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

E M I T W O H S S ’ IT AGAIN! PROFES

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B U IL D E R

TOOLFAIR 2021 OLS POWER TO

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SEPTEMBER 2021

ROOFING, FLOORING & INSULATION THE BIGGER ‘PITCHER’!

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MASONRY, MATERIALS & LANDSCAPING WALL TO WALL SUCCESS! BREAKING NEW GROUND – AN ALTERNATIVE FOUNDATION SYSTEM FROM STOP DIGGING UK!

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contents

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

SEPTEMBER 2021 VOL. 43 NO.8 @PB_mag

pb@hamerville.co.uk

@probuildermag

www.youtube.com/protrademags

@probuilderonline

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

REGULARS 7 9 11 12 32 97 99

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

FREE FOR ALL! In it to win it... page 32 see

61 ROOFING, FLOORING & INSULATION

MASONRY MATERIALS & LANDSCAPING 36 Marshalls – Porcelain Paving 39 ACO – Sustainable Landscaping 42 Chimney Repair 45 Stop Digging – Foundation System 48 Forticrete – Reconstituted Walling Stone 51 NEW PRODUCTS

SPECIAL REPORTS 14 Readers’ Lives – Jason Anker 17 John Guest 60th Anniversary 20 Norbord and West Fraser 22 Training & Upskilling – Grant UK 24 SPAB – William Morris Craft Fellows 27 Skills Crisis – A Builder’s View 30 Future Building Materials (Part One)

54 Keylite – Roof Windows 57 Marley – Pitched Roofing Safety 61 Freefoam – Cladding 65 Cedral – Fire Classifications 68 Malmo – Luxury Vinyl Tiles 71 Knauf Insulation – Building Regulations 74 Made for Trade – Customer Service 76 Makita – Tools for Roofers 79 NEW PRODUCTS

GENERAL BUILDING

86 TOOLS, EQUIPMENT & WORKWEAR 85 HiKOKI – Cordless Router 86 Festool – SYS-PowerStation 89 Helly Hansen – Workwear

80 NEW PRODUCTS 82 Bostik – Plasterer’s Stabilising Primer 92 Quickslide – Bay Window Installation 96 Knauf Insulation – New Column 97 Trade Media Library

VEHICLES & PLANT 95 Honest John – Potholes 96 Ford – Transit Custom

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

MANAGING EDITOR TERRY SMITH EMAIL: tsmith@hamerville.co.uk DEPUTY EDITOR LEE JONES EMAIL: ljones@hamerville.co.uk GROUP ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER CRAIG JOWSEY TEL: 07900 248102 EMAIL: craig@hamerville.co.uk NORTHERN ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER IAN DUFF MOBILE: 07810 353525 EMAIL: ian@hamerville.co.uk REGIONAL ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER SAM SHANNON TINSLEY MOBILE: 07554 013302 EMAIL: stinsley@hamerville.co.uk GRAPHIC DESIGNER DONNA BOOTH GROUP PRODUCTION MANAGER CAROL PADGETT PRODUCTION ASSISTANT CLAIRE SWENDELL DIGITAL MANAGER JASMINE SMITH EMAIL: jsmith@hamerville.co.uk DISTRIBUTION MANAGER KARL CLARK PRINTED BY WALSTEAD PETERBOROUGH PUBLISHED BY HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF Tel: (01923) 237799 Fax: (01923) 246901 Email: pb@hamerville.co.uk

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

viewpoint not ‘panning’ out as we hoped! One of the great hopes for life in this country – after such a devastating pandemic – was that we would see the emergence of a generally more caring, honest, and tolerant society. Certainly, the early signs were encouraging, with millions coming out each week on the streets to applaud the unstinting work of the NHS, recognising previously unsung key workers and, of course, all those heart-warming tales of good old fashioned neighbourly love. “We are all in this together” was the universal mantra and, by and large, despite everything thrown our way, the mood for a time seemed decidedly less confrontational and more compassionate. Unfortunately, as we now see a return to something resembling normality, it is becoming increasingly apparent that we were distinctly naive to think that such a seismic transformation in attitudes could last. The disgraceful scenes as an unruly ticketless mob stormed the Wembley barricades for the Euro 2020 Final, and the subsequent racial abuse suffered by the unfortunate penalty takers, showed that there are elements within our society that will never change their anti-social habits. Nothing brought this closer to home for us than a recent – and truly shocking – survey by a London-based plant hire specialist firm* that concluded that, during the lockdown, tool theft in London alone cost tradespeople more than £17.5 million – around £57,000 every single day. A mind boggling 32,000+ power tools were taken from the jobsite or vans and, scandalously, only one per cent were ever recovered. The survey also showed that around eight in ten builders have experienced tool theft at some stage before and that, over a forty-year working life, a builder will typically lose £10,000 and six working days to tool theft. That’s a heavy “Unfortunately, this sort of crime financial burden, to say nothing of the consistently falls under the radar, stress and mental health issues that can arise from loss of livelihood. largely ignored in favour of pursuing, We take little satisfaction in being one the latest and more trendy crimes of the first to highlight this terrible state of affairs more than a decade ago and against society.” campaigned strongly for power tool companies and van producers to address the situation at the manufacturing stage. To our enduring shame, one of the things we kept hearing was that the tool theft problem was largely unheard of across most of the developed world, and was seen as a uniquely British disease. Not unsurprisingly many manufacturers were reluctant to invest millions of pounds tackling something which they did not regard as a major problem. One can put forward many arguments for this depressing UK scenario, of course, including an apparent lack of respect for tradespeople, and what the loss of tools means to them, an unregulated second-hand market for cheap tools and a police force already overwhelmed by other anti-social crimes. Long before Covid we described it as a reaching epidemic proportions as hardly a week went past without hearing from another builder who had been yet again cleaned out. Now, as then, the sneak thieves rely upon the fact that the builder has to restock to earn a living, so they return with clinical precision. The sophistication and organisation of the thieves makes it clear that we aren’t simply looking at people feeding an addiction or opportunists. Many of the gangs are known to police and have previous convictions, so it shouldn’t be difficult to track them down. All that is required is the political will and resources to pursue the criminals. Apart from the intolerable burden this is putting on self-employed tradespeople, there is a knock-on effect to the consumer. As tradespeople are forced to leave the industry rather than restock for the second or third time in a year, the current skills shortage is further exacerbated, which means consumers pay more and wait longer for a good builder. Meanwhile, the cowboy armed with a boot full of ill-gotten gains goes out to fill the void. Buying stolen power tools on the quiet is far from a victimless crime. It’s high time stiffer sentences were handed down to people who are depriving hardworking tradesmen the means to earn a living. For far too long it’s been treated as some sort of occupational hazard. They may well have a lot on their plate right now, but we will be once again writing to Government ministers and police chiefs to highlight the problem and its significant detrimental impact on getting the economy on the move once again. We need your stories to make the campaigning more effective. If you have been a victim of a van or site theft, drop us an email outlining the case. Tell us how you feel your case was dealt with and whether the thieves were caught and what sentence they received. We may have hopefully seen off the worst of one horrible pandemic, but the tool theft variant looks like it will be around for some time to come yet. *To read the full report from the Herts Tools Co visit www.rdr.link/BD001

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News Professional Builder

email your news to us at pb@hamerville.co.uk Tel 01923 237799 © Romolo Tavani/Adobe Stock

BRITAIN BUILDS BACK

THE HOUSE WINS

Construction will need 216,800 new workers by 2025 to meet demand Construction has bounced back quicker than expected from the Covid-19 pandemic and the industry will reach 2019 levels of output in 2022. By 2025, the sector will need to recruit an additional 217,000 new workers just to meet demand. That’s the forecast of the Construction Skills Network (CSN) 202125, published by CITB. Most English regions will experience an increase in construction workers by 2025, with East Midlands (1.7 per cent) and West Midlands (1.4 per cent) highest whilst

New figures reveal housebuilding has reached a 20-year high

the most in demand trades are forecast to be in wood trades & interior fit-out. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD002

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD005 © MIND AND I/Adobe Stock

NICE LITTLE EARNER

New Government data shows that the number of completed homes hit 50,000 in the first three months of 2021, which is the highest figure seen in over 20 years. New national research by Powered Now – a field service management software for the trades – has also shown that it wasn’t just the construction of homes that has catapulted, but also the home improvement market has sky-rocketed, witnessing a 29.7 per cent increase in consumer expenditure.

Eight in ten tradespeople see earnings rise following lockdowns

Over eight in ten (82 per cent) of tradespeople have seen an increase in earnings following the UK lockdowns, according to new research by Direct Line business insurance. For many, the windfall has been significant, with a third (33 per cent) seeing their income rise between 11 and 20 per cent. The financial boost comes as the result of a spike in workloads for tradespeople, with over half (54 per cent) seeing a surge in their volume of jobs. 14 per cent said their workload had vastly increased, while 40 per cent said that it had risen somewhat. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD003

HOME RUN

Two-thirds of property owners are planning home improvements, according to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

The cost of home makeovers is now expected to exceed £135 billion, with a further boost from those 1 in 5 Brits moving house in the last year to cash in on the Stamp Duty holiday, and others looking to remodel their homes to cater for the rise in home-working. Just a quarter of people say they will do all the work themselves, meaning tradespeople will be in high demand. On average, homeowners are planning to spend £13,958 on their makeover, with one in five budgeting over £20,000. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD004

THE NUMBERS ARE UP

The economic data continues to suggest strong growth in construction The latest Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) confirms that sales through UK builders’ merchants remain strong, with landscaping leading the field (+63.3 per cent), followed by timber & joinery (+37.2 per cent). Elsewhere, the most recent UK’s Construction PMI data revealed a recordbreaking surge in demand with new home registrations hitting a 14-year high. NHBC data demonstrates the strongest quarter for new build home registrations since 2007, with a 14-year peak of 46,452 homes in the second quarter. The drive for sustainability and net zero carbon is also seeing an increase tender prices, whilst private housing repair, maintenance and improvement output grew at the highest level for over a decade in the early part of 2021. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD006

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News Professional Builder

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

HERITAGE SKILLS

New scheme to keep old skills alive

CHANGING TIMES

Climate change targets need industry overhaul, declares the Federation of Master Builders (FMB)

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD007

CONSTRUCTION SUICIDES UP

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity commissioned Glasgow Caledonian University to carry out research on suicide statistics from 2015 to 2019 and alarming results show that suicides have increased. The data shows no change in historical ratios, with those in the construction industry three times more likely to take their own life than in other sectors. The charity offers a number of avenues of support on mental health and well-being issues including its recently launched ‘Help Inside the Hard Hat’ campaign. FOR FURTHER DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD008

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THE TAXMAN COMETH

Workers in construction industry urged to check tax refund options

The UK's 2.3 million construction workers are being encouraged to check that they are not owed money from HMRC as a result of overpaying on their tax or not claiming the flat-rate expenses they are entitled to. Around half the UK’s construction workers are designated as contractors or subcontractors under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). Tax preparation specialist, David Redfern, director of DSR Tax Refunds explains: “The CIS means that subcontractors are taxed 20 per cent of their earnings at source prior to receiving their earnings. However, they are considered to be self-employed and, therefore, initial taxation does not consider their allowable expenses meaning that most subcontractors are paying more tax than they should be". IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD010

PLAN OF ACTION PAYBACK TIME!

Small and medium builders (SMEs) back government planning reform

“The current © goodluz/Adobe Stock system enables the biggest builders to win most of the work and the Government is correct to use planning reform to try and solve the housing crisis and enable more players to build,” explains Richard Beresford, National Federation of Builders (NFB) Chief Executive. “In turn, this will also help its levelling up agenda, specifically in construction, as SMEs train 7 in 10 construction apprentices.” FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD011

Prompt payment code should go further argues construction firm, Beard

Recent reforms to the Prompt Payment Code covering small businesses require payment times to be cut from 60 days to 30 days. Mark Beard, chairman at family owned and run construction firm Beard comments: “Halving the payment terms to 30 days for SME suppliers will not only provide greater protection to the supply chain, but, ultimately, we would like to see this go further and apply the 30-day rule to all suppliers, not just SMEs.” FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD012

Those in the construction industry three times more likely to take their own life.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD009 © Vitali Voldolazskyi/Adobe Stock

A report from the trade association and the Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions (CREDS) calls on the Government to work with builders so that energy retrofit is integrated into every appropriate project. It calls for an update to the Building Regulations, a cut in VAT on home improvement work to 5 per cent, and the introduction of a licence to trade for building firms. Further recommendations include the incorporation of a foundation course on buildings and energy into all construction training, and the introduction of ‘building renovation passports’.

A £4.325 million five-year programme to help address long-term and severe heritage skills shortages in the construction sector has been launched. Delivered by Historic England, the grant is the largest one-off investment ever awarded to heritage construction training. It will fund an in-work heritage skills and apprenticeship scheme, which aims to increase expertise in essential crafts such as bricklaying, carpentry and joinery, painting and decorating, plastering, roofing and stonemasonry.

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YOUR LETTERS... ...problems solved

WHAT LIES BENEATH Dear Professional Builder

I read your feature on the dangers of underground electrical infrastructure, and it is commendable that you’re highlighting the issue. I have personal experience myself when a friend of mine was badly burned on site from a cable strike. He’s actually lucky to be still alive but still couldn’t work for some time, and that’s a problem for a self-employed tradesman. All the information you need to avoid accidents like these is out there and checking before you dig with a cable avoidance tool is not an onerous or time-consuming task. Keep up the good work! ● Bradley Wood, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire PB: Organisations such as UK Power Networks and Line Search Before You Dig provide invaluable resources and you can read the Professional Builder feature on the subject on our website. Simply enter the rdr.link below direct into your browser and it will take you xto the relevant page. FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD013

GOING ROGUE Dear Professional Builder

We’re a building firm that pride ourselves on doing a good job for a fair price, but I have to say, that in all the years I’ve worked in the industry, I’ve never known a time when maintaining customer relations has been so difficult. We don’t advertise, and work on the basis of recommendation, and the last two jobs we’ve done the client has blatantly tried to get the final bill reduced by raising issues that just weren’t there. We know from experience to protect ourselves with staged payments but, with the likes of materials prices and labour the way they are – and margins so tight – even a reduction in value of one part of the job can leave us out of pocket. So much media attention is devoted to the cowboy builder but surely more needs to be down about these rogue clients? If you pursue it through the courts it’ll probably cost you more than the disputed amount, so there’s very little recourse for tradespeople. ● Name withheld on request PB: It is a very difficult issue and one that every builder will

have some bitter experience. Maintaining good channels of communication, staged payments through the works and making sure that all extras are clearly highlighted as and when they arise is all best practice but even then there are unscrupulous clients who will push it as far as they can. We would be interested to hear about the experiences of other readers?

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DI-WHY?

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

Wiring six spotlights and a shaver point off a ceiling pendant Sean Litchfield on Facebook ‘professionally fitted’ kitchen and Called in to replace a worktop in a . The waste pipes were joined by discovered these howlers underneath ply visible through exquisitely sup gaffer tape over the cooker power detailed access hatches! Roger Tuck

There’s some right jokers out there John Tinker on Facebook parent last And this was the ap ing main” “r r pe socket on the up Facebook on s rd Daniel Edwa

This ran a 3kw electric fire on 1.5mm flex ran from an existing socket Daniel Edwards on Facebook

SHARE YOUR PICS! IF YOU’VE GOT A DI-WHY? DISASTER YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH YOUR FELLOW TRADESPEOPLE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD014 YOU CAN ALSO SEND YOU PHOTOS TO PB@HAMERVILLE.CO.UK OR TAG US ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER, OR INSTAGRAM.

@probuilderonline

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@PB_mag

@probuildermag

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SPECIAL REPORT READERS’ LIVES

JASON’S STORY Following life changing injuries as a consequence of a fall from height, Jason Anker is now devoting his time to promoting health and safety issues. Professional Builder’s Lee Jones talks to the former tradesman about his accident and its devastating aftermath.

he split-second decisions that we make on site can send shock waves through the lives of individuals and their families for ever more. That’s the lesson that Jason Anker, MBE wants to deliver to the audiences of site managers and workers that listen to his talks. When he recounts the shattering impact of his own experiences from his wheelchair, Jason

transcends the statistics, and is the living embodiment of the consequences of a site accident. Working for his father-in-law’s firm on a flat roof repair, January 3rd 1993 was in many ways a day like any other for Jason, but it was one that would change the Nottinghamshire tradesman’s life forever. “It was a cold, foggy afternoon and our first job following the Christmas break,” he

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recalls. “The client was pleading with us to fix a leak just as soon as we could, we only had a couple of hours of light left, we were tired and it was unplanned work – all the warning signs were there. Like a lot of people who’ve suffered accidents at work I knew that the way we were working at times was dangerous but I didn’t feel I could speak out. We were a small firm trying to keep going in the middle of a recession so the safety aspect just wasn’t a priority.” The ladder Jason and hi co-worker were using was untied and unsupported, and his fall would leave him paralysed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. “There is a perception that – because of the extent of my injuries – that I must have hit the ground from a considerable distance, but it was actually only ten feet, and that’s one of the crucial points that I make in my talks. It surprises many people but it is living proof that working at height at any level is inherently dangerous and there’s

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no room for complacency.” The initial prognosis Jason was given was a condition called spinal shock, but a further CT scan revealed irreparable damage. Following back surgery he still believed he’d walk again, but it was not to be. “Once I had surgery, I just couldn’t let go of the hope that I’d get back to normal because that’s what you see in the movies – you work hard and you get back on your feet – but it was never going to be possible. When that realisation dawned on me it was something that I really I couldn’t come to terms with.” By his own admission, Jason struggled to cope with the trauma of living with a disability, and that would inevitably impact on loved ones. “It’s not just about losing the use of your legs because I was also suffering from double incontinence, as well as impotence,” he confesses. “Add to that the toll it takes on your dignity, a reduced life expectancy, and the pressures on family life and the experience is overwhelming. As a result, shortly after coming out of hospital, and just a few months after the accident, my marriage failed.” In order to blot out the physical and emotionally pain Jason turned to drink and drugs, and substance abuse as a coping mechanism would be the pattern of his existence for years to come. “I actually ended up on life support following an overdose, and my parents were told by the medical staff that there was no hope for me and that they needed to consider turning the machine off. Thankfully they didn’t, and it was the start of my recovery.”

After a lengthy rehabilitation process Jason discovered disabled water skiing but was still drinking quite heavily. To add to his sense of injury, sixteen years after the incident – and following a protracted legal dispute – in order to be sure he would receive any kind of compensation at all he was advised to settle out of court, and received just £408,000 as a result.

Powerful message

What turned Jason’s life around completely was the opportunity to tell his story to others and hopefully help prevent accidents on site. “I met a guy called Dan Terry in 2008 who immediately recognised that recounting the effect that the choice I made that freezing January day in 1993 would have on the years that followed would be a powerful message to site workers.” “I call it the five second moment – if you believe a working practice on site is dangerous then give yourself a few moments to consider the effect of an accident not just on you but those around you, because it will destroy multiple lives.

What I want to do is empower people to say, ‘I’m not doing that because it’s not safe.’ If you lose your job as a consequence then put it on your CV and make sure you tell prospective employers exactly why you left that company because it’s something that should be applauded.” “From an employer’s perspective there is a positive aspect to health and safety that too many smaller firms in particular just don’t recognise. It’s invariably more productive to use scaffolding than operating from ladders, for example, and you also have to factor in that a happy workforce will always be a more industrious one – give people the right equipment and they’re bound to feel more valued in their employment.” “The consequences of my accident will never go away,” he concludes, “and there are daily reminders. I’ve got grandchildren now but I’ll never able to run after them or play football with them and that will always hurt.” TO WATCH THE FILM ‘PROUD2BSAFE’ THAT ILLUSTRATES THE EFFECTS OF JASON’S ACCIDENT ON HIMSELF AND HIS FAMILY WWW.RDR.LINK/BD015 ABBI’S STORY IS A FILM BY THE LADDER ASSOCIATION AND CAN VIEWED AT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD016 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON JASON’S WORK TO PROMOTE HEALTH AND SAFETY BEST PRACTICE IN THE WORKPLACE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD017 OR GOT TO: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD018

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SPECIAL REPORT JOHN GUEST AT 60

BE OUR GUEST

The original push-fit inventors, John Guest, part of the RWC family of brands, is celebrating 60 years since its inception.

stablished in 1961 by John Guest, the company developed the world’s first push-fit system designed initially for compressed air in 1974. Created to make installations faster and easier, this technology is now used across the globe, including in automotive power-steering systems, food grade applications in drinks dispensers and water treatment, through to telecoms, compressed air and OEM solutions – and, of course, the plumbing and heating sector. Under the John Guest and JG Speedfit brands technology innovation, combined ■ 1950’s By the late 1950s John Guest had already developed his first prototype hollow pressure die casting machine. ■ 1960s The first John Guest company was formed in the early 1960s specialising in precision engineering and tool making. ■ 1970s

with years of expertise, helps RWC support installers to complete projects as efficiently as possible. Bart Maris, VP Sales & Marketing for RWC EMEA, explains more: “This year we are celebrating a huge milestone at John Guest. Push-fit technology has come a long way since we first invented it, and we are constantly striving for improvement. Now, as part of the family of brands, we are integrating the technology, knowledge and experience into our wider product portfolio. For example, just last year, we launched a set of Reliance Valves with JG Speedfit connections to help make Speedfit’ concept has been developed to include fittings for a wide range of applications. A second factory, covering 9,000 sq ft was opened in West Drayton.

plumbing and heating installations faster, simpler and easier.” The advantages of plastic push-fit pipes and fittings are well known throughout the plumbing industry. They are versatile, durable, and easy to transport and install. It is also by far the easiest of the four main fitting types to work with – even in confined spaces. ■ 2000s The commitment to product development was recognised by the receiving of the Queen’s Award for Innovation, recognising the development of Twist and Lock Plumbing Fittings and Pipe.

■ 1980s The Speedfit Plumbing and Heating System was launched in 1987 at the Interbuild Exhibition and wins Best New Product at the show awards. ■ 1990s By now, there were over 2,000 different types and sizes of fittings in the product range.

In 1974, John Guest developed his first push in tube connector for use with compressed air. That basic ‘Super

■ 2010s September 2014 saw the launch of JG Aura, the new heating control concept that gives complete control of your home heating from the palm of your hand.

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SPECIAL REPORT JOHN GUEST AT 60

Compared to compression fittings, soldering, and press-fit, push-fit requires no tools to install or demount, offering up to 40 per cent decreased installation time. With no requirement for blowtorches, solder and cleaning agents, installation is not only faster, it offers far fewer health and safety risks. Beyond the benefits to installers, pushfit technology stands to benefit the industry as a whole. With construction and renovation projects on the increase, redoubled government focus on investment in housing and infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled labour, efficiency is key. Using technology that offers speed

and reliability could help free up installers by improving efficiency, allowing construction projects to proceed apace. Today, RWC’s John Guest innovates for a range of industries within their UK factories, making millions of products a year. Everything is made in the UK, from tooling, to automated assembly machines to components – ensuring the reputation for quality is never compromised. Every product is designed in-house and rigorously tested in state-of-the-art labs, with strict quality control throughout the process.

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FOR MORE ABOUT THE MARKING OF THE JOHN GUEST ANNIVERSARY, CELEBRATING ‘60 YEARS OF TRUST’ VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD019

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SPECIAL REPORT WEST FRASER

GO WEST! It must be more than thirty years since Professional Builder first travelled all the way up to Inverness to learn more about a new type of engineered wood building board with a host of applications in flooring, roofing and panelling for the construction industry. The company and, of course, the OSB product range has come a very long way since then, and now we understand that there have been some further significant developments within the business? David Connacher (DC) Yes, that’s right, the company has recently been acquired by one of the biggest wood products companies in the world: West Fraser. It is a diversified wood product business with more than 60 facilities in Canada, the United States and Europe. It was founded in 1955 when three brothers – Sam, Bill and Pete Ketcham – who pooled their resources to buy a small planing mill in Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada.

From responsibly sourced and sustainably managed forest resources, West Fraser produces lumber, engineered wood (OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, particleboard), and other products, including pulp, newsprint, wood chips and renewable energy. These products are used in construction, repair and remodelling, industrial applications, papers, tissue and box materials. You can find out more about the company at WWW.RDR.LINK/BD020

What’s the thinking behind the acquisition and what benefits does it bring to the end users? DC The two companies are much aligned and share many common values, including a commitment to safety, efficient manufacturing facilities, a focus on continuous improvement and teamwork, as well as manufacturing sustainable products that are essential for a lowcarbon economy. Product development and efficient supply chains will also be at the crux of the new organisation due to the merging of experienced teams.

David Connacher, Marketing Manager, West Fraser, answers our questions on the recent developments at a familiar name in building materials Will customers notice any changes to supply or branding etc? DC Absolutely nothing will change in the way we go about our daily business. The people are the same, the products are the same, the plants are the same – Norbord Europe now becomes the European arm of West Fraser following the acquisition – and a bright future awaits.

Can we expect any products to change in the way they are made? DC A resounding NO to that! The existing brands are market-leading and hugely successful. They are well known and have been part of the UK business landscape for many decades. They will remain as they are – the company’s stock-in-trade – literally. SterlingOSB Zero, CaberBoard, CaberFloor and CaberWood MDF, for example, will all be readily available to meet the growing upturn in building after lockdown through our extensive merchant distribution channels.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON WEST FRASER VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD021

“The joining of our two companies is a very exciting move for us in Europe. To list West Fraser’s long standing core beliefs – efficiency, modern mills, responsibility and leadership in environmental performance the active involvement of employees in the business, a commitment to safety and a relentless pursuit of excellence in everything we do – is to echo Norbord’s. There is a huge opportunity for us to grow and develop in Europe – together. We are looking forward to a bright future!” Simon Woods, European Sales, Marketing & Logistics Director, West Fraser

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SPECIAL REPORT TRAINING & UPSKILLING

PUMP UP YOUR TRAINING! Myth 1: Consumer demand for heat pumps is low Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of their impact on the environment and are actively looking at ways in which they can reduce their carbon footprint. The Government’s Clean Growth Strategy is going to shape legislation that will move the market away from fossil fuels, making homeowners transition from high carbon heating systems to greener, more sustainable alternatives. Understanding and education on low carbon heating technologies is more widespread as well so, overall, the awareness of heat pumps amongst the consumer market is increasing. Myth 2: Heat pumps are only suitable for new builds Air source heat pumps are an ideal solution for new builds because the necessary energy-efficient measures can be installed during the early phases of a property’s build. However, that is not to say that an air source heat pump is solely suited to new homes. The Aerona³ heat pump, for example, has been installed into many existing homes, being retrospectively fitted to replace an older heating system. A retrofit installation may involve the installation of additional roof or wall insulation or other measures to reduce heat loss from the property, but provided the entire system has been properly designed, with correctly sized heat emitters, and the most suitable heat pump output, an older home can comfortably go green with an air source heat pump.

With Net Zero carbon targets now on the agenda, John Morris Renewables Business Development Manager at Grant UK, gives Professional Builder readers an opportunity to brush up on their heat pump knowledge – and busts a few myths.

as efficient when compared to operation in warmer outdoor temperatures, they still operate with good efficiencies. A heat pump will work considerably more in the winter months compared to the spring and summer but this should not be mistaken for inefficiency. Between November and February when a home’s heating and hot water demand is at its highest, a heat pump will use an estimated 63 per cent of its annual energy usage so during these months, electricity usage can be expected to increase. However, this usage will significantly drop during the remaining months of the year when the heat pump’s energy consumption is very low. Myth 4: Heat pump product training is not essential It is incredibly important for installers who are not currently installing heat pumps to complete training on this technology before they start working with them. Without suitable product training to give

installers a solid understanding of how heat pumps work and what maximises their performance, there is a risk of installations being completed incorrectly which can result in underperforming heat pumps and therefore unsatisfied endusers. Air source heat pumps are different to install compared to a conventional boiler – a heat pump installation will not be a ‘like for like’ replacement installation and, as previously mentioned, thorough design preparation is needed. More and more builders are now completing heat pump training and adding this renewable technology to their business offering, strengthening their expertise and broadening their customer base. Heat pump training from Grant UK is provided via practical courses at one of our Training Academies or online via the eLearning Academy and Professional Builder readers can choose the type of training that best suits their required level of knowledge.

Myth 3: Heat pumps do not work efficiently in the winter months Heat pumps are designed to operate in low temperatures – Grant’s Aerona³ heat pump can operate in conditions as low as -20ºC – and while their SCOPs will not be For more details on Grant UK’s heat pump training visit WWW.RDR.LINK/BD022

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SPECIAL REPORT TRADITIONAL BUILDING SKILLS

FELLOW TRAVELLERS Throughout the summer of 2021 four builders have been visiting a host of projects and conservation specialists across the country as part of the William Morris Craft Fellowship. Professional Builder’s Lee Jones talks to the group about their experiences.

rganised by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, this unique educational opportunity allows the Fellows to undertake a sixmonth, nationwide tour. On it they will gain hands-on experience of building conservation and repair across a diverse range of disciplines and locations, with the opportunity to subsequently focus on a particular trade. Last year, Covid-19 restrictions forced the cancellation of the annual SPAB initiative for the first time since the Second World War. As a result,

this chosen few have been waiting patiently for a full year to embark upon the life of an itinerant craftsman that the training programme demands. Professional Builder caught up with the group at the annual SPAB summer working party, which has again brought the organisation’s Scholars – as well as volunteers – together at two sites: the SPAB’s Old House Project at St Andrews former chapel and Boxley Abbey, both near Maidstone in Kent, where the repair of the site’s 15th century St Andrew’s Chapel is putting the charity’s principles into practice. The Fellows themselves are from as varied a range of backgrounds as the sites they will visit but each are united by a passion for old buildings. “The main lesson we can learn from the craftsmen of the past is in utilising local materials,” argues Fellow and building conservator, Thom Taylor. “Today, sustainability is a central concern, and the way that most buildings of age were constructed does hold some of the answers. There’s no reason why we should be importing lime for abroad, for example, when it can be quarried on these shores or made on site in a lime kiln. That’s what’s given individual regions they’re local character and it’s something to which I believe we need to return. The real craft is in knowing what material to use in a particular environment. There have been so many highlights on the tour from making stained glass from scratch to

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The William Morris Craft Fellows from left to right: Oli Beatson, Toby Slater, Tom Skinner and Thom Taylor

blacksmithing, and lime mortar work, whilst we also get the opportunity to specialise in a particular field.” It’s an ethos and enthusiasm that is echoed by carpenter, Toby Slater, who specialises in timber frame repair. “The buildings we work on are a snapshot of a particular moment in history,” explains the proprietor of Slater Conservation. “When you’re working on them you can see marks from long gone craftsmen not just from the initial construction but all the subsequent repairs, and that tells a story of a journey through time. Unfortunately, the building industry of the 1970s and ‘80s, in particular, showed little respect for timber frame, and a lot of what we do is about mending the damage caused by

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inappropriate use of materials like concrete render.” It’s that belief that the fabric of old buildings should be saved where possible that attracted the Essex-based craftsman to the Fellowship and the SPAB philosophy. “I’ve always tried to save us much of any old timber frame as possible, rather than replace whole sections, because you are saving a piece of history.” Whilst taking time out from his successful business is a huge commitment, Toby has found the SPAB programme hugely rewarding. His many Fellowship highlights have include thatching, a visit to a slate quarry, and an introduction to brickwork conservation

with Emma Simpson at Hampton Court Palace, whilst he will also be undertaking a three-month millwrighting course at the end of the SPAB Programme. Carpenter, Oli Beatson is already well versed in using time honoured techniques to ply his trade and was demonstrating his rope access skills in the roof repairs of Boxley Abbey’s imposing medieval barn. The joiner works for Historic Environment Scotland, and also has the added pressure of being away from his family, and two-year-old son, during the Fellowship, but it is a sacrifice well worth making. Like Toby, he believes as much of the original timbers as possible should be preserved and it is an approach which

is in step with SPAB values. “When you’re working on a building like this barn you feel you’re playing your part in keeping something alive for future generations. It’s a mark of respect for the craftsmen who did the work originally and, if you undertake an honest repair, your contribution can be read through the ages. The oldest part of a structure might not be the most significant because every layer is part of an on-going story, and you don’t want to be hiding where repairs have been made.” “I’ve always been obsessed with historic buildings, and started working on them as young as 15,” adds Tom Skinner. “At the Old House Project we’ve been hewing timbers with handaxes and a saw horse in much the same way it would have been done when medieval barns were first raised and that’s a fascinating insight into some of the techniques of the past.” In addition to his carpentry skills, Tom is also experienced in lime plastering, stone and brick conservation, and across all those disciplines it is the use of simple, vernacular materials that he admires. “On the Fellowship, when we’re travelling the country, we’re privileged to experience the expression of regional variations in building styles and materials. There’s different types of stone, for instance, and techniques around timber framing all of which have evolved as an inherent part of that place.” “For me the highlight of the Fellowship has been speaking to the craftspeople we’ve met. We’ve been exposed to an incredible pool of knowledge and skill and they teach you to look at old buildings in an entirely new way. Building elements will interact and complement each other and the more I can learn about different materials the better, because I can take back to my own projects, and hopefully pass on that knowledge to others.” APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 2022 SPAB FELLOWSHIP. APPLY ONLINE BY 14TH SEPTEMBER BY VISITING WWW.RDR.LINK/BD023 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SOCIETY FOR PROTECTION OF ANCIENT BUILDINGS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD024

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SPECIAL REPORT SKILLS CRISIS

Inspiring the next generation

an established tradesperson to hone their skills. It is debatable if there is enough incentive anymore for employers to want to give their time and energy to training apprentices and if they are even aware of government schemes, such as Kickstart, to help fund them. When you look at it like that then who wants to strive for a career that society rates as ‘second best’? It doesn’t have to be this way. I was lucky enough to receive a higher education, gaining a good degree from a top university. However, by the time I’d finished my course I’d lost all sense of direction and found great solace in a hands-on career in the trade as a tiler. The short-term gains of physically delivering customer satisfaction with a job well done and immediate payment meant that I felt self-sufficient and motivated for the first time in months. I strongly believe that highlighting these short- and longterm goals to school and college students will help inspire the next generation of construction workers.

Experienced builder, and developer of the Kiistone app, Tim Mullock gives his views on the skills crisis and what the industry needs to do to solve it. here is no doubt that we are experiencing a critical shortage of skilled labour and when you consider that, even when the industry is currently booming, there is a perception that jobs in construction are insecure it does raise the question as to the root cause. I strongly believe that the answer lies in how tradespeople are perceived in society today. Programmes such as the BBC’s Rogue Traders have rightfully highlighted that there is a percentage of tradespeople that over-charge and underdeliver – leaving a trail of heartache in their wake. However, during these times of plenty, good tradespeople are in higher demand, leading to longer waiting times. In our modern world, where buying and selling happens at the touch of a button, the impatience of customers leaves the

door open to less skilled trades trying to do more or fraudsters scamming the public. The effects of this have led to a pandemic of mistrust between customers and tradespeople.

Vocational career

When you combine this perception with the long-established view that an academic career is more prized than a vocational one what is supposed to motivate the next generation of youngsters to join our industry? I spoke recently with a College Principal who explained to me her struggle to motivate often disillusioned staff into reinvigorating stale construction courses attended only by the ‘less capable’ students. Even when a youngster graduates it doesn’t necessarily mean that they can gain greater experience joining

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SPECIAL REPORT SKILLS CRISIS A young person, possibly from an under-privileged background, will either feel determined to improve their situation or accept the limitations of the world they live in. Short term impacts of choosing a vocational career could have a profound effect on their self-belief and happiness. A young decorator, for example, after gaining confidence in the classroom could choose to decorate their own home – improving their living situation and gaining satisfaction not just for themselves but from the people they live with. Trade skills can be transferred anywhere around the world. What would the opportunity to dig wells or build temporary accommodation in a developing country have on the aspirations of a youngster that has never been abroad? When they look up in their towns and cities at the giant glazed skyscrapers and office blocks – why shouldn’t they ask questions like: “Who had the nerve and skill to put that glass in at the top?” And if money is their driver, then there are ample examples of millionaire ‘rags to riches’ stories throughout the trade sector.

Sculpting lives

Role models are the sculptors that shape any young person’s life and aspirations. Through their insights young people need to see and believe in these routes to success in their school years. The pathways must be clear and signposted with further opportunities as they progress. If an uninspired student leaves education to become a labourer because school ‘wasn’t for them’ – should that be the end of their academic journey? Certainly not! If they gain the selfsatisfaction that they need to be selffulfilled in that role then great, but what if they have new role models on site such as architects, skilled trades and business owners to suddenly look up to. A new long-term goal emerges that can only be capitalised on with a route back into training and education. We must cement the notion that a successful career in construction can take you anywhere, but the key to that success is time. You cannot gain the necessary

skills and experience to excel at the highest levels of our industry without a commitment to long term learning and a rounding of your education. Even a sole trader has to be aware of business practices. If you can’t do basic accountancy, manage materials and communicate with customers you will fail. Immediate financial success is only limited to your perception. Even an apprentice will gain enough money to buy a pint, a designer t-shirt and avoid the debts of higher education. Enjoy those gains and put the Ferrari on hold for a few years. Only on hold, of course, because

they should know that with hard work and diligence that luxury prize isn’t impossible. A lack of any resource increases demand and raises the value of what is available. Therefore, the opportunity to become a skilled tradesperson or construction worker should be fashioned in the public eye to be as desirable as any other profession, and given parity in the halls of education. Until this happens, I can’t see the numbers and quality of youngsters’ performance increasing to the levels required anytime soon, leaving the current crop to surmise: “they don’t make ‘em like they used to”.

Tim Mullock is the owner of Chorley-based Lancashire Luxury Developments and the developer of the Kiistone App www.rdr.link/BD025

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SPECIAL REPORT FUTURE BUILDING MATERIALS

FINE PRINT In the first of a three-part series, Professional Builder’s Lee Jones explores some of the advances that are being made in materials and what could be routinely utilised on site in the future

here has in the past been a perception with some environmentally friendly building products that there is an inevitable trade off with performance. Whether it’s in paints, plasters or masonry materials, reduce CO2 and pollution they may well do but they’re never quite up to the mark of their predecessors. Funded by the European Commission, Brunel University’s three-year DigiMat project has ambitions to change all that with a ‘lego-style’ brick that champions recycled raw materials, and is 3D printed into interlocking blocks that eliminate the need for mortar on site. Not only that, but in many crucial respects its developers have improved upon the properties of what they are seeking to replace. In his research, project lead, Dr Seyed Ghaffar is utilising his materials science expertise and combing it with innovative manufacturing technologies. It is that synthesis which allows the transition from theory and the lab right through to the factory floor and finished product. “Any technology needs a suitable material if it is to become useful, and vice versa,” explains the Associate Professor in the department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Brunel University London. “By bringing together waste material with 3D printing techniques we’re hoping to introduce an alternative to traditional brick that is not only more sustainable but is

actually an upgrade on the cement and sand-based products currently available.” The cement constituent of concrete is extremely energy intensive, and a major contributor to global CO2 emissions. Seyed and his team have replaced ordinary Portland cement, with recycled by-products from industry. Fly ash is a waste product from coalfired power stations, for example, whilst steel foundries are the source for Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag (GGBS). “Both of these materials have cementitious properties, and can be used as a binder, but are comparatively weak when set against Portland cement. What we have done is introduced chemical agents which act as accelerants and/or activators. Essentially, the mix we have perfected speeds up the hydration process, which means the concrete dries quicker and can achieve an even higher technical specification than Portland cement.”

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Dr Seyed Ghaffar is Associate Professor in the department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Brunel University London

The negative environmental impact of Portland is, therefore, eliminated but in a higher strength concrete with significantly improved sustainability credentials, but the ambitions don’t stop there. “We want to be making use of secondary raw materials wherever possible,” continues Seyed. “Rather than using river sand for the bricks, for instance, our goal is to replace as much of that virgin material with recovered demolition waste. As a result, we’ve been able to reduce the amount of sand used compared to a conventional brick by up to 30 per cent.

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New Series NO.1 Moreover, in nonstructural load bearing applications it may well be possible to eliminate the use of river sand in concrete completely.” There is, in fact, three waste streams used in the finished brick. Firstly, crushed concrete is utilised as an aggregate, the second is the aforementioned fly ash and GGBS and, thirdly, further reinforcing agents – sourced from both the plastics and agricultural sectors – are introduced. Concrete is a material that has built much of the modern world and its benefits are many, varied and well known, but like any building material it has limits. As an

illustration, it scores highly in compressive strength but exhibits relatively poor levels of tensile strength – in other words, it’s difficult to squash but it can be pulled apart, which makes that third waste source a crucial component of the developed building blocks by Seyed and his research group. Here, wheat straw and plastic waste is added in very small amounts, introducing a fibrous element which increases the product’s tensile properties. Those components come together in a 3D printing process that Seyed believes could transform the industry by improving productivity levels and reducing energy

usage. “It’s something that sounds very futuristic but essentially you’re talking about a computer-controlled hopper and a nozzle with the right mix of ingredients extruded from it. The beauty of that method is that complex geometries can be achieved relatively easily. If you’re utilising a material that has been chemically modified to set quickly, there’s no need for complex moulds or formwork. That’s what we’ve achieved and how the material science comes together with the manufacturing technique.” “It’s been a process of trialling different additives to determine how we could actually improve on Portland cement,” concludes Seyed, “and there is still much work to be done but we believe it has the potential to provide a clean and affordable solution.” FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON CIVIL ENGINEERING AT BRUNEL

VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD026

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Professional

BUILDER’S

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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/BD027 32

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masonry materials & landscaping

EVERYTHING IN THE GARDEN IS ROSY Marshalls explains how to lay a porcelain patio n recent years porcelain has become a popular option for garden patios. Sometimes referred to as vitrified paving, it’s a great low maintenance choice for customers and looks particularly good in modern gardens. But if you’ve never laid a porcelain patio before, where do you start? We’ve asked an expert from Marshalls to share their advice, including tips for precision cutting.

Sub-base

When it comes to the sub-base and excavation, the methods to lay porcelain are the same as other materials. For most gardens, a sub-base of 100mm should be sufficient, but make sure you take into account the particular ground conditions and type and frequency of loads. If excavation is needed, the depth should be based upon the thickness of the sub-base plus the sand, mortar and paving flag thickness. If you’re laying the

patio up to an existing structure make sure it’s minimum of 150mm below the damp proof course to prevent problems with rising damp. Your sub-base material, as with other paving types, should be well graded (40mm to dust) Type 1 quality material and placed in layers no more than 75mm thick, or twice the nominal maximum aggregate size. Edge restraints should be sufficiently robust and installed prior to the installation of the sub-base. Alternatively, and a good design idea for a quality finish, you could create a border using an alternative product or material to frame the project and enhance the overall finish.

Rigidly laid paving

■ Top Tip: Vitrified paving is recommended to be installed on a full mortar bed and never on a five spot bed or alternative. Flags should be supported on a full ‘wet’ JA Dodds Landscapes – after

workable mix mortar bed (1:4 cement/sharp sand), you should lay the mortar bedding to give a thickness between 15mm and 30mm. To increase adhesion to the mortar bed and prevent separation, Marshalls Paving Primer or similar flexible bonding agent compound should be applied to the back of the flag prior to installing onto the mortar bed. Gently tamp down onto the mortar bed using an appropriate rubber maul. Adjustment may be necessary to ensure that the units are fully supported and do not rock or move, and that desired levels and falls are achieved.

Cutting porcelain

We often get asked about cutting porcelain, as it’s a different skill to other materials, here are our top 5 tips 1. Make sure you’re wearing the appropriate PPE and dust suppression when using power cutting tools JA Dodds Landscapes – before

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Garden Makeovers Ltd – before Garden Makeovers Ltd – after

©Brockstone Landscape Construction

2. Always use a proprietary blade, designed for cutting porcelain 3. A table saw with water suppression gets the best results for straight cuts 4. If you only have a power saw, reduce vibration and risk of shattering by placing the product on polystyrene or a bed of sand 5. For the trickiest of cuts, measure carefully and mark out the section to be cut; a steady hand, a small angle grinder and a bit of patience will get the best results. To avoid unnecessary breakages, we recommend that you cut both ends of the flag with a blade before full run through.

Jointing a porcelain patio

Another area where the practice differs a little from other materials is jointing. Good suppliers will supply a vitrified jointing material with the product, and this should be used to full fill the joints. Joint widths

WHY IS PORCELAIN A GOOD OPTION FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS? ■ It’s strong and hard-wearing ■ Low water absorption means it needs less cleaning due to less staining and algae ■ It has excellent frost resistance ■ Generally available on short lead times ■ Wide range of colours and finishes, giving good options on price range should be 3-5mm wide, you could use spacers to achieve uniform joints. Under no circumstances should dry or semi dry sand/cement mixes be brushed into the joints as this doesn’t give a rigid joint and can cause the paving to become stained. Once you have laid the paving on the mortar bed, rake out any excess mortar between the joints to the base level of the flag with a suitable tool. This will ensure the jointing material fills all joints to the entire depth and width of the flag joint. The joints should then be filled using the supplied jointing compound following the instructions supplied. Saturate the paved area with water prior to expelling the product onto the paving then brush diagonally into the joints. Remember, different jointing compounds need to be used in different ways, so always make sure you follow the guidelines specific to the product you are using.

■ Top Tip: To aid jointing material into the joint, you could form slurry by adding extra water to the jointing compound which allows it to flow easily. If you want to achieve a smoother finish to the joint, let the jointing compound drain and cure for a minimum of two hours before striking off. ■ Cleaning down before you finish To finish the installation, gently spray the surface of the paving with water before sweeping off any excess jointing material with a soft bristled brush. ■ Top Tip: If you’ve used a Marshalls porcelain product, the remaining jointing compound can be stored in the tub to re-use within 12 months. Just fill tub to the maximum with water, ensuring all jointing compound

FOR MORE ADVICE AND INFORMATION ON MARSHALLS’ PORCELAIN PRODUCT RANGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD028

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masonry materials & landscaping

SURVEYING THE LANDSCAPE

ACO Water Management explores the issue of sustainable landscaping

hen it comes to landscaping projects, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. Incorporating Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) is key to delivering on this, and building professionals need to ensure they familiarise themselves with the ever-evolving regulations. Here, Oliver Collins, Product Marketing Manager – Building + Landscape at ACO Water Management, takes a look at some of the key issues when it comes to sustainability, including the latest SuDS recommendations from DEFRA. Within the last few years, sustainability has become a core part of virtually any building project. This is particularly true of landscaping, where there is a big focus on how water sustainability needs to be considered early on in a project. In part, this is due to increasingly unpredictable weather, which has the dual effect of increasing storm-level events (and, therefore, heavy rainfall), but also lengthening drought spells.

In fact, there are even warnings that some areas of the UK could soon run out of water unless urgent action is taken. As such, building professionals are tasked with ensuring that alongside meeting their customers’ aesthetic and practical requirements for projects, they also pay attention to the key issue of water sustainability.

SuDS recommendations

SuDS principals offer a framework for providing water management in an environmentally friendly way. They outline some of the central pillars of water sustainability, and the latest recommendations by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have identified the following as key standards when designing water management systems: ■ Runoff destinations ■ Everyday rainfall ■ Extreme rainfall ■ Water quality ■ Amenity

Biodiversity

While it is recommended that all five of these standards are addressed, one of the most important consideration for builders is destination runoff. Particularly in the context of water sustainability, it plays a crucial role in maximising the utility of rainwater. Essentially, runoff destination is the location to which water that falls on a site ultimately flows to. Regulations stipulate that it becomes the responsibility of the property owner, with suitable measures taken to control this. For building professionals, this means careful design to ensure compliance. Where feasible, DEFRA propose the following steps should be used, in order of priority: 1. Using surface water runoff as a

resource for non-potable uses, such as rainwater harvesting. 2. Opportunities should also be maximised across the site to infiltrate runoff into the ground. 3. Any remaining runoff should then be discharged to a surface water or above ground drainage system. If this is not possible in the context of a particular project, then runoff should be discharged to a piped surface water drainage system. In very limited circumstances, where none of the above is available, runoff should be taken to a combined sewer (once permission has been granted). With droughts likely to become more common, keeping water on site, through actions such as rainwater harvesting, will help to minimise their impact.

Using sustainable materials

Another way to ensure landscaping projects are completed in a more sustainable way is to opt for products that minimise their impact on the environment. The latest water management technology

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means this can be achieved without negatively impacting performance, allowing projects to deliver on customer demands, while adhering to environmental principles. In fact, this is a key philosophy of ACO Water Management, which became the first construction products manufacturer to join the CO2nstructZero Business Champions initiative. New product development was a significant factor in achieving this accolade, which is something that those focused on increasing the sustainability credentials a project should consider. For example, the use of geometric science has enabled the reduction of concrete haunching, which is saving 11kg of CO2 per linear metre installed of ACO MonoDrain. Similarly, the development of the StormBrixx product, a stackable stormwater attenuation solution, is reducing transport to site by 75 per cent compared to other similar solutions. ACO has also developed a new

has been updated to include a Grey Eco version, which is made from 100 per cent recycled polypropene.

Closing thoughts

polymer concrete – Vienite – that incorporates a substantial percentage of recycled material, maintaining equal performance characteristics as traditional polymer concrete. Equally, the popular ground stabilisation product, GravelGuard,

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The products outlined above highlight how small specification decisions can contribute to an overall reduction in environmental impact. This applies to all projects, whether it’s large-scale or indeed a residential garden, and careful selection of materials can serve as a quick-win for building professionals. At the same time, water sustainability is an issue that needs to be specifically addressed in landscaping projects. Adhering to the latest SuDS principles and recommendations will go a long way to ensuring gardens look great, as well as minimising the impact on the surrounding area. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ACO WATER MANAGEMENT VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD029

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FLUE REMEDIES John Miles, Technical and Business Development Manager, Assent Building Control provides a guide to chimney works xposed to the elements, chimneys receive the full force of any adverse weather as well as intense heating and cooling, condensation, and chemical attacks from open fires or appliances running on gas or oil. Work to chimneys varies from simple pointing and maintenance, to rebuilds and removals, with anything beyond maintenance involving a Building Control application and serving a Party Structure Notice under the Party Wall (etc) Act 1996 prior to work starting. Work that involves lining the chimney, increasing or reducing its height, removing it – or installing one for the first time – requires approval under Building Regulations and must meet the requirements of Approved Documents A on structure, B on fire safety and J on heatproducing appliances and an agreement under the Party Wall (etc) Act 1996. Building Control surveyors are often required in cases where chimney stacks are being removed, generally occuring in older properties, built from relatively soft, porous clay bricks and lime mortar. In these instances, proper consideration should be given to the existing structure and the neighbouring property.

Chimney removal works

one. A more secure alternative to brackets is a steel L-section beam that sits on the load-bearing walls of the house and supports the stack above. This picture shows the ground floor of a property with the chimney removed and an L-section beam installed. The rear lining is visible, and the party wall separating the chimney from that of the neighbouring

Before starting any job involving the complete or partial removal of a chimney stack, structural calculations are required. The traditional method for removal is to support the remaining chimney stack in the roof space with triangular gallows brackets made of steel and bolted to the wall beneath the stack. The security of stack and brackets alike largely depends on the quality of the brickwork underneath; if this is very soft or loose, it may not be possible to obtain a secure fixing for the bolts. Another consideration is whether the chimney also supports a neighbouring

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Damage to party wall caused by chimney removal

property is exposed. There are a number of holes in the in the rear of the stack caused by the partial demolition, which will need rectification before the wall is made good and the ceiling reinstated. The structural repairs are visible and, on the left of the photo, is the steel beam on padstones that supports the remaining redundant stack, also acting as a buttress to the existing party wall. These padstones need resetting to ensure the beam is adequately supported. Remedial works will be required to make good the party wall where it was damaged during the stack removal, due to the possibility of carbon monoxide or dioxide leaking from the neighbour’s flue should their fire still be in use (see photo 2). All poor brickwork should be replaced and repointed, ensuring that the neighbouring chimney is not adversely affected by the work. A smoke test should be carried out by a Gas Safe-registered engineer on the neighbour’s flue to check for leakage.

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Example of I beam in place an a alternative angle of defect

Here, a new ceiling is shown, formed to ensure adequate fire protection for 30 minutes is provided to the structural supports from the room below. It should be noted that chimney removal works should not be undertaken using the following methods. Corbelling should not be attempted into the existing structure as it will not be possible to gain a sufficiently strong bond between the two kinds of brickwork. Timber bearers should not be used, as the loads imposed by a chimney are far greater than those of a floor and could lead to collapse of the ceiling or floor. One of the most common problems with existing chimneys is dampness around them. This could be a result of poor maintenance, or damage to or inadequate flashing to the stack. Such defects often go Evidence of damage and water ingress around chimney unnoticed until further works are carried out, and any remedial works should be undertaken at this point to remedy the defect as part of the wider scope of works. All chimneys should have a capping in place with a drip to shed water clear of the brickwork below, a flashing to prevent rain passing between the chimney and adjacent roof covering, and a damp-proof course in the chimney at the lowest intersection between roof and chimney to protect the masonry. Compliance Assessment of any chimney works start at the plan-checking process, with the proposed height needing to fulfil the criteria of Approved Document A section 2D diagram 20, and those of Approved Document J for positioning and size. Site inspections allow the surveyor to review compliance and identify any potential problems. Any repairs need to comply with Approved Documents A and C and BS EN 1443: 2003, as well as following the BRE Good Repair Guide 15 of 1998. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ASSENT BUILDING CONTROL USE THE WWW.RDR.LINK/BD030

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A SOLID FOUNDATION Stop Digging is a smart alternative foundation system

ould the hard-working days of digging foundations and nearly breaking your back in the process be over? No more lugging dirt and mess through the house and damaging the customer’s garden? This will be the future if ground screws have anything to do with it. Ground screws are becoming ever more popular in the UK, but what is it about these screws that builders are so excited about? Angie Wilkes from Stop Digging UK is going to tell us.

What are ground screw foundations?

Ground screw foundations replace the need for traditional concrete foundations. A ground screw is a large steel screw that is installed with specialist machinery. No digging is required, the ground screws are installed ready for the base and structure to be placed on top.

screw will depend on the site conditions and building specifications. Calculations are made to determine the number of screws used, and their spacing within the footprint of the structure, making them very versatile.

What are the benefits of ground screws?

There are many benefits to this foundation system, including significant time savings. Installation is much quicker than traditional concrete foundations. In fact, each screw takes just minutes to install. For example, to dig foundations and create a concrete base for an average-sized garden room it could take around two days to dig the foundations,

pour the concrete and to let it dry, ready for the garden room to be built on top. With Stop Digging ground screws this would take less than half a day, allowing the builder to finish his job much sooner and move on to the next one, resulting in happy customers. In addition – as all builders will know – digging foundations is a messy business and causes damage to the client’s garden. The ground screws go straight into the ground so there is no need for any damage or mess in the garden. It also means less time on the clean-up with no soil to remove. The ground screws are also perfect for conservation areas where concrete is not allowed or frowned upon. The units do

How do ground screws work?

The area is checked for any underground pipes or cables (sometimes a genny scanner is used). The ground is pre-drilled for each screw, breaking up or removing any small rocks out of the way, then with specialist machinery, the ground screws are installed. The length of the ground

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not damage the surrounding area, they are better for the environment and can be removed and reused. It’s equally possible to overcome some TPOs (tree preservation orders) as they do not cause damage to the tree root. Sloping or uneven ground can be a bit of a headache but ground screws come in different lengths and solve the issue of building on sloped ground. The depth of the screw can easily be adjusted to ensure they are all level, ensuring that any structure on top is also level. Many builders are grateful to say goodbye to back pain after a hard day’s digging, and there’s no heavy cement bags to carry either. The screws are supplied and installed for them so they can start building on top. In terms of sustainability, a ground screw emits 50 per cent fewer carbon emissions than its concrete equivalent, making it much better for the environment. They can be removed and reused on other projects and are fully recyclable as well.

is no need to lose days where the cement can’t dry with the rain.

What are builders using ground screws for?

Terraced houses, or just locations that are not easy to access, can cause real headaches to builders trying to create concrete foundations, having to lug mud through the house or over the top with a crane. If the area is difficult to access the installers will bring hand-held machinery that they can carry through the house or to the difficult to access area, so there is no need for skips or mess. The screws can be installed all year round in all weather conditions, so there

The most common things we find builders are using ground screws for are timberframed houses, SIP panel extensions, timber framed extensions, decking, garden rooms, fencing, site set-up (Harris fencing, porta-cabins, signage etc), school classrooms, and clubhouses, carports, pergolas etc. Make no mistake, these ground screws aren’t the same as basic ground anchors or lightweight soil screws you can pick up from a DIY store and install yourself These are supplied and installed with specialist machinery – and they come with a 25-year guarantee from Stop Digging UK. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE HOW THEY CAN WORK FOR YOU, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROUND SCREWS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD031

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WALL OF FAME

Chris Piper, Sales Director for Housing Developers at Ibstock, explores how reconstituted walling stone is continuing to grow in popularity with builders s construction professionals increasingly look to utilise building materials and methods that improve the cost efficiency, performance and sustainability of their projects, modern building components that are founded upon the values of natural materials are providing the perfect solution. When building a high end residential property, or undertaking a substantial renovation/extension project in geographical locations such as the Cotswolds, Yorkshire and Oxfordshire, achieving an authentic exterior is essential, not only to streamline the planning process, but ensure the property blends with its natural surroundings. Whilst choosing the natural stone of the specific region will appear the obvious choice, latest manufacturing advancements are providing professionals with premium reconstituted alternatives

that are built upon the form of natural materials, whilst offering impressive cost, installation and performance benefits. This is due to the materials being constructed of carefully selected blends of locally sourced natural aggregates and pigments, which are expertly combined with sand, cement and stones. The end result is a low maintenance building material that authentically reflects the texture and visual appearance of natural stone, at a fraction of the price. In some cases, specifying reconstituted options can cost just a quarter of the expenditure required for original stone equivalents, without compromising on quality or aesthetics. As reconstituted walling stone features a through-colour construction that utilises aggregates from the natural stones it is replicating, this enables professionals to successfully reflect and sympathise with the native language of the area, as the profiles perfectly mirror the organic colouring. For example, recreating the rural appeal of the Light Ham of Somerset, or the Buff of the Cotswolds, can be achieved by choosing reconstituted walling stone in shades such as Milbourne or Penstone in rugged, rustic finishes including Traditional Cottage, Split Finish and Pitched Cottage. The very nature of the construction process enables manufacturers to supply reconstituted stone in a range of course heights and lengths, which simplifies the installation process as the materials are

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easier to handle and install when compared to natural stone. This supports professionals in achieving the same rustic finish in significantly less time, whilst also enabling the profiles to be easily installed in conjunction with additional building components, such as traditional brick and render, to meet each owner’s specific requirements.

Set in stone

For professionals working to tight time scales, the manufacturing process for reconstituted walling stone enables the materials to be delivered on site in a matter of weeks, compared to quarried natural stone that may have significantly longer lead times due to being affected by poor weather and the subsequent extraction issues that can arise. By choosing reconstituted options, builders can avoid any costly delays as they have the confidence the quantity of building materials they require will be on site when they need them. This, combined with the unrivalled performance, installation and visual appeal benefits, provides an affordable, yet effective, alternative to natural stone that sets the standard for a new generation of traditionally inspired contemporary properties that deliver real kerb appeal. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON FORTICRETE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD032

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ONLINE COMPARISON TOOL

BRICK RANGE

A handy comparison tool, specifically for LPS 1175 fencing, is available on the Jacksons Fencing website. Designed to help advise customers on the best perimeter solution for their proposed project, the new service joins its four existing comparison tools, which cover timber fencing, welded mesh panels, vertical bar fencing, and acoustic barrier ranges. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD033

WOOD TAPE FOR DECKING

It’s the self-adhesive tape on Composite Prime’s HD Protect which makes it easy to install, whilst also benefitting from low tack and high-bond properties. The new wood tape reduces moisture build up, protects against rotting, lengthens the lifespan of decking frames and allows installers to avoid messy fittings and sticky hands during application. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD035

The Coated Brick range from Vandersanden has been expanded alongside new brick colours and textures. The manufacturer’s automated coating formulation makes facing bricks water-repellent and resistant to the effects of air pollution and efflorescence. If dirt or damage does occur, the process also makes it easier to clean the brick. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD034

PORCELAIN PAVING

If you’re working with porcelain tiles, then SikaCeram FlowFix bonding primer and jointing compound system can keep you on the right path. SikaCeram-62 FlowFix Bonding Primer can be applied by brush or roller to the underside of the paving, it’s ready to use when mixed with just water and is fully cured in 72 hours. SikaCeram-621 FlowFix Jointing Compound is a controlled, cementitious flowable jointing grout. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD036

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NEW BRICKS

Albus, Niveus and Tenebris have been designed by Ibstock to meet the growing demand for white and grey soft-mud bricks with hand-creased textures. Suitable for use across the company’s components and systems, including MechSlip, Nexus and precast units, they are equally available as brick slips for both external and internal use. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD037

BEAM AND BLOCK

In a bid to provide a costeffective, ‘no fuss’ alternative to steel mesh-reinforced structural topping installations, Sika has launched a new steel fibre solution. SikaFiber-1050 B&BA HF enhances concrete topping durability, reduces shrinkage cracking and is ideal for block and beam floors. Because it can be pumped into place with concrete the product also reduces construction time. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD038

SMALL-SCALE SUDS

An ACO RoofBloxx geocellular storage crate can provide a flexible sustainable option for the smaller-scale project. The units are stackable, sufficiently flexible to be used at different heights, and easy to cut, all of which helps maximise space. RoofBloxx is also available in relatively small quantities, which makes it ideal for smaller-scale projects. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD039

EXTERIOR LEVELLING COMPOUND

Designed for smoothing and levelling outside areas that are subject to varying climatic conditions, Setcrete Exterior is also suitable for semi-external spaces, such as garages, that are partially exposed to the elements. The watermix levelling compound is poured onto the floor and can be allowed to naturally flow to achieve a smooth finish, requiring minimal work with a smoothing trowel. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD040

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CROSSING THE BRIDGE

Debbie Phillips, National Business Development Manager for Keylite Roof Windows explores the forthcoming changes to Part L of the Building Regulations. hen it comes to energy efficiency in buildings, we can’t ‘cross that bridge when we come to it’ – it’s time to prepare for the changes now. Whilst a product or design may say it meets Part L requirements, is that really good enough? Late last year, the UK government announced a new target to reduce UK emissions by at least 68 per cent by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. As part of this goal, the government has uplifted energy efficiency standards and requirements, including proposals for revising the Approved Documents for Part L. The purpose of approved document L is to ensure energy efficiency in buildings. The Target CO2 Emission Rate (TER) and Target Fabric Energy Efficiency (TFEE) rate are currently the minimum energy requirements for a new-build dwelling. To showcase that a building complies with regulation requirements, Dwelling CO2 Emission Rate (DER) and Dwelling Fabric Energy Efficiency (DFEE) rates are calculated, and both must meet or exceed the TER and TFEE. The detail is in the design – however,

that shouldn’t just stop at drawings but should also translate into installation. Whilst a product may say it meets Part L or has a certain U-value, it’s important to ensure that this remains the case after it’s installed, which means mitigating the gap between performance on paper and the actual performance of a finished build. To help with this, contractors should look to work with SAP assessments that integrate with Registered Construction Details, which can give a thorough and more accurate insight into the expected building performance. According to the Government Department for Energy, heat transfer through windows can account for up to 30 per cent of residential temperature energy usage. When it comes to thermal efficiency and performance, one of the biggest issues for roof windows is thermal bridging. All too often double glazing is seen as the main culprit of this, however, despite meeting relevant standards it’s often in the installation of a product where cold bridging and condensation can occur. Installation of roof windows is often left to the manufacturer’s discretion, with

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most stipulating that a gap is required around roof windows to allow for onsite adjustments and ease of installation. This gap is supposed to be ‘filled in’ after the window is installed to reduce the impact of thermal bridging, however, this is rarely stipulated in building designs, and retrofittable products such as thermal foam and collars are often not included in specifications. It’s this gap between the roof and window that creates a cold section all around the frame due to the temperature

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differentiation between the outside and inside, which can eventually lead to mould and contributes toward heat loss. To make houses more comfortable and energy efficient, the onus should be taken away from contractors, and products should be designed and specified with optimum performance in mind. Manufacturers should design-in features that eliminate thermal bridging, reducing the risk of non-compliance and deliver a build that is closer to the expected energy performance. Keylite is aware of the issue surrounding the installation of roof windows and has taken the lead in ensuring it removes the possibility of this happening. Meaning its products are designed in such a way that contractors don’t have to consider the ‘gap’ when specifying or fitting roof windows. With this principle in mind, an integrated expanding thermal collar for all its roof windows has been introduced as standard, at no extra cost. This is the only system of its kind and Keylite is the only company in the UK to address this issue in this way. This integrated thermal collar is already attached to the roof window, so

ABOUT KEYLITE Part of the Keystone Group, Keylite Roof Windows and flashings are covered by a 10-year guarantee, with up to a 20-year guarantee on Polar White PVC Roof Windows. The manufacturer also offers a range of Conservation Roof Windows for traditional or renovation projects. when on site, installers can fit with a 20mm gap for ease of installation and

then simply pull the tab on the window once fitted to release the thermal collar. The collar then expands to fill and fully insulate the gap, reducing the risk of condensation and cold bridging on the installed roof window. This not only saves time and cost for contractors on site, but also creates more thermally efficient and comfortable homes. Keylite has always held installers’ wants and needs at the centre of its innovation and R&D processes; and as a result, the brand has become known for faster, easy-fitting products with enhanced thermal performance benefits straight from the box. Full support is also provided by a highly skilled, experienced and technically knowledgeable sales department and aftersales care team, as well as an agile and enthusiastic sales force based across the UK, who can arrange first time installer site support programs. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON KEYLITE ROOF WINDOWS’ INTEGRATED EXPANDING THERMAL COLLAR VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD041

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roofing, flooring & insulation TECHNICAL TEAM TIPS – NO 29

SAFETY FIRST With new regulations putting both building safety and workmanship in the spotlight, Stuart Nicholson from Marley, gives advice on improving the safety and security of pitched roofing.

he publication of the Building Safety Bill, on 5 July 2021, has brought the biggest changes to building safety regulations for nearly 40 years. It ensures safety is considered at every stage of a building’s development and gives homeowners and residents more power to hold builders to account. While the Building Safety Bill focuses on high rise buildings, it will also ensure high standards of safety in all homes. As part of the proposals, homeowners and residents will have more than twice the amount of time (from six to 15 years) to claim compensation for sub-standard construction work. This will also apply retrospectively, meaning that people will be able to claim for defects on building work carried out 15 years prior to this change. This may be concerning for builders who have already seen professional indemnity insurance premiums increase by nearly four-fold (Construction Leadership Council survey). When it comes to roofing defects, the introduction of more stringent British Standards, including a ban on the use of mortar without additional fixings, has significantly improved the safety and security of pitched roofing over the past seven years. Following these standards and regularly reviewing roof safety practices is the best way to protect yourself and reduce the risk of costly call backs and claims. Here, we look at some of the key areas to consider when it comes to ensuring the long-term safety and security of pitched roofs:

and secure against extreme weather. This also applies if you are working on an extension and if you are replacing more than 25 per cent of a roof area. ■ Get a new fixing specification for every project, even if it is like a roof you have installed before. This will ensure the roof meets BS 5534 requirements and that it has the right fixings for the level of exposure. You can quickly obtain free fixings specifications via the tool on the Marley website at www.rdr.link/bd000, or by calling our technical team on 01283 722588. ■ Check roof fire barriers used in semi-detached, terraced housing and flats. When a roof is compartmentalised for terraced and semidetached housing, fire stopping is required

between the top of the party wall and the roof covering. Yet separate reports from the BRE and BBC Watchdog have raised concerns that some modern homes could have inadequate, incorrectly installed and, in some cases, no fire barriers. This increases the risk that fire could spread rapidly through roof voids from one home to the next. ■ Part of the problem is that fire stopping is often achieved with a flexible mineral fibre quilt or sock, but a potential fire passage still exists at the line of the roofing battens, above the rafters, which can span across the junction between properties.

■ Always install roofs to the BS 5534:2014 +A2:2018 standard, as this was revised to help make roofs safe

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There are fire barriers available on the market to close these gaps but feedback from contractors is that these can be difficult to install in line with the roof tiles.

■ If you are working to a prescribed specification do not change it. If you change any element you could potentially be liable if something goes wrong with the roof, even if it is years later. If you need to change a specification for any reason, speak with the architect or client and obtain written instructions.

■ However, we have recently launched our own easy-to-install fire barrier to give contractors peace of mind that it is fitted correctly. Roof Defence features two strips of intumescent material bonded at 90 degrees, with an inverted T design, that can simply be installed under tiles and between roof battens to close all gaps in the event of fire. ■ Check roofing battens are BS 5534 compliant. Roofing battens are an important structural and load bearing element. In addition, BS 5534 graded battens can be used as a secure foothold during installation, so it would only take a single batten failure to have serious consequences.

■ Don’t assume that because a product is sold as a roofing batten that it meets BS 5534 requirements. Buy from a trusted brand and check each batten is indelibly marked with the supplier, origin, size, and BS 5534 stamp. If you have any doubt at all, check with the manufacturer.

■ Consider buying a full roof system from a trusted manufacturer. This will reduce your risk and ensure compatibility, high quality, safety and compliance with British Standards. Our roof system includes choice of roof covering, battens, underlay, fixings and accessories, as well as the option to add a fire barrier and integrated solar PV, all backed up with a 15-year warranty for extra peace of mind (subject to correct installation). FOR MORE INFORMATION AND SUPPORT FROM MARLEY VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD042

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FOAM SWEET HOME Freefoam is championing the transformative power of cladding

ne surprising outcome of the Covid-19 pandemic has been the boom in the housing and home improvement markets. Having gazed at the same four walls for months on end, people are spending their money on moving to get more space and improving their existing homes. According to the Renovation Nation report by mortgage comparison site money.co.uk, between March and September 2020, British homeowners spent an impressive £55 billion updating and transforming their properties.

The rise of cladding

Driven by the New England colonial design trend, external PVC cladding is an example of a product that can substantially change a property’s façade. While windows and doors improve the look of a property, the difference that cladding can make is on a much larger scale, and the results can be spectacular, particularly when done in tandem with other home improvements. Another benefit of PVC cladding is that it’s long-lasting and virtually maintenance-free. When cladding is fitted with an insulating layer in between the external wall, it improves energy performance – so much so the BRE has given PVC weatherboarding installations with an insulation layer an A+ rating. Light and durable, PVC cladding is also straightforward to install as it doesn’t require any surface preparation or treatment. That means fewer site visits, less time for scaffold hire and less time on the job for tradesmen.

Here are some examples of how builders and home improvement companies can use cladding to transform their clients’ properties.

Before

After

Cover Pebble Dash

Exterior pebble dash is commonly seen throughout the UK. But over the years it can become discoloured and even break down to become unsightly and even cause damp problems. Some people opt to paint over old pebble dash but this is a short-term solution that can also be costly and time consuming. The owners of the above property in Cornwall wanted to upgrade their three-storey house, which was covered in a grey pebble dash that had become stained and discoloured over the years. Located on a sloping site, the back of the house was very high, bumping up the cost of repainting the pebble dash. So, their installer recommended Freefoam’s ‘Colonial Blue’ Fortex cladding on the top storey and to render the lower half of the house with a cream colour, to great effect.

Create an attractive feature facade over brickwork

Before

After

Whilst brick is incredibly hard wearing, it can also look bland and unappealing. Cladding is a great way of boosting kerb appeal with an attractive feature façade. Available in a range of colours, it lets homeowners match or complement windows and doors. Freefoam ‘Misty Grey’ Fortex weatherboard cladding was recently used on the brick front elevation of this detached property in Cheshire. The refurbishment also included a render finish, with the grey cladding matching the new garage door to transform the property.

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Before

After

Replacing hanging tiles

In the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s hanging tiles on the front elevation of a property were a popular design. Fifty years later trends have changed. Tiles have become cracked and discoloured, and they can be expensive to replace. This detached property in Brightlingsea had dark brown hanging clay tiles fitted to the first floor elevation right up to the gable. The tiles were removed, wooden battens fitted and Fortex Weatherboard cladding in ‘Storm Grey’ was installed. With the addition of grey windows and doors, this home has had a complete make over, creating a smart, contemporary look.

Freefoam is a leading independent manufacturer of roofline, rainwater and cladding solutions. The company’s extensive cladding range, including Fortex and X-Wood, come in a choice of attractive colours with up to a 10-year product guarantee.

TO DISCOVER MORE FREEFOAM CLADDING SOLUTIONS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD043

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A TOUCH OF CLASS

t’s important for building contractors to have a sound working knowledge of relevant safety regulations affecting cladding and roofing. However, be it British Standards (BS), Euroclass (EN) or the older Class 0 certification, it’s easy to see how misunderstandings can creep in when assessing product safety. Indeed, our technical advisory team continues to get several enquiries each week on the topic of fire ratings, which even now causes confusion. We are aware how important it is to understand the characteristics and features of building materials for projects. Cedral has a long-standing commitment to ensuring our fibre cement facades and roofs comprehensively meet the fire performance classification A2-s1,d0 to EN 13501-1:2018 standard. But what do these letters and numbers actually mean? Here,

Lisa Grosse, brand manager at Cedral, offers some clarity on building material fire classifications

we explain all of the fire classification ratings and how they should be used, including Class 0 and why you should avoid it.

In a Euroclass of its own The European standard of fire safety is the Euroclass system, recognised as the standard of fire safety across Europe. It was introduced by the European Union in 2000 to remove trade barriers between member states and ensure consistent quality levels. It classifies the reaction to fire (the behaviour of materials when exposed to heat or fire) and evaluates multiple aspects such as ignitability, flame spread, heat release, smoke production and propensity for producing flaming droplets and/or particles. The European standard is EN 13501-1, which is met by all Cedral materials. While we are no longer within the Eurozone since Brexit, these

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the Euroclass system. For example, combustible materials can still achieve a Class 0 classification. That’s why it is vital to always refer to the newer ratings and not Class 0. Class 0 is an out-of-date national product classification and should not be used to determine the fire safety of building materials because it says nothing about the combustibility of the material in a fire.

regulations still apply to building products sold in the UK.

Top of the class? The European classification ranks construction materials in seven classes according to their fire behaviour – A1, A2, B, C, D, E and F. It also classifies these materials with regard to smoke development – s1, s2 and s3 – and the formation of flaming droplets/particles – d0, d1, d2. A1 refers to non-combustible materials, A2 is non-combustible in Scotland and of limited combustibility in England and Wales, while B, C and D range from limited to medium combustibility and E and F designate a high contribution to fire. ‘s’ refers to the total smoke emitted during the first 10 minutes of exposure to fire. s1 materials produce little or no smoke, s2 emit quite a lot of smoke and s3 produce substantial smoke. The ‘d’ part of the classification covers the number of flaming droplets and particles that are produced within the first 10

minutes of fire exposure, with d0 designating no droplets, d1 some droplets and d2 quite a lot of droplets.

No more Class 0? UK fire classification Class 0 indicates the surface spread of flames and not the combustibility of the material itself when involved in a fire. It was introduced in the UK Building Regulations on fire safety in 1991 and remained in place after the Euroclass system was introduced in 2000, even though Class 0 does not demonstrate the same performance as

■ If you would like more advice on fire classifications for buildings, Cedral’s dedicated technical advisory team can offer expert help. We can support your project from the initial design concept through to build completion and beyond. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE RANGE OF SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE FROM CEDRAL VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD044

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GET ON BOARD Steve Ball, Technical Services Manager for Malmo, outlines the benefits of luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring.

Rigid planks are fast and easy to fit using the Välinge 5G click system.

uxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) continues to be the number one flooring choice in 2021 as its unique selling points become more widely recognised among consumers, contractors and installers. If you’re not that familiar with it, LVT is a printed vinyl flooring material that combines stylish and realistic design looks with high performance, easy installation and low maintenance benefits.

Realistic designs and textures

Long gone is the bland product supplied on a roll; these days LVT comes in realistic plank, herringbone and tile formats in a wide choice of designs that appeal to today’s consumer tastes and trends. As a sophisticated man-made material, it has the benefit of being able to combine high performance with designs that mirror the look of natural stone, woodgrains and patterned tiles. Our Malmo Senses, for example, features registered embossed technology which can realistically replicate the look and feel of real wood because the surface texture is printed in line with the visual pattern of the woodgrain.

One of the major benefits associated with this type of flooring is that it delivers stylish, long-lasting looks with far easier cleaning and none of the ongoing maintenance issues of real wood flooring. The product offers wide design scope for any room within the home as well as a range of commercial applications.

Easy Installation

It’s no idle claim that the material is faster and easier to install than natural stone and wood and this is another major factor behind its popularity. The product is supplied in packs of planks or tiles that

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Expansion gaps of 6mm are required around the perimeter of the room and any fixed object when fitting Malmo Rigid LVT.

are lightweight and easy to handle and transport to jobs. Stickdown and rigid click are the two types of LVT flooring products which are installed through two different methods – stickdown is glued to the subfloor whereas the rigid click system is laid and locked into place. The choice of methods gives the flexibility for many applications across domestic and commercial interiors. Both installation systems are easy to fit without the need for power tools and the flooring is easily cut to size with a Stanley knife or similar hand tool. This also makes it a straightforward and environmentally safe product to install on site with no dust or chemical particles to worry about. Installers who are already familiar with laying tiles, wood or laminate flooring can easily add LVT into their portfolio of services. Reputable brands provide easy to follow instructions and online resources to enable fitters to learn the installation techniques. The secret to any successful flooring installation is to ensure the correct products and installation method is used for the application, so take the time to learn about the product you are installing and don’t assume they are the

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LVT flooring is easily cut to size with a Stanley knife or similar hand tool.

same – this avoids simple mistakes becoming problems and customer dissatisfaction down the line.

Rigid Click vs Stickdown

Both types of LVT flooring can be installed across domestic and commercial applications offering high performance, water, slip and wear resistance but there are instances where each have their particular strengths.

Stickdown is a fully adhered system, and, as it is glued to the subfloor, it doesn’t expand or contract. This gives it a higher degree of stability and tolerance to temperature variations compared to rigid click installations, creating more freedom in its application. For example, it can be pre-installed before kitchen cabinetry allowing a job to flow more smoothly and quickly, in conservatories, and alongside large, glazed doors. It is also good for installing in large open plan spaces as no expansion gaps are required around the edge of a room or fixed furniture. Rigid or ‘click’ can be installed in many rooms in the home, as well as in commercial environments, and is generally faster and easier to fit than a stickdown product. For example, our Malmo Rigid products feature push down end joints and each plank only requires a firm finger touch to securely click the product into place with no need for hammers or tapping tools – offering particular benefits for bathrooms, cloakrooms and en-suites where space

can be tight if working around sanitaryware and underneath doors. Look out for products with a built-in underlay because this will save a lot of time and make the job easier too. With the boom in home renovation, LVT is a flooring product that offers a lot of potential for the trade with its wide flexibility for use, easy installation and opportunity to earn good margins. LVT flooring delivers stylish, longlasting looks that mirror real wood flooring with the benefit of easier cleaning and maintenance.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE MALMO LVT COLLECTION VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD045

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SETTING THE STANDARD R egulations are changing to improve the energy efficiency of homes and buildings in the UK, changes that could have far-reaching consequences for builders. The long-anticipated update to Part L of the Building Regulations in England and Wales will be the first step on the ladder to stricter thermal performance measures. It will feed into the more rigorous Future Homes Standard. Part L 2021 will require a combination of fabric improvements, such as insulation, and low carbon technologies like heat pumps to deliver a 31 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared to current levels. Dwellings will also need to be individually tested for air tightness. But Part L is not just about changing the composition of buildings – it will affect working practices too. To comply with the new standards, builders will need to provide photographic evidence of continuity of insulation installed in each home or building. This is the first step in a bigger shift towards more quality assurance, traceability and accountability in the construction industry. The aim of this, and other new legislation, such as the new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Action Plan, is to close the gap between how energy-efficient buildings should be and how they actually perform in the real world. This gap has a real impact on

households up and down the UK. Knauf Insulation and Knauf Energy Solutions recently undertook a quality-controlled measurement and retrofit project of 12 properties in Eccles, Manchester, which were built in 2014. After refurbishment, the average improvement in fabric efficiency was 17 per cent, but their EPC ratings remained unchanged. The work simply brought their real-world performance in line with the designs. This means homes and buildings aren’t as warm as they should be, they use more energy, and they’re more expensive to run. So why does this gap exist and what

James Hulbert, Head of Housing at Knauf Insulation, explains what you need to know to make sure you don’t fall foul of the new regulations.

can be done about it? One of the biggest culprits is inappropriate product choice, and specifically a narrow focus on thermal conductivity (lambda) values. These give an idea of how well an insulation material prevents heat transfer if installed 100 per cent correctly on a perfect substrate. However, as many people know, what works in practice rarely translates into reality on site. This means the performance of insulation is often compromised by installation factors, so the stated thermal conductivity may not be achieved. To combat this, builders should choose insulation materials that are easier to handle and install. For example, the fibrous structure and compressibility of Mineral Wool insulation means it adapts to any minor imperfections in the substrate, and individual rolls or slabs ‘knit’ together to seal air gaps. By contrast, rigid foam boards can be notoriously difficult to install correctly. If the insulation panels are cut imperfectly on site or there are mortar snots that prevent contact with the substrate, the

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boards won’t line up correctly. No matter how slight, this misalignment will lead to air gaps that will drastically reduce thermal performance. Mineral Wool insulation also gives the added reassurance that it is noncombustible in accordance with the Euroclass reaction to fire classification system, so it will not contribute to the development or spread of fire. When it comes to the new legislation, the direction of travel is clear. Not only are thermal requirements becoming stricter, but there will also be greater

scrutiny of workmanship. That’s why it’s important to look beyond thermal conductivity (lambda) values and consider how well an insulation material performs in the real world, how easy it is to install correctly and how well it adapts to the substrate. That’s because all these factors can have a big impact on whether the performance quoted is delivered in the real world. By taking this into account, builders will be able to deliver the high levels of energy efficiency required by clients, government, regulators, and end-users.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE RANGE OF SOLUTIONS FROM KNAUF INSULATION VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD046

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AT YOUR SERVICE Made for Trade is raising the bar on customer service

ver since Made for Trade was incorporated in 1979, quality service has been an important part of the company ethos. Many tradespeople will have been in a position where they have received poor service and, sadly, it’s not uncommon in the arena of glass and glazing. There is nothing more frustrating than being on site and finding a problem only to be fobbed off by the supplier over some trivial item which prevents the job getting done. So, why I hear you ask, are MFT any different? Well, whilst its always going to be impossible to eliminate site issues completely, especially when we are all reliant on courier companies to deliver our items, MFT claim that 100 per cent customer satisfaction is their target. They say it is the company’s ability to deal with issues when they do arise which makes them really stand out from the crowd.

People business

The key ingredients to this are people, training and, importantly, communication. The company also tries especially hard with its own brand of Korniche products to go a little bit further with the likes of marketing support, packaging, and instructions to make buying through MFT as painless as possible. The current aftersales care team of five, lead by experienced manager Tracy Garrod, work on staggered hours to ensure – on weekdays – when the customers are

working so are they. Product training is another key area in being able to provide top quality service, MFT operate regular training sessions where the customer service team gain experience of manufacturing and installation of the products, so you can almost guarantee the person on the end of the phone knows what you’re talking about, and on the occasion they don’t

there are four other team members there to step in and help out. Communication is another area where MFT offer a little bit more. This starts out during the quotation process, continues through the order confirmation and delivery confirmation processes up to the point the goods arrive at your site. After that any further communication is passed to the dedicated aftersales team. Every enquiry that comes through is immediately issued with a case number that is passed on to the customer so enquiries can be tracked properly. Most issues are cleared off the system and the cases closed with a positive resolution the same day. However, on the occasion that your issue is a complex one a team member will gather details from you about the problem and enter them onto the system where they can be fully assessed by a member of the QC team. The last part of the puzzle is the follow up, the customer service data that gets gathered on a weekly basis gets fed straight back into the QC and production teams ensuring that continuous improvement targets are achieved. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE MFT RANGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD047

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No.6

UP ON THE ROOF

In the latest instalment of our Toolbox series with Makita the team look at the core products that every roofer should keep close at hand.

쑿 DCE090 DISC CUTTER or cutting roof tiles, slates, capping stones and composite panels roofers need to have a good-quality disc cutter. To ensure ease of use, flexibility and safety Makita recommends opting for a cordless machine like the DCE090. With a maximum cutting depth of 88mm, the DCE090 is best in class for 230mm cordless disc cutters, making sure that contractors are able to cut a wider variety of roofing materials. With cordless models, professionals have the freedom to work at height and position themselves in a way that makes the job easier and safer. Unlike petrol engine machines, with cordless models users do not have to worry about the transportation of fuel or emissions. They are also more compact and lighter in weight, so operators can manoeuvre the tool effortlessly and move around site with ease. What’s more, as there are no emissions, the machine can also be used indoors safely. Battery-powered machines also mean that users are not constrained by a power lead or the location of a power source, and do not have to worry

about the safe placement of cables and the potential trip hazard they cause. The DCE090 is powered by two LXT 18V lithium-ion batteries that work in series to supply energy to the powerful 36V DC motor drive system – making this machine a powerful choice for use across a wide range of applications. Its brushless motor also means that the batteries do not need to be recharged as frequently, as there are no moving parts in the motor causing friction and therefore no energy is lost through heat production. To ensure the DCE090 is always working at its optimum, the manufacturer has included an overload indicator lamp and Active Feedback Sensing Technology (AFT) that works to shut down the tool if the rotation speed suddenly slows down. For improved user safety, the DCE090 features a lock-off button and a hose connector to connect the tool to a tap or water bottle for dust suppression – and the in-built LED job light ensures users have maximum visibility of the material. For further information on the DCE90 visit WWW.RDR.LINK/BD048 Roofers should also keep a heat gun like the HG6531CK close at hand for welding sub-roofing membranes and sealing bitumen or rubberised sheet materials on flat roofs. This tool has five air flow settings and easy temperature adjustment (in 5-degree increments) so users can easily adjust the output to meet the

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쑼 HG6531CK HEAT GUN

requirements of the job. For safety, and to ensure the machine works at its optimum, the HG6531CK also features over-heat protection and double insulation. For further information on the HG6531CK Heat Gun visit WWW.RDR.LINK/BD049

Another tool worth having is an air nailer like the AN454 Roofing Nailer for securing joists, batons and framing. This pneumatic coil nailer has been specifically designed for roofing applications and is compact, well balanced and ergonomically designed for ease of use at height. It features toolless depth adjustment and guide adjustment so users can easily alter the machine to suit the task. The AN454 also includes a joist hook so it can be easily secured when not in use. Alternatively, the GN900SE 7.2V First

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Fix Gas Nailer is depth adjustable and takes nails from 50mm up to 90mm. It offers improved user safety as it provides freedom from hoses and compressors. To find out more about Makita’s nailers range visit WWW.RDR.LINK/BD050 쑼 AN454 ROOFING NAILER

Your toolbox checklist: DISC CUTTERS – for cutting a wide range of roofing materials including roof tiles, slates, capping stones and composite panels. HEAT GUNS – ideal for welding and sealing roofing materials. GAS NAILERS – for securing joists, batons and framing. GRINDERS – can be used to make precise cuts in roofing materials. CIRCULAR SAWS – ideal for cutting composite panels, sheet materials, batons, joists and frames. RECIPROCATING SAWS – perfect for cutting joists or creating openings for skylights.

Accessories to suit the core range: Makita’s E-05153 Roofers and General Purpose Pouch is a must have product. It has been designed with numerous pouches that each feature anti-slip webbing to securely and safely hold a range of tools – even when working at height. For example, the stainless-steel side-gate hammer holder keeps hammers secure and in a vertical position. The E05153 is durable and will keep its shape thanks to Makita’s 3L Technology. It can be easily fitted onto the user’s belt or carried using the ergonomic handle. The power tool expert also stocks a wide range of additional accessories ideal for carrying tools and keeping them secure.

machines are always operating at their optimum efficiency and users can complete tasks quickly and to a high standard. WWW.RDR.LINK/BD053

DISC CUTTERS AND GRINDERS Makita has a wide selection of diamond blades ranging from 115mm to 230mm for use with its disc cutters and grinders. The durability of these blades ensures that work can be completed efficiently, maximising user productivity.

GAS NAILERS Makita supplies a range of accessories for use with its gas nailers including Gas Nailer Cleaner and Gas Nailer Oil. It also has a selection of nails specifically designed for use with this type of machine that all meet the EC5 and EN14592 European Standards.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BD051

WWW.RDR.LINK/BD054

RECIPROCATING SAW Many of the company’s reciprocating saw blades are manufactured using high quality steel to ensure effortless cutting. What’s more, the range includes blades that are suitable for a wide selection of wood and metal cutting applications. WWW.RDR.LINK/BD055

HEAT GUNS The range includes a wide selection of nozzles for use with its heat guns including reflector nozzles, reduction nozzles, wide slot nozzles, overlap welding nozzles and weld nozzles. Also available is a carry case to safely transport heat guns around site and store them in the van. WWW.RDR.LINK/BD052

CIRCULAR SAW To ensure professionals can find the right blade for every application and individual machine, there’s an extensive selection of saw blades on offer. For example, it offers premium saw blades made especially for cordless saws and wood cutting to ensure

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MAKITA AND ITS WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD056

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roofing, flooring & insulation product round-up

ACCESSORIES

A wide selection of fittings and accessories sits alongside Cedral’s Rivendale, Birkdale, Thrutone Smooth and Thrutone Textured fibre cement slates. The range includes ridges and hips – including a new dry ridge ventilation system – verge trims, roof ventilation and general fixings, all supported by technical product information, including wallcharts, product literature and fixings information. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD057

ROOF WINDOWS

As well as its already established roof window product line, Keylite also supplies lanterns, flat glass rooflights and solar enabled roof windows. For a flood of atrium-style daylighting, for instance, the manufacturer’s Roof Lantern comes with a ten year guarantee, solar heat reflection and a 1.2W/m².K U-value – available in a range of sizes, pitches, colours and combinations. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD058

WARM TILED ROOF SOLUTION

All year-round comfort and useability for conservatories, can be achieved with the Equinox warm tiled roof solution, according to its makers, Eurocell. There are a number of new upgrades, including a soffit ring beam for traditional overhang appearance, an external downlighter, and the option to pair the installation with the same manufacturer’s Envirotile. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD059

MODULAR ROOFLIGHTS

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have now been achieved for the most popular modular rooflight products from Brett Martin Daylight Systems (BMDS). In common with the rest of the products in the portfolio, its Glass Link, Flat Glass and Mardome Trade rooflights are backed by comprehensive technical support, as well as special services such as site surveys. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD060

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GENERAL BUILDING REPAIR MORTAR

Repair damaged or worn concrete in just 30 minutes with Setcrete Rapid Set Repair Mortar. The water-mix mortar can be used internally or externally and applied up to 25mm thick on horizontal surfaces or 10mm on vertical surfaces. It is suitable for repairing floor screeds, paving slabs, beams and lintels, stair treads and risers.

SEALANT & ADHESIVE MDF

When 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. Easy to work, and a consistent quality, it doesn’t splinter or chip, meaning there’s very little waste.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD061

ALL-IN-ONE HEAT PUMP

The new allin-one Daikin Altherma 3 Monobloc air-to-water heat pump system is the manufacturer’s smallest yet. It fits to the outside of a wide range of properties, runs at a quiet 62dBA, requires no indoor unit, and offers significant savings over traditional heating systems. There’s four 4 different capacity ranges – 9, 11, 14 and 16 class – which are suitable for homes of various sizes.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD063

SEALANT AND ADHESIVE

A powerful sealant and adhesive in one is how Sika Everbuild describes EB25 It will bond and seal almost any material to almost any surface, can be used indoors, outdoors – and even when submerged under water – and has the added benefit of being certified for use in sanitary and food preparation areas. It’s also resistant to mould, temperature extremes and chemicals, once fully cured.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD062

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD064

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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MACXSEAL from McAlpine Plumbing Products is a Hybrid Polymer, solvent-free sealant and adhesive based on the latest polymer technology. It contains a fungicide to combat mould and bacteria growth and, once applied, the cured product has good abrasion, oil, and solvent resistance. Used correctly, it will last over 20 years. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD065

ACOUSTIC BARRIER

Ultra-thin material thicknesses and excellent sound insulation properties are some of the benefits of Armacell’s range of acoustic barriers for the HVAC market. ArmaComfort Barrier achieves a sound transmission loss with a weighted sound reduction index Rw of 27 dB, with a wall thickness of just 2mm, and Rw of 32 dB at 4mm; the human ear perceives a reduction of 10 dB as a halving of volume. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD066

Use our digital reader enquiry service for further information online

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PLASTERING

PRIMER TIME! Preparation is the key to successfully plastering difficult surfaces, according to Bostik

efurbishment and renovation projects offer a raft of challenges for a tradesperson. It can be part of what makes these jobs more interesting as they often enable you to stretch your problem-solving muscles. Plastering on these projects will often mean dealing with a variety of substrates. It’s time consuming and costly when these jobs go wrong, so preparing your surfaces properly is vital. The most important thing to do first is assess the substrate and ensure you have a sound background. For instance, if sections of the substrate are flaking off when you tap it, your plaster will ultimately fail – the combination of a high suction substrate and high temperature will affect the new plasterwork and your hard work will have been wasted. Ensure all loose material is removed and the surface is free of dust, then use scrim tape over any joints or cracks. Sometimes the removal of the old coverings will have unearthed potential problems. There could be remnants of old paints, wallpaper adhesive residue or previous plastering work that cannot be entirely removed. If walls have been knocked down or moved, there could now be two different surfaces next to one another. The challenge is to get even suction control, as substrates that absorb moisture at different rates are more prone to problematic issues, including cracking, air pockets and delamination. While priming is almost always recommended before plastering, it is even more crucial for some surfaces. PVA is the most commonly used substance for priming, although a smooth and successful finish becomes harder to achieve when plastering onto these problematic substrates. Yet it’s vital to create a uniform surface to ensure even

Experienced spreader, Kev Lindow has developed a specifically formulated plasterer’s primer

drying times across the entire area. Further preparation is therefore needed for difficult substrates. For nonporous substrates like smooth concrete, meshing can be installed. The entire surface can also be abraded with sandpaper to offer a better key. Alternatively, many plasterers opt to use a primer that contains sand. However, there are a number of things to keep in mind when considering a product with sand mixed in. The sand can make a mess on sites because a certain amount inevitably flies off the brush

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during application, so you should ensure the surrounding area is well covered and factor in time to tidy up afterwards. Perhaps most frustratingly, the weight of the sand will cause it to continually fall to the bottom of the mixture. As a result, the solution must be thoroughly and repeatedly mixed to ensure an even distribution. If not, the key will be patchy and uneven, and when the plaster is put on it will fail to consistently adhere, so this extra work is essential. Even then, the results are not guaranteed as the sand will absorb moisture from the plaster, so there remains a risk of cracking. Also, sand is a harsh aggregate so there is a risk of it dragging through the plaster, leaving lines in the finish. An alternative is a specifically formulated plasterer’s primer that was developed by professional plasterer, Kev Lindow. Tasked with half the plastering work during the renovation of two large tower blocks, the patchwork of different substrates gave varying degrees of absorption. The newly applied plaster therefore dried at different rates, leaving Kev with ongoing concerns about drying rates and getting a good key. Even with a team behind him, he found it slow going with so much time spent preparing the substrates. Kev began experimenting with

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various solutions that could give the great suction control and uniform key that he needed, eventually perfecting a formulation that would make his work easier – and faster. In Bostik Plasterer’s Stabilising Primer, Kev has designed a primer that creates an ideal key for re-skimming, with patented PLASPRIME technology that uses recycled plastic. Unlike sand, the plastic isn’t a coarse aggregate and is lightweight enough to stay in suspension throughout the tub, remaining evenly distributed. As the primer doesn’t have to be mixed at all, the plasterer can plaster faster. It’s also more efficient because there is no need to wait for the perfect tack – the primer can be left to dry completely, then plastered any time afterwards, which is useful when working on larger areas. As it’s green in colour, it’s easy to see exactly where you’ve primed too. It’s worth investing in these specialist primers when they can save you time and

make the job easier. With attentive surface preparations, and the right primer, you will be well positioned for successful plastering onto the variety of difficult substrates encountered during repair or renovation, maintenance and improvement projects.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BOSTIK PLASTERER’S STABILISING PRIMER VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD067

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

POWER HOUSE

Professional Builder’s Tibby Singh is full of energy thanks to the Festool SYS-PowerStation It’s not often I get to say, ‘world first’, but this is, and I’m also privileged to be one of the first to have a play around with Festool’s NEW SYS-PowerStation to see if it really is out of this world. Festool decided to take the lead to make a power station that requires no leads. You can take it anywhere in the world and have power at your disposal. Festool’s SYS-PowerStation looks like a Systainer but it’s blue in colour, instead of its usual grey colour. Also, a warning to expect it to have some weight before you pick it up thinking it’s a storage Systainer. It weighs 16kg which is still lighter than a 110V transformer. It has one 230V electrical outlet, which literally makes it plug and play. Even if you have 110V tools, you’d just need a converter and you’d be good to go. I’m working on a site where the electrical work is currently taking place, so there’s moments where there’s no power on site – until I rock up with Festool’s SYSPowerStation. A lot of people may be thinking

that cordless tools are the future, so this is a waste of space. However, there’s always some tools that require power, such as routers and chop saws. I believe some manufacturers are trying to produce cordless versions of these but, if you’re using these all day, would you really want to be waiting for the batteries to charge? Also, extractors will most likely always need power for the foreseeable future meaning you can create a dust free zone anywhere you go. Many people currently have a mixture of corded and cordless tools, so this single unit quite literally turns all your corded tools into cordless, instead of physically replacing all your corded equipment to cordless variants. Finally, even if you don’t require any corded tools, you’d still need to charge the batteries of your cordless ones

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impressive. Even if it’s half full, it has no effect on the power. You can store the charging cable inside as it opens like a normal Systainer. This is ideal as you know that you won’t be misplacing the cable. There’s also a residual current personal protection adapter included. This

is a safety device that switches off electricity automatically if there is a fault. Another great detail is the inclusion of a USB-C interface for the quick charging of phones and tablets. More recently I’ve been away filming for the TV programme Changing Rooms, and this eliminated the worry of where I’d get a power supply from, through the various locations across the country. In addition, it completely eliminates any noise you’d get from a generator, which is the last thing you’d want when filming on set. Finally, they say you shouldn’t mix work and pleasure, but this can go everywhere with you, from a building site to a camp site and more. It’s been a pleasure testing out this powerhouse and by far one of the best inventions I’ve seen in my 15-year career in the trade. So, it’s safe to say I can’t fault the game changing new Festool SYS-PowerStation. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE FESTOOL SYS-POWERSTATION VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD068

Tibby Singh – www.TibbySingh.com

somewhere, and in some situations this could be the solution. It sounded too good to be true, and I didn’t know if it really would supply the power I would need for my corded tools – and whether it would last my full working day – which can be the hours of two days into one on occasions. I can confirm it still had plenty of energy at the end of the day – unlike myself. You may ask what watts does it supply? It provides a constant 2,990 watts permanent power and up to 11,000 watts short-term power, meaning it operates all mains-powered tools continuously with no loss of performance. From experience, I can tell you it has enough power for more than a day’s work, but this would also depend on the number and type of power tools you’re running, and the duration of their use. It does have an LED capacity indicator, which tells you how much juice is left in the tank. It is obviously rechargeable but I didn’t expect the charge time to be as little as approximately 3.5 hours, which is

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

WIRELESS ROUTER! Professional Builder looks at HiKOKI Power Tools’ cordless router, which it claims is a world’s first for cordless tools.

iKOKI Power Tools has launched what it claims is a cordless ‘world first’ with the announcement of its M3612DA 36V brushless router. It promises to make routing much more convenient by removing the need for a power cord. The M3612DA 36V router is powered by the manufacturer’s 36V Multi Volt batteries, delivering the grunt and high cutting performance you would normally expect from a mains-powered tool. The battery sits on top of the router body, making it a well-balanced tool, and it can be easily slipped in and out for charging. “Whether it’s grooving, bevelling, cutting, copying or engraving, with the HiKOKI cordless router, buttery-smooth shape cutting into timber materials has never been easier,” explains Nick Chan, Marketing Manager. “We think carpenters will enjoy using the M3612DA because it really does act like a mains powered tool. We have a great record in producing high quality corded routers, and this really does build on our heritage of innovation and design.”

Easy to operate, the router does not hang around and delivers a fast-cutting speed. It is also compact and lightweight and its maker has packed the tool with a

■ The world’s first cordless router is clearly a remarkable breakthrough for HiKOKI and one that would have amazed and delighted in equal measure our legendary tool tester Charles Godfrey. He was a great advocate of all things cordless but when he passed away in 1994 he imagined the router, because of the tremendous amount of power needed to engage the bits, would always be a step too far for the technical boffins and remain forever cordless. It’s taken the best part of twenty five years but it looks like doubters have finally been well and truly routed!

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high specification. With a collet chuck capacity of ½”, its main body stroke is 50mm and it weighs 3.8kg, giving the user a sure and powerful feel when in use. It also comes with a wrench, straight guide, dust collector set, template guide and ½” and ¼” collet chucks. “You can now work anywhere – including building sites where mains power is not available or not allowed. A high efficiency brushless motor rounds off this must-have tool for woodworkers and the trade,” continues Nick. Following hot on the heels of another HiKOKI industry first, the cordless portable rebar cutter/bender, the M3612DA 36V cordless router also fulfils the promises made by HiKOKI when it rebranded from Hitachi Power Tools in 2017 that it will be bringing innovation and world class technology into the marketplace. FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE HIKOKI POWER TOOLS M3612DA 36V BRUSHLESS ROUTER VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD069

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WORKWEAR

GETTING DOWN TO

Professional Builder’s Lee Jones explores the extensive range of Helly Hansen workwear f a clothing company is already well versed in safeguarding its wearers amidst the watery wilderness of a windswept ocean or in the shadow of soaring mountain peaks then it can certainly be trusted to provide quality workwear for UK builders. Indeed, the Helly Hansen brand has since its inception been synonymous with highly engineered garments designed to withstand the worst of nature’s wrath, and that’s a tradition that continues to this day. It was the eponymous Helly Juell Hansen who established the culture of innovation that is still embedded in the Norwegian company’s DNA. In 1877 the then sea captain, found a better way to protect sailors from the brutal Nordic climate. He developed a method of impregnating linseed oil into cotton canvas, thereby creating supple, waterproof apparel – and from that inventive beginning the milestones have just kept coming.

Layer system

the nineteenth century, the idea would be developed still further with the launch of the Hellytech concept in 1984 – the first waterproof and breathable membrane. “As consumers demand ever better levels of protection from their apparel, there are lots of transferable technologies from the other markets we service, such as sailing and skiing,” enthuses David Smith, Helly Hansen Workwear UK/ROI Sales Manager. “A tradesman’s clothing

In the 1960s Helly Hansen pioneered the pile fleece, a fabric which remains amongst the most effective insulating material available. Fast forward to the seventies and the first technical base layer garments featuring the manufacturer’s LIFA technology would emerge. Today, there are three different LIFA base layer solutions available depending on the level of activity and warmth required. Similarly – whilst many may lay claim to it – it was this Norwegian clothing expert that introduced the three-layer system as the most efficient means of providing temperature regulation and moisture management in clothing. Moreover, having already bequeathed the world a man-made waterproof garment in

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needs to be robust and fit-for-purpose, but we’re also producing clothing that’s designed to keep the wearer alive in some of the harshest environments the planet has to offer – that makes for great synergy across the range.” If the clothes make the man, then it’s cutting-edge science that makes the clothing, with fabric development experiencing unprecedented leaps forward in recent years. Helly Hansen is

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ideally placed to exploit the new technologies, as Andreas Pohl Larsen, Helly Hansen Workwear Product Design Director explains: “The latest generation of 4-way stretch fabrics that we’re manufacturing are now equipped with the durability that the workwear environment demands. Materials such as elastane are inherently more fragile but, by reducing their content in a garment to as little as 7 per cent, we can still deliver on flexibility and movement but with increased wear resistance. At the same, by increasing the useable life of the clothing, that also helps the environment. “In addition, we also concentrate our attention on the construction of a garment and how that can help the user feel more comfortable. New for Spring 2022, for example, our BRZ collection introduces climate regulation comfort at a lighter weight of just 250g or lower, with mechanical ventilation that can be adapted by the wearer according to the conditions. The feedback we get from customers always leads back to the same thing. They want something that’s comfortable and that they’re not looking forward to taking off. Our focus on the breathability, flexibility and lightness of the fabric is based on that principle.” That’s an ethos that is reinforced by Helly Hansen Marketing Manager, Nick Purcell: “There are now generations of builders who have been brought up on performance sportswear and expect their

work clothes to be of the same quality. Younger tradespeople in particular are now demanding a slim fit and tailored finish as standard, and that’s what the likes of our 4way stretch pant models will provide.” One of Helly Hansen’s most popular lines, the Chelsea Evolution concept is the embodiment of that combination of advanced fabrics and fashion-conscious styling. Incorporating a collection of jackets, midlayer solutions, Construction Pant choices, and safety trainers and boots, consumers will be attracted to inherently sophisticated garments that equally benefit from some of the aforementioned innovations, including 4way stretch, and the waterproof breathability of Hellytech. Similarly, the latest iteration of Helly Hansen’s footwear is reflecting some of the very same features found in high end trainers. The Chelsea Evolution MID is the

company’s biggest selling safety footwear in the UK, with a leather-free construction and – thanks to likes of EVA material in the mid-sole and an aluminium toecap – an extremely light weight. Add to that breathable and waterproof Hellytech fabric and you’re guaranteed a tradesman’s favourite, whilst other styles in the company’s portfolio feature the convenience of the BOA lacing system for a perfect fit at the simple turn of a knob.

Choice

Elsewhere, the Chelsea Evolution Construction Pant features hanging pockets, articulated knees, and kneepad pockets, Cordura reinforcement, and further details in the design for storing and holding tools. The Oxford collection has received a record number of pre-orders and focuses on lightweight, 2-way stretch and rip-stop fabrics, whilst the Manchester lines champion fit and clean designs. Of course, with all that choice, builders will need sufficient support to ensure they’re purchasing a fit for purpose product, and here again Helly Hansen is on hand. If the stretch functionality of the fabric is to come to the fore then sizing is of vital importance, and that makes consumer education central to the manufacturer’s message. Continues Nick: “In October we’re launching a global ‘try it on’ campaign and we would always encourage tradespeople to purchase from a trusted stockist who knows the clothing. We’re also adding to our video library all the time so customers can see the clothing in action. Builders do need to take time to think about the kind of work they do and the physical demands it will place on what they’re wearing, and we have a growing video library to help them make informed choices.” Workwear is as vital a tool of the trades as a saw for a carpenter or a trowel for a bricklayer, and that is the guiding principle of Helly Hansen’s product development. “Our strapline is trusted by professionals,” concludes Nick, “and that holds good whether you’re in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, on top of Everest, or working in the building industry.” FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HELLY HANSEN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD070

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DOORS & WINDOWS

BAY WATCH

No. 29

QUICKSLIDE EXPLAINS HOW TO INSTALL A BAY WINDOW

Replacing a bay window? Easy peasy right? Then how come we receive dozens of cries for help every year from builders that didn’t obey a few simple but essential rules for installing these highly popular features? The installation time varies depending on the building you are working on. It may take between 2-4 hours per window for a replacement job, and bear in mind a bay is actually several windows. It’s worth understanding the component parts of bay windows as shown in this illustration.

STEP 1 – ASSESSMENT AND MEASURING When you complete the initial survey to detail the new window specification, it is vital that you first check that there are no concerns such as cracks in the brick wall before you proceed. Any cosmetic issues might conceal far more serious problems which should be dealt with before you start work on the removal and replacement of the window. To measure, take dimensions of the existing windows point to point. You also need the internal angle of each section. Take the smallest measurements possible, as these will be the ‘tight’ sizes. This will allow tolerances that give space for expansion and contraction of the bay window frames. STEP 2 – REMOVE EXISTING WINDOWS Your assessment will determine if you need props. But if in doubt, prop it! Double check that your new windows are the correct sizes before removing the old frames. Make sure all of the old windows are removed and leave as smooth an opening as possible – this will make fitting the new windows a lot easier.

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STEP 3 – MEASURE THE SILL When the aperture is ready, measure the angles for the sill. Bay posts come in two different variants: 90-degree and variable. With any variable degree bay post measure the angles for the sill. It’s vital that the angle is correct before cutting the sills on the windows. Allow around 9mm for the bay posts, a measurement that may change due to the angle of your bay; always measure before cutting the sill. Also measure all corners of the bay just in case the angles are different. STEP 4 – CUT THE SILL Tip: remove one or both sashes to make the window lighter and easier to install. Place the window on its head, remove the sill, cut the angle of your bay and then re-attach the sill.

STEP 5 – FRAME ADAPTORS Now the sills are cut to the right angles you are almost ready to install. Before placing the windows into the bay, fit frame adaptors to both external sides of the middle bay. Use 25mm self-tapper screws, one at the top and one at the bottom, then 500mm apart. Inspect the positioning of the frame adaptors; make sure the adaptor is touching the outer frame where the lip is on the frame adaptor. If it’s not touching the bay poles will not sit correctly later. Take extra care when screwing the adaptor to the frame. You should make sure that the screws don’t penetrate into the sash chambers (marked in red) as this can affect the function of the window. STEP 6 – PLACE WINDOWS IN POSITION Start by placing the middle bay into position, including packers under

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

the outer frame. Throughout the process ensure the window is level, especially before fixing. Remove the sash stops at the top and place two fixing screws to hold the window in place. Repeat this process for the side windows also known as the returns. Again, make sure to include packers. Frame adaptors are not yet needed for the side windows. STEP 7 – LEVEL WINDOWS Once all windows are in position, start with your highest point and use packers or 35mm architrave to pack the other windows to make all the windows level. You may need to unscrew the fixing screws to level the windows (support the window if removing fixing screws!). STEP 8 – BAY POLES When windows are level, attach the frame adaptor to the bay pole (make sure it is the opposite side to the frame adaptor that you have attached to the

outer frame). Ensure the ball and socket joint on the aluminium are in correctly. Do not fix screws into the bay until the internal side is checked. Before fixing any screws ensure the bay pole is centred all the way down the bay. Ensure the frame adaptor is touching the inside lip of the outer frame. When the bay pole and the frame adaptor are level, fix screws (45mm selftappers) into the aluminium bay pole, one at the top and one at the bottom, then 500mm apart, fixing into the centre of the reinforcing on the window. Check the inside after fixing to see if the bay pole has moved. STEP 9 – FINAL FIXING SCREWS Once all windows and bay poles are in place check all levels. Remove sash stop at the bottom and place a fixing screw and fix final fixing screws in the top of the window. Also fix through the sill, and ensure the bay pole covers the screws. STEP 10 – RE-INSTALL THE SASHES If you removed the sashes they may now be re-installed. Ensure they are level and that each is fitted perfectly.

Check the windows operate smoothly and correctly. STEP 11 – FINISHING TOUCHES Install internal and external trim on the bay poles and tidy around the window ensuring no gaps. Then fix all additional furniture on the window such as pole eyes or D handles if requested. Perform one last check to confirm everything works smoothly. Pat yourself and the lads on the back.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON QUICKSLIDE BAY WINDOWS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD071

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builders’ vehicles 씱

HOLE LOT OF CASH New research from heycar and Honest John Vans has revealed the staggering cost of pothole damage in England. We’ve all been there. One minute you’re driving along in your van, listening to your favourite tunes and thinking about the next job, the next moment BANG your van hits a pothole and you are left wondering what damage has been inflicted to your trusty workhorse. In most cases, a pothole will be an unpleasant but harmless experience. However, following a freedom of information request, it has been revealed that councils in England forked out more than £8 million of taxpayers’ funds last year to settle damage claims caused by potholes. The biggest single claim resulted in a payout of almost a quarter of a million pounds. Despite filling 1.2 million potholes last year – at an average of more than 20,000 every week – there are still more than 100,000 recorded potholes in our roads at any one time. Fixing a pothole is a relatively cheap process, costing an average of £70 a time in England; however, this varies drastically as you travel up and down the country with some authorities paying up to £400. The 10 councils which paid out the most to settle compensation claims for damage and injury caused by potholes last year (2019/20): COUNCIL COMPENSATION Manchester.......................... £1,165,279 Derbyshire ............................ £500,965 Essex ...................................... £472,164 Lincolnshire .......................... £452,843 Surrey .................................... £403,482 Lancashire.............................. £352,621 East Sussex ............................ £329,311 West Sussex .......................... £317,524 St Helens .............................. £225,625 Stoke ...................................... £215,826

It means that as fast as council contractors fill the potholes, more are created that add to the workload, sparking huge compensation claims where people are injured and their vehicles damaged. FOR MORE VAN AND PICK-UP ADVICE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD072

MY VAN HAS BEEN DAMAGED BY A POTHOLE, WHAT SHOULD I DO? If you think your van has been damaged by a pothole then you should pull over to a safe location and check your vehicle. A pothole can cause a range of problems, from tyre punctures to serious suspension damage. If you think your van has a problem then you should inspect it and arrange for it to be recovered if necessary. Take note, you can be fined up to £2,500 and be banned from driving for driving a van in a dangerous condition. The UK’s highway authorities and agencies are legally obliged to maintain the roads to a safe standard – that includes identifying and filling potholes. Make some notes about the location and size of the pothole, photographs are also a good idea but don’t put yourself at risk by attempting to photograph a pothole on the middle of a busy A road at rush hour. If your van needs to be repaired then

get some quotes before making a claim against the authority that’s responsible for the road. It’s a good idea to have evidence of the quotes, invoices, receipts and whatever else you need to back up your claim. Contact the local authority and tell them what damage has occurred to your van, why you think they’re liable and the specific location where the incident took place (road name and the nearest marker post number or feature which identifies the part of the road you were on). Also include the date and time the damage was caused, as well as any evidence for the cost of repairing your van. However, take note, a local highway authority can’t be held responsible for a pothole they didn’t know about. They might not have known about it if it hadn’t been reported to them or because it appeared after their road check.

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

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INSULATION

No.1

FLAT CHAMPION

NEW

SERIES

A new series from Knauf Insulation will look at what products are required for the right application Using insulation correctly is important to achieve the required performance, and meet customer and regulatory standards. In the first of our technical columns, Bradley Hirst, Technical Services Manager from Knauf Insulation explains what you need to know about insulating domestic cold flat roofs.

Fire safety and noise

Many homeowners are concerned about fire safety, so using insulation classified as non-combustible under the Euroclass reaction to fire classification system, such as Glass or Rock Mineral Wool,, provides reassurance that the insulation will not contribute to the development of a fire or

Thermal performance

If there is no product or U-value specified on the architect’s drawings, or if you want to substitute the insulation, take advice before you start construction. Thermal performance is stipulated by the Building Regulations so if you use the wrong product, you will not achieve the intended performance and Building Control may not sign off the roof. Lambda values determine the thermal conductivity of an insulation material (the lower the lambda value, the better), but it’s not the only factor that affects the performance of insulation.

flame spread. If the property is near an airport, the local authority may stipulate an acoustic requirement too. But if they don’t, it’s worth considering insulation that is excellent at absorbing sound such as our OmniFit Slab 35 which reduces environmental noise and the drumming effect of rainwater on roofs.

Get a good fit

During installation, it’s important to ensure there are no gaps that will allow heat to escape. Glass and Rock Mineral Wool are easier to install correctly than other insulants, such as rigid boards, because they knit together and maintain a friction fit between joists as the timber contracts and expands. Eliminating air gaps not only ensures the desired thermal performance is achieved, but will also maintain fire safety and acoustic performance.

Ventilation

On cold flat roofs, ventilation is as important as insulation, otherwise, interstitial condensation will form, which could lead to mould growth. There must be a minimum 50mm ventilation gap above the insulation layer, so factor this into the build-up. If head height is an issue (for example, on some refurbishment projects), consider installing a warm roof, where insulation is installed above the roof deck.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON KNAUF INSULATION VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BD073

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wise howell

TRADE MEDIA SETCRETE PRODUCT AND FLOOR PREPARATION GUIDE

Quick and easy selection of the right solution for the job is available with the Setcrete ‘fast check’ product and floor preparation guide for its range of floor levelling compounds, repair mortars, primers, damp proof membranes and adhesives. Both the packaging and guide make intelligent use of colour-coding, simple graphical information, and pictorial icons. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD074

KNIPEX WEBSITE

Tradespeople can now search for the right tool by profession – electrical or plumbing, for instance – on the new look Knipex website. Another new feature is the Workshop TV – located in the ‘Knowledge’ section – with a selection of products presented by experts. The site showcases Combination Pliers, Crimping Pliers, Pliers Wrench or Carpenter’s Pincers, cable strippers, clamps, nippers, and screw drivers. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD075

CHARCON BROCHURE

The full-colour, 170page Charcon brochure can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. It includes indepth information on concrete and natural stone paving, sustainable drainage systems, surface water drainage, kerbing and edging – and features a useful guide for design, installation and maintenance. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD076

ROCKWOOL RESOURCE HUBS

Passive fire protection, HVAC, ventilated façades, flat roofs and acoustics are the subjects addressed in the Rockwool series of technical Resource Hubs. Each of the online areas include a wealth of technical literature, proof of concept case studies, specification tools and CPD learning modules, as well as the latest Building Regulation requirements. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD077

There is a worldwide shortage of sand. It’s nothing to do with the blocking of the Suez Canal earlier this year, or the Covid-19 “Pingdemic”. It’s because we have used almost all of it up. This is a fact that should alarm all builders. Sand is one the most basic building materials, and we are all accustomed to there being an unlimited supply of the stuff. And at a remarkable low price, too. Sand is the most consumed raw material on earth – after water. It is the primary substance used in construction – not just for making mortar and concrete, but also for paving and landscaping. And enormous quantities of sand are melted down to make glass. Not just for windows and bottles, but for TVs, computer screens and smart phones. And as the developing world catches up with the industrialised North, the demand for these products is only going to grow. It’s easy to think that sand is everywhere, and that there must be enough to last forever. After all, it’s on every beach, and the seabed, and quarries, and what about all the world’s deserts? Well, deserts are interesting. Desert sand grains are rolled around and eroded by the wind, rather than water, which makes them too smooth and rounded to bind together well as a construction material. Construction sand needs to be rougher and more angular, so it is dredged from seabeds and rivers, and dug out of quarries, which are remnants of ancient seabeds. But because of the rapid rate

of worldwide building development over the past twenty years or so, we are using the stuff up much faster than it can be replenished by the natural weathering of rocks. So what’s to be done? Well, recycling crushed concrete as aggregate is obviously a good idea, but it’s such a good idea that it has already been done widely for years now. Recycled plastic waste as a substitute for sand in concrete is another experiment that seems to achieve good results, and helps solve the micro-plastic waste problem, too. Up to ten percent of the sand in structural concrete can be replaced with plastic, and a higher percentage in non-structural products such as paving slabs. I would also like to suggest the use of chopped hemp or straw as an aggregate in render mixes and screeds. Unlike sand, these vegetable sources are renewable, and they are good thermal and acoustic insulators too. Other than that, it’s a matter of us all becoming aware that sand is now a scarce resource, and we should treat it as such. Keep that old unused bag of sand, rather than chucking it on the skip. You never know where the next one might be coming from.

Jeff Howell

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

Use our digital reader enquiry service for further information online

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ADVERTISEMENT INDEX Here is a useful summary of all the adverts that appear in this issue of Professional Builder. Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information Artificial Grass .................................................................. (page 51) www.rdr.link/BD120 Actis Insulation Ltd .......................................................... (page 60) www.rdr.link/BD121 Armstead .......................................................................... (page 78) www.rdr.link/BD122 Bond It .............................................................................. (page 58) www.rdr.link/BD123 Bosch Accessories .......................................................... (page 43) www.rdr.link/BD124 Buckbootz ........................................................................ (page 52) www.rdr.link/BD125 Cedral ................................................................................ (page 47) www.rdr.link/BD126 Dakea ................................................................................ (page 56) www.rdr.link/BD127 Dulux Academy ................................................................ (page 67) www.rdr.link/BD128 Eclisse UK .......................................................................... (page 11) www.rdr.link/BD129 Estimators-online................................................................ (page 4) www.rdr.link/BD130 Everbuild Building Products .......................................... (page 62) www.rdr.link/BD131 Federation of Master Builders ........................................ (page 87) www.rdr.link/BD132 Festool UK Ltd .................................................................. (page 89) www.rdr.link/BD133 Ford Motor Co Ltd ............................................................ (page 33) www.rdr.link/BD134 Helly Hansen UK Ltd ........................................................ (page 49) www.rdr.link/BD135 Hultafors Group .................................................................. (page 6) www.rdr.link/BD136 Isuzu International Motors .............................................. (page 81) www.rdr.link/BD137 JCP Construction Products ............................................ (page 83) www.rdr.link/BD138 Jackon UK Ltd.................................................................... (page 16) www.rdr.link/BD139 Karndean Design Flooring ...................................... (pages 34, 35) www.rdr.link/BD140 Knauf Insulation Ltd ........................................................ (page 59) www.rdr.link/BD141 Made for Trade .................................................................. (page 19) www.rdr.link/BD142 Made for Trade .................................................................. (page 21) www.rdr.link/BD143 Made for Trade.................................................................. (page 23) www.rdr.link/BD144 Makita (UK) Ltd ................................................................ (page 79) www.rdr.link/BD145 Manthorpe Building Products ........................................ (page 44) www.rdr.link/BD146

Marley Ltd .......................................................................... (page 70) www.rdr.link/BD147 Marmox UK Ltd ................................................................ (page 69) www.rdr.link/BD148 Marshalls Plc .................................................................... (page 50) www.rdr.link/BD149 Mascot International Ltd ................................................ (page 66) www.rdr.link/BD150 Monodraught Ltd.............................................................. (page 64) www.rdr.link/BD151 N & C Building Products Ltd ............................................ (page 31) www.rdr.link/BD152 Omnie ................................................................ (inside front cover) www.rdr.link/BD153 Pnu-Point Ltd .................................................................... (page 80) www.rdr.link/BD154 Polybound ........................................................................ (page 40) www.rdr.link/BD155 Quickslide ............................................................................ (page 5) www.rdr.link/BD156 Ring .................................................................................... (page 38) www.rdr.link/BD157 Robert Bosch Ltd ................................................................ (page 8) www.rdr.link/BD158 Rocket Door Frames ........................................................ (page 46) www.rdr.link/BD159 Rockwool Ltd .................................................................... (page 53) www.rdr.link/BD160 RWC Ltd ............................................................................ (page 26) www.rdr.link/BD161 Safeguard Europe Ltd ...................................................... (page 72) www.rdr.link/BD162 Simpson Strong Tie .......................................................... (page 18) www.rdr.link/BD163 Siroflex Ltd/ OB1................................................................ (page 13) www.rdr.link/BD164 Tesco Mobile ...................................................................... (page 41) www.rdr.link/BD165 Toolfair Exhibition ............................................................ (page 94) www.rdr.link/BD166 TuffX Processed Glass Ltd .............................................. (page 73) www.rdr.link/BD167 Volkswagen Ltd ................................................................ (page 63) www.rdr.link/BD168 WD-40 Company Ltd .................................................. (back cover) www.rdr.link/BD169 Wera Tools UK Ltd.................................................... (pages 84, 85) www.rdr.link/BD170 West Fraser ...................................................................... (page 29) www.rdr.link/BD171 West Fraser........................................................................ (page 75) www.rdr.link/BD172

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GOOD HEALTH NO.24 DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT)

Let’s talk about DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS This month’s column is about DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis. Worries about having a DVT often bring people to the GP, but sometimes people also overlook or ignore their symptoms which can be dangerous too. So, let’s start with the question: what is a DVT? A deep vein thrombosis is when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins – in the leg this might be in the thigh, the lower leg or higher up towards the pelvis. They can also happen elsewhere in the body. So why does this happen? A blood clot can form for a number of reasons especially if there is a change in how the blood is able to flow in the vein, if the person has damage to the lining of the blood vessel itself or if they have any medical condition that makes the blood thicker and more likely to form clots. There are some well recognised factors that make you generally more likely to be at risk of developing a DVT. These risk factors include: ● being over age 60 ● being overweight ● being a smoker ● having had a previous DVT ● having cancer ● taking medication containing hormones like the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy.

A SWOLLEN LEG? COULD IT BE A DVT? THIS MONTH GP, ALICE FITZGIBBON EXAMINES DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS

Some situations also increase risk of DVT developing. These include: if you have been admitted to hospital or had a procedure that has led to reduced mobility, you have been confined to bed, you have been dehydrated, you have travelled on a journey of more than three hours and been sitting still, and lastly during pregnancy or just after giving birth. Sometimes, DVTs can occur without a reason ever being found. The risk factors above are all the things your doctor will ask about. But what will you have noticed? The signs of a DVT are: ● New swelling of one leg (rarely happens in both) ● Aching or throbbing pain in the leg ● Redness of the skin ● Skin that feels warm to touch ● Swollen veins appearing that can be hard or tender to touch.

If you develop any of these symptoms, as a GP I would like to hear from you on the same day! This is because early recognition of DVT and early treatment can prevent complications. If we see you and suspect you have a DVT, you will be referred for further assessment at a hospital within 24 hours. This will likely include a special blood test called a d-dimer, and an ultrasound scan to look at the veins and check the blood flow in your leg. Complications of a DVT can include part of the blood clot breaking off and travelling up to the lungs where it can get stuck. This is called a pulmonary embolism. Signs of this might include chest pain, sudden shortness of breath and coughing up blood. If you have any of these signs and a DVT you should seek medical attention immediately via 999 or A&E. This can be a life-threatening emergency. Treatment for DVT is mostly with blood thinner medications (anti-coagulants). Depending on the cause for the DVT (if there is one found), the length of treatment will vary. Some people may need blood thinners for three months, and for others it might be a

“If you are concerned you might have DVT due to one-sided leg swelling, redness and pain then please get it checked out by your GP.” recommended life-long. Anti-coagulants come in different forms and the medical team would identify the most appropriate one for you. In special cases other more specialised treatments or procedures may be required. If you are concerned you might have a DVT due to one-sided leg swelling, redness and pain then please get it checked out by your GP. Sometimes it doesn’t turn out to be a DVT but – if it is – then prompt assessment and treatment can be arranged to treat the clot and prevent complications. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT) FROM THE NHS: WWW.RDR.LINK/BD078

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