Professional Builder October 2023

Smith & Jones

IF THEY ARE TALKING WE ARE LISTENING!

AND YOU CAN TOO, AS WE CATCH UP WITH SOME OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY’S MOST INTERESTING AND KNOWLEDGEABLE CHARACTERS ON THE NEW GROUND BREAKING PROFESSIONAL BUILDER PODCAST WITH SMITH AND JONES.

LEARN A NEW BUSINESS SKILL OR FINE TUNE AN OLD ONE FROM THE GUYS AND GIRLS AT THE SHARP END, WHO HAVE BEEN THERE, DONE IT AND GOT THE PB T SHIRT TO BOOT!

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EDITOR

LEE JONES

EMAIL: ljones@hamerville.co.uk

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

EDWARD KELLY

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GROUP ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER

CRAIG JOWSEY

TEL: 07900 248102

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NORTHERN ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER

IAN DUFF

MOBILE: 07810 353525

EMAIL: probuilder@sky.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

DONNA BOOTH

GROUP PRODUCTION MANAGER

CAROL PADGETT

DIGITAL MANAGER

JASMINE SMITH

EMAIL: jsmith@hamerville.co.uk

DIGITAL ASSISTANT

LYDIA MCFARLANE

EMAIL: lmcfarlane@hamerville.co.uk

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

KARL CLARK

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sAFETY fIRST

Here at PB one of the most satisfying parts of our working week is to get out on site and meet the local jobbing builder plying their trade. Not only do we see the tools, materials and services that are featured in these pages brought to life in the hands of highly skilled craftspeople, but it’s also an invaluable opportunity to listen to what matters to the boots on the ground.

There is, however, a PPE-light elephant often in the room with us and that’s what we might describe as a rather more relaxed attitude to some items of safety equipment. It is a fact that regular HSE inspection campaigns focusing on the repair, maintenance and improvement sector results in the organisation issuing rather more enforcement notices than it should be. It is equally the case that more people are suffering from entirely avoidable instances of occupational ill health –and these can often be crippling conditions that the adoption of the right safety measures would almost certainly have mitigated.

For most tradespeople, if they’re not working they’re not earning. At the same time, employers are duty bound to ensure that the correct PPE is issued to all staff, and that they are properly trained in its use. In both instances – whether worker or company owner – if an accident occurs the financial implications can be ruinous. In that context, the safety message should be a pretty straightforward one to convey.

additional layers of protection than the cumbersome models of days gone by could boast. Today, there is a breed of builder who wants to communicate a professional image with functional and fashionable workwear, that both protects and projects a positive image to new and existing clients.

There are, however, some stubborn and ingrained behaviours. Gloves are now mandatory on many large sites and infrastructure projects but, away from the world of site managers and health and safety professionals, how many plasterers and bricklayers are exposing themselves to the corrosive effects of some building materials by not wearing them? Our hands are the most important tools we have and yet they routinely go unprotected. Similarly, there are tradespeople who will spend more time on their knees than even they themselves might realise, but they’re still not making use of the safeguard that good quality modern knee pads afford. Manufacturers have worked hard to introduce vibration control measures into power tools, but how often do many people take account of the amount of time they are spending on that recip saw or rotary hammer?

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. © 2023

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It should also be recognised that we have made huge strides in improving safety on site – a reality to which the reduction in accidents and fatalities will testify. Hard hats, hi vis and safety footwear, are routinely saving the trades from life changing injuries. Indeed, the latter is one very good example of how technology and design has come together to transform the available choices, with safety trainers and boots that can rival high fashion in looks but with many more

It is certainly the case that we are all free to make choices, but it is equally true that we’re never free from their consequences. The problem, of course, is that many of the on-site hazards that builders confront in the course of each and every working day are creeping, cumulative threats, with the full effects not realised for some years after. There are too many old hands out there who are enduring daily discomfort from inflammation of the knee joints, or a crippling lack of dexterity from vibration white finger. No doubt they’d quite like to have a quiet word with their younger self. The trouble is, could they really be sure they’d listen?

“Our hands are the most important tools we have and yet they routinely go unprotected.”

HMRC urges construction professionals to check their Self Assessment registration situation

Time is gradually running out for selfemployed workers to check if they need to submit a Self-Assessment tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year. HMRC also notes that, for tradespeople who are used to doing their own tax returns, they can already do this year’s tax return. This won’t mean they have to pay early, but instead they can know exactly what they owe and get some time and space to budget. The deadline for first time registrations is 5th October 2023 and

CONFIDENCE BOOST

Survey of over 1,000 self-employed people reveals tradespeople among most business confident in the UK

The SME Insights Report, published by small business insurance provider Simply Business, also indicated that 39% of tradespeople believe the economy will improve and 72% feel positive about their prospects in 2023. Simply Business said this indicates a determination to succeed despite the more balanced outlook for the sector and the broader UK economy.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW003

YOUR GOOD SELF TAKE COVER

Money.co.uk business statistics show that 44% of SMEs in the UK may have no commercial insurance

As the construction industry makes up 17% of the UK’s business population, and is almost entirely populated by SMEs, this roughly equates to a possible 402,160 uninsured construction companies. Thinking their business was too small was the biggest reason given for not being insured. In response to the findings, the company has put together some tips for construction SME owners on insurance.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW004

BACK ON THE MENU

Former builder with MS can cook for family again thanks to Band of Builders

The group of eight volunteers from the construction charity helped install a brand-new accessible kitchen for Chris Chappell, father of seven, that he can now use whilst in a wheelchair. The bespoke kitchen was donated by AKW Medi-Care with features including a rise-andfall worktop housing a hob and sink as well as pull down baskets and a pull-out larder.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW005

ALL HANDS TO THE PUMP

Ideal Heating launches UK heat pump production line as part of £60m net zero drive

The company has been manufacturing boilers for over a century at its headquarters in Hull but is now undergoing a major transformation as it engineers the

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW006

ZONE OUT

NFB says ULEZ expansion will hurt trades the most Richard Beresford, chief executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “Construction inflation is higher than the national average and the rising cost of living is biting workers and their clients. Whilst addressing air quality is imperative, the ULEZ expansion feels like a tax, rather than a strategic mission to improve the health of Londoners. Some older vehicles over 3.5 tonnes may be liable for more than £300 a day and others under that weight,

BOUNCING BACK

UK construction equipment sales were resilient in Q2

Retail sales of construction and earthmoving equipment bounced back in June after falling below 2022 levels in May. Sales in June were over 8% above the levels in the same month last year and this included very strong sales of mini/midi excavators, the most popular product in the UK. As a result, sales in Q2 ended up at 3% above the second quarter last year.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW008

THE BEST OF THE BEST

PDA flies flag for excellence in painting and decorating Winners across seven categories were announced at The Painting and Decorating Association’s flagship Premier Trophy Awards ceremony. Alfred Bagnall & Sons won the New Build category for its work at The Royal Liverpool University Hospital and went on to be declared Supreme Winner. The seven-year £3.2million contract at the hospital is one of the largest projects ever judged at the awards.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW009

STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

JACKET IN

Professional Builder reader may have the oldest donkey jacket still being worn Petter Bott got in touch with us to tell us about his 53-year-old jacket that he bought in 1970 as an apprentice. The jacket has changed a fair bit since then, with the PVC panels on the shoulders gone and the buttons fallen off (Peter calls the safety pins a fashion statement), but he says it stills does the job and keeps him warm on site!

Werner celebrates a year of its Stepping Up to Ladder Safety campaign

Focusing on how to stay safe when working at height, the campaign offers professionals a series of downloadable safety guides and practical advice.

Justin White, Managing Director for Werner, said: “We are thrilled that our Stepping Up to Ladder Safety campaign has received such a positive response throughout the past year. Prior to launch, we undertook research which revealed that 48% of professionals worry about safety when working at height, demonstrating a clear need for such a campaign.”

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW010

©leszekglasner Adobe Stock

RAISING THE ROOF

The winners of the BMI Apprentice of the Year 2023 roofing competition have been announced.

This year’s theme was ‘Skills for Life’. Winner in the Redland Pitched Roofing category was Euan Forsyth, an apprentice at Mithril Roofing and training at Fife College. Charlie Plant, an apprentice at Sussex Asphalte who trains at Simian, claimed the Icopal award in the Flat Roofing category. The winners also received a £1,000 cash prize and three years’ worth of training support from the BMI Academy.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW011

INTO THE LIGHT

NARM, the National Association of Rooflight Manufacturers, relaunches as The Rooflight Association.

The Association’s membership was previously focussed on manufacturing businesses but will now also be open to rooflight installers, specifiers, distributors and others involved in the rooflight industry. The Rooflight Association will expand on its work, shaping standards and legislation, supporting safe roof working practices and providing authoritative, independent technical information.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW012

Increased possibility of flooding is affecting 9 in 10 Brits’

The research, conducted by Wavin showed that 71% deem flood defences, including sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), as important factors when purchasing a house.

A 2022 Bank of England report only contributed to this growing fear with bankers reporting that the cost of flood risk coverage is set to skyrocket indefinitely over the next 30 years if urgent action isn’t taken on climate change.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW013

© Glazing Vision Ltd.

ON THE WATCH

It is the scourge of hard-working tradespeople with an estimated 58,000 incidents of tool theft in 2022 alone. In monetary terms – taking into account the equipment itself, damage to vehicles, and loss of earnings – that’s a staggering £1 million a day lost and, for selfemployed builders in particular, when you’re suddenly deprived of the means to ply your trade it can have gravely detrimental financial consequences.

“There has been an explosion in tool theft,” declares Ray Stafford, one of the founders and Chair of Van Watch, “but what really bugs me is that, because of the fragmented nature of the building industry, this issue has been largely neglected. Imagine if a million pounds a day was being stolen from banks. There would be questions in the House of Commons, and no doubt a special police task force. The large financial institutions have the ear of government, and can make themselves heard, but the

construction sector is populated by hundreds of thousands of self-employed people who are effectively voiceless.”

is a on a mission to change all that. This

not-for-profit, cross industry campaign, is bringing stakeholders together with the ambition to reduce tool theft, mitigate its impact and, through a range of practical, financial and emotional support mechanisms, minimise victim distress.

So just how can tradespeople get involved in the campaign, and what should they be doing to protect their tools? “Builders can sign up at www.vanwatch.org.uk and we’ll provide you with the latest local and national updates on the issue. In terms of deterrence, we would encourage every tradesperson to register their tools, retain proof of purchase, and forensically mark them with a tool marking or smartwater system. Park your vehicle up against a wall in a well-lit area. Only around half of thefts are in front of a home so make sure you’re vigilant wherever you stop, and when the van is outside the job. You should also consider investing in aftermarket locks and security measures.

The Van Watch campaign has set its sights on tackling tool theft. Professional Builder’s Lee Jones talks to the organisation’s Chair, Ray Stafford about just how they’re going to do it.

Ray Stafford, Chair of Van Watch meets Home Secretary, Suella Braverman

“Perhaps most importantly, we would urge every tool user to refrain from purchasing second hand equipment unless they’re really confident of its provenance. This is an economically motivated and profit driven crime. If we can suppress the market for stolen goods, then fewer criminals will be encouraged to steal them in the first place.”

Taking it seriously

A common lament is that law enforcement and the courts do not take the issue anywhere near seriously enough, and this is another active area of lobbying for Van Watch. “We’re all very familiar with the experience of reporting an incident to your local constabulary, obtaining a crime number and that’s it – case closed. At a senior level, that is starting to change with a greater recognition that the public should expect the police to tackle all forms of lawlessness.

“In terms of the available prison terms for these offences they are actually reasonably prohibitive, with a maximum of seven years in prison for theft and 14 years for handling stolen goods. The problem is that magistrates will refer to the sentencing guidelines and these invariably result in very low-level custodial terms or a community-based punishment. We’re not necessarily asking for legislative changes but a modification of the sentencing guidelines. There are aggravating factors that can be listed on those guidelines and, given its impact on the victim, we want one of those to be the theft of tools from tradespeople.”

For much of his career Ray was the Managing Director of a leading plumbers’ merchant, and has brought that industry experience to the Van Watch initiative. “Even though we’re a relatively new organisation I’m pleased to say that we’ve already recruited a diverse group of over 40 significant organisations as supporters. It’s a wide-ranging coalition, comprising trade associations, such as the Federation of Master Builders, merchants, manufacturers like Bosch and Draper, as well as governmental organisations that include the National Business Crime Centre.

“They each contribute in their different ways,” explains Ray. “The Builders’ Merchant Federation has very good political contacts, for instance, and were able to organise a meeting with the Home Secretary, Suella Braverman. Our friends at charities like The Rainy Day Trust, Band of Builders, and the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, have stepped up to provide financial and emotional support to victims. In addition, we have commercial enterprises that are donating end of line, or ex demo equipment to tool libraries and loan schemes that can quickly resupply tradespeople who suddenly find themselves bereft of the equipment they need to earn a living. We would like to see these initiatives extended, because they can be an invaluable lifeline for a selfemployed builder.”

The electrification of light commercial vehicles has also resulted in another unintended consequence that is detrimental to security. Any extra weight on EVs will adversely affect the range so there is some resistance to adding additional locking mechanisms. “What we would like

to see is the whole of the motor industry coming together to find solutions,” continues Ray, “with a separate and independent rating for loadspace security.”

There is equally a perception amongst builders that it’s either not worth being insured, or trying to claim on the policy, and this has become an active area of interest for Van Watch. “Our research has found that a third of tool users are not satisfied with their insurer and we’re just about to publish a summary of the top ten in terms of positive approval ratings. Having said that, if you go for a very cheap policy then clearly there will be more exclusions. Tools won’t be covered in van overnight, for example, or the cover might require signs of forced entry.”

“There are no sliver bullets,” concludes Ray, “and it’s going to be a long haul. We’re not under any illusions that it will be eradicated completely but our aim is to halve the incidents of tool theft within five years. If we are to realise that aim, the overriding message is that we must work together.”

Some of the costly damage that’s done to vehicles by unscrupulous thieves in order to gain access to tools

RIGHT ON THE MONEY

In a year marked by economic turbulence, the pressure building firms face is real. We know. At HBXL we’re talking to builders every day. The temptation to give an overly competitive price to secure projects is understandable, but before you tread this path, consider the farreaching consequences. The appeal of undercutting the competition could erode your hard-won profit. Under-pricing projects can result in long term losses that will impact your stability and growth. Knee-jerk reactions are inadvisable.

Estimating software: your best strategy

Your best ally – professional estimating software. The current economic landscape demands total accuracy. Software is no longer an after-thought, it’s essential to business success. With the right software you can factor in the latest material prices, inflation, wastage, wear and tear, and overheads. And that’s because you need to be producing accurate project estimates that reflect the realities of today’s market – not a discounted one that will leave you out of pocket. Yes, you might miss out on a job because you’re not as cheap as someone else, but why work on something that will keep you busy yet have nothing to show for it? You might as well catch up on your construction projects at home!

Proper organisation is key Skimping on your planning leaves you open to costly delays and escalating expenses down the line – way beyond what you originally estimated. Remember, every minute spent on scheduling materials, plant and labour is an investment that shields you from unwelcome financial surprises. As well as eating into your profit margins you risk damaging your reputation as a reliable builder. With the right estimating software you get ‘Just in time’ schedules of everything you need to order, and every subbie you need to book in well in advance – all linked to your ever-evolving build programme.

Customers are feeling the financial pressures too, and they want builders who can promise reliability. As you’re quoting for the job if you can showcase

your commitment to timely completion and organised scheduling, you’re ultimately ensuring customer satisfaction. A project management app that allows the customer to see first-hand what progress is being made on site, could very likely win you the work.

Establishing clear payment structures

Financial stability is paramount in the midst of inflation and rising living costs. As you email over invoices to customers, it’s crucial to have a solid contractual framework in place. Without clearly defined payment terms and some legal clout, you open the door to late payments, disagreements, and cash flow disruptions. In these times, airtight payment obligations are your saviour.

Safeguarding profits in unpredictable times

Balancing competitive pricing with profit preservation is a challenge. The repercussions of under-pricing, inadequate planning, and lax payment terms are magnified in this climate. So, to reiterate, your armour against these threats? Estimating software, contract

Joanna Mulgrew, Managing Director of HBXL Building Software, shares her advice on making money rather than losing it.

software and a job management tool that will secure your business’s financial health.

The power of EstimatorXpress

Take the estimating software, EstimatorXpress, that HBXL developed for small to medium sized building firms. It accurately calculates the true cost of the job, tracks the latest material prices, and among many useful reports, automatically produces material schedules and cash flow analyses – all included in the price of the software. The onboard Gantt chart cascades the changes when there’s a delay… I could go on.

BuildProjex manages your projects

And the new kid on the block is HBXL’s BuildProjex which is currently being soft launched. It’s a first in the UK – a cloudbased project collaboration software tool

share and manage construction projects. Employees, sub-contractors and associates can share drawings, updates, tasks, progress photos, Gantt charts etc. Customers can see certain updates. It’s early days but we’re seeing the appetite to plan better is there.

ContractsXpert has your back

A simple bit of software. Our legal team has done the hard graft and the software

Small Works Business-to-Business contract, Consumer contract and Subcontract contract in minutes! No one is in doubt about the work covered, value, obligations, payment timings, defects, termination, warranties, insurance...

What next?

As long as you commit to making money by charging accurately and managing your business efficiently, you can expect long term rewards. You’re not just building properties; you’re fortifying your future. And as Warren

Buffet, the highly successful American businessman once said, “Rule No.1: Never lose money. Rule No.2: Never forget rule No.1.” I rest my case.

SKILL SEEKERS

The skills gap is one of the biggest threats facing the construction industry. With an ageing workforce, and lack of new entrants, the outlook isn’t entirely positive and many in the industry see apprenticeships as the way to tackle this. The fact is though, a lot of tradespeople find the prospect of taking someone on both confusing and time consuming. We recently spoke with Tim Balcon CEO of CITB about just that. In particular, what the Government organisation was doing to help SME owners take on an apprentice.

CITB’s mission under Tim is very much

take-up. Although figures show small companies, of two – nine employees, represent 79% of the construction industry, only 18% of them employ apprentices. I started off by asking Tim why he think that figure is so low.

“It’s confidence mainly but there’s a number of factors. One is employers will only recruit apprentices when they are confident of the work in front of them. The second one is, sometimes it’s just too hard for a small employer to figure out how to get through that training system. So, they need help with that and the bureaucracy and administration that goes alongside it.”

Barriers

Next, I asked Tim what CITB was doing to tackle those barriers to help SME’s take

on more apprentices: “We’ve put in place a New Entrant Support Team; this is a team we trialled at the end of last year. What we’ve found is a lot of employers want to recruit an apprentice, but just don’t know how. What we’ve said is we’ll put a team in place to just guide them through it. So, we can say: ‘tell us what training it is that you want’ and we’ll then help guide you through that. It’s no more difficult than that, but the appetite for that service is exploding.”

The New Entrant Support Team (NEST) was rolled out nationally in England in early 2023, predominantly supporting employers, rather than learners directly. As Tim has outlined, the team was created as a response to employer feedback. It looks to increase the number of apprenticeship starts as well as support employers in retaining apprentices to completion.

Tim continued: “In July, we had 700 new apprentices start just from that team, and a lot of it is word of mouth. We’ve not really launched it big (on a grand scale)

Professional Builder’s Edward Kelly speaks to Tim Balcon, CEO of CITB, about the skills gap and supporting SME apprenticeships

yet, but the appetite is huge. So, it’s taking away the barriers for employers to recruit and then supporting them, which is what CITB should be doing, and that’s having a huge impact.”

Grants and finances

NEST certainly sounds promising for the industry and its skill shortage. As a follow up, I asked Tim if this team would be addressing grants and apprenticeship finances in particular, as this is widely held to be the most confusing aspect of taking someone on.

“Yes, it is, but there’s a wider programme that we are working on as well. So, industry said to us that they found the grant scheme too complicated, and I have a team in place that is making it easier. So, we’ve already made some changes to the way that we administer grants already and in autumn time they’ll have a more digital interface with us so, yet again, they’ll make it easier. And we’re just developing ways of making it even simpler as well. I have a team of people working on exactly that and again employers are liking it, they’re seeing the simplicity. When I joined there was a 3month backlog on grant payments –there isn’t a backlog now. That’s not to say it’s perfect, but what it does say is that we have already made some recognition to that and we’re working on it day and night.”

Colleges

Summing up my questions on apprenticeships, I asked Tim if he was aware of another pain point in the apprenticeship process in contacting colleges and having someone to talk to there. “FE colleges are a really important part of addressing the skills issue in construction, but they are stretched at this

Tim then explained that the Apprenticeship Task Group has recently launched an initiative to speak to curriculum teams across the UK, linking the NEST and engagement teams with providers to identify the key barriers to apprenticeship achievement. This allows CITB to deliver specific interventions to support providers with the delivery of construction apprenticeships to work towards improving the national achievement rates.

Overall thoughts

We’re still a long way off from the skills gap being solved, but speaking with Tim Balcon was reassuring. So often the solution to the problem is just focussed on getting young people interested in construction (this is naturally still very important). It was good to hear that CITB also understands the importance of the employer side of things and how complicated and confusing the system can be. NEST is certainly a good start at addressing these problems and I look forward to seeing where else CITB will respond to industry feedback.

TO CONTACT THE NEW ENTRANT SUPPORT TEAM, EMAIL NEWENTRANT.TEAM@CITB.CO.UK OR USE THE RDR LINK BELOW TO FIND OUT MORE ON APPRENTICESHIPS WITH CITB. WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW016

GET IT RIGHT DOUBLE THE DAYLIGHT

Where there’s space for one for window, there’s often space for two.

Create brighter, more uplifting spaces with the VELUX 2in1 roof window

The VELUX 2in1 roof window offers an enhanced sense of space, increased daylight and panoramic views. The roof window comes in solar-powered, centrepivot and top-hung operations, providing flexibility in functionality. What’s more, it’s available in a range of sizes, allowing your customers to choose the dimensions that best suit their space.

The solar 2in1 roof window can be controlled from anywhere thanks to VELUX Intelligent Home Control. Homeowners can choose between VELUX App Control and VELUX ACTIVE.

One easy installation – two times the results

The 2in1 roof window has one frame and two sashes, and the same simple installation process but with fewer components to make achieving bigger and better results easy.

The straightforward installation of the 2in1 roof window can save you valuable time, making it easier to take on more projects. What’s more, all that’s needed is a single installation package and the roof window to carry out the installation, so ordering is effortless.

A range to suit every home

● Top-hung

Transform a room with the 2in1 top-hung roof window for a balcony-like feeling and twice as much daylight. The top-hung roof window can be opened to 45° offering an uninterrupted view of the outside.

● Solar-powered

The 2in1 solar roof window offers the additional advantage of remote control with the benefits of more daylight. It’s

single frame design and solar-powered motor ensures a straightforward installation, and no additional wiring is needed. The automatic rain sensor closes the roof window when it rains and the battery charges even on a cloudy day.

● Centre-pivot

The 2in1 centre-pivot roof window combines a single, openable sash with one fixed sash to enhance daylight and offer a spectacular view. Its slim profile increases the amount of daylight that enters the room.

● Symmetrical and asymmetrical designs

Some rooms might lend themselves better to the symmetrical design, while others might benefit more from the asymmetrical. Having both options ensures that every project can be tailored to meet the exact dimensions of each space.

VELUX Academy training and VELUX Reward members

Want to learn more about 2in1 roof window training? Visit the VELUX Academy website. There, you will be able to book both physical and online training sessions.

If you do choose to work with 2in1 roof windows, you can get double VELUX

A closer look: features of the VELUX 2in1 roof window

● One frame, two sashes, the removable sash allows for an even faster and easier installation.

● Extra-slim profiles maximise the amount of daylight entering the space.

● Smart control for convenience and automatic rain detection.

● Clean white painted finish which matches perfectly with modern interiors.

● Full control of light levels, as it’s compatible with a range of blinds and shutters.

● Exterior heat protection thanks to anti-heat products.

Rewards with every VELUX 2in1 roof window purchase with a VELUX Rewards account.

BUILDER’S BUILDER’S Professional Professional

FREEFOR ALL!

We give our verdict on new products in our unique site tests, but now we want to give you the chance to try them – AND KEEP THEM – for yourself! All you have to do to enter the free draws is simply just type in www.rdr.link followed by the unique code. 20

GOJO®

BOTTLES OF HAND CLEANER

SUPRO MAX™ HAND CLEANERS

Keep the most essential tools of your trade in tip-top condition with GOJO® Supro Max™ Hand Cleaner.

Formulated with walnut-scrubbers, this specialist heavy-duty hand cleaner removes everything from oil and grease to paint and adhesives, quickly and effectively. Enriched with conditioning agents, its non-drying formula helps leave hardworking hands feeling clean, soft, and healthy.

Clean up with prizes from Professional Builder’s Free-forAll. Simply use the rdr.link below to go to the entry form online and one of twenty GOJO Supro Max Hand Cleaner bottles could be yours.

3 LEVELS

KAPRO

985T TITAN TILER AND MASONS LEVEL

The new Kapro 985T Titan Tiler and Masons Level is a heavy-duty spirit level designed for bricklayers and tilers. Each 1,200mm (48”) level has three solid, shockproof, UV resistant, acrylic vials with magnified horizontal vial featuring 2% gradient lines. The milled surface ensures an accuracy of 0.5mm/m while the top edge, high impact, polymeric overlay absorbs trowel, hammer & mallet blows when moving bricks, blocks or tiles into position. We’re taking our giveaways to the next level with these Kapro prizes. Three must be won!

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW020

3 HI VIS T SHIRTS

SNICKERS

2430 HIGH-VIS CLASS 1

LONG-SLEEVE T-SHIRT

These versatile long-sleeve t-shirts are made of a double-weave fabric with soft cotton on the inside and durable polyester and heat-sealed segmented reflective tape on the outside. The result is a durable yet comfortable garment that offers Class 1 visibility certified according to EN 20471. In addition, the long-sleeve t-shirt features raglan sleeves for enhanced mobility and strategically placed dirt areas for an extended service life. You’ve just got to be seen in these Snickers hi vis long sleeve t-shirts on site. Three are up for grabs.

10

CROWN

X 10L TUBS OF PAINT

TRADE EXTRAMATT

Get a low reflective finish that alleviates visual imperfections and eliminates flashing every time with Crown Trade Extramatt. Described as the ideal product for ceilings and touching up, the all-new water-based emulsion is the brand’s lowest sheen paint, offering a high opacity that allows professionals to get a perfect finish every time. Crown Trade Extramatt is easy to apply, with brush, roller, or spray, and is recoatable in just four hours –saving decorators’ valuable time.

There’s aways something Extra with Professional Builder’s great giveaways including this high-quality water-based paint.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW021

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!

PLUMB

JOBS

With increased pressure on budgets and timescales, it has never been more important for project teams to work smarter, more easily and more quickly. New ways of working will always drive benefits for project teams and, with continued development from manufacturers, there are efficiencies to be found across all areas of construction. Whether new materials or pre-built systems, we are constantly finding examples where swapping out traditional methods of construction at the specification phase can deliver significant benefits for site teams.

Let’s examine three areas where manufacturers are supporting specifiers and building designers (not to mention others in the value chain) to ensure quicker and smarter delivery of bathroom

and piping projects, without compromising on cost or quality.

Embrace alternative materials

One of the most effective ways to drive efficiencies is to embrace new materials, and there is no better demonstration of this than in piping systems.

For many years copper was the piping material of choice for drinking water and heating systems, offering strength and durability. But with fluctuating costs and little flexibility, project teams have increasingly turned to plastic piping over the last 10-15 years, thanks in part to its bendable construction and flame-free pipe jointing.

However, there is another solution which is proving popular thanks to its unique combination of strength and stability (as with metal piping systems) alongside flexibility and corrosion

resistance (like plastic), all with the added convenience of enhanced jointing methods; press-fit multi-layer piping.

Flexible yet durable, multi-layer piping systems like Geberit’s new FlowFit system consist of three layers. An outer plastic layer made of polyethylene (PE-RT of the second generation) which protects against corrosion and mechanical damage, a central aluminium layer which makes the pipe stable yet bendable, plus an inner layer, which is also made of PERT, for internal corrosion resistance.

The technology has often been used for industrial applications, but it also offers a single solution for all potable water and heating supplies on both domestic and non-domestic projects. The centralwelded aluminium layer offers mechanical stability to ensure that the pipe remains in its required position yet remains flexible enough to bend during installation and for awkward spaces. The aluminium layer acts as an oxygen barrier, making it suitable for use in central-heating systems and makes the pipe detectable by electronic devices after installation.

In addition to the benefits of the material’s properties, FlowFit offers far more convenient pressing, because the

Antony Corbett, product applications engineer at Geberit, explains the benefit of challenging traditional methods of construction in a competitive landscape.

installer only has to place the pressing jaw on the side of the fitting rather than around the pipe, with no need for deburring and calibration of the pipes (unless there is a particularly bad cut). Crucially, the tool and pressing indicator fit together like a lock and key, which virtually eliminates any risk of a failed pressing sequence caused by incorrect positioning –another example of manufacturer innovation to support easier installation.

Make use of prefabricated services

Building effective drainage systems onsite can be tricky. Assembling systems using loose piping products requires trained labour and possibly some specific tooling, whilst making connections in tight spaces – particularly if contractors are still using traditional jointing methods – is not always an easy task. On top of this, the pressure is inevitably on to deliver the works on time and on budget to suit overall project timescales.

Geberit’s prefabricated drainage service offers a solution, delivering a lower project cost whilst improving the speed and reliability of installations too. The process is simple; Geberit has a specialist team which provides a quote based on specific project requirements, before preparing detailed stack drawings for approval. Once signed off, the prefabrication team will manage the process of ordering parts and assembly of bespoke stacks to the agreed dimensions and fitting orientations. Completed stacks are delivered to the pod assembly site as required, ready to install so that pods can be completed in line with the overall build schedule. All the team needs to do is fit the assembled stacks with appropriate connections.

cost savings when you factor in the total cost of parts, labour, handling and tool costs, as well as storage if required on site for larger projects. They also support carbon footprint reductions by lowering the number of deliveries required to site and reducing wastage. Plus, they enable quicker installation for complex projects and simplified final testing on site because stacks are air tested to BS EN 12056 Part 2 before delivery. With no need for a hot works permit, contractors can also reduce the need for safety equipment, cut training requirements and lower insurance premiums.

Seek shortcuts on site

Prefabrication is not the only way to cut time and drive productivity on site. Others include Geberit’s Duofix bathroom installation system, which includes intuitive fixings and the inclusion of water inlets and waste outlets as part of the

assembly kit. This eliminates the need for additional components when installing the cistern inside a drywall for wall hung toilets. The result is a strong, reliable and leak free finish, with quick and simple installation – not forgetting a betterlooking finish and easy maintenance for the end user too.

These systems and more have been developed over many years with input and feedback from installers, to facilitate easier installations no matter the experience level of the individual using them. It’s another example of manufacturers delivering the solutions that – once specified in place of more traditional techniques and materials – can deliver benefits throughout the supply chain and for building occupiers.

A ‘WALK-IN’ THE

When it comes to creating a walk-in shower or wetroom, Bond It’s focus on helping the trade to work smarter delivers major time and hassle saving benefits. Kirstie Cooper, Marketing Manager, at the business explains more.

With many building projects, the basics aren’t just ‘basic’. They’re essential. Overlook these fundamental elements or get them wrong and you can be sure that you’ll have to revisit them at some point to put things right.

This is especially true with walk-in showers and wet rooms. These additions to our homes are becoming increasingly popular for a whole host of different reasons. They feel luxurious and look stylish and sleek. They’re also ideal where space is at a premium. And they can be especially convenient for those with restricted mobility due to them being level with the floor, offering greater ease of access.

When creating a wet room, it’s all too tempting to become preoccupied with the more glamorous aspects like the fittings and accessories. Tanking may seem like a less inspiring functional necessity but underestimate its importance at your peril.

At best, unwanted leaks from a poorly tanked wet room or walk-in shower can result in unpleasant odours and ugly marks on walls, floors and ceilings. In more severe cases, the resultant damp and flooding can present serious health risks and even undermine the structural integrity of a property.

To help the trade tank wet rooms with exceptional speed and efficiency as well as with maximum peace of mind, Bond It has the perfect solution – our high performance tanking slurry.

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Think tank

A much easier to apply alternative than other waterproofing solutions such as membranes, Bond It tanking slurry consists of a cementitious powder fortified with polymers and aggregates. This powder needs to be mixed with water until it has a silky, batter-like consistency. The resultant slurry can then be applied to walls or floors with a masonry brush or trowel. The slurry

penetrates the porous passageways of the stone or brick before drying to create a barrier that is impermeable to water.

Under normal circumstances, no priming is required with Bond It tanking slurry. Instead, walls simply need stripping back to the original masonry. This means removing any plaster or render along with any previous coatings such as bitumen or paint.

Any loose mortar joints should also be

heating, plumbing & wetrooms

raked out and replaced, and any other loose material removed so that sure the walls are dust-free.

Once applied, Bond It tanking slurry is fully effective after just two coats.

One solution. Numerous uses.

On top of its ease of application, the product offers the added benefit of versatility. Whilst tanking slurries are commonly associated with basements, cellars, sunken garages and other rooms below ground level, this solution can also be used as a DPC in walls and floors above ground, such as those within a wet room prior to tiling.

In addition, it can form an effective waterproofing barrier when used on stone, masonry, brick, and concrete. This makes it ideal for a wide array of buildings – from modern homes to older properties and even commercial buildings.

When using any tanking slurry, it’s also important to repair any cracks or holes in the wall or floor as these can be potential inlets for water. Bond It can answer the needs of the trade in this area too with our Plug It rapid setting cement. As its name suggests, this product cures in under two minutes to create a watertight barrier.

Bond It tanking slurry enjoys full WRAS (Water Regulations Approval Scheme) approval and is supplied in a 25kg sack. It is

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON BOND IT TANKING SLURRY VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW024

RIGHT ON course

As the cost of living continues to soar, and the colder weather feels as though it’s just around the corner, many homeowners are already starting to think about the cost-saving and energy-efficient ways to heat their home this winter. With the impending surge just around the corner, it’s essential for installers to be fully equipped to accommodate this shift. This presents the perfect opportunity to explore certification in solid fuel, biomass heating and installation.

“Traditional home heating is becoming increasingly expensive, and as result many are looking to alternative means, such as wood burning stoves or pellet stoves in their homes. Over the past year, we’ve seen interest in alternative methods skyrocket, with visits to our website reaching unprecedented levels last winter. Trust in tried and tested heating methods is plummeting as the costs continue to soar, therefore, many homeowners are looking to become more self-sufficient when it comes to heating, while also saving on their energy bills in the process.

Reducing reliance

“Wood burning stoves work well for homeowners looking to focus on heating certain areas of the home, with full heating systems also available. This could reduce overall fuel consumption and thus help homeowners save on general heating costs. Part home or room heating can be achieved with a wood or pellet-

burning appliance, whilst at the same time reducing a reliance on fossil fuels.

“Installers play a pivotal role in recommending the best products for their customers’ needs and can search a range of HETAS Cleaner Choice appliances to select the best product for their needs. The independently certified appliances approved by the scheme must achieve at least a 50% improvement on current particulate limits and have a lower level of particulate emissions than even the most stringent Clean Air legislation requires. This gives installers the peace of mind that they are recommending the best

available technology which meets their customers’ needs and concerns, whilst also promoting the environmentally responsible burning of fuels”.

As the energy landscape rapidly evolves many heating engineers and installers are recognising the importance of extending their offerings to meet these evolving demands.

Keen to equip installers and technicians with the correct training that aligns with the latest industry standards and legislation, HETAS has approved training centres across the breadth of the UK. The latest centre to join its network of

Calvin May, Head of Technical Services at HETAS, discusses the changing trend in consumer behaviours towards alternative fuel options and outlines how installers can seize the opportunities through training

“With more and more people turning to alternative heating methods, there is no better time for installers to widen their remit and get equipped with the knowledge to help more customers”

industry leading training venues is the Mr Soot Training Centre based in Wigan,

workshops and seminars for sole traders, micro businesses and SMEs.

have access to exceptional training opportunities that foster industry excellence.

All 15 HETAS accredited training centres across England, Scotland and Wales offer comprehensive courses led by expert trainers and assessors. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including appliance installation, maintenance and servicing, as well as the newly introduced chimney sweeping course.

With more and more people turning to alternative heating methods, there is no better time for installers to widen their remit and get equipped with the knowledge to help more customers.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HETAS VISIT

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW026

TO SEARCH FOR HETAS CLEANER CHOICE APPLIANCES VISIT

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW027

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE WOODSURE SCHEME VISIT

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW028

THE DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD & RURAL AFFAIRS (DEFRA) READY TO BURN CERTIFICATION SCHEME IS ADMINISTERED BY HETAS AND WOODSURE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW029

FREEZE UP TIME!

Arctic Hayes’ Pipe Freeze kits have been trusted by professionals for 57 years, since its original patent in 1966, seemingly a winning year for pipework as well as the England football team! The company says its Pipe Freeze kits can reduce job time by an average of 85 per cent, based on a two-hour drain down and refill while on a standard 15mm copper pipe, the Professional Pipe Freeze kit can also freeze pipes in just one minute.

The easy-to-apply Freeze Spray forms a temporary ice plug in the pipe so that work can be carried out with a minimum of disruption. There is no need to locate a stop-cock or service valve and it also reduces the potential for water spillage and property damage. There are three different types of kit in the range; ‘Aero’, ‘Professional’ and ‘Electric’, with each kit catering for a range of pipe sizes and a number of applications. The kits are simple to use and can freeze pipes in just a few simple steps.

Repairing pipework can mean hours spent draining down an entire plumbing system. Professional Builder gets to grips

“Pipe Freeze kits can reduce job time by an average of 85 per cent, based on a two-hour drain down and refill while on a standard 15mm copper pipe, the Professional Pipe Freeze kit can also freeze pipes in just one minute.”

STEP ONE

Set up involves switching off the pump to ensure the water is not flowing and closing any valves. The system temperature should be cool, ideally below 20 degrees Celsius.

STEP TWO

Attach the freezing jacket to the pipe, ensuring it’s as secure as possible. Fit the cable ties provided to each end and tighten.

STEP FOUR

Insert the pipe into the jacket and spray for around 10 seconds. Leave for a few seconds to avoid any flooding in the jacket (you’ll see refrigerant leaking out the jacket if you spray too much). Repeat until you have used the dose indicated on the side of the can or you hear the click sound, which indicates the ice plug has formed. Wait a further five minutes, or 10 minutes if the pipe is plastic.

STEP THREE

Make a small incision in the top. Take the can of Pipe Freeze and add the nozzle to the can and you’re ready to go.

ABOUT ARCTIC HAYES

Founded in 2014 following the merger of Hayes UK and Arctic Products – two well-known names in the industry –Arctic Hayes now has over 450 products. The Arctic Hayes, Vortex and Sleepsafe brands are available in over 3,400 merchants and wholesalers. In 2023 the company moved to a brand new, larger headquarters and warehousing facility in Leeds that reflects its growth, strategy and ambition. The expansion also underlines its commitment to supporting the growth of the UK plumbing industry and its large network of merchant customers.

STEP FIVE

Now you can safely carry out your job with no need to drain down. Pipe freezing reduces your total job time by up to 85% on average.

There are three different types of kit in the range; ‘Aero’, ‘Professional’ and ‘Electric’. Each kit caters for a range of pipe sizes and number of applications. Choosing the right one for the job at hand is easy – Arctic Hayes has a ‘Find Your Freeze’ selector tool on its website to make finding the right Pipe Freeze product even easier.

The Pipe Freezer ‘Aero’ is a

STEP SIX

When you’re finished, it’s time to remove the pipe-freezing jacket. Cut the cable ties off and remove the jacket. Always allow the jacket to defrost and dry before packing away. This will help prolong the life of the jackets.

disposable kit featured in this step-bystep guide and contains enough refrigerant to perform one or two freezes on pipework up to 28mm and can be used for jobs such as changing a radiator valve, replacing a stop-cock or other service valves.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW030

In the world of plumbing, addressing the challenges posed by mould growth is as crucial as fixing leaky pipes or installing fixtures securely. Mould poses health risks, looks unsightly and unhygienic, and will ruin the aesthetic finish of any kitchen or bathroom space. Ruling out leaks and damp problems is a vital step in combating mould issues, but plumbers can take proactive steps to minimise mould and educate homeowners on how to keep the spores at bay.

One simple yet effective solution to combat mould growth is the proper use of silicone sealants. However, it’s essential to understand the nuances of this preventive product to ensure its efficacy.

Mould growth is a persistent issue in areas exposed to moisture, in fact, spores can form in as little as 24 – 48 hours when the conditions are right. Black mould is commonly found in bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms, particularly around windows on the window sealant. Silicone sealants, commonly used to create watertight seals around joints and fixtures, can become breeding grounds for mould if not properly managed.

DON’T LET MOULD TAKE AHOLD

Like grout, silicone sealants can harbour imperfections that trap dirt, soap fats and grease, which also encourages bacteria growth, and this is often called ‘pink mould’ despite it not actually being mould at all.

Before applying any grout or sealants, it is essential to ensure that the area and surfaces that the sealants will be applied to are clean, dry and dust free. Silicones are water-resistant when fully cured but cannot be applied to damp surfaces.

silicone bead due to its rubber-like and non-porous properties, however, plumbers should ensure that the sealant is correctly tooled and finished to create a smooth, void-free surface. This will significantly reduce the risk of bacteria and mould growth, by eliminating potential spaces for problems to occur.

As well as effective application, some silicone sealants on the market, including those in the OneBond range, have an extra trick up their sleeve – anti-mould additives.

Anti-mould additives

Anti-mould additives are substances incorporated into silicone sealants during manufacturing as an extra line of defence against mould. These additives inhibit mould growth both within and on the silicone material. OneBond silicone sealants have been tested according to UNE – EN ISO 846:1998 in strict laboratory settings to evaluate mould growth. The products obtained the best rating of 0, as no signs of mould growth were detectable under a microscope after four weeks of incubation.

If you want to inhibit mould growth then reach for the One Bond silicone sealant range

While anti-mould additives provide a valuable layer of protection, their effectiveness is maximised when homeowners actively participate in maintaining a hygienic environment. Encouraging occupants to adopt a regular cleaning regime is crucial. By keeping the surface of silicone sealants clean and free from moisture-harbouring substances, homeowners can effectively curb mould growth.

Furthermore, adequate heating and ventilation is pivotal in preventing condensation – one of the prime contributors to the growth of mould.

Sanitary sealant

OneBond’s Silicone Sanitary sealant is very easy to apply and tool, creating a better, cleaner finish around the likes of sinks, shower trays, bathtubs and ceramic tiling. The sealant is solvent-free to ensure zero shrinkage and prevents the development of leaks or gaps in which mould can grow. This sanitary sealant is also resistant to everyday cleaning products, meaning homeowners can implement an appropriate cleaning routine without detriment to the sealant.

For other applications, the manufacturer’s Multi-Purpose Silicone sealant is recommended.

The battle against mould growth requires the collaboration of both plumbing professionals and homeowners. Incorporating anti-mould additives in silicone sealants is a significant step towards preventing mould growth; however, this measure should be coupled with proper application techniques, regular cleaning, good heating and ventilation, and homeowner responsibility.

Understanding the limitations and benefits of silicone materials and anti-mould additives is essential. By debunking myths and embracing the truth of where mould can and cannot grow, the plumbing community can work together to create durable, hygienic and mould-resistant plumbing systems.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONEBOND PRODUCT RANGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW031

THE GENERATION GAME

According to data from the 2021 Census, the number of adults living with their parents in England and Wales has risen by 14.7% in a decade. This increase in the number of adults per household, combined with factors such as the rise in the number of home workers, is placing increased demands on everyone’s heating and hot water needs.

In 2022, Navien UK launched its new NCB ON range, a series of new 20% hydrogen blend boilers set to transform the lives of homeowners with the heaviest heating and hot water demands. The largest boiler in the range, the NCB700 ON, and the first of its kind in the UK, has the capability to deliver hot water to three bathrooms simultaneously.

Simultaneous showering

With the NCB ON range, Navien’s boilers have a built-in domestic hot water recirculation pump (NCB700), state-of-theart flow adjustment valve and auto mixing valve for superb hot water comfort for rapid hot water delivery.

The NCB700 ON also comes with our NaviCirc device as standard which can be installed from scratch or joined to the existing distribution pipework. The built-in pump within the boiler unit pushes water around the NaviCirc device and, once it reaches 35°C, the circulation will be blocked. The pump inside the boiler then recognises this and stops circulating the

domestic hot water around the loop. Once the temperature drops below 35°C, the pump will kick back in as required.

The NCB700 ON offers flow rates of up to 22 litres per minute, which enables the system to deliver instant hot water to several outlets at the same time. For customers in multigenerational homes, this means that they can run up to three showers seamlessly at the same time.

Goodbye to the cylinder

Crucially for installers, our boilers can do this without the need for a hot water cylinder, making installations in larger homes less time-consuming and less expensive for homeowners.

The NCB ON range is unique in the sense that it brings together the power of a high-performance system boiler with the cylinder-less advantages of a compact combi model, which is why we didn’t feel it fitted in any of the existing boiler categories currently on offer in the UK market. We, therefore, felt it necessary to create a new category – the combi crossover – which allows installers to easily fit reliable boilers in homes with heavy demands for hot water but without the hassle of fitting a cylinder.

For customers that already have a system boiler fitted, the combi crossover range allows for the tank and cylinder to be removed entirely, creating new space for storage or even a small WC – an essential for the ever-growing space requirements of the modern home or those looking to add value to their property.

Boilers within our combi crossover range use 38% less gas than a standard combi boiler and can help homeowners to save over 7,500 litres of water every year. The range also features an outstanding turndown ratio of 15:1, is 20% hydrogen blend ready, 94% efficient and also achieves an industry-leading ErP A+ energy rating when used with a Navien Smart Plus controller.

Sean Keleher, National Technical Manager for Navien UK, explains why its new category of ‘combi crossover’ boilers could be the perfect answer for multi-generational homes.

PLAYING YOUR part

It has now been more than a year since the government introduced the changes to Building Regulation Part L, which brought with it a major shift towards low-temperature heating systems. At first, builders had a 12-month grace period where they did not have to install low-carbon heating in any newbuild property that had planning permission granted before June 2022.

Now, however, that grace period has ended, and all newbuild properties must have low-temperature heating systems installed. This is also the case for any builder who is carrying out a completely new heating system installation in an existing property. This has been a major change in heating policy that builders have to adapt to, but it’s not the only one on the horizon.

There is a well-publicised ban on new gas boilers that the Government is expected to introduce in 2035 but, even before then, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has now indicated he is considering a ban on new oil boilers in off-grid homes from 2026. This would mean any house not connected to the gas grid would need to find an alternative heat source, such as a heat pump. If introduced this change will impact around 1.7 million households,

mostly in rural areas, as the government continues to try to meet its legally binding net-zero obligations.

Exactly when these changes end up being introduced is still up for debate, but one thing seems certain – under any government, the UK is going to have to switch to low-carbon and renewable heat sources, and that means switching to heat emitters and heating systems that will work efficiently with them. Put simply, builders need to find affordable ways to heat properties without relying on traditional, high-temperature gas systems.

What do low-temperature

It may only be a few years since lowcarbon building really hit the headlines, but in fact low-temperature heating

systems have been a mainstay of the UK market for decades now.

Underfloor heating systems (UFH) have always run on lower flow temperatures than radiator-led systems. While gas boilers typically run at 80-85°C, at Continal we’ve been designing UFH systems that run at 45°C or 55°C for 20 years. UFH has been installed in UK homes for decades. It is a proven heating technology that homeowners have embraced thanks to its luxurious comfort, warmth and efficiency, and one whose benefits are now being recognised at the highest levels.

The benefit of UFH, and the reason why it is so efficient, is that it transforms the entire floor of a building into a giant heat emitter, running on the theory of radiant heating rather than convection heating, and removing the need for any other heat emitters to be installed.

Most of the builders and developers we speak to regularly know that these changes have been introduced, but some of them have reported to us that they’ve found it challenging to adjust, and difficult to find reliable sources of information on exactly how they need to change.

At Continal we have a team of technical experts on hand at the end of a

Chris Ingram, founder of Continal Underfloor Heating, explains the impact Part L Building Regulation changes is having on the plumbing and heating industry

phone, via WhatsApp and LiveChat through our website, to help talk builders through all the options that now exist and support them in finding the ones that best suit their customers.

We can support you in making sure you stay compliant with the new regulations, and in choosing a system that is efficient and affordable for your customers – something that is increasingly vital considering the rising cost of living.

For more complex floor solutions that may require acoustic insulation or fire protection, for example, we can provide a complete specification package that meets all the relevant requirements.

Choosing the right system

While it’s clear that fossil fuels are on the way out, what’s less certain is which technology is going to replace it. The government is setting its sights on heat

solar PV and solar thermal systems, all of which can be used to reduce the amount of fuel required from the grid.

UFH systems can work with a wide range of fuel sources including all those listed above, which means that properties being built and renovated today, can be fitted with UFH to futureproof it against whatever legislative decisions are made over the coming years, and whichever technology comes out on top.

In fact, UFH is a wonderfully flexible technology that can work with any type of building, floor construction and covering –there are systems available that work efficiently with them all – but it’s important

to design the system properly, and to take into account all the individual requirements of the building to make sure you choose the right system.

This includes considering the fuel source, the controls, the floor area, insulation levels and the building fabric. If you are in any doubt about how to create an efficient UFH system, always seek advice from a trusted manufacturer. Continal supplies every different kind of UFH solution, so we will always offer completely unbiased advice. We also provide full CAD designs for every type of system and can liaise directly with builders and installers on site at any stage of a project.

Continal’s full range of UFH systems for a host of different floor types, as well as a full portfolio of controls, accessories and resources can be found online at WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW032

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CONTINAL UNDERFLOOR HEATING USE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW033

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SNUGGLE UP!

It’s fair to say we have featured some great inventions by builders over the years and PipeSnug has to be up there with the best of them. We first encountered the product in 2017 when we profiled builder Chris Burdett and his business partner Alex Lever.

Since then, PipeSnug and then FlueSnug have been used by thousands of plumbers and builders. The products’ success has transformed the way the industry and the Building Regulations approach sealing around pipework and it even appeared on BBC One’s Dragon’s Den.

In May 2023, it was announced that Talon, manufacturer of pipe clips, collars and covers, had agreed an exclusive worldwide licensing deal with PipeSnug. Headquartered in Gillingham, Kent, Talon’s own journey began way back in

towards quality, reliability and a great finish to every job,” says Dean Heathfield, Talon’s Commercial Director. “PipeSnug is a natural fit for Talon and bringing the two together under one roof makes perfect sense.”

For PipeSnug’s founders Chris Burdett and Alex Lever, the deal with Talon ends one chapter of their story but opens another. Both of them will be engaged by the company to advise and consult on expanding the range as well as new product development, including ideas that may potentially be as transformative as PipeSnug.

“The move to Talon is absolutely the right one,” says Alex Lever, PipeSnug’s co-founder. “We shall join Dean and his team in pushing forward and under Talon’s wings we shall look to bring more ideas to market that save time and money for the trade.”

A game-changing moment for the product came with the new Part L of the Building Regulations, which focuses on energy efficiency and air tightness in buildings. The requirement for pipe penetrations to be fitted with pipe seals and grommets means builders now need to use pipe seals, which retain warm air within homes and prevent cold air from entering, rather than messy or porous mixtures and chemicals when sealing pipes.

PipeSnug and FlueSnug provide this airtight seal, and prevent heat loss, drafts,

dampness, and pests. Easy to install internally or externally they do away with the need for sealants, mortar, or expensive air sealing tape. They also create a neat finish and eliminate the need for pointing.

Furthermore, the products are flexible enough to be pushed through a coredrilled hole from the inside, and yet rigid enough to snap back into place, and so eliminate the need for ladders or scaffolding. They are UV resistant and designed to withstand sun damage, unlike mortar or silicone. Moreover, they cover any brickwork damage during installation, and so protect the building’s structure, while simultaneously safeguarding the pipe from sharp brick edges.

“We are really excited to have PipeSnug on board,” says Dean. “We will help accelerate the “‘Snug” family of products’ growth through increased distribution, more product development and even more marketing support.”

Professional Builder catches up with the PipeSnug story as it finds a new home at Talon Manufacturing.

TRUE AS STEEL

steel sinks

The kitchen sink is an underrated workhorse – a staple part of the room’s make-up that, these days, needs to not only perform functionally, but style-wise too. Extremely durable and highly versatile, there’s small wonder that stainless steel remains the most popular material in kitchen sink manufacture and sales. For the end user, this is a material that matches seamlessly with virtually any

décor, while for installers, stainless steel is usually the cheapest of all the materials available too. With a range of installation options available, including inset, undermount, apron-fronted and lay-on, the versatility of stainless-steel stretches way beyond its looks.

steel remains the most popular medium for kitchen sink production. It’s heat resistant, so hot pans can rest on the sink

directly from the stove; it’s a non-porous surface that is easy to keep clean, so also more hygienic; and it’s the most forgiving material for impact.

INSTALLATION

The Clearwater Solar sink features a pre-fitted seal which speeds up the installation process and makes it a cleaner job, not having to use silicone around the sink that can get on to the worksurface.

Solar from Clearwater Products is an elegant sink range with sharp corners, symmetrical draining flutes and robust engineering ensuring ease of installation and enduring good looks. Combined on this installation with the Clearwater Rocco tap in brushed nickel.

then, but stainless steel is also packed with benefits for the builder. It’s a material you’ll already be familiar with, so you know what you’re getting straight out of the box. This is particularly handy when time is of the essence and you’ve got multiple kitchens to fit out on a single development on a predictably tight turnaround. The lightness of the material when compared to materials like ceramic make stainless steel sinks much easier to install, and they tend to have fewer mounting clips, saving time.

Installing with ease

Because the material has been used for sink manufacture for so long, manufacturers have had time to hone their techniques too, with insight into installation challenges provided in feedback from customers being used to introduce innovation and clever solutions that make

outside makes them extremely easy to install. Simply drop the sink into a hole cut into the countertop and seal. As with all good things though, this does have its downside and for the installer in a hurry that can be ensuring the sealing is neat for a quality finish. Enter Clearwater stainless steels –with a pre-fitted seal which speeds up the installation process and makes it a cleaner job, not having to use silicone around the sink that can get

stainless sink is designed to be inset into any worktop, with a pre-fitted seal making seamless installation and a water-tight finish simple. With reversible handing available on the single and 1.5 bowl options, Monza is a versatile choice that can be used flexibly in any setting.

symmetrical draining flutes and robust engineering ensuring ease of installation and enduring good looks.

This kind of ingenuity is one of many reasons why stainless-steel remains the premium material choice for kitchen sinks – it’s a material that just keeps on giving. If well looked after stainless-steel sinks can last for decades, of course, so once installed you should have happy customers and no complaints.

Monza from Clearwater Products

THINGS ARE HEATING UP

Builders are turning to infrared heating for their customers as an alternative to conventional heating methods. This technology works on the principle of “radiant warmth” and has the capacity to provide more efficient heat, save on energy costs and reduce the generation of dust and allergens.

Infrared heaters use electrical energy to generate an infrared wavelength which is emitted from the surface of the heater. The infrared waves travel inertly through air until they come into contact with solid objects such as furniture, ceilings or human beings. They are then transformed into comfortable warmth. This works in the same way you don’t freeze on a sunny winter’s day, despite sub-zero temperatures. When infrared warmth meets human skin, it instantly releases a pleasant sensation of heat (called “radiant warmth”).

The heat energy generated in this way is then emitted by the objects and the occupants into the room. This is the difference between infrared heating –where occupants are warmed directly –and the heat generated by traditional convection heating where occupants are warmed through contact with warm air. Convection heating only warms the

ambient air in the room. As the less dense warm air rises, the ceiling of the room receives most of the warmth – wasting valuable energy. Floors and corners receive little warmth. It is only as the hot air loses energy and cools does it sink towards the floor where the occupants finally feel the benefit. Occupants often still feel cold drafts (caused by the convection currents sucking in cool air under doors for example) even though the heating is turned up.

The radiant warmth of an infrared heating system provides a comfortable, evenly distributed temperature throughout the entire room. With infrared, the ambient temperature can be reduced without any effect on comfort. Every degree lower means reduced heating costs.

Efficient heat

Compared to other heating systems, infrared heaters generate warmth directly where they are installed. An infrared heating system suffers none of the heat loss associated with water-borne heating systems while transferring the warm heating water from the boiler through the pipes to the radiators. Thanks to this improved use of heat energy, infrared heaters provide a permanent reduction in heating costs.

The direct heat effect from infrared heating means that people believe that the room temperature is 2-3 degrees warmer than it actually is. Infrared heating requires less heat output than other heating systems, while at the same time also ensuring shorter warm-up times.

Storing energy within the thermal mass of a room is more efficient than heating air.

It retains the heat for longer. This means less energy (on-time) is required to maintain the ambient temperature. This offers your customer not only fuel savings, but also the possibility of more sustainable, intelligent heating. Each temperature degree lower means a reduction in energy consumption of approximately 6%.

ARC Thermal’s products from ETHERMA are proven devices designed to make best use of infrared. Easy installation, longevity and no maintenance are also key selling points. Infrared heaters can be used in a wide range of building projects.

The individual ARC Infrared products use different wavelengths of infrared for different applications. Long-wave infrared is best for indoor applications with LAVA Design infrared panels and flush-mounted ceiling heating. Medium-wave infrared is for ceiling heaters for larger commercial spaces. Short-wave infrared does best with outdoor heaters for al fresco dining and patios or exposed areas like loading bays.

Infrared heaters, like those supplied by ARC Thermal, could be the evolution of home heating.

heating, plumbing & wetrooms

product round-up

FLOOD REDUCTION SYSTEM

A flood reduction system for mixer shower installations, Whale Sense offers ease of installation via Bluetooth connectivity, additional property protection and peace of mind for the end user. Clever features include an automatic shutdown

AIR-SOURCE HEAT PUMP

Using a built-in weather compensation probe to ensure precise monitoring of inside and outside temperatures, the Alpha Hydro heat pump helps maintain energy saving constant temperatures. The easy to install single-phase air source solution pairs with a pre-plumbed 200 litre cylinder and Smartech controls.

SUSTAINABLE SHOWER TRAY

Form meets function with the Creo and Vito 25mm sustainable shower trays from Crosswater

Crafted from 100% recyclable Dolomite engineered stone, these are smooth and warm to the touch. They are also designed with fast drainage in mind and are finished with a permanent Nanocoat gel, ensuring non-porous, anti-bacterial and easy to clean surfaces.

AIR-SOURCE HEAT PUMP

The AWC/AWST Monobloc from Modutherm is a simple but powerful range of airsource heat pumps with energy ratings of A++/A+++. AWC Monobloc is available in five models, boasting a heating capacity range of 6kW to 19kW, while AWST is available in four models, with a heating capacity range of 6kW to 15kW, and is paired with a 250-litre stainless steel DHW cylinder.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW040

LOYALTY SCHEME

Plumbing and heating installers can now get free Amazon vouchers for purchasing pumps thanks to WiloXperts, a new loyalty scheme launched by Wilo. All installers have to do is sign up online and start uploading recent invoices for any of the 120 qualifying product lines.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW041

INSTALLER INCENTIVE

Following the arrival of the Government’s £5 million Heat Pump Training Grant, Baxi has launched its own installer incentive scheme, pairing the Government vouchers with valuable Baxi Works points. The company will also

support trainees with free supervised commissioning of their first heat pump installation for a limited period.

SYSTEM FILTER

Unlike most system filters, the Fernox TF1 Sigma UB filter has been developed for use with concealed pipework and can be installed horizontally at a 90° angle, directly under the boiler, close to the wall and with direct connections to the system. It maximises circulating debris capture with its neodymium magnet and has a drain valve for ease of use.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW043

RADIATOR

The Electric Series from Stelrad has steel and aluminium models in a number of sizes for numerous functions that can be dry, dry stone and fluid filled. There are also energy saving and comfort smart features including WiFi controls, ‘three in one’ options and ‘open window’ and ‘child safety’ functions.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW044

TRAINING& UPSKILLING

in association with

EMPOWERING DECORATORS: INSIDE THE DULUX ACADEMY COMMUNITY

Since its inception, the Dulux Academy has trained over 15,000 people. The team recognise the importance of bringing together tradespeople in a supportive, open and welcoming environment. As such, those who enter the Dulux Academy’s doors benefit from in-person courses, as well as wide range of other resources – including virtual training via Dulux Academy Live, personalised online learning with The HUB and access to the private Dulux Academy Facebook forum. For access to an even wider community, decorators can choose to be part of the Dulux Select Decorator scheme if they meet the entry criteria and on-site assessment requirements.

The Dulux Academy also hosts networking events throughout the year, such as its Open House summer event. It brings people together for a day of exploring what the Dulux Academy has to offer and is an opportunity to meet the expert training team, network with suppliers and get hands on with the latest painting tools.

At the event, we caught up with decorators to find out more about the Dulux Academy and why training with the team there is so beneficial.

Established in 2016, the Dulux Academy represents the home of painting and decorating excellence. It supports those looking to enhance their decorating skills (including professional painters, multi-trades and apprentices), and its team of expert trainers are focused on enhancing knowledge and providing insights that empower attendees to build their business and create stunning spaces their customers will love.

The Dulux Academy also hosts networking events throughout the year, including its Open House summer event.

Nigel Bennett, Director of Bennetts Decorating Services and Dulux Select Decorator, commented: “I’ve been to the Dulux Academy many times to take part in courses and product testing days. I attended the Digital Murals & Feature Walls course which I found very interesting. I also got to learn about all the different digital mural options that are available and hone my wallpapering skills.”

Speaking on the Open House event, Nigel added: “I always enjoy coming down to the [Dulux] Academy and Open House was no exception. I was able to pick the brains of the suppliers and meet up with fellow decorators, which I don’t get to do as often as I’d like.”

It’s all about community

Nicola Holmes has been working at the Dulux Academy for four years. She runs the colour and design courses, which explain colour theory and help decorators provide expert colour advice to their customers. She commented: “The Dulux Academy is an amazing place and sometimes people are surprised by all that we have to offer. We are here to help and want to give decorators the knowledge to make their business better. Being a decorator can be quite lonely but events like Open House are great as it brings people together and reassures them that they are not on their own.”

Nicola is just one of the Dulux Academy’s expert Skills Development Consultants. Also, on the team are:

● Matt Gray – who specialises in artisan craft effects. His marbling and effect finishes have even been used on a number of high-profile projects.

● Mark Rigby – the Dulux Academy’s wallpaper expert who, during a highly successful career, has won several industry awards and now brings over 30 years’ experience into the role.

● Tony Pearson-Young – whose expertise lies in spraying. Tony owned his own business and received a number of industry awards prior to joining the Dulux Academy team.

● Scott Oliver – a Dulux Academy partner who specialises in early career

Jade Gordon of Deja New Decorating also attended the Dulux Academy Open House event and said: “I took an Introduction To Spray course at the Dulux Academy and Matt Gray (the trainer) encouraged me to come along for freebies, BBQ, and music –so I had to be there.

“My favourite thing about Open House was testing out the spray guns with Graco. It was great to see what products are on the market and what new tools are available. I’m looking to invest in a spray machine to help my business and once I’ve done that, I’ll certainly be back at the [Dulux] Academy to take the advanced spray course. “

the talents they have acquired.

advice. He holds over 25 years of painting and decorating teaching experience.

In 2023 the Dulux Academy also welcomed new associates:

● James Wildish – offers spray expertise, with a focus on uPVC spraying.

● Steve Dove – who provides training in business development and communication.

● Georgie Baker – focuses on bringing decorators the tools and skills they need to help develop their social media platforms, websites and boosting their SEO.

Continued support

Once their in-person course is complete, Dulux Academy attendees are provided with access to the private Dulux Academy Facebook forum. Here, they can ask the Dulux Academy team and fellow tradespeople any questions, and proudly display their latest projects to showcase

In addition, attendees are granted entry to The HUB –a personalised online platform providing round-the-clock access to learning and networking opportunities. This resource-rich space offers supplementary materials for enhancing skills and deepening knowledge. Users can create their own learning plans and pick between a wide range of resources including Academy Live courses that allow users to interact and engage in real time –or E-learning options that can be completed at the user’s own pace.

Dulux Academy: Locations

The Dulux Academy’s aim is to make training as accessible as possible – to as many people as possible. That is why it delivers courses across the UK within its purpose-built locations or at one of its college partners. Dulux Academy courses are also available at select Dulux Decorator Centre stores nationwide. All facilities have both classroom and practical training spaces, so attendees can learn the theory and put it into practice to really hone their craft.

SEE ALL LOCATIONS BY VISITING WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW045

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE DULUX ACADEMY AND ITS RANGE OF COURSES VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW046

Jade Gordon of Deja New Decorating

Nigel Bennett, Director of Bennetts Decorating Services

Professional Builder charts the journey to Bosch’s most advanced battery platform and power tool range yet –ProCORE18V and BiTURBO. Chris Murray, Digital Power Tool Training Manager for the manufacturer, explains some of the flagship technologies involved.

THE POWER OF GOOD

Bdeparture from its original automotive roots was power tools. Indeed, the German manufacturing giant has an excellent heritage in SDS hammers in particular – having invented the concept of SDS itself – and can even claim to have developed the world’s first battery-powered rotary hammer drill.

Today, around 80% of professional end

performance is now equal to or greater than corded equivalents, even when using a 12-volt system. Of that aforementioned 80%, around 90% of those cordless users are estimated to be on an 18V platform. With the goal for the tradesperson to make use of one system – where all their batteries are compatible with the tools they already own and use –loyalty to a battery system now plays a greater part than ever in the choice of power tool brand.

It’s not all about batteries, of course, because Bosch is continually developing its technologies, and the manufacturer has been systematically updating its existing products with brushless motor models. As a result, the manufacturer can now point its customers towards a complete range of brushless combis and drill drivers.

The latest entry level brushless 18V cordless combi, for example, is the GSB 18V-45 – where the 45 designation represents Newton Metres (Nm). As an indication of the additional performance accrued from brushless consider that it’s a lot smaller, but still more than twice as powerful as its brushed predecessor, which could generate only 21Nm of torque.

Added to that are the GSB 18V-55, GSR 18V-55, GSB 18V-60 C, GSB 18V-90 C, GSB 18V-110 C and GSB 18V-150 C – all with brushless motors. Brushless motors are more efficient and can offer up to 30% longer runtime. With no carbon brushes to wear – and fewer moving parts – the lifetime is up to twice as long, and they’re more robust as machines.

Another considerable claim to fame is the first power tool with lithium-ion battery power. Introduced in 2003, the IXO ran a

The GSB 18V-150 C is the most powerful cordless combi in the Bosch range

single 18,650 cell – 18x65mm in dimensions – and was a 1amp hr battery. The advantages of lithium-ion batteries are now well known, of course. They have very good power output and energy density. They can be charged quickly and discharged equally swiftly on heavy duty applications. The nemesis of any lithiumion battery, however, is heat. Any battery of this type will heat up with use and its mitigation has required further technological innovations.

As a result, Bosch was very quick to pair lithium ion with battery management systems and electronic cell protection that will stop the machine if it’s in danger of overheating. Essentially, it regulates the amount of charge, discharge or current coming out of the battery, giving it up to four times longer lifetime and, again, is all part of a commitment to ensure that a power tools users investment is protected.

The next advance from the boffins in the Bosch R&D department was the Coolpack battery platform, launched in 2007. Here, a HDPE (High Density Poly Ethylene) material transfers the heat away from the cells. ProCORE18V is the latest

21,700 – or 21x70mm in dimensions. A physically bigger battery means it will store more energy and more current can be drawn from it – but why the need?

What end users have been demanding for some time is battery power that could run much larger and more powerful machines, such as mitre saws, larger rotary hammers and breakers. Whilst its competitors have gone down the dual battery route, with two 18V batteries powering a single tool, Bosch has rejected that solution and there are sound technical reasons for doing so.

Instead, the ProCORE18V battery platform will do the job very nicely with a single 18V unit. Indeed, with a dual layer battery featuring 21,700 cells 90 amps of current are available – double what was previously available on the Coolpack generation. That increase requires a new battery design with copper contacts that benefit from lower internal resistance and better electrical transfer. The original HDPE Coolpack configuration was also redesigned so that every cell is fully encapsulated in the material. Moreover, a Thermo Plastic Elastomer (TPE) sits alongside the copper contacts, conducting heat away from the side of the batteries. All of that technology comes together to produce a battery that is capable of discharging heat from all four of its sides.

“We drilled 110 holes, 10x100mm into concrete with one of our smaller hammer drills – with a single ProCORE18V 8.0 Ah battery – during the heatwave of 2022

and the machine kept going without the Electronic Cell Protection kicking in once,” explains Chris Murray, Digital Power Tool Training Manager for the manufacturer and expert in all things Bosch Professional.

ProCORE18V and BiTURBO

Armed with the new ProCORE18V battery, Bosch can power the bigger, more powerful machines that make up the new BiTURBO range. Not only does it promise corded equivalent power with just one 18V battery but machines that can equally outperform tools in higher battery voltage classes. Combined with its highperformance brushless motor, in tools such as the Bosch GCM 18V 305 GDC12in. Sliding Mitre Saw, it can unleash power up to the equivalent of 2,000 watts of corded power. That makes it the performance equivalent of the mains-powered GCM 12 GDL 12in. Sliding Mitre Saw.

BiTURBO tools also benefit from the latest safety features, including KickBack Control, Drop Control and Vibration Control. The BITURBO range is flexible enough to be fully compatible with the rest of the Bosch 18V battery platform and they can be run on a standard 18V battery. With a 8kg hammer, however – because the BiTURBO range has been specifically developed from the ground up to run with ProCORE18V batteries – including a bigger and more powerful brushless motor – you’ll only get around 50% of the performance.

With Bosch the message is clear: Just one ProCORE18V battery will suffice on heavy duty applications where some competitors will either use higher voltage batteries or a dual battery system.

The GCM 305 GDC Sliding Mitre Saw using just one 12.0 amp hr ProCORE18V battery

The top-of-the-range GWX 18V-15 SC Angle Grinder

does rather beg the questions as to why anyone would now choose corded but, as Chris explains, it’s really a matter of horses for courses. “The first ProCORE18V battery was an 8amp hr unit – with a 12amp hr subsequently introduced – and that was in comparison with a 4amp hr standard 18V, which has already doubled the capacity. If you’re running a high-powered machine all day, however, even with that additional runtime, then

The ProCORE18V range of batteries now includes a 5.5, 8, and 12 amp hr unit. It’s important to note that the 4amp hr ProCORE18V is lighter and more compact than the standard Coolpack 18V 4 amp hr. It can do that because the aforementioned 21,700 cells can be arranged in a single layer, as opposed to a double layer of 18,650 cells in the Coolpack. At the same time, if you need the maximum performance, the 4 amp hr ProCORE18V battery is not recommended for a BiTURBO machine. The batteries that have been specifically designed for high draw applications would be the 5.5, 8 and 12amp hr.

Over the next few issues of Professional Builder we’ll be exploring some of the other technological advances from Bosch Professional

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE PROCORE BATTERY PLATFORM VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW047

IF YOU’D LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON THE BITRUBO RANGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW048

The evolution of Bosch battery technology to the ProCORE18V

The GNB 18V-38 Concrete Nailer is one of the latest tools to be added to an ever-growing line-up of BiTURBO and ProCORE18V tools

ACROSS THE BOARD

Bullfix Universal can be used on all the most common types of plasterboard construction, cannot be installed incorrectly when following the manufacturer’s instructions, and will comfortably take substantially greater weights than other supposedly heavy-duty products.” That’s the confident claim of Matt Statham a chartered engineer and one of the founders of Bullfix.

It was in 2020 that Matt teamed up with Mark Howe, Bullfix inventor and a builder of 35 years standing. Whilst there are already multiple plasterboard fixings available there isn’t one solution that will work on every type of board and in every application and Mark had identified a gap in the market. Not only that, but there is considerable doubt over whether many of the current solutions are robust enough to handle substantial weights. Some have a tendency to move and work loose, and you can’t even be certain that they’ve deployed correctly in the cavity behind the plasterboard. Others would have issues with either dot and dab, stud wall or insulation backed boards – and none would work with all of them.

As a consequence, installers have been taking extreme measures to ensure that heavy, and often expensive items are not the victims of gravity and come crashing down, including cutting pieces of plasterboard out of a stud wall in order to fit additional wooden noggins. Of course, that will entail the time-consuming and

expensive patching, plastering and redecorating of the area and is something that a busy builder would certainly be happy to avoid.

fixing that they can trust, and one that can

be utilised in every eventuality – and the result is Bullfix Universal. This heavy-duty solution can be used on all types of plasterboard. It’s easy to fit, super strong, reliable, and suitable for mounting heavy items, including radiators, cupboards,

Professional Builder’s Lee Jones reports on a plasterboard fixing that’s as strong as a bull

shelves, TVs and kitchen cabinets.

Importantly, it can be used in the three main types of plasterboard construction. Bullfix Universal only requires a cavity depth of 7mm, for example. In dot and dab applications, which is typically used on the interior of external walls – and features an inherently smaller cavity – that makes it particularly adept. It will work on studwork in internal party walls and, in what has become a real challenge for installers, it’s also suitable for insulationbacked plasterboard. With the increased thermal efficiency requirements of modern housing, the latter jobs are becoming more and more common, and again feature thinner cavities. The answer has hitherto been to try and push the fixing right through to the blockwork behind wherever possible, but that’s simply not necessary with Bullfix Universal.

Strong support

It’s the patented design of the Bullfix Universal fixing that allows it to support weights of up to 116kg. Featuring wings that displace the load, and won’t work loose over time, the fixing screw hole is only lined up properly when the wings are fully deployed, so the fixing can’t be used unless it is properly inserted. It is, in effect, impossible to screw an item to the

plasterboard unless those wings have been properly deployed. Not only that but installation couldn’t be simpler. It’s just a matter of five straightforward steps to success – drill a hole, insert the collar, push the fixing in tail end first, and tap until flat. You are then ready to secure any item you like to the fixing.

Impressively, Bullfix Universal is the only product in its class that has been independently tested by FIRA (Furniture Industry Research Association) to take loads on 12.5mm – 17mm plasterboard up

support in terms of weight, but none exist for fixings. Bullfix is the only solution that also conforms to those same weight demands for kitchen cabinets.

In addition, many heavy-duty fixings currently on the market are 25mm, whereas Bullfix Universal is only 20mm. In testing it performs in pull-out, and shear strength – which is the downward force on a wall – and is very useful in projecting, cantilever applications, such as shelving.

All of that means that, in the vast majority of applications, Bullfix Universal is all you need. For even more strength, however, the trades can choose Bullfix Extra, which will support weights of up to 133kg when used in a 20mm cavity. Designed for stud wall applications only, this solution can be used on boiler installations, for instance, or when you’re hanging a £1,500 plus flat screen TV and could benefit from maximum peace of mind.

Elsewhere in the range, Bullfix Hooks are proving very popular and are a replacement for the traditional panel pins and hooks that are often lightweight and work loose. By contrast, these heavy-duty hooks can be made use of to secure the likes of mirrors or paintings and can take 30kg each. A retaining clip provides added reassurance when a cord is in place, ensuring that it can’t fall out.

Bullfix Cabinet Brackets can be used instead of the brackets that are supplied with most kitchen cabinets. The latter are designed to be fixed to masonry walls, with the holes quite close together, and are not very plasterboard friendly. By contrast, Bullfix Cabinet Brackets work on the same principle as the Bullfix Universal fixing and can easily take 100kg. The holes are further apart, which displaces the load, and ensures that a cabinet can be installed in plasterboard with real confidence. Again, this is a product that has passed the FIRA tests.

For builders that have already built walls, or are looking to install the likes of radiators Bullfix will maintain a high level of quality workmanship, ensuring reliability and ultimately protecting business reputation.

5TH IN THE SERIES

WHAT’S IN STORE?

In the next part of our buyers guide series for tools and equipment, Makita offers some advice on choosing the right tool belt and storage systems to safely carry the tools you need and ensure they are always to hand.

Having easy access to the tools, fixings and other items required for the job can help reduce the frustration of misplaced items and improve productivity by minimising the wasted time of repeatedly going back to the tool kit. Tool belt and storage systems allow professionals to have everything in easy reach. Generally, these will consist of a belt, usually designed for the purpose, with holsters, pouches, hooks, loops and holders attached for the storage of power tools and hand tools, fixings, pencils, measuring tapes, parts, screwdriver bits, adaptors and other materials.

However, there are a wide range of options on the market with different types, constructions and materials available, so it is not always simple to work out which one is most suitable. When choosing a system, there are a few key factors that professionals should keep in mind.

A modular system

Often the most versatile products will be systems where a wide variety of individual elements can be added and positioned on the belt, according to the needs and preferences of the user. For instance, some professionals may want to keep a drill or driver within reach at all times, some need hammers and chisels close to hand, whilst others may require quick and easy access to nails and screws. Some may want all of these and more. Also, the needs of different jobs could mean that it is valuable to be able to easily customise what is being carried. When selecting a system, it is

important to look at the variety of pouches and holders available. These can include multi-purpose options or those made for particular items, such as spare tool batteries and tape measures, as well as ones designed for specific trades. For example, the Makita range has a wide array of elements that can be added to their belt system, and in particular, pouches made for roofing, electrical and grounds maintenance work.

Comfort and ease of use

As the tool belt will likely be used all day, every day, one of the most important things to consider is the comfort. It is particularly important to look at the

BELTS & STORAGE

tools, fixings & workwear

construction of the belt itself. It should be designed to effectively distribute the weight around the wearer’s body and should ideally have the option to connect braces or a harness to spread the weight of the tools further to prevent fatigue and discomfort. Also, the material should provide cushioning but also allow air-flow to be comfortable at all times of the year. Additionally, it is worth looking at the apparently small features that can make the belt system easier to use and help to streamline work. This may be pouches that are designed to swing so they remain vertical as the wearer moves to prevent fixings spilling out. Also, hinged ‘side gate’ mechanisms on holders for hammers or similar, mean the tool can be easily clipped into the holder without the need to look down.

Durability

While it may sound obvious, it is important to ensure that the tool belt system is robust enough to withstand how it will be used. The exterior of the pouches and holders needs to be hardwearing as they are exposed to the wear and tear typical on a job site. Woven polyester is ideal for this as it resists scuffs and scrapes to stop the belt and pouches from quickly looking worn. The durability of the individual sections, loops and holders should also be considered. Sharp edges and the points of tools such as screwdrivers and chisels can damage the holders. That is why it is worth looking for products that are lined with a tough material that is suitable for this. The Makita tool belt

Versatility

Another factor that should be considered is how the individual parts can be used. For some jobs it may not be necessary, or even desirable, to use a full tool belt and it may be easier to use one or two of pouches separately. There are options available that will connect to a standard belt if required as well as enable other mounting options, such as attachment to workwear pockets. Additionally, some of the larger pouches in the Makita range can be used independently if required, as they are shaped to allow them to stand upright and feature integrated carry handles if you don’t want to attach them to a tool belt system. The range also includes storage solutions such as guide

rail holders, lunch bags, tool bags, tool boxes, tote carriers and more, to offer a more traditional means for organising tools whilst on the job.

Tool belt systems can offer a simple way to keep tools and other items within easy reach to minimise wasted time, make work easier and ultimately streamline the completion of tasks. Investing in the right system is important, especially when it comes to everyday comfort and convenience.

FOOTWEAR IN THE FAMILY

V12 celebrates 25 years of safety

From a fledgling company started by two brothers in 1998, V12 Footwear has grown into an industry-leading safety footwear manufacturer. As the company celebrates its 25th anniversary, we look back at some of the key milestones, including award-winning products and brand launches, as well as the innovation that goes into the boots, and a trail-blazing approach to sustainable manufacturing.

2016

– Guaranteed comfort with

the V12 last  V12’s footwear is based around its unique last shape and spent over two years developing it by working with the only remaining British lastmakers in the country. That traditional craftmanship was then amalgamated by using over 4,000 global foot scans to develop a last which would accommodate both wider and narrower foot shapes from different areas

of the world, ensuring ultimate comfort through universal fit. Not only that, the V12 last is designed to give specialist support and comfort for the specific foot shape of both men and women wearers.

2016 – Tradie favourite ‘MukGuard’ launched

The MukGuard reusable overshoe quickly became a hit with tradespeople, ensuring their customers’ floors stay clean when entering their property from outside. This durable and anti-slip overshoe has helped grow the reputation of tradespeople and businesses across the country and –because it eliminates the need for singleuse plastic boot covers – it took home an international sustainability award in 2017.

adversity from illness and injury, and the organisation has changed many lives by rebuilding and renovating the homes of those in crisis. Determined to show its support, in 2021, V12 launched the exclusive V2150 BoB safety boot. For every pair sold, the safety footwear specialist donates £5 to the Band of Builders charity to support the ongoing mission to help those in construction and their families in their hour of need.

2021 – Tech meets tradition

V12 has always developed its safety boots with cutting-edge technology and by working with industry leaders. When developing its metatarsal protection boot,

tools, fixings & workwear

‘Invincible,’ for example, the company patented the ExoGuard, a met protection system over 200 times stronger than steel which features the same material employed in stealth aircraft and radar.

To deliver the very best waterproof safety boot solution for its Lynx range, the V-Dri high-performance waterproof membrane was developed. It’s made with inside-boot climate control and microscopic cooling holes, so water stays out, but the wearers’ feet get top-level breathability in hot conditions. As well as that, the hi-leg boot V1750 Defender STS is designed with advanced ankle cushioning that provides shockabsorption against high impact.

2022 – Sustainable safety

In 2022 V12 Footwear became the first UK safety footwear brand to develop a carbon neutral boot with The Lynx, and earlier this year – after a two-year long company-wide sustainability drive – the

business was certified ZeroCarbon by the Sustainable Future Group.

Proof of protection

Evidence of success can be seen everywhere, from the incredibly low returns rate, the fact that the footwear is trusted by industry leaders –including BAM Nuttall and Mace –and that last year saw the company enjoy its most successful year to date. The boots’ quality can also be seen in an ever-growing trophy cabinet. The manufacturer has bagged a huge range of accolades for its safety footwear, including multiple PCIAW awards for innovation, as well as several awards for the boots supplied to the energy sector.

What’s next for V12?

The name V12 was inspired by the V12 engine, famed for its power, strength and high-performance as well as its instantly recognisable appearance – and with its

full-strength, industry-leading protection and striking look, V12 Footwear will continue to live up to the name.

With its relentless focus on highperforming protection for customers, nocompromise attitude to long-lasting comfort and drive for sustainable manufacturing, it’s fair to say that the next quarter of a century will be a safe, green and very bright one for both existing and new V12 wearers.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE V12 RANGE AND TO STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE 25-YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS, VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW052

FLEX APPEAL

Ican certainly see the benefits of having one master trowel that you can fit a number of different blades onto – and will work with different applications, and materials” enthuses experienced spreader, Terry Fincham. “It

also useful. The stainless-steel blade is so thin it doesn’t look like it needs very much wearing in either and already feels pretty sharp.”

The range of blades is, in fact, extensive, with 14 in all – 10 in plastic, and

steel are 12in. – 18in, with the bigger sizes

three of the blades in the Faithfull Tools Flexifit system feature a patented 10mm water resistant closed cell foam backing that provides extra flexibility, making it suitable for flat and curved surfaces. In addition, a rigid centre and flexible edges draws water to the surface of the plaster making it ready to decorate earlier.

Versatile system

The three 2mm plastic Flexi Trowel Blades in 12in., 14in., and 16in. sizes are the only ones that do not include that foam backing. Whether plastic or steel, the blades are light in weight and designed with squared and rounded corners on opposite edges for added versatility in use.

The kit we took on site included a 1mm plastic blade with foam backing, a 2mm plastic blade without foam backing, and an ultra-thin 0.3mm high grade stainlesssteel blade with the 10mm foam backing. All the interchangeable blades were 12in. in length and supplied in a handy, Faithfull Flexi Trowel Range Tool Roll. This foldable canvas carry case is equipped with a separate compartment on the outside to hold the Master Trowel, with the blades inside, and can be rolled up to

“Take two trowels onto the job? Not me.” and with the Faithfull Tools Flexifit system you won’t have to either.

tools, fixings & workwear

fit inside a bucket.

The Harlow-based plasterer, has run his own company TF Plastering Ltd for some 25 years and has served more than three decades behind a hawk and trowel. On the Bishop’s Stortford job we visited him on, Terry was patching up areas of three rooms of a property with a British Gypsum Thistle BondingCoat where surface mounted pipework for radiators had been removed and was being concealed – as well as around door liners. There’s also a media wall, that will eventually feature a flat screen TV, intricately constructed with boardwork, that required a couple of coats of Thistle MultiFinish.

User friendly

The plastic blade guard not only protects the steel itself when not in use but is essential for safety purposes when inserting or removing the stainless-steel

installed. It’s certainly not going anywhere and is as sturdy as any fixed blade

MultiFinish, whilst Terry made use of the 2mm plastic blade for the final trowel to a matt finish. A plastic blade has the advantage of being able to trowel up the material sooner than you would with a steel. “The handle’s nice and comfortable and it feels like it’s a quality tool”, Terry remarks as he adds the first coat of MultiFinish to what would you describe as a rather fiddly area of drylining, with multiple recesses built in. The ergonomic design of the camel back high lift handle is easy on the hands with good clearance for the knuckles.

“It’s certainly something I could see myself using, especially on jobs like this where I’m using undercoat and finishing plasters on different substrates,” concludes Terry. Indeed, with so many options, you can add to your stock of Flexifit blades depending on the work you’re undertaking.

TOWER OF STRENGTH

Falls from height continues to be the leading cause of accidents in the construction industry and ensuring that equipment meets safety requirements and that it is used correctly is one way to lower these figures and keep users safe. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics for 2022, falls from heights caused the greatest deaths among workrelated fatalities, which totalled 123 in the UK last year.

In the construction industry today, there is a vast range of access solutions available, from a variety of manufacturers, which are suitable for a wide variety of working at height tasks. With this in mind, there is a fear that it may become more prevalent for users to mix product components from different manufacturers when building towers.

Carolina Marino, UK Product Manager for BoSS, a WernerCo brand, explains the serious safety risks involved with this and why users should think before they mix.

Setting the safety standard

The new European Product Standard for towers has been around since 2004, however the updated EN1004-1:2020 came into force in November 2020 and it

tells users what materials, dimensions, design loads, safety and performance requirements mobile access towers should conform to.

One of the main changes that was made to the updated standard is that tower builds under 2.5m were not previously included in the scope of EN 1004, however the new standard now covers ALL towers below 2.5m and the maximum heights remain at 8m externally and 12m internally.

Careful construction

Compliance to safety standards is crucial in order to safely construct a tower that is suitable for work at height. The tower must be assembled according to the manufacturer’s instruction manual. If other components are used, or they are assembled differently, then the tower certification would be invalid. Some users may be unaware that mixing components from different manufacturers when constructing towers, regardless of their platform height, would result in a structure that is not compliant.

For example, EN1004-1:2020 states

that only the original manufacturer components specified in the instruction manual shall be used. If this is not the case then users may be working with towers that are not complying with the safety standard, therefore increasing the risk of accidents, which could potentially have an impact on a project’s bottom line. When components from different manufacturers are combined, a new structure has been created that has not been tested to the safety standard and therefore it does not comply. Although it may appear that all access towers look the same and components may be similar to each other, the actual characteristics and performance of the components can be very different. It’s important to remember that in EN 1004-1:2020 it is not the components that are approved it is the overall tower structure.

Mixing tower components is a practice that is strongly advised against, as the safety of the structure cannot be guaranteed. Most brands will offer product liability insurance on their components and by mixing different elements this may cause it to become invalidated.

BoSS explains the dangers of mixing tower components

How do users know that their tower is in the scope of the updated EN 10041:2020 Standard?

The first thing to do is to look on the product. The tower label should tell you what standard it conforms to, secondly, check the user instructions, there should be a section which highlights compliances.

Generically, a tower should meet the following criteria:

✔ Single bay structure with four legs

✔ On castors not baseplates

✔ Must be supplied with stabilisers

✔ One working platform at a time

✔ Easy to relocate/dismantle

✔ Should not be used with personal fall arrest

✔ Dimensions are fixed by design

✔ Built-in means of access

✔ Can be made of various materials, not just aluminium It is also vital for anyone that will work

training and the majority of construction sites now require users to have undertaken the training before enabling them to work with access towers. The course covers a wide range of towers and isn’t manufacturer specific.

When it comes to working at height, selecting the correct access equipment and ensuring that training us up to date is vital and if these considerations are looked at prior to choosing equipment for the job, then hopefully many accidents can be preventable.

Falls from a height is still the leading cause of injuries within the construction industry and ensuring that equipment conforms to safety standards and that it is being used correctly is one way to hopefully reduce these figures and keep users safe.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF BOSS

Apower tool manufacturer with the pedigree of Festool needs no introduction, and the launch of the world’s first cordless digital portable table saw follows in that fine tradition.

You may wonder why you need a table saw when you can use a plunge saw or chop saw. I use the plunge saw the majority of times when it comes to ripping and the chop saw for any cross cutting. However, when you need to cut a 45degree angle on a thin strip, this can be fiddly and dangerous with a plunge saw and, on the other hand, the chop saw is limited for width cuts. This is where the Festool Cordless Table Saw CSC SYS 50 will solve all your problems – and it has some amazing features that are fit for our digital world.

Get set!

The tool is very compact, comes in a Systainer for easy transport and can be set up within minutes. There is an option to also have the UG underframe, which is perfect for transporting the saw and doubles up as a work surface. As a cordless machine it runs off two 18V 5Ah or 4Ah batteries and, with a speed of 6,800rpm, it will match the power of a

NEW TO THE TABLE

corded table saw. The digital operation makes it super quick and completely effortless to set up any angle from -2 to 47 degree and there’s a cutting depth of 48mm. It can be adjusted to a tenth of a degree and millimetre, which makes the accuracy and precision incredible. In addition, the beauty of this machine is –when setting the angle – it adjusts the height automatically according to the thickness of the material, so there’s no need to do any measuring or eyeing up.

This is a very versatile solution which allows you to do parallel cuts of up to 280mm and crosscut widths of up to 450mm. All the accessories sit snuggly in to the Systainer, including the parallel side fence, angle stop, chip collection sack and a couple of riving knives for cross/rip cuts and trench/rebates.

Everything slides and locks into place with ease and you don’t have to look for the locking mechanisms as they are all

highlighted in the Festool green. The angle stop helps to do angles from -70 and +70 degrees with increments at the most common angles. The bed smoothly slides for parallel and angle cuts, which is judder free, thanks to the ball bearings.

When you think it couldn’t get any better, it does, because it also allows you to save four blade positions for convenience when cutting the same materials regularly, which obviously saves having to set them each time. I have never seen such fine engineering on a tool but if anyone can, it’s Festool. You get what you pay for, and with the Festool CSC SYS 50 Cordless Table Saw you have workshop precision on site, which is the epitome of the best of both worlds.

Professional Builder’s Tibby Singh reviews the Festool

GIVE US THE TOOLS

Take a look at any building site up and down the country and you will see a plethora of tools of various shapes and sizes that do a multitude of jobs. As the industry continues to evolve so must the tools. This is where a business such as Mirka has an important role to play.

The fact that tools are workhorses on site is not going to change. However, they will evolve to meet the constantly growing demands of the user and the industry. At Mirka, the way we ensure we are at the cutting edge of tooling technology is simple; it is through communication.

Our team of technical experts is constantly talking to customers to understand their needs and requirements, which is then fed back to the R&D team in Jeppo, Finland. This constant flow of information combined with ongoing investment in R&D has led to significant developments when it comes to the tools Mirka produces and their ability to deliver an efficient overall process and a highquality finish on a variety of surfaces.

When it comes to the tooling milestones for the business there are three that particularly stand out.

The first is the Mirka DEROS. This tool, which was introduced in 2013, was the world’s lightest electric sanding machine in its class and still is in 2023. The DEROS then evolved in 2015 with the introduction of the DEROS 110V, which met a gap in the market to address users’

requirements on building sites. This tool continues to deliver rapid, economical, consistently powerful performance, while enabling users to plug it into a 110v power supply allowing them to meet site regulation.

both users and customers love.

The third and most recent tooling milestone is the Mirka LEROS. This tool has been designed with the user at the forefront of the design process. The sanding head has a 180° flexibility and a 5mm random orbital movement, making it extremely user friendly. The flexible and practical design gives unmatched advantages, such as ergonomic working positions and less strain on the operator’s body and back. At less than 3.5 kg, the operator can sand for longer periods without fatigue.

Orbital sander

The second is the Mirka DEOS which came on the market in 2017 and still is the only electric orbital sander that has been optimised for net abrasives by incorporating more than 45 holes in the pad. In addition, when combined with our net and paper abrasives, it offers an excellent scratch pattern and a dust-free work environment, which is something

Finally, to complement the tooling evolution, there has been significant development when it comes to the abrasives and it is being led by Abranet, which was pioneered in 2001 and is still a firm favourite today. This abrasive has an open, symmetrical net structure with integrated loops, which allows for maximum cutting speed and consistent performance across a variety of surfaces while delivering a dust-free sanding experience when used in conjunction with a Mirka sanding system.

Chris Proffit, business sector manager, construction and decoration, Mirka UK discusses the manufacturer’s evolving tool portfolio and some key milestones.

tools, fixings & workwear

product round-up

PIPE CUTTER

The Pipe Cutter for Composite and Plastic Pipes from KNIPEX is an intelligent and energysaving combination of shears and pipe cutter. The freely rotating cutting wheel allows the pipe to be rotated with little friction when cutting, requiring significantly less effort and resulting in a cleaner cut. It cuts up to 26mm in diameter.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW058

FASTENING SYSTEM

Standing seam roof systems from Kalzip come with a complete SDK fastening system for installation. These fasteners cannot be overtightened because the square fastener head shears off at a precisely predetermined torque. This means once the fastener is seated in the system exactly, it can only be removed with a hexagonal wrench.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW059

MULTI-LINE LASER

Greenbeam technology is used in the STABILA LAX 600 G to produce highly visible razor-sharp 3 x 360° lines up to a distance of 40m. These can be used to transfer heights, create right angles or align axes for precise layout work. Each button on the tool has just one function, it has quick selflevelling and a shock-absorbent soft grip casing that is both

JOINT KNIVES

With a smooth surface for quick and easy clean up and corrosion and wear resistance, Marshalltown’s Stainless Steel Joint Knives are great for professional drywalling and decorating. The ergonomic handles, flexible blade and optimum weight balance ensure less user fatigue too and each handle features a large hole for easy hanging storage and a convenient hammer end.

HANDHELD BLOWER

A handheld blower is the newest addition to Makita’s LXT cordless collection. The 18V DAS180 LXT Brushless Blower is also capable of inflating and deflating, simply by changing the nozzle tip. It weighs only 1.7kg, has a maximum sealed suction of 10.3kPa and delivers a blowing force of up to 2.8N with an air volume of 1.1m

PROTECTIVE WORKWEAR

Ergonomically designed Class 1, 2 and 3 clothes for men and women make up the the Snickers Workwear fully accredited Protective Wear range. The 66-product collection is ISO compliant and includes high-vis clothing,

MULTITOOL

A long lasting and powerful brushless motor, and a bright LED light are amongst the features of the Hilti SMT 6-22 multitool. The tool is also part of the cordless Nuron platform, can be combined with any Starlock-compatible insert or blade and boasts advanced vibration reduction for user safety. It comes pre-mounted with a universal blade too.

DECKING SCREWS

The self-countersinking ribs and Type 17 Cut Point featured on the Performance Decking Screws from Samac reduce splitting and the need for predrilling. Furthermore, the TX screw heads provide increased torque transfer and reduce the likelihood of cam-out or stripping. Finally, a corrosion-resistant coating on the screws has been salt spray tested to a minimum of 1,000 hours

SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN

Popularised in the 1970s, open-plan living concepts were favoured for the sense of space and connection they created. However, the impact of the worldwide pandemic coupled with the growing prominence of remote working has shifted homeowners’ priorities when it comes to the layout and functionality of their living spaces. The demand for privacy, individual space, and the ability to work or study without interruption has become paramount.

are becoming more popular, offering an innovative solution to these shifting

demands that still offer the same spaciousness that made homeowners fall in love with open-plan living.

Yet, breaking up a living space can run the risk of creating dark, cramped rooms that lack natural light. So how can builders ensure that their broken-plan properties are light, bright, and appealing to homeowners?

Internal glazing solution

Builders can help homeowners strike a balance between separate, functional spaces and natural light by adding internal glazed doors to a property.

Internal doors have become the most searched-for door type on Google over the last three years and searches have risen by 35% in the past year alone as homeowners look for ways to create practical zones that allow them to retain lots of natural light. In addition, our Origin Internal Door range webpage has consistently been the most viewed product page on our website since launching in June 2022.

The benefits of internal glazing

The Origin Internal Door, for example, can be specified as a single or French door, or can be coupled with a corner post to create an entirely new room. A corner configuration is perfect for breaking up an open-plan space to create separate areas, such as an office space. With nearly 20 per cent of homeowners wanting a home office space, this is an important space to consider for homeowners.

Opting for glass partitions means that families don’t need to compromise on the amount of light that can enter the space. With evidence demonstrating that natural light has a significant impact on health and wellbeing, this is hugely important.

Internal glazing is not limited to home offices though. Doors from Origin can accommodate frosted or reeded glass, adding extra privacy and making them useable in utility rooms and bathrooms. So, the privacy of a traditional internal door remains but with a sleeker look.

builders can use internal glazing to achieve the ‘must-have’ broken-plan floorplans.

Never out of style

Whilst the combination of functionality and natural light is appealing to homeowners, the way internal glazing can act as a key design feature further contributes to their growing popularity. Aesthetics matter to homeowners, so offering customisable doors means they can choose from a wide range of designs, finishes, and colour options to match various interior styles and create a cohesive look throughout the living spaces.

The choice of materials can also complement the overall design scheme. All of Origin’s products are crafted from premium-grade aluminium to provide a sleek aesthetic. Aluminium gives a greater overall finish, is smooth to the touch and visually flawless to look at.

Alongside its looks, aluminium is strong and durable, making it able to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life. Origin Internal Doors are powder coated with a highly durable coating, so

Aluminium is also infinitely recyclable, giving builders and homeowners peace of mind when considering their environmental impact. Plus, it is more affordable than steel alternatives.

In conclusion

It’s vital to stay well-informed of homeowners’ evolving preferences to

functional, aesthetically pleasing living environments that cater to the evolving needs of homeowners without compromising on natural light.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ORIGIN’S RANGE OF GLAZING SYSTEMS FOR THE WHOLE HOME, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW066

BADGE OF HONOUR

frames from are not making them to a set of clearly defined standards…then neither is your work up to scratch. Quite simply, even if the frames you buy are generally of decent quality, if they are not certified to the appropriate standards and they fail an inspection, then crucially, YOU fail the inspection. And I have to ask, is it worth the risk?

WITH

Would it be fair to assume that, if you’re reading this then you actually care what happens to your business, what your customers think of you and, most importantly, that you do a good job for your customers?

Assuming that is the case, might I also assume that you choose to buy from businesses that, like you, also care about their customers and, actually, like to do things right?

And that includes the people that you buy your windows and doors from too. Do they have the right badges? In other words, are the windows and doors that you buy from them produced according to the regulated standards by which all windows and door must be manufactured, by law?! When did you last check?

Compliance with all necessary Building Regulations is not only a legal requirement, it is vital for reputable builders to work with suppliers – not just frame makers – who can provide quality products backed by the evidence that these will perform as required by the Building Regulations. And if the people that you buy your

Just a few moments looking at your supplier’s website can provide you with reassurance – or the reason to choose another supplier and might just be the best 5 minutes you have ever spent! There are plenty more, but these are the crucial MUST HAVE badges to look for from your window and door supplier:

✔ BS EN 14351-1:2006 + A2:2016 is the European product standard for the manufacture of windows and external doorsets.

✔ BS 4873: 2009 specifies requirements for the design, construction and performance of aluminium doorsets and windows.

✔ BS 6375 is the classification for weather-tightness against water and wind for doors and windows.

✔ PAS 24:2016 is a standard of rigorous testing to ensure the security performance of windows and doorsets for new residential dwellings.

✔ BS 8529:2017 is a standard of the design, construction, and performance of domestic composite doorsets covering elements including components, glazing, maintenance, and energy conservation.

✔ Window and Door Regulations are statutory standards set by the Government. Rest assured that Quickslide offer product specifications that offer compliance across the board.

✔ Audited for BFRC compliance to enable us to provide proof that our products perform as advertised.

✔ The UKCA Mark stands for the UK Conformity Assessment mark and is the marking used for products being placed on the market in Great Britain.

Why do these badges matter?

You know that when your site is inspected, the windows and doors at least, will be compliant and you won’t get any knock backs or fails from the building inspector.

Deal with a firm that you are confident does have its products and factory tested to meet and beat all of the legal requirements and then check to see what else they do to make sure their quality is consistently fantastic. That will rub off on your business too.

Crucially, when you are tendering for work, every standard matters from every supplier, and you need to show an auditable trail at every turn.

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

Window makers are just like scouts –badges are important

MAKING

A PITCH

Architectural styles have been limited over the years by the constraints of traditional roof tiles. Tiles must be installed at a certain pitch, as stated by the manufacturer, to protect the roof from water ingress, meaning there are limitations when it comes to low pitch roofing.

With this in mind, when planning a domestic extension, a standard roof pitch may not be suitable. This is often because existing features, such as first-floor windows, get in the way and a lower pitch is required to work around them. Also, many homeowners prefer the aesthetic appeal of a low pitch roof over a flat roof.

However, many roofing supplies are designed for traditional roof pitches, and many contractors are accustomed to working on roofs with higher pitches. This is why there is a need in the market for an easy-to-use low pitch roofing solution. With low pitched roofs there are fewer tiling options and sometimes, depending on pitch, there might be no tiling options at all. This is where a ‘sub-roof’ can come into play.

Sub-roof systems have seen a rise in popularity within the market over the last few years, allowing contractors more

freedom when it comes to roofing projects. A sub-roof is an additional protective layer within the roof structure which acts as the primary waterproofing layer under the tiles when the minimum tile pitch cannot be met, acting as a barrier against potential leaks and allowing the tiles to be a secondary aesthetic waterproofing layer.

There are different types of sub-roof systems. Flat sub-roofs are typically developed with non-breathable felt, which can be prone to a higher risk of moisture being trapped beneath the membrane,

thereby rotting the timber underneath.

More recently, corrugated sub-roof systems have been developed, offering greater protection and advanced longevity of materials. Due to the corrugations within the sub-roof, there is increased ventilation and airflow both above and below the sheet and tile battens positioned above the corrugations allow moisture to drain to the eaves which, with the enhanced ventilation, maintains excellent moisture control within the cavity.

Not only does a sub roof help to meet the demand for maximising living space, as the low pitch means the roof void can be minimised, it also enables traditional tiles to be used in situations where they wouldn’t have been able to be utilised previously, such as extensions or large roofing projects, greatly enhancing the aesthetic quality of a property.

What are the benefits of a sub-roof system?

As the sub-roof system acts as the main waterproofing element of a roof, it means that the original aesthetics of a building can be preserved. Existing tiles can be reused, or reclaimed tiles, which can save on cost and time, as well as reducing the carbon footprint. This ensures that the traditional look and feel of a property remains the same.

Integrating a sub-roof system provides an extra guarantee and protection should there be any cracked or broken tiles, a low pitch or incorrect fitting of tiles. The increased ventilation and performance this offers means that the roofing material will remain in good condition for longer.

Onduline, the lightweight roofing systems specialist, has recently launched its new and unique sub-roof system, ISOLINE LOW LINE – the only system in the UK to be BRE tested and BBA Accredited to as low as 10 degrees with a 30-year guarantee. This lightweight bituminous underlay sheeting has been rigorously tested and is proven to be at least three times less likely to leak compared to a traditional tile system.

Ardit Strica, Technical Manager at Onduline Building Products, talks about sub-roof systems and why they’re a good option for contractors.

GET A FIX

Over time – and as a result of temperature changes and weather conditions – sand and cement mortar can crack and fall out. Roofs also naturally experience some movement, which can exacerbate this. As such, mortar-fixed ridge systems and roof accessories require regular maintenance. Not only that, but mortar is also much more time consuming to install than dry ridge and hip systems.

By contrast, dry ridge systems require very little maintenance as there is no need to replace cracking mortar. Dry fix ridge systems involve fitting ridge and hip tiles to a roof with screws and clamps.

solutions can be used to secure areas of the roof such as Ridge and Hip, Verge,

valley and bonding details, which traditionally would have required mortar. The majority of roofs in the UK use dry fix components. In fact, BS 5534 no longer acknowledges mortar as having any tensile strength, which suggests that if mortar is used on the roof there should also be a form of mechanical fix to the component in question. This includes simple repairs or in period or heritage properties.

There are additional benefits of choosing a dry ridge kit including:

Weatherproofing

The screws and clamps used to fix dry ridge systems are robust and mean that roof tiles are less likely to become dislodged and cause damage to the roof or anything below. Plus, the threat of water ingress is reduced for dry ridge systems because the waterproof unions beneath the screws diverts water away from joins and junctions. During adverse weather conditions or periods with strong winds, this is crucial.

Ventilation

Condensation remains a potential threat and BS 5250 (The Control of Condensation in Buildings) outlines roof space ventilation requirements for minimising risk. This is where opting for

ventilated ridge products can be a huge benefit. They provide a level of ventilation that may not be possible with traditional mortar-fixed roofs.

Vented dry ridge systems provide a continuous gap which allows for air movement within the roof space. This air gap also eliminates pockets of still, moist air, which can increase condensation risk. Specifically, the roll-out ridge kit can allow moisture to move out of the roof void, which helps to prevent the build-up of condensation that may lead to rot and other issues that can lead to structural damage.

Ridges and hips for roofing

Klober extended its dry ridge range in 2021 following positive feedback on its 6m Dry Ridge Kit. In November 2021, a 10m kit was brought to market as well as a Ridge Kit with fixed lugs.

For added peace of mind, all kits comply with:

BS 8612 = performance

BS 5250 = ventilation

BS 5534 = mechanical fixing

Given that ridge ventilation systems and accessories are fitted on the peak of the roof, secure installation cannot be underestimated. Let’s take a look how to fit a dry ridge kit:

Why Dry Fix? Klober explains the benefits

Installation Tips

● First step is installing the roofing membrane and battens, which can be done as normal. It’s key to leave the underlay 30mm short of the apex on both sides for ventilation. At this stage, the top tiling battens should not be fixed. If no ventilation is required, roofers may wish to carry the underlay over the apex.

● Then, construct the ridge batten with 25mm thick tiling battens. The height should allow for a minimum 15mm penetration with the 100mm screws and washers. For most tile profiles, two battens will be sufficient.

● To secure the battens in place, use the stainless steel Batten Straps provided in the kit. These should be fixed to the rafters on both sides using 30mm by 2.65mm stainless steel nails.

● The built-up battens should be nailed together through the holes in the top of the batten strap, using 65mm galvanised steel nails. If the system being fitted is Klober’s dry verge, the ridge batten must overhang approximately 35mm at each gable.

● Fix the top tiling batten as normal, ensuring there is space for the lugs of the tile to sit and an airgap remains.

● Roofers should then lay and fix the tiles as standard.

● Starting at one end, the roll fix will need to be unrolled centrally over the ridge batten. Ensure there is 75mm cover on each side of the top course of tiles, and sufficient to fold down at each gable end over the batten ends or dry verge.

● The roll fix must be secured in place through the white spine, using corrosion resistant nails or staples at minimum 300mm centres. The laps for joining roll fix lengths together should be a minimum of 75mm.

● Remove the release paper from the adhesive strip. Dress neatly into dry, clean and dust-free tile surfaces, ensuring continuous contact with the tiles. Continue this process along the ridge line.

● Place the end ridge tiles centrally over the white spine of the Roll Fix and insert the ridge seal under and between the ridge tiles.

● Secure the ridge tiles with the 100mm screw, washer and clamping plate provided in Klober’s dry ridge kit. This process should then be continued along the ridge line to the abutment, hip or gable. A second point of mechanical fixing is required on all abutments and gable end ridge tiles. This can be achieved by drilling and securing to a ridge batten.

● Once the installation is complete, gable ends can be finished off using the Klober Ridge End Cap.

Remember: You should always seek professional guidance when installing Klober’s ridge and hip products.

TO IDENTIFY THE BEST AND MOST APPROPRIATE ROOFING COMPONENTS FOR THE SPECIFIC JOB, KLOBER’S GUIDE TO DRY FIX IS A USEFUL RESOURCE. TO READ IT VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW070

SIXTH IN THE SERIES: NO.17

RISE WITH THE SUN

Changes to legislation, high energy prices, increased consumer awareness about the climate emergency and the Government’s net zero target, are combining to ensure renewable technologies are now fully part of the construction sector’s decarbonisation journey.

Solar PV is a proven technology solution that delivers access to more sustainable energy for homeowners and has been identified as a key component of the emerging specification templates ahead of the launch of the pivotal Future Homes Standard in 2025. Industry

expectation

Due to mandatory changes to Building Regulations introduced last year, solar PV specification is predicted to soar in the years ahead. Indeed, forecasters predict that of the 200,000 new homes currently built each year, around 160,000, will include solar PV.

So, as demand grows, those working in the industry need to prepare to maximise the business building opportunity this presents. While the cost of solar PV has reduced significantly over the past decade and innovative integrated solutions such as Marley’s SolarTile are straightforward to install, it’s important those working in the industry can take advantage of soaring solar PV demand and add real value to their new build or refurbishment projects.

MCS certification and establishing solar partnerships

MCS certification covers installations of products used to produce electricity and heat from renewable sources, including solar PV. While tradespeople don’t have

to be certified to install Marley’s SolarTile system, the final connection and sign off must be made by an MCS certified installer.

Those working in the industry may look to form a partnership with a certified electrical contractor or become MCS certified. To do this, prospective solar PV system installers need to undertake the appropriate training for solar PV connection and apply to a certification body to arrange an assessment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MCS CERTIFICATION VISIT

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW071 Upskilling

Professionals should also make the most of solar PV training opportunities to gain essential system knowledge and obtain the confidence to undertake installation as part of new build or retrofit schemes.

To assist, Marley has launched its SolarTile Installation Training Course. Running weekly, the series of in-person training courses will cover the theory behind solar PV technology and the

a comprehensive and in-depth overview of solar PV, how it works, solar PV system design, practical installation training, and tips to consider for complex system arrays.

The training course also provides installation guidance on how to install SolarTile®, and complementary accessories such as ArcBox, as well as sharing how energy generation calculations are undertaken.

Get familiar with solar PV systems

Tradespeople should look for a reliable and high-quality roof-integrated solar PV system, as these are easier to install and provide better aesthetics than ‘on-roof’ traditional panels. With an integrated system, both tiles and solar panels are installed together, so there is no modification to the roof tiles which secures the overall roof warranty.

The integrated SolarTile is compatible with all Marley’s clay and concrete tiles and slates, so solar PV can easily be incorporated into any roof design. It has an integrated tray, so no counter battens are required and delivers higher wind and fire resistance than separate tray systems.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MARLEY SOLARTILE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW072

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SOLARTILE INSTALLATION TRAINING COURSE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW073

Stuart Nicholson, Roof Systems Director at Marley discusses how building professionals should be looking to maximise the opportunity solar PV offers as demand is primed to escalate.

REFLECTIVE INSULATION

Eolis HC, a two-in-one reflective insulation with an integrated vapour barrier, is the latest addition to the Actis range of products. With its films reflecting 90% of infrared radiation, it is designed to keep homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The company has recently created a video highlighting its products’ environmental credentials.

FIRE PROTECTION

COLOUR COATING

In-house colour coating options are improving business for Kolorseal customers thanks to greater choice and appeal to the end user. The company prides itself on the full spectrum of ontrend colours it offers and colour coats windows, doors and roofline. Dual coloured windows and doors are also available.

Providing a safer, easier-to-install and more robust fire protection solution for timber frame construction, ARC Building Solutions has unveiled TCB Square. Developed to solve the problem created by openings such as pipe penetrations in the external wall, it is designed to friction fit around the pipe, achieving up to 60 minutes of fire integrity.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW076

PIPE FINISHING

Tackling ugly pipework in kitchens and bathrooms is the aim with Talon’s Snappit rigid pipe finishing products. As the name would suggest, these are quick to install and help achieve a neat and professional finish without compromising on quality. Different colours and lengths are available and the quality grade uPVC means pipes are shielded from potential damage.

WINDOW SYSTEM

The Comar 10 window system from Comar Aluminium Systems, has gained Passivhaus aluminium window certification not just with its tilt and turn option, but also with the open-out, tophung casement window that provide UValues as low as 0.66Wm2K. The highly advanced window options are ideal for renovation or new building projects.

INJECTION MORTAR

With the FIS V Plus, fischer is introducing a universal injection mortar with an evaluated service life of 100 years in concrete. Its system components offer a wide range of applications. Among these is the stand-off installation systems Thermax 12 and 16 to install fastenings through ETICS into the load-bearing base practically without thermal bridges.

SKIRITING AND DOOR SURROUND

Offering installers the ideal solution for a low maintenance, and easily finished installation, Freefoam has announced the addition of a PVC-U Skirting and Door Surround to its Internal Building Products range. With a solid PVC core and skin both products are tough, durable and long lasting.

PANEL BOARD

The 18 and 22mm thick SterlingOSB Zero boards from West Fraser are strong enough to meet most loadbearing applications and are BBA Approved and recognised by NHBC Technical standards for housing applications. SterlingOSB Zero T&G also bears the coveted UKTFA Q-mark quality certification.

QUALITY TIME

The word ‘quality’ gets bandied about all over the place. Let’s face it, no sane company is going to say their products and services aren’t good quality. When it comes to ventilation, it’s no different: everyone seemingly makes good quality ventilation products and systems. But how do you define quality and is it actually important?

Yes, quality matters

In the world of ventilation, quality really does matter. Using poor quality products will most likely result in a ventilation system that is unable to deliver the air flow required to comply with Building Regulations – and make for an uncomfortable environment in which to live. But that’s not all; it could also make for a noisy system and one that leaks condensation onto walls and ceilings, leading to the formation of mould which is not only unsightly but can be hazardous to health.

Product: make or break

With whole house ventilation systems featuring Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) as the main means of meeting the revised Part F Ventilation of Building Regulations, the quality of these units can make or break a system. A good quality unit will have a low Specific Fan Power (SFP), which reduces energy consumption and directly impacts on a property’s Dwelling Emission Rate (DER).

In the case of MVHRs, a thermal bypass for the summer months and integral humidity sensors are key features to look out for. Also be sure to check the proficiency of the heat exchanger, which is a key component. The heat exchangers featured within our Domus HRXE range of MVHRs enable up to 95% of waste heat to be recovered.

If MEV and MVHR units are seen as the heart of the ventilation system, they can only function efficiently if the arteries – the

Paul Williams, Domus Ventilation Product Manager explains that, when it comes to domestic ventilation systems, quality counts

ducting – is of a similarly good standard. Invest in quality ducting that has been designed to work in harmony as part of a system and has been third party tested for end-to-end system performance.

A good quality ducting system will have exacting tolerances and push fits together for minimal air and moisture loss and maximum system efficiency. It’s easy to spot poor quality ducting as the channel or pipe bows, or looks like it is concave, or the wall thickness appears uneven. And never use flexible duct work in place of rigid ducting as it causes a lot more air resistance and can be crushed easily.

A quality ducting system will also come with a range of useful accessories to help you meet site circumstances, along with dedicated ducting insulation and firestopping products.

System design: start with the ‘building blocks’

Of course, you can have the best ventilation products in the world, but if the system design is not up to scratch, then it won’t lead to the results you expect. So, quality matters here too.

unit should be the starting point, it’s actually the ducting drawing that needs to

come first; before unit specification and before the other services (gas, water pipes etc) go in as otherwise you will need to add more duct work to get around these obstacles.

Ducting drawings are not easy, but ‘quality’ manufacturers will be able to provide these for you, so be sure to take advantage of this service. Domus Ventilation provides individual system drawings free of charge, along with duct

reviewing the previous set of Building Regulations was the dearth of compliance. Many cited the complexity of the old Building Regulations being the issue, but deliberate changes on site to reduce costs and make for a quicker installation are also to blame.

Over the years we have witnessed just about all the mistakes that could be made on site, from installers trying to simplify duct runs to save time and money; using flexible duct work at final connections or around obstructions such as steel beams; using the wrong size air bricks and incorrect size air valves; not using ducting insulation, and a whole lot more.

With the revised Building Regulations

‘Approved Document F, Volume 1: Dwellings’ (ADF1), which came into effect in 2022, the ventilation rate calculations have been considerably simplified and reporting has been tightened up to drive compliance and, ultimately, system quality. Be sure to follow them!

A final word

Quality does come at a cost and there will always be a balance between these two factors. But quality ventilation products are often designed with easy – and therefore quick – installation in mind. Opting for lower cost product may well end up being a false economy.

Domus Ventilation is a manufacturer of market-leading ventilation systems that save energy and improve indoor air quality.

“With the revised Building Regulations ‘Approved Document F, Volume 1: Dwellings’ (ADF1), which came into effect in 2022, the ventilation rate calculations have been considerably simplified and reporting has been tightened up to drive compliance and, ultimately, system quality. Be sure to follow them!”

ROK STAR

On road or off, at work or play, the VW Amarok is a stylish multi-tasker

Some vehicle launches might be only skin deep but – if you were to make a building industry analogy – the new VW Amarok is perhaps not quite a back to brick job, but it is mostly certainly a major refurb. Given that its predecessor has racked up sales of more than 830,000 that’s not to say that it wasn’t already a very good pick up, but it has undoubtedly got a whole lot better.

There’s now over 30 driver assistance systems, for example, 20 of which are new. That’s joined by improved off-roading ability, with a wading depth of 800mm, and a shorter overhang. Added to that are improvements in the cargo area, the widest ever choice of engine options, enhanced servicing and much more.

The VW Amarok manages to achieve that tricky balance of rugged off roader with the star turn of an unashamedly premium product. If you need a haven from a hard day on site then take time out in your leather heated seat with 10-way function, with the added luxury of a steering wheel in the same material. Enjoy the Harman Kardon sound system with

which the two highest spec’d models –the PanAmericana and Aventura – are equipped and take control with a digital

– or some of our narrower urban byways – will welcome the addition of a 360° camera on everything from the Style trim

get the job done, not least with an increase in load bay dimensions on the previous generation – and a payload of up to 1,113kg. This particularly wide and unencumbered space will accommodate a Euro pallet sideways between the wheel arches. If you need to keep equipment secured there’s a locking tailgate integrated into the vehicle’s central locking, and there’s the option of either a manual or electrically operated roll top cover.

A 3 ½ tonne towing capacity will allow you to easily transport construction plant and, continuing the theme of a journey into space, passengers in the second row of seats get more leg and head room. Indeed, whether the back is occupied by work colleagues in the week or family on the weekend, all comers will enjoy significantly more room to manoeuvre in this double cab commercial vehicle.

Trim levels

There are four trim levels across the Amarok portfolio. Calling the Life model ‘entry level’ is perhaps something of a misnomer in that it still features a rear-view camera, 10.1in. infotainment screen – which is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay enabled – and 17in. alloy wheels. The next order of spec is Style, a level where vehicles fitted with the Area View 360° camera begins – and there’s an upgraded 12in. console. The rear locking differential-fitted PanAmericana is the off-road expert, with an underride guard and comfort suspension system that will further assist amongst the rough stuff. At the top of the range sits the Aventura, which stands on 21in. Varberg silver alloy wheels.

Where the latest incarnation of the Amarok departs from its forbears again is under the bonnet, with a 2.0litre engine that achieves power outputs from 170 PS through to 205 PS, whilst 240 PS emanates from the noticeably more powerful 3.0litre TDI. The 2.0-litre TDI 170 PS is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with all other engine variants equipped with a 10-speed automatic as standard. In the vehicles we tested the gear change is as impeccable as you can ever hope to experience.

Every Amarok comes equipped with

FEATURES AT A GLANCE

● Increased length and longer wheelbase

● Improved off-road ability

● Four-door double cab that can accommodate a Euro pallet sideways in the cargo box.

● Payload up to 1.113 tonnes

● Power outputs from 170 PS through 205 PS for the 2.0 TDI unit to 240 PS for the 3.0 TDI

● 4MOTION all-wheel drive with either three or four drive system modes

● Towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg.

● Four specification variants: Life, Style, PanAmericana and Aventura

4MOTION all-wheel drive, with a limitedslip differential as standard on PanAmericana and optional on other trims. For the uninitiated, that means this most adept of off-roaders can move forward with only one wheel in contact with the ground. Moreover, a Drive Mode Control system provides access to up to six drive modes depending on the model: ECO, Normal, Mud/ track, Sand, Slippery and Load/trailer.

Working With You

With

VW’s Working With You tagline is a recognition of the hard graft the entrepreneurial company owner needs to put in in order to succeed. In that context the importance of a commercial vehicle, particularly to a small firm where an LCV is almost certainly the largest single investment that will be made in the business, cannot be underestimated. That’s why Amarok customers can now take advantage of the manufacturer’s 5+ Promise. Here, every vehicle will enjoy 5 services (three Oil Change, two Oil Change and Inspection plus three MOTs), an extended five-year warranty – up from the standard three – as well as five years roadside assistance. Again, with the latter extended from the standard three.

“VW’s Working

You tagline is a recognition of the hard graft the entrepreneurial company

TRADE MEDIA

COMPLIANCE GUIDE

The government authorised scheme that monitors Building Regulation compliance for windows and doors, FENSA, has announced further industry support in the form of an updated, comprehensive Guide to Compliance. Produced in conjunction with RISA and the GGF, the publication is free to download

RESIN FLOORING WEBSITE

An updated website for CPG UK’s Flowcrete has been launched, aimed to make it easier than ever for construction professionals to access the technical information and resources they need. The Learning Zone is a new feature too, designed to easily request a RIBA approved CPD seminar or in-person training on the company’s products.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW085

HEAT PUMP APP

With features such as 30 second room surveying, a simple heat loss calculation tool and 3D visualisation, heatly is an app that is set to improve many of the processes involved in heat pump installation. The first version of the app is currently being trialled and the developers are looking for industry input to further develop it.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW086

RADIATOR BROCHURE

With 25 years of heating and design experience, The Radiator Company offers a wide selection of designer radiators and towel rails for installers. The company’s latest brochure features all its bestselling products as well as a number of new additions. This includes the Relax Hybrid, a heating and cooling system with a fan coil assisted radiator and air-cooling functions.

Use our digital reader enquiry service for further information online

living in a time of immense change. Every generation has thought that, of course. But in our case it is demonstrably true. The sheer rate of change can, at times, seem mind-boggling.

Back in the 1970s I attended a talk by the famous statistician Ernst Schumacher – the man who invented the concept of “Intermediate Technology” –something that is now attracting a lot of attention.

Anyway, at the start of his talk, Schumacher recalled a story that his grandmother had told him. When she was a little girl in Germany in the 1880s, she had been playing in the garden, and had been puzzled to see a man’s head travelling at speed, in a straight line, above the garden hedge.

What Schumacher’s grandmother had witnessed that day was a demonstration of the early bicycle freewheel. Prior to that invention, a cyclist’s head – seen from the viewpoint of Frauline Schumacher’s garden – would have been bobbing up and down, as he pedalled furiously to keep his legs in time with the wheels.

However, before she died – and this was the point of Ernst Schumacher’s story – his grandmother had seen the first man walk on the Moon.

So, from witnessing the invention of the bicycle freewheel mechanism to watching Neil Armstrong step onto the lunar surface – in one person’s lifetime – that’s quite a phenomenal rate of change.

But today the rate of change is even faster. When some of us were growing up, computers were something

that featured only in ScienceFiction movies. Now, most of us don’t just have computers on our desks, but we have them in our pockets.

We might soon be moving around in self-driving cars. And you can even tell your radio to change stations by just shouting at it, (now that is something that my grumpy old Dad would have really appreciated, had he lived long enough!)

The latest news story is AI – or Artificial Intelligence. It’s either going to take over the world and kill us all, or else it’s going to bring world peace, and enable us all to live forever – depending on which account you read.

So how does this affect us as builders? Well, in whatever way we allow it to, I guess. I have always said that builders are the most resourceful group of people I know. We cope with changes in technology, in Building Regulations, in traffic and parking restrictions, and we still come out on top, turning a profit.

All I can predict is, that the rate of change will not slow down. It will get faster and faster. But you know what? –people will always need homes to live in and buildings to work in. Even when they are flying around strapped to SciFi jet packs!

Jeff Howell

We are

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Bora Tool............................................................................(page 56)

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Eclisse UK Ltd................................................................(back cover) www.rdr.link/BAW127

Faithfull Tools......................................................................(page 59) www.rdr.link/BAW128

Federation Of Master Builders Ltd....................................(page 14) www.rdr.link/BAW129

Festool................................................................................(page 69) www.rdr.link/BAW130

Freefoam Plastics Ltd........................................................(page 16) www.rdr.link/BAW131

Garador................................................................................(page 42) www.rdr.link/BAW132

Grant Engineering UK Ltd................................(inside front cover) www.rdr.link/BAW133

Gyproc Tools/Artex Ltd......................................................(page 75) www.rdr.link/BAW134

Halstone..............................................................................(page 85) www.rdr.link/BAW135

Helly Hansen UK Ltd..........................................................(page 43) www.rdr.link/BAW136

Knauf Insulation Ltd..........................................................(page 28) www.rdr.link/BAW137

Made for Trade....................................................................(page 17) www.rdr.link/BAW138

Made for Trade..............................................................(pages 18,19) www.rdr.link/BAW139

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Makita (UK) Ltd..................................................................(page 78) www.rdr.link/BAW141

Marley Ltd............................................................................(page 20) www.rdr.link/BAW142

Mirka (UK) Ltd....................................................................(page 66) www.rdr.link/BAW143

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Rocket Door Frames..........................................................(page 47) www.rdr.link/BAW152

Rockwool UK Ltd..................................................................(page 8) www.rdr.link/BAW153

Saint Gobain Abrasives......................................................(page 11) www.rdr.link/BAW154

Samac Fixings Ltd..............................................................(page 70) www.rdr.link/BAW155

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Stabila UK Ltd....................................................................(page 68) www.rdr.link/BAW157

Stelrad Radiators................................................................(page 31) www.rdr.link/BAW158

Timber Drive......................................................................(page 65) www.rdr.link/BAW159

Toolfair................................................................................(page 96) www.rdr.link/BAW160

Toughbuilt Industries UK Ltd............................................(page 77) www.rdr.link/BAW161

Tuffx Processed Glass Ltd..................................................(page 81) www.rdr.link/BAW162

Vauxhall Motors Ltd....................................................(pages 82,83) www.rdr.link/BAW163

VIP Polymers Ltd................................................................(page 42) www.rdr.link/BAW164

Wavin Ltd..............................................................................(page 6) www.rdr.link/BAW165

Werner UK Sales Ltd..........................................................(page 45) www.rdr.link/BAW166

West Fraser Ltd..................................................................(page 23) www.rdr.link/BAW167

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

SAVING YOUR BREATH

Lung disease caused by silica particles is called silicosis. Silicosis is caused by breathing in tiny particles of silica – a mineral found in sand, concrete, rocks and glass. Silica is used to make common building materials – it is found in kitchen tops, bathrooms, bricks, tiles and some plastics. When silica is cut, drilled or ground, tiny particles can enter the air and potentially be inhaled into the lungs. If silica dust particles enter the lungs, it can cause swelling and inflammation.

Over time the lung tissue then becomes hardened and scarred. Scarred lung tissue (called fibrosis) means the lungs cannot do their job properly and it becomes difficult to breathe. The lung damage from silicosis happens over time; it may take years from the exposure. According to the Health and Safety Executive, more than 500 construction workers each year may die from silicosis.

Some people will be at higher risk of silicosis, depending on their job. The following industries are known to have increased risks:

● Stone masonry and stone cutting – especially with sandstone

● Construction and demolition – as a result of exposure to concrete and paving materials

● Worktop manufacturing and fitting

● Pottery, ceramics and glass manufacturing

● Mining and quarrying

● Sand blasting

The symptoms of silicosis include coughing, weight loss, shortness of breath, tiredness and chest pain. If it is suspected, the doctor will ask all about risks of exposure at work and organise further investigations. Tests might include a chest X-ray, CT scan or breathing tests (pulmonary function tests).

Silicosis can be prevented by avoiding prolonged exposure to silica dust. In the UK, all workplaces must comply with The Control of Substances Hazardous to

FOLLOWING LAST MONTH’S ARTICLE ON GENERAL WORKPLACE RELATED LUNG DISEASE, GP ALICE FITZGIBBON FOCUSES ON

CONDITIONS RELATED TO TWO DIFFERENT DANGEROUS PARTICLES – SILICA AND ASBESTOS.

(cancer of the lung lining), lung cancer and asbestosis (scarring of the lung tissue). Around 5,000 people in Great Britain die every year from asbestos-related diseases as a result of past exposure. This makes asbestos the single greatest cause of work-related deaths.

Health Regulations 2002, which sets a workplace exposure limit for silica. Employers are responsible for:

● Warning employees about potential health risks

● Making sure employees are aware of the correct procedures to reduce the risk of exposure to silica dust

● Supplying the necessary protective equipment eg. masks.

There is no specific treatment for silicosis and it may worsen with time. This is why it is so important to prevent it in the first place. Wearing the appropriate face masks for high-risk activities is essential.

Next, let’s talk about asbestos. Nowadays, use of asbestos as a building material is illegal, but before the year 2000 it was used in new and refurbished buildings. Asbestos containing materials (ACMs) may make up the internal fabric of some older buildings so it might not be immediately obvious that it is present.

Workers most likely to come into contact with ACMs are those in the construction, maintenance, refurbishment and related trades. When ACMs are damaged or disturbed they can release dangerous fibres which, if breathed in, can cause serious diseases – mesothelioma

Diseases related to asbestos may take 15-60 years to develop. Even exposure to a small amount may cause cancer years later. These conditions are incurable and often fatal. This is why any worker (including the self-employed) who is liable to disturb asbestos during their work must receive the correct level of information, instruction and training so they can work safely and minimise risks to others.

The signs and symptoms of asbestos related disease are cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen fingertips (finger clubbing) and chest pain. Any symptoms like this need to be investigated with Chest X-rays, a CT scan and breathing tests for lung function.

Being diagnosed with an occupational lung disease may mean you are entitled to compensation. It may be worth looking at the following information online if this applies to you: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW0880

If you are concerned about your workplace and potential exposures, then ensure you speak to your employer. It is their responsibility to ensure the correct safety measures are in place, and your responsibility to use them

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON SILICOSIS FROM THE NHS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW089

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIALS (ACMS) FROM THE HSE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAW090