Professional Builder March 2021

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FRE E TO THE TRA DE

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

MARCH 2021

TOOLS & WORKWEAR ALL POWER TO THE PROFESSIONAL!

ROOFING, FLOORING & INSULATION HIGHS AND LOWS ‘U’ NEED TO EMBRACE! AC POWER – DC FREEDOM. THE CORDLESS HIKOKI C369DRA MITRE SAW IS PERFECTLY CUT OUT FOR SITE WORK

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

MARCH 2021 VOL. 43 NO.3 @PB_mag

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

REGULARS 7 9 12 28 36 82 83

Editor’s Viewpoint News Letters Training & Upskilling Free-for-All Wise Howell The Doctor’s Advice

FREE FOR ALL! 57 In it to win it... page 36 see

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SPECIAL REPORTS

Disasters

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

14

ROOFING, FLOORING & INSULATION

22 17 Readers’ Lives – MBE-winning Plumber Inventors’ 20 Inventors’ Corner Corner – Van Guardian 22 Dulux Select Decorator 25 Garden Room Project 34 National Retrofit Strategy

BUSINESS SOLUTIONS 30 Advantage Structural Warranty Insurance 32 CHAS – Hot Works Advice

38 Safeguard – Internal Wall Insulation 41 The Benefits of Rockwool 45 Marley – Roofing Trends 48 Klober – Eaves Ventilation 50 Made for Trade – Korniche Roof Lantern Step-by-Step 53 NEW PRODUCTS

54 Makita Toolbox Talk 57 Senco – Auto Feed Screwdrivers 60 Become a Bosch Product Tester 61 Festool – MX Stirrers 62 Mascot – Advanced 64 Werner – Working at Height 66 Mirka – Sanding Technology 68 Face Protection from Hellberg Safety

GENERAL BUILDING 70 NEW PRODUCTS 74 Lime Green Products 76 Sustainability with Knauf

VEHICLES & PLANT 78 Honest John – Beware of Vehicle Scams 79 Webfleet – Vehicle Management 80 NEW PRODUCTS

DOORS & WINDOWS

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81 Quickslide

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

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

Professional Builder is a business magazine for firms and individuals involved in all aspects of the building industry. It is available nationally – free to the trade through leading builders’ merchant outlets. © 2021 To be removed from this magazine’s circulation, please call 01923 237799 or email circulation@hamerville.co.uk.

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

viewpoint Sign language #$@&*!

According to those infuriatingly patronising and self-satisfied adverts, every journey matters to the Mayor of London and TFL. Well, his ears would certainly have been burning cocooned in his ivory tower after we had the misfortune between national lockdowns to attempt a shortish journey across our great capital city.

Taking delivery at the tail end of 2020 of a new Ford Transit Custom PHEV, it seemed – on paper at least – a good idea to drive across London in a vehicle purpose-made for inner city journeys, and the sort of mode of transport which would sit well with the environmentally enlightened Mayor. Unfortunately, a round journey of some fifty miles, which on a good day you would expect to take no more than a couple of hours, turned into a living, driving nightmare. It wasn’t the amount of traffic on the road per se, the interminable lane closures – or even the creation of myriad ”covid friendly” cycle lanes which sprung up overnight (and have subsequently been deemed illegal in the courts), but the sheer gut-wrenching panic of falling foul of the proliferation of road signs which now festoon every square metre of the capital’s byways.

You would need eyes in the back of your head to catch everyone, or perhaps employ a rallystyle co pilot to shout instructions every few metres to avoid falling foul of the omnipresent surveillance police. One highly strategic bridge closure led to a lengthy diversion which our intrepid tester was certain had taken him inadvertently into a congestion zone, and the very real possibility of a £100 penalty fine. Such was his angst that he actually paid the fee just in case, because “It is the roads, not the there is no actual way of checking whether you have pavements of London, that are transgressed the unwritten rule. Pale faced and visibly paved with gold.” shaken by the whole experience, he returned to the office convinced that it was probably his last test drive anyway because he had almost certainly racked up twelve penalty points.

It’s yet another perfect example of what happens when you employ legions of people who simply have to come up with ever more ingenious and largely unnecessary schemes to justify their existence. And that was before Covid 19. The pandemic is a perfect excuse for TFL (not to mention many other authorities and organisations) to flex their muscles and impose a whole new raft of rules and regulations under the radar, which would tax the patience of even the most experienced and mild-mannered London cabbie.

The cost of making and installing these traffic signs – together with huge sums of taxpayer’s money being spent on Ad campaigns to announce the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to cover vast swathes of the metropolis – is depressing enough, although in some perverse way the more rules there are, they actually become self funding through catching out the unwary and confused.

In any event the question remains, where does all this leave businesses which operate within the city walls? A city which is the engine of our economy and even more so post Brexit? If the Mayor would actually come on down to his beloved streets, he would see for himself that his kingdom has now become so toxic to the entrepreneurs going about their daily business that it is virtually a ghost town.

It’s certainly reasonable to ponder, how a so called congestion charge can be anything other than a punitive tax on the motorist when it operates 24/7 with only Christmas Day off. Perhaps the Mayor and his cohorts would also like to spend a day on the tools to understand that its impossible to carry a boiler, bag of cement or ladder on a London bus or the Underground. In fact, there must be thousands of properties falling into disrepair simply because it’s too much hassle for the tradesperson to take on the work, or else the customer simply can’t afford to fund the premiums which a contractor needs to build into the price.

No one would dispute that cleaner air is a very good thing, and it’s crucial to take steps now to restrict the number of casual vehicles coming into town. We all want to see the gas guzzlers and fume spewing old bangers removed from our roads once and for all, and the motor industry is working flat out to produce emissions-free vehicles for the future. Yet, in truth, when was the last time you saw a rust bucket coming in your direction? Highly attractive financial packages means that most people change their cars every three to four years and that applies equally to van users, whose latest models invariably meet and often exceed the performance criteria of the most modern saloons. Unfortunately, for once, all the signs for the poor old fall-guy motorist point in the same direction and it is the roads, not the pavements of London, that are apparently paved with gold – for the few. To ‘coin’ a phrase has never rung truer.

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News Professional Builder

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

Government’s new national construction products regulator is a welcome move A timber firm says that the setting up of the new regulator – which will be a division of the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) – is welcome, but long overdue. It will have the power to remove any product from the market that presents a significant safety risk and to prosecute any companies that flout the rules on product safety. The new body will be given up to £10 million in funding and will work closely with the Building Safety Regulator and Trading Standards.

“The government must be commended for setting up the new division of the OPSS, and hopefully it will have the teeth required to put an end to poor-quality materials being used,” argues SR Timber Trading Director, Shaun Revill Mr Revill. “I have seen first-hand examples of roofing batten being used as part of the

A time to skill

Improvements to the vocational education system will help address skills gaps in construction and support local builders to train, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB)

construction of houses that does not meet the requirements of British Standard BS 5534:2014+A2:2018 – and it’s so frustrating that there hasn’t been anything done about it.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY001

LIGHTING THE WAY

Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity provides message of hope to our Construction Community.

In a year that saw the country in turmoil as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and three national lockdowns, the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity shone a beacon of hope to our construction community by responding to 2,399 families in crisis. The number of cases that needed to be managed by professional case workers increased by 70 per cent as many callers to the charity’s helpline struggled to understand the government furlough scheme and other benefits. The charity has also spent £224,229 on well-being education and training.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY002

“Enhancing apprenticeship opportunities in the construction sector is vital if we are to ‘build back better’ from the coronavirus pandemic,” declares Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, following the Government’s publication of the ‘Skills for Jobs’ White Paper.

“Local builders must be at the forefront of these plans. It is welcoming to see the White Paper’s ambitions for employers to be better integrated into the development of Local Skills Improvement Plans. Through this, construction businesses will be given a greater voice to advocate for training in occupations that are in short supply.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY004

YOU’RE HIRED!

NHBC launches its first apprenticeships

HONOURABLE CODE

ACE welcomes Prompt Payment Code changes

NHBC, the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK, has become an Education and Skills Funding Agency-approved provider of apprenticeships, and has launched its first ever scheme aimed at developing the next generation of house building talent. The company has welcomed the first cohort to its Construction Site Supervisor (CSS) course with a second apprenticeship in bricklaying to come.

The package of reforms “represents the right shift in tone on a crucial issue for SMEs,” according to Hannah Vickers, chief executive of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE). “To put it bluntly, they cannot be expected to help society bounce back from the pandemic if they are spending most of their time chasing payments owed to them. It is vital that as much money as possible is flowing through the supply chain at this critical moment in time, and today’s announcements will hopefully ensure that this is the case.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY003

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY005

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

News Professional Builder

BACKBONE of BRITAIN

The Ford Transit Custom is the nation’s favourite van.

CURRENT TREND

More than a third of van drivers are considering switching to electric, finds Fiat Professional, as it debunks ‘white van man’ myths.

The ‘white van man’ is going green with more than a third considering the switch to electric – and 20 per cent are ditching fry-ups in favour of a meat-free diet, research has revealed. One in five are now vegan or vegetarian, and high calorie breakfasts have been ditched – with ‘green van man’ more likely to have a bagel or cereal bar than a fryup. Not only that but two thirds of van drivers were offended by the idea they’re aggressive on the road, whilst the perception that the interior of a van is a health and safety hazard is also a no-no, with 77 per cent claiming they take pride and joy in ensuring their vehicle is always clean and tidy.

In fact, the Transit Custom/Tourneo Custom range was the country’s No.2 top-selling vehicles overall, with sales of nearly 47,500 during the year. Transit Custom/Tourneo Custom sales represented an all-time record market share of 44.5 percent of the one tonne medium commercial segment. The Ford Ranger also achieved a best-ever market share, accounting for 36.5 per cent of total pick-up sales in 2020, and making it, once again, Britain’s favourite pick-up.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY007

pride of plumbing

Wavin Hep2O is on the search for the industry’s most amazing stories

If you or a fellow plumber has gone above and beyond in these tough times, you can nominate yourself, or a colleague, to be in with a chance of being championed in Wavin Hep2O’s upcoming Pride of Plumbing campaign. If you, or the person you nominated, is selected as one of four champions you will be made the centrepiece of the campaign for a whole month and will be given the opportunity to tell your story to the industry in an inspiring and uplifting way. Further spot prizes for entrants will also be available.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY006

FOR DETAILS OF HOW TO ENTER VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY008

GET TOUGH!

For the fourth year running, Swarfega is once again on the hunt for the Toughest Trade in the UK Following the success of plasterers in 2018, mechanics in 2019 and farmers in 2020, skin care experts Swarfega are once again on the hunt for the toughest trade. The company will be challenging tradespeople to post a picture of them, or a colleague, battling their toughest task on the Swarfega Facebook or Twitter page, along with the hashtag #ToughestTrade and a short reason why their trade should win 2021’s accolade.

The crowning tradesperson will receive £200 in Amazon vouchers and the trade that the winner represents will be crowned Swarfega’s New Toughest Trade for 2021. The runners-up in places 2-4 will also receive a £50 Amazon voucher.

FACEBOOK PAGE: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY106 TWITTER PAGE: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY009

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10 MARCH 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

DIRECTORY ACTION

Heather Thurlby has launched a female only directory to support and promote female owned and run businesses in construction

The FemaleTradesperson directory website is dedicated to women working in the trades and construction industry around the UK. It will promote their business and raise their visibility, but it also provides consumers greater choice to search for a qualified and professional tradeswoman for their commercial or domestic work.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY010

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HEALTH check

Small trade businesses and sole traders are struggling to access the Green Homes Grant scheme, claims Rated People “Many are still having a tough time navigating the processes that lead to them getting started with the work,” reveals Adrienne Minster, CEO of Rated People. “The scheme understandably has a high bar for certification as works need to be up to scratch. However, we need to be doing more to support these businesses in their efforts to register as installers. The Green Homes Grant has proved to be very popular and we would urge the government to look at how it might be able to better support businesses through the registration processes, so that tradespeople can meet the high demand for renovations.”

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY011

© Drobot Dean/Adobe Stock

HIGHLY RATED

In collaboration with Rated People, Vanarama have revealed which tradespeople were most in demand in 2020.

In Vanarama’s survey of 1,000 Brits, they found that an impressive 64 per cent of respondents said that they’d hired a tradesperson, with 52 per cent admitting that more time around the house made them more aware of issues that needed fixing. Plumbers (23 per cent) and electricians (11 per cent) were the most in demand tradespeople. 1 in 5 of respondents spent more than £1,000 on tradespeople, gardens (13 per cent), kitchens (12 per cent) and bathrooms (12 per cent) needed the most work, and 20 per cent of respondents admitted causing a DIY issue that required calling a tradesperson to fix.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY012

COUNTING THE COST

Revealed – the most costly DIY jobs to rectify!

The priciest DIY job to rectify is knocking down a wall, according to MyJobQuote.co.uk, which could cost homeowners well over £20,000 for a professional to sort out, with the added risk of the house collapsing.

Second is electrical wiring with a potential price tag of more than £2,000 – not to mention the dangers involved. Fitting flooring isn’t as easy as it looks and, if done incorrectly, could land a refit bill of around £1,200.

IF YOU WANT TO SEE SOME HORROR SHOWS OUR READERS HAVE ENCOUNTERED THEN TAKE A LOOK AT OUR DI-WHY? FEATURE ON PAGE 14 OR VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY013 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MYJOBQUOTE.CO.UK VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY014

© quickshooting/Adobe Stock

GREEN signals

© Tomasz Zajda/Adobe Stock

A survey of SME workers has found that close to two out of three people (65 per cent) have suffered from mental health issues as a direct outcome of the pandemic.

The survey by Purbeck Insurance Services found 66 per cent of women have suffered from issues such as poor sleep, feelings of isolation, stress and anxiety, plus general feelings of depression and anger. 25 per cent confirmed they are not sleeping well and 39 per cent felt stressed and anxious. 62 per cent of men said their mental health had suffered and 20 per cent of the men surveyed said they were suffering from poor sleep. “Talking can go a long way to helping with the stresses and anxieties we are all facing,” advises Todd Davison, MD of Purbeck Insurance Services. “It is important to recognise when you are struggling mentally and seek support from friends, family and health professionals.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY015

SPECIAL DELIVERY

Made for Trade is investing in the safety of its customers Transporting often large doors to site is thwart with danger. That’s why making it safer at the delivery point has always been a big priority for Made for Trade. With the growing numbers of bifolds the manufacturer has been selling, a new fleet of delivery vehicles was required to keep up with demand – particularly with the Korniche Bifolding door hitting the market in the next few months – so, by investing over £500k in 10 new vehicles, the company has taken the opportunity to challenge its engineering department to come up with a safer way to deliver bi-folds. It was a challenge they took up and will greatly improve the safety of the delivery of what are often big, heavy and cumbersome doors, offering the customer peace of mind in the process.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY016

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YOUR LETTERS... ...problems solved @PB_mag

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Professional Builder, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF. Through our extensive manufacturer network, Professional Builder has access to some of the best technical brains in the industry. If we don’t know the answer to a building-related problem ourselves, we almost certainly know someone who does.

If something is troubling you, or if you have any other comments on the world of building, let’s hear it.

IMAGE BUILDING Dear Professional Builder

Made Great in Britain

I’ve been a builder for more years than I care to remember and have seen a lot of changes in that time, and I think we could all agree that there’s been quite a few more we’ve had to get used to in the last year! One thing that I can say of what we’re experiencing now is that I’ve never seen so many politicians in a hard hat and hi vis falling over themselves to get in front of a camera and tell everyone how important what we do actually is. Don’t get me wrong, because I do think it’s a good thing – especially when in the first lockdown there was so much confusion at to what we could and couldn’t do. I even knew blokes who’d actually been pulled over in their vans and quizzed as to where they were going. This time, with merchants open as usual, and a lot of property owners looking for home improvements, tradespeople do seem to be getting some more of the credit they deserve for the work that they do. My point being that Covid-19 has done a lot to strip away what we can do without from what’s essentially and builders definitely fall into the latter category. ● Graham Meecham, Buxton, Derbyshire PB: It is certainly true that lessons have been learned since the start of the pandemic. With some sectors of the economy, such as hospitality, shut down for long periods, the government is looking for the building industry to drive the economy forwards. With so many of the materials that are used on site actually made in this country it’s also a win for manufacturing at the same time. We can only hope that the present positivity is backed up with real support in the future.

TURNING THE TABLE Dear Professional Builder

I’ve been looking at investing in a new table saw and a guy on site was telling me about a new one that will stop the blade if your hands are in the way. I actually lost a finger a few years ago with just one moment of carelessness, so I’d like to keep the ones I’ve got. Do you know if such a tool exists and who the manufacturer is? ● Liam Hurst, Stockport PB: There is indeed just such a system and it’s available on the Festool TKS80. If the blade comes into contact with the skin it stops in the fraction of a second, protecting your most important tools.

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12 MARCH 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

HOSPITAL‘BED’TIME READING! One of the most distressing things about Covid19, and there are clearly many, has been the rigid restrictions imposed on families wanting to visit loved ones in hospital. Amy Mathews from Cardiff found herself in just such a situation last summer when her “wonderful” grandad, Clive, became quite unwell and was clearly in for the long haul.

Desperate to make his days on the ward more bearable she asked what he would most like her to send in.

His response, she had to admit, took her quite by surprise, but it seems what Clive most desired in all the world right then was not food, or his favourite tipple, but some back copies of his favourite magazine, Professional Builder. As Amy told us he likes nothing better than keeping up with all the new products and ideas coming on to the market and it would really lift his low spirits if he could catch up on what he had been missing through illness.

When Amy wrote to us with the request we were, of course, only too happy to oblige and a package was soon winging its way to south Wales. And the heart-warming story gets even better, with a recent update from Amy that her grandad was sufficiently well to come out of hospital in time to give her away at her own wedding just before Christmas. You suspect, the uplifting tale of Clive and his lovingly supportive granddaughter, Amy has many more pages to turn over the coming years!

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SPECIAL REPORT

All at a

Every tradesman will have their own horror story of being confronted with a hapless homeowner’s handy work and Professional Builder’s DIWHY? is exposing some of the worst examples ockdown has done peculiar things to many people – including, it seems, making huge numbers of property owners believe they have suddenly acquired the practical skills of a professional tradesperson. With extra time on their almost certainly now bloodied hands, they have been attempting everything from knocking down walls, electrical rewiring, fixing broken boilers and installing new toilets and sinks…all with, you will not be surprised to hear, mostly calamitous consequences. Taken at face value the sheer audacity and creativity to find solutions would raise a chuckle but, unfortunately, there is a serious downside to all of this bodged DIY, with many representing a serious risk to life and limb.

This new plague on all our houses is backed up by a recent survey by Google trends which shows a more than 35 per cent increase in search volumes for

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A small selection from our snagging list at our new build home. Not DIY but “professionals” apparently! Kitchen worktop not cut straight.

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14 MARCH 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

DI-WHY?

“LOCK” DOWN e c i r p

house DIY during the first and second national lockdowns. What’s more, over 60 per cent of homeowners admit to carrying out a major DIY job during this period, and, with a lack of professional knowledge, failed reparations have been financially devastating.

Just how costly is highlighted by Homehow.co.uk who asked more than 3,000 households exactly what projects they had undertaken, and, with the consultation of construction experts Kielmur Construction, they discovered just how much dodgy DIY jobs could ultimately cost homeowners. They list thirteen (unlucky for some) popular jobs, with a helpful breakdown of likely issues, potential repairs by a professional and, most importantly, the potential cost of righting wrongs.

Right at the top is knocking down a wall, which in a worst-case scenario could lead to the potential collapse of the house or adjoining properties. In

Main cable entry from meter cupboard to consumer unit.

“DIYers hoping for a knockdown price are increasingly being confronted by what is becoming known as a ‘lockdown’ price.”

The drainpipe not lined up outside the garage.

Kevin Ebbage

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n “repaired” (in the Found this after it had bee the word). There’s broadest possible sense of age to the floors. dam leaks at most joints and aight onto the hot There was also plastic str water on the boiler.

Richard Colby comparison to what would usually be a free quotation, they estimate – some might say conservatively – that the eventual bill could be £20,000. That may pale in comparison to the relatively modest £2,000 needed to rectify faulty electrics but what price do you put on a life which may be cut short by touching an exposed cable? Other tasks are listed in a rogue’s gallery of descending potential cost, but all have one thing in common, the money, initially saved in the majority of cases, is multiplied many times in the final analysis. It would certainly be worth visiting the website and downloading a copy of the survey to show your customers the next time they quibble over your prospective quote.

There is little doubt that with extra time to stare at the suitability of current indoor and outdoor spaces during lockdown, coupled with the considerable financial restrictions being placed as a result of reduced family incomes, it is easy to understand why there is a compulsion for many people to fix/redecorate themselves. As these latest figures suggest, however, in the vast majority of projects it is ultimately more a case of DI-WHY? To see what we mean take a look at what some of our readers have shared with us on social media already. If you’ve encountered a candidate for our hall of shame, then visit

“Just one more roll shou ld do it”.

Ben Howarth on Facebo ok

There’s not a lintel above the door. I uncovered this on a recent job. God only knows how the house was still standing.

Greg Rostern

6mm cable casually wrapped around each other and locked in with expanding foam… this was running a 2 gang socket on a 40A breaker marked up on fuseboard as ‘co oker’.

Craig Wing on Facebook

SHARE YOUR PICS !

IF YOU’VE GOT A DI-WHY? DISASTER YOU WANT TO SHARE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY018 WHERE YOU CAN ALSO VIEW THE LATEST ENTRANTS. YOU CAN ALSO SEND YOU PHOTOS TO PB@HAMERVILLE.CO.UK OR TAG US ON

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PROFESSIONAL BUILDER MARCH 2021 15

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THE TRADESHOW BUILT FOR THE TRADE PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

TOOLFAIR 2021

POWER TOOLS

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HAND TOOLS

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BUILDING EQUIPMENT

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

For the latest show info visit us at: www.toolfair.info

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SPECIAL REPORT READERS’ LIVES

PLUMB

JOBS Plumber Hattie Hasan is on a mission to help women pursue a career in the trades and has been rewarded with an MBE for her endeavours.

Professional Builder’s Lee Jones reports.

“

’ve been inspired to help other women because of my own experiences,” declares the West Yorkshire-based plumber and proprietor of Stopcocks Women Plumber.

“Our ambition is to encourage women to feel empowered to set up business in a fulfilling profession, and break down some of the barriers that exist to entry.”

Female participation in the trades is still relatively rare today but back in the early ‘90s, when Hattie Hasan, moved from a teaching career to train as a plumber, she was one of an even more select few. “When I was at school, girls weren’t directed towards the practical skills, like wood and metal working,” she recalls, “but they had always appealed to me. When I enrolled on an evening class in plumbing I found that I loved it. It’s the satisfaction of fixing and making things with your hands, combined with being able to solve a problem for a homeowner that I find very rewarding.”

Hattie would subsequently relocate from her native north London to the white rose county, and completed a course at the Leeds College of Building. “Even though I was the only woman at the college, my experiences there were great, but when I left I just couldn’t find anyone to employ me. When I applied for a position I even had people assuming that I was enquiring about work for my son or my husband, and it was then that I decided to set up on my own, and that’s

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how Stopcocks as a company came into being.”

Although Hattie’s firm has since developed into a thriving plumbing business in its own right, its ethos goes far beyond a sole trader operation, as its proprietor explains: “I was actually being approached by other women for guidance, and I decided I needed to do something about it. As a result, Stopcocks is now a franchise that is dedicated to supporting and encouraging women to become self-employed tradespeople.

Over the years we’ve helped dozens of individuals to do just that and have

recently structured the initiative so that we have a maximum of five franchisees on board at any one time. That way we can ensure we have the time and resources to give each person the backing they deserve.”

“It’s a proactive community where women help each other. For example, we often pair plumbers up with others that have more experience. They then support one another and can take on bigger jobs too. Alongside that we’ve set up the Register of Tradeswomen, which launched on March 1st. It seeks to

“Our ambition is to encourage women to feel empowered to set up business in a fulfilling profession, and break down some of the barriers that exist to entry.”

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SPECIAL REPORT READERS’ LIVES

promote the women who are already operating in the trades, and we have organised our own event, Women Installers Together, an initiative which is already being supported by industry. The aim is to create a growing network of tradeswomen who can communicate with each other whilst also encouraging wider female involvement.”

Whilst Hattie is dedicated to championing the role of women in the industry, she is at pains to stress that it is not in competition with, or as a challenge to, men. “I’m a great believer in balance,” she reveals, “and having a more equal distribution of men and women in any industry, not just plumbing, will always change its culture for the better. Of course,

done to encourage other women to become tradespeople? “It’s inevitably going to be a slow process but the only thing that will change mindsets is visibility, and that’s going to need role models.

Although I’m still considered a novelty, that is changing, and the more women that are doing these jobs the more that it will become accepted, not just amongst the general public but with young people who are deciding what they want to do with their lives – and their teachers and parents. That’s really the principle behind Stopcocks Women Plumbers – we want to make a meaningful difference to the lives of women who might assume that certain paths are closed to them. To have the courage to do that you need to be able to communicate with people who have had similar experiences to you, and that’s what we want to facilitate.” we’re also in a skills crisis, and increasing the number of women would open up a wider pool of new entrants.”

We asked Hattie what more can be

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON STOPCOCKS WOMEN PLUMBERS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY019

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Professional INVENTORS’ CORNER

sound the alarm

Professional Builder quizzes West Yorkshire-based plumber Mike Horsfall about the alarm system he has devised to help protect tools and materials from opportunistic thieves.

First off, can you tell us a little more about yourself? How long have you been in the trade and what kind of work do you do?

My name is Michael Horsfall, I’m 55 years old and I have been a self-employed plumbing and heating engineer for nearly 30 years. I work mostly in and around Leeds and the West Yorkshire area and spent my early years specialising in bathroom conversions, but I have spent much of the last 10 years now installing gas boilers and heating systems, boiler servicing, landlord gas safety inspection certificates and boiler repairs.

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Why is the topic of van security an issue that is close to your heart?

If you are in the trade you will, I’m sure, have been, or will be, a victim of van crime at some point yourself, or at least you will know someone personally who has, or will be. And it is devastating, particularly for a self-employed sole trader like me who spent years building a variety of expensive quality power and hand tools that you can tell with your eyes shut,

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they are yours. Trade guys will know exactly what I mean.

So, having had my tools stolen I know first-hand what it is like discovering next morning your van door open, the contents gone and what it will cost to get back on your feet.

Where did the original idea for the Van Guardian come from?

In 2017 I decided to look at van crime from a totally different prospective: from the roof rack/pipe carrier down. I started to develop a solution, with the initial concept of alarming my un-alarmed pipe carrier to stop copper pipe theft. It was obvious these unalarmed treasure troves

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were soft targets, drawing the wrong kind of attention to my van in the first place, so it seemed a good place to start.

After nearly two years in the development process I finally had a prototype design that I could patent and trademark – what we know today as Van Guardian.

How does it deter would-be thieves?

Van Guardian activates on contact, providing an 110dB audible alert to thwart the actions of thieves, prevent criminal damage and ultimately protect your tools and assets from potential theft.

It can be used to protect any number of vulnerable commonly targeted at risk zones on and around a vehicle. From the pipe carrier, to prevent copper pipe theft, or roof rack to protect ladders and assets, to the back door and side door of the cargo areas of a van or truck.

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How does it work?

It uses, at its core, highly responsive triaxial accelerometers to detect minimal contact, and with highly efficient microchip technology we are able to program it to ignore the rocking from

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YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! In another Van-tastic give away, there’s three Van Guardian Dual Alarms up for grabs. These alarms are recommended as a pipe carrier alarm, to protect ladders and assets on a roof rack, and the rear cargo doors. For more details on how to enter use the link below to the Professional Builder website.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BY020 strong wind. Each unit has seven levels of ‘fine tune’ sensitivity for the end user to adjust, to tackle individual levels of exposure and the worst of heavy rain conditions to eliminate false alarms.

It is important to note at this stage, that when I did my research into van crime it was obvious there were small pockets of organised gangs of career criminals who would stop at nothing to attack a van, to rip its doors to get to its contents.

What needs to be clear is, no alarm or lock upgrade will deter this level of determined attack.

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Can van owners fit it themselves?

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What stops thieves from just ripping it off?

Van Guardian was designed with the end user in mind. The simple installation procedure means your vehicle needn’t be off the road or out of action. There is no additional installation cost, no awkward drilling of your van and no complicated wiring loom to install.

The device is attached with 3M high bond contact adhesives creating a powerful, lasting bond across the base area. So long as the installation cleaning procedure is followed correctly it will form a strong lasting waterproof and secure bond.

The unit, once armed, also protects itself and will trigger a two second alarm warning upon sensing any unsolicited attempted removal and will activate a 30 second alarm if the action continues.

For further information on Van Guardian visit www.rdr.link/BY021

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SPECIAL REPORT DECORATOR

A SELECT GATHERING Professional Builder’s Lee Jones looks at some of the highly decorated work of Dulux Select’s Steve Dove

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f you were to compile a list of the nation’s most recognisable brands then Dulux would be hard to beat, not just in the building industry but in Britain at large. For a decorator, being associated with a company of such renown will clearly confer a certain kudos, but it has other benefits besides. Steve Dove was one of the original members of the Dulux Select Decorators scheme, and is now on the national panel, a Fellow of the initiative, and an independent assessor. Not only that, but with a lifetime of experience of property refurbishment, when the paint manufacturer has a new formulation that it wants to assess, Steve is one of the decorators that gets the call.

“For a tradesman, the halo effect of being endorsed by a company like Dulux can’t be underestimated,” explains the 54year-old, “but it also keeps you up-to-date with all the latest developments. Over the years I’ve been asked to provide the manufacturer with my opinion on a number of new products, and it is a role that I consider myself quite privileged to fulfil.”

Heritage range The Dulux Heritage range of colours are already a popular and established part of a professional decorator’s repertoire, and are designed to reflect British interior design traditions, whilst appealing to a modern consumer demand for period touches. It has now seen a transformation, in the shape of the launch of dedicated Heritage paints, an emulsion for walls and ceilings with a Velvet Matt finish, and a

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water-based Eggshell for trim. Steve recently made use of both in his own home and was full of praise for these premium solutions. “The new Velvet Matt exhibits a really low sheen level, is easy to apply and cut in with. The new Eggshell is also a joy to use as it flows out well leaving no brush marks but, as with all of these kind of formulations, you have to keep an eye on tear dropping edges. On broader areas, such as T&G panelling, I

applied it with a 5mm nap roller but it can also be spray applied with either HVLP or airless methods really well. I painted some of my furniture in the Eggshell using my HVLP machine with excellent results. It feels and looks like a traditional oil eggshell finish.

In addition, matt emulsion is often quite a dry feeling finish – but, thanks to the addition of a special blend of clays, the Heritage product stands out by being

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very smooth to the touch, and the coverage was superb.”

One of the most noticeable advances in paint technology in recent years has been with water-based products. With fast drying times, and low odour they score points for the client in that rooms can be re-occupied more quickly, but they are now far more durable than previous incarnations. “I was an early adopter of water-based paints, and the improvements over the last ten years have been exponential,” declares Steve. “That’s reflected in the Heritage Eggshell in the resistance to marking that it demonstrates, whilst it will also help the tradesman to get the job done and onto the next.”

It is the Dulux team of colour experts that have developed the expanded colour options available and Steve is impressed with how they reflect the design brief in a relatively concise range. “With some paint collections, you can find that customers can become overwhelmed with the amount of choice,” he explains.

“What I like about the Heritage colour card is that it’s much more focused, and it will be easier to work through with the homeowner what it is they’re looking for.”

Clearly a Heritage range will find a place in listed buildings and period properties, but there is an increased demand for a historical sheen to a décor and this is a product that Dulux believe can grace any domestic space. Steve Dove & Co is a company that is itself wellversed in undertaking a hugely diverse breadth of interior repair, maintenance and improvement projects in the Hampshire area, and has been involved with the paint manufacturer’s approved decorator group since its launch in 1996.

Steve details the value of the Dulux Select Decorator scheme: “If Dulux is telling the general public that we’ve seen this person’s work and we believe in them

then that’s clearly a useful marketing tool.

How a member chooses to make use of that brand association is largely up to them, and just having the logo displayed on a sign written van, for instance, as well as business mailing, and a website will communicate a level of competence, but there’s also a wealth of useful tools available, including guidance on invoicing and estimates. Perhaps most importantly, the scheme is a genuine community of decorators from around the country who are helpful and supportive of each other.”

Assessment process

In his role as an assessor, Steve is also helping others take advantage. “It’s a pretty rigorous process, and tradespeople are required to adhere to certain obligations,” he enthuses. “I’ll visit them on site and will be looking out for technical knowledge, skill and quality of work, as well as communication with clients, and, if possible, we’ll talk to the

customer as well. If we deem that they need more support and encouragement before they’re ready to join that’s something we can also help them with.”

Long serving members of the Dulux Select Decorators Scheme, like Steve, are eligible to become Fellows after 10 years, conferring a further level of status on its recipients. “When you’re a Fellow it becomes more of a reciprocal relationship, because you have a certain responsibility to help newer entrants, and to promote the initiative as a whole. Not only that, but as a panel member for the south west, I’m part of a body that gives members a representative voice, where we can air views and influence its direction. I’ll talk to all the members in my area, for example, and then provide that as feedback to the panel. That’s really the guiding principle; The Dulux Select Decorators scheme is a vehicle through which quality tradespeople can assist each other, and maintain a support network.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE DULUX HERITAGE RANGE

VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY022

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE DULUX SELECT DECORATORS SCHEME VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY023 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON STEVE DOVE & CO VISIT

WWW.RDR.LINK/BY024

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SPECIAL REPORT GARDEN ROOM

EVERYTHING IN THE GARDEN IS ROSY

Over the course of the last year Professional Builder has been periodically dropping in on carpenter, Ollie Allen as he undertakes a bespoke garden room project in his own property.

It was a job that was originally begun before lockdown but, with the changes wrought by the pandemic, these are the kind of domestic improvement works that builders are increasingly capitalising on. Whether it’s a home office or, in Ollie’s case, an area to pursue a new business interest, the demand for extensions and conversions shows no sign of abating.

I’m really pleased with the materials I chose for this build.

We have had a pretty snowy winter here and all my Quickslide windows and doors have kept the weather at bay and me nice and toasty inside the workshop.

Alongside plenty of light coming in with the two Roofmaker fixed roof lights, which have been great on dull days to brighten up the space.

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hroughout the summer months I had been working hard to get the frame, the insulation and the watertight elements sorted for the build. We lined the whole building internally with Norbord OSB as its perfect for multi-use spaces and can look pretty stylish too for modern workshops and design studios. In the areas where I wanted wall mounted cabinets, I made sure to use 18mm thick OSB boards to help take the weight of the storage cabinets.

Even though most people’s experiences of 2020 have been worse than they had hoped for, we saw it as an opportunity to grow our small wedding ring business. For the past five years, alongside building projects and woodworking, I’ve been making handmade Stainless Steel Wedding rings for my wife Jessica’s jewellery business. This was my side hustle if you like, and always brought in the money, but not something we could expand or grow until now.

As the UK’s shops and businesses closed for lockdown, and a few of my woodwork projects slowed down, we created a website and launched our new and improved wedding ring brand Sheffield Steel Rings.

Using social media, Instagram and Facebook adverts to help people find us online, we soon saw an increase in interest, and enough to know it was worth pursuing. It was perfect timing for the completion of my new garden studio and workshop, ready to take on more customer orders.

Fast forward six months and we are in 2021 with an extra two staff members to help me fulfil our order book from customers nationwide, all the rings are handcrafted in this very workshop.

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SPECIAL REPORT GARDEN ROOM

At the beginning of the project Ollie specified Norbord’s SterlingOSB Zero as the perfect material for a modular and easy-to-build timber framed building, as well as Quickslide’s Flush casement windows and doors.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BY025

Late last year, the Sheffield-based chippie installed the Rubber4Roofs one-piece EPDM system, Roofmaker Roof Lights, and made use of Norbord OSB’s 12mm OSB for the cladding.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BY026

If you want to trace Ollie’s progress in full you can make use of our digital reader enquiry service to view previous instalments of his Studio project on the Professional Builder website.

Simply enter in full the relevant WWW.RDR.LINK URL direct into your browser.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON NORBORD VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY028 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE ROOFMAKER RANGE OF ROOFLIGHTS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY029 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON QUICKSLIDE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY030 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON SHEFFIELD STEEL RINGS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY031

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SPECIAL REPORT TRAINING & UPSKILLING

COURSE OF ACTION Francine Wickham, Marketing Director at Fernox, explains more about the importance of training and what to look for when selecting a course.

taying in the know about the latest industry guidance, legislation and product innovations is the key to offering customers a top-quality service and improving on-site efficiency. Regardless of the task at hand, it is vital that professionals have a thorough understanding of what it takes to complete work to the highest industry standards, to ensure customers receive a reliable, good quality service. When it comes to heating and plumbing work, professionals need to be aware of a number of guidance documents.

Firstly, BS 7593:2019 provides clear guidance on the preparation, commissioning and maintenance of domestic central heating and cooling water systems. It looks to further educate the market on how to correctly clean, guard, protect, maintain and test systems to keep them working problem-free and at optimum efficiency.

In addition, the Benchmark Commissioning Checklist acts as documented evidence of correct boiler

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installation and servicing and encourages professionals to abide by the steps outlined in BS 7593:2019.

However, when new documentation is released it can be a daunting task to work out exactly what needs to be done in order to comply. It is, therefore, recommended that professionals turn to leading manufacturers who offer online, COVID-safe training materials that break down the guidance in an accessible and easy-to-digest way.

Right on course

When choosing a training module, it is important to make sure that it includes how to comply with the latest guidance documents – as well as wider industry topics, such as why water treatment is necessary, the importance of cleaning the central heating system and why in-line filters should be installed. Leading manufacturers will also provide an overview of their product portfolio and when to use each product – including how the latest innovations can assist with quick and easy compliance to BS

7593:2019 and the Benchmark Commissioning Checklist.

One such module is the Fernox Water Treatment Training course, that covers all of the above within a 20-minute online session. As it is quick to complete, the training can be easily fitted into the working day, so professionals do not need to take much time out.

Once completed, there is an opportunity to take a water treatment quiz – allowing participants to formalise their knowledge and receive a downloadable certificate (based upon answering a minimum of 70 per cent of the questions correctly). This certificate can be used to demonstrate to customers that they are committed to ensuring they are up-to-date with the latest best practices, techniques and modern technology available. It also shows that they have the in-depth knowledge to be able to service their system and provide solutions that will keep it working issue-free and at optimum efficiency.

When selecting a course, it is also important to check that the source is reliable and demonstrates best practice itself. For example, opting for training by a leading manufacturer that is associated with industry bodies shows that they are dedicated to maintaining high industry

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“Fernox works with the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers (CIPHE) to educate individuals throughout their professional journey.” standards and top-quality working practices.

For instance, Fernox works closely with Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) to educate individuals throughout their professional journey to try and raise the bar and eradicate rogue traders. They promote professionalism across the industry and work to ensure that best practices are always abided by.

Regularly completing online training is a fantastic way for professionals to further their knowledge of the industry and stay up to speed with the latest industry guidance. It also helps to offer customers a top-quality service by staying in the know about new and innovative products that can make compliance easier and quicker. Training can also introduce new techniques and ways of working that can save both time and money on site, making any time away from the tools even more worthwhile.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ONLINE TRAINING AND TO TAKE THE FERNOX WATER TREATMENT TRAINING COURSE, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY032

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SPECIAL REPORT WARRANTY INSURANCE

Turn to advantage Professional Builder puts the questions to Mark Blick, Account Manager at Advantage Structural Warranty Insurance, on the service the company can offer builders

Tell us about Advantage and your role in the business?

Mark Blick (MB) We work with A rated insurers and cover new builds, self builds, conversions, renovations, part completed and completed properties. We also provide road and sewer bonds, developer finance and structural warranty insurance, as well as deposit protection and insolvency cover. I’m an Account Manager, so I look after my clients from first contact and request for a quotation to project completion. We don’t have call centres or lead generators. The buck starts and ends with me.

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You talk to builders every day.

What types of tradespeople do you work with?

MB. Most of my clients are SMEs based all over the UK so typically the one-man bands, bringing together a team of self-

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employed trades and builders with three to six employees. I enjoy working with the smaller developers because you get to know them on first name terms, they’re always quick to respond to your questions and I’m usually talking to the owner – the guy at the top who wants things done fast – which suits me too.

How do you think builders are managing given the restrictions imposed by the pandemic?

MB. It’s not easy. For example, I was speaking to a builder today with a development in London. On smaller projects, delays can be hours or days for many reasons, such as not being able to get hold of a key person because they’re now working from home to supplies being delayed or out of stock at the merchants.

Despite the many challenges the impression I get from builders is that

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they’re taking these setbacks in their stride, recognising that business is anything but usual. It’s my job to make their lives easier when it comes to providing the right warranty insurance for their project without any hassle or delay.

Warranty insurance is competitive.

How are you managing to succeed?

MB. We’re a nationwide business but what every builder wants is personal service and personal accountability. They don’t want to be passed around from pillar to post, from the sales team to the customer service team and the surveyors.

Our clients have just the one person responsible for looking after them – from the moment they request a quote to the delivery of their project and beyond, to new projects. As well as my direct line and email, I give clients my personal

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mobile so they can call me out of hours.

This goes down well because builders often use the evenings to get stuck into paperwork and, understandably, they want their warranty insurance sorted out when it suits them. I do get quite a few evening calls which is no problem unless I’m football training. So, if you call me on a Tuesday night there may be a slight delay before I call you back!

Another plus for clients is that we ask for all the development information up front, in as concise a manner as possible.

This means we can provide accurate quotations within just 48 hours. One client told me he was used to waiting three weeks for a quote from a competitor.

There’s lots more so I would simply encourage any builder that needs structural warranty insurance to get in touch with me!

“Despite the many challenges the impression I get from builders is that they’re taking these setbacks in their stride, recognising that business is anything but usual. It’s my job to make their lives easier when it comes to providing the right warranty insurance for their project without any hassle or delay.”

For further information on Advantage Structural Warranty Insurance visit www.rdr.link/BY033

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SPECIAL REPORT HOT WORKS

the heat is on

© ImageESine/Adobe Stock

Hot work fires on construction sites are on the rise. CHAS, the supply chain risk management experts, explains what you need to remember when undertaking this type of work.

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ore than a quarter of all accidental fires on construction sites are sparked by ‘hot work’, according to Freedom of Information data obtained by insurer, Zurich. The term ‘hot work’ includes welding, flame cutting, soldering, brazing, grinding and the use of other equipment incorporating a flame, such as tar boilers.

Areas of particularly high risk include torch-applied roofing, where there are roof voids present and work such as angle grinding close to combustible materials. BS 9999 states that: “hot work should only be undertaken if no satisfactory alternative method is feasible”. Every possible alternative for completing a task should therefore be considered before deciding to proceed with hot work.

If hot work on a construction site is unavoidable, a hot work permit is required for any temporary operation involving open flames or producing heat and/or sparks. Issued for a maximum of one day by a competent and authorised person before work begins, the permit will detail who will be carrying out the work (staff or contractors); what the work will involve; hazards identified and actions taken to remove them (e.g. flammable liquids, combustible materials); fire watch procedures; site inspection procedures; and emergency procedures.

The use of a permit system provides a formal means of recording the findings and authorisations required to undertake hot work. It is an extension of the safe system of work – it does not, by itself,

make the job safe. Carefully vetting contractors from the outset is important.

For one thing, it’s important to use a contractor experienced in hot works. For true peace of mind, though, the contractor should be accredited by a recognised health and safety scheme such as CHAS, The Contractors’ Health and Safety Assessment Scheme, to demonstrate that their workers are trained to safely use hot work equipment.

HSE guidance Guidance from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) details many of the areas seen on checklists for hot work permits.

For example, on fire watches, it advises: “Where hot work cannot be carried out in a safe area, or where combustible material cannot be removed from the work area, a fire watch should be maintained during and after the hot work.

This watch should be maintained for at least 30 minutes after the completion of the hot work, but where an unintended ignition may be difficult to detect or slow to develop, this may need to be extended to 60 minutes.”

Beyond compliance Organisations looking to go above and beyond compliance may want to consider using thermal imaging cameras. The cameras, which cost as little as £400, could detect more hot spots before they ignite. The devices can also be used to take time-stamped photos to demonstrate fire watches have been carried out.

The insurer is also pressing for a voluntary licensing system to encourage best practice and provide peace of mind to businesses when choosing contractors.

Before carrying out or supervising hot work, contractors would complete a oneday training course, giving them a licence valid for five years. The Fire Protection Association (FPA) is one body that offers a hot work passport scheme in the UK. It is designed for supervisors and operatives who carry out risk assessments to complete hot work permits. Over 2,850 hot work passports have been issued to date and it is valid for five years from the date of completion.

For more information about any of CHAS’s products or services visit www.rdr.link/BY104

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SPECIAL REPORT NATIONAL RETROFIT STRATEGY

Sounds like a plan

What is the National Retrofit Strategy and what does it mean for the industry?

Professional Builder reports.

ithout a long-term plan, the Construction Leadership Council stresses that the UK cannot meet its targets of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. As a result the organisation is working in partnership with industry, finance, and other community-based bodies to help put in place a framework that will make the country’s existing homes greener and more energy- and water-efficient, and setting out the case for the UK Government.

In addition, as part of its work implementing the Roadmap to Recovery Plan, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has given its backing to a National Retrofit Strategy, which has now been issued for consultation. With our existing homes using 35 per cent of all the energy in the UK — and responsible for 20 per cent of carbon dioxide emissions — the National Retrofit Strategy puts forward a plan for upgrades that are vital if we are to meet the country’s net zero targets.

Subtitled ‘Greening Our Existing Homes’, the plan will help make homes greener and more energy- and waterefficient, warmer and cheaper to run. This is in line with the UK Government’s target to upgrade as many homes as possible to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C by 2035. In addition, the CLC asserts that a national retrofit programme will aid recovery in the repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) sector,

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and provide an opportunity for a joinedup approach to tackling climate change by all parts of the construction industry.

The strategy calls for a partnership working between industry and Government according to three key deliverables: ● creating a ‘building passport’ for every home; ● developing of skills training modules; ● creating delivery programmes in trial areas to enable a grassroots approach.

The strategy has been developed by participants of the Domestic RMI Workstream, one of the CLC’s four sector specific workstreams looking at Covid recovery, and brings together specialists and the supply chain to address sector priorities.

Mark Reynolds, CLC Steering Coordination Group member, said: “This strategy puts forward an ambitious plan for tackling climate change and creating jobs. It is fantastic to see the high level of support for the strategy from our industry.

The CLC looks forward to working with BEIS and the Treasury to determine how the Government can adopt the strategy’s recommendations.

“Retrofit promises a great deal for the sector, including a long-term pipeline of work. Not limited to this, retrofit brings opportunities for upskilling, digitisation and innovation, all in line with the Construction Sector Deal.”

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders and Chair of the RMI Workstream, said: “The

“The CLC asserts that a national retrofit programme will aid recovery in the repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) sector, and provide opportunity for a joined-up approach to tackling climate change by all parts of the construction industry.”

FMB has called for many years for a National Retrofit Strategy that sets out a comprehensive plan for upgrading our homes. To see the leaders of the construction industry adopt the plan ‘Greening Our Existing Homes’ is a significant step to help create a low carbon built environment. Given that homes contribute 20 per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions it’s very important that we make them more energy efficient if the UK is to achieve its zero carbon target by 2050.

He concluded: “The Government must now work with the construction industry, and all supporters of the retrofit strategy, to implement the report’s recommendations and deliver confidence to business that the retrofit market is here to stay.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE CONSTRUCTION LEADERSHIP COUNCIL AND ITS SUPPORT FOR A NATIONAL RETROFIT STRATEGY VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY034

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Professional

BUILDER’S

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X 5 ROLLS OF TAPE

BRITISH GYPSUM GYPROC LEVELLINE TAPE Reduce future call backs and repairs with Gyproc LevelLine, which will help to eliminate pre-creasing and save valuable installation time. Gyproc LevelLine is a corner tape with a built-in flexible hinge that fits to any inside or outside corner angle on walls or ceilings.

Get involved in the race for the tape with Professional Builder and British Gypsum and five rolls of tape could be yours!

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY038

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X TOOL CARRIERS

HULTAFORS TOOLS CLC SOFT-SIDED TOOL CARRRIER New from the Hultafors Group, is the CLC range of Toolcarriers and Accessories.

This open top, soft-sided tool box has a large centre section plus 21 pockets for ample tool storage and includes an electrical tape strap, tape measure clip, a sturdy bar handle with foam grip, and padded shoulder strap.

Carry away a whole host of great prizes with Professional Builder’s ‘Free-for-All’ including the latest in tool storage from the Hultafors Group.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY037

X WOOD AND METAL BLADE SET

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FEIN BEST OF E-CUT STARLOCK WOOD AND METAL The Best of E-Cut Starlock Wood & Metal set, contains 6 E-Cut plunge-cut saw blades. Suitable for all FEIN multi-tools, and all other common multi-tools on the market, the set contains ECut long-life saw blades (2 each of 50 x 35 mm, 50 x 65 mm), and E-Cut universal saw blades (1 each of 55 x 28 mm, 55 x 44 mm).

If you make the cut in our giveaway then this versatile set of blades for multi-tools could be yours. Make use of the link below to enter.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY039

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PACKS OF 10 DRYRODS

SAFEGUARD DRYROD DAMPPROOFING RODS A fast, clean, and effective rising damp treatment, these synthetic rods are made from advanced polymers and impregnated with a silane/siloxane material to form a DPC in brick, coursed stone, rubble infill and cavity walls. The 180mm long rods are simply inserted into 12mm drilled holes at 120mm centres along continuous horizontal mortar lines.

Safeguard a property with the latest in rising damp treatment. 10 packs of Dryrods must be won!

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY040

Easy to Enter! It’s now easier than ever before to enter the competitions on our website. We’ve collected all the competitions on one handy page, meaning you only have to enter your details once! www.rdr.link/BY041 36

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Hudson Lambert, director of Safeguard, outlines the best practice for internal wall insulation projects ining walls with an insulation board or tile – Internal Wall Insulation – is an established and highly cost-effective means of improving the thermal performance of a wall and its building.

Although IWI is not the cheapest of the retrofit insulations, it is excellent value for money, and has specific benefits.

Obviously, the first is the improvement in building energy efficiency. Second is the elimination of condensation, as wall surface temperature typically increases by several degrees centigrade.

Condensation is the most common form of domestic damp and promotes black mould growth, long-established as harmful to health by exacerbating asthma and causing other respiratory problems.

Not only does IWI eliminate this problem, it also offers the third and final advantage to residents of providing significant reductions in space heating costs.

However, as with CWI and EWI, if IWI is improperly designed or installed, it has the potential to exacerbate or create damp problems in a wall, especially those caused by rising or penetrating damp. In these cases, moisture can be trapped behind the insulation material leading to mould growth, which will ultimately emerge into the house itself, or cause structural and decorative problems, such as rotten joists or failed plasterwork.

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38 MARCH 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

AN INSIDE JOB

This is a concern at any time but is currently more pertinent in the face of the Government’s ambitions for its PAS 2035 retrofit programme. Having committed to making the UK a zero-carbon nation by 2050, there is then an urgent need to upgrade our existing housing stock. It has also been made more pressing by the introduction of the Green Homes Grant – now extended to March 2022 – which subsidises homeowners for up to twothirds of the cost of insulation installations, capped at £5,000 per grant.

A significant proportion of the UK’s 28.6m properties has no insulation.

Around 6m properties with cavity walls have no insulation and 7.7m homes with

solid wall – or 91 per cent – have no wall insulation. In effect, every one of our 28.6m existing homes will need upgrading in some way to be net carbon zero by 2050 – as well as most homes being built today.

Penetrating damp

One major cause of IWI failure is penetrating damp. Many masonry materials – especially those used historically – are porous and, if saturated, can result in damp problems. More often penetrating damp is a result of defects – either in craftsmanship or cracks, missing pointing, and poorly sealed doors and windows.

Remedying a rain penetration problem is therefore a question of identifying the defects that appear to be the most likely paths of moisture ingress and dealing with

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them. Repointing and sealing doors and windows properly are self-explanatory.

Small cracks can be filled using special polymers, whilst larger cracks may require crack stitching using a system such as Safeguard’s BrickFix. In the case of larger cracks, the cause of the crack – e.g., subsidence – should be rectified.

Finally, porous brickwork can be waterproofed with the application of a colourless masonry water repellent – such as Safeguard’s Stormdry – that has been designed to reduce the permeability of masonry without affecting its appearance.

Silane/siloxane based waterproofing creams like Stormdry penetrate much more deeply into masonry, providing longer lasting and more reliable protection against rain penetration, than older or weaker formulations.

Apart from helping to maintain the integrity of IWI, the application of a suitable masonry protection cream will also improve the thermal performance of the wall itself – dry walls being more thermally resistant than wet ones – augmenting the benefits of the IWI installation. One particular benefit of Stormdry is that it allows wet walls to dry out while preventing moisture getting in, so can be applied at any time of the year – although it shouldn’t be applied if rain is expected within 24 hours or in temperatures below 7°C.

Rising damp

Although rising damp is not the most widespread form of dampness affecting buildings, it is relatively common in older properties typically built without dampproof courses (DPCs). It is usually treated by introducing a new damp-proof course into a wall to prevent any further ground water rising up the wall. The most practical and effective way of achieving this today is the introduction of dampproofing rods into a mortar course at DPC level. The use of damp-proofing rods also guarantees that a consistent dose will be applied to each hole.

IWI technologies

Having fixed the fabric of the building ready for IWI, some consideration is due to the types of insulation material available.

Traditionally, standard internal wall

insulation systems have been difficult to incorporate into smaller rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens – which are also the most condensation prone – owing to the reduction in floor space.

For this reason, low profile insulation systems have been designed. These are much thinner than standard IWI, meaning that while energy savings are not as great (although still significant); they are still able to raise surface temperatures enough to greatly reduce the risk of condensation occurring. These systems are less disruptive to install than standard IWI and can be used in situations where it wasn’t practical such as in staircases and small bathrooms.

And even more cost-effective solutions have subsequently appeared on the

market. Aerogel insulation exhibits the lowest thermal conductivity of any material and have been engineered to create incredibly slim insulation, such as Stormdry EP board, which boosts a property’s Uvalue at a fraction of the cost and with far less disruption of other systems.

IWI presents a cost and space-effective chance to retrofit colder homes and is bound to see an increase in uptake between the PAS 2035 programme and the Green Homes Grant scheme. However, as with every retrofit insulation project, it is crucial to ensure the building fabric is fixed first so time isn’t wasted on installations with failure in-built.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON SAFEGUARD EUROPE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY042

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ROCK AND ROLL! James Mills, Product Manager at Rockwool UK, takes a look at the key factors builders should consider when choosing insulation materials.

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hen it comes to insulation, the primary driver behind customer choice has historically been to improve the thermal performance of homes and reduce energy bills. However, in more recent years, homeowner priorities have also turned to minimising environmental impact, improving living comfort and increasing fire safety.

The very nature of insulation means that thermal performance should be a given. While the level of this can vary across materials, increasingly savvy homeowners are no longer satisfied to simply know that insulation products will

achieve a specified U-value. Instead, many are wanting to understand exactly how insulation will perform over time and what kind of sustainability credentials it possesses.

The issue of living comfort for homeowners is primarily driven by reducing the travel of external noise into the home, as well as preventing sound transfer between rooms within a dwelling.

However, modern houses ‘over heating’ and lack of natural air flow are also now a common challenge facing homeowners, which means they are just as concerned with keeping cool in summer, as they are with staying warm in winter.

Finally, with an increasing awareness of fire safety, homeowners often seek assurances that building insulation will not contribute to fire spread.

Simultaneously addressing these criteria with a single insulation material might seem like an impossible task, but the natural properties of stone wool mean it can help you to achieve all of this – and much more.

Understanding how stone wool can deliver the performance benefits which your customers are looking for will enable you to communicate better with them – and help you secure more work. Here are the main things you need to know:

Sustainability Stone wool is manufactured from naturally occurring volcanic rock. This is abundant in supply because it’s continually replenished by the earth’s crust. While this makes stone wool a sustainable choice, further environmental credentials can be found when choosing a manufacturer that has a recycling process in place.

Thermal performance The tiny pockets of air trapped within the physical structure of stone wool insulation make it incredibly effective at achieving the optimal temperature in a home, whatever the weather is doing outside.

Natural fire protection Being made from volcanic rock, makes stone wool non-combustible and enables some insulation products to achieve a European Reaction to Fire Classification of A1 – the highest possible rating. In fact, stone wool insulation is capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 1,000˚C, giving homeowners extra reassurance.

Noise reducing Stone wool insulation has added benefits in terms of absorbing sound as it reduces sound vibrations. The dense, non-

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GREEN HOMES GRANT Rockwool has developed an app to generate Green Homes Grant demand The Rockwool Green Homes Grant App, which is available in Google Play and Apple stores, guides installers through the scheme, with information on the application process, the definition of primary and secondary measures and how to choose products to meet a project’s needs. Tradespeople will also find a handy materials calculator, installation guidance and a stockist finder for its Trade Insulation Range.

“The Green Homes Grant has the potential to be a significant and well needed cash injection for the construction industry, as well as a catalyst for critical change on energy usage. We want to do all we can to make sure the scheme is a success and is accessible to all,” said Annemarie Shotton, Rockwool’s National Sales Manager – Merchants & DIY. Thanks to its categorisation as a primary Green Homes Grant measure, ease of installation and effectiveness in generating

energy savings, Rockwool is predicting insulation will be the natural choice for Grant applicants. To meet projected demand for its Thermal Insulation Roll as part of the Green Homes Grant, the manufacturer has increased production rates, and the storage facility available, to house stock and ensure a steady supply into builders’ merchants. The new app is part of a comprehensive marketing plan for the Green Homes Grant that centres around a new Green Homes Grant portal.

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roofing, flooring & insulation

directional fibre orientation and its open porous structure trap sound waves and reduce sound energy.

Durability

Once installed, stone wool insulation is built to last and does not degrade over time. It is also non-hygroscopic, meaning it does not attract water and is vapour permeable. For extra peace of mind, stone wool insulation provides no food source for vermin and does not encourage growth of mould, fungi or bacteria.

The installer advantage

The benefits of stone wool extend beyond its performance credentials.

When it comes to handling and installing the material, you can save time and secure a better fit more easily than with rigid alternatives.

This is because stone wool is typically friction fitted and the material is quick and simple to cut. Moreover, as the same product can often be used for multiple applications, such as a loft, floors and

walls – it helps to minimise wastage and makes it easier to plan your material purchase. Using stone wool should also help to avoid customer call backs over time as it will not slump or sag.

Finally, stone wool is widely stocked in merchant branches nationwide, very often backed up by technical support from the manufacturer. Utilising this source of advice can prove invaluable for making more of the insulation opportunity.

This is particularly true for builders in England currently, with the Government’s Green Homes Grant scheme open until March 2022. The scheme, which is part of

a £3bn government plan to reduce carbon emissions, will provide a voucher worth up to £5,000 or £10,000 to help cover the costs of energy efficient improvements to homes.

If you’re a TrustMark registered installer working with homeowners in England, learn more about creating a competitive advantage with the new initiative by visiting WWW.RDR.LINK/BY044 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE RANGE OF PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM ROCKWOOL VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY045

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

HY ACHIEVERS

Builders who have discovered the thermally impressive Actis Hybrid range say the ease with which they can be used and their cleanliness means they will use the products on all future projects. s with other areas of life, breaking an old habit and adopting a new one can seem daunting. But once the switch has been made, there is no going back for pretty much everyone who has opened their eyes to the many advantages of unique honeycomb insulation Hybris and the insulating membranes with which it is designed to work – Boost R Hybrid, Boost R Hybrid Roof and H Control Hybrid.

The key pluses most often cited are that the range is clean and very easy to use and around 30 per cent quicker to install than using traditional forms of insulation. That’s in addition to the fact that it offers an incredible thermal

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performance and is guaranteed to last for the service life of the building.

Its cleanliness and complete absence of dust makes life more comfortable – there’s no need for specialist PPE or masks. It also eliminates any respiratory issues which can arise from using power tools – an issue of great concern to the HSE which runs an annual Dustbuster campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of workplacegenerated lung disease.

Tony Byron-Cooper, site manager at a recently completed 43-home development in Kent for PCR Projects, is one of the range’s many fans. He says he will be using Actis products on all his future developments.

“Health and safety wise for our

What makes the Hybrid range unlike any other insulation system?

Maybe because it’s cleaner, with no dust or mess to delay progress.

Maybe because it’s leaner, saving man hours and cutting costs.

Or maybe it’s just because it’s a doddle to install.

Whichever way you look at it, The Hybrid range is the future of insulation. So, don’t get left in the dust.

It’s time to make the change. ;V Ä UK V\[ TVYL ]PZP[ insulation-actis.com VY JHSS 01249 462888

installers, it is light, easy to handle and there’s no dust to contend with,” he said.

“We’ve found it to be a big labour time saver as it’s so quick and easy to install and achieves a better seal into timber frame as opposed to sheet insulation material. We’ve found just being able to store it easily is a bonus. Also, any waste is easy to dispose of.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE RANGE OF SOLUTIONS FROM ACTIS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY046

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roofing, flooring & insulation TECHNICAL TEAM TIPS – NO 24

ALL SYSTEMS GO Stuart Nicholson, Roof Systems Director from Marley, discusses the top roofing trends that can help you maximise revenue from projects this year.

e’re only a few months into the year and 2021 has already seen huge challenges for everyone in the UK, with another national lockdown. Yet, the Government has made it clear that construction has a vital role to play in the country’s economic recovery from COVID-19. Whether working on small or large building sites, or on domestic properties, contractors are making a critical contribution to this effort.

However now, more than ever, they need to work on the projects that will generate the most income. When it comes to roofing, there are a number of trends that could help contractors increase revenue from each roof – from a growth in solar PV, to consumer demand for extra

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living space and products that reduce cost and boost construction speed.

Here, we take a look at the latest trends to help you maximise revenue from roofing:

Sustainability and solar PV

The introduction of the Future Homes 2025 standard means that all new homes may have to include carbon saving technology, such as solar PV, to help the UK reach its net zero carbon target by 2050. Solar PV is already included in the local authority part of the Green Homes Grant and it could be added to the consumer scheme.

This means that integrated solar will become a growing feature of UK

roofscapes in the next few years, offering potential new revenue streams, if you want to diversify and add solar PV to your services. To help you do this, we have extended our roof system to incorporate integrated solar panels, which are really easy to install, significantly increasing your income potential for each roof constructed.

Extensions

With lockdown restrictions forcing many families to stay at home for extended periods of time, extra space for living and working has become highly desirable.

Together with low rates of borrowing and the relaxation in planning regulations, this is driving increasing demand for domestic extensions, which is a great opportunity for builders and roofers this year.

We offer a wide range of low pitch tiles suitable for single storey extensions, including our Mendip 12.5 and our Lincoln

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interlocking clay pantile, which now has a lower minimum pitch of just 12.5 degrees for specific applications (speak to our technical advisors for details). The Marley SolarTile can also be used down to low pitches of 20 degrees, making it a perfect add on to your extension projects.

Time saving tiles and accessories

A priority for housebuilders this year is to increase construction pace, without compromising on safety or quality.

Therefore, you could speed up the time of your roofing projects with the latest high coverage, quality roofing materials, that can replicate traditional looks in less time.

Our range includes easy-to-fix Edgemere slate-effect tiles and Lincoln and Eden interlocking pantiles, as well as time saving accessories, such as the SoloFix one-piece clip and nail and Universal Eaves Clip.

Adding value with roof systems

As the sector prepares for the Building Safety Bill, standards and competency will

be high on the agenda this year. Sourcing all parts of a pitched roof, as a complete system, from one manufacturer not only adds value to projects, but also reduces the cost of call backs, saves time and ensures product compatibility and compliance with standards. Our tried and tested roof system is now available with, or without, solar integration and a 15-year guarantee for extra peace of mind.

Cost effective clay

With particularly high demand in the four and five-bedroom sector of the housing market, the traditional clay look will continue to be very popular this year.

However, continuing budgetary pressures mean you may need to look at more costeffective clay options. Using a handcrafted tile, like Ashdowne, is around half the price of a handmade tile but gives a similar look.

While our range of interlocking clay tiles, like Lincoln and Eden, give a traditional look but significantly cut the cost and time of installation.

This year, access to technical support will be more important than ever and our team is on hand to help. As well as roofing experts on the phone, you can access a range of free online services, such as fixing specifications, installation videos and our Sitework Guide app.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON MARLEY ROOF SYSTEMS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY047

rdr.link Introducing rdr.link A new digital service for our readers With a wide array of online resources supporting the latest solutions – from videos to technical guides, PDFs to Podcasts – it can be a challenge to locate what you need.

To ensure you don’t miss out on these valuable resources, we are introducing rdr.link – a new, rapid service to transport you immediately to the online resources mentioned in our stories.

So, in articles you may now see things like: “To view an exclusive time-lapse video of the process use rdr.link/AA101” Simply enter rdr.link/ with the unique 5 digit code into a browser and it will take you directly to the mentioned resource – in this case the video.

Designed to help busy professionals rapidly locate more information – look out for & use

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ALL ABOUT EAVES Nick King, Portfolio Manager (UK) at Klober, explains why eaves ventilation systems are so important and how to avoid common installation issues. hile eaves ventilation systems are an integral part of a roof, contractors often don’t pay as much attention to these systems when compared to roofing membranes.

Although they typically make up a smaller section of the overall roof, eaves ventilation systems are still essential as failure to provide sufficient ventilation around the eaves can lead to condensation problems. To achieve optimum results, sound knowledge of how such products work and should be installed is a must.

The need for adequate roofing ventilation is covered under BS 5250 (Code of Practice for Control of Condensation in Buildings), which

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stipulates minimum ventilation requirements depending on the type of roof build up. To meet these requirements, there are a number of ways to ensure that adequate roofing ventilation can be achieved, with eaves ventilation forming a crucial part of this.

Additional ventilation

It is often the case that eaves ventilation is overlooked entirely when a breathable membrane is selected. Why is this? It is a common perception that all breathable membranes can be used without additional ventilation – however this is not the case. Therefore, it is important to still consider additional forms of ventilation in such scenarios.

Eaves ventilation is a more traditional

method of introducing roof ventilation, and is often used alongside other methods, such as breathable membranes, to ensure continuous ventilation of the roof void. This is important to stop condensation which can then result in rot and mould growth. The amount of ventilation required is dependent upon the roof type and pitch, but ventilation equivalent to a 10mm continuous air gap is a common scenario for cold pitched roofs. To achieve the required levels of eaves ventilation, a fascia vent and roll out rafter tray is the preferred method, often alongside a felt support tray.

The fascia vent is a ventilating unit 1m in length and is fixed to the fascia to allow airflow into the roof space. To protect the eaves, a felt support tray is then used to

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support the roofing membrane that’s on top of it.

Finally, a roll out rafter tray is used to prevent the loft insulation from being pushed up to the underside of the roofing underlay and maintain a clear ventilation path into the roof void from the eaves.

Working together, the fascia vent, felt support tray, and roll out rafter tray provide all the necessary components needed for effective eaves ventilation. In fact, Klober offers a three-in-one Eaves Vent Pack so that roofing installers have everything they need to get on with the job at hand. It is important to remember, however, that without the correct installation these products will not perform.

Installation errors Common installation errors include pulling the roll out rafter tray too tightly. The rafter needs to be left castellated to ensure

adequate ventilation through the insulation into the loft space. Similarly, the drape between the rafters providing a drainage channel, must be a maximum of 15mm, and membranes should also not be pulled taught. If the construction beneath doesn’t allow this, due to insulation or boarding, then counter battens should be used.

Allowing the membrane to sag down into the guttering can be another problem but is easily avoided by stopping short of the gutter and allowing the underlay support tray to ensure safe passage of water to the gutter. Modern day membranes are not permanently UV stable, so exposure like this should be avoided.

Overall, inadequate installation of these products could allow water ingress from wind driven rain and snow to reach inside the void of the eaves, which in colder weather can result in repeated freezing

and then thawing. Over time this will deteriorate the roofing system and potentially lead to water damage through the roof and into the property.

The importance of quality While eaves ventilation systems are generally viewed as commodity items, the quality and performance guarantees of these products should be carefully considered. Not all systems will have the same levels of testing, guarantees or manufacturer-led training capabilities to support roofers.

To this end, all of Klober’s products come with a 10-year guarantee against manufacturing defects and conform to the relevant Building Regulations and British Standards, whilst training is also provided.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT KLOBER’S THREE-IN-ONE EAVES VENT PACK VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY048 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE RANGE OF TRAINING OFFERED

BY KLOBER VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY049

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EVERY SECOND COUNTS! From box to built – a 3m x 1.5m fully glazed Korniche roof lantern can be installed in less than 30 minutes... he Korniche all aluminium roof lantern was designed to be faster to install than any other roofing system available. The key to this speedy install is the precision engineering that goes into the roof at the Made for Trade With an factory, long before it arrives at the imminent new installation site. CNC machining to product in the pipeline tight tolerances means that there is no it pays to keep a close eye on the Made for cutting or drilling needed on any part Trade website and sign of the kit roof. With the simple up to regular pictorial instructions, and a parts box product updates: filled with every cap and fastener you WWW.RDR.LINK/BY050 need, building the lantern is no different to helping your kids with model making.

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ON YOUR MARKS...

CORNER BRACKETS TO EAVES BEAM

ROTATING EAVES BEAM

APPLYING SEALANT TO EAVES

ASSEMBLING THE SPIDER

ASSEMBLING THE SPIDER CONT..

FITTING SPIDER TO EAVES

FIXING TO EAVES

SCREWING TO UPSTAND

GLAZING UP

FITTING TOP CAPS

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE KORNICHE ROOF LANTERN FROM MADE FOR TRADE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY051 BOSS TOP CAPS

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roofing, flooring & insulation product round-up

FASTENERS

The packaging on Simpson Strong-Tie’s Premium Fasteners range is now every bit as tough as the screws and nails it holds. The engineered cardboard is resistant to rain, snow, moisture and heat, and has water resistant web-corners, so the boxes stay solid even after standing on a wet surface for days. In fact it’s so strong that the boxes can be stacked, dropped, put to heavy use and still maintain their strength and stability.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY052

CORK FLOORING

As well as its acoustic and thermal properties, Nesite’s new floor is a 100 per cent sustainable solution and available in a wide range of finishes, including customisable, natural and more contemporary. The environmental impact of the material is zero and it has excellent mechanical and physical characteristics, including an ehnanced ability to absorb sound waves and considerable insulation properties.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY056

ROOFLIGHTS

There are four standard-sized rooflights – 1m x 1m, 1m x 1.5m, 2m x 1m and 2.5m x 1m – in the TuffX infinity rooflight range, although bespoke sizes can also be arranged on request.

The units also come with an option of glass finishes, including clear, solar and privacy glass. The finished result is a flood of natural light inside, along with excellent thermal insulation.

While, inside and out, the rooflights blend with the roof, with their sleek, contemporary yet low-maintenance finish.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY053

BUILDING BOARDS

Norbord now holds a net carbon negative status across all its products and operations, locking up more carbon than it emits. The company’s four European sites and three product ranges sequester a total of 1.1 million tonnes of carbon annually. While carbon neutrality means that an activity releases net zero carbon emissions into the atmosphere, carbon negativity signifies that an activity goes beyond achieving net zero carbon emissions.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY054

ROOFING VENT

A solution to the problem of retrofitting ventilators after the roof tiles have been laid, the KimaAir Inside-Out ventilator from Kima Roof Accessories is now available nationwide via leading merchants and roofing specialists. The Danish manufacturer’s solution solves condensation problems from inside the roof space, without the need for scaffolding or any external works.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY055

PVCU ROOFING TILE

It’s the adjacent interlocking panel mechanism that makes the Envirotile PVCu roofing tile from Eurocell easy to install, as well as providing protection against severe wind loads in any designated zonal area within the UK. The product utilises polymer materials to create a tile that is just one-fifth of the weight of a traditional concrete tile, whilst offering improved foot grip for installers. Plus, with no dust during cutting, it can help to eliminate the risk of lung-related problems, such as silicosis.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY057

CAVITY CLOSER

The ARC Flexi-Closer, from ARC Building Solutions, is a multi-width thermal cavity closer for window and door reveals.

The 25mm thick product is designed to close the cavity around window and door openings in masonry walls, preventing cold bridging and helping to eliminate moisture, mould and staining. The rigid PVCu profile acts as an integral DPC (Damp Proof Course), and is insulated with expanded polystyrene (EPS), providing what is described as excellent thermal properties.

Supplied in 2.4m lengths, it is suitable for most common cavity widths: 65, 75, 85 and 100mm. For more information about the new ARC Flexi-Closer, download the datasheet by using the link below.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY058

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tools & workwear

he Makita team is opening the lid on toolboxes and looking at the core products that trade professionals working across a range of sectors should always have to hand. They will look at the benefits of each recommended machine and explore the innovative features that they include, as well as how they can make work easier, quicker, and safer.

The day in the life of a builder can be incredibly varied, which is why it is so important to choose power tools that can be used across a number of applications. One such machine is the EK6100 disc cutter. This powerful, petrol engine machine has been designed to ensure user safety is maximised and impact on the environment is kept to a minimum. Makita offers a free 3-year service package, to provide contractors with peace of mind (if they register on-line) that the machine will continue to deliver top performance.

The EK6100 is equipped with a 61cc (2-stroke engine) with a stratified scavenging system incorporated – meaning it complies with all current exhaust emission regulations. This clever system works to create a layer of fuelfree air at the top of the engine cylinder, to prevent fuel from escaping during operation. Not only is this better for the environment, and the user’s safety, but it also extends the machine’s run time as fuel is conserved.

To improve user productivity further, the EK6100 offers enhanced air filtration from the in-built cyclone pre-separation system. This feature works to

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Calling all builders! In this first instalment of our new series, Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita looks at the power tools that you should always have to hand.

remove dust particles away from intake air, thereby reducing the chance of dust getting stuck on the filter. This keeps the filter – and the machine – working at optimum efficiency for longer.

The EK6100 is lighter in weight compared to alternative models – weighing in at just 8.5kg. This helps to reduce operator fatigue and maximise productivity as tool downtime is reduced. The EK6100 also produces lower vibration levels with its built-in

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dampening system, meaning users are at a lower risk of vibration-related conditions such as HAVS (hand-arm vibration syndrome) and it is fitted with a water-feed system so a water tank can be fitted to assist with dust management. This machine also has an impressive cutting depth of 110mm, so it is suitable for use across a wide range of applications.

Additional features include a spring assisted recoil starter and fuel primer for easy

starting. The touch and stop switch also turns the machine off and stops the rotation of the blade quickly for added user safety.

As well as a disc cutter, we recommend having an angle grinder in your toolbox. This type of machine is useful for making precise cuts and shaping materials like metal and masonry effortlessly. In the Makita range, you will find a selection of 18V and Twin 18V LXT machines – as well as the recently launched 40V XGT models (GA005G, GA004G, GA022GZ, GA023GZ, GA028GZ and GA029Z) that have been designed to withstand frequent heavy-duty cutting and grinding without compromising on run time.

Each model delivers the equivalent power of a 1,100W corded grinder and has a noload speed of up to 8,500rpm.

For improved safety, they feature AFT technology and produce low vibration levels.

Further to this, the GA022GZ, GA023GZ, GA028GZ and GA029Z include Makita’s Auto-start Wireless System (AWS), which connects the machine to a compatible dust extractor via Bluetooth. This ensures that users’ exposure to harmful dust is minimised as when the tool is in use, the extractor is automatically turned on – and when the tool is powered off, the extractor automatically stops.

When selecting power tools, it is important to always consider the machines’ features and their benefits.

Always check that the tool can offer improved safety with features such as a stratified scavenging system – and look for additional features that minimise vibration levels and reduce exposure to dust.

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Your toolbox checklist: Circular saw – this hand-held saw can be used to cut a wide range of materials including wood, masonry, plastic, and metal.

SDS-PLUS Rotary Hammer drill – incredibly useful when drilling into concrete or masonry.

Demolition hammer – make light work of demolition tasks with a high-power demolition hammer. Ideal for breaking down concrete structures.

Disc cutter – useful for cutting hard materials like metal, concrete, stone and ceramic tile, a disc cutter can be used across a wide range of tasks.

Angle grinder – for use on a range of materials, this machine can make precise cuts for a flawless finish.

ACCESSORIES TO SUIT THE CORE RANGE: ● For disc cutters and angle grinders: Diamond blades and abrasive discs are available to suit all types of construction materials. Diamond blades offer increased productivity and accuracy (when the correct blades are selected). ● For demolition hammers and SDSPLUS rotary hammer drills: A full range of SDS-PLUS drill bits and chisels are available. High-end, quality ranges like this will optimise productivity by producing more work per item (longer life). Higher quality accessories also work more efficiently by reducing work time – less time drilling or chasing equates to quicker results and reduced trigger time.

This also means the risk of HAVS exposure is reduced. ● For circular saws: Makita offers a vast range of circular saw blades to suit all construction materials including woods, metals, and nail embedded wood. The range covers all sizes of circular saws and mitre saws within the Makita range – and includes Efficut and Makblade that are specifically designed to work more efficiently with cordless saws and reduce drag, thereby extending battery run-times.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE RANGE OF TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES AVAILABLE FROM MAKITA UK VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY059

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tools & workwear Tibby Singh — www.TibbySingh.com

FULLY LOADED Professional Builder’s Tibby Singh is all guns blazing with SENCO

ENCO is already a very wellestablished brand, starting life in a basement in 1935 and since going on to another level, with distribution across the world. SENCO’s sole focus is on developing nailers, staplers and screw systems. I admire brands that concentrate on making one thing great as opposed to many things that are OK. They are usually the experts with a passion, who are dedicated to

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getting it right, so I was curious to see if this manufacturer had nailed it with its new Auto Feed Screwdrivers.

First up was SENCO’s DS525-18v High Speed 55mm Cordless Auto-feed Screwdriver. These are also known as collated screw guns and are particularly useful for speeding up repetitive screw driving jobs. With this one being 5,000 RPM High Speed it’s perfect for dry lining applications. I’ve been installing tapered plasterboard to the underside of a roof, which is approximately 5m in height, and the adjustable and reversible belt hook also came in handy whilst on top of the scaffolding. Fire boards are denser than standard plasterboard making them much heavier, so there’s always an urgency to drive the screws into the plasterboard, so that you can finally breath again. It’s safe to say that I was blown away with its screwing performance.

Surprisingly, the neck of the tool isn’t as long as some other drywall screwdrivers, making it feel more like a normal drill driver. Inserting the screws into the screwdriver is a piece of cake, as you just feed the strip into the slide body until the screw is aligned with the bit.

Depending on what size screws you are using, the nosepiece should be set accordingly. This can be done quickly from the tool-less nosepiece adjustment pin.

The measurements are engraved onto the nose piece and are even infilled in white, preventing any potential future problems usually associated with fading over time.

When screwing into plasterboard it’s important that the screw heads just pierce the paper, so consistency is imperative.

I’ve never seen such a sophisticated adjustment setting on a tool for this. The depth of the countersink can be finely

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adjusted from a thumbwheel which locks into place ensuring it doesn’t move whilst in use. It also has a depth indicator, which is unusual but perfect for when having to change the settings frequently when it comes to screwing into different materials.

On the odd occasion it is possible for the screw not to sit flush – for example, if the user is rushing and not driving the screw into the material fully before releasing the drill. For this, I’ve seen people carrying a normal drill driver to screw any protruding screws. However, there is no need to carry any additional tools with this SENCO because it has a detachable auto-feed system locking collar that can be taken off. Then, with the variable speed trigger, it allows you to either take the screw in or completely out by changing to the reverse setting.

I can assure you that you won’t be taking any screws out that have been screwed in the wrong place because the nose design allows better sight, making for more accurate screw placement.

Another reason for taking the collar off is

when it comes to changing the bits. The two bits that are provided are the Phillips and a square head. The Phillips bit is mostly used for drywall screws and the square head bit is ideal for SENCO’s wood screws, which eliminate a camming out effect. For faster application, or when

it comes to continuous screwing, SENCO have added a trigger lock to save you time, whilst saving your finger from any repetitive strain injuries.

If you find yourself needing a drill for more woodwork applications such as decking, of fencing then SENCO also has that covered with its Heavy Duty DS52218v. This one has all the same features but runs at 2,500 RPM with the option to run it at 1,600 RPM with the press of a button. This means, when it comes to screwing into tougher material such as wood and metal, it can be slowed down, which gives you a high torque.

Both tools feature 18V, 3AH batteries and a brushless motor. These SENCO machines are the best I’ve tested to date.

I remember the days when I used to drive the screws in individually, leaving my fingers filled with metal splinters, and also dropping many on the floor, so its thumbs up for these tools!

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON SENCO’S AUTOMATIC SCREWDRIVERS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY060

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#builtwithBosch

TRIED AND TESTED Do you want to become a Bosch Professional product tester?

Then read on... osch Professional Power Tools and Accessories are known for making tough, powerful, and efficient tools – but what are they like to use on a daily basis? Well, now it could be your chance to find out.

You may have heard of #builtwithBosch, where members of all trades apply to become product testers.

Every few months the manufacturer runs a new round where tools are sent out free of charge for testers to put through their paces on site, and then share their thoughts on social media. The best part? They get to keep the tools after.

Now, with the launch of their UK Instagram page (@boschprouk), Bosch are taking this to a whole new level.

Rather than limiting

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tester numbers to just a few per round, the company wants to expand and give hundreds more people the chance to get involved.

The full details of which tools and accessories that lucky applicants will be getting their hands on in 2021 hasn’t been revealed, but they will be from the new BITURBO Brushless range, the most powerful cordless 18V tools yet.

BITURBO Brushless tools combine a high-performance brushless motor with long lasting ProCORE18V batteries to create corded power, without the cord.

Flexibility has become increasingly important on most jobsites, so having the freedom to take powerful tools anywhere is a real win.

Of course, no tool is

complete without the right accessories, so each tool will be sent out with the toughest and most high-end and durable accessories, capable of tackling the most demanding tasks.

If you want to become a tester and get your hands on some brilliant kit, keep an eye on their new UK Instagram page where details will be revealed soon. Find them @boschprouk FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE BOSCH PROFESSIONAL POWER TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES RANGE WWW.RDR.LINK/BY061

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STIR CRAZY It’s time to clear the air with the new Festool MX stirrers with dust extraction.

Professional Builder’s Lee Jones takes a look.

emember the days of bending over a bucket and frantically pumping at the contents with a podger? Unless you really are very old school indeed you’ve probably eschewed this unnecessary effort from something rather more electrical and user friendly, and the new Festool MX stirrers are a very good example. In fact, thanks to the manufacturer’s variable ErgoFix height adjustment system it’s even easier on the old ‘hammer and tack’ because you can mix and stir from a fully standing position – but the health and safety benefits don’t stop there.

No matter the trade, the industry is starting to wake up to the idea of adopting dust

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extraction measures, and it’s not just about making sure that harmful material stays out of your lungs. The time saving potential of keeping the worksite tidier, especially when you’re clearing up at the end of a hard day, and the impression that will make on a client, clearly has its own benefits.

Plasterers, decorators, and many other trades besides will be all too familiar with the dust that is generated as the inevitable consequence of mixing powdered materials – but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Thanks to an extraction solution that can simply be secured to the edge

The electronic speed control allows you to adjust the stirring speed for the material at hand.

of the bucket of the MX Stirrer, reducing the risk of suffering from some pretty serious occupational health conditions in later life is a reality.

The tool also features the convenience of a FastFix quick-change system, which means that you can quickly and easily separate the stirrer from the stirrer basket without tools, whilst it is equipped with a new hoop guard that protects the unit from being switched on accidentally. Stable and anti-slip rubber corners will protect the stirrer – as well as floors and walls – from damage in

the event of it falling over, and there’s smooth start-up, with a high-torque motor that will provide all the mixing power you need. That power can also be adjusted via an electronic speed control dial on the handle to ensure the right stirring speed for every material.

The Festool MX stirrer is designed to minimise the effort in every regard.

Thanks to the ergonomic and large lever handles, for example, moving it around in the material is made easier and, whether it’s your posture or your airways, it’s a tool that your body will thanks you for investing in.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE MX STIRRERS WITH THE NEW DUST EXTRACTION SYSTEM GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/BY062

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AN ADVANCED LEVEL

Mascot® Advanced is a hardwearing workwear range that stretches with your body.

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hen Mascot® decided to create the products in its Advanced range to suit

the building and construction industry, the task was clear: the manufacturer was not interested in making products and trousers that were only partly made of stretch material; the trousers had to deliver on comfort and movement without restrictions, so workers could experience freedom of movement at a completely new level.

All trousers in the range are made from a very elasticated material that is highly durable and provides no restrictions to

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your body movements, but which can also be adapted to your needs. With the trousers in the Mascot Advanced range, you can alter the garments according to your changing tasks. The trousers can be adjusted at the foot, for example, or you can make use of the zippers to add or remove the holster pockets, or remove the ID-card. In addition, the detachable pockets make it easy to empty them of dirt or wash your trousers without having to empty the holster pockets themselves.

When you need a bit more from your workwear, and you want the best possible protection in all weather and working

conditions, the best way to do this is to dress in layers, and to choose the right clothing from inner to outer. In the Mascot Advanced range, you will find a wide selection of products that offer you the possibility of adjusting your clothing to match both your level of activity and your surroundings.

As an example, sweatshirts are not just simple tops with ribs at the hem. In this range, sweatshirts have been rethought in terms of features, fabrics and details, and can almost be considered as something between a sweatshirt and a softshell. As with other products in this collection, weather protection is included, with great insulation against the cold at the collar and neck.

The sweatshirt’s fabric is elastic and comfortable but differs from traditional garments of its type by having a more modern design. Whether you’re looking for a hood, full zip, or adjustable collar, with Mascot Advanced, there is an option for every taste and use. It is a range that matches your day at full speed, and your need for functionality and comfort.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE RANGE OF WORKWEAR AVAILABLE FROM MASCOT, INCLUDING THE NEW ADVANCED RANGE, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY063

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FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES Jamie Brassington, Product Manager at WernerCo, talks through some of the different types of work at height equipment builders should be using for specific jobs. he latest ‘Workplace Fatal Injuries in Great Britain 2020’ Annual Statistics report from the Health Safety Executive (HSE) found that, whilst there has been a 24 per cent reduction in the number of fatal accidents in 2019/20, the construction sector still accounts for the significant proportion of these and falls from height remain the main cause of fatal accidents.

With this in mind, having the right equipment available can play a vital role in helping to improve safety on site and reduce the number of accidents that could occur when working at height.

So, what are the different types of working at height equipment that tradesmen should utilise and when should they be used?

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Step ladders

Providing a safe and stable means of working, step ladders are available in a range of different working heights and styles, such as platform and swingback step ladders.

Regulations prohibit overstretching or standing above the recommended working height of the ladder, which is one of the common causes of accidents on site, so it’s important that tradesmen check the standing height and the approximate reach. If they cannot safely reach the working area, tradesmen should consider a different type of ladder, such as an extension ladder, provided that three points of contact can be kept at all times. If not, then they may need to opt for an access tower instead.

Fibreglass ladders

Fibreglass ladders are essential for any tradesman working around electricity.

One of the main benefits of this type of ladder is that they are designed with nonconductive stiles, reducing the risk of electric shocks.

Fibreglass ladders are also extremely resistant to weathering and do not absorb moisture, making them ideal when working in wet or damp environments.

This durability minimises the risk of longterm damage to the product, making them a great day-to-day solution too.

WernerCo manufactures a comprehensive range of fibreglass ladders. Under the Werner and Youngman brands are a choice of trade and industrial-standard platform and swingback stepladders, plus a comprehensive selection of utility extension ladders.

Work platforms

For low-level access jobs, work platforms are a great solution. Most options on the market will offer a large slip-resistant work platform, allowing tradesmen to easily and safely move as they work, whilst also being incredibly easy to transport. Many work platforms will be compact enough to fit into the boot of most standard cars, whilst WernerCo have taken this one step further by designing a range of work platforms with slim-fold legs that can fold completely flat.

This is also an area that has seen

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Socially distanced solutions

recent innovation. For example, the work platform range has recently been expanded to include an adjustable work platform that can be adjusted to different working heights and a linking work platform, which allows multiple products to be connected, creating a longer working space.

Whilst ladders are safe for solo use, if the job requires an access tower, tradesmen must now consider whether they can safely practice social distancing when using a product.

The Government’s guidelines ultimately mean that single person towers are currently an essential piece of equipment for many sites. The BoSS SOLO700 access tower, for example, is a one-person tower that is designed to be built and dismantled by one person, rather than two, as required by most standard towers, making it ideal for social distancing in the workplace. Available with safe working heights between 3.2m and 5.2m, this tower is quick and easy to assemble, with the base unit also forming a trolley to simplify transportation on the jobsite.

Access towers

When working at height for longer periods of time, for example over 30 minutes as recommended by the HSE, an access tower is going to be a more suitable option rather than a ladder.

When it comes to access towers, there is a wide variety of solutions to choose from. In order to choose the most suitable solution, tradesmen must closely consider the requirements of the job, including working height, whether they’re working indoors or outdoors, the need for mobility and any special requirements such as working around obstacles or over stairs.

To save professionals valuable time, WernerCo developed the BoSS Tower

Selector online guide. Available on the BoSS website, it helps users identify the most suitable access tower in just five easy steps.

TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ON THE RANGE OF WORKING AT HEIGHT SOLUTIONS FROM WERNERCO, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY064

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tools & workwear

SANDS GOOD!

Professional Builder’s Lee Jones investigates the latest developments in sanding technology from Mirka

f the pandemic has taught the building industry anything it’s that we can adapt even the most entrenched working practices when required. In reality, in many areas that was already a process that was well underway, and which Covid-19 has only accelerated, with one such example being spray plaster. Not only does it represent a much quicker proposition but, with the well documented shortage of skilled labour, particularly in the wet trades, it also negates any difficulty in finding a traditional spreader.

It is a development from which Mirka is benefitting, with the company now working in partnership with Knauf. The material is applied by machine levelled with a spatula and then sanded, before applying another coat, and the recommended tool for that sanding element is the Mirka® LEROS. Spray plaster is typically applied at only a 2mm thickness which requires a fine finish, and, with its 5mm random orbital movement, that’s exactly what this wall and ceiling sander provides. Not only that but the unit also benefits from a brushless motor, a sanding head with 180-degree flexibility and a light weight of just 3.5kg – all with dust-free sanding.

The LEROS has itself seen some significant development in its own right of late, including the introduction of a Dual Voltage LEROS in May of 2020. The

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original tool was already available as a 230V unit but, with some customers asking for a site compatible 110V unit, the Finnish firm’s R&D development got to work. The result is the Dual Voltage LEROS, a long pole sander that can operate at both 230V and 110V – and all that needs to be changed is the lead.

“Dual voltage is actually not new for us, because the original Mirka CEROS sander was equipped with a power pack that could convert the voltage from 230V to 110V,” explains Chris Proffit, Business Sector Manager, Construction. “That was more than twelve years ago, but the subsequent demands of delivering a more compact and lighter package meant it was an idea we couldn’t develop further.

There are, however, clear advantages, not least eliminating the need to purchase two separate machines or carrying a heavy transformer around in the van.”

Additional features in the market leading LEROS don’t end there because

the range will soon see a new addition with the LEROS short. “Where the current unit features a 1.4m reach the short version benefits from the same brushless motor and sanding head with 180-degree flexibility, but with a 0.9m reach,” continues Chris. “There will be many jobs where a tradesman might not need the length the original LEROS provides and the Short model represents a more compact alternative.”

Whatever the tool, interrogating the performance and use of these machines is now easier than ever with the MyMirka App, whereby registering the trades can take advantage of a three-year warranty – where two is the standard. Additionally, via Bluetooth connectivity, end users can access data on running speeds, service intervals, HAVS exposure and more.

Mirka’s product range demonstrates that it is a company that is prepared to do things differently. It is the only manufacturer in its sector to offer tools in the convenience of kit form, for instance, with a new combination of the company’s DEROS and DEOS Delta sanders in one box now available, and a new collection of complementary accessories is also promised.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE MIRKA RANGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY065

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FACE VALUE Face protection products, such as safety glasses, masks and visors, have all been brought into much sharper focus during the Covid-19 pandemic, and Hellberg Safety has an extensive range

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erhaps unsurprisingly, construction-related work has a much higher rate of facial injuries than any other with hazards many and varied. Impact injuries can be caused by flying objects, such as stone or brick fragments, particles of dirt and dust, tiny pieces of metal and splinters caused by hammering, chipping, grinding, machining, wood working, sawing, and drilling.

Chemicals and extreme heat sources are also dangerous to the face. Splashes, fumes, vapours and irritating mists can scald and burn while welding arcs, UV radiation and intense light can damage your eyes.

The consequences of facial injuries are serious, and potentially life-threatening.

Not just time off work and loss of pay as a result of short or long-term injuries, there’s the potential for something more significant. An injury can cause a lifetime of permanent disfigurement, and even loss of sight. Surely that’s a good enough reason for using proper eye and face protection products all the time.

That said, some people will always find a reason not to. Cheap face protection products are ‘uncool’, they ‘fog up’ and are often unwearable because pressure, pinching and slipping points are a nightmare for users and the PPE ends up on top of workers’ heads or in their pockets instead of over their eyes.

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Safety Eyewear Comfort, protection and fit is really important as are lightweight, durable materials to provide complete protection and flexibility of design for combination with other PPE including ear defenders, safety helmets, and visors.

Also, look out for and specially developed lens technology for impactresistance plus anti-scratch and anti-fog coatings on both sides as well as styles that can be worn over prescription glasses.

Around the lens, ergonomic designs should incorporate practical features, like a soft nose bridge and ‘adjustable temples’, which ensure the glasses stay in place and fit safely allowing you to keep a sharp focus all day long.

Face Protection Visors BS EN 166:2002 is the International Standard for eye and face protection covering personal protective eye wear in the form of visors and eye shields and it’s important to look for this standard when you’re choosing what products to use.

Think carefully about hazards in the work environment and look for a product that is designed for a comfortable, tight and ergonomic fit for maximum protection, especially so that no objects get around the edges of the visor. The visor should cover your face from at least the forehead to the base of the chin.

The best quality visors are available in

different materials, thickness and size which correspond to specific hazard protection. You can even get visors that are treated with an anti-fog coating. Don’t assume that a basic product that you might use for strimming or jet washing will provide maximum effective protection on a construction site.

Polycarbonate provides impact and heat resistance. It is also used for arc flash, high heat, chemical splash and radiation protection while acetate also provides excellent resistance to chemical splash. For protection against radiation (IR and UV), look for visors that are made from special tinted and/or coated

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polycarbonate. While mesh visors are generally used to protect the face from flying debris and large dust particles.

SAFE Face Protection from Hellberg Safety

The Hellberg Safety range of specialist PPE products includes highly advanced face protection, noise hazard protection and communications solutions for personal safety and well-being on site.

Its interoperable face protection products offer helmet and visor solutions to suit a variety of internal and external work situations. With a standard product design across the range, users are able to mix and match visors, carriers, and hearing protectors for complete ‘headband-only’ or ‘safety helmet’ solutions that protect against the hazards faced in differing task environments.

Hellberg Safety is now launching a new range of safety eyewear that includes specialist safety glasses and goggles. With a wide range of streetsmart styles – from basic to premium –

the new range ensures a consistently clear line of sight and safe vision for professional tradespeople wherever they’re working on site.

Built with lightweight, durable materials and specially developed lens technology, the eyewear provides complete protection, and comfort and can be easily combined with other PPE, including ear defenders, safety helmets, and visors.

With a focus on enhanced safety in all conditions, Hellberg Safety Eyewear has impact-resistant lenses with anti-scratch

and anti-fog coating on both sides and there are styles that can be worn over prescription glasses.

Around the lens, the ergonomic design, incorporates practical features, like a soft nose bridge and ‘adjustable temples’, making sure the glasses stay in place and fit safely allowing you to keep your focus all day long.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HELLBERG SAFETY VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY066

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WELLINGTON BOOTS

As an alternative to heavy rubber or PVC footwear, Leon Boots’ range of ULTRALight Wellington Boots maintain a number of advantages over outdated heavy alternatives. Using a combination of EVA and TRC Polymers, the boots are up to 65 per cent lighter than rubber boots, more durable, supportive, are both split and crack resistant and are far more comfortable than PVC or PU Wellingtons. They also contain a removable and washable sock liner for extra comfort and warmth.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY067

MULTI-TOOL

With the recent expansion to the Starlock accessory kits there are now 1,000 blade possibilities to accompany the Fein MultiMaster 300, 500 and 700. The tool can now saw, sand, polish, cut, file, scrape and clean across a mix of materials and applications from wood, metal and plastics to heating, flooring, tiling, grouting and renovations.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY068

RUGGED MOBILE PHONE

Every exterior component of the Cat S42 phone from Bullitt Group has been treated with Biomaster antimicrobial technology and tested to ISO 22196, making it the first antibacterial phone. The phone also surpasses rigourous and repeated drop testing from 1.8m onto steel, including multiple drops onto every side and corner, and it’s fully waterproof, tested submerged in water at depths up to 1.5m for 35 minutes.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY069

GLOVES

Take good care of your most important tools and choose a pair of Snickers Workwear’s Gloves.

The latest designs offer high ‘cut protection’ plus wind and waterproof styles. What’s more, for specialist use where health and safety standards are key requirements, ProtecWork Gloves are EN certified for performance and protection in hazardous environments.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY070

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FLOORING SHEAR

The Marshalltown LWFS13 Lightweight Flooring Shear is designed for cutting vinyl, laminate or engineered wooden flooring without noise, power or dust. It can cut flooring up to 330mm (13”) wide and has a moveable fence for accurate 45° and 90° cuts. Weighing just 6.4kg (14lbs), with an integrated handle for easy one-handed carry, this shear is made in the USA and replacement blades are available.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY071

WORKWEAR FOR TRADESWOMEN

Initially launching with eight new products, the collection includes the Dickies Women’s Performance Jacket, a stylish work jacket designed to withstand even the most extreme elements. Well insulated, as well as waterproof and breathable, the attached contoured hood adds to the sleek nature of this style.

There’s also a Women’s Softshell Jacket, and Women’s Universal FLEX. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY072

INSULATED SHOVEL

The Bulldog POWERbreaker Insulated General Service Shovel is fully tested in the UK to BS8020 and is supplied with an individual certificate of conformity. The blade is solid forged in one piece and rounded to reduce penetration damage to underground pipes and cables with treads to save boots. Each shovel is fitted with a double polymer layered shaft bonded over a solid fibreglass core with a collar incorporating protective wear sleeve.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY073

REDEMPTION SCHEME

Thanks to a new garden machinery redemption scheme, consumers can claim a free Makita 18V LXT lithium-ion batteries, or body only LXT blowers, with the purchase of selected 18V and Twin 18V (36V) machines. The offer is available with the purchase from a wide selection of eligible cordless models, including hedge trimmers, linetrimmers, brush cutters, blowers, chainsaws, lawn mowers and split shafts, as well as the DDG460T2X7 earth auger.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY074

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GENERAL BUILDING STAINLESS STEEL SINK

A new addition to the modern stainless steel units from Leisure Sinks has arrived in the shape of the Eaton inset collection. Boasting a satin bowl finish and bright drainer, there are two inset models available, each featuring striking lines and softly curved bowls. The single bowl EA9501 is manufactured from 0.6mm 18/10 stainless steel and measures 950 x 508mm. It has a generous main bowl size of 420 x 350 x 150mm, with the option of a left- or right-handed drainer.

BATHROOM PANELS MOULD AND CONDENSATION

The complete Safeguard condensation range comprises: Dryzone 100 Mould Killer Kit, Dryzone Mould-Resistant Paint, Dryzone Mould-Resistant Paint Additive, Stormdry EP Board, Ultrotherm IWI tiles, plus a selection of extractor and Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) fans. The Dryzone Mould Elimination Kit utilises Mould Eliminator for the near instant removal of the black mould and staining, whilst Mould Preventer is a sterilising agent that kills the remaining mould spores and hyphae and prevents regrowth for extended periods, without salt residues.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY077

EASY-TO-USE SHOWER

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY075

ADHESIVE

HB42 Ultimate Liquid Grab is a powerful trade-strength adhesive for use on a wide range of materials. Suitable for all vertical and full surface bonding applications, the material can be used when bonding shower wall panels, splash backs and cladding tiles.

The product is also appropriate for bonding tile on tile and stainless steel.

The contemporary styling of the existing SmartCare range, but with an easy-to-use lever handle – that’s how AKW is describing its SmartCare Lever easy-to-use shower. Designed with visual impairments and dexterity- and mobility-issues in mind, the unit can be quickly retrofitted.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY078

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

With a formulation that is 99.9% free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), Dulux Trade’s Airsure range includes Airsure Diamond Matt and Airsure Vinyl Matt. VOCs are chemicals used in the production of a wide range of products that vaporise and are emitted into the air. Removing them helps to improve indoor air quality.

There’s antibacterial finishes, and glass designs available in the Mermaid shower panels portfolio.

Easier to fit than tiles, with no grouting required, and less messy, they don’t need a specialist installer and can be cut to size on site, as well as fitted over virtually any existing surface. Moisture and humidity doesn’t affect acrylic, glass, laminate, or composite Mermaid bathroom panels and therefore the possibility of mildew or mould creeping in is eliminated.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY080

UNDERFLOOR HEATING

A new suite of underfloor heating (UFH) controls has been launched by Continal Underfloor Heating. The Quantum range is compatible with the Amazon Echo Alexa and comprises a stylish digital thermostat and simple-to-use rotary dial thermostat, both available in wired and wireless versions, as well as a hub that allows all the products to be linked to the Smart Home app and the property’s internet connection.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY081

WEBINAR SERIES

SuDS, geocellular structures, blue/green roof design, and design requirements for commercial drainage are just some of the subjects that will be addressed in the ACO 2021 webinar series. All of the seminars are free to attend and are suited to those looking to refresh their knowledge of drainage applications.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY079 GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY076

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GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY082

Use our digital reader enquiry service for further information online

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TRADE MEDIA ARISTON WATER HEATING SIZING GUIDE

It is important to properly size a water heater to meet the needs of a business or household and ensure optimum efficiency. As a result, Ariston has introduced a comprehensive guide to its portfolio of high-quality vented, unvented and instantaneous electric water heaters, outlining which models are best suited for a range of domestic and light commercial applications. The guide can be found in the company’s new hot water brochure.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY083

DEBORAH DURBIN SECRETS TO SUCCESSFUL PROPERTY INVESTMENT

Written by journalist and property investor, Deborah Durbin, Secrets to Successful Property Investment details Deborah’s experience of building a Buy to Let property business from scratch. Over the course of seven years, Deborah has gone from knowing nothing about the construction/property industry, to creating a multi-million pound property portfolio and building her own house. This book looks at everything from sourcing your first BTL deposit to letting out your property, dealing with tenants, the legalities of being a landlord and how to create a passive income and grow your property portfolio.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY084

SNICKERS WORKWEAR CATALOGUE

With a focus on comfort, performance and sustainability in its new products, the 2021 digital catalogue has all you need to know about Snickers Workwear, including new products that now use REPREVE, the world’s number one brand of recycled performance fibre. There’s also new AllroundWork Topwear with the cooling 37.5 moisture transportation fabric, as well as upgraded FLEXIWork Stretch Trousers with extra functionality and durability.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY085

TEPPFA THE BENEFITS OF PLASTIC PIPES

A new brochure highlighting the many benefits of plastic pipes has been launched by TEPPFA, the European plastic pipes and fittings association. It details the flexibility characteristics that allow for ground movement, as well as a 100-year plus service life. The material is also proving ideal for some of the emerging technologies around low-energy use, such as ground source heat pumps, district heating and underfloor heating.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY086

BSI FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

The newly revised PAS 79 standard aims to help reduce fire risk and improve the safety of non-domestic buildings and housing premises. It publishes in two parts: PAS 79-1, Fire risk assessment – Part 1: Premises other than housing – Code of practice and PAS 79-2, Fire risk assessment – Part 2: Housing – Code of practice.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY087

TARMAC BLUE CIRCLE ‘ONE OF THE FAMILY’ PODCAST

A new podcast aimed at supporting tradespeople and construction workers has been launched by Tarmac Cement. The ‘One of the Family’ podcast will see figures come together from across the industry to discuss the hot topics and latest issues facing the building and construction sector. The first two episodes will look at the challenges surrounding mental health, with Peter Cape from the tradespeople charity Band of Builders joining Tarmac to kick off the first one.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY088

SANIFLO CATALOGUE

A comprehensive new catalogue from Saniflo is described as colourful, easy to follow and showcases a raft of new products, including grease traps, submersible pumps, larger lifting stations and a boiler condensate pump. It provides guidance regarding which products are best suited to a range of applications – from small homes to large commercial premises – and features information about noise levels, support, warranty and an overview of the manufacturer’s proprietary macerating technologies.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY089

KNIPEX “INTO THE WORKSHOP”

A useful video guide for heating and plumbing installers featuring the TubiX Pipe Cutter has been released by the manufacturer, KNIPEX. It demonstrates how the guide rollers and 10 quality needle bearings which are integrated in the cutting wheel of the 180mm long tool makes work much easier. The device cuts copper, brass and stainless-steel pipes with a wall thickness of up to 2mm and diameters from 6 to 35mm.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY090

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LIME PLASTER

IN THE LIME LIGHT

Simon Ayres, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Lime Green Products, explores the key indicators that can help you to decide whether lime plaster needs repairing or replacing

ime plaster is extremely durable. It can last for centuries, flexing with environmental changes as buildings move, regulating moisture and keeping the building dry over time. Many older houses or historical buildings will have lime plaster that’s 100s of years old.

Lime’s qualities – flexibility, breathability, durability and dampresistance – make it suitable for repair in a wide range of situations. But, when your lime plaster is looking aged and damaged, how do you know if it needs repairing or replacing?

Like-for-like replacement plastering isn’t cheap, so it’s important to make sure it’s the right decision. Skill and knowledge is required to identify problems and determine what measures are suitable.

There are ways and means of salvaging and reattaching old ceilings and walls – damage doesn’t always mean replacement.

L

What are the options?

Older plasters often can’t be replaced to the same standard, so salvaging and repairing the existing material, where possible, is important. Repairing can also often give a more authentic result, which will go on to last for another lifetime or two.

With any refurbishment or renovation of older plaster, it’s important to first consider the existing materials to select a suitable plaster for repair work. This will ensure the materials bond properly and go on to stand the test of time.

Broadly speaking, there are four options to rejuvenate older lime plaster:

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patch repair, reskim, replace, or repair the key from above.

Patch repairs

For small aesthetic flaws or cracks, such as those caused by movement, patch repairs can be extremely effective. The important thing is to evaluate whether a smooth and consistent finish can be achieved, without the need to reskim the entire wall or

ceiling. There are specific plaster repair systems available for small patch repairs, which are designed to consolidate limelath plaster and historical limework.

Reskimming

The need for a fresh top layer of plaster is extremely common. Here, you will need to use a primer to ensure the new materials bond well with the old. You should select a primer that matches the plaster, for example, when using lime plaster, and to retain breathability you will need to ensure the primer isn’t acrylic.

Replacement

When it comes to replacement, it’s still important to consider the original structure of the wall and if any existing materials can be salvaged to be used as part of the replacement work.

Repairing the key

Many ceilings of lath and plaster or highly ornate fibrous plaster can still look great, but are slowly detaching from the wooden or hessian supports holding them in place, before eventually crashing to the ground. This has been a problem in theatres, and rules are now in place to

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survey and repair plasterwork ceilings in public buildings. These can be repaired from above by reinforcing and stabilising the hidden support structure and rebonding the plasterwork to it.

Possible damage and how to repair

Before carrying out any renovation or refurbishment work, it’s essential to address the issue that caused the plaster to become damaged in the first place, to prevent it from reoccurring. Types of damage may include:

Impact damage/wear and tear

This type of damage is inevitable and, due to lime’s traditional appearance, it will often carry some wear and tear without need for repair, as it can fit in with the building’s character.

In many cases, impact damage can be solved easily with a patch repair using a matched plaster. However, in some scenarios, such as home upgrades, you may be left with holes in the walls for cabling, for example. This can be difficult to patch and may require an entire top layer of plaster to ensure an even finish.

Movement of other materials

Damage from other materials is particularly seen in ceilings, as they can become weakened as timbers flex and move or laths go soft or rot over time, for example. In situations where the structural

integrity of a ceiling is failing, it is often necessary to replace the materials.

Overpainting

Overpainting – particularly with paints that aren’t breathable – can cause lime plaster to become damaged. Removing these inappropriate paints is often easily done, and can help to recover the wall’s breathability. This will help you to get back to the surface of the lime plaster and assess any damage from there. You can often patch repair any bits of lime plaster at this point, before repainting with a breathable paint or limewash.

Salts

Salts can come out of the building’s masonry, and removing them entirely can be extremely difficult. If you notice a white crystal growth on the plaster, and the plaster is noticeably crumbling, the damage is most likely caused by salts.

Salts in the brickwork can crystalise near the surface and move when the wall is drying out. For example, if you’ve got a leaking gutter, salts can begin to move through the wall and damage the plaster inside. If your paint isn’t breathable, you may see it blistering or bubbling as the plaster beneath it crumbles.

Modern gypsum plasters can result in salt being present in masonry and cause degradation in older buildings. Lime plaster can avoid the presence of salt in masonry and be less affected than other types of plaster, as it allows moisture and salts to pass through – but a breathable paint or limewash is important.

When repairing salt damage, the first step is to cut off the cause of water – check the external pointing, monitor any leaks and repair guttering work. Then, it’s likely the plaster will need replacing.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR ADVICE WHEN SELECTING THE RIGHT SOLUTION FOR YOUR PROJECT FROM LIME GREEN PRODUCTS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY091

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SUSTAINABILITY

RUB OF THE GREEN Graham Wroe, Sales Director (Building & Distribution) at Knauf Insulation explains how to make sustainable products work for you ave you noticed your customers asking you more questions about sustainability lately?

Momentum for ‘green buildings’ has been building for decades, but we believe that 2021 will see a big shift in demand for sustainability on projects of all sizes.

Why? Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged major investment to make UK buildings greener and more energyefficient as the nation emerges from recession. The Green Homes Grant scheme is the latest initiative to grab the headlines, but there’ll be others to come.

Soon we’ll see major changes made to Part L of the Building Regulations, with standards expected to become much stricter in the pursuit of “world-leading levels of energy efficiency”.

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We all know that insulation makes homes more energy-efficient. It reduces the need to run boilers, heat pumps or air conditioning units, using less energy and cutting carbon emissions. Countless words have been written about the critical role insulation plays in creating greener buildings in this way.

But that’s not the only factor you need to consider when choosing insulation.

Even if they’d achieve exactly the same energy savings on a building, two different insulation products can have very different impacts on the environment.

Why? Because not all insulation is made the same. It’s not enough to consider the environmental impact insulation will have once installed – you have to factor in how it’s made, its embodied carbon and other factors that

determine its impact on the environment.

For builders, this broader view of sustainability will become increasingly important as the market changes. More than ever, your customers will rely on your expertise to help them achieve their sustainability goals. That, in turn, means you should expect closer scrutiny of the insulation you choose.

For example, you may face questions on the raw materials it is made from. How are they sourced? Do they use recycled material, or do they rely on depleting fossil fuels? For builders, there are insulation options that will allow you to give positive answers to these questions. Knauf Insulation Glass Mineral Wool products are made using up to 80 per cent recycled glass, which comes from used bottles and jars collected from local households.

Where it’s not possible to choose a product made with recycled content, builders should look for insulation made using rapidly renewable or naturally abundant materials, such as the stone used to manufacture Knauf Insulation Rock Mineral Wool insulation.

Another thing to consider is chemical additives. What else is in the insulation and what is the impact of those chemicals? Do they contain added formaldehyde or phenol and therefore

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potentially high levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful to health? No builder has the time to scrutinise every single detail of every product themselves, but there are shortcuts you can take to answer these questions, like reviewing certifications from trusted third parties.

For example, you can look for construction products certified for Indoor Air Comfort by Eurofins. Certified products have been tested to ensure they emit low levels of VOCs, and so contribute to a healthier indoor environment.

Products that meet the strictest

standards are awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort, such as those made with ECOSE Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol.

ECOSE Technology is also up to 70 per cent less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, which reflects another important aspect of product sustainability; the manufacturing process.

How is the insulation made, and what steps is the manufacturer taking to reduce the embodied carbon in its products?

Builders should look for manufacturers based in the UK to reduce road miles, and who have made firm and public plans to reduce carbon emissions. In our case at Knauf Insulation, we’ve published a sustainability report that tracks the work we’ve done so far to make our operations more efficient, alongside a series of ambitious commitments for 2025.

There are, of course, many other questions you may be asked about product sustainability. With discarded plastic packaging very visible to customers on site, for example, you may be asked about packaging waste. Again, manufacturer sustainability reports should cover what they’re doing to reduce packaging across their range.

In short, it’s essential to choose products from manufacturers who take sustainability seriously. Get it right, and it’s a win-win situation. Your customers will be assured their buildings are sustainable, and you’ll win higher-value contracts, and know you’re making a positive difference to the world.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON KNAUF INSULATION VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY092

Save time, make money all year with the reliable, easy to use and clean, pneumatically powered, vibration free Pnu-Point pointing tool.

sales@pnupoint.co.uk

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씰 builders’ vehicles

SMART MONEY Criminals are looking to use the pandemic as an opportunity to trick builders out of their money. Stay safe with these tips from Honest John Vans.

If you’ve never been scammed before it’s very easy to look at someone else who has been and be ever so slightly judgmental, because of course, ‘it will never happen to me’. Strangely enough, though, everybody who’s ever been scammed – or come close – thought the very same thing before it happened to them.

Reports of Coronavirus scams are on the rise, as criminals look to use the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity to trick tradespeople out of their van and/or their money. These are the latest tricks that are targeting builders in the UK.

Tax or compensation scam

BEWARE! SCAM AHEAD!

Fraudsters often start this trick with the opening line that you’re owed some compensation in relation tax or finance, including a bank loan or VAT payments. These tricks can be difficult to spot, with the criminal making a copy of the bank or HMRC website that makes the claim look legit.

These cloned websites can be very convincing, but the first giveaway is usually found in the web address (domain name or URL) which will not match that of the company or organisation it claims to represent. The email address will also come from a non-official host.

The safest option is to avoid opening any links from emails or texts that claim to offer a tax rebate or compensation. And trust that if it’s really important, your bank or HMRC will get in touch by post.

The ‘I have a buyer waiting for you’ trick Also called the ‘vehicle matching’ scam, this trick targets van sellers. The con will start with a phone call that will claim

someone is ready and waiting to buy your van – all you need to do is pay a fee (usually around £100) to complete the transaction (which will be refunded if the sale doesn’t happen).

Sounds great, right? Until, that is, the ‘buyer’ transpires to be a figment of someone’s imagination. And the cold caller disappears with your money. Aside from the money loss, the scammer is also given access to your bank details, which can lead to the possibility of a criminally depleted bank account.

These callers are trained in highpressure selling techniques, so never give money to anyone that’s cold called you.

Don’t give out your credit card details to anyone either.

The virtual vehicle scam The virtual vehicle scam is one of the most common types of used vehicle scams, so-called because the van you’re trying to buy doesn’t exist for sale and the

advert has been cloned from elsewhere.

In most cases, the advert will entice a buyer by advertising an in-demand make and model of van, with below-average mileage and a slightly below-average price tag – because scammers have learned that ‘too good to be true’ doesn’t fool many builders these days.

Once the scammer has opened up email dialogue, he or she will attempt to extract a large deposit, in various ways but always before you actually see the van. Once equipped with your bank or credit card details, the scammer can empty your accounts. And, of course, the van will never turn up.

Never transfer any money to anyone – no matter how pleasant they seem or legitimate their company appears – without having seen the van first. Likewise, never buy a van or pick-up that’s being sold from overseas – this is a classic scammer’s way of avoiding a viewing.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HONEST JOHN VANS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY093

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

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builders’ vehicles 씱

ALL THE RIGHT CONNECTIONS Beverley Wise, Sales & Marketing Director, Webfleet Solutions UKI, explains how the latest ‘connected van’ technology can help professional builders to work faster, smarter and safer.

With the latest van software solutions, you and your team can now check vehicle safety before you set off, assign jobs to drivers on-the-go, route them there avoiding traffic, monitor how they are driving on the road, record video footage if they have an accident, capture customer signatures for work once they arrive and automatically generate mileage expense reports once they’re back home.

It’s all out there, but the key to success is integrating it all in one place, so all your tech talks to each other and you only have one solution to handle – otherwise running lots of unconnected software in a business can actually slow you down.

A connected van solution, rooted in telematics software, will provide one hub, one interface and one easy way of accessing and running any software you invest in – saving time, money and resources.

Less fuel, better customer service With telematics technology, the daily workflow can be automatically loaded onto the in-vehicle devices, the sequence of customer visits optimised, and drivers routed directly to their destinations.

At the same time, automatic alerts advising customers of their arrival times can be sent via text or email.

If things change on the day (increased traffic or a change in the job schedule), orders can be easily and quickly reallocated to minimise disruption to the customer.

Telematics fuel data can be used to help improve routing, cutting down on

unnecessary mileage, as well as to reduce idling, and limiting fuel wastage. It can also be used to identify early opportunities to swap to more efficient fuel options, such as hybrid or EV vans.

Improve productivity Using the same telematics interface for data such as workflow management or accounting software – from the van to the back office – can dramatically streamline workflow and increase billable time.

Invoices can be generated automatically on mobile devices, with data passing to the vehicle and then onwards to the office, allowing for accurate invoices to be created and sent within minutes, eradicating the need for hard copies and boosting cash flow.

Reduce road risk By monitoring driving standards, such as speeding or harsh braking incidents, telematics solutions provide the insights needed to establish driver risk ratings and to target training where it is needed most.

They also empower drivers to adjust their driving style in real time via alerts on their in-cab terminals.

Control insurance costs Telematics integrations with on-board cameras mean that camera footage can help managers make informed assessments of why accidents occurred.

If the driver was at fault, training may be offered to improve performance. In other cases, the footage can help identify non-

fault incidents to minimise insurance pay outs and save on claims handling costs.

Working time visibility Drivers’ hours rules stipulate that no employee should drive for more than 10 hours or undertake 11 hours’ duty in any 24-hour period.

Coupled with digital planning tools, telematics data enables the hours that drivers spend behind the wheel to be monitored, helping managers to enforce regular break policies and keep their drivers safe.

Keep your vans on the road for longer Vehicle checks can be made by employees via an app on their telematics driver terminals at the start of each working day, with the results updated in the back office to ensure maintenance schedules are met, wear and tear reduced and unexpected off-road time minimised.

The latest fleet management apps can also be integrated into a telematics hub, meaning vehicle and driver information can all be managed in one place, ensuring that MOTs, services, licence checks and vehicle safety inspections are never missed.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON WEBFLEET SOLUTIONS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BY094

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builders’ vehicles new product round-up

TELEMATICS

A new connected-vehicle security system to monitor vans in real time via a smartphone is available with Ford. It notifies owner-operators and drivers via their smartphone of potential breaches in security through the manufacturer’s app for commercial vehicle operators, FordPass Pro. Guard Mode employs sensors to detect when someone enters the vehicle, opens the bonnet or load compartment, or starts the engine. It then sends a notification to the owner’s smartphone using the vehicle’s FordPass Connect modem.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY095

ZERO EMISSIONS

The new Peugeot e-Partner joins the existing zero emissions e-Expert van.

There’s a range of up to 171 miles/275km (WLTP), from a 50kWh lithium-ion battery connected to a 100kW (136hp) electric motor. The LCV is capable of maximum speeds of up to 80 mph/129km/h and achieves 0-60 mph in 11.2s with a maximum torque of 260 Nm. Two types of on-board chargers are available; a 7.4 kW single-phase charger as standard and an optional 11 kW three-phase charger.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY096

FULLY ELECTRIC VAN

A zero emissions vehicle that doesn’t compromise in terms of its capabilities, is how Citroën describes its new ë-Berlingo Van. The fully electric van features a range of up to 171 miles, load capacity of up to 4.4m3 and a maximum payload of up to 800kg. Powered is derived from a 50kWh battery and a 100kw (136hp) electric motor, with an 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY097

PICK-UP

The Ford Ranger MSRT combines a motorsport-inspired appearance with a premium specification and unique, handfinished detailing, offering customers a high-end, street-focused version of Europe’s best-selling pick-up.

The new vehicle is derived from the Ranger Wildtrak, sharing its generous equipment list and one-tonne payload. The exterior includes 20in. OZ Racing alloy wheels, extended wheel arches and sculpted side skirts.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY098

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EURO NCAP

A maximum five-star safety rating has been awarded to the Isuzu DMax in the tough new Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) test. The vehicle is fitted with a wide range of safety features, including a comprehensive ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist Systems) package. This includes Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Limiter and Lane Departure Warning & Prevention System.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY099

GOLD MEDAL

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Transporter T6.1 has been awarded a Euro NCAP gold medal.

Safety and assistance functions include Lane Assist and Front Assist with City Emergency Braking function all the way to Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with speed limiter. In the UK in 2017, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles became the first van manufacturer to fit Autonomous Emergency Braking systems as standard on all new vans.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY100

VAUXHALL COMBO

With a range of up to 171 miles (WLTP) from a single charge, the new Vauxhall Combo-e is an ideal companion for business and private users after a zero emissions van. Featuring a 100kW (136hp) electric motor and 50kW battery, the new Comboe supports up to 100kW rapid charging with an 80 per cent charge completed in 30 minutes. Longer, L2H1 variants of the Combo-e feature a maximum load volume of 4.4m3 and a maximum load length of up to 3,440mm.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY101

VEHICLE SAFETY

Brigade Electronics has launched a new indicator warning alarm to alert vulnerable road users when a vehicle is turning. The bbs-TI, which is installed on the nearside of the vehicle, will synchronise an audible warning alarm with the indicator lights when activated, alerting vulnerable road users to a vehicle’s intention to turn. There’s both a visual and audible vehicle turning warning.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY102

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ADE’S TOP WINDOW & DOOR TIPS

No. 24

! ’ L L A C ‘ S ’ N A I ADR

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

A little effort and knowledge is all that is needed to make significantly more profit out of the windows and doors you install for your customers. And they will thank you for it too!

There was a time when anyone with a house with brightly painted windows was regarded as a little whacky, perhaps even eccentric. And whilst very few frames that we send out are painted bright pink, almost half of all the windows and doors that we make now are painted or foiled. In other words, this is what homeowners want these days.

Of course, there are always those that just want white, bog standard made-down-to-a-price for everything.

But most people like to lavish care and attention on the most important possession they will ever have: their home. And it’s a mistake to underestimate this, especially if by offering them something much more than the basics, they will be happier with what you do for them – and it will increase your profits too!

The costs of installing a standard window are the same as installing one with colour and all the trimmings. So, by learning about the options that your window and door supplier offers, such as colour, hardware, openers, glass…when discussing options with your customers you can make sure that they know all of the choices available to them – and my experience is that they will choose upgrades every time – it’s a no brainer!

The point is that your customers are improving their homes and, especially as we are all spending far more of our lives living, working, learning, exercising and entertaining ourselves in our homes, we want them to be the best they can possible be.

And it’s the details that count. All

extras come with an added benefit, whether it’s aesthetics, enhanced security or improved weather performance and insulation.

Bear in mind that most homeowners you deal with are making a huge investment in the work you are doing for them and the windows and doors are one of the most distinctive parts of that work.

They will be constantly operating the doors and windows so as well as the way they look, the way they feel and work is also important. Improved hardware will be nicer to operate as well as providing peace of mind – read satisfaction – because your customers feel better protected.

If your customer lives on a busy road, suggest special sound insulation glass or perhaps even triple glazing; if they are south facing, suggest solar control glass; if they live in a high crime area, suggest laminated; and with glass roofs and roof lights, make sure they choose self-cleaning. And actually, a combination of these benefits is usually possible.

Not every window and door

Flush sash frames cost a little more but owners are happy to be presented with an alternative to standard casements

Homeowners are back in love with aluminium. A little more expensive perhaps but an increasingly popular option

supplier can offer a wide range of features or, if they do, may not have the information to allow you to learn about them and pass the information on to your customers. Self-education is the key. But a good fabricator will help with advice, marketing collateral and other support if needs be.

The net result is, by ensuring your customer has features and benefits that they will thank you for, you will also make more money. I think that is what is known as a win-win!

ADE’S TEA-BREAK TEASER

A professional builder drives to site. On his way he passes a farm, in the first field he counts 10 haystacks, in the next field along he counts 5 haystacks, and in the third field he counts twice as many haystacks as the first and second field collectively. If the farmer puts all the haystacks together, what is the total number of haystacks he will have?

Turn to Page 5 for the answer FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON QUICKSLIDE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY103

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wise howell

Advertisement index Actis Insulation ...................................................................... (page 44)

We’ve been living with Coronavirus

Andreas Stihl Ltd .................................................................. (page 59)

pandemic restrictions for a year now.

Buckbootz .............................................................................. (page 24)

Zoom calls have become common.

Dakera ...................................................................................... (page 19)

Most of us had never heard of Zoom this

Dulux Trade .............................................................................. (page 8)

time last year, but now everyone knows about it, and

Eclisse UK ................................................................................ (page 21)

many of us have even been on our first Zoom calls.

Everbuild Building Products Ltd ........................................ (page 51)

In fact, one of the few advantages of the lockdown has been the opportunity to peek inside other peoples’ homes.

Unlike builders, many other professions have been able to work from home. In fact, working from home has become so common that there’s even an abbreviation for it – “WFH”.

This means that all manner of people have been appearing on the TV and radio, broadcasting from their kitchens or spare bedrooms. We get to see their bookshelves, their exercise bikes, and their suspiciously prominent musical instrument collections.

Also suspicious is how tidy everyone’s home-broadcasting space seems to be. Where are the piles of dirty washing-up, or the wet laundry hanging on clothes-drying racks? I guess if I were being interviewed on TV I would probably make sure these weren’t in shot, too.

What’s most notable for me, though, is how many people are broadcasting from their loft conversions.

Politicians, actors, university lecturers – there they all are, faces illuminated by the ghostly white glow from their laptop cameras, sitting in front of those characteristic sloping ceilings and roof windows. And the pyramid-shaped bookshelves that every loft dweller curses when they are trying to fit them.

Even that national treasure Test Match Special was being broadcast from a loft conversion, during the recent Sri Lanka vs

England Test Series. The TMS team were unable to travel abroad to do their normal role, but had to commentate on the TV pictures that were beamed into them.

Jonathan Agnew admitted that he had been commentating from his loft conversion office, wearing pyjamas and dressing gown, at 4 in the morning.

I love loft conversions. As every builder knows, a loft conversion is the easiest and cheapest way of adding extra habitable space to a house. After all, the external structure is already in place, and all you have to do is insulate it and fit out the inside. Give or take a few roof windows, and hopefully a permitted-development dormer window or two.

If anything good comes out of this lockdown year, maybe it will be more clients thinking about adding extra rooms by developing their roof spaces.

I know there are plenty of builders already “specialising” in loft conversions. But the skills are not particularly specialised.

Carpentry, roofing, plastering and electrics.

The only downside to a loft conversion – and I am sitting in one as I write this – is that when your loft has become a couple of bedrooms, you have nowhere to stash your junk.

So maybe enterprising loft builders could offer a sideline in garden shed construction, too.

Jeff Howell

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

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Federation of Master Builders .......................................... (page 26) Freefoam Plastics UK Ltd .................................................. (page 40) Hilton Banks Ltd .................................................................... (page 18) Kyocera-Senco UK Ltd ................................................ (pages 70,71) Made for Trade...................................................................... (page 33) Made for Trade .................................................................... (page 35) Made for Trade...................................................................... (page 37) Makita (UK) Ltd ...................................................................... (page 56) Marley Ltd .............................................................................. (page 52) Marmox UK Ltd...................................................................... (page 49) Mascot International Ltd .................................................... (page 67) Pnu-Point Ltd .......................................................................... (page 77) Polybound................................................................................ (page 31) Quickslide ................................................................................ (page 5) Rocket Door Frames ...................................................... (back cover) Royd Tool Group .................................................................. (page 65) rdr.link ...................................................................................... (page 46) RWC Ltd .......................................................................... (pages 42,43) Safeguard Europe Ltd ........................................................ (page 24) Saniflo Ltd ................................................................................ (page 4) Snickers Workwear ................................................................ (page 6) Soudal (UK) Ltd .................................................................... (page 29) Tembe DIY Products Ltd .................................................... (page 63) Tesco Mobile ........................................................ (inside front cover) Thunderbolt............................................................................ (page 58) Toolfair Exhibition.................................................................. (page 16) Tufftruk Ltd ............................................................................ (page 69) TuffX Processed Glass Ltd ................................................ (page 47) Ubbink UK Ltd ...................................................................... (page 40) Vauxhall Motors Ltd .............................................................. (page 13) Webfleet Solutions .............................................................. (page 27) YBS Ltd.................................................................................... (page 46)

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GOOD HEALTH NO.20 HERNIA

Let’s talk about

HERNIAS...

THIS MONTH, GP ALICE FITZGIBBON EXAMINES THE DIAGNOSIS, SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HERNIA.

Lots of people have heard of hernias, and know they can relate to “having a lump”. So, what is a hernia? All of our internal organs are kept in place by muscles and tissue. A hernia happens when, due to a weakness in the muscle or tissue, part of an internal organ can push through the structures that normally keep it in place. This might be the lump that you can feel. Sometimes the lump can disappear when lying down and be more prominent when you are standing up, coughing or straining. Often you can push them and they disappear too – this is called a “reducible hernia”.

Hernias most commonly happen between the chest and the hips. There are several different types including inguinal hernia (most common), femoral hernia, umbilical hernia and incisional hernia to name a few. There are other types of hernia too, but these happen less commonly. This article will cover the common hernias which may present as a lump you can feel in the groin or around the tummy.

Inguinal hernias occur most commonly in men.

They present often with a painless or mildly uncomfortable lump in the groin. This is caused by a muscle weakness allowing a small part of the bowel to poke through. The lump may come and go. It is related to getting older and activity related to straining (straining increases the pressure on the inside of the body and makes the hernia pop out more).

Femoral hernias are more commonly seen in women. They are similar to inguinal hernias in terms of cause.

They also occur in the groin but in a slightly different position to inguinal hernias.

Umbilical hernias occur around the belly button. These are often seen in babies and are due to the tummy muscles not fully closing over yet, which allows bowel or fatty tissue to protrude.

They often get better with time. Adults can also develop these due to repeated straining.

Incisional hernias can occur at the site of an operation if the muscles or tissues to not fully heal. This weak point allows a hernia to form.

So, are hernias a cause for concern? In some situations they can be. As mentioned before, many hernias can often be pushed back into place or reduced. This is a good sign. If a hernia

cannot be pushed back at all, there is potential the tissue or bowel can get stuck, cutting off its blood supply or causing a blockage. This is an emergency.

The signs to look out for in this case would be: 씰The hernia getting bigger, being discoloured, firm or tender and unable to be reduced 씰 Sudden onset, severe pain 씰 Vomiting 씰 Difficultly in passing wind or a bowel motion If you have a hernia and any of these symptoms it is important to seek medical help ASAP as an operation is often needed to help relieve blockage.

If you think you have a hernia or discover a new lump you should see your GP. The GP will be able to examine you to find out what the lump is. Some hernias need to be referred for investigation – normally an ultrasound scan – and may need to be fixed through a minor operation via either keyhole or open surgery. Not all hernias are suitable for fixing, and not all require an operation. The type of hernia and its impact, along with the health of the person who has it, will influence who is offered surgery. It is perfectly possible to have a hernia without it causing any problems long term.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HERNIAS FROM THE NHS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BY105

PROFESSIONAL BUILDER’S HEALTH COLUMN HAS PROVED TIMELY ADVICE FOR ONE OF OUR READERS: “My dad read the health page of your magazine a number of months ago and the feature was about cancer. He recognised some of the symptoms and was eventually diagnosed with bladder cancer. I’m happy to let you know that he has a very good prognosis after months of chemo. There’s still more chemo and radiotherapy to go but it is highly likely that the reason he caught it early is because of your magazine. I just wanted to say thank you!”

Kate Corfield

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