Story

Coltman Precast Concrete, one of Britain's largest independent suppliers of precast concrete products to the construction industry, has streamlined its sales force to provide customers with an even more effective service back-up.

Mark Proctor, Area Sales Manager for the South of England and South Wales for the past three years, now also covers the South Midlands.

Paul Kendall, was an estimator at Coltman for six years, prior to being appointed Area Sales Manager for the West Midlands and West Wales; following the retirement of Bob Hodgetts.

Perrin Stow joins the company as Area Sales Manager for the North of England and the East Midlands. He was formerly sales manager at a company specialising in precast concrete flooring.

Said Coltman's Sales and Marketing Manager, Robin Horton: “Growing sales, coupled with the retirement of Bob Hodgetts, have prompted us to further strengthen our sales team and reorganise their former territories in order to offer enhanced customer service.”

“All three Area Sales Managers have extensive experience of the construction industry. They work closely with customers from the design stage through to the installation of prestressed flooring and roofing, stairs and staircases and stadium terracing, to ensure that their projects run smoothly and efficiently.”

Coltman produces in excess of 114,250 tonnes of precast concrete each year, consisting of 250,000 square metres of prestressed hollowcore flooring and 4,000 cubic metres of bespoke precast concrete products.

View Coltman's profile:

Story

Leading flexible plumbing and underfloor heating company Uponor Housing Solutions (www.uponorhousingsolutions.co.uk) is pleased to announce the introduction of the RA Manifold range; a unique system that allows thermostatic control of radiators without the need for TRVs. With comfort and controllability in mind, Uponor have designed a range of manifolds that allow control of individual radiators via wall mounted thermostats.

The New Uponor RA Manifold range allows sophisticated controls to be incorporated into a radiator heating system by using thermal actuators mounted on the distribution manifold, similar to underfloor heating. There are a range of benefits associated with manifold plumbing in this way; efficiency being the most relevant in today’s marketplace. The system uses the information returned to the actuators by the strategically placed thermostats; which only open the actuators when the heat is needed, keeping heat fluctuations to a minimum and improving comfort levels. The RA manifold allows each radiator to be manually adjusted or isolated off at source; giving the flexibility to heat selected areas easily. The manifold is designed for radiator systems and can take water temperatures of up to 95degrees; but uniquely this also means that the system can be run in conjunction with Uponor’s UFH, all controlled by Uponor’s New Control System – Radio, alongside UFH.

Increasingly customers are using underfloor heating (UFH) on the ground floor of properties and radiators on the first floor. By using Uponor’s latest control offering it is now possible to view and ‘set’ the radiator and UFH system parameters from the one central point – isolating each individual room/zone; reducing the temperature in times of inactivity or during the evening. It is also possible to use the same radio frequency thermostats for the radiator system and UFH, utilising a choice of three different types of thermostat to suit a range of customer tastes.

Manifold plumbing for a long time has been used by plumbers to isolate runs of pipe utilising a flow and a return at each end of the run. The UK market has always seemed to take its lead form its European counterparts, where manifold plumbing has been the standard practice for many years. Manifold plumbing uses fewer fittings, and therefore reduces the chance of any leaks, and also gives a more balanced flow rate than a standard system. All the first fix equipment is located in a cupboard allowing for all the different loops to be identified, regulated and isolated, keeping them locked away from inexperienced hands.

Uponor feel it is extremely important to be able to provide not just UFH but to ensure a clients radiator needs are also met. It is a common misconception that you either have radiators or UFH – why not have both? When it is cost or practical issues Uponor allows the client to have both heating techniques working in harmony to create the best living environment possible with energy efficiency in mind. Problem arises when cold tap pipework is run through a floor fitted with UFH. Uponor expertise ensures the pipework is mapped out perfectly to give the best performance and uphold all health and safety aspect of running both UFH and manifold plumbing together.

View Uponor's profile:

Story

No matter how much you think you know about finishing wooden floors, BonaKemi claims it can teach you more! The company runs a variety of courses covering sanding, finishing and other skills associated with the installation and renovation of wooden floors and the delegate profile is surprisingly mixed.

“Around 50% of delegates attending our training courses are contractors who have been working in the industry for many years” says Alec Stacey, BonaKemi’s Technical Manager. “With new types of products and techniques being introduced all the time, they tell us it’s important for them to keep up to speed with these new developments if they are to remain competitive.”

BonaKemi believes that no matter how long a contractor has been working in the industry, it’s particularly important to learn about new innovative products. For example, delegates attending the company’s current “Success with Wooden Floors” course learn about the new reactive adhesives which allow you to stick wooden floors down on certain types of subfloor which are incompatible with the more traditional solvent based adhesives; new and highly effective dust containment systems which really add value to an art gallery, museum or health care contract; and how floors can now be oiled and stained in just one day using new low solvent staining systems.

“Our delegates come from all types and sizes of company and so we might find we’re training a mix of self employed individuals alongside a whole team of fitters from a larger company” continues Alec, “Our distributors often send their sales staff too as they feel it’s important for them to fully understand the benefits of the products they are selling and how they should be used.”

From a technical point of view BonaKemi’s course explains how to use lacquers effectively and the problems which are caused, for example, by under-application. The specification process is also covered in detail to ensure contractors will always apply a sufficient number of coats of the most appropriate finish for each individual floor they install or renovate. Using the “We always apply two coats of lacquer” approach will lead to serious problems if the floor is fitted in the entrance hall of a busy commercial building! The course also looks at the importance of preventative maintenance such as fitting adequate matting and the specification of an on-going maintenance and cleaning regime.

There is a full programme of courses for contractors running at BonaKemi’s Centre of Excellence in Milton Keynes throughout 2007. Give the Technical Department a call to find out more about dates and individual course content.

View Bona's profile:

Story

Uponor Housing Solutions has further added to its market leading credentials by putting together an impressive show at the 2007 Interbuild Show, this October at the Birmingham NEC. Uponor, the innovative heating and plumbing provider, constructed a purpose built, 60m2 stand complete with new products including the new colour coded press fitting system, and the new controls system. The controls in particular are the result of a pioneering development program to increase the response and connectivity using a new signalling system called KNX.

On the stand visitors can witness live demonstrations, as well as experience first hand the ease of plastic flexible plumbing. The Uponor product board areas will showcase Uponor's advanced underfloor heating (UFH) and multi-layer composite (MLC) pipe technology. New to the product range is the RA manifold range exploiting new technology to control radiators in a similar manor to UFH. Demonstrations are on going throughout the day to show how easily Uponor's MLC pipe systems are to install and manipulate into all situations.

The 2007 stand aims to extremely user friendly with seating provided for installers and specifiers alike to discuss the technical aspects of flexible plumbing and underfloor heating. Other facilities include; a full sales and business development team on hand to guide you through any project; from the system design to the installation.

Up to date literature will be available from the reception point including a number of technical brochures and installation guides which give in-depth information into flexible plumbing’s use with modern methods of construction.

View Uponor's profile:

Story

A new brochure covering the Isola Platon ‘Plaza’ range of cavity drain membranes for horizontal external constructions is now available via Triton Chemicals. As the exclusive UK distributors of Norwegian manufactured Isola Platon membranes, Triton can give advice on and supply cavity drain membranes for a variety of applications.

The new Plaza brochure focuses on membranes specially developed for horizontal waterproofing and drainage applications such as tiled terraces, balconies, walkways and ballasted roofs, flat green or living roofs, artificial turf and landscaped green roofs and car parks.

All products within the Plaza range are manufactured from high quality virgin materials, are completely damp proof and resistant to all chemicals normally used in construction.

Products within the Plaza range include Platon DE25, widely used throughout Europe and Scandinavia to create a drainage and water storage layer above the waterproofing layer in green roof systems. DE25 is easy to install, delivers an efficient means of drainage in wet weather and keeps plants green and healthy during dry spells.

Triton also manufactures a wide range of damp proofing and timber preservation products, please call 020 8310 3929 or visit www.triton-chemicals.com for more information and to request copies of Plaza and other product literature.

View Triton Systems's profile:

Story

Projects involving listed buildings or being carried out in conservation areas invariably dictate the use of cast-iron rainwater systems to maintain architectural integrity and building aesthetics.

The Classical range from Saint-Gobain Pipelines encompasses eight gutter profiles which makes it suitable for a wide range of architectural periods and styles whilst combining significant benefits to the installer in terms of speed and ease of installation.

A factor frequently encountered in conversion or restoration projects is the need to cope with increased flow rates from steep pitched roofs. Saint-Gobain’s Classical Express range features a true half-round gutter profile which can deal with significantly higher flow rates than traditional half-round gutters.

The following is a summary of some recent projects where Saint-Gobain Classical rainwater systems have been specified in restoration and conversion projects.

The Gunnerys, Tarporley, Cheshire

The Gunnerys is a mixed use project involving restoration, refurbishment and one new-build element taking place in a conservation area. It involves an old bakery being converted into office units, a delicatessen dating back to 1820, cottages, a mill house and granary in a mix of sandstone and reclaimed brick. With the conservation area location dictating the use of cast-iron systems, Cheshire-based developer Matrec Ltd selected the Classical range from Saint-Gobain as offering the most cost-effective solution. The specification called for a mix or 4in and 6in gutters and downpipes.

Springfield Mill, Sandiacre, Derbyshire

A Grade II listed building, Springfield Mill is being converted into apartments by contractor Jessops. Guttering specialists Roweaver selected Saint-Gobain’s Classical Plus range for its advantages of speed on site: Classical Plus has a factory-applied finished coating and features the Classical system’s unique jointing clip for fast installation. To ensure a good fit of guttering to the building’s turrets, Roweaver produced accurate templates to enable Saint-Gobain to produce special tailor-made radius gutters.

Spelbrook Barn, Bishops Stortford, Cambridgeshire

Carried out by CDW construction, this project involves the conversion of an ancient barn and stable blocks into a private dwelling. Because of the historic significance of the buildings, all work on the project has to be carried out under the supervision of a local conservation officer, who specified the use of cast-iron rainwater systems.

With large areas of steep pitched roofing, volume of drainage was a factor that also needed to be taken into account on this project. The Classical Express Plus 125mm gutter with 75mm downpipe specified is capable of dealing with flow rates of 1.5L per minute and the factory-applied paint finish reduced the total installation time.

Old Woodlands House, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, Oxfordshire

Although not a listed building, Old Woodlands House is a traditionally-built property in an Oxfordshire village setting which required replacement of the original cast-iron gutters and down pipes. The specific requirement was for a deep ogee which was met by the Classical Type 46 profile. In this instance, the customer also wanted the advantages of the Classical Plus pre-painted option which was produced by Saint-Gobain as a special order.

Pulford Barns, Chester

This 16-barn conversion project was carried out by specialist developer Delamore Developments of Chester, a company that routinely specifies cast-iron rainwater systems on projects of this type. Classical Express was specified for its 125mm true half-round gutter with increased flow rates to cope with rainwater discharge from the barns’ extensive pitched roofs.

View PAM Building's profile:

Story

Working at heights of up to 3,600 ft on a rugged Scottish mountainside is all in a day's work for a Kubota mini excavator.

The 5 tonne KX161-3 machine is a key member of the maintenance team at the Glencoe Ski-Mountain Resort in Argyll. Set amidst some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland, the centre attracts 30,000 skiers each season.

Normally found working at ground level, the mini has proved to be the ideal tool for a variety of jobs at the ski resort, from trench digging to repairing damage to roads and paths during the off-season.

It's also used to move pieces of heavy equipment around in its buckets, including fetching new electric motors needed for the resort's seven ski lifts and taking the old ones away.

The standard specification machine was supplied by local Kubota dealer, Young Plant Sales, of Doune, Perthshire.

It is equipped with a pin-type manual Quick Hitch for the speedy fitting of three different sized buckets and a ditch cleaner. Like all new Kubota minis, from 1.5 to 8 tonnes, it has the unique 'ANTI-THEFT' security system fitted as standard equipment. This is based on an individually programmed key for each machine, incorporating an immobiliser system, that replaces the former universal starter key.

As the company that operates the ski resort has a policy of being environmentally friendly in everything it does, it chose the rubber track version so as to avoid any damage to the ground's surface.

Said operations manager, Bob Munro: “The Kubota is a handy piece of equipment that's not heavy enough to chew up the mountainside but robust enough for the jobs we need it for.

“As well as being used for a host of general maintenance jobs throughout the year, we plan to put it to work clearing snow this winter. With its excellent stability it has no difficulty in driving up and down the mountainside, and it’s easy to operate.”

Added Brian Young, managing director of Young Plant Sales: “It's pretty unusual for us to supply a machine that spends all its working life on the side of a mountain. We are confident that with its proven reliability the mini will be able to withstand everything that a tough Scottish winter can throw at it.”

Kubota is the world leader in mini excavators and provides the largest range of minis available from a single manufacturer. Customers can select from 18 base models, spanning the weight range from 850 kg to 8-tonnes, and including the widest choice of the increasingly popular zero tail swing machines.

Sales have continued to increase significantly, further boosted by the incorporation of a unique key-based 'ANTI-THEFT' security system – the first and still the only one fitted as standard by a mini excavator manufacturer.

Kubota mini excavators have a legendary reputation for quality, performance, reliability and excellent resale values, together with unbeatable support from a nationwide network of specialist dealers, and their versatility makes them the ideal tool for many different applications and end-users, from civil engineering to landscaping and plant hire companies to owner operators.

View Kubota's profile:

Story

Hydropath will be displaying its range of patented water conditioning products at PHEX 2007 this November on Stand 19 in Chelsea. Taking centre stage will be the Hydroflow HS38 that provides a simple and cost effective solution to preventing limescale without the use of chemicals.

The HS38 patented water conditioning system is unique as it removes limescale by transmitting randomly varying electric fields into the water and the entire plumbing system. The result is the production of nuclei everywhere in the water system. This causes limescale to form in suspension, which is then washed away with the flow. The treated water is normally able to dissolve existing scale in a few months.

The HS38 is suitable for use in most domestic and small commercial applications including combination boilers, condensing boilers, open vented systems and instant water heaters. The unit is simple to install, simply clipped onto the exterior of the pipe without the need for plumbing or incision. The HS38 also benefits from low running costs of only 90 pence a year, does not require any ongoing maintenance, has a 1 year ‘fit for purpose’ warranty and 3 year guarantee.

Two power supply options are available for the HS38; including a built-in supply, which needs to be wired in, or a plug-in style transformer that uses a mains power supply. Hydropath technology is recommended by British Gas and installed as an OEM by leading boiler manufacturers. It can be purchased from independent plumbing merchants and larger retailers such as Travis Perkins and Plumbing Trade Supplies (PTS) and online from Plumbworld.

View Hydroflow's profile:

Story

From October 2006, new Fire Safety Legislation will require many building owners, managers and facility managers to ensure that any work carried out within their premises must include fire stopping when appropriate. Tradespersons, will find that it will become common practice to prove that they have an extensive knowledge and training on passive fire protection products and systems, as there will be an increasing need for accredited passive fire installers. With legal litigation on the increase many building owners and managers are insisting on detailed written certification of the work carried out by the trades person.

The Nationwide Association of Passive Fire Installers and Specifiers, ‘NAPFIS’ has recently been established to offer an accreditation process to all trades people involved in the construction industry. The NAPFIS Certificate, will ensure that as a carpenter, plumber, electrician or decorator you have an obligation to ensure that a variety of projects are completed to the highest possible fire standards. Examples of essential fire protection, include doors on fire escapes or corridors, which must be upgraded to the recognised standard, pipe-work that pass through fire-walls, and that all light fittings and trunking need to be also fully fire protected. With the risks of injuries and fatalities in a fire and the danger of a possible prosecution by the building owner, many contractors need to show that every effort has been made to minimise the risks and self-certification will become mandatory in the industry.

With a NVQ level 2 certificate and greater knowledge of fire protection, many NAPFIS certificate holders will have an ideal opportunity to increase their earning potential on existing and future projects whilst also learning how passive fire protection systems are installed to fulfil the requirements of the Reform Order and Risk Assessment.

The new Passive Fire Training Centre is located in Dover, Kent, and tradesmen will have an opportunity to experience, hands on demonstrations on the do’s and don’ts of passive fire protection. Early indications are that a number of the training courses are filling up fast, so to avoid any disappointment contact now on 01304 210721.

View Envirograf's profile:

Story

A Treasury minister has told a House of Commons select committee that he would consider representations from the building industry that presented a case for tax incentives to encourage the construction of energy-efficient commercial and public buildings.

The representations are required urgently in advance of the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Budget, expected sometime during March. The invitation to make submissions came from the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, John Healey MP, when he appeared before the Environmental Audit Committee to give the Government’s views on the Stern Report on the Economics of Climate Change.

The minister was responding to an MP’s question on whether the Government’s decision last December to use the stamp duty regime to encourage the building of zero-carbon homes could be followed by tax incentives in respect of commercial and public buildings.

Hambleside Danelaw Ltd, the environment award-winning building products manufacturer, has made submissions on the issue to the select committee and the Stern review. The Group also met Mr Healey last October to discuss the matter. Its proposals focus principally on reshaping the Industrial Buildings Allowance regime to incentivise sustainable development in the non-domestic building sector.

Robin Jeffery, Hambleside’s vice-chairman, said: “It is really encouraging that the select committee took up Hambleside Danelaw’s case for new tax incentives to encourage sustainable development. I urge others in the industry to respond to the minister’s invitation to submit representations in advance of the Budget. Given that non-compliance with the energy efficiency provisions in the Building Regulations remains a huge issue, we need a fresh approach.”

View Hambleside Danelaw's profile: