Aircrete Walls as a cost-effective, sustainable solution to energy efficient building

The drive to create more energy efficient buildings with lower carbon emissions is gaining momentum as architects, builders, contractors, developers, and selfbuilders all seek the simplest and most cost-effective way to achieve this goal. A fabric first approach, insulating floors, walls and roofs to a very high standard, is seen by most as key. This however can exaggerate heat loss through thermal bridging at the thermally weak junctions between these elements, which may account for up to 35% of total heat loss in some cases. Mannok Aircrete blocks (formerly Quinn Lite blocks) are widely regarded as one of the best solutions to tackle heat loss through thermal bridging as they can reduce heat loss by up to 80% compared to dense concrete blocks. Aircrete blocks are commonplace on building sites across the country, most often used in the floor to wall junction to ensure continuity of insulation at this location. This addresses one junction, but it is necessary to apply the same solution to all junctions to effectively combat thermal bridging. The much more straightforward solution is to simply build the entire inner leaf of the cavity wall with Aircrete blocks. This simple switch addresses thermal bridges at all junctions by default, almost eliminating heat loss through these junctions. The thermally efficient inner leaf will also reduce heat loss through the wall itself, which can account for up to 35% of the elemental heat loss from the building. In addition, it makes life much easier for the builder, there’s no mixing different types of blocks, no switching from one to another at different locations, which will reduce the risk of errors or omissions. In addition to a more comfortable, energy efficient home with reduced heating bills, the homeowner can look forward to a faster heating response which suits modern day living. Thanks to their insulating properties, Aircrete blocks absorb heat from the room at a slower rate than denser materials. This means that when the heating is switched on, the home will reach the desired temperature quicker than if the walls were built with heavier concrete blocks. The cost difference of upgrading to Aircrete cavity walls will vary by property but is generally a very small percentage of the overall build. This is then offset quickly by the resulting energy savings and added performance benefits. In many cases the net result can be cost neutral. The support of the Mannok Technical team advising on specification and providing relevant calculations, will make it an appealing option for self-builders and developers alike. Self-builders can also avail of product bundles and discounts thanks to the new Self Build with Mannok packages when using Aircrete blocks in wall construction. The new packages offering is being rolled out across Ireland and Northern Ireland and Mannok are keen to work together with Merchants to promote the benefits of Aircrete as a more sustainable building solution for the self-build market. For further details, Merchants can speak directly to their local Mannok Sales Manager or contact selfbuild@mannokbuild.com

WoRKing LocaLLy to pRoMote hoMe iMpRoVeMentS

Are you as a Builders Merchant or Hardware Store working with your local Credit Union to promote local Home Improvements? If not, why not?

As a local business supplying expertise, information and the ideal products for Home Improvement, Hardware Association Ireland strongly encourages you to engage today with your Local Credit Union to see how you can assist them in their promotion.

Credit Unions are asking their customers, “Are you dreaming of making your nest bigger, brighter or warmer? Well, the answer might be just around the corner! Talk to your local credit union today about our range of home improvement loans. Because for all of your dreams that are big, small, or strange, we’ve got you covered with our monster loan range”. Credit Unions make commercial decisions locally so make an appointment today with your local office and offer your services to complement those offered by your local Credit Union.

Your local Credit Union is promoting and offering their customers and yours Home Improvement Loans. www.

creditunion.ie/what-we-offer/loans/home-improvement/

They are also offering home improvement loans for those specifically making improvements to increase the energy efficiency of their home with their Green Home improvement loans.

LooK WeSt foR oppoRtUnitieS apLenty!

When you think of places in Ireland bursting with job opportunities, you’d be forgiven for overlooking Westport in County Mayo. The small seaside town is renowned for many other things but perhaps flies under the radar for opportunity in employment in world class companies. That’s why it was exciting to learn that local company, Portwest, has over 40 new positions on offer. Portwest was established in Westport in 1904 and has grown to become one of the world’s leading workwear and PPE suppliers. It now employs over 4,000 people worldwide and is still headquartered in Westport. Rachel Davoren, MD says, ‘Westport has everything. The beautiful scenery, the historical monuments, the bustling nightlife which will no doubt return as Covid-19 restrictions ease and the quiet, peaceful living that country life offers. I have travelled to many places in my time but there is honestly nowhere else we would choose to operate from.” On that, Rachel is right. It is a town that has everything. It has won Ireland’s Tidiest Town on numerous occasions and was also awarded the prestigious ‘Best Place to Live in Ireland’ by the Irish Times. Its pretty streets are lined with award winning restaurants and cafés, many now offering take away solutions in the face of Covid-19 restrictions. Locals have substituted their regular Sunday brunch outings with walks on one of the many blue flag beaches nearby or by exploring the grounds of the historical Westport House, a haven for families with young children especially. In the town that has everything is the company that offers everything. Portwest has won the ‘Best Place to Work’ award for three years running. Great benefits combined with a friendly and dynamic work environment has ensured that those seeking to leave the confines of the city have found a rewarding place for them to retreat to. The roles on offer vary across Sales and Marketing, Talent Acquisition, Accounts, Product Management and many more disciplines, those interested can contact careers@portwest.com for more information.

NO

BREXIT TARIFFS

panDeMic pRoMptS “MaSS MoBiLiSation of DigitaL”

The Covid-19 pandemic has prompted a mass mobilisation of digital across the Irish economy and society as businesses, services, and community groups registered the highest ever number of .ie domains according to the new 2020 .IE Domain Profile Report. 65,113 new .ie domains were registered in 2020, the highest ever figure and an almost 30% increase on 2019, according to the latest edition of the report, which explores and analyses the .ie database. The peak occurred in May, when 7,003 new .ie domains were registered, the highest number ever registered in a single month. This peak began to drop off from June, as restrictions eased, but moved up sharply in October, peaking again in November. David Curtin, Chief Executive of .IE, Ireland’s national registry for .ie domains, says that the increase demonstrates a “mass mobilisation of digital in every part of the economy and society” in response to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Businesses migrated online, many for the first time, in direct response to the lockdowns,” he said. “They realised that having an online presence, and in many cases e-commerce capabilities, would at the very least minimise the damage of reduced or non-existent footfall.” The .IE Domain Profile Report indicates that entrepreneurs and new businesses are taking a ‘digital-first’ approach and ensuring that they secure their preferred online identity with a .ie domain name, before they register their company as a legal entity. As of end 2020, the total number of .ie domains in the database was 309,853. The .ie domain now accounts for 51% of all domains hosted in Ireland, followed by .com (32%) and .uk (8%).

caRL KaMMeRLing fUSion 21 tRaDe pRoMotion

Carl Kammerling International, CKI, is launching its exciting new Fusion 21 trade promotion running from 1st February to 28th May 2021. Offering retailers fantastic savings on more than 150 products from all CKI brands including: C.K, C.K Magma, C.K Classic, Avit and Kasp. This great selection of products includes proven sellers, core items, new innovative product launches and great value range deals - all for just a low initial order. Product incentives are available for customers who wish to commit more to the promotion initially, and any of the range deals. This unrivalled package provides customers who sign up with a superb incremental profit opportunity, as well as high margins and great discounts. Innovative new products in the Fusion 21 range include C.K Sure Drive Socket Sets - combining high quality with high performance, manufactured from forged chrome vanadium alloy steel, making each part rust resistant, as well as providing excellent longevity. C.K Rescue Hex Key Sets, C.K Rescue Nut & Bolt Extractors - the perfect companions for those tricky tasks and the C.K Magma Wheeled Rucksack Plus, an innovative lightweight and compact tool storage solution. Fusion 21 sees a selection of great value range deals, with free products for customers who purchase a range deal. Highlights of the products available include: C.K Cable Strippers; C.K Redline VDE Combicutters; C.K Sure Drive Sockets and Accessories; and C.K Sure Drive Adjustable Wrenches. Additional opportunities within Fusion 21 include Counter box promotions, and a brilliant range of Added Value packs which provide additional items for FREE. Retailers who sign up to Fusion 21 also benefit from an excellent sell out package, which includes eye-catching Counter Mats and Price Stickers, designed to drive sales. A brand-new product brochure features all the brands and products available in Fusion 21, with a handy content index for quick and easy product selection. Digital consumer brochures can be downloaded using QR codes on printed Counter Mats and Shelf Wobblers. A social media campaign will also figure strongly during the promotion to further increase sales. To benefit from Fusion 21, customers can simply sign up by contacting their local sales representative, or CKI customer services on +44 1758 704704 / sales@cki.uk.com Don’t forget to mark your order FUS21 to benefit from this superb promotion.