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Saniflo is on the road
Story
Just as Saniflo and Kinedo products make life easier for installers and customers, the team at Saniflo acknowledges that taking products to the customers’ location also saves them time and money.
So, from May to October this year, the Kinedo by Saniflo ‘Building better bathrooms’ roadshow will be touring the UK; parking up daily at merchant customers with the aim of inviting installers along to installation demonstrations and product showcases. Saniflo technical and sales teams will be on hand to answer questions and discuss how installers can improve their earnings by fitting Kinedo cubicles – often in just a couple of hours.
The brand new, purpose-built roadshow truck will make its way from the south to the north of the country over the next few months. The latest Kinemagic Serenity cubicle and a customisable Kineduo shower bath are permanently installed in the truck, whilst the team will demonstrate the simplicity and efficiency of installing a Kinemagic Design.
A practical, smart Kinedo jacket can be won at each event by entering a simple competition whilst all those staying for the full demonstration will receive a complimentary gift bag full of goodies as a thank you for their time. Refreshments will be served from the truck following the demonstration giving customers further time to ask the questions about the full range of Saniflo and Kinedo products.
Any merchants wishing to book the truck for a day at their premises can contact their local Saniflo Sales Manager or ring Rajinder Ghatora on 020 8842 0033. For a full list of current venues please see the Saniflo website .
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Permo forte underlay – helping roofers stay safe
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Among its market-leading vapour permeable roofing underlays Klober Permo® forte SK2 is the only 4-layer product designed to help prevent falls through the roof. Its mesh reinforcement gives a degree of strength vastly superior to lightweight 2-layer products while self-adhesive edge tapes provide a lasting airtight seal at laps. As one of the most widely specified underlays for more than a decade it can be used on fully supported or unsupported tile, slate or metal roofs. Permo forte has been independently tested by the BRE for wind uplift in relation to BS 5534 wind speed map.
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New FAKRO rooflights add contemporary style
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When upgrading thermal inefficient rooflights, FAKRO’s new range of flat roof windows offers a choice of flat or domed profiles. All have a contemporary style, utilise a multi-chamber PVC sash and frame and come in sizes designed to match those being replaced. The triple-glazed DRF DU6 has a window U-value of 0.74W/m2K while the DRC-C P2, which offers added burglary resistance through use of a laminated internal pane, is only slightly less impressive at 0.88. For smoke evacuation, the DSF DU6 and DSC-C P2 open automatically to a height of 50cm through activation of motors on each side of the frame.
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LG AND SUGOI SOLUTIONS REPLACE AIR CONDITIONING FOR B&Q
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Leading air conditioning manufacturer LG Electronics is working with Bristol based contractor Sugoi Solutions to fulfil a contract they won from B&Q for an R22 refrigerant replacement programme. It’s a programme that is seeing air conditioning equipment in more than 250 stores across the country replaced with new equipment that meets the ‘F’ Gas regulations.
It’s a significant contract worth in the region of £1.4 million, and one that has had complex logistical ramifications. B&Q will not only end up with fully compliant air conditioning systems in all their ‘back of house’ store areas – the staff areas and administrative offices – but with a full asset list with every detail they need for the future. For each branch Sugoi has provided a list of the replacement units, a signed permission to undertake the work, a risk assessment, a health and safety assessment, an F Gas Logo Sheet, pressure test sheet, evacuation test sheet, a commissioning record sheet and photography of each unit, internal and external before and after, so B&Q has a photographic record of every one of the more than 1000 LG air conditioning systems installed in their stores.
Sugoi director Ben May says it’s been the most comprehensive package of information they have ever provided as part of a replacement equipment contract: “We’ve undertaken the work in B&Q stores across the UK from the north of Scotland down to the Channel Islands! We’ve attended all the sites and organised access to the air conditioning systems, organised for the safe disposal of the R22 refrigerant in each case, sorted the removal and disposal of the existing kit and reinstalled like for like equipment. We’ve audited the work throughout the process and achieved 96% scores on the on-site audits of our work and as a result of the work we’ve done we’ve secured the maintenance contracts on all the equipment we’ve installed. We’ve provided comprehensive documentation for every store and for every piece of equipment we’ve installed.
“This is the biggest single contract we’ve ever undertaken and we’re very proud of the outcome. LG equipment is excellent to work with and the support we’ve had from LG has been first class.”
Andy Reed, Head of Air Conditioning and Energy Solutions at LG says he’s been impressed with the work Sugoi Solutions has undertaken: “We were delighted to win this contract from B&Q but clearly needed an installation partner who was up to the task. We’ve been impressed by the work Sugoi has undertaken in two phases of the project either side of a period when B&Q did not want any contractors on site working in their branches. The information packs they have provided to each and every B&Q branch and their head office have been excellent.
The equipment selected by B&Q for its stores included a selection of split and multi split systems, wall mounted units and ceiling mounted cassette units. The contract was won by LG due to the company’s technical capability, the product energy efficiencies, along with the ability to supply the units to a very tight time schedule and the agreement to an extended warranty on the products.
Visit http://partner.lge.com/uk for more information on the extensive range of LG equipment and services.
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Saint-Gobain PAM UK Extends Vortx Roof Drainage Range
Story
Saint Gobain PAM UK has extended its range of cast iron Vortx roof outlets to include two-way outlets suitable for parapet wall applications.
The new range of two way outlets has a cast iron body with a 100mm BSP threaded joint and a stainless steel angled, boxed or flat grating design. A spigot adaptor allows the outlet to be attached to either a 50mm, 75mm or 100mm spigot.
Says Mike Rawlings, marketing manager for Saint-Gobain PAM: “With an epoxy coated cast iron body and stainless steel grate, these new outlets provide a hard wearing and anticorrosive finish for a long life. In common with other Vortx roof outlets, the new range has been flow tested and will connect to most drainage systems on the market.”
The Vortx range consists of floor, roof and shower drainage products and a range of stainless steel channels and gullies.
For further information about Vortx roof outlets. Visit www.saint-gobain-pam.co.uk.
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Saint-Gobain PAM UK launches new access downpipe for its Cyclone range
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Saint-Gobain PAM UK has introduced an access pipe as part of its Cyclone steel rainwater systems range.
The access pipe is a 340mm long steel downpipe with large diameter access point that can be installed into any new or existing Saint Gobain PAM Cyclone steel system.
It enables homeowners to save maintenance time and costs by allowing easy access to the drainage system in order to clear blockages that might occur such as a build up of leaves over time. The access pipe is available in all of the colours in the Cyclone range.
The Cyclone steel rainwater system has a contemporary look and feel and is available in a variety of colours. It is cost competitive with higher value plastic systems, takes no longer to install and with its tough and hardwearing nature will last decades with minimal maintenance.
For more information on the Cyclone range, visit www.saint-gobain-pam.co.uk
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There’s a new MFT on the block!
Story
In response to the fast changing needs of today’s electrical contractors, Megger has launched the new MFT range of multifunction installation testers. These combine the highest levels of safety with ease of use, exceptional versatility and outstanding value for money. All models in the new range have valuable extra functions that have been carefully selected to make life easier and more convenient for users.
To meet the requirements and budget of every electrical contractor, Megger’s new multifunction testers are available in three versions. The MFT1711 is a cost-effective choice for routine installation testing and includes advanced features like automatic RCD testing and true RMS voltage measurement that were previously only available on more costly instruments.
The MFT1721 is an excellent option for contractors whose work includes three-phase systems and solar power installations, while maximum versatility and convenience is provided by the top-of-the-range MFT1731. This not only has advanced facilities for measuring earth resistance but also internal memory for storing test results and support for convenient Bluetooth downloading.
The new MFT1711, like all of the other instruments in the range, completely satisfies the requirements of the IET Wiring Regulations for testing low-voltage electrical installations, as well as offering many other functions. In addition to true RMS voltage measurement and facilities for automatic RCD testing, it has a 1,000 V insulation test option and a handy timesaving automatic Zmax function. It can test 10 mA, 30 mA, 100 mA, 300 mA and 500 mA RCDs and, for types with intermediate sensitivities, it also has a variable RCD test facility.
The three-phase enabled MFT1721 provides all of the functions available on the MFT1711, but additionally has a 100 V insulation test option, a millivolt sensor input and support for testing Type B RCDs. It allows phase rotation to be checked, and it can test three-phase RCDs even when no neutral is available. Phase-to-phase loop testing at 415 V can be performed, along with evaluation of prospective short-circuit current (PSCC) values of up to 20 kA.
Shipped as standard in a large soft carrying case, the MFT1731 builds on the capabilities of the MFT1721 by adding support for three-pole ART earth resistance measurements, with a clamp option, and stakeless twin-clamp earth resistance measurements. This model also has internal storage for test results with wireless downloading to smartphones, tablets and other Bluetooth-equipped devices.
All of the multifunction installation testers in Megger’s new range incorporate the qualities that have made the previous MFT1700-series instruments so popular and successful. These include a straightforward user interface for fast easy operation, robust construction to withstand the knocks and tumbles of everyday use, comprehensive electrical protection, and an extensive range of safety features, including a CAT IV 300 V/CAT III 600 V safety rating in line with IEC 61010.
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Amendment 3 is not just about Consumer Units
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Timbmet makes sure the show goes on
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Timbmet’s extensive stockholding, efficient delivery network and strong working partnerships have proved a winning combination in the recent fulfilment of a challenging order.
ISO Spaces urgently needed a variety of sample Egger boards for the production of a prototype hotel ‘pod’ for its client, Snoozebox. A pop-up hotel company, Snoozebox was finalising its display for the Sleep exhibition which took place at London’s Business Design Centre.
From design to delivery, the pressure was on.
Initially, Egger had planned to supply the boards direct. However, due to the complicated range of sheets requested and the timing implications involved in the intricate requirements for cutting and edging, Egger contacted its distributor, Timbmet, to supply the product direct from its in-depth stockholding.
With Timbmet’s Panel Specialist Geoff Sykes managing the process throughout, the company then liaised with both Egger and ISO Spaces to meet the specification and deadline to supply by the target date.
“The order called for a range of products from the Egger portfolio,” Geoff explains, “mainly Zoom MFC, plus laminate and edging. Timbmet had stock of all 10 colours requested, including some from the latest range.
“This was a key factor in meeting the tight delivery schedule,” he continues, “which was just four days from confirmation of the order to cut and edge, then delivery to Cornwall.”
Andy Orr, Director of Truro-based ISO Spaces, comments: “Timbmet exceeded all our expectations in their supply of finished Egger MFC boards for our project for Snoozebox. They were given an extremely tight timeframe to process and supply the materials to us in Cornwall, and at all times were helpful, knowledgeable and very efficient.
“The standard of the boards was first class, and they were used not only to clad the walls in our portable hotel rooms but also to make bespoke furniture. We could not have done it without Timbmet and look forward very much to working with them on future projects.”
This order demonstrates Timbmet’s ability to put its partnerships into action quickly, working with Egger, ISO Spaces and Snoozebox to deliver this order direct from stock to final destination – on time and to specification.
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Iconic Art Centre’s winning performance with Crittall windows
Story
New fenestration for an iconic listed arts centre at the University of Sussex presented a particular challenge for architects RH Partnership but the successful outcome has been achieved thanks to close collaboration with steel window experts Crittall.
The University’s Attenborough Centre for Creative Arts (ACCA) was designed in the 1960s by Sir Basil Spence and subsequently listed Grade 2* by English Heritage.
The building’s curved brick exterior is punctuated at ground floor level by steel windows and doors that, along with the rest of the structure, had fallen into a state of disrepair.
Extensive consultation was undertaken by the Brighton-based architectural practice with English Heritage (now Historic England) and Brighton & Hove City Council’s conservation team for the most acceptable solution to replace the existing metal framed, single glazed windows and doors.
“RH Partnership have worked very closely with Crittall Windows to reproduce the patterns and profiles using W20 sections and to incorporate double glazed units,” says architect David Sweeney.
“With large areas of glazing in the front-of-house spaces, the capability to add slim line double glazed units has drastically improved the thermal performance of this building.”
Solar control glass has also been added to particular south and east facing windows so as to reduce overheating during summertime and natural ventilation has been improved by an increase in openable windows and the introduction of trickle vents.
The complete refurbishment of the building, including a main auditorium with a flexible 350 seating arrangement, exhibition spaces, four differently-sized studios and teaching rooms and the development of an area beneath the auditorium to provide 33% more usable space than was envisaged in the original design, has provided the University with a cultural flagship structure.
Says David Sweeney: “Working on a Sir Basil Spence, Grade 2* Listed Building such as this can be a real challenge. The solution provided by Crittall Windows has been very successful both in terms of its performance and the appearance of this 1969 iconic building.”
Also on the University campus a second Sir Basil Spence, Grade 2* listed structure, the Chichester 1 building, is undergoing refurbishment and, once again, Crittall products – the Corporate W20 and Corporate 2000 windows – have been specified.
Corporate W20 windows and doors offer designers great versatility including the ability to create or reproduce many styles. They deliver very slim sightlines, are English Heritage approved, and find widespread favour with planners and conservationists. Corporate 2000 are equally suited for residential, institutional and commercial applications, and can be used to produce unusual and innovative window wall designs. Major user sectors are offices, hotels, hospitals, universities and schools.
