Construction Update - May 2020

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE May 2020

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Whether your project is big or small, we can help you achieve your glazing vision; you dream it, we’ll deliver it! Call us on 0208 997 2448, or email marcus@1stfoldinslidingdoors.co.uk

1ST FOLDING SLIDING DOORS • 26 Wadsworth Road, Perivale, UB6 7JZ | 141 Hook Road, KT6 5AR • marcus@1stfoldingslidingdoors.co.uk • T: 0208 997 2448 | F: 0208 997 0611

Home renovators: should you choose French, sliding or bi-folding doors?

Renovation can be an exciting project to undertake, but sometimes guidance is needed when it comes to choosing the right fixtures to ensure your completed renovation is perfect.

W

hen it comes to choosing windows and doors, it can be a difficult task weighing up the pros and cons of each – so how do you know which to choose for your home? Here we will look at the choice between installing French, sliding or bi-folding doors in a renovation.

French doors are classic For a timeless design that suits any home, French doors are ideal. This design allows easy access in and out of the home without taking up or requiring too much space. They’re ideal for small to medium sized

openings in the home, so are perfect for smaller homes too. French doors allow for more light to enter the home than a single door, which can be opened to maximise light and heat in the warmer weather. Many people assume that French doors compromise on security, however they can be easily customisable with locking systems for maximum security, making them great for many types of homeowners.

Aesthetically, they’re also a great option as they are available in an array of materials, depending on your budget and style, from aluminium, PVCu and timber.

Consider a chic and functional sliding door If you choose sliding doors, your indoor space will instantly feel bigger and brighter. Sliding patio doors consist of large panes of glass that allow for wonderful views to be enjoyed from inside your home as well as a fantastic breeze on a warm summer’s day when opened.

Featuring clean minimalistic lines, patio doors offer both value and versatility.

Just like classic French doors, they are available in both PVCu and aluminium in a range of different configurations and colours.

Consider sliding patio doors from Quickslide if you’re looking for a wide garden door with a large glass area and minimalistic features to

really open up your downstairs social space.

Bifolding doors can fit any size space If you’re looking to create a seamless transition between the outside and inside, bi-folding doors are the ultimate way to transform your home because they are visually stunning, whilst still featuring the best of modern-day double glazing.

The doors are versatile and made to measure to fit the aperture.

They’re also available in configurations of 2 panels to 8 panels, making them a suitable option for small, medium and large openings and great to incorporate into any size home.

Due to the weight of the glass panels, bi-folding doors are usually only available in aluminium to guarantee strength whilst also being lightweight and smooth to transition open and close. They are considered a contemporary and modern product in a classic heritage colour but can easily fit in with a more period home.

Before choosing the right doors for you to complete your renovation, ensure that you consider your house type, project type (new build or refurbishment), size of the opening and the budget that you’re working with.

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CONSTRUCTION UPDATE May 2020

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Also featured this issue:

Whether your project is big or small, we can help you achieve your glazing vision; you dream it, we’ll deliver it! Call us on 0208 997 2448, or email marcus@1stfoldinslidingdoors.co.uk

1ST FOLDING SLIDING DOORS • 26 Wadsworth Road, Perivale, UB6 7JZ | 141 Hook Road, KT6 5AR • marcus@1stfoldingslidingdoors.co.uk • T: 0208 997 2448 | F: 0208 997 0611

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Visit our website to learn more about our events for Architects, Building Designers and Specifiers. www.kingspantimbersolutions.co.uk

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May 2020

Window and Facade Acoustics

by Wojciech Brozyna - MD of Aluprof UK

Most of us will be working from home at this time and communicating through meeting apps in order to progress what business we can.

It is at these times we notice the sensitivities of the microphones on our devises and hear the sounds that we filter out during our normal home life. When specifiers design facades for new or refurbished properties in our towns and cities, there are a number of factors to put into the design mix and acoustics are becoming crucial both in workplace and residential properties.

Different types of noise can raise stress levels in the body, releasing a number of different stress hormones and, as the amount of stress hormones in the body increases, the heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar levels increase. Excessive levels of these stress hormones in the body are harmful, and should the noise be sustained, or repeated day after day, this exposure will be seriously affecting health and wellbeing of building occupants.

Cities are becoming noisier with increasing traffic and in many building locations close to railway lines, noisy pubs, clubs, noisy neighbours and/or flight paths.

There are street designs which include special street furniture and planting to help reduce airborne noise but eventually, the noise will try to penetrate the building structure through the building facade.

Windows or areas of glazing are the most susceptible parts of the facade as they are generally the ‘lightest’ of materials used. Sound attenuation is best achieved by utilising unbroken ‘mass’ of material, such as a brick wall. The greater the mass, the greater the sound attenuation.

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Depending on the time of day, noise levels of road traffic can vary between 45-70+ decibels and this is just over the sound level that is seen to be ‘healthy’. Old, draughty single glazed windows with poor or non-existent weather seals are the poorest performing windows when

it comes to sound attenuation. Even the smallest of gaps which allows a flow of air through the window will allow noise to penetrate the facade.

So, the more airtight the window, the greater the sound reduction.

Typically a well sealed single glazed window will offer a -30dB reduction in sound transmission, or what is known as ‘attenuation’. In busy built up areas single glazing is now seen as inadequate. For every 10dB reduction in the noise level achieved, the human ear perceives this as halving the volume.

Glazing plays the biggest part in sound attenuation, double glazing helps, especially if the glass used is of differing thickness. Most materials at a given thickness will ‘resonate’ at certain frequencies and allow some of those frequencies through, using a different thickness ensures what passes through one will not pass through the other. A well designed triple glazed unit with differing air spaces and glass thickness, will perform even better. Acoustic laminates used in laminated glass are specially designed to minimise sound transmission and a well designed unit can achieve up to -45dB sound attenuation.

The use of triple seals further improve sound reduction and high thermal performance systems with wide high performance centre seals with further attenuate sound around a high performance glazed unit.

Regarding specification, Building Regulations, Part E, ‘Resistance to the passage of sound’ should

May 2020 there are points than can also be awarded for compliance in certain circumstances.

Sound attenuation is also a little more complex in application and specifiers need to be aware that a change in window size can have an impact on ‘expected’ attenuation levels. Furthermore, attenuation is not linear, transmission of frequencies may mean that at one level of frequency, in a given window specification, sound is well attenuated whilst at another frequency, sound attenuation will be less. Knowing what frequencies to specify too is crucial in getting the installation best specified for the client.

Whilst ensuring airtight window systems to increase sound attenuation, these can be provided with ‘glazed-in’ or ‘in-frame’ acoustic ventilators which consist of baffles and acoustic absorbing materials to allow ventilation but with attenuated noise transmission. Acoustic ventilators may not offer the level of attenuation required and this is where an alternative mechanical ventilation provision should be considered. Depending of the configuration and specification of the design of windows or curtain wall required, our Aluprof design team can assist in the best options to be specified.

Where prime windows need to remain in place, for example in listed facades, then the option to install a secondary window system will offer a good solution. Using spacings of 100mm to 150mm between these windows including the inside reveal lined with acoustic absorbing material will offer very high levels of sound attenuation.

be consulted as well as a number of standards that are currently in place. Depending on the building there are also specific and differing requirements laid down for the likes schools, hospitals and offices, to name a few. Some company chains, such as Premier Inn, have their own acoustic requirements. When specifying BREEAM rated projects,

travel between compartments or floors of the building. Curtain wall also has the ability to transmit impact sound across compartments as well as airborne sound and selecting suitable methods of construction will improve attenuation.

Whilst there is no one fix for all conditions, our design team in London and at our head office here in Altrincham can offer advice on how to tackle sound attenuation in both new and existing buildings. With one of the widest ranges of aluminium systems available in the UK we can offer you a bespoke design to meet both thermal and sound attenuation requirements.

Since setting up the Aluprof Project Office at the Business Design Centre in London, the company has rapidly grown their specification influence in the UK with their high performance architectural aluminium systems.

Further expansion of the companies headquarters in Altrincham now provides specifiers with meeting facilities and an extensive showroom of commercial systems to view.

With overseas growth across Europe spreading into the Middle East and firm roots already in the East of the USA, the company is becoming a global player in facade supply. Further information is available on the companies website at aluprof.co.uk or direct from their UK office in Altrincham on 0161 941 4005.

Flanking sound transmission is quite a talking point at the moment in the industry. On almost every acoustic assessment when there is a continuous curtain wall, sound can travel through the facade to other floors, the reason for this is that the box will allow sound to travel unless it is broken per floor. Provisions can be incorporated such as an acoustic insert, multiple transoms can also be used to allow the sound to dissipate.

Careful design is required to allow movement of the curtain wall system whilst ensuring that sound does not

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May 2020

Create an Ergonomic Working Environment in any part of Your Home Before the outbreak of coronavirus only 5% of people in the UK worked from home, meaning that for many this will be a new set up to navigate.

Only a minority of people have a dedicated home office however there are many products that can help to transform any room in the home into a workspace that is productive and healthy.

Humanscale, a worldwide leader in designing and creating ergonomic innovations, creates office furniture which is not only beautiful but also designed to encourage movement at work promoting a healthy dedicated workspace.

Investing in an ergonomic task chair in one of the most important things that you can do to promote a healthy home working environment.

Created by industrial

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designer Niels Diffrient, the Diffrient World Task office chair from Humanscale provides ergonomic support and comfort, in an innovative design that fuses functionality and style. Its mesh backrest is designed with a weight sensitive recline mechanism.

It will automatically adjust to support each user at every recline position, moving with the user to provide balanced, lumbar support throughout the working day.

The tri-panel, non stretch mesh removes the need for external lumbar support devices or manual controls, offering a flexible and comfortable feel throughout the working day.

It also offers a full range of recline and adjust options, including the seat height, depth and armrest height. Each component is designed to work in tandem, for a completely smooth experience.

It has been known for many years that alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day can boost productivity and mood and reduce the negative effects of sedentary behaviour.

However, in most cases it is not practical to install a sit/ stand desk, an alternative from Humanscale is the QuickStand Eco which transforms ordinary desks

or tables into healthy, active work spaces.

The award winning QuickStand Eco is the latest addition to Humanscale’s

May 2020

sit/stand offering and unites function, form and sustainability at an accessible price point.

It is designed to accommodate users of varying heights and can hold up to 35lbs, and is available in laptop, single or dual monitor configurations. The height adjustable solution is

sleeker, easier to install and comprises more sustainable materials than ever before.

QuickStand Eco utilises minimal parts and pieces, limiting its environmental footprint and maintaining a minimal, clean aesthetic.

It features simple setup and is easy to transport making

it the perfect ergonomic tool for home offices.

With a selection of sit/stand offerings for all types of workplaces and styles from it pioneering Float table and QuickStand rage, Humanscale ensures workers can now find the workspace solution best suited to their individual needs.

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May 2020

Snickers New Stretch Work Shorts – Comfortable and Lightweight Work Shorts for the flexible working environment - designed to deliver superior comfort and freedom of movement.

Fabric, Functionality and Fit are hallmarks of Snickers Workwear, it’s the innovation and fabric technology in the design of the new Stretch Shorts for men and women that really set these new garments apart.

These new AllroundWork and FLEXIWork shorts are great for working in the warmer months.

Delivering superior flexibility and comfort, these lightweight work shorts come in a body-mapping

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design and a range of new colours including Hi-vis options.

Made from a self-ventilating stretch fabric with Cordura reinforcements for all-round mobility and durability, they’re packed with comfort and functionality and specially designed for the fastpaced professional who’s always on the go for delivering top class work on site.

For professional tradesmen and women who rely on their gear

in demanding environments, Snickers Workwear Work Shorts are a must for everyone who wants the ultimate in cool comfort this summer.

To get more information on what’s right for you in the Snickers Workwear range, visit the website at www.snickersworkwear.co.uk alternatively, email sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk or call the Hultafors Group Helpline on 01484 854788.

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May 2020

Protect your people, protect your business In 2019, 79,000 people working in the construction sector suffered from workrelated ill health and a further 54,000 experienced a non-fatal injury.* A key answer is to get more workers aware of and involved in health and safety. After all, everyone has a part to play in keeping their workplace safe.

In fact, managing health and safety risks well can contribute to numerous other benefits such as: • • • •

Business growth Compliance with national and international legislation Developing a positive culture Increased profitability (fewer incidents means less cost)

NEBOSH qualifications, and the skills gained through these studies, can help to achieve all of the above benefits.

Prepared for one of the greatest challenges of our time Lucian D’Arco is Group HSE Leader at O’Keefe Group, a civil engineering contracting business operating on significant infrastructure projects within

London and the South East of England. Lucian holds three NEBOSH qualifications and has been instrumental in helping to keep his colleagues safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Initially, all projects were closed, or partially suspended with a skeleton team, to protect staff, their families and the general public.

There was an urgent need to make these projects safe and for a few “essential works” to remain open.

“It’s been a case of reframing procedures to create a ‘bolt-on’ COVID-19 Safe System of Work,” said Lucian. “Basically, this means a lot more than simply adhering to guidance around social distancing.

On the projects that need to continue, we’ve been treating them almost like they’re a hostile ‘bio-hazard’ environment.”

O’Keefe has established clear and robust procedures for: • • • • • • • • • • •

identifying potentially ill employees transit to sites by employees onsite social distancing working in close proximity one-way pedestrian systems, reduced welfare occupancy logistics staggered breaks and toilet usage supply chain delivery protocols personal hygiene regimes including showering facilities enhanced cleaning protocols for plant, site and equipment First Aid RPE and PPE usage

weeks. Consultative engagement with the grassroots operatives, project management teams and clients in the supply chain is critical. We’ve done a lot of team calls!”

Lucian has a military background and this, combined with a NEBOSH Diploma, helped him with his application for his first health and safety management role.

“So, I cleared those two hurdles and that put me on the path to where I am now,” he said. “To be honest, my NEBOSH qualifications have been a golden ticket for me. Without them I wouldn’t be in this hugely rewarding leadership role.

“When you’ve taken the time to assimilate the knowledge NEBOSH gives you, it prepares you for almost anything.

“It gives you those baseline strategies to deal with, whatever gets thrown at you - something I’ve found useful throughout my career, not just at this incredibly challenging time. I never dreamed that the NEBOSH Biological Agents Unit would become so relevant.”

Discover the huge range of NEBOSH qualifications visit www.nebosh.org.uk/qualifications

It has been a rapidly evolving environment as official guidelines are constantly revised to reflect the ongoing lockdown.

He Lucian added: “I’ve certainly had to come up with some novel HSE methodologies in the past few

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*Construction statistics in Great Britain, 2019. The Health and Safety Executive. https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/industry/construction.pdf

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May 2020

SAVE SPACE & PEACE OF MIND) WITH IRONMONGERYDIRECT Recent research by IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s leading specialist ironmongery supplier, revealed that 56% of respondents felt that their home was too cluttered, with over three-quarters of this group claiming it had a negative effect on their mental well-being.

It therefore comes as no surprise that homeowners are increasingly looking to utilise the space they do have more effectively to try and bring a sense of order and tranquillity to their home environment.

Here are our top tips for creating a clutter-free space: 1.

Make an entrance with sliding doors

These offer a range of benefits to a property that lacks space, providing the perfect solution. The KLÜG Barn Strap Sliding Door Gear, for instance, offers an aesthetically pleasing alternative to interior timber doors and can bring a real sense of character to a property.

2.

Choose the right storage

This can make a huge difference – if done right, you can maximise the amount of storage, without eating into the free space within the room. For example, with wardrobes, think beyond the traditional swing door. Sliding doors like the Ducasse Straight Sliding Cabinet System can help to save space and add a sense of luxury at the same time. And for rooms with carpeted floor, the Bi-Folding Door Gear is ideal; the doors can be stacked at either one or both sides of a wardrobe (depending on size) to maximise access.

To assist with organisation, a Pull Down Wardrobe Rail can be installed. This innovative rail system means the items that are used less can be hung and then raised to higher levels. This clears the usual wardrobe space and its smooth hydraulic hinges enable easy access to the items stored away.

For large, walk in wardrobes, the elfa® Classic Wardrobe Kit 1 is ideal. The kit includes a large combination of baskets, hanging rails, shelves and shoe racks – making organisation easy.

3.

Shine some light

Adding light can create a new look on an old space. For storage areas, it can open up the space, instantly making cupboards and wardrobes feel more open and accessible. Under-cabinet lighting is a useful addition as it can be installed on shelves, allowing smaller items to be seen. And for wardrobe rails, strip lighting such as the Sensio Connex LED Strip Lights can be used.

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Commercial Catering Equipment May 2020

4 ways vehicle tracking enhances customer service Customer service is at the forefront of a fleet manager’s mind, now more than ever.

Whether the coronavirus pandemic has meant a busier or quieter schedule than usual for businesses - all are aiming to provide a first-class service at this time. Outstanding customer service that builds loyalty, provides value and encourages recommendations, is today’s competitive advantage. Usually, customers have many choices available to satisfy a need. If we experience bad service with a supplier, we’re likely to take our business elsewhere. But how can a vehicle tracking system help you stand out from the crowd?

Giving your customers live updates We’ll start with the obvious – a tracking system shows you exactly where your vehicles are at any time. If you have a large fleet, you can use custom vehicle icons for faster identification on your live tracking map. This way, you can respond to questions about your driver’s whereabouts in an instant, without needing to contact them to find out. You can also use the system to provide useful updates to your customers, such as letting them know when to expect your driver or notifying them of any delay.

Many companies use geofencing features to alert them when their vehicles are approaching a depot, allowing time to prepare the next delivery or required information for the driver and minimising down-time between jobs. Quartix geofencing alerts can be sent to multiple email addresses, including your customers, so they can be used to really make your customer service stand out. If you regularly deliver goods or provide services to a particular customer, you can establish a geofence that extends a kilometre around their site so that they are alerted when your driver enters their zone.

Providing an efficient service

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Having easy access to your vehicle tracking data means any queries regarding dates, trips and timings can be answered at the click of a button – no more sifting through paper files. Vehicle tracking reports

such as daily driver logs can assist you with billing and efficiently settle any disputes.

Route maps can highlight any overlap among your fleet and help you to plan efficiently, so that you get to customers quickly and complete more jobs in the day. The Quartix vehicle tracking system allows you to label frequently visited places, such as customer locations or suppliers, for easier identification in your reports.

For urgent jobs, you can look up the postcode and see your vehicles in order of their distance from that live location.

This enables you to quickly select the nearest driver with the right equipment and skills. Customers will appreciate the speed of service you are able to provide.

Operating a safe and accountable fleet When new business tenders or large projects arise, your business can demonstrate efforts to reduce carbon emissions and an investment in improving driver behaviour. Unique to the Quartix system, users can report on whether drivers are complying with legal speed limits and assesses whether they are driving at safe speeds for specific stretches of road.

Another benefit of a vehicle tracking system is driver accountability. If there are any disputes around the time that work was completed, your customers will appreciate the solid proof a vehicle tracking system is able to provide regarding the vehicle’s location at any given time.

Creating more time to focus on your customers A vehicle tracking system can help you drive down unnecessary costs for your business, leaving more money to invest in your customer service. One way to do this is to understand how your vehicles are being driven and use that information to reduce fuel consumption. Reports that monitor daily routes and assess driving styles can impact fuel costs in a positive way, by highlighting unnecessary miles and excessive idling, acceleration or braking. Helping a driver to improve their driving style can lower fuel costs by up to 25% (Frost and Sullivan 2015).

What’s more, your vehicles are likely to need fewer repairs and will be kept in a far better condition, allowing you to get the best use out of them.

There are further ways that a tracking system can keep costs down and improve productivity for your business.

Accurate timesheets, late site arrival and early departure alerts will reduce undue overtime claims and ensure your customers are billed for the correct hours. You can feed all these valuable reports into your own business systems, including payroll, freeing employees to focus on the job and not on paperwork. With the aid of a vehicle tracking system and all it’s useful features, it’s likely that you’ll have more time and resources to focus on providing an excellent service to your customers.

For more information about Quartix vehicle tracking call 01686 806 663 – we will be happy to help you decide which option is best for your business. enquiries@quartix.net www.quartix.com/en-gb/

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May 2020

RINNAI INNOVATION - MOBILE HAND WASH & HOT WATER HYGIENE STATION Latest product development from Rinnai is a complete mobile hand wash and hygiene station geared up to supply unlimited amounts of continuous flow hot water for any and every site needing instant access to this facility - anywhere that needs instant handwashing - any queue outside a supermarket, shopping area, car park, building sites, temporary accommodation blocks or toilet blocks for essential services.

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May 2020

The station consists of a Rinnai 17e hot water delivery unit, mounted on a mobile hand wash pod, complete with water connections and secured cage. The unit is easily connected to the water supply and gas is via LPG. The hand wash station delivers temperature accurate hot water at a pre-set temperature to facilitate, with soap, the quick breakdown of any COVID-19 bacteria. This pre-set temperature of 37 degrees C is not too hot but hot enough for breaking down lipid fat layers that surround the protein-based bacteria nucleus.

According to trusted information sources on Covid-19, the ideal temperature for water used in hand washing, together with soap, is over 25 degrees C.

pre-set with a fixed temperature which is tamper-proof.

The Rinnai 17e external internal model measures just 675 x 370 x 139mm and weighs in at 14.5kg - a one-man lift. The unit has a temperature range of 37°C to 65°C with direct electronic ignition. Gas input ranges between 4.53kW – 36kW. A single unit is readily capable of flow rates of up to 510 litres per hour at a 50°C rise and has full frost protection.

Hot water delivery flow is an impressive 17ltr per minute max flow. Nominal operation pressure is 2-3 bar however it can operate at pressures lower than 1 bar and it uses a 230V AC 50Hz 1ph power supply with an electrical consumption of 80W.

Heat melts fat therefore use water above 25 degrees Celsius for washing hands. Hot water helps makes more foam and that makes it even more effective.

Rinnai is also offering full services for essential works support to NHS facilities, care homes, schools, and supermarkets during the lockdown.

Hands should be frequently washed - for a minimum of 20 seconds – after touching any surface or food, locks, knobs, switches, remote controllers, mobile phones, computers, keyboards, desks, TV, etc. And, of course, when using the toilet.

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The proprietary Rinnai technology will deliver temperature accurate hot water without any fluctuations to ensure constant supplies of hot water.

As the hand station is purpose designed to be outside so any possible contact with the virus can be minimised as users do not have to go into toilets or wash rooms, where there is potential to come in contact with surfaces or poor ventilation.

Rinnai manufactures over 2million water heaters every year and as such is at the forefront of creating real advantages for users. Rinnai’s multipoint ErP A-rated 17e needs no flue as the unit is placed outside and so waste gas gases safely escape. The unit can be

Out of hours and weekend technical support – installers, site manager and end-users simply call 01928 531870 select technical and if the call isn’t answered immediately leave a voicemail. Response will be within one hour between 0800 – 22:30 / 7 days a week.

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Rinnai’s Runcorn UK HQ emergency weekend opening and sales support open for emergency / essential equipment provision of new units and for spares.

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Collection of new units/spares from Runcorn HQ for Saturday and Sunday. All will adopt ‘safe distancing’ in any contact for this or deliveries.

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Emergency delivery weekends / out of hours - under “essential works” circumstances and, where possible, Rinnai will readily offer a delivery service to site.

Available within 24hrs from Rinnai is a range of units giving instant and constant flows of hot water for hygiene and cleaning use in all healthcare, care homes and mobile hygiene units, including any new or planned sites.

If there is a constant supply of gas and water the units are guaranteed to supply temperature accurate hot water in unlimited quantities for all hygiene regimes in all types of healthcare sites or temporary accommodation.

Rinnai’s complete range of hot water heating units are available for next day delivery on orders placed before the previous mid-day.

Rinnai UK is continuing to be open for business throughout the current situation with staff able to take any orders or enquiries via telephone or online and the company has excellent stock levels of all units in the range plus spares and accessories.

Installers can contact the company direct in gaining access to the supply of units Call 01928 531 870 or email sales@rinnaiuk.com – ‘alternatively use the smart online contact points “Help Me Choose” or “Ask Us a Question”, all held on the website homepage at www.rinnaiuk.com.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com

Weekend operational support help line - simply call 01928 531870 and select ‘sales’ and if the call isn’t answered immediately leave a voicemail and we will be back within the hour.

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May 2020

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Home Refurbishments That Can Improve Your Mental Health An estimated 1 in 6 people in the UK are thought to regularly experience a common mental health condition such as anxiety or depression.

Your home should be a sanctuary, a space in which you can feel completely at ease and escape from the worries of day-to-day life.

Jonathan Hey, Founder Aliwood.

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Over the past few years there’s been an increase, long overdue it must be said, in willingness and openness to talk about mental health, and rightly so!

There are several additions and changes that you can make to your home that are almost certain to help boost your state of mind and maintain a more positive outlook, in even the dreariest of winter months.

Aliwood are a new company specialising in bespoke roof lanterns, and the founder, Jonathan Hey, has put together this article explaining some simple changes you can make to your home that will benefit your mental wellbeing.

Roof Lanterns Roof lanterns make fantastic additions to any home. They help bathe your living spaces in natural light which has been proven to benefit your health, both mental and physical. Increased exposure to natural light leads to your body producing more serotonin, the hormone responsible for lifting your mood. Getting lots of natural light is also known to reduce symptoms of anxiety, and help those suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Aliwood’s roof lanterns not only look fantastic, they will make sure you get all the natural light you need!

House Plants You don’t have to be an avid gardener to keep a few small houseplants around your home.

Studies have shown that tending to

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plants has a soothing, therapeutic effect that is rivalled by very little else. With so many psychological stressors in today’s society - a society that is perpetually ‘switched on’ - the simple habit of looking after houseplants is a fantastic remedy. Not only that, but welllooked after houseplants look fantastic, and help keep the air you breathe much purer!

Open-Plan Living If you’re able to, converting your home structurally to incorporate more open-plan living spaces is a great way of positively affecting your mental health. If open-plan living does one thing well, it’s the improvement in the flow of your home. Each component part of your property becomes infinitely more connected; becoming cogs in a larger system, rather than separate, secluded blocks.

Open-plan living fosters a feeling of community and togetherness within a family. This is incredibly important in a time where we feel more and more isolated.

Pastel Colours Painting your internal walls with calming, tranquil hues is a great way to instil a little bit of zen into your home. Your living spaces become instantly more relaxing if you use lighter shades to decorate.

Striking statement walls have become all the rage over the past decade, but the big, bold colours can often become imposing and overly dark. Using pastel-coloured paints mitigates that risk!

Spring Cleaning Thanks to self-styled home experts such as Marie Kondo, there has been a big social shift towards a

less cluttered lifestyle. Whilst we’re not advocating as drastic a clear out as dear, old Marie might be (does that statement spark joy?), there’s definitely something to be said for having a clearer living space. After all, how does the old adage go?

A cluttered life equals a cluttered mind? So, why not take the time to streamline your belongings, somewhat; none of us really need the vast quantities of possessions that we own, and reducing the amount of stuff we have also ties in with the increasing need to reduce the single-use, consumer culture!

If you’d like to find out more about Aliwood and our roof lanterns, then get in touch today!

Call the team on 01245 967107 or visit www.aliwood.co.uk

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PIONEERS IN INFRASTRUCTURE Ambitious goal achieved: Lowest lambda value of 0.0199 W/m*K is now the standard in the CALPEX PUR-KING range. All ranges of the CALPEX UNO and CALPEX DUO series for heating applications will be available with PUR-KING and the world‘s best insulation value.

BRUGG PIPESYSTEMS UK LTD · Riverside, Mountbatten Way · Congleton · UK sales.bpuk@brugg.com · bruggpipes.com