Professional Builder October 2021 by Hamerville Media Group

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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

TOOLS, EQUIPMENT & WORKWEAR

OCTOBER 2021

HEATING, PLUMBING & WETROOMS MORE INNOVATIONS IN THE PIPELINE!

THRILLS AND DRILLS!

E TO FRESHEN NOW IS THE TIM OX – UP YOUR TOOLB RN OF WITH THE RETU PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

TOOLFAIR 2021

POWER TOOLS

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HAND TOOLS

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BUILDING EQUIPMENT

Full Details inside... TAKE A BREAK WITH THE BOSCH GBH 18V-45 C CORDLESS ROTARY HAMMER BITURBO WITH SDS MAX

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contents

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

OCTOBER 2021 VOL. 43 NO.9 @PB_mag

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REGULARS 7 9 11 12 27 97 99

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

In it to win it...

HEALTH & SAFETY 24 NEW PRODUCTS

SPECIAL REPORTS 14 Readers’ Lives – Lady in Red 16 Future Building Materials Part Two 19 Training & Upskilling – Parex 22 Recommend & Share App

GENERAL BUILDING 74 75 76 79 81 92 93 95

NEW PRODUCTS Tibby Singh Reviews WD40 Bond It – Fire Foams Geocel – ecoSEAL Sika Everbuild – EB25 Marley – Moisture Damage Tackle it with Thompson’s Knauf Insulation – Rainscreen Cladding 97 Trade Media – Round-up

MASONRY MATERIALS

37 TOOLS, EQUIPMENT & WORKWEAR 30 Makita – Tools for Plasterers 33 Bosch Professional World 37 Vert Technologies – Compact Compressor 43 Mirka – Sanding and Abrasives 47 Festool on Tour 48 Werner – Ladder Maintenance 50 Mascot – New Workwear 52 Norton Clipper – Latest Blades 55 Faithfull Tools – LED Lighting 56 NEW PRODUCTS

61 HEATING, PLUMBING & WETROOMS

58 RWC – Developments in Push-fit 61 Worcester Bosch – Heating New Builds 65 Training for Plumbers and Heating Engineers 68 tepeo – Zero Emissions Boiler (ZEB) 70 Mira Celebrates 100th Year 72 NEW PRODUCTS

84 Marshalls – Permeable Paving 86 Anderton Concrete – Precast Concrete Shuttering

DOORS & WINDOWS 82 Eclisse – Pocket Door Systems 96 Quickslide – Supply Chain Challenges

BUILDERS VEHICLES 87 Honest John – Ford Transit Connect 88 Ford – Transit Custom 90 Iveco Daily – Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

PROFESSIONAL BUILDER OCTOBER 2021 3

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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 GRAPHIC DESIGNER DONNA BOOTH GROUP PRODUCTION MANAGER CAROL PADGETT PRODUCTION ASSISTANT CLAIRE SWENDELL DIGITAL MANAGER JASMINE SMITH EMAIL: jsmith@hamerville.co.uk DISTRIBUTION MANAGER KARL CLARK PRINTED BY WALSTEAD PETERBOROUGH PUBLISHED BY HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF Tel: (01923) 237799 Fax: (01923) 246901 Email: pb@hamerville.co.uk

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

viewpoint A MASSIVE SCHOOLBOY (AND GIRL) ERROR! So, there it was, some uplifting news at long last. Against all the odds, closed classrooms, home schooling and isolation to name but a few, the recent round of GCSE and A-Level pass rates were off the scale yet again. Which can only mean one thing, right? That the nation’s students are clearly becoming brighter with each passing year, and that our education system is of the highest calibre right across the board? Well, not exactly. In fact, you don’t have to be Einstein to work out that something is not quite adding up here. Whilst the now customary scenes of unbridled joy and weeping (and that’s just the parents) were being played out across the nation last month, there were thousands upon thousands of unseen and largely ignored young people left behind in the celebrations. Lacking the necessary passports to the promised land of further education, they have good reason to feel horribly let down by a system which continues to snobbishly place academia above all other career options. “Oh well,” we hear the familiarly self-satisfied refrain, “they can always become a plumber, builder or electrician. After all, the country is crying out for more apprentices to train as tradespeople”. If only “We will never properly address the skills it were that simple, of course. shortages in the construction industry until Go back a couple of apprenticeships are regarded as a genuine generations and you will see where it all started to go wrong career aspiration rather than a default for so many less academically position for perceived academic failure” gifted students and why, if real action is not taken very quickly, we will never even begin to address the serious on-going problem of skills shortages within the construction sector, one which consistently undermines every potential upturn in economic fortunes. Those of a certain age will almost certainly be able to recall like it was yesterday the sheer sense of wonder and excitement of being let loose for the first time in a fully equipped school workshop. Here, in a world of sawdust and swarf, far removed from the dreary classrooms of blackboards and books, a multitude of practical tasks would be undertaken, all under the watchful eye of a most likely seasoned ex pro who had quite literally come in from the cold. Back in the early seventies it was not unusual to have more than ten workshops at a single school teaching woodwork, metalwork, engineering, plastering, plumbing, painting, & decorating, and carpentry & joinery. Pupils not even into their teens regularly used lathes, shaping and milling machines and items that they had cast in the foundry, which meant pouring molten metal into moulds. Common sense, respect and discipline was the order of the day and accidents were extremely rare – in fact, the biggest risk was a clip round the ear for not paying sufficient attention to the instructions. Those with a clear practical basis were quickly fast tracked to more ambitious projects, and many of these pupils invariably went on to pursue a career in construction or engineering and, in time, graduated to running highly successful businesses of their own. By the eighties, of course, the all-embracing title of Handiwork Skills was replaced by the more on trend Technical Studies and then Design and Technology where the practical aspect began to diminish with much more emphasis on the theoretical. Invariably, workshops began to surrender to relentless demand for extra classroom space and the obsessive drive to academic achievement. Fast forward three decades and we are constantly asking ourselves why everyone under thirty-five is absolutely hopeless at DIY. Millions of young men haven’t a clue how to do simple household tasks, be it rewiring a plug or bleeding a radiator. The nation, it is said, has fallen out of love with DIY but, with hindsight, so many never had the opportunity to become enamoured in the first place. It’s hardly rocket science that so many young people now prefer to extend the prospect of the warm, sanitised, environment of the classroom to the unfamiliar and daunting prospect of getting their hands dirty on a cold damp building site, which even in these more enlightened times has never exactly been a place for mollycoddled shrinking violets. How could you possibly begin to comprehend that you might have a real penchant for the practical when your school environment is geared so exclusively to the classroom? Surely, it’s a lesson in real “old school thinking” which the Government urgently needs to put back on its own curriculum by next term at the earliest.

PROFESSIONAL BUILDER OCTOBER 2021 7

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News Professional Builder

FULL ‘SALE’ AHEAD

SMALL MERCIES

statistics and calls for more consistent and accessible support for workers in smaller firms. YOU CAN VIEW THE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING RESEARCH AT VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE001

IN THE DRINK

The latest report from the BMF’s Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) confirms Q2 2021 as the best performing quarter on record, for sales through GB builders’ merchants. Total builders’ merchant’s sales in Q2 2021 increased by an astonishing +96.0 per cent over Q2 2020. While this reflects the severe adverse impact of the initial Covid lockdown, looking further back the BMBI figures show Q2 2021 merchant sales increasing by +20.3 per cent against Q2 2019. All categories sold more in Q2 2021 compared with the same period in both of the last two years, whilst sales in Q2 2021 were also 24.1 per cent higher than in Q1 of this year. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE004

AlcoDigital is urging employers to take action on alcohol misuse “Breathalysers and other testing devices have become increasingly user friendly over recent years,” argues Suzannah Robin. “In addition, alcohol interlocks can be used on construction site equipment, preventing them from starting until a negative breath test has been registered.” A 2020 study revealed workers in the trades and construction have the highest rates of drink-drive convictions of all occupations in the UK. Moreover, the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) has reported that one third of construction workers have witnessed a colleague under the influence of drugs or alcohol on site. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE002

A Change for the better

Did you catch our own Tibby Singh on prime time TV last month?

Professional Builder’s resident product tester is an integral part of the revamped Changing Rooms team and imparting expert advice and practical expertise on a range of carpentry challenges. A man of many parts he has promised not to come over all showbiz to his many followers! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE003

ALL KITTED OUT

Construction equipment sales were more than 70 per cent ahead in the first half of the year Retail sales of construction and earthmoving equipment showed further strong growth in June, and were 75 per cent ahead of the levels seen in the same month last year. As a result, sales in Q2 were more than double the levels seen last year and reached over 10,000 units during the quarter. For the first half of the year, sales were over 18,000 units, and are 73 per cent ahead of the levels seen in the first half of last year. Telehandlers experienced the strongest growth with mini and midi excavators remaining the most popular equipment type by a significant margin. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE005

PROFESSIONAL BUILDER OCTOBER 2021 9

CITB’s report, Mental Health And Construction: A Consistent Approach, is described as the most comprehensive study conducted on mental health and self-harm within construction. The report identifies opportunities for industry to address shortcomings and improve wellbeing for workers. It cites working away from home, heavy workloads, long working hours, and job insecurity as exacerbating factors in construction’s shocking suicide

New research from CITB urges more help for smaller firms in addressing mental health

Record quarter for building material sales

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News Professional Builder

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CUSTOM DICTATES EFFICIENCY DRIVE

Unlocking small sites will be key to helping custom build revolution, says FMB

Installers urged to offer water efficiency advice during home improvement boom

The Government must back proposals to help the custom and self-build sector, as part of moves to diversity the housing market, said the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), in response to the publication of the Bacon Review. “We must reverse the decline in SME house builders,” declares Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, “who deliver great homes, of high quality, in the places people want to live. 56 per cent of FMB house builder members build only as contractors, and the majority build to the designs, and specifications of a consumer. The biggest constraint they face is access to viable small sites on which to build.”

Water Regs UK is reminding installers to keep water efficiency front of mind when advising homeowners about bathroom makeovers. There’s an array of products and measures that can help make homes become more water efficient, but the Water Regs UK research showed that many people are unaware that some of them even exist. These include taps with aerators that use less water, cistern displacement devices, insulating pipework to prevent leaks, using greywater or rainwater to flush your toilet, and shower flow limiters.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE006

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE008

KNEELSMART, KNEELSAFE

Manufacturer issues call to action over kneepad usage

ToughBuilt is calling for greater awareness of the need for adequate knee protection to protect the nation's workforce. Its ‘KneelSmart, KneelSafe' campaign aims to highlight the important role products like kneepads can play in preventing work related injuries and in reducing lost work days. HSE statistics lists the construction industry as being an area where work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD), which include problems such as back, shoulder and knee pain – and are the leading cause of lost working days in the UK – as being particularly prevalent. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE009

BRINGING HOME THE BACON

Bacon Review identifies custom and selfbuild as ‘missing market’ According to the National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA) the reports helps show what could be delivered when those living in new homes have real choice over their design and specification. Evidence from self-builders reveals that they lead in the use of modern methods of construction and the adoption of greener technologies. The study supports community-led housing, the raising of the awareness of Right to Build, and help for custom and self-build house building through planning reforms. FOR FURTHER DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE007

10 OCTOBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

GARDEN VARIETY

Band of Builders transforms Andy Dickson’s garden who was left severely injured in nearfatal car accident There was an emotional handover over a newly remodelled garden to a Glasgow man left with serious injuries after a horror car crash. Andy Dickson, from Lennoxtown, was involved in a near-fatal car accident in October 2014, leaving him with extensive injuries including a crushed hip and pelvis, as well as breaking all of his ribs and causing internal injuries. Thanks to the efforts of Band of Builders volunteers, he can now finally enjoy his garden again. Over three days, the team carried out jobs including: levelling and re-laying the lawn; creating a small patio area; relaying flooring in the kitchen and installing a ramp from the back garden into the kitchen. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE010

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YOUR LETTERS... ...problems solved

STATE OF TRADE

The organisation’s State of Trade Survey confirms activity remains firmly above pre-coronavirus levels, but material cost inflation remains a prominent feature, and supply-side constraints were seen as a key concern. In 2021 Q2, nearly two-thirds of heavy side manufacturers and 44 per cent of light side manufactures reported that sales had increased compared to Q1. With demand in private housing and private housing repair, maintenance and improvement expected to be sustained by both government stimulus and increased appetite for properties with more outdoor and office/study space, 67 per cent of light side firms expected a rise in product sales in the year ahead. FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE011

ON THE GAS

Baxi Heating responds positively to the publication of the Hydrogen Strategy from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). “This important document details the role and vision for clean hydrogen deployment at scale in the UK,” comments Jeff House, Head of External Affairs at Baxi Heating. “We welcome the government’s assurance hydrogen can be made as safe as natural gas.” Baxi Heating, as part of BDR Thermea Group, is at the forefront of developing clean heating solutions, including hydrogen boilers, with its work on the Hy4Heat project – and associated demonstration sites in the UK – showing its technical feasibility. FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE012 © Tomasz Sajda/Adobe Stock

HIGHLY RATED

Rated People supports government plans to increase grants to replace gas boilers “It’s great to hear that the government is looking to quadruple the budget for the Clean Heat Grant,” enthuses Adrienne Minster, CEO of Rated People. “The average cost of an air source heat pump is around £10,000 and price remains a big barrier for homeowners looking to lower their carbon footprint. This grant of up to £7,000 will go a long way to helping many move to a cleaner energy solution.” FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE013

Recovery well underway but material cost and supply concerns mount, reveals the Construction Products Association (CPA)

ELECTRIC AVENUE

Dear Professional Builder

I’m in the market for a new van and have been giving some serious consideration to an electric model but their price does seem to be still quite prohibitive. I understand that there’s an argument that you’ll be saving money on fuel – and congestion charging and so on – but even taking that into consideration I can’t see how you wouldn’t be out of pocket compared to a diesel. I also still don’t see that many charging points in my area either and nobody seems to know what the residual values will be like? I’d be interested to hear from any other builders who owns an electric commercial vehicle, and what their experiences have been? I’ve been leaning towards electric because I’m quite confused by what the ban on diesel and petrol vehicles will mean for van operators, to be honest. ● James Turvey, Chester, Cheshire PB: It is true that more needs to be done to develop the infrastructure to support electric vehicles, but the available driving range has come on quite considerably in recent years. There are any number of arguments for and against EVs but, as when buying any van, it’s about looking carefully at the kind of work you do, the mileage, and the tools and equipment you carry and making a judgement from there. Honest John Vans recently took a more detailed look at the implications for builders from the diesel and petrol ban in 2030 and you can take a look at that feature on the Professional Builder website via the link below: FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE014

ON ROUTER Dear Professional Builder

I understand that a power tool manufacturer has just launched a cordless router but I’m not sure which one. Could you point me in the right direction? ● Nigel Treadwell, Rochester, Kent PB: We certainly can, Nigel. The 36V HiKOKI Power Tools

cordless brushless router is actually a world first and you can read all about it by using the link below: FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE015

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DI-WHY?

If you’ve got a DI-WHY? disaster you want to share visit the Professional Builder website where you can also view the latest entrants. You can also send your images to pb@hamerville.co.uk or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. With Joe Public experiencing an extended sojourn at home over the past eighteen months the pandemic has generated an unprecedented interest in home improvement. Suddenly that home office or children’s playroom is not just a vague aspiration but virtually a necessity, and some have been tempted to take on the work themselves. Professional Builder’s DI-

WHY? feature is a cautionary tale that all but the most basic repair, maintenance and improvement works are best left to the nation’s army of highly skilled tradespeople. There’s more to see on the Professional Builder website and if you’ve been asked to come to a client’s rescue then you can share your experiences with us via social media or email.

m! Good use of gaffer tape and foa r itte Tw on @JamesB177

SHOCKING!! @Shes_ElectricUK on Twitter

This was left as a finish. Further inspection from us found there wasn’t one single tile nailed on this full roof. @MyroofcareL

SHARE YOUR PICS! IF YOU’VE GOT A DI-WHY? DISASTER YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH YOUR FELLOW TRADESPEOPLE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE016

@plasterer_mj on Twitter

YOU CAN ALSO SEND YOU PHOTOS TO PB@HAMERVILLE.CO.UK OR TAG US ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER, OR INSTAGRAM.

@probuilderonline

12 OCTOBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

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SPECIAL REPORT READERS’ LIVES

LADY IN RED Naima Ben-Moussa of Lady in Red Plastering is wielding a hawk and trowel as a force for good. Professional Builder’s Lee Jones talks to the plasterer about the vital voluntary work she has carried out for the sufferers of domestic abuse.

he experience of the pandemic has revealed just how important local tradespeople can be, not just to their own clients but to whole communities. There have been numerous tales of builders undertaking often small but cherished acts of kindness that have shone a light admist dark times, but for Naima Ben Moussa an encounter with a domestic abuse victim has made her determined to put her building skills to good use, and the Derbyshire-based plasterer is now intent on continuing to help others. “I met a woman whose home had suffered terrible damage from her abusive partner, and what she was going through was simply heart-breaking,” recalls Naima. “The only money she had was from benefits, which was never going to recover the repairs, so I started a fundraiser. The response we had was incredible and we’ve since improved her domestic space considerably.” In age of social media, Naima’s selfless support quickly found a receptive and admiring audience, and she has subsequently featured in national newspapers and broadcast outlets, including the Daily Mail and BBC Radio 2. As a result, she has now raised over £60,000, which has meant that more women in a similar situation have been able to benefit from her combination of benevolence and proficiency in plastering. “There are so many women in a similar situation and the next step is to get companies and organisations on board who can help drive the whole thing forward,” she continues. “At the same

14 OCTOBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

time, we want to raise some of the issues around domestic abuse and give sufferers the confidence to ask for help.” Naima is now working to set up a registered charity and develop a network of tradespeople who want to help. “The level of support we’ve already received is not something we really anticipated,” confesses the 36-year-old spreader, “but

it’s now an opportunity.” Naima’s determination to turn her skills as a tradesperson to good use is reflected in an equal resolve to become a plasterer. Like many aspiring builders her career progression in the industry was curtailed when, in the spring of 2020, lockdown brought the shutters down on much of our society. She has, however, doggedly

“I’ve managed to keep going throughout the pandemic period as a consequence. It has undoubtedly been challenging at times, and I have been subject to some negative and outdated attitudes, but I like to think I am quite a tough character when it comes to things like that. Now that I have my own business, I feel that I’m in a position where I can carve out my own space.”

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Naima Ben-Moussa with British Gypsum Training Academy Manager, Iain Lewis

pursued her ambitions, and has since set up her own business, Lady in Red Plastering, which began trading in March of this year. Whilst women have made tentative inroads into some construction professions, a female presence in the wet trades is still a rare commodity, but Naima was inspired by positive experiences of working on site with her step father and, although she’s encountered some barriers since, the 36 year old has fulfilled her building industry aspirations. “It was difficult to get a job at first, but I was indebted to Andrew Rogers of A P Rogers Plastering for giving me a chance,” Naima explains. “He’s a wonderful plasterer and I’ve learnt a lot from him, and I’ve managed to keep going throughout the pandemic period as a consequence. It has undoubtedly been challenging at times, and I have been subject to some negative and outdated attitudes, but I like to think I am quite a tough character when it comes to things like that. Now that I have my own business, I feel that I’m in a position where I can carve out my own space.” “At the same time, it has been a positive journey and hopefully I can inspire others to consider the building trades as a viable option. I do struggle to think of myself as a role model, to be honest, but when I appeared on BBC Radio I did get women reaching out to me who were interested in the trades, and I have tried to point them in the right direction. On a personal level my own dream is to master some of the more decorative skills, such as Venetian plastering and, once I have more experience, that is a path I want to pursue. Whether is with my business, or in the charitable works, I am determined to make it happen, and I’m certainly not giving up.” IF YOU WANT TO GET IN TOUCH WITH NAIMA BEN MOUSSA OF LADY IN RED PLASTERING, AND GET INVOLVED IN HER CHARITABLE WORKS, THEN VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE017

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SPECIAL REPORT FUTURE BUILDING MATERIALS

A MATERIAL In part two of our feature on the building materials of the future Professional Builder looks at the potential of graphene in the construction industry.

t is 200 times stronger than steel but – at just one atom thick – one of the thinnest materials known to science. Add to that excellent heat and electrical conductivity and it’s no wonder that graphene has been greeted as a wonder material. Today, a number of companies are eager to exploit these properties in building materials, with a recent partnership between specialists at the University of Manchester and a contractor promising to advance its use in concrete. “The Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) is dedicated to translating research from the academic world into practical real-world products,” explains GEIC Application Manager, Dr Craig Dawson. “An indication of how serious the prospects for the materials are taken is in the levels of investment involved, with the nation’s two major institutions for the advancement of the material, the National Graphene Institute, and the GEIC sharing a budget of over £120 million.” The Centre also runs a European Regional Development Fund project called Bridging the Gap, through which contractors and manufacturers can access the latest thinking on graphene. Through

Concrete blocks in the GEIC lab

16 OCTOBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

The GEIC team at the Amesbury site (L to R): Craig Dawson (Application Manager), Happiness Ijije (Application Specialist), Lisa Scullion (Application Manager)

that initiative, and with the help of an Innovate UK award, Nationwide Engineering and the GEIC were able to score one of graphene’s most recent successes in the construction sector with Concretene, an additive product that has given Craig’s team the opportunity to determine if the material can really achieve what academic papers claim. The project has seen grapheneenhanced Concretene used for the floor of a new gym in Amesbury, Wiltshire. The additional properties gained by engineering graphene into the concrete

The Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) is based at the University of Manchester

meant that the builders were able to eliminate the need for steel reinforcement in the floor slab, saving on both the price of the steel itself but also the associated labour in laying it. Due to the small amount of graphene needed to provide those performance gains – approximately 0.01 per cent by volume of concrete laid – Nationwide Engineering claim Concretene can deliver savings of 10 – 20 per cent, depending on project size. Moreover, construction firms need no additional equipment or training to use the product. Craig Continues: “The goal was to be as non-disruptive as possible at the point of use, so that site workers would not have to change their processes in any way. As a consequence, the graphene was introduced at a batching plant as an admixture to the ready mixed concrete and then poured and worked in the normal way.” The benefits do not end with graphene’s green credentials either. Whilst the volume of concrete at the Amesbury job was reduced by 25 per

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WORLD

cent, there is already evidence of increases in flexibility, as well as tensile and compression strength, whilst researchers are equally anticipating improvements in durability. Sensors installed in the floor will provide further data and allow the team to monitor its performance over the long term. The Nationwide Engineering experience is now just one of many avenues for graphene in construction, with pre-cast and concrete shuttering another possible application, particularly in relation to the gains that could be made in the speed of de-moulding. Any structural usage will, of course, demand significant accreditation, but it is again an active area of research and development. Concretene is, for instance, currently undergoing BBA and CE accreditation through the BRE for use with internationally recognised structural and civil engineering design codes. Today, graphene can be bought commercially in relatively large quantities,

New Series NO.2

with some of the largest makers in capable of producing 100s of tonnes in powder form per annum, although the quality of the finished product does vary. There are two broad methods for its manufacture – either ‘exfoliated’ from graphite or where carbon is extracted from a gas and then deposited as graphene as a substrate, with the former being considerably more cost effective. At the same time a separate method of producing graphene from waste materials – such as from the plastics industry – is

"Given that graphene is supplied as a powder, there’s no reason why it couldn’t be introduced to products like bagged cement in the future – it is that range of applications that makes it such an exciting area of research.”

beginning to become a viable option, which is clearly good news from the point of view of the circular economy. Furthermore, because graphene exhibits impressive strength gains, it is hoped it could be put to use with recycled materials, in order to reduce the amount of primary material that is used in the manufacture of building products, and the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre is already working with a producer of recycled aggregate on that basis. The longer term goal is for graphene to facilitate a reduction in the cement content of the likes of bricks and mortar – as well as the industry’s consumption of concrete, which is one of the world’s most carbon hungry commodities. “On the back of the one Nationwide Engineering pour, we’ve had huge interest from around the world,” concludes Craig. “We’ll be looking to partner with them in a patent of the process, and we know that it can be scaled upwards to become commercially viable. For construction graphene’s sustainability wins clearly have appeal, and that’s across a whole range of applications. One of our partners is National Highways, for example, and graphene could well have a role to play in improvements to the longevity of everything from road surfaces, to street furniture and road markings. We have a trial of graphene-enhanced asphalt due to take place in the autumn on the A1 near Alnick, Northumberland. At the same time, given that graphene is supplied as a powder, there’s no reason why it couldn’t be introduced to products like bagged cement in the future – it is that range of applications that makes it such an exciting area of research.” TO WATCH A VIDEO THAT EXPLAINS THE GRAPHENE PROCESS AND NATIONWIDE ENGINEERING’S POUR IN AMESBURY, VISIT

WWW.RDR.LINK/BE018

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SPECIAL REPORT TRAINING & UPSKILLING

render up! Parex is helping the industry to build better with its registered applicator scheme

uman error can occur at any time but in the construction industry, mistakes cost time and money, with one small error potentially having a domino effect impacting other trades in a project timeline. Products that have been tried and tested for years that lead to building defects are often a result of poor installation and workmanship. It’s why manufacturers of building products have established registered applicator schemes in order to provide comprehensive training to contractors using their products and can play a part in quality control and the minimisation of defects. Concerns around building quality and competency have increased in recent years and have led to calls for a widespread culture change across the construction sector. Construction is an industry where so many processes and personnel quality standards must be set to ensure the project is completed and all stakeholders are satisfied with the end result. The ever-widening skills shortage has fuelled this issue, which is why skilful

and knowledgeable contractors who are dedicated to quality have become so sought after.

Raising standards Architects and their clients want to be sure that they are getting the best of everything – from specification advice to

product information; service to installation – when selecting products. To minimise the risk of failure as much as possible some manufacturers have introduced a registered applicator scheme which can raise installation standards through training of site operatives and conduct to ensure recommended contractors deliver a quality installation competitively. Through the implementation of a registered applicator scheme, builders can not only be sure of excellent standards of materials and workmanship, they can be sure that the product specified will not let them down. As a market leader for rendered façade systems, Parex is committed to achieving and maintaining the highest standards, and it begins with training. For applicators, a highly trained team produces a better-quality render

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SPECIAL REPORT TRAINING & UPSKILLING application and will reduce the risk of costly rework. To ensure integrity, entry to the Parex scheme for contractors is stringent, with only the most skilled and reliable companies achieving accreditation. Registered contractors must be able to provide evidence of a stable trading history, a quality policy or system, good project references and a commitment to health and safety and the environment. In addition to this, companies must comply with all relevant British Standards, hold appropriate insurance cover and be VAT registered.

Assessment To become a registered applicator, all applicants must be assessed via site classroom training, or a toolbox talk which offers training in the features, benefits, and methods of application for the manufacturer’s products in a real-world environment. On successful approval,

contractors will then be able to join its Applicator Company Register and be a registered installer of render systems, including Parextherm, Parexdirect and one coat renders such as Monorex. Parex also offers a warranty system, so if a client wants a warranty of a current render system, it has strict guidelines of how it is obtained. If necessary, the company will carry out pre-inspection of the building followed up with ‘during’ and

‘post’ inspections of the installation. Subject to approval and acceptance, the company is then able to offer this warranty to the registered applicator. Furthermore, Parex invests a considerable sum each year so that its products and systems can undergo rigorous quality control and third-party testing. Creating and retaining a culture of quality across the construction sector is one of the most important issues facing the industry today. A registered applicator scheme is one way for manufacturers to help promote quality on projects and can play a part in developing a better skilled workforce. With the excellent quality of materials guaranteed by the render systems supplier, and the installation guaranteed by the registered applicator, specifiers and their clients will have increased confidence in the work being carried out professionally and to the highest standard.

For more information about the Parex applicator scheme visit www.rdr.link/BE019 For further information on the wide range of Parex render systems, or for technical guidance visit www.rdr.link/BE020

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SPECIAL REPORT ONLINE COMMUNITY Professional Builder’s Lee Jones reports on a tradesman who has ambitions to build a community of trust between businesses and consumers. he story of Garry Lewis will be an all-too familiar tale for many in the industry. “I’d left school with no qualifications and built up a very successful company,” explains the 55 year old. “My business was thriving and I had six gangs of roofers on the payroll when, without warning, we were hit by the collapse of a construction company who owed my firm a lot of money.” The seismic shocks that insolvency can send through the supply chain, sinks otherwise water-tight businesses on a regular basis, and Garry was left depressed and suicidal in the aftermath. “The irony is that I personally had always sought to do the right thing in my own working practices and strive to make the client or property owner feel as comfortable as possible. Because of a lack of school as a young man I couldn’t read or write very well – and maths was also a big problem – but I learnt those skills so that I could produce professional and reliable quotes for customers. We were never the cheapest, but I would also counter that by insisting that we’d do the best possible job. I’d encourage a prospective client to make sure they get quotes from other roofers, and I wouldn’t accept payment for any part of the job until we had finished and they were entirely satisfied.” Garry’s business ethos was based on trust, and a relationship of equality on

fair share

The developer of Recommend and Share, Garry Lewis (left) and Andy Johnson.

both sides, and his new online community has ambitions to nurture and promote that culture throughout the industry. Having been financially hit by the kind of knock that almost every tradesperson has suffered, he set about devising a plan to reform what he sees as the construction sector’s ills. Garry has created a Facebook page and website called, Recommended Tradespeople, which is used to communicate with consumers, tradespeople, and merchants and talk about the issues in the industry. He also shares his plans for what needs to be done to create a better and safer environment for everybody. Phase one of the practical implementation of Garry’s vision is the launch of his online service, Recommend & Share. The platform is not-for-profit and is free for property owners and

tradespeople to join and use – a principle that Garry has pledged will be maintained. The web-based community allows consumers and tradespeople to make a commitment to one another to seek and share reciprocal recommendations. Within it, both parties agree from the outset to seek each other’s recommendations and then share them for everybody to see. “It’s a space where everybody values, respects, and appreciates one another, whilst championing the genuine consumers, tradespeople, and subcontractors, and helping them to stand out and be recognised for their integrity and workmanship” Garry enthsues. “There will be a pool of highly visible companies that anyone interested in a home improvement can draw from, and the builder can more accurately anticipate the kind of experience they’re going to have with the customer.” “My inspiration is from my own experience of being the victim of an unscrupulous contractor, and other people’s stories,” concludes the Lincolnshire-based tradesman. “As a consequence, I want to help and support builders to avoid the pitfalls, make a difference in their lives, and help their business to be a success.”

For further information on the Recommend & Share online platform visit WWW.RDR.LINK/BE021

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HEALTH & SAFETY PRODUCT ROUND-UP

SAFETY GLASSES

SKINCARE

Featuring anti-scratch, fog free, new lens colours, and new magnification features, Milwaukee’s Safety Glasses are also equipped with comfortable temple arms for extended wear. There’s yellow, grey or tinted lens options, with grey providing brightness protection and yellow absorbing the potential harmful UV rays from blue light.

Water resistant but light and nongreasy, the LifeJacket range is, according to the manufacturer, perfect for builders. The products include daily moisturisers and two SPF Sun Gels in SPF 30 and 50+, as well as convenient sachet packs. The company also offers a range of highquality UPF 50+ clothing to combat the fact that a white cotton t-shirt only provides the equivalent of SPF 5.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE022

VACUUM CLEANERS

One of the major updates on the new DC Tromb Turbo from Dustcontrol UK is the three-phase turbo motor that has been designed specifically to target heavy-duty cleaning. The unit is suitable for extraction from grinders, jackhammers and saws, whilst a simpler filter change has also been included for easier and quicker removal. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE023

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE024

HI-VIS

Stretch your visibility with Snickers Workwear and its Hi-Vis collection. There’s jackets, trousers, shorts, toolvests, shirts and fleeces in the LITEWork, FLEXIWork, AllroundWork and ProtecWork families – which satisfy the specific requirements of Classes 1, 2 and 3 protection levels, and conform to the EN20471 standard for high visibility warning clothes. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE025

SAFETY HELMETS

The JSP EVOGuard Industrial range comprises five high performance clear visors for use with EVOGuard browguard systems and EVO helmets. The visors offer facial coverage without limiting movement, with a wraparound design providing a panoramic view with minimal distortion. Choosing from a range of five enables users to select the right option for their task. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE026

HIGH VIS ‘SUPER STRETCH’ WORKWEAR

Super-Stretch is a collection of high visibility, flexible workwear which stretches to follow the movements of the body. The Engel workwear includes high-vis work jackets, trousers, shorts and bib-overalls. The range is also being offered in a ‘Sustainable-Safety’ version, with the brand name of ‘REPREVE’, which incorporates 50 per cent regenerated polyester fibres made from recycled plastic bottles. TO WATCH A VIDEO THAT EXPLAINS THE REPREVE CONCEPT VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE028

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WORK GLOVES

TOWER LIGHT

Delivering up to 27,000 lumens of task and area lighting, the battery-powered and cordless Milwaukee MX Fuel Tower Light is a genuinely portable solution. The telescopic unit can be set up in seconds, features outriggers for levelling, with a maximum mast height of 3.1m which then collapses back down to 1.2m for easy transportation and storage. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE027

Keep your hands comfortable and protected with Snickers Workwear and its extensive collection of Work Glove styles. Designed for dexterity, durability, comfort and precision, there a wide range of sizes, with individual gloves developed for different workplaces and tasks. In addition, special patterns, vents and ribs – combined with durable materials – deliver cut-protection, ventilation, waterproofing and insulation. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE029

SAFETY FOOTWEAR

A black leather option has been added to the successful Southern Cross Zip model from Steel Blue. The men’s ankle-height zip sided work boot includes a scuff cap and TPU outsole enhanced with PureGRAPH Graphene, the addition of which provides durability, abrasion resistance and strength. Tests show that Graphene is one million times thinner than a piece of paper, superior in strength to diamonds and 200 times stronger than steel. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE030

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Professional

BUILDER’S

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

! L L A R O F E E FR 4

CASES OF WOODSCREWS

A. PERRY PERRYPRO WOODWCREWS To celebrate the launch of A. Perry’s all new PerryPro MultiPurpose Woodscrew the company is giving away four of their 1000pcs attaché cases. The attaché case contains the most popular sizes of the latest brand of wood screw to hit the market so you will be within the first in the world to receive them. Supplied with Perry’s Grip Fit technology bits, designed to grip the recess of the screw head while screwing, one of four packs could be yours!

MASCOT WORKWEAR FLEECE JUMPERS The fleece jumpers in the Mascot Accelerate range come in six different colours and in specially designed versions for both men and women. The products are comfortable, and soft on the inside, complemented by a trendy look and a material that prevents dirt and dust from attaching. These versatile jackets can be used as an outer layer in the milder months or as an an insulating middle layer in winter. With freedom of movement, comfort and warmth, these Mascot fleece jumpers could be a golden addition to your wardrobe. Simply use the link below to enter. FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE032

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE031

X PRIZE BUNDLE

(INCLUDING THE WORKS PRO CLEAR, GEOCEL MUG AND BEANIE HAT) GEOCEL THE WORKS PRO BUNDLE The Works Pro is a multi-use sealant and adhesive that can seal, fill, and bond virtually any surface, wet or dry – inside or out. Providing the perfect finish, the product is formulated to ensure trade professionals achieve the best quality results, without the risk of callbacks. Fast curing, it achieves results that last, fast. Stick with us and you’ll be in with a chance of winning great prizes each and every month, including this sealant and adhesive prize bundle. FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE033

FLEECE JUMPERS

PAIRS OF WORK TROUSERS

SNICKERS WORKWEAR ALLROUNDWORK, CANVAS+ STRETCH WORK TROUSERS PLUS KNEEPADS Made from durable and comfortable Canvas+ fabric, these trousers come with ventilation openings at the back of the knees; Cordura reinforcement at the knees and lower legs; holster pockets, a cargo pocket, and an attachment for an ID badge. There’s also a tool holder, leg pocket and knife fastener, and front loops with key holder. They also come with a pair of kneepads to fit the KneeGuard Pro system, which is certified according to EN 14404. If you’re one of our three winners you’ll make great strides at work with these tough work trousers from Snickers Workwear. FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE034

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/BE116

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tools, equipment & workwear

No.7

MASTERING PLASTERING

Next up in our series with Makita, the team look at the products that plasterers should always have in their toolbox. s any plasterer will know, good preparation is the key to achieving the best finish. It is therefore vital that professionals have a range of quality tools to hand that they can rely on to help deliver the best results possible. For example, Makita’s DSL800ZU 18V LXT Brushless Drywall Sander is an essential piece of kit to tackle joins and smooth surfaces quickly. Powered by Makita’s leading 18V LXT battery technology, this machine delivers the high output needed for professional use. Its 225mm abrasive disc means users can cover large areas with ease and the telescopic pole and extension handle ensure no surface is out of reach. For ease of use, the DSL800ZU features variable speed control so users can adjust the output to match the task at hand. What’s more, constant speed control means that output remains constant for a smooth, blemish-free finish.

If you want to watch an explanatory video of the features of the Makita DSL800ZU Cordless Drywall Sander visit WWW.RDR.LINK/BE035

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쑼 DSL800ZU 18V LXT Brushless Drywall Sander

When sanding, it is vital that professionals take measures to protect themselves against inhaling harmful dust particles – as over time this can lead to serious illness. Conveniently, the DSL800ZU includes Makita’s Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS) which connects the machine to compatible dust extractors like the DVC157LZX3 and DVC867LZX4 via Bluetooth. This means that when the DLS800ZU is powered on, the DVC157LZX3 or DVC867LZX4 will

automatically start (and when the DLS800ZU is powered down the extractor will stop) for maximum protection. A useful tool for plasterboard work and any essential fixes is the DFS452Z 18V Brushless Screwdriver. The DFS452Z features push drive technology, which means that the motor only starts to rotate at full speed (up to 4,000rpm) when pressure is applied to the bit and the screws are inserted into the board, ensuring maximum efficiency. The lightweight DFS452Z has also been ergonomically designed with a soft rubber grip for comfortable operation and a useful LED job light to illuminate the

쑿 DFS452Z Brushless Screwdriver

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Accessories to suit the core range:

쑿 UT1200 Paddle Mixer work area. This machine also benefits from Makita’s brushless motor technology, which delivers the high power needed for professional use and ensures that battery life is extended. This is because there are no moving parts in the motor causing friction and, as a result, no energy is lost through heat production. Finally, professionals should also add the UT1200 Paddle Mixer to their armoury. This machine can be used to effortlessly stir and mix plaster, paint or mortar and its compact and lightweight design means that users can easily transport the machine around site. It has a paddle mixer diameter of 120mm and a rated speed of up to 400rpm so it can quickly and easily mix product.

Your toolbox checklist: POLE SANDER – for smoothing down surfaces to achieve a professional finish. DRYWALL SCREWDRIVER – ideal for fixing plasterboard with minimal effort. PADDLE MIXER – can be used for stirring and mixing plaster, paint and mortar. RANDOM ORBIT SANDER – ideal for achieving a finer finish. AUTO-FEED SCREWDRIVER – perfect for covering larger areas quickly as screws are collated on a strip for fast, effortless fixing.

ACCESSORIES FOR POLE SANDERS AND RANDOM ORBIT SANDERS Makita has a wide range of sanding discs that are ideally suited to professional use. With a selection of grit options to choose from, it’s easy to find the right product for every job. To ensure safety, it is vital that professionals use a dust extractor when sanding. For dry lining or gypsum products, use an L-Class extractor. Cordless models such as the DVC157LZX3 or DVC867LZX4 are ideal as they are suitable for removing gypsumbased materials. For ease, users can manually set the suction power so that it is consistent with the demands of the task. Both models have a large capacity, and the hose can be kept in the on-board storage for convenience. What’s more, the large bumper helps to protect surfaces from knocks and scratches. WWW.RDR.LINK/BE036

ACCESSORIES FOR DRYWALL SCREWDRIVERS AND AUTO-FEED SCREWDRIVERS With a range of drywall screwdriver bits, auto-feed bits and collated screws to choose from, professionals can ensure that the right accessories are chosen to match the screwdriver and the task at hand. Makita also offers extension handles and attachments that are compatible with its auto-feed screwdrivers, so users can comfortably work on ceilings without having to overreach. The 199146-8 autofeed attachment can be used with a selection of Makita’s standard drywall screwdrivers to achieve the benefits of an

auto-feed screwdriver using a drywall model. WWW.RDR.LINK/BE037

POUCHES AND CARRIERS Makita offers a wide selection of pouches and carriers to easily and safely transport tools around site. Features include tool holsters, hammer holders, screwdriver grips and knife sheaths, which are essential when working at height. The E05131 Ultimate 2 Pocket Fixing Pouch has anti-slip webbing incorporated into the main pocket, to keep tools secure and the d-ring is ideal for hanging tools and accessories. If more space is needed, the E-05147 Ultimate 3 Pocket Fixing Pouch is ideal. It has elastic holders inside the pocket to keep tools in place and has strong industrial stitching for extra durability and protection. WWW.RDR.LINK/BE038

ACCESSORIES FOR PADDLE MIXERS With a wide range of mixing blades to choose from, plasterers can easily find the right mixer for the job. For example, the P02347 is specifically designed for plaster and features a 13mm hex shank for maximum efficiency. For larger quantities, the P-22012 is ideal as it has a diameter of 120mm and a length of 590mm and can mix up to 30kg. WWW.RDR.LINK/BE039 TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MAKITA AND ITS WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE040

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tools, equipment & workwear

BRAVE NEW WORLD Welcome to Bosch Professional World – an online immersive experience that allows users to get up close and personal with the manufacturer’s power tools, measuring tools and accessories.

ven in a world that has been becoming more digital for some time, customer experiences involving hands-on opportunities are arguably always the most powerful. However, the restrictions stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic have made this far more challenging than before. Accordingly, Bosch Professional has worked to create something it believes is “truly unique” to bring back the opportunity for UK tradespeople to get up close and personal with its products. Using the latest scanning technologies, and innovative design platforms, it has built a ‘fully immersive’ virtual construction site, with Bosch Professional World featuring ‘hotspots’ that allow users to move through the experience, interacting with 3D tools along the way to find out detailed information and engage with dynamic content that shows each tool in action. Users will have the opportunity to explore this online world and navigate between specific zones for Power Tools, Measuring Tools, and Accessories. In each zone it will be possible to interact with new products, learn more about their capabilities, and engage with a huge array of content designed to show the development process that goes into creating each tool to suit the needs of tradespeople and make them more

efficient in their work. For example, the Power Tools zone showcases what Bosch describes as the heroes of its Biturbo Brushless range and the dynamic ProCORE18V batteries that make this “extreme performance” possible. This zone also lets users pick out the perfect toolbox for key trades, with suggestions curated by Bosch. In the Measuring Tools area, Bosch Professional demonstrate how its precise and durable tools can work efficiently even in the toughest jobsite conditions. Users can also discover the benefits that Green Laser Technology brings to jobsites with tools like the GCL 2-50 G Combi Laser. Lastly, the Accessories zone showcases how professional users can maximise the potential of their tools with the company’s new Expert range. Many of the Expert Accessories utilise Carbide Technology which is said to offer proven performance advantages to ensure the most efficient working for demanding jobs. Indeed, Bosch states that these

accessories can last up to 100x longer than standard bi-metal accessories. Kate Pritchard, User Marketing Manager at Bosch Professional, said: “The Bosch Professional World has been developed as an interactive construction site. It allows tradespeople to learn more about the Bosch Professional brand, and the innovations and technologies built into our tools, designed to help make tradespeople more efficient in their dayto-day work. You can find out about our latest products, enter competitions, and see live events with well-known tradespeople.” In addition to launching its new online

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tools, equipment & workwear

initiative and as alluded to above, Bosch has also provided more detail on its new Expert line of accessories. Said to cover the needs of all the major trades, and provide solutions for the most demanding applications, the range offers over 1,000 products – including innovative tile drill bits, reciprocating saw blades and jigsaw blades – which are claimed to come into their own “whenever conventional accessories reach their limits” thanks to the use of, for example, hard-wearing PVD-coated reciprocating saw blades with carbide technology and drill bits with extra-efficient asymmetric carbide tips. Clearly detailed packaging is said to outline the advantages and key

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technologies which make the new line-up so efficient, ensuring tradespeople will be able to easily identify the product they need. The company also announced additional developments to its battery technology platforms, further extending the benefits of using cordless tools. For example, it is accelerating the expansion of its two 18V battery platforms whilst it is also cooperating with other renowned brands – most recently, Fein and Heraeus – to ensure that a “pile of incompatible batteries and chargers from different brands will be a thing of the past”. With a focus on cordless innovations, Bosch also highlighted its Biturbo tools which are said to attain performance levels “previously reserved for corded tools” and cited the examples of its Biturbo GBH 18V-36 C Professional and GBH 18V-45 C Professional rotary

hammers. Their specially developed, brushless highperformance motor has been “optimally coordinated with the electronics and battery” with the resulting drilling performance confirmed by an independent test institute and “regarded as a benchmark for cordless rotary hammers on the market”.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BOSCH PROFESSIONAL WORLD VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE041

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tools, equipment & workwear

COMPRESS TO IMPRESS he COVID-19 pandemic has led to a strange situation for the construction industry. Though contractors and builders were some of the first allowed to return to work, and most have been extremely busy, social distancing restrictions on sites and in customers’ homes has made completing jobs harder. But with these restrictions finally being dropped, the situation may change very quickly for those working in construction, with pent-up demand potentially leading to another boom in the sector. Consequently, it is vital that building professionals have confidence in the tools and utilities they need to carry out tasks efficiently and effectively. This is especially the case when we consider deadlines are becoming increasingly tight, and builders looking to bounce back from a COVID-impacted 2020 seek more work.

Traditional compressor issues

It is, therefore, vital that building professionals review areas that could lead to less efficient operations. Compressor units supplying air to hand tools is one such place, as traditional models can throw up multiple obstacles to continuous working, especially around noise and performance levels. Considering

Nicol Low, COO at Vert Technologies, explores how new portable compressor technologies can help building professionals efficiently carry out works for longer with less noise pollution.

compressed air is vital for a wide variety of hand tools used in building work, including framing nailers, brad nailers, angle disc grinders, sanders and torque and impact wrenches, ensuring a reliable and quiet compressor unit is extremely important. Specifically, because the traditional dry-running compressors used to power these tools are not designed with an internal cooling system, they are prone to dangerously overheating. This can result in a domino effect – resting the compressor so it can cool down affects its duty cycle, which in turn adds more time into the job and pushes build deadlines back. Worse still, contractors who are unfamiliar with the need to rest overheated compressors could use them continuously, eventually causing a breakdown and further disruption, not to

mention the added expense of having to regularly replace a compressor unit.

The problem with noise

Noise pollution presents another concern for traditional compressed air units. Because traditional models use piston compressors to create high-pressure air, the action of the pistons accelerating and decelerating, along with valves opening and closing, can be very loud. These compressors often create noise between 92 and 95 decibels, exceeding the 65decibel threshold for works up to 11pm, as laid out in Part 1 of the Code of Practice for Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites. Because of this, building professionals operating hand tools may be unable to work later into the evening, further impacting the ability to complete works on time. These concerns over noise also extend to operator health, with The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 saying workers regularly exposed to noise levels over 87 decibels must wear ear protection. Traditional compressor units can therefore pose a risk to health, as well as project deadlines.

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Conical rotary compressors

With this in mind, it is clear that new solutions are needed in the compressor space to avoid disruption and allow building professionals to confidently carry out work within specified dates. One innovation that could solve these noise and performance issues is the Conical Rotary Compressor (CRC) technology from Vert Technologies. Consisting of one rotor placed inside the other, with both turning in the same direction to compress air as it travels down the conical screw, the CRC can deliver high pressures, alongside low-vibration and low-noise performance. Crucially, unlike quiet rotary screw compressors that lose efficiency when used in smaller sub 2kW systems, the CRC can be scaled down without performance loss. Put into Vert portable compressor unit models like the new A200, which provides an air flow of 200lpm suitable for multiple hand tools at 62 decibels, and that’s within the

threshold required for evening construction work. Its internal oil cooling system and separator, together with heat-responsive fan technology, also takes away overheating risks, instead allowing a 100 per cent duty cycle. When combined with the quieter, non-piston CRC design, this means building professionals can work continuously and without interruption with a long-lasting compressor unit. In conclusion, the rush of activity the construction sector has experienced postpandemic has made it vital that builders and contractors find ways to do the same quality work, faster. Air compressors are one area in which efficiencies can be made, with loud, low-performing traditional models being replaced by smarter solutions like the CRC technology. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PORTABLE COMPRESSOR TECHNOLOGY FROM VERT TECHNOLOGIES VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE042

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tools, equipment & workwear

ONE FOR ALL Plumb Chum is a new keyring multi-tool designed by plumber Paul James. Professional Builder caught up with Paul and his partner, design engineer Andrew Marshall, to find out more

hen you need a tool for a job, but cannot find anything on the market, many people would simply ‘make do’ with a less than perfect solution that just about performed the task: but not south-coast plumber Paul James. Instead, he started on a fouryear mission to bring to market a plumbing multi-tool designed to help perform a number of tasks that plumbers face every day. The genesis of the idea for what would become known as ‘Plumb Chum’ dates back to 2015 when Paul was fiddling about with a generic Gas Cabinet key, realising that a hex bit would fit into it, that could then be used to get the cover off a boiler. Paul began to wonder just how many of those everyday tasks a

ABOUT THE PLUMB CHUM The Plumb Chum multi-tool is about the size of a carabiner and has been designed to be part of a plumber’s keyring. It has numerous functions, all on one compact tool. There’s a flat head screwdriver, a gas cabinet key, a valve grip slot, a 10mm spanner, a radiator bleed key, a wire stripper, a pry bar, a pipe de-burring tool… the list goes on. In fact, its inventors say at least 15 functions can be performed with the tool.

plumber faces could be achieved with a single handy tool. Paul explained: “I started to think how handy it would be to have a simple tool on my keyring that could help me determine the requirements of a job, prior to collecting the correct set of tools for the task from my van.” After further developing the idea Paul teamed up with design engineer Andrew Marshall to get a prototype made. Andrew developed a CAD model and the pair used a 3D printing firm in New York to create the first version which they christened, ‘The Pig’.

Real life testing

Over time the design was gradually improved, with Paul testing each updated version in real life situations. The final prototype was manufactured in the UK around March 2019. Andrew told us: “We worked on design alongside the function.

We looked at how it could be manufactured, what processes would be used and optimised it from there.” By then it had become clear to Paul and Andrew that their invention may also be of interest to other plumbers. They settled on the name Plumb Chum, set a date to launch the tool to the sector – April 2020 – and invested in their first production stock. Then Covid-19 struck. “It wasn’t ideal timing,” Paul recalled wryly, “but as we didn’t really know how to launch a new product the additional time was ultimately helpful.”

“I started to think how handy it would be to have a simple tool on my keyring that could help me determine the requirements of a job, prior to collecting the correct set of tools for the task from my van.”

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Pandemic launch

Following a six month delay the Plumb Chum was officially launched in October 2020. Paul explained that one of the first people to purchase the tool had stopped him in a plumbing merchant to ask about it after noticing the Plumb Chum hanging on his keyring. The eagle-eyed shopper bought one and subsequently posted

about it on an online forum which, Andrew recalled, “really got the ball rolling for us… so we didn’t need a proper launch after all.” With more stock now ordered Paul and Andrew have set up a company, Tactile Tools, to promote sales. Paul reflected: “It is by far the most comfortable tool to turn off an isolation valve. I use it more than all my other tools put together.

My dream is that there are now other plumbers out there that are using this more than any other tool. It turns so many things. Every heating engineer has that yellow key on their keyring. We want them to change that to a Plumb Chum, which does so much more.” FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PLUMB CHUM VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE043

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tools, equipment & workwear

The Festool power tools range meets its public this autumn.

his Autumn Festool will be heading on the road, touring the UK and Ireland from 28th September until 11th November 2021. The Festool Tour will offer a unique opportunity for visitors to see demonstrations and new products. “The past year has been challenging for many,” explains Andrea Duca, Head of Sales at Festool UK. “At Festool we are incredibly excited for the opportunity to once again to meet as many of our customers and dealer partners as possible as we tour the UK and Ireland. The Tour will be a fantastic forum for people to truly experience the brand and try out our products.” The Tour will allow visitors to really test the range of products and discover the benefits of using these high-quality power tools. As well as the core favourite products to try, visitors will have the opportunity to check out the latest additons to the range.

Launched this year, the new TSC 55 K plunge-cut saw elevates the much-loved TSC 55 with the addition of KickbackStop. The technology reduces the risk of injury from kickback when sawing. Also recently released, and available on the tour, is the SYS-PowerStation. The SYS-PowerStation is a portable electrical outlet in compact Systainer form. Providing a full 2,990 watts of continuous power, it allows you to be free from the constraints of electrical sockets. At the Festool Tour you will be able to see both products in action. The Festool specialists and trainers will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice for your needs, with the team demonstrating products every half hour each day. Throughout the Tour COVID guidelines will be respected. In addition, to ensure that all visitors feel comfortable and safe, the team will be demonstrating products every half hour to restrict group numbers.

TO FIND OUT WHEN THE TOUR WILL BE COMING TO AN AREA NEAR YOU AND TO REGISTER FOR YOUR SELECTED DEMO TIME SLOT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE044

Tibby Singh – www.TibbySingh.com

GRAND TOUR FEEL THE POWER! Professional Builder’s Tibby Singh recently reviewed Festool’s SYSPowerStation and you can read all about it by making using of our digital reader enquiry service. Simply enter the link below direct into your browser. WWW.RDR.LINK/BE045 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE EXTENSIVE RANGE OF PREMIUM POWER TOOLS FROM FESTOOL VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE046

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tools, equipment & workwear

READY FOR INSPECTION Sophie Ellam, Product Manager at WernerCo, offers advice on what to look out for when inspecting a ladder to determine whether or not it is safe to use.

he Work at Height Regulations requires all equipment to be inspected at regular intervals by a competent and trained person. However, it is also vital that all equipment is visually inspected before every use to make sure that it is safe to use there and then. Before using any ladder, a pre-use visual safety check should be carried out to ensure that the ladder is fit for purpose and safe to use. This should be done at the beginning of every working day, after something has changed, such as a ladder has been dropped, left unattended for a period of time, transported on a vehicle or moved from a dirty area to a clean area of the work site. It is also vital to check any equipment you are using, which has previously been in use by someone else to ensure it is safe to use. When carrying out a safety check ensure the appropriate time and care has been taken to fully inspect the equipment as while some defects are fairly obvious to spot others may not be as evident.

■ Feet tips and end caps – it is important that the feet tips are all present and secure. The feet should not be warped in any way and the anti-slip ground contact surfaces should be undamaged and free and clear of

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debris and dirt. Stile ends should also be undamaged and there should be no cracks, cuts or holes. ■ Braces and cross tubes – whilst some wear and tear is acceptable, anything that shows signs of pronounced or excessive bending, bowing or creasing will need to be addressed immediately. Additionally, there should be no twisting of the braces or cross tubes. Rivets and fixings should all be present and secure, and rust or corrosion is only acceptable as long as it doesn’t weaken any of the ladder’s structure. ■ Platforms – when it comes to stepladders, it is important to ensure that the platform is in a suitable and safe working condition. Make sure all fittings are present and undamaged and that there is no bending, folding or twisting on the upper surface of the platform. There should also be no signs of significant denting that may compromise the strength of the platform. Finally, make sure the support and linkage mechanism are both present and undamaged. ■ Rungs and treads – make sure none are missing, loose bent, excessively worn, corroded or damaged. It is also important to check that all fixings are secure. If there is

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you should be looking for. If you spot any defects at all, no matter how small, do not use the damaged ladder and report these defects immediately and remove the ladder from site. By carrying out a visual safety check before every use it will help prevent any unnecessary accidents and injuries to yourself or your colleagues. For added peace of mind you should only use a ladder that has no visible defects at all, has an up to date record of detailed visual inspections carried out regularly by a competent person and that have been maintained, stored and transported in accordance with the user instructions. In the UK, WernerCo produces the Youngman, BoSS, Abru and Werner brands and has a head office and manufacturing facility in Maldon Essex and a national distribution centre in Burton Upon Trent.

any significant denting, the strength of the tread may be compromised and the ladder should be replaced immediately. To minimise the risk of slips whilst climbing the ladder, make sure the ladder is clean and free from any spillages or debris. ■ Stiles and frames – the stiles and frames should be checked to ensure there is no bending, longitudinal twisting or bowing. Make sure the ladder is generally rigid. The front to rear frame attachment or hinging should be secure and all rivets and fixings should be present. There should be no signs of corrosion to components and they should be clean of dirt, paint, oil or grease. All stops and bushes and any other safety restraint devices should also be present, secure and undamaged, along with any stabilisers. In addition to the steps above, there are also recommended checks that you should carry out in the user instructions, particularly for additional features on specific ladder types, such as telescopic or multi-hinge joint ladders. Therefore, it

is vital to keep a copy of the manufacturer’s user instructions close to hand to refer to if you are unsure what

FOR MORE ON THE WERNER RANGE OF ACCESS SOLUTIONS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE047

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tools, equipment & workwear

‘WEAR’ IT’S AT! Professional Builder explores the latest in on-site apparel from Mascot

Fleece Jumpers If you work outdoors in all sorts of weather then it is a good idea to dress yourself in layers. A good fleece jacket is a great solution as the outer layer in the milder months whilst working as an insulating middle layer in winter. If you dress in layers correctly, you will be able to get rid of excess heat when working intensely and prevent your body from getting cold and wet when the activity level drops again. Mascot offers a new range of fleece jumpers in a flexible material with a stylish and smooth surface. Focusing on comfort and appearance, there’s a closer fit that ensures freedom of movement, whilst the smooth surface not only looks trendy, but also prevents dirt and dust from attaching to the product.

Comfort

The fleece jumper has a zip and an internal storm flap which prevents cold air from getting in, whilst high collars keep the neck warm and can be zipped up nice and tight. There’s also fleece jumpers with front pockets with zips and reflectors. The combination of a tight fit and a close fit around the wrists allow the product to follow the body’s movements without billowing or getting caught.

Designed for women and for men

The new fleece jumpers come in specially designed versions for both men and women and are part of the Mascot Accelerate range. The range consists of more than 70 new products in six different colours (black, dark anthracite, dark navy, azure blue, signal red and grass green). There are various specially designed versions of the fleece jumper; including a choice of long and short zip.

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT MASCOT’S FLEECE JUMPERS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE048

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Jackets Outer Shell Jackets

The lightweight outer shell jackets within the new range are certified according to European standard as breathable, windproof and waterproof, and are available in different versions with fits for both men and women. By layering up in different combinations you’re guaranteed optimal protection in all weather conditions, and whether you need a moisture-wicking inner layer, an insulating middle layer or a wind and waterproof outer layer, you’ll find what you’re looking for with Mascot Accelerate.

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The jackets have a close fit that sits tight against the skin and efficiently follow the movements of your body. If it is a particularly cold day, simply wear a jumper or a fleece jumper beneath the outer shell jacket for extra warmth. The jackets

provide further protection against the cold through their zips and internal storm flaps which prevent cold air from blowing up into the sleeves. Another important attribute is their certified breathability. Breathable jackets can help you get rid of excess heat while you work, preventing you from getting wet or sweaty.

Pockets and details

Smart features include a lined and detachable hood, fitted with an elastic drawstring for easy adjustment. Each jacket has an inner pocket, breast pocket and zipped front pockets, as well as a detachable ID card holder. There is also an elastic drawstring at the hem which can be used to adjust the product so that it sits nice and tight against the body. The

sleeves are reinforced with Cordura fabric for increased wear resistance while integrated reflectors ensure that you remain visible. These waterproof, lightweight outer shell jackets are available in three new two-tone colours (grass green/green, signal red/black and azure blue/dark navy) as well as in the classic colours (black, dark navy and dark anthracite/black). The jackets are also available in an even lighter versions (18011-249 & 18001-249) which are almost identical but water-repellent rather than completely waterproof. IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT MASCOT’S JACKETS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE049

Trousers Workwear trousers

100 per cent four-way stretch fabric follows the movements of your body giving you maximum freedom of movement, and the Mascot Accelerate range features stretch fabric trousers in several different fits and leg lengths. In fact, trousers in the range come in four different fabric combinations, each with its own completely unique properties. Mascot’s fabric quality 511 combines four-way stretch fabric, with the most advanced elastic fibres available. The result is trousers and tops that can withstand high temperature washing and drying but without compromising on either wear resistance or comfort. These trousers have a soft interior which feels comfortable against the skin and a water-repellent finish on the exterior.

Kneepads and pockets

The trousers (18079-511) boast practical pockets for tools and equipment, such as front pockets, back pockets and thigh pockets, as well as special pockets for your phone and ruler. The stretchy material ensures that your freedom of movement is not restricted; even when your pockets are full to the brim.

The kneepad pockets are reinforced with wear resistant Cordura and are adjustable for optimal placement. The kneepads are inserted from the side, which also acts as a vent, making them not only easy to slide in and out whilst still wearing the trousers but keeping your knees cool and preventing any excess heat from being generated. For further ventilation, the knee area is additionally equipped with a zip. Mascot offers workwear trousers with kneepad pockets in both a men’s fit (18079-511) in three different leg lengths and in two ladies’ fits (18078-511 18088-511) each with two different leg lengths. The different fits and leg lengths

ensure that everyone can find the size that is just right for them whilst ensuring that all kneepads and tool pockets can sit correctly. In addition to a wide array of fits, the trousers are also available in four different colours: dark navy, green, black and dark anthracite. IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT MASCOT’S TROUSERS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE050 IF YOU WANT TO WATCH A VIDEO THAT DEMONSTRATES THE STRETCH CAPABILITY OF MASCOT WORK TROUSERS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE051

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CUT TO THE CHASE The Norton Clipper range certainly makes the cut for Professional Builder’s Tibby Singh

orton is a brand that’s been going for over 130 years and the company produces the widest range of abrasive products. It’s a portfolio that includes grinding, cutting, blending, finishing and polishing solutions for all trades, materials and applications. In this review I’ll be digging into the manufacturer’s Norton Clipper range, which has been leading in the building and construction industry for over 80 years, with innovations like the world’s first laser welded diamond blade. As a carpenter/joiner I’m always going through saw blades, so I was keen to get my teeth stuck into Norton Clipper’s new saw blades which are for wood and composites, veneer and laminates, and multi materials. I’ve recently been doing a lot of work with MDF and, with it being a man-made material, it can very quickly blunt saw blades. I had the 60 teeth and 48 teeth blades but when cutting MDF it’s recommended to use the blade with 60 teeth. Generally, the higher the amount of saw blade teeth the better the quality of the cut and finish. It’s imperative that the edge of the MDF is finished to a high standard otherwise – when it’s painted – any imperfections, such as teeth marks, are enhanced and can look extremely unsightly. I was impressed with the quality of the cut that was made with Norton Clipper’s Wood and Composite blade. The cut was so clean that it didn’t even require any sanding down afterwards, thus saving time. I would expect this with a fresh blade but even after numerous cuts it was cutting like the first cut all over again. There was something else about the blade that felt and sounded different. After looking closely at the anatomy of

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE EXTENSIVE NORTON CLIPPER RANGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE052

Tibby Singh – www.TibbySingh.com

52 OCTOBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

the blade I realised that the gullets (space in between the teeth) have a unique shape compared to standard gullets. It’s been created to reduce vibration and noise whilst cutting. When it comes to cutting veneers and laminates, there’s no room for error as you can’t exactly sand down the edge. With the Veneer and Laminate cutting blade, I got a crisp chip-free clean cut. This is ideal for laminated worktops because it means you can edge the worktop straight after the cut which will look like it’s been cut with a router. Then we have the Multi-Material blade. When this blade is in, there’s no worry in

the world about hitting any nails – in fact, this blade thrives on cutting through nails. Occasionally, I do some upcycling projects, which means cutting old, reclaimed timbers, and no matter how hard you try to de-nail a piece of timber there’s always one hidden somewhere. Usually that’s the one that blunts the blade but not in this case – it was like a knife through butter. The range of Norton Clipper blades is absolutely astounding with a solution for every application, from concrete cutting blades, grinder cutting blades, reciprocating blades, jigsaw blades, sanding discs to many more. I don’t think I’ve come across any other company who provide a vast a range as Norton Clipper. Initially, it is a little overwhelming, and you don’t know where to start, but they’ve made it fairly easy to follow by breaking it down into categories by colour codes. The cutting-edge technology makes them a pleasure to use and I’m looking forward to continuing to run through the range of products.

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LET THERE BE LIGHT

Tibby Singh – www.TibbySingh.com

Professional Builder’s Tibby Singh sees the light with Faithfull orking on a building site has its challenges, especially at the earlier stages when lighting conditions can be poor. It’s imperative to have sufficient lighting, especially from a health and safety aspect. However, one of my pet hates is trailing leads, which can also become a trip hazard on a dark and gloomy job site. A bright idea is to use cordless lighting, such as Faithfull’s new Rechargeable LED Clip Light. Given that it is a rechargeable LED light, the first thing I noticed was that it has no leads. However, my concern was how long it would last in action before it left me in the dark? Surprisingly, and thanks to three operating modes, its endurance is 3 – 10 hours of runtime. You can have the brightness at 100 per cent, then 50 per cent or 25 per cent, depending on your requirements. This 30-watt LED light has an output of 3,000 lumens, providing a daylight feel when it’s on full power – especially as its colour temperature is 6500K. It is obviously rechargeable but, unexpectedly, the charging time is approximately 4 hours, which is longer than the runtime if used on maximum brightness. However, I was surprised to find it having a power bank USB port which enables you to charge personal items such as mobile phones, which is always a bonus these days. Unlike other lights that come with a stand, this one has an incorporated heavy-duty clamp within its aluminium and plastic structure. This makes it versatile and allows you to clip it onto various surfaces. The mouth of the clamp opens to 73mm and bites with a clamping force of 180n. This means you know its not going anywhere once its in position. Hold on, it doesn’t stop there because it has swivel pads that can be adjusted to clamp onto square surfaces and concave indentations that allow it to be clamped onto round poles. Once it’s in place – and to make sure the spotlight is always on you – a ball joint allows the light to be swivelled 360 degrees. There’s also the reassurance of an impact resistant lens and rated IP65 for water and dust ingress protection. This LED Clip Light is also available in a 240V or a 110V variant, which are slightly brighter at 4,000 lumens. It’s fair to say Faithfull have had some light bulb moments with some of the design features – for which I’m delighted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON FAITHFULL’S NEW RECHARGEABLE LED CLIP LIGHT VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE053

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tools, equipment & workwear product round-up

BATTERY POWER CUTTER

The first product to be launched under Husqvarna’s new PACE battery platform, the manufacturer’s high power battery cutter promises power and performance equivalent to petrol-powered units. K1 PACE is also equipped with the X-Halt brake function which, for enhanced safety, will stop the rotation of a blade in a fraction of a second. In addition, there’s lower vibrations, smoother cutting, a low weight and optimal centre of gravity. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE054

DRYWALL FINISHING

The industry’s first battery-powered loading pump for drywall finishing is how Graco is describing its PowerFill 3.5. Replacing a manual loading pump, it is designed to fill all manual or automatic taping and finishing tools easily and consistently. There’s three models available: The Standard Series is for occasional residential and remodelling jobs, the Pro Series is for large residential jobs and the Pro Series XL should be considered for bigger projects. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE056

The #builtwithBosch EXTREME programme will see the company offering a massive 500 tools throughout the year to be put through their paces by tradie testers, who will share short videos about real-life usage on site. The best bit is that testers can then keep the tools free of charge. To apply to be a tester check out the Bosch Professional Instagram channel on the rdr.link below. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE055

ROTARY HAMMER DRILL

Measuring just 231mm from the top of the head to the user’s hand, the HiKOKI Power Tools UK DH18DPA Rotary Hammer Drill is 35 per cent smaller than the manufacturer’s corded DH18DBL. This powerful unit is equally just 2.3kg in weight, with an optimised centre of gravity that ensures most of the weight is close to the hands. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE057

WORKWEAR

Light, quick drying fabrics that will keep you cool and comfortable all day – that’s the promise for the LITEWork clothing range from Snickers Workwear. The new range of ‘Rip Stop’ shirts are stretchy and breathable, offering UPF50+ sun protection, whilst the 37.5 fabric technology in the midand base-layer garments enhances ventilation and moisture transport. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE058

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

TOOL TESTING

56 OCTOBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

GAS FINISH NAILER

Doing away with the hassle of hoses and compressors, the Senco GT65i-RH Li-Ion Cordless Gas Finish Nailer is suitable for baseboard and decorative and furniture trim to cabinets and door and window casings. Driving 16-gauge angled finishing nails ranging in length from 32mm to 65mm with ease, the unit features a tool-free thumbwheel depth-of-drive adjustment making fastener depth easy to control. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE059

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heating, plumbing & wetrooms

Push-fit fittings have been around for decades in plumbing and heating. However, what appears on the surface as a simple component is actually innovative technology with endless possibilities. Mike Riseley, Sales Director at RWC, explains more.

PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES I

t’s no secret that push-fit is big business. In the UK alone, as an estimate, push-fit accounts for around £225m of sales, and its strongest segment is in the plumbing and heating systems of new builds, with 95 per cent of new homes adopting push-fit technology. Dominated by a few big players, with RWC’s John Guest Speedfit being one of them, this market continues to grow. And as we are marking 60 years of our John Guest brand, celebrating the legacy of the original plastic push-fit inventors also means it is time to reflect on how the application of this technology has evolved, bringing innovation and simplicity to multiple industries for decades. While we are reaching saturation in new builds that is not to mean that pushfit technology has no more room to grow. Far from it, in fact, with the coronavirus pandemic having highlighted just how important it is for the repair, maintenance

58 OCTOBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

and improvement (RMI) end segment. With holiday plans having been cancelled, the attention from consumers has turned to home improvements. Bathroom renovations, kitchen replacements, extensions and more are all on the rise.

The coronavirus has also led to a greater emphasis on speed, efficiency, and safety. To protect themselves and their customers, installers need to get in and out faster than ever, yet without compromising their work.

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Push-fit meets this need perfectly. It is by far the easiest of the four main fitting types to work with – the other three being compression, soldering and press-fit – as it requires no tools to install or demount, and pipework can be put insitu before swiveling to make the connection. From our own testing, push-fit has proven itself to be up to 40 per cent faster to install when compared to most traditional connection methods. That being said, understandably with some traditional installers there can still be an underlying issue of trust. Even though 45 per cent of the market is now plastic push-fit, and every year there is a small percentage that transitions from copper soldering (the most commonly used joining technique), many installers are still on their journey through this change. As world leaders and pioneers in pushfit technology, it is our belief that this method is the ‘go-to’ solution that will help shape a better future. We want to help installers understand that they can fully trust in push-fit, and move from using them sparingly just for convenience, through to using them as complete systems. To that end, it’s important we look at how push-fit technology works, and the other areas we’ve adapted push-fit in.

Demanding applications Push-fit is most widely associated with plumbing and heating, but as already mentioned it is used in many more industries too, most of which require exacting performance and reliability. Such trust has stemmed from 60 years of research and development, along with world class engineering and manufacturing, to create durable, leak proof fittings, using innovative materials. This innovation has been around for decades, with John Guest inventing the first plastic push-fit solution back in 1974, which was initially developed for highly engineered compressed air applications. Translating this expertise into the development of plumbing and heating

push-fit fittings was an opportunity to bring gamechanging technology to this vital industry, making the lives of installers easier. But this was only the beginning, as we have come a long way of innovating ever since we introduced the Superseal in the early 2000s – a technology implementing two extra O-Rings, providing enhanced sealing and guarding against potential leak paths in the pipework.

Collaboration and innovation Such innovation didn’t come by chance either. It was the by-product of the collaboration between our engineers and the plumbing and heating installers who would be applying this technology in their daily work. We listened, so we could create a product with users at its centre. For us, we see push-fit as the future. That’s why we’ve developed new ranges in conjunction with Reliance Valves, another RWC brand. The Easifit TMV is just one example of how you can now get a class-leading thermostatic mixing valve with push-fit ends, which will help speed up many installations. Not only is push-fit on an endless

journey of development, but so too are the people behind it. At RWC UK, we have a team of technical engineers who are constantly collaborating with installers to understand pain points, give guidance on best practice, help select the right products and assist with projects. This is backed up by having one of the largest technical and sales team in the UK, plus the global support of RWC. With sustainability as one of the driving forces behind change, our engineering and new product development teams are always looking at how we can create efficiencies in our value chain and be more sustainable, while making lives easier for installers, developers and end customers. Only by investing in people, and our own processes and infrastructure, can we help make this happen. There must be continuous improvement, whether that be in BIM, modular building, offsite construction and more.

Final thoughts From our incorporation in 1961 through to now, push-fit technology has grown exponentially. We’re now at the tipping point where push-fit could soon be adopted first, as opposed to traditional jointing methods. To continue on this journey will require even more innovation, to help bring better products, easier to fit, easier to maintain, easier to handle. With 60 years of expertise and knowledge behind us, there is no better time than now to create a step-change in the industry, and by doing so, we can help shape a better world. FOR MORE ABOUT JG SPEEDFIT VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE060

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THE LOW DOWN Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communications and Product Management at Worcester Bosch, discusses the low carbon heating systems suitable for new build properties

the technologies and how will the shift from gas boilers impact the homeowner and installer alike? he government’s recent announcement regarding gas boilers earlier this year sparked considerable confusion around how homes will be heated from 2025 onwards, as many believed that gas boilers were to be banned entirely. What the announcement really means is that gas boilers are unlikely to be installed into new build properties from 2025 onwards as the house won’t be able to meet the carbon reduction targets they will have to meet. So, in reality, they will remain within most homes across the country. The interesting point to explore is which alternate technologies we might expect to dominate the new build landscape from 2025 in order to meet new decarbonisation targets. What are

Gas boilers remain

Today, most new build properties have a gas fired boiler fitted. These are predominantly combi-boilers and the use of them is widespread. Over 17 million homes have a combi-boiler installed and many new builds have something similar. The switch will be enforced to achieve the latest decarbonisation target of a 75 – 80 per cent reduction in domestic carbon emissions in new builds from 2025 onwards, when compared to the 2013 equivalent Building Regulations. The combi-boilers many of us have in our homes will be unable to achieve this target, meaning that new builds and the majority of individual properties will require an air source heat pump, or potentially a ground-source equivalent,

fitted within the property. Consequently, the safe-saving abilities of the combiboiler will be stretched from 2025 onwards, as more space will be required to house the lower carbon alternatives.

Greater expense, greater space

Such requirements mean a shift in costs and logistics for home heating. From a builder’s perspective, the cost of an air to water heat pump system is at least double that of a combi-boiler. On top of this, the homeowner will need to fit larger radiators, larger pipe work diameters, along with an increased amount of underfloor heating pipework compared to the equivalent amount of a gas fired boiler. Moreover, for heat pump technology, a greater amount of space would have to be dedicated to the heating system. While this may sound negative on the surface, such space requirements make heat pumps ideal for new builds which, unlike

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heating, plumbing & wetrooms

see mechanical ventilation, heat recovery systems, and even waste water recovery systems becoming more and more common in homes across the country.

existing homes, would be able to be designed around the new space requirements. Moreover, even the most brand-new properties with a combi-boilers installed do not have a requirement for a hot water storage cylinder, and this will have to change if we are to meet government targets. Builders will have to provide a space, perhaps an airing cupboard for example, for the hot water storage cylinder to be installed along with the necessary hydraulic connections necessary for a heat pump to operate.

Alternative technologies

Aside from the heating industry, I expect that new build properties will be required to provide storage space for electrical batteries alongside space for the heating system. In the coming years we are likely to see an increased uptake in Solar PV, for example. To optimise their performance, battery storage would be another serious consideration for new

Costly, complex, but crucial

builds from 2025 onwards, which will be required to meet the 75 – 80 per cent reduction target. Beyond this, we may see additional technologies introduced into new builds too. For example, rather than boiler fed radiators like we have today, we are very likely to see perhaps fan assisted radiators or at least larger surface free radiators more suited to heat pumps. We could also

These changes and adaptations will surely mean a serious wave of upskilling for engineers, builders, and installers. How these changes are effectively demonstrated to the homeowner will also pose a challenge, as we enter this period of widespread change. Despite this complexity and inevitable expense, it is undoubtedly a good thing that the industry and country are moving towards making new build properties a nearly zero carbon situation from the mid2020s onwards. Yes, this comes with cost and complexity, but it is crucial to the beginning of how all homes will be built for the better in our future. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON WORCESTER BOSCH VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE061

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heating, plumbing & wetrooms

Virtual Training

NET GAINS Professional Builder explores the latest in online learning for plumbing and heating installers uring the course of the pandemic many manufacturers navigated the demands of social distancing by making use of online educational resources. In many cases these have proven to be hugely popular with tradespeople and companies are now continuing to expand the training they offer via the world wide web, whilst combining it with more traditional handson instruction. Professional Builder’s looks at what’s new on the net, the latest in face-to-face learning, and how the two are coming together for the convenience of the trades.

The virtual training programme that Baxi introduced in response to the pandemic has proven so successful that the manufacturer will continue to offer it as an option, even when nationwide training centres re-open. Tom Murray, Specification Director Commercial and Residential at Baxi Heating, explains more: “With the energy transition to a net-zero future at the forefront of the residential specification marketplace, being able to train customers on new technologies and products that will aid the industry to meet the carbon challenge is really important. “For the residential new-build market, this will mean a greater emphasis on the importance of technologies such as air source heat pumps. However, our training valuably covers the complete range of our products including our gas and electric boilers, hot water cylinders, energy saving accessories including the SHRU, FGHR and heating controls.”

Vocational Learning

With its latest vocational course Vaillant has taken exactly that approach, bringing together on-site learning with theorybased modules that can be taken from the comfort of an installers own home. The courses cover Water Regulations, Unvented Hot Water Systems, Energy Efficiency, and Electrical Safe Isolation. Once complete, installers are then able to attend a Vaillant Centre of Excellence to complete the practical element, before receiving their qualification. The new approach will see the time typically needed to attend training courses significantly reduced.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BAXI ASSURE BESPOKE TRAINING SERVICES, AND TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST IN THE COURSES, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE063

FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE CERT-AIN VOCATIONAL COURSES AVAILABLE FROM VAILLANT, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE062

Installer videos

Aimed at supporting installers with some of the common technical issues usually covered in its training sessions, Triton has collated a series of Installer Head Cam step-by-step videos. The demonstrations provide a handson view through the use of a head camera to capture the troubleshooting process from the tradesperson’s point of

view, making them easy to follow. The clips cover a range of topics and are available to access on Triton’s YouTube channel, allowing installers to watch them anywhere. Whether at home in the evening, on a job throughout the day or even during a lunch break – tradespeople can easily access the tools they require to complete the task at hand.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TRITON’S INSTALLER HEAD CAM VIDEOS, VISIT THE COMPANY’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL AT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE064

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heating, plumbing & wetrooms

Oil and gas boilers Face-to-face training from Navien has resumed in multiple locations across the UK, giving installers the opportunity to attend a nearby session. The free course is designed to enable engineers to keep their skillsets up to date, in addition to informing them of any recent technological and product developments. Attendees will learn about the company’s range of oil and gas boilers – including an insight into the LCB700 oil boiler and NCB domestic gas boiler ranges – as well as its energy saving smart controls. Lunch will be provided on the day, as well as a giveaway pack to take home worth £300. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON NAVIEN TRAINING VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE065

Smart digital showering In order to support tradespeople in communicating the advantages of smart showering, Aqualisa has announced a comprehensive education and training initiative. The programme includes the launch of ‘Aquastorm’, the company’s brand new mobile training showroom, and ‘Smart Hub’, an online portal hosting information, insights and advice on the benefits of smart showers for the consumer and installer. Designed to be the leading authority on, and destination for, smart shower information, the latter is described as a comprehensive online knowledge centre covering all aspects of the technology, from the wellbeing, safety and eco-friendly benefits to step-by-step installation processes and technical product specifications. FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE AQUALISA SMART HUB VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE066

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heating, plumbing & wetrooms

ZERO TO HERO The ZEB is a new concept in zero emissions heating in the home. Professional Builder’s Lee Jones talks to the developer of the technology.

hen it comes to domestic CO2 emissions, a gas boiler is comfortably the biggest culprit and, with the imperative to cut carbon becoming all the more urgent, it is a reality that government, industry and homeowners will need to confront. Many of the recent pronouncements have focused on hydrogen’s potential as a replacement, with some leading manufacturers already trialing units powered by that gas, but one company is championing electrification as a solution. An engineer by trade, when Johan du Plessis founded his company tepeo in 2018 he took up the cause of compact thermal storage as an alternative to oil and gas fired boilers. Johan, with his colleague and thermodynamics and energy systems expert, Chris Carver set about prototyping a system that would utilise a high-density thermal storage medium to efficiently capture and hold electricity in the form of thermal energy. That heat would then be released into a wet central heating system in order to power radiators and underfloor heating. “After a number of iterations we had a working model that did exactly that,” explains Johan “and in the last few years we’ve been refining the concept, and now have a patent on some of the technologies involved. The result is the ZEB® (Zero Emission Boiler), a plug and play replacement for a gas, oil, LPG or direct electric boiler.” The unit is about the size of washing machine, and connects into exactly the same pipes that a conventional system boiler would be plumbed into, requiring no change to an existing property’s heating infrastructure or an installer’s established practices. Instead of running from oil and gas, however, the ZEB is electrically powered,

68 OCTOBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

The founder of tepeo, Johan du Plessis with the ZEB® (Zero Emission Boiler)

providing a genuine low carbon solution that could save up to 3 tonnes of CO2 from a typical home’s annual emissions. The innovations don’t stop there, however, because the tepeo team is also exploiting the power of the Internet of Things. Through some cutting-edge connectivity there’s the potential to dramatically cut domestic fuel bills, as Johan reveals: “The wholesale cost of electricity actually fluctuates enormously during the course of a typical day, but that’s something we can turn to our

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advantage. Every ZEB is linked to tepeo’s IoT infrastructure, allowing our cloud platform to talk in real time to each individual unit. It can then determine the optimum moment in terms of price point that the boiler should be taking electricity from the grid or PV array on the roof, and then storing it as heat until it’s needed. The ZEB essentially operates like a battery, but instead of storying energy in a chemical form, which is expensive and includes components which are damaging to the environment, we’re making use of an inert, low cost and environmentally friendly system.”

Combi version

At present, the current model, is designed to replace system boilers but there are plans for a version that would work in place of a combi. In trials the ZEB has replaced gas boilers up to 30kW output, with homeowners enjoying exactly the same heating experience as they did previously. Compare that to a heat pump installation, where it might be necessary to increase radiator sizes, and the advantages are clear. Indeed, a ZEB can achieve the same heat outputs as a gas-fired boiler and, in terms of power and storage capacity, would be suitable for anything up to what is classified as the median UK home – or one that uses around 12MW hours of gas a year. Another added advantage is that the ZEB eliminates the need for a flue, whilst there’s greater flexibility as to where it can installed. It doesn’t have to be placed in the same location as the gas boiler, for example, or against an outside wall, and tepeo engineers have been making using of the spaces under stairs to site the equipment, whilst other relatively redundant areas of a property could be put to use. In fact, for the tradesperson familiar with gas boilers, it is anticipated that the job of fitting will be a straightforward proposition. “It’s early days for our own solution but the direction of travel in terms of policy is clearly towards low carbon solutions,” concludes Johan, “and that will demand incentives if the new technologies are to be adopted quickly enough to make a difference. Ultimately, when it comes to the future heating of our homes, it’s likely there will be a mix of different solutions, and electrification will certainly be among them.” FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE ZEB FROM TEPEO VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE067

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heating, plumbing & wetrooms

MIRA CELEBRATES

100 YEAR TH

In 2021 Mira Showers marks its 100th year of business. PB discovers what the company is doing to honour the occasion and briefly looks back at some of the key moments from its history. o mark its 100th year Mira Showers has launched InstallerPRO to offer exclusive rewards, training and support for installers. The new free membership programme is designed for independent trade professionals, recognising the hard work of installers, and provides ongoing support to the community. The programme offers priority technical support, business development tools and

the latest professional training – plus a range of merchandise, installer kit and retail voucher rewards. Members can earn points by uploading details of their installations to the InstallerPRO website from across a selected range of products. This includes Mira’s full digital range right up to the company’s latest addition – the Mira Activate.

Giving back

With the community a prominent feature throughout Mira’s lifetime, its community partnerships are just as meaningful. The

company sponsors local sports teams – Cheltenham Town Football Club and Gloucester Rugby Club – and partners with local charities. To mark its 100th birthday Mira has set an ambitious target of raising £100,000 for its 2021 charity partner Sue Ryder, supporting an incredible team of people to ensure the charity can continue to be there when it matters for those who need them. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON MIRA’S INSTALLER PRO SCHEME VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE117

SOME OF THE MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM MIRA’S 100-YEAR HISTORY 1936 1921 2017 1959 1982 2001 The company was founded by James MacFarlane Walker, registered in London

The world’s first thermostatic shower, the Leonard thermostatic mixing valve, is launched

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First thermostatic shower valve capable of giving a shower under UK pressure conditions

A new 12,000sq ft. purpose built production facility for electric showers is completed in Cheltenham

Mira Showers is purchased by Kohler Co. – one of the world’s leading manufacturers of kitchen and bathroom products

The Mira Flight shower tray reaches two millionth production milestone. Mira Flight Safe receives the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation.

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heating, plumbing & wetrooms product round-up

CLEANER AND INHIBITOR

Just one bottle of Fernox 265ml Protector F1 and Cleaner F3 treats an average sized UK home, with the capacity to clean and inhibit up to 100 litres of system water. The new smaller sized bottle continues to use proven formulations that have successfully treated over half a million homes, and each bottle will treat systems with up to 12 radiators or 190 sqm of underfloor heating. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE078

HEAT PUMP AND PV

Providing a complete energy efficient solution for household heating, NIBE Energy Systems has launched a selection of Solar PV panels to power its heat pumps and expanded its range of smart home accessories. Homes with a NIBE heat pump and PV package can benefit from the production of free solar to power heating, hot water and cooling needs. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE079

PIPE CUTTER

The Knipex BiX cuts plastic pipes and sealing sleeves without shavings and is so compact that it fits in one hand. The blade can be used in two positions: in the middle for regular cutting of various pipe diameters, or with the external blade, enabling sealing sleeves to be cut close to the wall. The tool is suitable for unreinforced plastic pipes with a diameter of 20 to 50mm and a wall thickness of up to 2.4mm. A VIDEO IS AVAILABLE HERE WWW.RDR.LINK/BE076 GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE080

SHOWER TRAY RANGE

Two new shower trays are available from Saniflo under the Kinedo brand. The 30mm thick Kinerock Evo shower tray is made from Biolex, which is a robust and damage-resistant mineral composite containing 80 per cent mineral with an acrylic resin and gel coat surface. Also made from Biolex, Kineline features a linear tray and a granite look and feel. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE081

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DIGITALLY ENHANCED TAP

Users can accurately control the required water temperature with the GROHE Plus basin taps. The digital upgrade includes a visual colour change displayed on the spout of the tap when hot water is flowing – often unnecessarily – in order to avoid wasting energy. Moreover, the Eco Spray setting delivers just four litres per minute, reducing water consumption. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE082

OIL BOILERS

Available as either a regular, system or combi boiler, in both internal and external models, the LCB700 boasts Navien’s blue flame technology. It is also lightweight (with lift weights from only 58kg), easy to handle and optimised for simple, fast and costeffective installation. Each oil boiler is also “OpenTherm” ready, allowing for instant access to the latest heating control technology. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE084

SINKS

TAPS

The perfect accompaniment to contemporary sink styles is how Carron Phoenix describes its Rosolina tap range. The J-Spout and L-Spout tap models feature a slim body and lowprofile appearance, and are available in matt black and brushed nickel as well as in a polished chrome finish. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE083

There are two additions to the Nimbus collection from Leisure Sinks. Each are made from 0.8-gauge 18/10 stainless steel with a highly polished finish and available in single and 1.5bowl options. The new sinks feature a contemporary sunburst drainer design, which is suitable for both domestic and contract markets. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE085

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GENERAL BUILDING

SELF-DISINFECTING DOOR HANDLE SEALANT AND ADHESIVE

Relaunched earlier this year, the Geocel Trade Mate range includes solutions specifically for roofing. As a premium silicone sealant, Lead and Gutter Seal provides what is described as excellent adhesion for the installation and maintenance of gutter systems and downpipes. It is also suitable for pointing joints between lead flashing and brickwork, masonry and stonework. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE086

A new door handle has the potential to eradicate millions of pathogens per building, according to its makers. Once the door handle is released, the Tweaq Rise is activated and the peristaltic pump brings the disinfectant liquid from the casing to the sponge inside the ring around the door handle. Installation is under ten minutes and can be used with standard doors with no modifications. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE088

WOODEN SASH WINDOWS

Wooden sash windows, can improve the aesthetic of a building whilst the material does not discolour over the longer term, and they can be repainted or supplied in a range of colours. That’s the message from Patchett Joinery, which specialises in making sash windows. In addition, thanks to the up and down opening mechanism, there’s no need to stretch over units or furniture to open the window.

INSULATION

Keep interior spaces cool in summer and warm in winter with Recticel’s Eurothane PL. This three-in-one solution features insulation and plasterboard in one quick and easy-to-apply panel, negating the need for a secondary insulation function – and reducing installation times – but with a lambda value of 0.022 W/mK. Provided its joints are filled and taped, the material can also act as your vapour control layer.

With the creation of a distinct department, Quickslide has increased its focus on production of windows, doors and related products for the housebuilding sector. This includes resources that will provide support with areas such as regulatory and statutory demands; product development and design including technology and market trends; logistics; and after-sales support. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE091

EXTERNAL DOORS

The latest addition to REHAU’s Rio flush fit range is a single open-out door that complements the established Rio window system from the same company. The large glass panel increases the natural light into a room, with a realistic timber or aluminium look but with the benefits of PVCu.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE089

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE092

ORIENTED STRAND BOARD (OSB)

A versatile, cost-effective and sustainable option is how West Fraser describes its SterlingOSB Zero. Available in a range of grades, sheet sizes and thicknesses, the panels are easy to saw, drill, nail, plane or file and are suitable for structural use in dry and humid conditions. The manufacturer argues that the material is stronger and tougher than ply, with no knots, voids or delamination issues.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE087

WINDOWS AND DOORS FOR HOUSEBUILDERS

74 OCTOBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE090 Use our digital reader enquiry service for further information online

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WATER-DISPLACING SPRAY

LIFE BEGINS AT 40

It’s a staple of every toolbox and Tibby Singh finds that the WD-40 range is still a winning formula across a whole host of applications

about the can, as it’s also waterproof and protects metal and non-metal surfaces such as plastics, rubber and wood. This makes it ideal for the following applications: ✔ Belts ✔ Bearings ✔ Links ✔ Tools ✔ Slide rails ✔ Valves ✔ Door and window seals ✔ Hinges ✔ Winches ✔ Pulleys ✔ U bends ✔ Shower screens On the other hand the WD-40 White Lithium Grease is ideal for metal-to-metal applications. This one isn’t just waterproof but is also a heat resistant lubricant, making it perfect for applications that require heavy duty lubrication. It leaves behind a rustinhibiting barrier for protection against corrosion. There’s nothing rusty about this formula and it can be used for a number of applications, such as:

Tibby Singh – www.TibbySingh.com

WD-40 is an abbreviation for ‘Water Displacement, 40th’. It was the 40th attempt to create the product, and the formula has been kept a secret for over 60 years, currently residing in a bank vault in San Diego. This is a great example of failure not being the opposite of success, but a part of success, and it is that persistence which is an integral part of WD-40’s success story in subsequently becoming a global household product. It is recognised that getting some WD40 on anything that is squeaking will do the job, but some people might think there’s only one formula that does it all. In fact, there’s over 30 products that are specifically designed for various applications. I got both hands on a pair of cans; the WD-40 Specialist Silicone and the White Lithium Grease sprays. I was curious if the silicone based one would leave a sticky oily layer behind, but in fact it dries rapidly and leaves a clear, non-staining film that isn’t sticky. Some other sprays can attract dirt, but this one doesn’t, meaning things would require less maintenance and would last longer. That’s not the only attractive feature

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Bearings Winches Latches Pistons Conveyors rails Car door hinges or seats Tow bars Cables Slide rails Pumps Braking mechanisms Pinions Clasps Garage doors

I remember the days when there was a straw taped to the side of the can, but not for long because it always seemed to go missing. You won’t pull the short straw again, thanks to the Smart Straw design, which is a permanent straw system that allows you to spray in two different ways. A stream to get into tighter spaces or as a spray to cover a wider area. Now that’s a smart idea! It’s clear to see why many people grab a can when they hear any squeaks, or if something that should be moving isn’t in motion. It’s safe to say during this review, I found myself going around and giving everything a maintenance squirt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE WD-40 RANGE, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE093

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FIRE FOAMS

SAFE IN THE

e g d e l w o n K

David Moore, CEO of the Bond It Group, explains the importance of product selection in fire safey As a company that manufactures sealants, adhesives and other building chemicals, you might expect us to advocate increased awareness when it comes to choosing fire foams. But self-gain never has, and never will, be Bond It’s main motivation for urging greater consideration when it comes to these products. Instead, we believe the building industry in the UK is affected by a serious issue with equally serious, and potentially life-threatening, implications. With lives at stake, and against a backdrop where we are all increasingly accountable for our work – and where there have been a number of high profile examples of poor building practices contributing to the spread of fire – we see it as our responsibility to share our knowledge. The problem stems from the existence of too many different but similar sounding classification systems. This has created a degree of confusion which has left many

76 OCTOBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

in the sector at risk of inadvertently using fire foams with levels of performance that fall woefully short of the mark.

Not all fire foams are created equal

Years ago specifying a fire foam was a lot simpler – and arguably safer – than it is today. You had the choice of either a standard foam or a fire foam, with both types available in either a gun or handheld form. To benefit from its classification, fire foam had to comply with BS476 part 20. This meant it would act as a barrier to fire for four hours giving a building’s occupants vital time to escape. Then, with an influx of European foams into the UK, came a proliferation of different standards. The most widespread was a German standard based on a sliding scale. This ranged from A1 (100 per cent non-combustible) through to A2, B1, B2 and B3 with the latter offering the

worst levels of performance. If the introduction of a whole new standard system – and a large number of differing classifications – didn’t serve to create enough confusion, the way of assessing the UK and European standards was also totally different. The UK standard meant a fire foam had to act as a barrier to prevent fire transferring from one room to another for a period of four hours. The German standard meanwhile was based on someone trying to ignite the foam itself – not a very realistic scenario.

Savings – but at what cost?

One of the most widely seen classifications people now find on fire foams is B2 and it’s not hard to understand why. B2 strikes a fine balance

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between offering some fire resistance and at a cost that won’t hurt budgets – or margins. However, in our opinion, B2 ‘fire’ foam’s performance is totally inadequate and we don’t think it should be sold as fire foam at all. Yes, there are savings and profits to be made, but at the end of the day, what price do you put on property or even more poignantly, on someone’s life? As we near the 4th anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, we are hoping lessons have been learnt. Like most of our competitors, we react to market demand and do supply a B2 PU foam as part of our range. However, we

are strict about this not being referred to as a ‘fire’ foam and it is not marketed under this guise at all. We clearly state what the products performance characteristics are and what it is tested to. Sealants also play a big part in ensuring the integrity of fire-resistant seals and joints. These are used in re-establishing the fire-rated integrity of a wall or floor assembly compromised by the inclusion or exclusion of a penetrant. Flames and smoke can spread through the smallest of gaps causing extreme damage to buildings and even human lives. Applying an intumescent sealant to linear joints, around pipes and between cables to close all the

gaps and add fire resistance, slows down the burning process and does not contribute to spread of flames. Therefore, it can minimise the damage by protecting structures, giving fire fighters more time to arrive and take the fire under control, as well as fire-proofing escape routes and allowing for efficient evacuation.

How does intumescent sealant work? Intumescent seals are known as a means of passive fire protection, but what is an intumescent sealant in practice? Also known as expansion sealant, intumescent sealant expands when it becomes exposed to extreme heat and can swell up to 40 times its original volume. The sealant increases in volume but decreases in density forming a char layer. The expanded sealant does not actually catch fire, but the char burns eventually, still much more slowly than most building materials. Depending on the product formulation, application and backing material, an intumescent sealant can be resistant to fire for up to 4 hours. Buildings require different levels of fire resistance depending on their size and whether they have a residential purpose.

Better safe than sorry Of course, it would be remiss of Bond It to highlight an issue as grave as current fire foam classification and misclassification without proposing a solution. Thankfully, there is one – and it’s also fairly easy to implement. In its simplest terms, our advice would in every circumstance if you need fire protection from your foams nothing less than B1 is really acceptable as a bare minimum standard and for sealing we would recommend a fire tested sealant. Look for the standards EN1366-4, EN13663, EN ISO 10140-2 and EN13501-2 on packs – which are proof that the foams and sealants will do their job and you can be safe in the knowledge that you’ve chosen a true fire foam or fire rated sealant that will leave people safe in their homes, offices and other buildings. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE RANGE OF BOND IT FIRE RATED PRODUCTS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE094

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R O F SS K E C IN A B US B

THE TRADESHOW BUILT FOR THE TRADE PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

TOOLFAIR 2021

POWER TOOLS

•

HAND TOOLS

•

BUILDING EQUIPMENT

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

SAFELY DOES IT Enhanced safety measures in place

ICC, WALES – 14TH & 15TH OCTOBER 2021 SANDOWN PARK, SURREY – 4TH & 5TH NOVEMBER 2021 WESTPOINT ARENA, EXETER – 9TH & 10TH DECEMBER 2021

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SEALANTS & ADHESIVES

MORE SPEED LESS WASTE hile its impact is more widely understood than ever, the UK’s problem with plastic pollution continues. According to a Government study conducted in 2016, the UK’s plastic packaging waste that year amounted to approximately 1.53 million tonnes – a 24 per cent increase in comparison with 2010. In fact, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) estimates that by 2030, this number could rise to as much as 6.3 million tonnes. As a result, our landfill capacity is rapidly diminishing, which is having a devastating effect on wildlife as plastic finds its way into seas and waterways. The construction sector is a key contributor to these alarming plastic statistics. The industry consumes around 23 per cent of all plastic produced in the UK, leading to an estimated 50,000 tonnes of plastic packaging waste every year. This has resulted in heavy criticism, with the Environmental Agency recently labelling the construction sector as the worst offender for generating contaminated waste. This came after thousands of tonnes of contaminated plastic film produced by the sector were blocked from exportation at UK ports. It was statistics such as these that led 95 per cent of respondents in a recent Considerate Constructors Scheme survey to state that

Andy Cummins, Senior Product Manager at Geocel, looks at how switching to sustainable product alternatives can make a big difference in reducing onsite waste – and help the trades do their bit for the environment. the industry needs to make a change. For professional tradespeople, remember that there has also been a significant shift in the mindset of homeowners, who are more environmentally conscious than ever. A growing number are willing to compromise price to make sure they are doing what they can to protect the

environment. This is especially true for those under the age of 24, meaning the demand for trades that do consider the environment in their everyday work – is likely to increase in the future. Further incentives to cut down on plastic waste are being provided by the Government, which has implemented numerous tax regulations. With nonhazardous landfill capacity in England quickly diminishing, landfill costs have more than trebled since 2008, and currently sits at £94.14 per tonne; a figure that is expected to carry on getting higher. From April 2022, a further tax will be introduced on companies, which produce or import plastic packaging with insufficient recycled content. This will inevitably lead to an increase in the cost to produce many products or packaging

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SEALANTS & ADHESIVES

made from 100 per cent virgin plastic, which will in turn affect the price to the trade and the end customer. It’s clear that in all areas of construction – we need to change the way we work – and the sooner the better. One product that contributes significantly to plastic waste is the traditional sealant cartridge system. Every year, 100 million of these plastic cartridges are sent to landfill. In theory, these can be recycled. However, it is impossible to completely clear the cartridges of residue, and so they are classed as ‘contaminated’ waste. Thankfully, there is a solution. For example, Geocel has launched the ecoSEAL system, which looks to replace the traditional plastic cartridge with a reusable sleeve alternative. The adhesive or sealant product is supplied in a foil sausage, which is then placed within the sleeve and loaded into any standard gun, ready for use as normal. Switching to a product such as this is a

ecoSEAL Challenge If you want to try the ecoSEAL system for FREE, Geocel has recently launched the ecoSEAL Challenge. Participants will be asked to select their choice of a sealant or adhesive from the available options, which they will get alongside a reusable ecoSEAL sleeve. To take the ecoSEAL Challenge visit WWW.RDR.LINK/BE095

minor change yet has the potential to reduce plastic waste output significantly. The empty foils are eight times smaller than empty traditional cartridges, making them around 60 per cent lighter too – crucial for companies that pay to dispose of their waste by weight. Furthermore, the ecoSEAL sleeve can be reused up to 75 times before it is then recycled. With popular products available such

as Geocel’s Painters Mate, THE WORKS PRO and DOWSIL 785+, 796 and 799 aluminium foils, tradespeople can easily switch to a more sustainable solution without compromising on the quality of the product they use. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE GEOCEL RANGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE096

If you are interested in supporting the Rainy Day Trust please contact us:

YOUR INDUSTRY CHARITY

www.rainydaytrust.org.uk

“Real solutions for real people” The Rainy Day Trust has been helping vulnerable people from the home improvement and enhancement industries since 1843. In that time, there have been a couple of name changes, but the ethos and sentiment have remained the same – help those who are struggling and do it with compassion and understanding.

designed speciﬁcally to meet the needs of a changing population that adapt over time and can be combined into a meaningful package. We help older people, working families and apprentices; whoever needs us, because as we’ve always said “Who knows what tomorrow may bring?”

We’ve developed a series of programmes

Call us on 0203 192 0486 or visit www.rainydaytrust.org.uk I

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SEALANTS & ADHESIVES

DON’T COME UNSTUCK

Andrew Scanlon, Applications Manager at Sika Everbuild, explains how taking the time to determine which type of adhesive suits each task will result in a better, more secure, long-lasting finish. Adhesives provide professional builders with a fast-acting, easy-to-apply solution to securely fix, bond or repair all manner of things from skirting boards and worktops to tiles and mirrors, but making the right product choice is an essential to ensure that your reputation doesn’t come unstuck.

Substrate, surroundings and stress

As with many building products the key to determining the best adhesive for the job is to first check your substrate or substrates, if you’re bonding two different materials. Whether you’re working with metal, wood, brick, concrete, stone, ceramic, tiles, plastic or glass or a combination of these, there’s a specialist adhesive designed to provide the perfect solution. The material properties of the substrate, such as its porosity, or how likely it is to expand or contract in different temperatures, will affect which adhesive you should use. That’s why it’s always worthwhile doing a quick check of the label before you start to make sure the adhesive you’re using will create the long-lasting bond between the substrates you’re working with. The next consideration is the surroundings or the wider environment. It goes without saying that if you’re working on an exterior project, which is likely to be exposed to the weather you’ll need to make sure any adhesives applied won’t weaken on exposure to UV rays, extremes of hot or cold temperatures or rain. Similarly, if you’re applying a product in a

bathroom or kitchen area where it’s going to potentially come into contact with water and damp, then it’s wise to look for a product that has inbuilt mould resistance. While for those areas which may be subject to intensive cleaning, products which will withstand chemicals are a must, otherwise the adhesive can wear away on exposure to harsh chemicals. And lastly think stress – just how much stress do you expect the bond to be put under? If it’s supporting a lot of weight including another structure or its own weight – then choose carefully and go for strength to make sure the bond between substrates will hold fast.

Dual purpose products

You’ll have noticed that in recent years there have been more so-called ‘hybrid’ products coming onto the market. These offer the benefits of both an adhesive and sealant in one handy product. This is a gamechanger, reducing the number of

specialist adhesives and sealants required to complete different tasks on any given project. Most hybrid products, including Sika Everbuild’s EB25, are manufactured using the latest polymer technology which allows them to offer the super strength of an adhesive with the flexible filling qualities of a sealant. Hybrid products can help to take the guesswork out of finding the right adhesive for each task as this one product can be used just as effectively on a variety of different substrates. EB25 for example, can seal or bond virtually any material both inside and out and even underwater.

Additional benefits

Another advantage to using certain hybrid sealants and adhesives is that they are formulated to be better for the environment due to their low level of VOCs. Sika Everbuild’s EB25 is one such example and even carries the EC1Plus badge to give you the reassurance that you’re making a more sustainable choice. Many adhesives are available in a range of standard colours but it’s generally worth opting for a clear adhesive if it’s likely to be visible. With five colours including black, white, grey, anthracite as well as clear to choose from, EB25 provides the perfect match for any project. What’s more, for extra peace of mind, its formula also benefits from UV protection which means it won’t yellow over time. Additional benefits such as these will ensure a long-lasting finish you can rely on to keep your customers happy. TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SIKA EVERBUILD’S EXTENSIVE RANGE OF PRODUCTS, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE097

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POCKET DOOR SYSTEMS

GOT IT IN THE

pocket

Eclisse has launched new pocket door systems to suit popular stud work sizes clisse has been supplying the construction market with high quality and competitively priced pocket door systems for over 30 years. The company’s vast range of pocket door systems are constructed from galvanised steel, and all are assembled into a pocket door frame with pocket before inserting into studwork which saves time, eliminates the need to cut the frame to size and ensures a perfect opening and closing action when installed plumb and inline. Until now most pocket door systems have catered for 3” and 4” stud, but given

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the popularity of CLS (63mm and 89mm) and metal stud C Stud (70mm and 92mm) Eclisse has launched a new range of pocket door frames that assemble to a thickness of 70 and 90mm to match these stud sizes. Installing a pocket door is not complicated but if you haven’t done it before you may not be familiar with a few things you need to think about before you purchase one. ■ Sizing a pocket door – finished wall thickness and stud sizes ■ Ease of assembly and installation of different brands of pocket door systems

Sizing a pocket door

All the manufacturer’s products have comprehensive technical specs that can be found on its website, listing the overall frame size once assembled, the door panel size that fits that particular frame and finished wall thickness. To size a pocket door system you need to take into account: The overall wall/space available to ensure that it fits the overall frame size of the pocket door frame allowing it to be screwed into stud ether side and above. You can then check what door panel size will fit this particular frame size.

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Or if you have a door panel size in mind you want to use, you can find the overall pocket door frame size on the technical spec and ensure that the frame size will fit into the overall space available taking into account the need to screw the frame into stud either side and above. You will also need to take into account the overall finished wall thickness and thickness of your studwork. Finished wall thickness: This is the thickness of the frame plus a layer of standard 12.5mm plasterboard either side. A number of the most popular pocket door frames in the Eclisse range will actually assemble to two sizes of thickness. However, you do need to choose the thickness you require at time of purchase because the jamb kit that is supplied with it is size specific. Studwork sizes: Although 3” and 4” (75 and 100mm) timber stud is sold with these nominal thicknesses in reality it is actually 63mm and 89mm thick. Steel stud is generally either 70mm or 92mm. This is why Eclisse are launching a new range of 70/90mm frames (i.e. frames with a finished wall thickness of 95mm and 115mm when installed with a single layer of standard 12.5mm plasterboard either side.

Ease of assembly and installation Eclisse prides itself on keeping things simple from start to finish, beginning with the ordering process and expert customer service, all the way down to installation. The overall aim is to retain the highest quality of pocket door system, and creating this solution has allowed the manufacturer to excel against the market, creating more accessible systems for all projects and builds.

70mm Pocket Door System:

90mm Pocket Door System:

For Example: Timber 63mm CLS stud (with one 6mm plasterboard) and Steel 70mm stud match the 70mm ECLISSE pocket door frame

Timber 89mm CLS and Steel 92mm stud match the 90mm ECLISSE pocket door frame

The difference is in the detail Eclisse has made many developments over the years, including strength improvements and speedy frame assembly, but one of the most recent improvements of the new frames are the horizontals with perforated profiles. This eliminates the need for pre-drilling when installing the plasterboard, making the installation process quicker and simpler. So, when you’re looking for a great option with everything you need for a fantastic finish with use, choose the brand you can trust.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE RANGE OF POCKET DOOR SYSTEMS FROM ECLISSE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE098

A kit that fits: Due to the frame not needing to be pre-cut to size, it eliminates wasted time and makes sure you get the perfect fit every time. The company even offers bespoke sized pocket door frames. Quick click frame assembly: The quickclick pocket door frames can be assembled by simply clicking the metal section together with ease. No alignment issues: A complete pocket door frame that will fit as a full unit, helping the door to run true and inline.

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PERMEABLE PAVING

PAVING THE WAY For many installers the wetter autumnal weather can often make installing driveways a challenge. Marshalls’ water management expert, Chris Griffiths, provides us with some top tips on how contractors and installers can overcome this by using permeable paving.

hen installing a driveway, it’s important to know that there is legislation in place to reduce the impact of flooding. In simple terms, any new driveway over 5m2 must provide a drainage system for the water to run to a permeable area. If it doesn’t, then the homeowner will need to get planning permission. As the UK has its fair share of rain, there are many problems that could lead to the increase of flooding of street drains

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and driveways caused by rainwater. But luckily you will find a number of innovative and sustainable drainage solutions suitable for any household or budget. One of these is permeable paving.

What is permeable paving?

CG (Chris Griffiths) Permeable block paving is a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) for driveways. It has all the benefits of an efficient drainage system

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that returns rainfall to the water table, without the need for membranes, tanks or soakaways, and, therefore, homeowners do not require planning permission for a permeable driveway. In simple terms, the blocks are specially designed to allow rainfall to drain through the joints between the blocks, where it is stored in the sub-base until it can soak safely into the ground.

Why can it be installed in rainy conditions whereas regular block paving can’t?

CG Permeable driveways require a different sub-base to impermeable ones. The materials used for the installation of a permeable driveway do not become saturated by rain so there is no problem installing the driveway in wet weather.

Why is a permeable solution better for the environment?

What are the upsides of using permeable paving?

CG Mainly, it reduces flood risk by managing surface water at the source and stops it flowing in high volumes and at high speeds into the surrounding sewerage network. In addition, during the process of flowing through the sub-base, the surface water is cleansed of any impurities it has picked up – so it returns to the water table pollutant-free.

CG Well, it looks fantastic – and just like ordinary block paving, it comes in a wide range of different colours, sizes and textures so your customer can choose the best look to complement the front of their house. It’s always free of standing water so you’ll never see puddles or ponding and you don’t have to fiddle around installing channel drains and soakaways, so installation is simpler. Plus, it’s good for the environment and because of the interlocking nibs, Marshalls Driveline Priora creates a surface that’s structurally stronger than an impermeable driveway. Perhaps the only thing to be aware of is that, because the joints are wider than you find on standard block paving, you’re more likely to get occasional weeds growing between the blocks… but they’re easy get rid of by jet washing or just plucking out.

TOP TIPS FOR INSTALLING PERMEABLE PAVING Checking you have the right conditions might include digging a 400mm x 400mm x 400mm test hole. Once your test hole has been excavated, fill it to the top with water and, after 24 hours, check whether the water has disappeared. If it has, you have the right conditions to get started. This process will determine whether the ground is porous enough to accept water at a fast enough rate. Other things to check are the services on the land, including gas, electric, sewer pipes and shallow foundations – it’s fine for services to run underneath a permeable pavement, but it’s useful to know where they run for access and repairs. Once you’ve carried out the necessary checks, and know it’s a suitable site, you’re good to go.

1. Excavate the site to the required depth of 310mm, making sure you keep below your DPC by 150mm. 2. Compact the sub-soil. 3. Install edge restraints to prevent any lateral movement of the paving.

4. Install a 200mm layer of 20mm clean crushed stone with well defined angled edges, compacting with a vibrating plate at 100mm depths

How long does permeable paving last without maintenance?

CG There’s a widely held misconception that without maintenance, permeable pavements become clogged with dirt and debris and stop working. To dispel this myth, in 2020 the Marshalls Design Team conducted American Standard ASTM tests on some of their older permeable pavements to see how they would perform years after installation. The research proved that all of the sites tested were still more than permeable enough to cope with the heaviest one-hour UK rainfall event in history! One site was over

5. Install the next layer – 50mm of 6mm clean crushed stone with well defined angled edges. Compact with a vibrating plate. 6. Lay the Priora block paving one at a time. Marshalls Priora permeable paving has a patented interlocking nib system which allows the water to drain freely through the voids between the blocks. 7. Once the blocks are laid, sweep in 6mm clean crushed stone into the joints. 8. Test by pouring a bucket of water onto your drive. You’ll be surprised by the way it immediately disappears into the sub-base and not into the overworked drains.

17 years old at the time of testing, and that was more than twice as permeable enough to cope with that event. Using the collected data to predict the rate at which the infiltration rate might slow down, the team estimated that it would be 32 years before a pavement becomes too clogged to cope with the heaviest rainfall events the UK has seen. Of course, it’s really easy to restore permeability by a simple process of jet washing or brushing. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON MARSHALLS’ PERMEABLE PAVING SOLUTIONS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE099

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PRECAST CONCRETE SHUTTERING

CAST IN CONCRETE Tim Fields, Technical and Development Manager at Anderton Concrete, explores the benefits of using precast concrete shuttering systems to construct resilient retaining walls and basements The UK housing market is continuing to thrive, with latest research from Glenigan indicating the volume of private housing project-starts rose 61 per cent between February and April 2021, when compared to the same period in 2020. The Office for National Statistics also reported a year-on-year increase in UK average house prices in March 2021 of over 10 per cent, the largest rate of annual growth since 2007. This places potential occupiers in a strong position to make key investments and capitalise on the increased value of their current house as they look to move further up the property ladder. To successfully achieve this increased rate of building, and expand potential profit margins, without compromising on the overall quality or resilience of the build, construction professionals should begin by taking an alternative approach to the building fabric itself.

Modular construction

Modular retaining walls are a useful way to extend the area of level ground available for building, particularly where there is limited ground for development. This method of construction can also successfully support the building of basements as an effective method of adding additional square meterage to a property, particularly where horizontal land may be limited. By choosing a direct alternative to formwork, and installing concrete shuttering blocks that are dry laid,

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builders can significantly increase on site efficiency, whilst simultaneously reducing overall expenditure. This is due to concrete shuttering blocks facilitating the construction of single skin retaining walls up to 3.5 metres high, combining the ease of blockwork with the versatility of in-situ

concrete. This sets the standards for longevity and quality, whilst also minimising the time spent on building each property. As the unique construction of each block readily accepts vertical and horizontal reinforcement, the concrete is pumped directly into the inter-connected cavities. The end result is unrivalled strength and resistance to water infiltration, when combined with an appropriate waterproofing system. This also makes it the ideal solution for swimming pools. In addition, retaining walls can be used to create unique highquality terraces and attractive landscaping, particularly for prestigious houses targeting more affluent individuals where it’s imperative the property stands apart from competitors. This year, builders have a real opportunity to utilise retaining wall systems, such as Anderton Concrete’s Stepoc 325 Concrete Shuttering System. Following independent analysis, the Stepoc system has been found to offer a substantial cost saving of over 30 per cent when compared with in-situ concrete and an approximate saving of 20 per cent against cavity block construction, all without compromising on quality or performance and enhancing the speed and quality of building. Systems such as this provide professionals with a real opportunity to transform the construction of high-end properties and set the standard for efficiency and quality of build. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE BENEFITS OF ANDERTON CONCRETE’S STEPOC 325 CONCRETE SUTTERING SYSTEM VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE100

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builders’ vehicles 씱

CONNECT UP The compact but capable Ford Transit Connect is one of the best small vans. Dan Powell of Honest John Vans tells you how to find a bargain on the used market. Easy to drive, cheap to run and wellequipped as standard, the compact but capable Connect is one of the best small vans for sale. The latest model was launched in 2014 to replace the mk1 Transit Connect that had blown away the competition and set new standards for comfort, space and fuel economy. Ford boasted the mk2 would set new standards for load-carrying ability as well as cost of ownership and dependability. Load management and space was improved, too, Ford offering two wheelbases at launch, the short wheelbase (SWB/L1) having 2.9 cubic metres of load space, and the long wheelbase (LWB/L2) model featuring 3.7 cubic metres of cargo volume. A load-through hatch in the bulkhead boosts load space volumes to 3.7 and 4.4 cubic metres respectively, which means the Connect offers the same load-length capacity as some of its larger Transit Custom relations, with either 3.0m with the L1 or 3.4m in the L2 model.

Engines Various engine choices were offered with the Transit Connect over its life, the core being made up of the 1.6-litre TDCI turbodiesel which was offered with 75, 95 and 115PS outputs.

For builders wanting ultimate economy, Ford additionally offered its 100PS 1.5 TDCi turbodiesel in Econetic guise, it in its best specification (L1 Base trim) managing an advertised figure of 74.3mpg. For that, you’d have to accept a 62mph speed limiter, without it the figures increasing to 70.6mpg. Latterly the 1.6 TDCi would be discontinued in 2016, replaced by the 1.5 ‘EcoBlue’ diesel across the range. Ford offered the Connect with petrol engines, a 1.6-litre EcoBoost mated to an automatic transmission which was only offered briefly up to 2015. There is also Ford’s familiar 1.0-litre 100PS EcoBoost petrol.

Maintenance Servicing should be every year or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first). Pricing varies across the country, but most garages offer fixed price servicing. As an example, an interim service should cost in the region of £120, a full service costing around £200-£250. A replacement battery fitted will be around £100, with an

MoT around £40-£50. Should you need diagnostics running to check any fault code expect to pay around £45, a replacement clutch costing around £540 fitted, front brake pads under £100, rears under £70, replacement front discs in the region of £220. The timing belt on the TDCi engines should be replaced every five years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first). Fitted, along with a new water pump that timing belt costs around £500. Miss that, and if it goes, you’ll need a new engine, so make sure you ask the seller to provide evidence that it’s been done (usually in the form of an invoice from the garage that completed the work).

What to watch Check the load area for damage, and the interior for wear and tear – with so much choice there’s no reason to compromise on one that’s not perfect. Have a good look around the tyres for wear or sidewall damage. Any signs of uneven wear suggest the tracking has been knocked out, likewise damaged sidewalls or wheels signal abuse. Check the clutch for slip or judder by rolling away in second with low revs, if there’s any evidence of it then negotiate a discount, or have a new one fitted before buying. Listen for any rumbling or drone from the wheel bearings when test driving. Be sure to run the van at everything from town speeds to dual carriageway speeds. A new wheel bearing, fitted, will cost around £150. FOR MORE VAN AND PICK-UP ADVICE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE101

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

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builders’ vehicles

Unlike all those befuddled holidaymakers desperately trying to return to these shores earlier this summer, Professional Builder is never happier than spending as much time as possible hanging around ‘Customs.’ o green channel approach for us here, because every time we climb on board our long-term Ford Transit Custom, we find something new to declare. Over the years we have certainly paid our duties in LCV driving terms, travelling to the four corners of the world to seek out new models, but there’s no place like home when it comes to the iconic Transit. Now well into its seventh decade of unparalleled popularity, it is only outdone in favourite Ford vehicle destinations by the Fiesta and Focus. And lockdown, it seems, has only enhanced its glowing reputation, with huge numbers being deployed to keep the nation supplied with home deliveries and, of course, carry out vital repairs and maintenance to overworked homes.

Accustomed as we are

“A constant round of updates and revisions, make it the goto vehicle for a vast array of multi-tasking small businesses.”

Under the general Transit umbrella, Ford has literally thousands of options to choose from, but it is the mid-sized van offering in the appealing shape of the Custom that dominates this particular domain. It’s been around a decade now but a full face-lift in 2018, and a constant round of updates and revisions, make it the go-to vehicle for a vast array of multitasking small businesses.

Custom dictates

It’s only when you are out on the road that you appreciate just how many similarly inclined drivers there are out there going about the daily task of earning the corn. And you can certainly accommodate some sizable bales of it in the back with payloads ranging between 6.0m3 and 6.8m3 for the mid-size van, and an impressive 8.3m3 for the largest long wheelbase, high roof version. The bulkhead on the regular panel van has a very useful load through facility for longer items under the passenger seat, enabling pipes etc up to 3m long to be carried safely and away from prying eyes. A

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S E E I T. . . sturdy hard rubber floor liner with tie down rings set in the floor, and lower walls, are useful in preventing materials from flying around in the back, whilst a number of features, including extra bright LED load area lights and an integrated roof rack capable of carrying up to 350kg are optional extras. We have all had a tendency to put on a few extra pounds during lockdown, of course, so it’s reassuring to know there’s plenty of space in a very accommodating and comfortable threeseater cab with the passenger seats flipping up to reveal hidden compartments that can accommodate a laptop or small toolbox. And, with all those valuables, you’ll want a reliable alarm, with two options as standard on the Limited versions and above. Power is provided from a fuel saving Eco Blue 2.0 litre diesel engine which offers four different levels of horsepower and six speed manual or power shift automatic transmission. There’s also a petrol/electric set up with the Transit Custom PHEV, which we reviewed very favourably at the start of the year, and an all-electric version due for launch in 2023.

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Professional BUILDING ■ FLOORING ■ PLUMBING ■ ROOFING ■ CARPENTRY ■ PAINTING AND DECORATING ■

Versatile

One thing we have discovered over the years is that you are never short of friends when there is a long-term vehicle loan on the Professional Builder books and these strange times have seen our Custom manfully employed in several house moves, numerous garden clearances, multiple trips to the merchants for essential building materials and even very pleasant staycations in Cornwall and the lake district involving Kayaks, bikes and tents. And it’s that all round versatility and adaptability – plus, of course, legendary reliability – that makes the Transit the envy of its competitors and helps maintain its own customary position as first in the queue for a passport to future prosperity and success for so many British businesses. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE102 TO READ OUR REVIEW OF THE TRANSIT CUSTOM PHEV VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE103

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builders’ vehicles

MOre than just gas work!

Is gas a natural ‘load-bed’ fellow for a tipper or would you prefer to cut it in a crew cab? Professional Builder continues to pursue its Daily routine.

ith all the current hype surrounding electric vehicles, it’s easy to overlook the fact that there are also some other very credible unconventional fuel alternatives available to users of light commercial vehicles looking to do their bit for both the environment and their wallets. One of these is CNG, or compressed natural gas, which, we have to admit, is something of a first for us in terms of driving experience. Apparently, it’s the same gas that’s supplied to homes across the country for use in cooking and heating – but in this application it’s stored in a highly compressed form to make it suitable for use as a vehicle fuel. For a number of reasons, it’s never really taken off in this country, but enjoys some success on the continent, where it neatly sidesteps regulations limiting polluting vehicles from city centres. And, as the Government pursues an ever more stringent green agenda, it could certainly do the same here. It’s claimed to offer up to a 35 per cent saving on similar dieselpowered units, although ranges are down on those now being achieved by the very latest electric van incarnations. As a company Iveco has always done things a little differently and decided a while back to fully embrace a CNG option across its entire truck range. The company are currently the only manufacturer to offer this solution on a factory-produced van in the shape of the Daily. A significantly higher initial purchase price, and limited refuelling availability, means

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IT’S A GAS

CNG is primarily a fossil fuel but is also obtained as a by-product from biomethane-gas collected from old landfills and refuse sites. Running a vehicle on the latter can achieve near zero CO2 emissions, although the natural product will still achieve far lower emissions than a diesel equivalent, with nitrogen oxides and particulates especially reduced.

that it is likely to remain a niche market in this country for the foreseeable future, but it is interesting to see how natural

alternatives to diesel and electric can be harnessed to produce a very efficient and comfortable driving performance. The rear-wheel-drive chassis means the front wheels can turn to impressive angles and makes for a class leading turning circle, which again is a positive moving around congested town centres. No need here to add anything more on the well-appointed interior cab space and driver assistance tech which is commonly available across the range and which we commented appreciatively on in previous Daily tests. In fact, apart from the series of cylinders located under the cab and load-bed it would be impossible to distinguish our test vehicle from a conventional Daily equipped with more than a tonne of builder’s sand in its Britt Tipp built load box, which adds a little over £7,000 to the purchase price of around £42,000 for our

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THE CREW CAN CUT IT

MY19 Blue power CNG. The 3litre CGN engine, which offers 136hp and 350Nm of torque, feels highly refined as you would expect, quiet and smooth, aided by an impressive Hi-Matic automatic gearbox. Gas is a Daily option all the way up to a 7.2tonne gross vehicle weight vans and payloads are unchanged, which is another advantage over its electric counterparts. As, indeed, is the refuelling which, once the obvious disparities and different safety procedures at the pump have been explained, can be achieved in minutes as opposed to many charging hours off the road for electric. Medium wheelbases carry 194 litres of gas, which gives a range of just over 140 miles and all vans under the 7-tonne mark can also be equipped with a 14-litre petrol engine, giving a further 60 miles for emergencies. Fortunately, we didn’t need to make that switch, our carefully planned test drive taking us north up the M1 to Daventry and one of a dozen natural gas refuelling stations located – one has to say sparsely – across the UK, although we understand plans are well advanced to open up a significant number of other stations within the next few years. It was interesting to note a number of heavy trucks alongside us in the bays with the big fleet operators increasingly becoming aware of its appeal. So, in summary, while this natural fuel alternative is certainly up and running, it is clearly some way off before it can be truthfully said to be fully cooking on gas!

With space for six burly builders within the well upholstered Daily crew van, natural gas is possibly the last thing you need an abundance of and so, to round off our experience of Daily vans, we took to a conventional diesel powered 2.3litre, 3.5GVW offering. Social distancing has clearly taken its toll on this mode of transport far more than most. However, as things return to some semblance of normality, men and machines are back on the move again. The Snoeks Crew Cab is a perfect compromise between that need for delivering support workers to site and some useful load capacity, which just tops 1,000kg. There is also an option to choose between a three- or four-seater bench, with plenty of leg and elbow room, and multiple storage compartments. There’s a choice of four wheelbases and a twin wheel configuration and sliding side doors. Our Automatic Hi-Matic test vehicle came with a host of extras, which bumps the price up to around £41,000 which may sound a lot but is actually a very competitive way of getting workers and materials to site in some comfort, ready for the rigours of the day’s toil. In a world of me-too conformity, Iveco have a long tradition of daring to be different, and that philosophy has led to the evolution of a range of commercial vehicles which can accommodate just about any kind of business profile you could imagine. Over the course of our series of test drives, we gained a small insight as to the mindboggling configurations which can actually be built around that uniquely sturdy truck like chassis platform and high-performance engines and, whilst there will always be clearly cheaper options on the market, a Daily dose of Iveco could be just the shot in the arm your business needs right now.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE IVECO DAILY RANGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE104

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ROOFING

TECHNICAL TEAM TIPS – NO 30

MAKING A PITCH

Stuart Nicholson, roof systems director at Marley, says updated guidance will help contractors reduce the risk of moisture damage in pitched roofing projects

xcess moisture within properties is a significant cause of damage to the fabric of the building and to the health of the occupants. Over time, too much moisture can lead to decay, damp and mould, with poor ventilation also associated with the spread of infections, such as Covid-19. Improved energy efficiency and climate changes are putting buildings under increasing stress from moisture, which is a particular risk for pitched roofing. Moisture laden air, in the form of vapour, is likely to ascend to the roof space, so there is a risk of condensation build up without adequate ventilation. In fact, damage caused by this interstitial condensation is one of the most common callbacks for costly pitched roofing repairs or warranty claims. At the end of July, a fully revised British Standard, BS 5250:2021, was launched and this highlights the importance of reducing moisture risk and ensuring correct ventilation levels in pitched roofs. The Standard has been re-named ‘Management of Moisture in Buildings – Code of Practice’ to reflect the fact it no longer just focuses on condensation, but now takes a whole building approach. It has been broadened to include other moisture risks in buildings, such as rain penetration and roof leaks, humidity and high levels of ground water. It also recognises that there are differences between a building when it is designed and how it performs when it is built and in-use. These updates to BS 5250 are a reminder of the critical role that roof ventilation plays as part of a whole building approach to reducing moisture risk. Anyone undertaking roofing work should familiarise themselves with the new guidance, which gives more clarity

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on some key issues. This includes the use of breathable (LR) and non-breathable (HR) underlays, with recommendations and figures which illustrate the different ventilation requirements for specific roof types and roof coverings (air permeable and air impermeable). So, what should builders and roofers do to minimise moisture risk in pitched roofs and reduce their risk of costly callbacks? Follow the new BS 5250 guidance at whatever stage you become involved in the roof design and installation. Liaise with other specification and construction stakeholders to ensure the roof design and proposed selection of materials satisfy current Building Regulations and the recommendations of BS 5250. Consider the impact of any roofing work on the rest of the building fabric in terms of moisture risk assessment, see table 4 in BS 5250:2021. If you are working on a refurbishment project, check the different requirements – e.g., change of use of building, structural changes. Also ensure you install the roof covering and its fittings and accessories in line with the latest BS 5534 ‘Slating and tiling for pitched roofs and vertical cladding-Code of practice’ and the BS

8612 ‘Dry-fixed, ridge, hip, and verge systems for slating and tiling – Specification’ Standards, which will ensure the roof is secure against increasingly volatile weather and prevent water ingress. As a minimum, get a new fixing specification for every project and ensure it is followed. Marley can also provide full roof system and NBS specification, which will ensure correct ventilation levels via their approved roof underlays and ventilation products. Don’t rely on a breathable (LR) underlay as the sole means of ventilation. BS 5250 continues to recommend ventilation of the loft space and sometimes the batten space, and so our recommendation is that roofs will always require some form of supplementary low, high or both, levels of ventilation, regardless of what underlay is used. Consult the roof covering manufacturer for their recommended package of materials. Consider using a full roof system from one manufacturer to ensure compatibility of roof components for an efficient, well-ventilated roof. For new and existing buildings, increased loft insulation can produce a condensation problem. Take steps to minimise thermal bridging, by using eaves ventilation, a well fitted rafter roll to stop any insulation blocking the ventilation and underlay support trays to maintain clear ventilation routes. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON MARLEY VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE105 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE NEW BS 5250:2021 STANDARD, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE106

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TACKLE IT

No.4

WITH Liquid Rubber is a highly flexible, waterproof coating for slate, tiled and flat roofs and is ideal for making roof repairs – including sealing cracks in roofing surfaces and splits in guttering. It can also be used during construction to coat the roof and prevent water ingress.

In the next instalment of our series with Thompson’s, Chris Fletcher, Technical Services Chemist for the company, focuses on Isoflex Liquid rubber

HOW TO APPLY IT The thing to remember about our Liquid Rubber offering is that it is part of a trio of products that should all be used together to ensure a quality, long-lasting finish. Once the surface has been cleaned with a stiff bristle brush to remove any moss, dust or dirt, the Special Primer should be applied (either over the area being repaired or across the whole roof surface during construction) and left to dry for four hours. The Special Primer is a tough, durable basecoat that works to ensure that the Liquid Rubber will adhere to the substrate. Next, use a brush to apply a thick layer (at least 1mm) of Liquid Rubber. To ensure the first layer is completely dry, always allow 24 hours before applying the second coat. Once the job is complete, the Clean Up Fluid can be used with a wet cloth to clean any accidental spills – and to

remove product from brushes pour the Clean up Fluid into a tin and place the brushes into the fluid. It is recommended to leave brushes to soak for an hour before rinsing them in white spirit, to fully remove residue. It is also important to ensure that Special Primer and Liquid Rubber are still wet when

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

Thompson’s is giving five lucky winners the chance to get their hands on a prize bundle including a Makita MR052 Cordless Radio and some Thompson’s goodies. To win, use the rdr.link below to visit the Professional Builder website and answer the following question correctly: Q: HOW MANY PRODUCTS ARE IN THE ISOFIX SYSTEM? A: Two B: Three C: Four To enter visit the professional Builder website by using the link: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE107

cleaning as, once dry, these products cannot be cleaned off of surfaces or brushes.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? Impressively, Liquid Rubber is five times more flexible than traditional bitumen coatings. As it can flex with the natural movement of the roof, the product will not crack or peel over time, ensuring a long-lasting, durable finish. What’s more, when used as part of the Isoflex system, Liquid Rubber can provide up to 20 years of protection – offering customers a long-term fix to cracks in their roofs and guttering. TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THOMPSON’S AND ITS WIDE RANGE OF ROOFING PRODUCTS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE108

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THE TRADESHOW FOR PROFESSIONAL BUILDERS

Professional

LIVE!

Top trade products, exhibition specials and hands-on demo zones FORTHCOMING SHOWS:

SAFELY DOES IT Enhanced safety measures in place

ICC, WALES – 14TH & 15TH OCTOBER 2021 SANDOWN PARK, SURREY – 4TH & 5TH NOVEMBER 2021 WESTPOINT ARENA, EXETER – 9TH & 10TH DECEMBER 2021

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SCREEN STAR A new series from Knauf Insulation will look at what products are required for the right application

INSULATION

No.2

NEW

SERIES

Builders can be presented with a unique set of challenges when insulating rainscreen façade systems. Bradley Hirst, Technical Services Manager from Knauf Insulation, provides a checklist for achieving the best results. Is it non-combustible? When choosing insulation for a rainscreen façade system, always start with fire safety. Building Regulations ban the use of combustible materials on all buildings over 18m in England and Wales and 11m in Scotland. But why take the risk? The safest option at any height is non-combustible insulation. A Mineral Wool solution such as Rocksilk RainScreen Slab allows you to build with confidence – it is non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, and BBA certified for the widest range of thicknesses and build-ups on the market.

Does it achieve the correct U-value?

Does it reduce noise?

The build-up also needs to meet the thermal performance requirements. The complexity of rainscreen façade systems means that if there is no specific type of insulation specified or you want to substitute any part of the system, you should seek technical advice before construction. Ask for 3D U-value calculations to ensure the thermal requirements specified during design stage are achieved.

In low mass structures such as rainscreen façade systems, adding sound absorption helps reduce unwanted noise from passing through the system. Mineral Wool insulation has excellent sound absorbance properties, which contributes towards the acoustic performance of the building.

How do you install insulation correctly? Mineral Wool slabs should be butted tightly together and staggered to avoid coincidental joints to prevent unwanted air gaps that reduce thermal, fire and acoustic performance. Never overtighten mechanical fixings as this can compress and damage the insulation.

Are you following best practice for installation? It’s best practice to co-ordinate trades so insulation and cladding are installed on a rolling front, rather than installing all the insulation then moving onto the cladding. This ensures the insulation is protected and is not exposed to the elements for any length of time.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE RANGE OF SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE FROM KNAUF INSULATION VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BE109

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ADE’S TOP DOORS & WINDOWS TIPS

No. 30

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

SUPPLY & DEMAND This month, Quickslide’s Adrian Barraclough discusses supply chain challenges and how to manage them

Every one of us, up and down the supply chain, has experienced delays and price increases for raw materials, components and finished products. And where once we might have seen it as a sneaky way of manufacturers increasing their prices, by now we must all accept that the problems are very real and not going to go away any time soon. Which means that now is a good time to consider how to deal with the new reality of price hikes and product shortages, with a few gentle suggestions to make it all a little easier.

Accept it!

The best way to deal with the problems in the first place is by accepting not just that they exist but also that they are here to stay. The cost of raw materials such as steel, aluminium and plastic resin, for example, are predicted not just to remain high, but to continue upwards for well into 2022. So, with this in mind, we can all get on with talking to our suppliers and then

96 OCTOBER 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

communicating truthfully with our customers. By doing so, we can prevent many (not all – there will always be one or two!) irate customers constantly nagging for their job to be finished – or even begun! Great relationships with suppliers have never been more important: by talking to them regularly and insisting that you want realistic delivery dates, you can in turn keep your customers informed. Setting aside a period each day to update everyone will save constant interruptions throughout the rest of the day.

Honesty and transparency…

Be honest – and you should expect that from all of your suppliers too. The supply chain issues are affecting EVERYONE and EVERY company, no matter what they supply. And companies boasting that they have no problems should be regarded with suspicion. Although you’ve probably found that out for yourself by now.

If it seems too good to be true…

…then it absolutely will be. It doesn’t matter how prestigious a fabricator might be, if the products and materials aren’t available…they aren’t available. The current materials and products shortages are a world-wide phenomenon and are the ultimate leveller – so be wary of any company offering any, let alone substantial, discounts when a/they don’t need to and b/they probably don’t have the stock anyway.

Sell standard!

For windows and doors, these days every manufacturer has a huge range of options available. But try and avoid specials which will have longer lead times even in more normal times. With a huge range of ‘standard’ colours, glass and hardware choices your customers will hardly be limited, and most will be happy with the regular options available to them. But if they do insist on having that subtle shade of mauve for their frames (yep, it can be done) then check with your supplier for their lead time before you accept the order.

Check and double check. And check again!

The old adage of ‘measure twice, fit once’ is even more important when reordering is likely to take considerably longer than usual. Make sure you are certain about dimensions, get your customer to double check their specification and sign for it; and when you place the order, double check it again. If you are uncertain about any aspect of the products you are ordering – ask! The order desks of any decent fabricator will know their products inside out and be happy to help. Follow these few simple pointers and buying windows and doors won’t add to your ‘out of stock’ angst! FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON QUICKSLIDE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE110

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wise howell

TRADE MEDIA FREEFOAM BUILDING PRODUCTS ANIMATION STYLE VIDEO

Cladding just got animated thanks to a new video from Freefoam Building Products. The manufacturer’s animation style video illustrates how to fit cladding and covers all stages of the fitting process from fixing the initial battens and membrane, to installing cladding boards and accompanying trims, all with on screen instructions. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE111

BOND IT APP

The new app provides quick and easy locating of technical data sheets, declarations of conformity, safety data sheets and application advice relating to the whole Bond It product range. Other key features include a quick search by product code and links to application tutorials and tips. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE112

WATCO APP

Customers can now launch realtime, face-to-face conversations with technical experts via the Watco App, as well as initiate virtual video site visits and get tailored advice. At the same time, users also get instant access to information, technical advice and application guides for purchased products, request, review and approve quotes as well as placing product orders. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE113

SETCRETE VIRTUAL CONSULTATIONS

The trades can now benefit from GP-style video appointments to diagnose flooring issues and recommend treatments. Delivered by Setcrete, the virtual consultations, use popular video platforms including WhatsApp, FaceTime and Skype, enabling the manufacturer’s expert technical team to assess a flooring issue in real time and advise on remedial work and products to use. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE114

One feature of the disappointing summer we had this year was some seriously heavy rain. There was flooding, both in the UK and across Europe. And gutters leaking and overshooting everywhere. Keeping gutters and downpipes in good order is a vital but sometimes neglected item of building maintenance. I remember the first time I visited the tropics. I was en route to visiting friends in Australia and couldn’t afford a direct flight. So, I took the cheap, multi-stage route, with a stopover in Singapore. The first thing that hit me when I walked off the plane in Singapore was the immense humidity. In the tropics, you sweat without even having to move, with all that moisture in the air. The next thing I noticed was the size of the gulleys at the sides of the roads. Huge concrete channels, that you could break your leg in, if you slipped into one. It wasn’t raining while I was in Singapore, but they were clearly prepared for a hell of a lot of rain when the monsoons hit. The problem we have in the UK is that heavy rain is actually quite rare. We like to moan that we live in a wet climate, but what we mostly get is drab cloudy days, drizzle and light showers. Torrential downpours, and prolonged days of heavy rain, have not been that common at all. So British homeowners scarcely give their gutters and downpipes a second thought. But it might not be a bad idea to start planning for more heavy rain in the future. Because when we get the kind of “Monsoon” events that some areas experienced over

last summer, things can start to look serious. Water cascading from a gutter overshoot, or a dislodged downpipe bend, can soak through a solid brick house wall in fifteen to twenty minutes. And according to the Building Research Establishment, it can take one month per inch of wall thickness for that to dry out. That’s nine months for your average Victorian terrace house. So, what’s to be done? First thing for builders is to encourage clients to have their gutters checked and upgraded if possible. The various “Deep” brands of PVCu guttering are rightly growing in popularity. Only some 20mm deeper than the conventional half-round sections, they are claimed to cope with twice the flow. And they are somewhat more forgiving with having a less-thanideal fall, or fewer autumn leaf clear-outs. On my own house I have also made some adjustments to the downpipes. I previously had them discharging via “shoes” onto the gulley gratings, but you only have to observe these during a thunderstorm to realise that most of the water shoots straight across the gulley. Running the downpipes down into the gulleys is a much sounder solution.

Jeff Howell

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

Use our digital reader enquiry service for further information online

PROFESSIONAL BUILDER OCTOBER 2021 97

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ADVERTISEMENT INDEX Here is a useful summary of all the adverts that appear in this issue of Professional Builder. Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information Akzo Nobel/Armstead Trade ............................................(page 18)

Manthorpe Building Products ........................................(page 64)

www.rdr.link/BE120

www.rdr.link/BE144

Allegion UK Ltd..................................................................(page 69)

Milwaukee..........................................................(inside front cover)

www.rdr.link/BE121

www.rdr.link/BE145

Andreas Stihl Ltd ..............................................................(page 35)

N & C Building Products Ltd ............................................(page 66)

www.rdr.link/BE122

www.rdr.link/BE146

Bosch Accessories ............................................................(page 36)

Pnu-Point Ltd ....................................................................(page 56)

www.rdr.link/BE123

www.rdr.link/BE147

Buckbootz ..........................................................................(page 46)

Polypipe plc........................................................................(page 62)

www.rdr.link/BE124

www.rdr.link/BE148

Build Aviator ........................................................................(page 4)

Pro Builder Live ................................................................(page 94)

www.rdr.link/BE125

www.rdr.link/BE149

Eclisse UK ..........................................................................(page 15)

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

www.rdr.link/BE126

www.rdr.link/BE150

Estimators-online ..............................................................(page 26)

Rainy Day ..........................................................................(page 80)

www.rdr.link/BE127

www.rdr.link/BE151

Everbuild Building Products Ltd......................................(page 60)

Ring ......................................................................................(page 71)

www.rdr.link/BE128

www.rdr.link/BE152

F Ball & Co. Ltd/ Setcrete ................................................(page 53)

Robert Bosch Ltd ..............................................................(page 36)

www.rdr.link/BE129

www.rdr.link/BE153

Faithfull Tools ....................................................................(page 46)

RWC Ltd......................................................................(pages 72, 73)

www.rdr.link/BE130

www.rdr.link/BE154

Federation of Master Builders ........................................(page 54)

Safeguard Europe Ltd ......................................................(page 20)

www.rdr.link/BE131

www.rdr.link/BE155

Festool UK Ltd ..................................................................(page 54)

Simpson Strong Tie ..........................................................(page 34)

www.rdr.link/BE132

www.rdr.link/BE156

Geocel ................................................................................(page 32)

Siroflex Ltd ..........................................................................(page 13)

www.rdr.link/BE133

www.rdr.link/BE157

Hultafors Group ..................................................................(page 6)

Soudal (UK) Ltd..................................................................(page 49)

www.rdr.link/BE134

www.rdr.link/BE158

Isuzu ......................................................................................(page 8)

Stelrad Radiators ..............................................................(page 67)

www.rdr.link/BE135

www.rdr.link/BE159

Jack Sealey Ltd............................................................(loose insert)

Tesco Mobile ......................................................................(page 39)

www.rdr.link/BE136

www.rdr.link/BE160

Karndean Design Flooring ......................................(pages 28, 29)

Toolfair Exhibition..............................................................(page 78)

www.rdr.link/BE137

www.rdr.link/BE161

Knauf Insulation Ltd ....................................................(back cover)

TuffX Processed Glass Ltd ..............................................(page 57)

www.rdr.link/BE138

www.rdr.link/BE162

Knipex Tools UK ................................................................(page 44)

Vortex..................................................................................(page 38)

www.rdr.link/BE139

www.rdr.link/BE163

Made for Trade ..................................................................(page 21)

Wavin ..................................................................................(page 63)

www.rdr.link/BE140

www.rdr.link/BE164

Made for Trade ..................................................................(page 23)

WD-40 Company Ltd ........................................................(page 42)

www.rdr.link/BE141

www.rdr.link/BE165

Made for Trade ..................................................................(page 25)

Wera Tools UK Ltd ....................................................(pages 40, 41)

www.rdr.link/BE142

www.rdr.link/BE166

Makita (UK) Ltd ..................................................................(page 45) www.rdr.link/BE143

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GOOD HEALTH NO.25 LUNG CANCER

Let’s talk about LUNG CANCER... With everything that has happened with COVID-19 across the world, no one wants to admit to having a new cough. But if you do, it is so important not to ignore it. Lung cancer is a common condition in the UK. According to Cancer Research UK statistics, there are over 47,000 cases diagnosed each year – that’s around 96 people every day. Lung cancer accounts for more deaths each year than any other kind of cancer and only one out of every three people diagnosed will still be alive after one year. These statistics are shocking, especially as it is recognised that more than three quarters of all cases are entirely preventable.

Why is lung cancer so deadly?

Partly because it is a condition that may not have any symptoms until the disease has spread. This is known as secondary lung cancer. In the early stages of disease, there may be no symptoms at all, despite the cancer starting to grow. It may also depend on the type of lung cancer, which can be split into two main types: ● Non-small-cell lung cancer. This is the most common type, accounting for more than 87 per cent of cases. ● Small-cell-lung cancer. This type is more aggressive and fast growing than non-small-cell lung cancer. The treatment offered for lung cancer will depend on the type. In primary lung cancer, where the cancer is only found in the lung, it might be possible to have surgery to remove it. However, if the cancer has already spread outside the lungs, then surgery to remove it will be less likely to work. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are often used. There are also new treatments called targeted therapies available which work on the specific cancer cells to try and stop them growing – this can help stop the cancer progressing but will not cure it.

So who gets lung cancer?

Lung cancer mainly affects older people. It is rarely seen in those aged under 40 years. I mentioned earlier that over three quarters of all cases are thought to be preventable – that includes all the cases (72 per cent) that are caused by smoking. Smoking regularly introduces multiple different harmful

COUGH, COUGH... CANCER? THIS MONTH GP, ALICE FITZGIBBON WILL FOCUS ON LUNG CANCER substances into the lung tissue. These chemicals destroy the healthy lung tissue and damage the cells. The damage done to the cells can turn them into cancer cells and a tumour will begin to grow. Lung cancer can also develop in non-smokers although this is less common. It may be related to genetics or to chance. The signs and symptoms to look out for are the most important part of this article, especially if you are or have ever been a smoker. Please see your GP if you have: ● A persistent cough that does not go away ● New shortness of breath ● Been coughing up blood ● Unexplained weight loss or tiredness ● Pains in the chest when breathing or coughing Any of these features should alert your GP to the possibility of lung cancer. We will often arrange for you to have a chest X-Ray. Sometimes these will pick up changes that are suspicious; sometimes other tests or scans are needed. If you can do one thing to help yourself and your health, stopping smoking will be one of the most effective steps you can take. Stopping smoking will reduce cancer risk (not just lung but many types) and prevent damage to your blood vessels and, therefore, help your heart, brain and kidneys remain healthy, reducing the risk of stroke, heart attacks and kidney disease. Over the last few decades the UK has seen a reduction in lung cancer rates and deaths. This is due to smoking being less common, but there are still too many people dying from this disease. Further research and potential screening for high risk people may be something that helps more cases be identified in the early stages. Please see your GP if you have concerns – we want to see you. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON LUNG CANCER FROM THE NHS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BE115

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