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As part of Hodgson Sealants’ drive to help the roofing & cladding industry more easily meet regulations for air tightness and thermal performance, the company has phased out its HP400 NFRC Class B sealant to establish its high performing, industry recognised, GCA NFRC Class A butyl sealant as the new minimum market offering.

“Sealants play a critical role in ensuring the tight standards of the Building Regulations are met”, comments Noel Burke, roofing specialist at Hodgson Sealants. “All too often this small but critical component is forgotten or selected based on price”.

“This is why we feel the GCA Class A sealant should be the minimum standard we put out to the marketplace. Contractors and Specifiers can have complete confidence that any Hodgson sealant that is specified will keep their building air tight and weatherproof”.

GCA can be used for a number roofing and cladding applications, including sealing external metal sheeting, end and side laps, rooflights, gutters and flashings, penetrations and roof and wall membrane sealing.

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With space at a premium in many homes, dual-purpose items are a boon. Clipper from the Aeon Collection is a radiator that not only looks fabulous, it doubles as a coat or towel rail, too!

The stainless steel masterpiece would look equally at home in the hallway, bathroom, kitchen or living room either as a statement piece in its own right or as a functional heating accessory.

Inspired by the barbers’ tool of the same name, Clipper incorporates Aeon’s unique patented Twister technology to twist the radiator bars through 90 degrees. The resulting bars reveal contrasting brushed and polished surfaces to striking effect. These are topped with a series of tapered points which can serve as hooks for towels or coats as required.

Clipper is available as a 1500mm length only, with 5,7 or 9 bars and outputs of 500-900W, suitable for electric or hot water systems. Price from £635 +VAT for the 5 bar model. (The 9-bar model, pictured, is £950 +VAT)

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Thorn Lighting today announces the re-launch of a faster and easier-to-use website – www.thornlighting.co.uk – featuring an electronic catalogue complete with lighting software downloads. The new site, which went live at the beginning of June, allows the visitor to view performance data on more than 6,000 luminaires with the ability to download up-to-the-minute product information, photometric data files, line drawings and photos.

Whether you’re an existing Thorn customer or a first time user the website is a one-stop shop for all your lighting needs. The user can navigate swiftly from initial ‘selection’ through design – immediately transferring the photometry provided into an opened DIAlux or Relux lighting calculation programme – to studying detailed installation guidance.

The much-improved site also features new product highlights, customer newsletters, a comprehensive events schedule and allows customers to request or download marketing materials.

Thorn’s newly-appointed Head of Electronic Media, Jon Butler, said: Following research that showed that lighting customers require two things from a website – speed of use and accuracy of product information – we have invested in the creation of an online product catalogue and redesigned our website to take full advantage of it.”

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TENSAR INTERNATIONAL has taken an industry initiative to invest in the development of specialist software that enables engineers and contractors to calculate CO2 savings arising from the use of TriAx™ geogrids on specific ground stabilisation projects. In addition, using Tensar’s revolutionary TriAx™ geogrids in ground stabilisation applications can enable reductions in aggregate thickness of over 40% for the same load bearing performance, compared to traditional methods.

Developed in conjunction with consultants Coffey Geotechnics Limited, Tensar’s newly launched Carbon Calculator is an interactive tool available to all at our website that demonstrates the savings in carbon dioxide emissions that can be achieved by using Tensar TriAx™ geogrids in ground stabilisation applications.

“We believe we are the only geosynthetic manufacturer and supplier to have committed time and resource into exploring in detail the environmental impact of geogrid technologies used in ground stabilisation,” says Tensar’s David Cashman, Commercial Manager for Stabilisation Systems. “The innovative software shows that savings of up to 50% of CO2 emissions can be achieved on a typical road foundation project by using Tensar TriAx™ geogrids over more traditional designs.

“For example, our new TriAx™ geogrid can enable reductions in aggregate thickness of over 40% for the same load bearing performance. The CO2 reductions generated by reduced aggregate volume and associated transport, together with less excavation and disposal of spoil are then only partially offset by the carbon cost of the geogrid, offering a net saving of up to 50% of CO2 emissions. This clearly conforms to the Chartered Institute of Building’s Draft Strategy for Sustainable Construction.”

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Sizing water filters and establishing what’s flowing where on existing water supplies can be a difficult task but Specialist Water Services suppler – Springhill Water Services have found it a lot easier using Micronics Clamp-On Flow Meters.

Springhill are an established company based in Sowerby Bridge West Yorkshire and provide a wide range of services relating to commercial and private/domestic water supplies. The key players in the company are water industry professionals with many years experience of designing, installing and maintaining potable water supplies.

The team had previous experience of Clamp-On, Ultrasonic water flow measurement in the 90’s and decided to investigate how the technology had progressed and its potential use to establish demand profiles for Filter sizing and flow surveys.

Having considered various suppliers they selected the Micronics – Portaflo 204 – Time of Flight – portable flow instrument plus data-logger. Portable Clamp-On Ultrasonic flow measurement has clear advantages for survey work and Micronics were selected as the supplier due to a combination of their long-term experience with non-invasive, Clamp-On technology, product performance and pre-order assistance.

Manager Matthew Wilson says “The Portaflo 204 has proved to be a valuable tool for demand profiling to size filters and also survey work and leak detection. We’re now far more confident in specifying filters including very large installations where it can be difficult and we’ve also used it as part of our toolkit to locate leaks on a large Bradford campsite and establish peak demand profiles on a Motorway Service area. The product has worked well and the customer service and technical support from Micronics has been good.”

Springhill have successfully used the Micronics system to measure and log flow in copper and plastic pipe from 15 to 100mm and they are delighted with the performance they’ve experienced.

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For situations where rooms or corridors are dark or perhaps only dimly lit, leading electrical accessory manufacturer Crabtree has introduced a new add-on called Seeklight, to help people find the light switch simply and effortlessly when illumination levels are low.

Seeklight is a clear moulded frame with integral LED that can easily be fitted with or indeed retrofitted to any wiring accessory including metal accessories. When the switch is in the ‘off’ position, the LED gives a concentrated light source at the plate edge making its location quick and straightforward in low visibility areas.

A Crabtree Seeklight can be an especially effective addition in installations where the requirements of Part M of the Building Regulations have to be considered, ensuring that entry to and use of all building structures is suitable for all people whether visiting, working or living in them. It will above all be particularly invaluable for the partially sighted.

Seeklights can also serve a dual role as unobtrusive night-lights in hotels, hospitals, nurseries, care homes, sheltered housing and hostels.

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

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Most consumers ask for Polytops® when buying plastic top fixings in particular plastic top pins and nails. SEAC Ltd would like the trade to be aware that Polytops® is a registered trademark of SEAC which has become a symbol of quality to consumers. With over 20 years of manufacturing & distribution experience, SEAC remains the leading supplier of Polytop® pins, nails, screws and rivets which are applicable to many industries including construction and building, manufacturing, signage, boating and furniture making.

Polytops® are manufactured to a high UK standard using top grade polymer and the highest grade steel, that’s A4 marine grade stainless steel. Albeit the soaring prices of steel, SEAC continues to use A4 marine grade in their stainless steel range guaranteeing no corrosion. There is absolutely no risk of ugly rust stains ruining the fixture particularly on outdoor applications. Leading UPVC board manufacturers such as Eurocell, Celuform and Deceuninck recommend only Polytops® on their UPVC boards.

Matching colours of fixing tops can be made to order subject to minimum quantity but standard colours and sizes of fixings are delivered from stock in the Midlands.

Polytops® fixings are supplied in boxes clearly marked with the Polytops® logo and have a label with clear production details. The packaging can also be customised with merchant details if required.

SEAC welcomes all Polytops® stockists to be listed in the SEAC website, www.seac.uk.com, including links (subject to criteria). SEAC can provide support in producing customised Polytops® literature. Stockists can also benefit from any promotional campaigns of Polytops organised by SEAC.

In addition to Polytops, SEAC also supplies concrete-insert screws (without the need for plugs), bay-pole screws, frame anchors, hammer fixings, wood or chipboard multi-purpose screws, powder coated fixings, glazing packers and Stranglehold metal banding.

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Aqualisa has launched a brand new range of thermostatic showers and bath/shower mixers. Combining smart, contemporary looks with outstanding performance, the installer-focused Midas range delivers an appealing package – reliability, cross system compatibility and a host of innovative extras – including a clever, easy-fit fixing bracket.

Both Midas 100 and 200 showers and bath/shower mixers feature a fully integrated, thermostatic valve built into a sleek, cylindrical body. Of a quality metal build and construction, there’s a Midas to suit every type of plumbing system. Midas 100 is suitable for combination boiler and high pressure systems, whilst Midas 200 is suitable for gravity-fed, combination boiler and high pressure systems.

But, whatever the plumbing system, a Midas shower or bath/shower mixer can be sure to deliver: When partnered with a low pressure gravity-fed plumbing system, Midas 200 provides an impressive 7 litres of water per minute* – that’s double the flow of some of its market contemporaries. Whilst install the high pressure variant of Midas 200 on a high pressure plumbing system and up to 18 litres** of water a minute will rain down.

However, whilst the Midas performance is unquestionably impressive, there’s also the option to keep an eye on water usage, as all variants feature a flow control knob. A clever eco stop – found on the control of Midas 200 high pressure showers and bath/shower mixers lets the user control the water’s flow rate and is great for anyone watching their water consumption.

All Midas showers and bath shower/mixers can be used with Aqualisa’s innovative fixing bracket. This enables showers and bath/shower mixers to be easily fitted onto a variety of surfaces – including solid wall, stud wall, very thin stud wall and even a panel; the 30mm deep bracket making light work of the installation procedure. Designed with the installer in mind, key features include multiple slotted fixing points to allow for a range of fitting options, 15mm Grip-tite push fit connectors – easier for fixing to both copper and plastic pipe – easy access large mesh filters, inlet flow regulators and, for pressure testing, a set of blanking caps, which will protect the threads during the ‘making good’ process.

Midas 100 showers and fixing brackets are available separately or fully contained within a clever ‘pop out’ section of the shower packaging. Aqualisa has thoughtfully ensured that everything required by the installer for the first fix stage of the product’s installation has been self-contained – the section is simply taken out of the boxing, leaving the remainder of the shower safely sealed. This is a huge advantage for shower installations, where there is often a time delay between first and second fix stages.

Midas 100 Showers and Bath/Shower Mixers

• Fully thermostatic, exposed shower or bath/shower mixer
• Easy selection between bath and shower on Midas 100 bath/shower mixer – lift and twist to shower, twist and release to bathe
• Maximum temperature override button
• Quality metal construction; smart chrome finish
• Innovative fixing bracket makes installation a doddle
• Design versatility – Midas 100 bath/shower mixers can be deck or wall mounted; Midas 100 showers can be fitted onto a solid wall, stud wall or panel
• Option of cleverly packaged version. Self-contained ‘first fix’ section of packaging contains bracket – allowing the installer to complete the first stage of fitting, without needing to break open the remainder of the shower’s packaging
• Combination boiler and high pressure system variants available
• 12 litre, 9 litre and 6 litre per minute flow regulators available
• Temperature selector with maximum temperature override button and flow control knob
• Comes complete with a height adjustable, multi-mode shower head with three spray patterns
• Co-ordinated monobloc basin mixer tap also available for high pressure water systems
• 5 year manufacturer’s guarantee

Midas 200 Showers and Bath/Shower Mixers

• Fully thermostatic, exposed shower or bath/shower mixer
• Easy selection between bath and shower on Midas 200 bath/shower mixer – lift and twist to shower, twist and release to bathe
• Maximum temperature override button and a flow control knob
• Eco stop flow control om high pressure Midas variants – keep an eye on water usage
• Luxury, all-metal build and construction; elegant styling and chrome finish
• Design versatility – Midas 200 bath/shower mixers can be deck or wall mounted; Midas 200 showers can be fitted onto a solid wall, stud wall or panel
• Innovative easy fit bracket makes installation a doddle
• Low pressure and high pressure variants available
• Comes complete with a height adjustable, multi-mode shower head with three spray patterns
• Co-ordinated monobloc basin mixer tap also available
• 5 year manufacturer’s guarantee

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A unique solution to managing “spaghetti” cables
Easily customised on site

Most multimedia accessory manufacturers have reacted to the fact that the average house needs TV / FM / Data / Audio / Phone / Satellite and power to be provided neatly to the home entertainment centre of the house – generally the lounge. However, every system is different, so it can become expensive and time consuming to order a custom made product for anything slightly out of the ordinary.

Volex, ever mindful of this problem, have just launched a simple, economical, yet decorative answer. Called a Multimedia Plate, it seems at first glance similar to other offerings on the market, but its major benefit provides the contractor and their customers with a much more elegant solution.

The standard back box for the Multimedia Plate has two segregated compartments to prevent interference between mains and the extra low voltages of the media components. But the real benefit of the Multimedia Plate is that in addition to the pair of twin switched power sockets, the data and media side of the outlet has two euro-slots to accommodate up to six euro-modules. This simple idea allows contractors to perfectly match the media system requirements of the customer by ‘customising’ the outlet on site. 15 different communication or data/coax modules are currently available to provide input and output facilities as required, with no compromises required.

The Multimedia Plate is the latest addition to the Volex range and is available in either polished steel, stainless steel or white finishes.

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

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