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Mapei products were recently specified for the refurbishment of the Harley-Davidson Showrooms in Norwich and Guildford. Lind who recently took on the famous motorcycle franchise, required a system of products in order to install tiling to the wall and floor areas within the showrooms.

For the installation of tectonic anthracite solid porcelain tiles within the main showroom in Norwich, Mapei’s Mapeker Rapid-set Grey was specified by local installers Cristy’s Ceramics, Norwich. Mapeker Rapid-set is a fast setting adhesive suitable for fixing all types of ceramic, porcelain and stone tiles and mosaics to internal and external walls and floors. These were then grouted using Keracolor FF 113 Cement Grey one of 18 colours. The durable water and dirt repellent grout was the ideal choice for showrooms subject to significant foot traffic. In order to create a false brick wall effect, MapeGrip Plus, a non-slip adhesive with high initial grab and high bond strength, was used to install Travertine brick wall tiling. Joints finished with Keracolor FF 130 Jasmine.

To facilitate the flexibility of the timber substrate, on which the tiling within the Guildford showroom had to be installed, Keraquick Grey with Latex Plus additive was specified. When mixed these products achieve S2 Flexibility, suitable for the most deformable substrates. Cristy’s Ceramics then used Mapei’s flexible, fast-setting and drying, Ultracolor Plus 113 (Cement Grey) high performance grout, for joints up to 20mm, to install the tiling.

Mapei is the world’s largest manufacturer of adhesives, sealants and chemical products for building. With over 70 years experience, Mapei is a specialist in the production of quality products for the installation of all types of wall and floor coverings, and has a vast range of admixtures and repair products for concrete and building materials.

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Tapworks, the leading manufacturer and supplier of water softeners in the UK has launched a new ‘whole house’ water filter to filter mains water throughout the house. Water filters of different kinds are common in the UK, but most only affect one separate drinking water tap, installed in a kitchen attached to a small filter system that requires regular three to six monthly filter changes, or are small jug filters, which again require regular filter changes.

Whilst mains water in the UK is of excellent quality from a safety and ‘drinkability’ point of view, many people have issues with the treatment the water has had between the water supplier and home. In particular they tend to prefer water with no taste, or odour – with added chlorine the major problem perceived by many. In addition, people prefer any sediment that makes its way down the supply pipes to be completely removed as well before it makes its way into their home.

The new unit – which is the same size as Tapwork’s smallest ‘under drawer height’ softener – the Ultra 9 – is simple to install and even easier to maintain as it comes with a self cleaning filter that will last between five and eight years in a standard three or four bedroom home.

The new whole house water filter is relevant to homes across the UK as it’s not a water softener and is equally relevant to homes with both hard water and naturally soft water. Mains water – wherever it comes from – has additives and individual characteristics that some people find unpleasant and would prefer to ‘opt out of’ in their homes. This new product allows you to do this if you wish and because the filter life is as long as eight years, it’s effectively a ‘fit and forget’ appliance. Clearly it can be run in conjunction with a water softener in hard water areas, with the water entering the premises from the main, running through the softener and then the filter before making its way to the taps around the home.

As well as great tasting water from the tap, there are significant other lifestyle benefits to be enjoyed by having a whole house filter installed. Apart from stopping the need to ‘hump home’ huge bottles of bottled water – and the savings that will provide on the grocery bills – tea and coffee and other drinks will taste better, fruits, vegetables, pasta, rice and other foods cooked in water will taste far better, laundry will feel softer and fresher and bath times, cleaning teeth and washing hair will be more pleasurable as well.

Tapworks MD Mike Pickavance says the new central filter is a response to a market for a whole house filter that will take chlorine and other additives out of the mains water: “Much of the mains water delivered in the UK is hard water and our range of water softeners can effectively address this problem, as well as offering water saving and energy saving benefits as well. This new central water filter will remove many of the things that increasing numbers of households object to in their water supply ensuring that they get good quality water, but water that is delivered as they want it to be, right across the home. If you like, this unit will ‘polish’ their water supply making it even more pleasant to drink and use in the home.

“With a self cleaning carbon filter, it really is a ‘fit and forget’ appliance that will only need attention every five or six years – possibly longer for smaller homes using lower volumes of mains water. And at around £400, for the benefits it offers, it’s very affordable,” he says.

The new Tapworks ‘Whole House’ filter is available through builders and plumbers merchants now.

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Sikkens products have been recognised as environmentally responsible in a prestigious urban development in Scotland that has been designed as a testament to environmental and energy efficiency. Located on former derelict land at the edge of Hamilton town centre, the homes on Miller Street advocate how modern sustainable design can be achieved in a busy urban environment, and the inclusion of the Sikkens Cetol BL21 plus water-based coatings with their lower carbon footprint, fitted in with the overall design requirements. BL 21 plus offers a reduction in VOC emissions, due to the replacement of oil-based solvents with water, which also offers a quick drying solution, saving on time and associated costs.

The residential development comprises 26 units in four blocks and follows an inspirational design by Hypostyle Architects. Each of the four blocks has a thick, super insulated timber clad wall facing onto the main road and these have been protected using Sikkens Cetol BL21 plus wood coating. These huge clad walls act as a physical barrier against the outside conditions, which include the sometimes harsh Scottish climate and the noise pollution from the road. Due to their sheer size, they had to appear m/f…

aesthetically pleasing, a challenge easily met by the Cetol BL21 plus coating. “We used the Cetol BL21 plus on the Douglas Fir timber because of its appearance but also because of its environmental properties,” explains Steven Rae, project architect at Hypostyle. “The whole theme of the development is sustainability and the Sikkens product fitted neatly into the specification requirements.”

Innovative, environmentally friendly design techniques have been applied throughout the development, ensuring that the homes have minimal effect on the environment. “As timber is a highly sustainable construction material, we have made extensive use of it in the scheme and by protecting it with Cetol BL21 plus, we have been able to maintain the sustainable theme to the highest degree possible,” continues Mr Rae.

Sikkens Cetol BL21 plus is an alkyd/acrylic coating which absorbs into the timber surface, offering full protection against the damaging effects of sunlight and weathering, and allows the flexibility necessary for the natural movement of timber.

The design was chosen through a competition promoted by clients, Clyde Valley Housing Association in conjunction with Communities Scotland and Hamilton Ahead (South Lanarkshire Council). Miller Street utilises passive and active principles to ensure an environmentally friendly design ranging from thermal walls to solar panel technology, creating a sustainable community on a particularly tight urban site.

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When specifying a rooflight system, the Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel ticks all the boxes for sustainability. They consist of a powder coated aluminium frame glazed with virtually unbreakable multiwall polycarbonate, both of which can be recycled at the end of their life span.

25mm multiwall polycarbonate has a great light transmission and is opaque to infra red. This results in infra-red heat being retained inside a building, helping to cut down on energy usage/costs. Individual panels can span 4000mm at 1250mm centres, which means less glazing bars, more natural light ingress and reduced energy usage/costs

Quick to fit Multi-Link-Panels are also available in a Non-Fragile option, and are manufactured to size for individual projects.

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Sentinel’s exciting new domestic chemical water treatment dosing system – Rapid-Dose – launched towards the end of 2008, has really taken off in the New Year and is getting the ‘thumbs up’ from merchants and installers up and down the country that are recognising the time saving opportunities the product offers, along with the fact that it’s mess free and simple to use – put simply, it’s an installer’s dream!

And it’s the flexibility of the product which is proving most popular. Sentinel’s Paul Friend has been collating the initial response to the new product and he’s struck by the uniformity of the response – it’s a new product that shows that Sentinel has been listening to the installers out there!

“Feedback has been brilliant with installers liking the product and liking the application method. The connector sets have become sought after tools of the trade, with recognition already that they are quality connectors and that they will last,” he says. “And with many installers saying that rather than use a radiator dosing point connector and take it with them, they are leaving it in the radiator permanently to make dosing simple the next time they visit a home, there’s a recognition that selling the dosing point as part of the job offers an additional ‘value-added’ extra, a little additional profit and saves even more time.”

The connector sets are proving popular through the merchants, but you can buy the direct radiator dosing point and the filling loop dosing point separately and try them for size before deciding to buy the full connector set – so it’s a ‘try before you buy’ option that many installers have found useful.

Each can of Rapid-Dose contains the same quantity of active ingredient as a standard litre bottle of the equivalent product. The contents of the Rapid-Dose canister are under pressure, but the propellant is simply compressed air – so it’s an environmentally friendly product too – even the can, can be recycled!

Sentinel Rapid-Dose is available off the merchant’s shelves in the familiar X100 central heating inhibitor and protector, X200 noise reducer, X400 system sludge remover and cleaner and the popular and highly effective Leak Sealer – that can be used to dose any indirect central heating system in seconds.

Rapid-Dose’s novel system is designed to make the addition of water treatment chemicals quick and easy, soon restoring system efficiency to older systems and maintaining the efficiency of new ones, minimising CO2 emissions in the process.

To apply Sentinel Rapid-Dose into a heating system, you simply need one of the easy-to-use re-usable connector kits available from merchants across the country – either a Filling Loop Adaptor, a Radiator Dosing Point Kit or a Vent Pin Adaptor Set. You can also purchase a Universal Dosing Tool Kit which includes all these individual options if you prefer.

Case Study:
Wales & West Housing Association Specifies Sentinel Rapid Dose

And Sentinel’s Rapid Dose continues to gain more and more converts, as increasing numbers of organisations specify it for the homes under their control.

The latest to do so is Wales & West Housing Association with more than 9,000 properties in management providing homes for well over 25,000 people in the Principality. The Association has offices in Cardiff in South Wales and Flint in North Wales from where it manages its operation and the on-going maintenance of its properties. The partnership that has transformed their heating system maintenance procedure involves the use of the Sentinel product, contractors P H Jones and suppliers Grahams and Curzons, for whom Area Contracts Manager John Chicken has been instrumental in seeing the switch to Sentinel Rapid-Dose for the Association.

Tim Mann, Senior Manager for M&E Contracts at the Association, has a BSc (Hons) in Building Surveying and is a qualified heating engineer, and he says he and his team have become increasingly aware of the need for correct water treatment in the heating systems in their homes. He was introduced to Sentinel’s Rapid-Dose system originally by John and Lee Pritchard from contractors PH Jones, and is sold on the concept and the process: “Getting it right may seem like a small job – and frankly it is – but it’s so important. By doing the job properly we can save significantly on the maintenance of the heating systems in our tenants’ homes and reduce call outs to faulty heating systems by up to half every year. For this reason we decided to seek out the best, simplest and quickest way to apply water treatment products to our heating systems so there was absolutely no excuse for not doing the job as it should be done.

“After looking at a selection of options we decided that Sentinel’s Rapid Dose offered us exactly what we were looking for – a high quality product that was quick to apply to a system – around 30 seconds is all it takes – and one that is easy to use as well – you simply have to screw the can of Rapid Dose into the radiator valve and it does the rest for you!”

Sentinel’s Paul Friend says he was confident that the Association would go with Rapid Dose within minutes of introducing it to them: “You could see their eyes open wide when they had the cans and the adaptors in their hands. After we had shown them how the system worked and how quick and mess free it was to use, there didn’t seem to be anything else in the running!”

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Further extensive news coverage in the national press suggests that the continuing fight against healthcare associated infections, HCAI, such as MRSA, in our healthcare environments is far from won. In conjunction with BioCote®, Crabtree, have developed a range of anti-microbial electrical switches and socket outlets utilizing silver, which help to reduce cross contamination. Trials carried out at the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust have shown the technology to be exceptionally effective.

The Crabtree accessories contain silver, a natural antimicrobial, with a high efficacy against bacteria, mould and fungi. When micro-organisms come into contact with the silver, their ability to reproduce is inhibited and they die.

The environmental trial compared two out-patient wards in the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, one containing furniture and equipment treated with BioCote® technology including Crabtree electrical accessories and one containing standard, untreated items. Results from the trials showed that the facility at Heartlands using the protected products had 95.8% less bacteria present in the environment, than the standard ward.

These initial indications show that using anti-microbial products in a hospital environment can lead to a reduction in bacterial colonisation, resulting in a more hygienic environment for patients. With fewer bacteria in the environment, it is logical that the risks of cross contamination are reduced and consequently the risks of patients being infected with “superbugs” such as MRSA are reduced.

With NHS Trusts facing increased pressure from The Healthcare Commission to improve hygiene standards, these and other BioCote® protected products can complement cleaning and hand hygiene practices by lowering bacteria counts in hygiene-conscious environments.

During the manufacture of these accessories, Crabtree use a silver additive, developed by BioCote®. Continued quality control testing has confirmed bacteria are inhibited 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. However, the technology should not be used to replace cleaning. Once impregnated with the silver ion technology, the accessories maintain an active concentration of ions on the surface preventing any bacterial growth for the life expectancy of the product.

For further information about Crabtree contact Electrium Sales on 01543 455000.

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Matching the existing brickwork was the major challenge for a recent project undertaken by Lead Hill Developments and Beswick Homes. The plans called for the extension and refurbishment of a large Edwardian house into 10 luxury apartments.

Given the combination of new build and refurbishment, it was critical to match the original brick in order to maintain consistency throughout the new build, while at the same time retaining the Edwardian style of the original house.

The existing brick being a rich red, Hanson’s Wilnecote Smooth Red brick was specified, as its colour and soft, smooth texture most closely matched the bricks used on the original house. In addition, the new bricks had to be produced in 73mm format, again to match the size and appearance of the Edwardian brickwork.

Located on the outskirts of a traditional village, this development stands within its own substantial landscaped grounds and is approached via its own private entrance. With this project more than doubling the size of the original house, it stands as an imposing example of the successful mix of old and new, and the way modern construction materials can recreate the past for a new generation.

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As metallic finishes continue to drive the showering market, the launch of Triton’s striking new T80xr Chrome and T80xr Satin/Chrome electric showers look set to expand the popular appeal of its bestselling model even further.

Incorporating up-to-the-minute chrome styling and ergonomic slim-line design, these two new additions to the range give consumers the choice of two very different contemporary looks – whilst continuing to offer installers the same advanced features and ease of installation as other models in the XR range.

The T80xr Chrome’s sleek, all-chrome fascia, control and power selector dials and push start/stop button make this easy-to-use shower ideal for customers looking to make a statement in the bathroom.

Or, for those preferring a more subtle design option, the T80xr Satin/Chrome electric shower offers a chic, matt chrome fascia with eye-catching all-chrome dials and start/stop button, to produce an equally striking overall look that will complement any modern bathroom.

Additional features of the T80xr Chrome and Satin/Chrome electric showers include an easy-grip, numbered temperature dial to ensure straight forward temperature selection, a push start/stop button and cold, economy and high power selections for an even wider choice of showering options. An all-chrome shower kit includes an easy-to-fit, riser rail and hose, and a five-mode showerhead. Rub-clean nodes on the showerhead make it simple to clean after use.

Lorna Fellowes, managing director for Triton showers comments:

“The bathroom has become such an important statement room in the home, and these two new T80xr Chrome and Satin/Chrome models not only provide the perfect options for customers completely revamping their bathroom to those simply wanting to replace an existing electric shower with a more up-to-date model.

“By combining the latest electric showering technology with contemporary style, the T80xr Chrome and T80xr Satin/Chrome models provide the looks, functions and ease of installation that is sure to continue the T80xr’s runaway success.”

The T80xr Chrome and Satin/Chrome models are available in 8.5kW, 9.5kW and 10.5kW versions and have a two year guarantee.

As with all Triton showers, the new XR chrome additions come with the reassuring backing that a big brand offers along with unbeatable customer service and after sales support, that means installers can simply ‘fit and forget’. Triton’s technical team is also on hand to answer installation questions before, during and after installation, and the XR showers are available on a next day rapid replenishment service if ordered before 5pm.

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The Board of Directors at P.J. Carey Plant Hire are totally committed to putting safety first and have taken action to deal effectively with the extremely important issue of site safety, particularly in connection with excavator quick couplers.

Following industry wide concern over the safety of semi-automatic couplers, which culminated in the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) securing an agreement with all leading European quick hitch manufacturers not to supply new semi-automatic hitches into the UK market, leading plant hirer P.J. Carey took the decision to replace all their semi-automatic couplers with the fully automatic model from Hill Engineering.

Although the HSE directive did not go so far as to ban the use of semi-automatic couplers, as an industry leader P.J. Carey considered that by adopting a proactive approach, this positive replacement action would safeguard site personnel and actively demonstrate a firm commitment to enhancing safety on all their sites.

Sean O'Donnell, Director of Wembley-based P.J. Carey Plant Hire, said: “As a responsible plant hire company we are completely driven by safety and we were determined to find an effective solution to the semi-automatic quick coupler problem, and therefore made the decision to change all our hydraulic quick couplers to fully automatic models.”

Mr. O'Donnell was given the daunting task of evaluating all the quick coupler products currently available, in order to identify the fully automatic hitch that completely satisfied their safety requirements.

“When faced with this task I focused on identifying a product specification that fully addressed all the specific areas of concern,” said Mr. O'Donnell. “This was a lengthy and detailed process, but one that we considered absolutely essential in order to ensure exactly the right product choice.”

“The product that finally came out on top, and which completely satisfied all the main selection criteria, was the new Hill Auto-Loc 3 fully automatic coupler from Hill Engineering Ltd.”

“In addition to addressing the technical and user issues, Hill Engineering were able to offer a 'new for old' coupler exchange at reasonable cost.”

“Hill also provided full hands on product training covering all aspects of the coupler change-over, including replacement of decals, coupler controls and hydraulic circuits. This ensured that the new coupler installations fully complied with the companys health & safety requirements.”

“All in all I am confident that we have dealt with the serious issue of operator safety in a timely and effective manner and can now concentrate on ensuring we continue to provide our customers with a service that's second to none,” concluded Mr. ODonnell.

One Call Hire Also Endorses Hill Auto-Loc

Another major plant hire customer endorsing the new Hill Auto-Loc 3 quick coupler is Enfield-based One Call Hire. Managing Director, Anthony Fitzpatrick, said “We have been working with Hill Engineering for several years and all our excavators of 13 tonnes and over purchased over the last three years have been fitted with the Auto-Loc coupler.”

“We were so satisfied with the company and the product that we have now committed to changing our complete fleet to the very latest Auto-Loc 3 fully automatic model and last December took advantage of Hill's 'new for old' programme, placing an order for 200 Auto-Loc 3 couplers for machines in our fleet under 13 tonnes,” added Mr. Fitzpatrick.

Hill Engineering Continues To Put Safety First

In 2005 Hill Engineering, acknowledging that safety is paramount in the attachments world, recognised a need to develop a fully automatic, user friendly coupler, with built-in devices designed to prevent accidental release of attachments.

The company's entire R & D budget was immediately directed towards advancing coupler technology and to the establishment of a dedicated coupler testing facility. Following extensive field trials the 'Safety First' Auto-Loc range of quick couplers was introduced in 2006. Since then Hill has continued to refine the Auto-Loc and are confident that the very latest Auto-Loc 3 version is the safest and most reliable coupler of its type on the market today.

Ian Hill, Managing Director of Hill Engineering, said: “We have listened to our customers and incorporated improvements to provide a product that is more operator-friendly and even easier to use.”

Hill Engineering want to play their part in encouraging the industry to make the change from semi-automatic to fully automatic couplers and are offering a 'new for old' programme, whereby existing semi-automatic couplers can be traded in against a new Auto-Loc 3 coupler at reasonable cost. Also included is the provision of hands on product training for appointed trainer/operators and installation training for service fitters.

Hill Engineering remains fully committed to site safety and for the past two years has been involved, along with other coupler manufacturers, in the working groups established by the HSE to define the proposed changes to the EN474 legislation.

“All quick coupler manufacturers and users should recognise a shared responsibility to ensure an altogether safer working environment for all,” commented Ian Hill.

Originally established in 1994, Hill Engineering moved to new £4.5million, 85,000sq.ft, purpose-designed, state-of-the-art premises in 2006, whilst retaining its original nearby factory as a dedicated research & development facility.

Hill also produce a range of heavy duty excavator buckets, enabling them to provide a top quality hitches and buckets package for its customers throughout the UK and Ireland, as well as internationally across Europe and the USA.

All Hill products are ISO 9001 and CE accredited and as a customer focused organisation with a flexible approach they can tailor equipment to meet individual customer requirements.

Hill Engineering Managing Director, Ian Hill, concluded: “We constantly strive to design and manufacture top quality products to the highest possible world-class standards, with safety always an over-riding consideration.”

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