the same technically advanced, quality obsessed DNA. This family also includes perhaps the daddy of all jobsite tables – the ToughBuilt C700.

Heavyweight advantages Made from high grade, high strength steel with a powder coating and zinc plating for added protection, the C700 is a sawhorse which can be used in pairs to create a secure jobsite table with exceptional loadbearing performance.

Individually, the C700 can support 590kg and this increases to an impressive 1.2 tonnes when two are used together.

To facilitate their use to form a jobsite table, each ToughBuilt C700 has two specialist support arms where a piece of 2” x 4” timber can be inserted to join the sawhorses together. There are also material support pegs on the legs to hold OSB, chipboard and other sheet materials safely and securely whilst you work on them.

To deliver greater stability and a level work surface on any terrain no matter how uneven, the legs are telescopic, individually adjustable and employ pivoting feet. These telescopic legs also allow you to adjust the height of the sawhorse to suit you.

As a further benefit this jobsite table also features a grippy, non-slip top surface as well as fold-out cutting brackets, which can be of major benefit when cutting items like lengths of timber.

Best of all, the C700, like all ToughBuilt products, comes with a two-year guarantee as standard and the ability to increase this to 25 years if you register your purchase.

Concluding, Matt Handley adds: “Across the world, there are countless trade professionals who swear by ToughBuilt’s jobsite solutions and who refuse to use anything else. Despite that, we’re not going to get complacent. Instead, we’ll keep doing what we do best – innovating, challenging and exploring new possibilities in product design and performance.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TOUGHBUILT RANGE OF PRODUCTS, INCLUDING THE NEW QUICKSET WORKBENCH, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG038

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carpentry & joinery

CUTTING A FINE FIGURE D Nadja Körbel from Festool provides a step-by-step guide to cutting doors to length professionally

uring renovations and restorations of old buildings, it is not uncommon for the floor to have been laid perfectly but the doors do not subsequently fit in the frames. What happens then? At this point, it is more a question of precision than guesswork.

While it is not usually a surprise during this type of work it is still a pain. You are celebrating that the parquet flooring is finally laid, but then discover that the doors no longer fit in the frames.

Obviously that needs to be fixed. As an experienced floor installer, Nadja is the perfect person to answer this question.

Firstly, to protect your body, you should ideally remove the doors so that

your back is holding the door and your knees are bearing the weight. Measure the required length directly on the frame.

In doing so, take the measurement precisely and measure the distance along the frame from the top edge of the door hinge to the floor – on both sides.

To work on the doors in a comfortable position, lay the door on two stands or, if available, the Festool STM 1800 mobile saw table and workbench is also ideal.

When the door is securely positioned on the work surface, transfer the measurements you have taken. Nadja recommends using a guide rail to precisely cut the door to length. This can be easily positioned in the lower groove using a fastening clamp.

Then make any fine adjustments to the guide rail by aligning it so that the splinter guard is positioned exactly on the mark.

Now comes the crucial work step: “For a precise cut, I prefer to use our new TSC 55 K plunge-cut saw with KickbackStop together with the CT MIDI extractor. This ensures a perfectly precise cut which can be achieved free of cables and dust,” Next, the training consultant blunts the edges by lightly grinding the cut edges using a handsanding block or abrasive sponge. Last but not least, she hangs the door, makes any fine adjustments via the door hinges, and leaves the construction site clean by using the MIDI extractor to clean up everything and thereby leaving it dust free for the customer.

See over for a step by step guide to cutting doors to length.

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PROFESSIONAL BUILDER MAY 2022 37

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carpentry & joinery

���

��� Unhinge the door without injuring yourself Protect your body when unhinging a door: Position the door on your back and rise from your knees.

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Position the guide rail Take the guide rail and position using one fastening clamp in the lower groove.

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Blunt edges The cutting edges should be ground if required, ideally using a hand-sanding block or abrasive sponge.

Hang the door You won’t know if you have been successful until you have hung the door.

Any fine adjustments can be made via the door hinges.

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38 MAY 2022 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

���

Measure Measure the distance along the frame from the top edge of the door hinge to the floor.

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Transfer the measurement Lay the door on two stands so that you can work in a comfortable position.

Transfer the measurement you have just taken.

���

Make fine adjustments to the guide rail Align the guide rail so that the splinter guard is positioned exactly on the mark.

���

Cut the door to length One precise cut will give you the desired result – cable-free and dust-free using the TSC 55 K and CT MIDI.

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Clean up the site You should always leave the site clean and dust-free. Both are guaranteed with the new CT MIDI cordless extractor, as this cleaning whizz is a hard worker.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ANY OF THE FESTOOL PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THIS FEATURE USE THE APPROPRIATE RDR.LINK FESTOOL STM 1800 MOBILE SAW TABLE AND WORKBENCH TSC 55 K PLUNGE-CUT SAW CT MIDI EXTRACTOR

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG039 WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG040 WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG041

Our net carbon negative products can offset building emissions UK construction must comply with net zero targets to balance emitted and locked up carbon. Our timber panels, all proudly made here in the UK, are net carbon negative and counter those that are not.

Carbon negative.

Positive future. uk.westfraser.com/carbon-negative

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carpentry & joinery Tibby Singh — www.TibbySingh.com

Professional Builder’s Tibby Singh is raising the roof with Faithfull

A SQUARE DEAL

found it interesting learning about Pythagoras’s theorem and Trigonometry while at school but couldn’t get my head around where it would be applied later in life. Years down the line I became a carpenter and joiner, which is all about calculations, especially when it comes to roofing geometry.

Roofing squares have been around a long time and have numerous variations. I was recently introduced to Faithfull’s Adjustable Quick Roofing Square and, as I was seeing a job where the roof had been blown off by the strong storms earlier in the year, it came at the right time. So, I was looking forward to seeing if it left me blown away.

The roofing square can obviously be used to mark out 90- and 45-degree angles. Just like other roofing squares it has degrees, which means you can use it as a protractor, and the relevant calculations to determine the plumb cuts and seat cuts for all the roofing timber members from common, jack, hip and valley rafters. However, the pivotal feature on this one is that Faithfull’s Roofing Square has a swinging arm, which means you no longer need to pivot the square

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from the corner to the required angles.

So – once you know your unit of measure – you simply lock the arm into place and away you go. When you want to make repetitive cuts this is incredibly quick and, more importantly, it’s been CNC machined, so you know that there will be a high level of accuracy and won’t be any discrepancies.

You can feel the quality of this product and, thanks to a thick gauge aluminum manufacture, it’s both robust and light in weight. The thickness of the aluminum makes it ideal for the saw to run against when making 90°, 45° and even angled cuts.

I also admire the laser etched scale,

which makes it clearly legible. Everything is marked out from metric on one side and imperial on the other side. It even states which edge should be used for the plumb cuts and seat cuts, so you can’t go wrong. Finally, it is available in a 7in. and a 12in. model, which is perfect for when working with big lumber.

I can see why this Faithfull Adjustable Quick Roofing Square is in the manufacturer’s Prestige range. The quality has once again been proven with a very useful and easy to use tool.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE FAITHFULL ADJUSTABLE QUICK ROOFING SQUARE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG042

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carpentry & joinery

INTO THE WOODS CaberWood MDF Pro is the perfect panel for “wow” handmade kitchens hen John Penny of JP Joinery was asked by a client to design, build and install a “wow” bespoke kitchen, the one product element he knew he would be utilising was West Fraser’s CaberWood MDF. “This was my first full, bespoke kitchen project” said John “and it presented me with some challenges”. John’s client is based in Kirkliston, a small town to the West of Edinburgh, and Covid lockdown restrictions added challenges to the installation.

John sourced West Fraser’s CaberWood MDF Pro MR from a local merchant in Edinburgh and prepared the door and drawer fronts in his workshop. “I have tried a few brands of MDF but have found this to be the best choice for a perfect finish. I sprayed the MDF with a water-based paint which contains a full chemical hardener. This counters any fibre-raising which happens – to varying degrees – with all MDF but, when experimenting with different brands, I have always found the West Fraser board to be the best”.

CaberWood MDF Pro MR is moisture resistant so particularly suitable for kitchens. “I used a mix of 9, 18 and 22mm thick MDF for the variety of units – almost 40 in total – and, as always, found the boards easy to work with. The quality is always consistent which is important, especially on such a large project. It doesn’t splinter or chip meaning there’s

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very little waste. Compared with other brands I’ve used, it is really well priced too!” said John.

Needless to say, the client was delighted with the end result and John will be using the material on all his future kitchen projects.

John Penny of JP Joinery

John has also produced a video where he explains how he discovered the impressive qualities of the manufacturer’s MDF. To view the film visit WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG043 For further information on JP Joinery visit WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG044 Free samples of CaberWood products can be ordered at WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG045

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON WEST FRASER’S CABERWOOD MDF VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG046

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carpentry & joinery product round-up

PLUNGE ROUTER

OSB/3

A new tongue and groove, structural OSB/3 panel with improved slip resistance and durability has been added to the Medite Smartply portfolio.

Smartply Sure Step is lightweight panel 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/BAG047

CLADDING

The James Latham, Finish Line Collection cladding range launched has received two British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards 2021.

The Accoya wood cladding arrives on-site factory finished, front, back and ends, in a selection of 12 unique colours, effectively encapsulating the timber in a breathable envelope.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG048

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.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG049

STRUCTURAL PLYWOOD

A self-protecting structural plywood has been introduced

by Premier Forest Products.

DryGuard’s water repellent properties make it suitable for use in roofs, floors, and walls.

Another new launch, ProSite is a Medium Density Overlay (MDO) board that offers a practical, attractive solution for organisations which are working in highly visible locations and want to present a professional façade to the public.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG050

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painting & decorating

THE TOOLS FOR THE TRADE Professional Builder sat down with Chris Proffit, business sector manager – construction & decoration at Mirka, to discuss how tooling has evolved in the sector, where the market is heading, and how the manufacturer continues to add innovative tools to its product portfolio. he construction and decorating sectors are in a constant state of evolution, driven by design trends and the needs of the customer. Each job has its own unique challenges, so it is important that workers have access to the right tools for the job at hand. One company that is equipped to address these requirements is Mirka.

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Tooling evolution “From a tooling perspective, the market has changed in two ways over the last 10 years,” explains Chris Proffit. “The first is the move to cordless tools, which are an asset to users because they are easy to move from job to job. To meet this demand, Mirka has introduced a select range of cordless tools that have been well received as they provide a highquality finish, which users have come to expect from the brand. To complement the cordless tools available, Mirka is constantly looking to innovate. An example of this is the aim to solve the issue of a cordless dust-free solution with a product which meets Mirka’s high

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44 MAY 2022 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

standards, that in the future would replace the dust bags that are currently used.

“The second is as jobs get bigger, users are looking for a tool that can handle both walls and ceilings. To meet this demand, we introduced the LEROS in 2018 and LEROS-S in 2021. These tools have been designed and developed to handle these jobs efficiently and effectively, while also offering users an ergonomic working position that delivers less strain on the operator’s body and back. In addition, both tools have a lightweight design that ensures the operator can sand for longer periods without fatigue, which leads to increased productivity.”

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“We are seeing users within the construction and decorating sector adding spray plastering to the list of options they can offer customers. This means they are in control of the job, but it also enables them to manage the end product, and Mirka’s tools ensure the finish is of the highest quality before they go onto paint it.”

Designing and developing tools “When it comes to the development of tools, Mirka is always working with the market to create the best products for the job rather than looking at what other manufacturers are producing.

The way this is achieved is through constant dialogue with its representatives on the ground and its customers. This communication is a vital pipeline of information for the business when it comes to developing tools. The reason is pretty simple; it provides insights into the challenges users are facing and the opportunities available within the sector. This information is then circulated to the R&D team, who use it to design innovative and versatile products that provide a dust-free work environment, meet the requirements of users, and assist in increasing productivity that, in turn, helps the business or user to maximise profitability.”

Where the market is heading “We are seeing users within the construction and decorating sector adding spray plastering to the list of options they can offer customers. This means they are in control of the job, but it also enables them to manage the end product, and Mirka’s tools ensure the finish is of the highest quality before they go onto paint it.

“Overall, the market will continue to evolve and we will go stride for stride with it, providing customers with innovative tools that are suitable for multiple applications, and ensuring they are an asset to the business in the short, medium and long term.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON MIRKA VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG051

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painting & decorating Bend Recovery

BRUSH

STROKES In an industry where brushes are sold on ‘the best pick-up’, ‘the best finish’ and ‘the best filaments’, how do we define what actually is the best, and what determines the perfect brush stroke?

Hamilton explores…

How much paint the brush will pick-up Why is this important?

The amount of paint a brush picks up with each dip will, quite simply, determine how many trips to the bucket you make, and how much paint you use on a surface area.

Both adding up to how quickly you can finish a job and how much paint you use.

But (there’s always a but) this should not necessarily be the main consideration for choosing a brush. Sarah Coussens, Hamilton Brand Manager, explains: “We see, time and time again, brushes being promoted as having ‘the best paint pickup’ – whilst this is an important factor in brush design it certainly doesn’t make a great brush – not on its own.”

“A brush may well pick-up a lot of paint with every dip, but what happens when it goes onto the wall? You will get a large volume of paint onto the surface initially, but then lose it very quickly throughout the brush’s stroke.”

What this means, Sarah continues, is that you need to spend a lot more time smoothing out the paint to avoid tramlines, and also, ironically, end up using more paint to do so.

Hannah Jones, International Product Manager for the UK, adds that: “when testing brush performance we measure the steady release of paint alongside initial paint pick-up. This gives a much clearer result when looking at how a brush paints onto a surface.”

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46 MAY 2022 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

Cutting-In

Fine Spray

Hamilton 5 Stroke Test Results

Hamilton use a simple ‘5 Stroke Test’ to show the quite substantial difference between a brush that simply offers ‘good pick-up’ and a brush that delivers good pick-up with a measured release. See the results for yourself! (see right)

Filament splaying How does this influence control?

Any professional decorator will know that splaying filaments are a nightmare for getting a clean, controlled edge – they are also partly to blame for tramlines.

There’s nothing like a rogue filament to ruin a good brush stroke! It’s important to find a high specification, fine filament to deliver that sought-after precision.

Sarah adds: “Also look for a filament with good ‘bend recovery’ – this will allow you to get that good, clean edge.”

Hamilton trials and insight have found that the combination of good bend recovery and a comfortable handle will see better control and precision.

Have Hamilton found the formula for success?

“Every brush is different and every user is different” says Sarah, “but we have certainly determined a ‘formula’ for a better brush stroke”.

It is advisable to always take into consideration how a brush releases paint, alongside how much it picks up. A large volume of paint straight onto the wall means more time smoothing over, more trips to the paint kettle, and most likely, tramlines.

Hamilton Decorating Tools has a history spanning over 250 years and have accumulated extensive knowledge and expertise about the painting and decorating industry. They continually use this knowledge to develop great products through insight, innovation and changing needs. Remember – today’s paints have changed, and your tools must change along with them.

FOR MORE INFO ON THE HAMILTON RANGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG052

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THE TRADESHOW BUILT FOR THE TRADE PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

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painting & decorating

MAKING A FEATURE OF IT Jason Burns of FrogTape looks at how feature walls are being used at work and at home, to help buildings adapt to the new demands being placed upon them.

he last two years have made us all look at our homes and workplaces in completely different ways. This has provided a number of opportunities for the professional tradesperson.

Home became a place of work, and rooms needed to be changed and reordered accordingly. The traditional office was closed, then re-opened and then reconsidered and recalibrated, to cater for a new hybrid way of working.

No longer a simple, functional space, the modern office needs to have the comfort level ramped up, and it needs to include zoning – first to manage social distancing and then to allow shared workspaces to be developed in newly opened up floors.

Rebuilding, decorating and design can play a huge part in this. Clever use of plants, paint effects, flooring, and furniture means that these elements, which already provide a role, are now being used help to create a comfortable, stylish interior that looks good, works for the people within it and encourages people back to a shared office, even if it’s on a more flexible rotational basis than before.

We’ve done it in our own office: we welcomed artists Art + Believe at the end of last year so that they could give our plain white walls a bit of life. They are world-famous for their bold, colourful designs and use of straight lines and their feature walls are usually vast geometric vibrant designs, on buildings, floors and in public spaces. One of their most famous works is Alexandra Palace: as part of its restoration work, they were commissioned to create a 1,200sqm piece of floor art in the East Court of the venue.

The hand painted result is stunning. Art +

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Believe created a wonderful feature wall at our UK headquarters and in doing so, illustrated what we do as a business, as our Delicate Surface FrogTape was used throughout, and it brings a vibrancy and expanse of design that is quite unusual for a smaller space.

We’ve spoken to a few professional decorators about how easily creating an area or a feature wall with FrogTape and some paint has helped to create better, brighter spaces, in commercial and leisure environments. The main benefits are:

Zoning

Feature walls help create zones within a large room, sectioning off the office from the kitchen, or the reception from the accounts area. Paint can denote a oneway system and keep people safely distant without it feeling enforced.

Ease of use

The beauty of paint is that it is easy to work with, and the finish suits both modern and period properties. The simplicity of feature walls means that they are not difficult to achieve, and the tools are minimal.

Flexibility

Paint works well on high traffic areas. Flat

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painting & decorating

matt and endurance paints are tough and hide wear and tear on high traffic areas like staircases, while reflective paints can really brighten rooms, so are perfect for smaller areas or those with less natural light.

Individuality

Businesses can use feature walls to promote their own brand, through colour

matching with their existing logo, or creating a mural or artwork that conveys their business ethos.

Natural light, outdoor space, textures and imaginative colour schemes have all been introduced into workplaces to encourage comfort, convey character and inspire creativity. This can only be a good thing. As workspaces change and develop, they need to cater for all sorts of employees. Professional builders and tradesmen can help their clients do this,

through close collaboration.

The office is no longer just about function. Only by getting to know the business itself, and understanding the team’s needs, can professionals create spaces that will embrace good layout, good design and good décor, to get the best out of everyone.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON FROGTAPE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG053

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painting & decorating

PREPARE TO SUCCEED Andy Cummins, Senior Product Manager at Purdy explains how choosing the right painting and decorating tools and accessories can save time on site without compromising on quality.

common issue with low quality prep tools like multitools, scrapers and putty knives is their tendency to rust over time. If this occurs, it can compromise their effectiveness, increase the amount of time it takes to complete the job and affect the overall finish.

However, opting for stainless steel models can help to avoid this. Stainless steel includes a high level of chromium and when chromium reacts with oxygen it forms a protective layer that prevents corrosion and rust from occurring, keeping prep tools in top working condition for longer.

The build quality of prep tools is also something to keep in mind. Products with a short tang (the part of the blade that connects to the handle) are less durable and the blade can easily bend, become loose or even break apart from the

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handle completely. For maximum stability and strength, look for products with a long tang that runs the full length of the handle as this will allow you to put your full force into tasks like scraping, without worrying that the product might break.

Features like rubberised grips are also worth considering as they will make the product more comfortable to use, minimising fatigue.

Selecting the right bristles If brush filaments aren’t up to standard, issues like visible brush marks and bristles falling out and becoming trapped in the paint can occur, ruining the finish.

To improve efficiency and ensure a professional finish every time, look for brushes with a bolstered epoxy as this means that the filaments are locked in and are, therefore, less likely to fall out.

To improve productivity further, make sure that the brush filaments are right for the task. For example, when applying varnishes and stains, use brushes with thinner filaments as they can help to create a beautiful, mirror like finish.

Keep a handle on things To minimise downtime it is important to choose a brush with a comfortable handle. For example, Alderwood handles are lightweight, durable and moisture wicking, which means they absorb sweat for a more comfortable and sturdier grip – even when used over extended periods.

Leading manufacturers will also produce brushes with different shaped handles to suit a variety of tasks. For example, short-handled brushes like the

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Purdy Cub are ideal for cutting in and painting in tight areas thanks to their short handle design that allows you to get closer to the substrate. Alternatively, for trim painting and intricate jobs that require a more delicate hand a brush with a long, thin, pen like handle like the Purdy Dale should be used. It is also worthwhile keeping a wide selection of brushes close at hand as this will allow you to switch between tasks quickly and effortlessly.

Roll on efficiency Rollers can cover larger areas faster, but only if the right, high-quality products are used. To keep you working disruption free for longer, look for roller frames that have plastic caps at either end as these work to reduce roller sleeve walk off. In addition, products with a fitment in the end of the handle will allow an extension pole to be fitted, so you can use the same roller across numerous tasks.

Accessorise your workday There are a range of additional accessories

available on the market that can make your workday run smoother. For example, the Purdy Pail can be used with optional pail liners to aid quick colour changes throughout the workday and ensure speedy clean up once work is completed. It also features multiple grip options for pouring, holding and carrying, a brush magnet to secure brushes on the side of the pail for easy access and an interior moulding to keep rollers out of the paint and prevent them from becoming saturated.

For transporting tools around site, and keeping them secure in the van, consider products like the Purdy Backpack.

Manufactured from a durable, weather resistant fabric, the Purdy Backpack has several dedicated compartments to house a variety of tools, as well as two compartments that open fully and lay flat for easy access to tools and brushes and a detachable pouch specifically for transporting wet brushes and rollers.

Keeping everything in one handy backpack means tradespeople always have access to the tools they need.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PURDY AND ITS RANGE OF PRODUCTS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG054

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painting & decorating product round-up

EXTERIOR PAINT

A new water-based exterior trim product that is as durable as its solvent-based equivalent. That’s how Dulux Trade is describing its Weathershield Quick Dry Exterior High Gloss. The high gloss paint offers a new and improved formula, incorporating an alkyd emulsion that helps guarantee eight years of all-weather protection for wood and metal surfaces, with increased resistance to weathering, improved aesthetics and superior gloss.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG055

FLOOR LEVELLING COMPOUND

Setcrete High Performance floor levelling compound is recommended for smoothing flooring screeds that contain underfloor heating systems, prior to the installation of a floor covering. The fibre-reinforced formulation can also be used to encapsulate mesh-mounted wire UFH systems installed over both screeds and well-fixed timber (plywood) subfloors.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG056

CHEMICAL ANCHOR ADHESIVES

The styrene-free, low odour formulation of both Everbuild Anchorset Green and Sika AnchorFix-1 makes them more pleasant to work with than other similar products, according to the manufacturer, Sika Everbuild. These chemical anchors offer a strong two-part process which is a reliable way to anchor metal fixings.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG057

WALLPAPER

From three-dimensional effects to pictorial influences, pop trends, tributes to the plant and animal kingdom or geometric minimalism, up to the rediscovery of ancient weaves and the interpretation of light and colour in the atmosphere: Spaghetti Wall wallpapers offer a diverse range. Images and textures can be used to cover surfaces or create decorative frames in interior projects.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG058

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HEAT PUMP & VENTILATION SYSTEM

GENERAL BUILDING WALL PANELLING

There are new choices in the Urban, Signature and Scandinavian collections of Fibo waterproof wall panelling. A Straight Herringbone design is joining the Urban Collection; a Vertical Plank design has been added to the manufacturer’s Scandinavian Collection, and a new high gloss décor has been introduced to the Scandinavian and Signature ranges.

LIQUID COATING SYSTEM

Roofs, gutters, green roofs, balconies, and more can all be waterproofed with the PermaRoof 500 system. Made up of a polyurethane liquid membrane – producing a highly elastomeric waterproofing solution, with an ETA certification for a 25-year life expectancy – the PermaGroup product is also available with an anti-slip option.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG059

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG060

The Ventive Home system will provide heating and hot water, as well as whole-house energy efficient ventilation and cooling, in a single unit, similar in size to a fridge/freezer. The concept builds on air source heat pump and heat recovery technology and utilises a thermal battery to provide a direct replacement for a conventional gas or oil-fired heating system.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG062

PLASTIC PACKAGING

Following on from the recent launch of ReadyBlock Zero, the UK’s first zero carbon concrete block, CEMEX is also targeting plastic packaging on its products. The manufacturer has committed to a robust programme of reducing the plastic packaging of its Concrete Products across a comprehensive range of sustainable urbanisation solutions.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG061

CAVITY TRAY SYSTEM

It’s the only non-combustible cavity tray system to not rely on tapes and mastics to make watertight joints, and has now been awarded BBA Certification and is NHBC Accepted. The Keyfix NonCombustible Cavity Tray System holds an A1 fire rating and is fully compliant to Building Regulations Approved Document B (ADB).

AIRTIGHTNESS MEMBRANES

Following the demand for its airtightness membranes, Wraptite and Procheck A2, the A. Proctor Group is launching two additions to its range of A2 fire-resistant membranes. Probreathe A2 combines breathability, good water resistance, fire resistance and airtightness in one membrane. Probreathe A2 Air is a woven glass fibre membrane designed to provide the building fabric with excellent water resistance and breathability.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG063

Use our digital reader enquiry service for further information online

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG064

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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DOORS & WINDOWS

GOT IT MADE! The company has already “Kornered” the market in roof lanterns and now has its ambitions set firmly on opening new doors to the bi fold market!

Professional Builder’s very first, and legendary, products tester, the late Charles Godfrey certainly knew a good thing when he saw it, but even he would have been amazed at the incredible rise to fame of Stockton-on-Tees-based Made for Trade. Our annual award for innovation, which bears Charles’s name, was presented to the company in 2018 for a new type of aluminium roof lantern which was already creating some seismic shock waves throughout the industry.

Aptly named the Korniche, the product represented a real breakthrough moment in the entrepreneurial career of Richard Gaunt, whose association with the window industry goes back more than forty years.

As he enthusiastically explained to us at the time: “Great design features and precision engineering enable the Korniche to be fitted in minutes and glazed in seconds – with no silicone sealant required in the body of the lantern. This is possible because the manufacturing tolerances are so tight that it fits together snuggly, so water can’t get in, and by any slim chance it does the internal drainage comes into play and guides it to the outside. In addition to that, the aesthetics are pleasing to the eye and we can offer a wide range of sizes to suit all budgets, so all in all the Korniche lantern has really disrupted the market and set new standards.”

Home improvements What no one knew then, of course, was that disruption on a scale not experienced in living memory was just around the corner. Yet, paradoxically, the impact of Covid 19 on businesses like Made for Trade which cater exclusively for the home improvement market, where there is unprecedented demand for more living space, has been overwhelmingly positive.

And just how successful the company has been in expanding its market share and reputation soon became apparent when, with restrictions finally receding, we were invited to visit its impressive new headquarters just outside Middlesbrough.

One of three fabrication sites located in the north east occupying more than 250,000 square feet – and employing in excess of 250 operatives – the Wynyard site is home to the company’s latest

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Bradley Gaunt of Made for Trade explains the features and benefits of the company’s sliding patio door under the Visoglide Plus brand

The manufacturer’s Clip Bead Seal system

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innovation – the Korniche Bi Folding Door. Created as a completely new system from the ground up, the engineering team, of which sons Bradley and Ashley now play a pivotal role, builds on the company’s long-standing reputation for precision, simplicity, and refined aesthetics for the consumer. This sits alongside tangible benefits for the installer which, thanks to high manufacturing tolerances, eliminates the need for a wedge gasket, reducing the beading time for the fitter to a matter of seconds per sash. At the same time a special deglazing tool is supplied with each kit that engages down the glass line to remove beads quickly, enabling glass to be removed without risk of damage to the powder coating finish.

Safe and secure All-important security is provided by a clever new shoot bolt handle with an anti back drive element. As a result, even if left unlocked, a forced entry attempt can’t rotate the handle. Build options allow sashes up to 1.25m, systems up to 6.5m width and 2.5m height between one and seven sashes, with a range of weatherproof finishes.

Meanwhile, at the recently opened Hartlepool factory, the company are also offering a sliding patio door under the

Visoglide Plus brand, either for commercial entrances or as a dynamic residential patio door. All main sections feature an extended polyamide thermal break that allows the sliding door to achieve first class thermal properties when installed with an appropriate sealed unit.

As MFT Marketing manager Ian Bousfield explains: “The growth experienced by the company during the past six years has been exceptional by

any standards, but the groundwork was clearly put in place during the many years leading up to that point. All that business acumen and experience, together with a wholehearted commitment to investment in the right machinery and people saw the launch of the Korniche roof lantern in 2016, and its unprecedented success has given the company the confidence and belief to disrupt the established markets with new and innovative products like our new bi fold doors.

He continues: “There is no doubt that one of the consequences of the pandemic has been the greater demand for more space within a property for dayto-day living and, of course, working from home. Projects appear plentiful right now for those builders who specialise in extensions and conversions, and as a business we are totally committed to providing them and their customers with the sort of products which can further enhance those projects. It’s been an incredibly challenging but ultimately highly rewarding period in the company’s long history, and you can sure we won’t be resting on our laurels any time soon.

Watch this space!

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON MADE FOR TRADE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG065

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PLUMBING

LESS IS MORE Steve Skeldon, Above Ground Product Manager at Wavin, looks at how waterless traps may be the perfect ‘fit and forget’ plumbing solution Water-filled traps are great when they work perfectly, but is it worth looking into more advanced products which can really add value to your project?

The real challenge lies in finding those solutions that can make a real difference to your project. When we look at the evolution of traps over the last few years, then it’s clear that there’s plenty of reasons why you and your customers will benefit from more advanced versions. So, let’s find out why.

No water, no problem Water-filled traps will often be your go-to product when it comes to installing a trap in any space. And why shouldn’t they be?

As common-sense dictates, a waterfilled trap utilises the reservoir of water as a barrier between the occupied space and the wider drainage system. It seems simple enough, but unfortunately evaporation, siphonage or damage can occur quite easily, causing the trap to fail.

This may happen if the trap hasn’t been used for an extended period.

This is where problems begin to arise which lead to unhappy customers calling you a few months after you’ve installed the trap as they get back from their holidays. With more advanced waterless traps, like Wavin Osma HepVO, there is a self-sealing valve that’s made from a unique membrane, rather than water. The valve opens in response to pressure, but then instantly shuts tightly when needed,

creating an airtight and ultra-reliable seal that helps prevent odours, bacteria and germs from entering spaces.

By removing the reliance on water, the chance of returning to a job to correct failed traps is reduced, and the design also means blockages are less common.

So, by making use of waterless traps, you’ll be saving money in the long run and ensuring your customers won’t think twice about whether the technology below their basins or baths is doing its job.

Easy to install and versatile There are more benefits than just reliability. One of the best things about waterless traps is how simple the installation process is. These traps tend to be quicker and easier to install than their traditional counterparts.

A lot of this comes down to their versatile nature, as they offer opportunities for installation in tight spaces where a traditional trap just wouldn’t be suitable – as they don’t have a cumbersome U-bend and can be implemented both vertically and horizontally.

More design options As waterless traps don’t need to accommodate that water reservoir, they have a much more streamlined and compact design. This saves space under the sink for customers, offering them more storage options.

This more discreet design also helps from an aesthetics point of view too if they’re on show, as these traps won’t get in the way of a customer’s desired bathroom design – particularly if it’s a wall-mounted sink. As the traps are less bulky, they can help achieve a more minimalistic, stripped-down design scheme, which more of your customers will be looking for.

Overall, waterless traps have several benefits for those fitting them, and for those using them. By being fully clued up on how they work, this will help you get your jobs done quicker and lead to more satisfied customers.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WAVIN OSMA HEPVO VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG066

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

No.15

In the next instalment of our Toolbox series with Makita, the team look at the tools you should keep close at hand when working on loft conversions.

Makits DJR360ZK TWIN 18V LXT Reciprocating Saw

When it comes to sizing batons and joists, the Makita DJR360ZK Twin 18V LXT Reciprocating Saw makes light work of cutting jobs. This machine is powered by two 18V LXT batteries, delivering an impressive 36V of power that can tackle higher demand applications with ease, offering up to 3,000 strokes per minute.

What’s more, the two-speed selection and variable speed control trigger offer users flexibility to adjust the tool according to the task. The DJR360ZK also benefits from an ergonomically designed handle that is well balanced for comfortable operation, even over extended periods of time. Blade changes are fast thanks to the tool-less blade changing mechanism.

Alternatively, for larger workpieces where more accurate cutting is required, use the DHS660Z 18V LXT Circular Saw.

Its 165mm blade diameter and bevel cutting capacity of up to 50 degrees makes it suitable for the majority of jobs.

Helpfully, the DHS660Z features Makita’s Automatic Torque Drive Technology (ADT) that automatically adjusts the cutting speed to suit the load conditions, for optimum operation at all times.

The DHS660Z also includes a blower function to keep the workpiece clear of dust and provide users with maximum visibility of the cutting line – and this is further aided by the in-built LED job light.

There is also an overload indicator lamp that quickly alerts users to overload and helps prevent damage.

For making accurate angled cuts, the Makita DLS714NZ Twin 18V LXT Slide Compound Mitre Saw is a great toolbox addition. Thanks to its Twin 18V technology, this machine delivers output that is comparable to electric models, making light work of any task. It can cut up to 300mm x 52mm in a single pass and features a double sliding mechanism to ensure optimum positioning.

Makita DLS714NZ Twin 18V LXT Slide Compound Mitre Saw

DHS660Z 18V LXT Circular Saw

To protect the tool during use and ensure it continues to perform at its best, the DLS714NZ features a battery protection circuit that is designed to prevent the batteries from over discharging, over heating or overloading.

Finally, the DLS714NZ is easy to transport thanks to its compact design and the handle’s anti-slip elastomer surface, which is ideal for getting the machine in and out of the van, and for use in restricted areas like lofts.

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DFS452Z 18V LXT Screwdriver

Accessories to suit the above core range: CUTTING AND SIZING

Drilling and fixing For general drilling and fixing tasks, consider Makita’s DLX2283TJ two-piece ‘brushless’ combo kit that includes the DHP485Z 18V LXT Combi Drill and DTD153 18V LXT Impact Driver. As with all LXT machines, these tools offer the output, durability and reliability needed to handle regular professional use. What’s more, the kit includes two 5Ah batteries and a fast charger so users can effortlessly switch between tools and tasks. For maximum efficiency, both machines include variable speed control that automatically adjusts the output to suit the task in hand. These machines are also comfortable and easy to operate thanks to their ergonomic design.

When it comes to securing drywall, the DFS452Z 18V LXT Screwdriver is an ideal companion. This machine is incredibly versatile and can be used with 5mm capacity drywall screws and 6mm capacity self-driving screws. It also

features variable speed control and has the option of forward or reverse rotation depending on the user’s needs. It also has a handy belt hook to keep the machine close at hand when not in use.

For use with the DHS660Z Circular Saw, Makita’s Efficut Saw Blades cut 2.4 times faster than standard. They also allow for 2.4 times more cuts per battery charge cutting wood and 1.6 times more cuts per battery charge when cutting metal, in comparison to equivalent, conventional saw blades. For wood cutting tasks, the B-62979 saw blade is ideal.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG070

In addition, the B-08894 saw blade can be used with the DLS714NZ Slide Compound Mitre Saw. This quality 190mm blade is fully hardened and tensioned with 24 high grade tungsten carbide teeth to ensure a sharper, longer lasting edge.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG071

DFR551 18V LXT Auto Feed Screwdriver In addition, the DFR551 18V LXT Auto Feed Screwdriver is perfect for repetitive fixing and rapid screw driving tasks like fixing drywall or floorboards. It offers a no load speed of up to 6,000rpm and the screw feeding mechanism has been designed to reduce screw fall and ensure durability. The DFR551 also features Makita’s Push Drive Technology. This means that the screwdriver bit only rotates at full speed when the screw is pressed against the workpiece, reducing power consumption and extending battery run time. This feature also minimises noise for increased user safety and less disruption to those nearby.

Thanks to Makita’s LXT battery technology, the majority of these machines can be powered by the same battery (or batteries), making switching between tools and tasks effortless. To find out more about Makita and its products visit: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG075

When using the DJR360ZK Reciprocating Saw, use the B-10637. This is part of the Super Express blade range, which makes light work of cutting through a wide range of materials including wood (including wood with nails), chipboard, metal aerated concrete and plastics.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG072

ADDITIONAL USEFUL ITEMS For any trade professional, staying safe on site is a top priority and it is vital that tradespeople protect themselves with effective dust extraction - especially when working on cutting, sanding and sawing tasks. As such, Makita’s VC3012M and VC2211MX1 M-Class extractors are a brilliant addition to any tool kit.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG073

Finally, for improved precision and straight lines, Makita’s SK105DZ 12VMax Red Cross Line Laser is perfect. It has two brightness modes to suit all job site conditions and is compatible with both LXT and CXT batteries depending on user preference.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG074

FOR MORE ON MAKITA VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG076

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

Tibby Singh — www.TibbySingh.com

TREND SETTER Tibby Singh continues to investigate the latest advances in cordless equipment from Trend Tool Technology

As for my previous review of the Cordless ¼” Router and Mitre Saw in the March issue, all the cordless tools discussed in this feature run off Trend’s T18 TX Lithium-Ion batteries which have light indication and are available in 2Ah, 4Ah and 5Ah. The 2Ah is better for lighter tasks, such as light drilling and sanding, 4Ah for more demanding tasks like routing and the 5Ah is for extended capacity and power usage such as repetitive cuts on the mitre saw or more demanding materials.

The Biscuit Jointer is a tool that only serves one purpose yet has several applications. It looks sophisticated but Trend have made it simple to use. The fence can be moved up and down, which allows you to use it on thicker stock. It has a dial and measurements meaning it can be finely tuned. It features six pre-set cutting depths, which can be quickly set to the size of the biscuit required. They’ve even covered all angles with the expected 0-90° cutting angles.

The 165mm Brushless Circular Saw feels well-built and has all the functions and features you’d expect a circular saw to have. I particularly admire the attention to detail such as having engraved measurements for depth setting, meaning you don’t have to guess later down the line. It does have a 55mm depth cut at 90°, which is great for first fix work. Another couple of features I would never have guessed it would have, is a front mounted laser and a hanging hook. The laser does help for quick alignment and the hook means you can keep it close by for efficiency.

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That brings me onto the Cordless Angle Grinder, which is probably the thinnest grinder I’ve seen. The slimline body makes it more comfortable to use in awkward places. It has a long paddle switch at the bottom which is much easier to turn on and as soon as you let go it will turn off, which is a good safety feature.

Inventively, it has an anti-vibration side handle that can be placed on either side of the body for right- and left-handed users. Although it’s a tool-free disc change, incorporated within the handle there’s a slot that has the tool to change the blade just in case it becomes a little tight after use, giving it a handy dual functionality. A grinder probably see’s more dust than any other tool, leading to Trend engineering it to have a removable dust filter.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ANY OF THE TREND TOOL TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THIS FEATURE USE THE APPROPRIATE LINK BELOW: 165MM BRUSHLESS CIRCULAR SAW BISCUIT JOINTER CORDLESS ANGLE GRINDER

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG067 WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG068 WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG069

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WORKWEAR

Professional Builder’s Tibby Singh slips into something more comfortable on site he last time I tested some Mascot workwear, was the first time I had heard of this brand, despite it being founded in 1982. For those that aren’t familiar with Mascot, the Scandinavian company designs, manufactures and markets workwear and safety footwear – and even non-safety footwear. After my previous review, I recall many people messaging me who were intrigued by the products, and they certainly made a lasting impression on me.

First up is the Ultimate Stretch Lightweight Trousers with Holster Pockets. Trousers with holster pockets are my preferred set-up for working efficiently. The advantage of these detachable pockets is you can simply remove them, and their contents, at the end of the day and quickly reattach them the next morning to continue where you left off. Not having to empty your pockets of the contents that have found their way in there through the course of the day further improves efficiency.

The lightweight stretch material makes them very comfortable especially when you’re up and down like a yoyo – or even a carpenter. I tend to spend a lot of time on my knees and noticed the different texture of the material on the knee area. I found it was CORDURA, which is standard practice these days, but they are also made with Kevlar.

Kevlar has many applications, one being used in bulletproof vests, so this reinforcement eliminates the worry of them ripping at their most vulnerable point.

When it comes to inserting the knee pads into the trousers, it turns out to be through a zipper on the side of the knee area. It’s the first time I’ve seen this and I think it’s a great idea. The usual access from the top can cause debris to fall in,

T

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PERFECT MASCOT whereas it can be a tedious process when they’re inserted from the inside. However, it doesn’t stop there as I was impressed to discover the zippers have dual functionality, because they can be left open for additional ventilation. If you’re wondering what holds the kneepads in place, it’s the hook and loop system inside which maintains their position.

That brings me onto the kneepads themselves. You only get one pair of knees so I always wear them myself and

would recommend them to others. These examples are super lightweight with the foam providing sufficient protection, and the ergonomic design making them more comfortable.

That brings me onto the Mascot Sweatshirt, and what stood out was the sustainable printed label on the inside. I was intrigued to find out what makes this product sustainable and it is the material, which is 60 per cent organic cotton and 40 per cent recycled polyester, from plastic, and for that reason it gets 100 per cent approval from me. It’s great to know that it’s made with respect for people and the planet, which makes it a comfortable choice for the environmentally conscious too.

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Tibby Singh — www.TibbySingh.com

I like to keep additional clothing with me for when the temperature drops, so it was great to jump into Mascot’s Fleece Jumper with Zipper when it got a little nippy. A zipper is always preferable for practicality, but the garment is also designed with a smooth surface. This isn’t just for looks because its purpose is to prevent dust and dirt from sticking to it.

The fit feels extremely snug and the high collars prevent the breeze passing to your neck keeping your body warm. Pockets without zips can cause trouble and this fleece has three zip pockets to keep your possessions safe.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE RANGE OF WORKWEAR FROM MASCOT VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG077

More quality garments from Mascot include the Outer Shell Jacket. The vibrant blue colour caught my eye but, if blue isn’t for you, it’s also available in six colours. Other bright features include being both wind and waterproof. Mascot has made sure the wind is kept out from all directions by including an internal storm flap, ribbed inner waistband, elastic adjustment at the waist and elastic at the cuffs. The detachable hood is a great option to ensure that it doesn’t get in the way when undertaking certain tasks.

■ The Mascot Footwear Carbon Safety Shoes certainly don’t look like safety footwear but let me assure you that they are, although they don’t feel like safety boots either. The carbon fibre toe caps make them lightweight and very comfortable to walk in. The breathable material diverts heat and moisture away from the foot which is a breath of fresh air. Like many other safety shoes these days, they utilise the BOA Fit System, making it effortless when putting them on or taking them off, whilst providing a perfect fit. I just hope I don’t forget how to tie shoelaces now.

Just so I don’t forget, Mascot also sent some Non-Safety Sneakers. It’s difficult to tell what are safety boots these days but these are not safety footwear for working on site. My Achilles Tendon sometimes gets sore after rupturing it in the past, so I know comfort when I feel it. The internal heel cushion provides extreme comfort. It feels like you’re walking on air with the shock-absorbing, light and flexible insole.

Finally, I was shocked to see the large range of other items Mascot has to offer and wanted to give a special mention to their website as well, which has to be one of – if not the – best websites I’ve seen. It contains a wealth of information, including social and environmental responsibilities for each individual product, which I have never seen before but think it is great, yet still so clearly laid out. It’s out of this world the depth they go to, from the sustainable materials used, to thinking about the manufacturing and transport too.They truly are a Mascot for sustainable workwear!

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WORKWEAR

3RD IENRIEAS N EW S

WORKING IN STYLE Scruffs workwear often receives questions through its social media accounts and customer services team. Professional Builder sat down with Scruffs to discuss the most frequently asked questions. Here’s what they said:

Scruffs Hydra Safety Boots

What features do the Women’s Trade Flex Holster Trousers have compared to the standard range?

“Ladies – we’ve got your back! The new women’s trousers have a carefully considered fit with a flexible waistband and stretch panels designed to offer more comfort. Plus, tradeswomen can make great use of the handy pockets to store tools and accessories.”

Q

Do you offer slim fit trousers?

“Yes! We have a selection of slim fit trousers at a range of price points. Just look for the word FLEX in the product description to be sure you’re looking at a slim fit style. All our slim fit trousers come with built-in stretch, so tradies don’t have to compromise on comfort or freedom of movement.”

Scruffs Pro Flex Holster Trousers

Q

Which trousers would you recommend for a builder?

“The Pro Flex Holster Trousers are a great choice because they have built-in mechanical stretch, making them comfortable without losing durability. The Ballistic Cordura knees mean they’re strong enough to stand up to tough jobs, and they’re available with and without holster pockets, so you can choose which version to wear depending on the job.”

Q

Does all your footwear have a midplate for sole protection?

“Yep – every single style! We believe safety comes first, so we make sure all our footwear protects tradies from underfoot penetration so they can crack on with the job. The steel and composite versions offer the same protection, but a composite midplate is more flexible and lightweight.”

Q

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Do all toe caps offer the same protection?

“Although they all offer the same safety protection, different toe caps have different properties. Composite toe caps are lighter and don’t conduct the cold the same way as steel toe caps do.”

Q

What is the most suitable boot for a builder?

“The Switchback 3 is our most popular boot for builders. It’s lightweight and flexible, shock-absorbing, protects the

Q

toes and underfoot, is water-resistant and even has Micro-Fresh technology. What’s not to like?”

Do you offer a printing or embroidery service?

“Scruffs tops and jackets are designed so company logos, whether printed or embroidered, can easily be added to the areas where company branding is generally applied. You know what that means? You can now wear comfortable work gear AND look smart on the job!

Sorted.”

Q

Do you offer a warranty on your workwear?

“Unfortunately, we don’t offer a warranty on our products. But don’t worry, if goods are fully packaged/labelled and not worn you may return them to us within 30 days of receipt, except in the case of sale items. To view our full returns policy please visit our FAQ page on

Q

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG078 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SCRUFFS WORKWEAR RANGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG079

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT CORDLESS INSULATION SAW

Tradespeople can now cut natural fibre or polyurethane insulating materials safer and easier with the Festool ISC 240 cordless insulation saw, which is now available with a 4.0 Li-HighPower Compact battery pack. Two quick and easy to change cutting sets are available with cross-set or serrated saw blades, each with blade lengths of 240 or 350mm.

PROMOTION

The 2022 Fusion initiative from Carl Kammerling International (CKI), the home of C.K Tools, is offering tradespeople and contractors a welcome discount with 170 products on promotion across the C.K Tools, C.K Magma, C.K Classic, Avit and Kasp Security brands.

There’s discounts of up to 54 per cent at participating stockists, and five new products, two new tool kits and three exclusive bundles available for a limited time only as part of the deal.

KNEE PROTECTION

It’s the combination of highly effective Kneepads and the Kneeguard PRO positioning system in Snickers Workwear trousers that provides reliable knee protection. Amongst the range, the company’s D30 Ergo kneepads are made of a unique material that moulds around your knee to provide enhanced impact protection.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG080

40V POWER TOOLS

The HS009G 235mm Circular Saw is amongst the new additions to the Makita XGT 40VMax portfolio. Thanks to a large brushless motor and XGT battery technology, this machine can deliver the same – or higher – performance than that of corded alternatives. It offers a maximum cutting capacity of up to 61mm and a cutting speed of 4,000rpm.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG081

CONNECTIVITY

Thanks to a strategic partnership between Trackunit and Hilti, the latter is strengthening its ON!Track solution. At the same time, the network of Trackunit devices will be expanded, providing increased connectivity around the globe through advanced Bluetooth technology.

It enables detectable tags on smaller tools, and the capturing of insights from equipment data.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG083

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG082

PLIERS

From working in the smallest of spaces to safely at height, the Knipex Cobra range has a set of pliers for the job. All the products are selflocking to pipes and nuts, and the teeth – which are offset against the direction of rotation – allow for efficient gripping, holding, pressing and bending. For the correct opening width simply place the upper half of the jaw onto the workpiece and slide the lower jaw in position to fix the pliers in place.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG084

GLIDER TOTE KIT

The Marshalltown Blue Glider Tote gives a smooth finish to large areas of concrete. It comes complete with 48” blue steel round end glider, Rock-It 2.0 bracket and 4 handles, all carried in a handy tote bag. The tote is made from a double layer of water resistant and durable nylon with multiple straps and pockets to hold a wide variety of other finishing trowels and tools.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG085

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GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG086

Use our digital reader enquiry service for further information online

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builders’ vehicles 씱

FUEL FOR THOUGHT Are sky-high fuel bills hurting your profits?

Dan Powell from Honest John Vans shares his top money-saving fuel tips.

Are your profiles vanishing in a haze of diesel smoke? Are the latest fuel costs hurting your top line? Protect your hardearned cash with these money-saving fuel tips from Honest John Vans.

Check your tyres You should check the condition of your tyres at least once a week. If the tyres are under-inflated they will create more rolling resistance and this will force the engine to work harder and use more fuel. The correct tyre pressures will be listed in your van’s owner’s manual and also on a sticker or plate on the vehicle – usually inside the driver’s door frame. If your tyres are worn and in need of replacement then consider replacing them for a model that has a high-efficiency rating. All tyres are scored from A to G for fuel economy. And you could save money in the long run by spending a little more on a set of tyres with a good fuel economy rating.

Get your van serviced On the face of it, skipping or delaying your van’s annual service may look like a quick money-saving idea.

But in reality, it will increase your van’s wear and tear, while also making it less fuel-efficient.

A dirty or clogged up fuel or air filter will hurt your

Daniel Powell of Honest John Vans

van’s fuel economy because it will reduce engine efficiency and force the vehicle to use more diesel. That’s why you should have your van serviced every 12 months.

And always insist on a full oil and filter change as dirty or old oil can also make your van’s engine less efficient.

Streamline your van Heavy vans use more fuel, so it pays to take a weekly stocktake of what’s in the back of your van to see what you do/don’t need. Even cutting weight by a small amount will improve your van’s mpg, which will produce long term savings over the year.

Roof racks, pipe carriers and ladder racks will all increase your van’s thirst for fuel. Why? Because they create resistance against the air that flows over the tip of the vehicle, thus forcing the engine to work harder. If you don’t need the items bolted to the roof of your van then consider removing them until you do need them again.

Don’t run low on fuel It can be tempting to avoid filling up when the price of fuel is high but it’s another example of a false economy. If you drive with a near-empty tank you risk clogging the fuel filters – or worse. If the van has drawn in air instead of fuel at any time then both the pump and injectors could be damaged.

If you travel short distances then consider filling the tank halfway, as a full load of fuel will add weight and increase fuel consumption.

Shop smarter It’s never been easier to compare local fuel prices. Many sat navs will do this for you or you can search online, which means you can find the supermarket or independent fuel station with the lowest costs. It may also pay to find a fuel station that operates a loyalty card scheme, which will give you money off your next fill or something small like a free coffee.

Honest John Vans is the website that champions fairness for van owners by publishing expert, unbiased information to help builders make informed choices about their vehicles.

FOR MORE VAN BUYING ADVICE, VISIT: WWW.HONESTJOHN.CO.UK/VANS OR TYPE “HONEST JOHN VANS” INTO YOUR ONLINE SEARCH ENGINE OR VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG087

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builders’ vehicles ore! Well, five actually – that was the shout from Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG) when it introduced its fifth generation Caddy van towards the end of 2020, the first arriving on these shores exactly forty years ago. Unfortunately, Covid restrictions meant that, at the time of the official launch, we were only able to compete a couple of driving loops in the vicinity of the company’s Milton Keynes headquarters in a left-hand drive to boot.

Even so, it was quickly apparent that the new Cargo version was being teed up for a serious whack at what is a highly competitive and generally impressive sector of the small van market.

On this occasion we would have a full week to become properly acquainted with our new driving companion, the Cargo Commerce Maxi 2.0TDI six-speed manual version, to judge whether – like its golfing namesake – it really can carry the load in all weathers, is resolutely dependable, acutely aware of its surroundings and is guaranteed not to flag whatever is put in front of it!

With worldwide sales of more than three million and counting, the Caddy has never been short of admirers. However, the company had clearly taken the decision that, as the 2020’s approached – and with competition intensifying – the time was ripe for a complete makeover from the ground up, utilising Volkswagen’s MQB platform, which is common to most of its cars, including the new MK 8 Golf. As a result, it’s got more usable space than ever before as well as a bold new look and class leading interior.

F

VAG TO A TEE! You don’t need a Caddy to win the best drive competition.…but it helps!

Vital statistics The length of the standard Caddy has increased by 93mm to 4,500mm thanks to a longer wheelbase offering and, whilst height is down a fraction, the actual load height has increased. It’s also a bit wider than before and, whilst actual amounts sound marginal, they have an important bearing on the load carrying potential, with the MAXI version to be able to accommodate two Euro pallets loaded from the rear or larger sliding door.

Payload is around 675kg, usefully adequate but some way off class leading.

Three diesel engine options, and one

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builders’ vehicles 씱 “The length of the standard Caddy has increased by 93mm to 4,500mm thanks to a longer wheelbase offering and, whilst height is down a fraction, the actual load height has increased.

It’s also a bit wider, with the Maxi version able to accommodate two Euro pallets. Payload is 675kg.”

petrol, are available with varying PS outputs and all variants fulfil the 2021 Euro 6 emissions standards and are fitted with particulate filters. A number of features, such as Active Cylinder technology on the petrol engine, have been added to save fuel, whilst the diesel engines come with a new twin dosing system that delivers a double dose of AdBlue to significantly reduce NOx emissions. You can expect a return of around 51 mpg from the Commerce Maxi, which is pretty impressive, especially with fuel prices across the board reaching unprecedented levels in recent weeks.

Road holding and load carrying ability have also been enhanced with new front and rear axle arrangements, with the old leaf spring design replaced with a more forgiving coil spring construction. New tyres with optimised rolling resistance are also standard on all new models. The overall impression is of a van which is fundamentally more modern to drive than its predecessors, so in this respect the VAG engineers have clearly met their exacting brief.

A good deal of their attention has been given over to the cab area which features a completely new dashboard and

touch controls with futuristic sounding Digital cockpit available as an option.

Push button traditionalists may initially struggle to get the best out of a quite sensitive Touchscreen infotainment system which varies between 6.5 and 10in. and for the first time there is an integrated ESIM which allows the driver to access mobile online services and functions of the “WE” connect, meaning the Caddy is always connected. New seating functions and switch gear, including electronic handbrake with auto hold function, and a multi-functional steering wheel – along with mostly wellappointed storage space – complete the interior upgrade.

Safety As well as a more comfortable and fuel conscious experience, the company are also claiming that the new Caddy Cargo is now safer than ever before, as it features no less than nineteen different driver assistance systems, including trailer assist and travel assist. The latter – a first for a VW commercial vehicle – uses a combination of lane assist and adoptive cruise control for added peace of mind.

One small irritation – and it’s a

personal thing – are the myriad of eco tips which flash up from time time, as if some errant schoolboy or girl is at the wheel. Do you really want to be asked, however, politely to close the windows when you want some fresh air because of aerodynamic drag? It’s a sign of the world we live in where thinking for oneself, it seems, has quite literally gone out of the window. We also found the lane keeping system a little over-zealous on country lanes…. if we want a workout we will go to the gym although, of course, it can be deactivated each time you set off – if you can remember.

All in all, it’s fair to say that the new Caddy Cargo Commerce is a proper van about town and may even illicit some envious glances down at your local golf club!

The on the road price for our test vehicle, which features around £3,000 worth of additional optional equipment, is a tad under £35,000 including VAT but significantly cheaper entry versions of the Cargo are available.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE NEW VW CADDY CARGO VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG088

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mini excavators

Professional Builder’s Lee Jones goes on site with JCB stalwart Paul Bott Homes

MINI MARVEL he building industry has its fair share of family affairs and Paul Bott Homes is a fine example.

The Leicestershire-based firm is presided over by the eponymous Paul, with his three sons, Billy, Tom and Jack joining him on site, whilst wife Sally and daughter Layla manage the office.

“When I first started out on my own more than 35 years ago it was initially with extensions but in 1982 we started buying land for new builds,” explains the 62-year-old former bricklayer. Today, his company specialises in high quality homes, typically in the 5-6 bedroom bracket – an area of the market that’s not well serviced by some of the larger players in the sector.

In that time, the Leicestershire

T

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74 MAY 2022 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

housebuilder has also kept up an association with another famous family concern hailing from Staffordshire. “I’ve always owned JCBs and never bothered with anything else,” he reveals. “They have a reputation for doing the job which is certainly backed up by our own experience and we’ve always had a good service from local dealer, Watling JCB. As the contractor and developer we’re responsible for everything from the initial groundworks right through to the finished plot so we need machines that can multi-task.”

A JCB Forklift and an 8-tonne JCB 8080 had already completed many years of sterling service with Paul Bott Homes, whilst the company has previously owned a 3CX Backhoe Loader. At the same time, the breadth of building works the

(LtoR) Paul Bott and Jack Bott of Paul Bott Homes with their new JCB 18Z-1 mini excavator

company undertakes was increasingly demanding a smaller machine that could undertake landscaping works in tight spaces, but with the muscle for more extensive groundworks when required.

“Once we’ve completed the excavation for the footings, and loaded the spoil onto tippers, we found that an 8tonne was too big for a lot of the remaining works and we’d been renting a mini as and when we needed it,” explains Paul. “If you’ve got a machine on hire for a fixed period, however, you can easily find that it’s sitting around for a large part of the time whilst you’re still paying the rates. We did the math and came to the conclusion that it’s actually more cost effective to own a smaller digger – especially with current strength of

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residual values – and that’s why we purchased our new 1.8 tonne unit.”

JCB’s 18Z-1 is the first zero tailswing option in its class from the manufacturer, and its vital statistics make for a versatile solution. “It’s ideal for getting into gardens, between two properties, or anywhere where you don’t want to make too much of a mess,” adds Jack, “and if you do hit something with it you’re unlikely to do that much damage. Having said that, it’s a very powerful machine in operation,” a fact that Jack demonstrates by pointing to the extensive network of tree roots the 18Z-1 had recently ripped from their current new build project.

This nimble 1,830kg unit has all the moves, but is an equal measure a sturdy and durable workhorse. Hoses are routed through the boom, for example, there’s a top mounted ram and 100 per cent steel bodywork. At the same time, operators can achieve a maximum dump height of 2.818m and max dig depth of 2.819m.

Attachments The retractable tracks aids manoeuvrability through garden gates and enhances stability at their full extension. In addition, with a 1.8tonne weight, the machine can be comfortably towed on a trailer behind a van or pick up complete with a range of attachments, which includes buckets, a breaker and auger. 10 tie down and 4 lifting points also make transportation both speedy and secure. Cleaning and maintenance is facilitated by a 180° opening service door, there’s no daily greasing and a sloping undercarriage design results in minimal soil retention.

Paul Bott Homes prides itself on delivering for its own customers and the team demands the same of the machinery they use. “Our properties represent a high spec offer with all the features that the market is currently demanding,” enthuses Paul. “At the moment that’s home offices, open plan spaces – such as expansive kitchen/diners – and large areas of glass, including bifolds. The consumer wants a property that’s flooded with light and room so, rather than just windows, we’re routinely introducing floor to ceiling glazing in rooms, for example, as well as underfloor heating and smart thermostats throughout. We’re providing double garages with a dedicated home workplace above and a room in roof.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON PAUL BOTT HOMES VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG102 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON WATLING JCB VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG103 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE JCB 18Z-1 VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG104

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INSULATION

NEW

No.9

SERIES

LOFTY AMBITIONS As bills rise, energy efficiency will be a priority for homeowners. Installing loft insulation at ceiling level is a quick and practical way to prevent heat loss, so Bradley Hirst, Technical Services Manager at Knauf Insulation, explains what you need to know to successfully insulate in this application.

Building Regulations are changing The minimum thermal performance standards set out in Approved Document L of the Building Regulations will change on 15 June 2022. After this date, the cold roof build-up of renovated roofs must achieve a U-value of at least 0.16W/m2K. This can typically be achieved by installing Knauf Insulation’s Loft Roll 44 at a minimum depth of 270mm or Loft Roll 40 at a minimum depth of 250mm – but for maximum performance we recommend installing insulation at a depth of 400mm.

Remember to layer insulation Insulation must match the depth of the joist, so if the joist is 100mm deep your first layer of insulation should be too. The top layers should be fitted at right angles to the layer below, completely covering the joist.

Don’t cover cables

Unwrap Mineral Wool insulation in the loft We compress our Glass Mineral Wool so there’s more product per pack. But this means when you unwrap it, our Loft Roll insulation will expand up to 10 times its original thickness. So, unwrap it where you’re going to install it.

Get a good fit

Maintain ventilation

Unintended air gaps reduce performance, so make sure rolls are butted together, friction fitted against joists and pushed down around the roof perimeter to meet insulation in the wall head.

To prevent condensation, never cover air vents with insulation and if the roof is lined with sarking felt, allow for continuous ventilation of the roof void by leaving an air gap at the eaves.

Reroute high voltage electrical cables over the top of the insulation to prevent the risk of overheating or fire. A benefit of Knauf Insulation Loft Roll is that it is noncombustible, so it will not contribute to the development or spread of fire should it occur.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON KNAUF INSULATION VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG092

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TECHNICAL TEAM TIPS – NO 36 ROOFING

RISE WITH THE SUN As the move towards cleaner, renewable energy sources continues apace the incentive to develop and implement effective energy sources has never been greater.

Daniel Redfern, Marketing Manager at Marley said: ‘With UK government targets of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the forthcoming changes to the Part L Building Regulation – that covers Conservation of Fuel and Power – will help to positively impact those targets, with solar energy being a key driver.

‘In fact, Solar Energy UK predicts that the Part L changes could lead to five times the number of new homes built with solar. In addition, rising fuel prices are encouraging homeowners to retro fit solar PV to their existing roofs to help offset high energy bills and increased electricity usage from charging electric vehicles.

‘These changes will provide a host of opportunities to roofing contractors who upskill their workforce in Solar PV installation, such as becoming MCS certified. Whilst investment will be necessary to ensure that roofing contractors are qualified to fit solar panels, the benefits and ongoing opportunities far outweigh the initial costs.’

the UK must be MCS accredited in order to be eligible for a Smart Export Guarantee – the new way that homeowners are paid for their power. If they generate more than they require, the surplus will be put on the grid. As well as giving your customers peace of mind, the certification can also help grow your business as people will often search for an MCS certified installer for this important reason – if their system is not MCS certified, they can’t get a Smart Export Guarantee and they can’t sell their surplus energy back to the grid.

In addition, having the capability to offer a full roof system installation will boost your business. 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/BAG089

What does it involve?

There are four separate elements that are required to become MCS certified:

MCS certification – the advantages The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) covers installations of solar PV systems. Being MCS certified means that you can offer solar services yourself, without being reliant on other contractors.

In addition, residential solar systems in

Quality workmanship All MCS installers are assessed against the MCS 001 Standard and the specific technical standard for solar, to ensure the system is installed in line with MCS standards.

Customer care Belonging to a Trading Standards Institute (TSI) approved consumer code is a must.

Apply to the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) or Home Insulation & Energy Systems Quality Assured Contractors Scheme (HIES).

Demonstrating competency Prove the competency of employees via in date qualifications held and/or short courses attended or demonstrating experience to your MCS certification body.

Quality management system Demonstrate the operation of a Quality Management System (QMS) – the assessing Certification Body will ensure that the standard requirements are reached through documented procedures and systems.

How much does it cost to become MCS certified?

The application normally costs £595 + VAT for the company – not for each individual. However, as part of Marley’s ‘Supporting the Roofer’ initiative, all roofing businesses can claim a £50 discount on their MCS certification application via a collaboration with NAPIT, in preparation for the Part L changes. For more details visit WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG090 FOR ADVICE AND FURTHER DETAILS ON PART L VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG091

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New Style PB Live - PB_Layout 1 23/03/2022 10:29 Page 1

THE TRADESHOW FOR PROFESSIONAL BUILDERS

Professional

LIVE!

Top trade products, exhibition specials and hands-on demo zones FORTHCOMING SHOWS: YEC, HARROGATE 28TH/29TH APRIL 2022 ICC, WALES 17TH/18TH MAY 2022 CBS ARENA, COVENTRY 14TH/15TH SEPTEMBER 2022 Register for free at www.probuilderlive.co.uk

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MULTI-PURPOSE TOOL

When it comes to giving builders a much-needed lift, the Easy Air Wedge has got it in the bag

EASY DOES IT Builders are certainly no strangers to tight corners and are frequently asked to ply their trade in locations that would require as many appendages as an octopus and the flexibility of Mr Tickle. Now, when you’re crying out for that extra pair of hands, you can instead reach for the Easy Air Wedge. This multi-purpose device can be used for anything from hanging doors, to fitting door frames, or installing windows, and the secret to its deceptively simple success is some clever and patented technology hidden inside.

Its CorePlate construction ensures that the wedge remains rigid and does not buckle when it is pushed into even the smallest of gaps, whilst providing perfect and dependable support for almost any job that requires lifting and levelling with precision.

The fully tested and certified product is made from durable Tarpaulin TPU material, which makes it suitable for a host of applications both indoors and out.

The effortlessly adjustable bulb pump can inflate the bag with just two fingers and there’s a release valve for equally precise deflating. Not only that but the amount of weight that can be lifted is an impressive and independently tested 140kg.

“If you’re a chippie that’s currently resorting to wedging door liners with packers – or even using crowbars or chisels – the Easy Air Wedge is a solution that will be much kinder to potentially sensitive surfaces.”

Simply insert the wedge into a narrow gap and, when inflated, it will lift a unit into position. To adjust and find the right height with accuracy it’s then just a matter of using the aforementioned bulb pump and release valve to inflate or deflate accordingly until the required mark is met.

Once the window – or whatever other workpiece you’re installing – is fixed you can then remove the Easy Air Wedge before completely securing the unit. The device will accommodate joint widths from 2mm up to 70mm and makes many installations a genuine one-man job.

With build budgets and profit margins tightening an extra pair of hands on a job may well be a luxury that many tradespeople can’t afford, whereas these bags are sold individually and are competitively priced. If you’re a chippie that’s currently resorting to wedging door liners with packers – or even using crowbars or chisels – the Easy Air Wedge is a solution that will be much kinder to potentially sensitive surfaces.

Indeed, it’s the kind of multi-purpose tool that any builder can carry almost unnoticeably in their toolbox, or keep on the back of the van, and could just as easily be employed to move and position white goods, cabinets, office furniture, and much more.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE EASY AIR WEDGE FROM EASY INNOVATIONS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG093

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

4th in THE series

A ROOM WITH A VIEW...

Know the difference between a shed and a garden room? It’s simple... the windows and doors, says Ade...

One of the Big Money Spinners to emerge during lockdown was Garden Rooms. Before the pandemic there were one or two enterprising individuals that worked out how to build poshsheds so that they looked anything but like a shed, using quick-toassemble kits of parts and with nice fininshes and, most importantly, proper windows and especially glass doors…and the market was bumping along nicely.

Then Covid came along and BOOM! Every man and his dog is selling Garden Rooms to every other man and his wife and dog.

The market is saturated but there are still great opportunities for smart builders.

Of course, whilst in their basic form ‘Garden Rooms’ might simply be a posh shed, even in the few years since they became popular the quality of design, and certainly build, has improved immeasurably to the point where great quality materials and – especially – design features, are needed to clinch the deal. Even using the best materials garden rooms are cheaper per metre than conventional extensions, loft conversions and even better quality conservatories. And within that, great windows and especially

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80 MAY 2022 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

sliding doors, will play their part.

Whilst I may preach the importance of choosing the right window and door style in most of my columns, to my mind, the most important thing to consider in choosing windows – and especially sliding doors – for garden rooms is maximising the glass area, actually reducing the frames to a minimum. After all, a garden room with Georgian windows or leaded lights would simply look wrong, though I am sure there are a few around. By maximising the glass area, using frames that are as slim and unobtrusive as possible, you flood the garden room with light, in itself increasing the feeling of space.

Most of the glass area is going to be provided along the front of the room using either sliding panoramic, or more likely bi-folding doors. For very large structures, choose sliding ‘patio’ types as these minimise the frame area. However, most garden rooms will benefit most from bi-folds, that allow the greatest flexibility whatever the weather.

For both types, aluminium is usually the only choice due to the slim frame profiles.

There is an enormous choice for bi-folding doors

ONSITE

WITH

of course. But not all bi-folds are created equal: security is paramount, especially as whatever is inside the garden room is, by definition, on view, so don’t stint – ask your door supplier for the very best locking solutions, coupled, of course, with the very best sliding door gear – you don’t want call backs because the doors have jammed.

And when you are providing massive glass areas, give lots of thought to the type of glass you are installing: blinds fitted inside the double glazed units are essential if the garden room is to be usable all year round, and are now reliable, and with options in terms of colours and opening systems. Also, consider glass upgrades – such as triple glazing and argon filled units – to further improve the insulation values; again, prices have come down considerably for these options and, after all, it’s all about maximising the useability of the room.

Again – buying from a good fabricator will ensure that you have the best choice of products, options and all backed by great advice when you need it.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON QUICKSLIDE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG094

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wise howell

TRADE MEDIA

Japanese knotweed has long been thought to be one of the most

RWC NEW WEBSITE

damaging plants around buildings.

A collection of new EMEA websites will unite the family of RWC brands with what is described as a consistent and bold visual identity. The first website to be launched will be home to the company’s JG Speedfit, JG Underfloor and John Guest brands. The redesign aims to offers a much clearer navigation, making it easier to find products and get quick access to detailed technical information.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A BROWSE ON THE NEW JOHN GUEST WEBSITE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG095 AND IF YOU’D LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE RWC FAMILY OF BRANDS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG096

GRANT UK NET ZERO HEATING SHOW PODCAST

Grant UK has launched the Net Zero Heating Show, a podcast covering low carbon heating solutions, from heat pumps to biofuels. The new series of five episodes will join the manufacturer’s main podcast platforms. Each will be hosted by a member of the Grant UK Team and joined by experts in the renewables and sustainable heating sector.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG097

COLOURTREND NEW WEBSITE

Billed as the first tool of its kind in the industry, the Colourtrend website will feature a video messaging service for customer queries. Customers can browse the 1,500 plus shades available, access product tips, whilst Video Ask allows users to send a video message directly to the team and receive a same-day response.

COLOURTREND’S VIDEO ASK SERVICE IS FREE AND IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG098

NATIONAL VENTILATION DESIGN SERVICE

A dedicated specification team at National Ventilation is delivering a whole-house ventilation design service for design and build projects. It will detail unit calculations, a full kit list, recommended duct routes, as well as a pre-order site visit where necessary.

Use the rdr link below to go direct to the design service.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG099 Use our digital reader enquiry service for further information online

Stories abound of it knocking down walls and bursting up through concrete floor slabs. Eradicating it has been costing the UK economy some £165 million a year, and surveyors and insurance companies have been terrified of it.

As some of us have suspected all along, however, the dangers posed to buildings by Japanese knotweed have been somewhat overstated, and now the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) has downgraded its risk assessment of the plant.

If knotweed really has caused damage, the RICS says, then it needs to be tackled. But a few clumps of knotweed in a back garden should really be no cause for concern.

This is a relief, because previously, if knotweed was found within seven metres of a house, the whole garden would need to be excavated to a depth of three metres and carted away to landfill, before extensive chemical treatment and the importation of fresh sterilised topsoil.

But before we all breathe a sigh of relief, wait – there’s another vegetable enemy that we need to watch out for – Bamboo!

Yes, this feathery-topped decorative plant, also used to provide runner bean sticks (as well as being a popular vegetable in Chinese cooking) can spread for over 10 metres underground and spring up in neighbouring properties.

One unfortunate homeowner in Hampshire recently found that their neighbour’s bamboo had spread under their house and grown up inside their cavity

walls, bursting out through the plaster and wallpaper in their living room, hall and kitchen.

The repair bills came to £100,000.

As with most plants, there are many different varieties of bamboo, and some are more dangerous than others. It’s the “running” varieties that can send out long sideways shoots that get under walls and floor slabs and invade neighbouring buildings.

However, professional builders know that ALL plants can be damaging if they are planted too close to buildings, and not properly maintained.

How often have you seen a small weed elder or buddleia sprouting out of the brickwork in a neglected building? In a few years those “weeds” can grow into trees and force the brickwork apart.

And don’t get me started on ivy. Some homeowners actually deliberately train this stuff up their walls, where it roots in the mortar joints and expands. Not to mention the build-up of dead ivy leaves that compost themselves next to the wall and allow penetrating dampness.

Still, for now we can be happy that the unjust prejudice against Japanese knotweed has been exposed and rectified. Not that I will be rushing out to plant any in my garden, you understand!

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 Bond It ..........................................................................(page 50)

Pnu-Point Ltd ................................................................(page 57)

www.rdr.link/BAG120

www.rdr.link/BAG141

Bond It ..........................................................................(page 55)

Pro Builder Live ............................................................(page 78)

www.rdr.link/BAG121

www.rdr.link/BAG142

Buckbootz ....................................................................(page 65)

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

www.rdr.link/BAG122

www.rdr.link/BAG143

Build Aviator ................................................................(page 24)

Robert Bosch Ltd ............................................................(page 6)

www.rdr.link/BAG123

www.rdr.link/BAG144

Easy Innovations ..........................................................(page23)

Robert Bosch Ltd ..........................................................(page 51)

www.rdr.link/BAG124

www.rdr.link/BAG145

Easy Innovations ..........................................................(page 25)

Rocket Door Frames ....................................................(page 33)

www.rdr.link/BAG125

www.rdr.link/BAG146

Eclisse UK......................................................................(page 45)

RWC Limited ............................................................(back cover)

www.rdr.link/BAG126

www.rdr.link/BAG147

Estimators Online ........................................(inside front cover)

Saint Gobain Abrasives/Norton..................................(page 35)

www.rdr.link/BAG127

www.rdr.link/BAG148

Faithfull Tools ..............................................................(page 60)

Scruffs ............................................................................(page 27)

www.rdr.link/BAG128

www.rdr.link/BAG149

Fast Form Ltd ................................................................(page 60)

Setcrete............................................................................(page 8)

www.rdr.link/BAG129

www.rdr.link/BAG150

Federation of Master Builders....................................(page 36)

Shurtape UK Ltd ..........................................................(page 32)

www.rdr.link/BAG130

www.rdr.link/BAG151

Festool ..........................................................................(page 30)

Shurtape UK Ltd ..........................................................(page 54)

www.rdr.link/BAG131

www.rdr.link/BAG152

House Builder X L Ltd....................................................(page 11)

Sika EB25 ......................................................................(page 40)

www.rdr.link/BAG132

www.rdr.link/BAG153

International Decorative Surfaces ............................(page 43)

Simpson Strong Tie......................................................(page 60)

www.rdr.link/BAG133

www.rdr.link/BAG154

Made for Trade ..............................................................(page 15)

SSQ UK Ltd ....................................................................(page 75)

www.rdr.link/BAG134

www.rdr.link/BAG155

Made for Trade ..............................................................(page 17)

Tesco Mobile ..................................................................(page 4)

www.rdr.link/BAG135

www.rdr.link/BAG156

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

Toolfair Exhibition ........................................................(page 48)

www.rdr.link/BAG136

www.rdr.link/BAG157

Makita (UK) Ltd ............................................................(page 69)

TuffX Processed Glass Ltd ..........................................(page 12)

www.rdr.link/BAG137

www.rdr.link/BAG158

Marley Limited ..............................................................(page 56)

Ubbink (UK) Ltd ..........................................................(page 65)

www.rdr.link/BAG138

www.rdr.link/BAG159

Marshalls PLC ..............................................................(page 47)

Vortex..............................................................................(page36)

www.rdr.link/BAG139

www.rdr.link/BAG160

Plastic Moudings Northern Ltd ..................................(page 53)

West Fraser ..................................................................(page 39)

www.rdr.link/BAG140

www.rdr.link/BAG161

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GOOD HEALTH NO. 32 DIABETES

Let’s talk about

DIABETES...

This month we recap on a really important condition: Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes is a medical condition that means the body cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood.

Normally, when the blood sugar is high, an organ called the pancreas produces a substance called insulin which brings the sugar levels down.

There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2, although several sub-types also exist. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas stops producing insulin. Type 1 diabetes is often seen in younger people and is treated with replacement insulin injections. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas may produce less insulin, but the cells of the body also stop reacting to it.

This happens over a long period of time. Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1 and if it is detected early it can be controlled and managed, often with a combination of diet, exercise and medications, either in tablet or injectable forms. It is possible to reverse type 2 diabetes completely with diet and weight loss.

As diabetes can worsen with time, some people with type 2 diabetes may need treatment with injectable insulin too.

GP, ALICE FITZGIBBON, LOOKS AT THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF THIS ILLNESS AND WHAT CAN BE DONE.

it. It is really important to follow this up with the GP or practice nurse as this is the ideal time to make lifestyle changes such as weight loss and diet changes, to stop the diabetes developing.

Some people with type 2 diabetes may not have any specific symptoms and it might be detected on a blood test for something else.

Other people can have lots of vague symptoms which might be due to high blood sugar. These include: 쎲 Increased thirst and drinking more 쎲 Passing urine more frequently 쎲 Feeling tired 쎲 Losing weight 쎲 Recurrent infections such as thrush 쎲 Slow healing of cuts and wounds 쎲 Blurred vision

If you have any of these symptoms it is important that you see your GP to discuss them. The earlier you know you have type 2 There are several well known risk factors for diabetes the sooner you can do something developing type 2 diabetes: about it. Having high blood sugar levels in the body over a long period of time causes 쎲 Age – it is more common the older you get damage especially to the eyes, kidneys, the 쎲 Family history – if your parent, sibling or child blood vessels in the legs and the heart – has type 2 diabetes, then you are between people with diabetes may develop sight two and six times more likely to get it problems, kidney failure, circulation problems 쎲 Ethnicity – it is more common in people with and are more likely to have heart attacks and South Asian descent and African-Caribbean strokes. There may be no outward signs that or Black African descent this damage is happening until it is too 쎲 Having high blood pressure 쎲 Being overweight “Having high blood sugar levels in the body late to prevent it. This is why if you have diabetes you will get an annual eye over a long period of time causes damage check and blood tests to check for If you want to calculate your individual risk of developing type 2 especially to the eyes, kidneys, the blood problems you might be unaware of.

Controlling blood sugar levels with diabetes, there is a risk calculator vessels in the legs and the heart.” medicines can prevent or delay this online at WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG100. This damage happening which is why good website has lots of information about all control is so important in this long-term condition. types of diabetes and treatments.

If diabetes is suspected, a blood test can be taken to assess FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DIABETES VISIT the average blood sugar level. This can tell us if someone has WWW.RDR.LINK/BAG101 diabetes already or even if they are on their way to developing

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