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It’s been a busy year of product launches for Saniflo. And now, hot on the heels of numerous Kinedo enclosure and shower tray launches, another range, the versatile Eclipse, has been added to the growing portfolio.  It joins Kinesmart, Fast 2000 and Kinespace in the rapidly developing line-up of easy to install shower enclosures from Kinedo.

Better known for its range of integrated cubicles, Kinedo has developed a reputation for delivering shower products that save on installation time, look great and offer versatility. The Eclipse range delivers on all fronts. Multiple sizes and configurations, including corner and recessed, can be specified with either pivot or sliding doors to suit a wide range of installations up to 1600mm in length.  There are even options that can be installed against a wall for a very modern look. Each door and panel is manufactured from toughened 6mm glass which lightens the load for the plumber whilst providing an equally durable shower space as thicker glass sizes. All pivot doors open 180° for maximum entry space and the profiles are easily adjustable by up to 30mm to cater for uneven wall surfaces. Eclipse is supplied as standard with high quality chrome profiles, but there are some stunning statement matt black options too; each having matching handles and cover plates to ensure a perfect finish. All glass is limescale treated to ensure ease of cleaning and to keep the units looking pristine for longer.

For more information please visit the Kinedo website Kinedo

www.saniflo.co.uk 020 8842 0033

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Saniflo Kinedo shower cubicles are the showering solution of choice for Lancashire-based Tustin Developments’ project in the seaside town of Lytham St Ann’s, where former tax offices once used by HM Customs & Excise, have been transformed into a block of 36 luxury apartments called Tustin Heights.

Owner of Tustin Developments, Andrew Roberts, invited Saniflo to the site when he was looking for an alternative to prohibitively priced fully manufactured bathrooms pods.  After receiving an on-site installation demonstration from Saniflo and encouraged by the success of local housing scheme, Kensington Developments, which successfully uses Kinedo shower cubicles for its bathrooms, Andrew Roberts decided Kinedo was for him.

Andrew comments: “The cubicles have proved to be popular with the whole installation team. Malcolm Young is our contractor and he’s very hard to please, but he’s absolutely sold on them. The team of plumbers have said how straightforward the whole installation process is – in fact many of us would like one of these in our own homes. They look great and are easy to clean and maintain. The benefits on site are immense. Once they are installed we don’t have to have any follow-on trades, like tilers, because opaque glass internal panels are used to create the watertight space. No grout or silicone is required so it literally just takes half a day to fit a shower cubicle. That enables our workforce to quickly move onto the next job. I have to acknowledge the whole team at Saniflo. From the early initial enquiry through to completion of the final bathroom, the support has been quite exceptional. I can honestly say Saniflo’s reputation is richly deserved.”

The Kinedo Eden cubicle is a popular model with mid-size housebuilders and developers, who appreciate the benefits of an integrated package that saves significant time for installers. The internal and external panels, shower tray, shower valve, rainshower head and handheld hose are supplied as standard equipment, along with all fittings. Delivered to site as one package a cubicle can save precious specification time and is least hassle for the plumber who would otherwise receive all individual items.

Perfect for bathrooms where space is at a premium – like Tustin Heights – the Eden is available as a corner or quadrant and has the option of sliding or pivot doors which are reversible. Available in a range of sizes to suit the modern bathroom, the smallest option is 800×800 whilst the largest is 1200 x 800; ideal as a walk-in solution. The exposed thermostatic valve doubles up as a handy shelf. All glass is treated with Cristal Plus, a permanent anti-limescale coating that minimises the build-up of calcium deposits and dirt on glass reducing the need to clean. Water runs off the glass without leaving streaks and watermarks.

The clever assembly process, whereby internal panels fit over the lip of the shower tray enabling all water to run off the panels into the tray, means a watertight environment can be created without the use of silicone. Without constant maintenance silicone can deteriorate and discolour in a humid bathroom environment. The same is true of grout, which can be notoriously difficult to keep clean. The Kinedo Eden requires neither; ensuring, with the right care, it always remains looking as pristine as the day it was installed.

Andrew adds: “Without hesitation I would say any builder, developer, plumber or building manufacturer should consider the Kinedo cubicle range. There is a premium to pay but this is earned back quickly thanks to the swift, hassle free installation process, the time saving on specifying all individual elements and even simple issues like unpacking multiple boxes on site. The units look great and provide the perfect showering solution.”

For more information please visit Kinedo and request a brochure.

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Based on a century of experience in wood floor treatment, Bona’s revolutionary new floor care program for both wood and resilient sets a new paradigm in floor care. This new program offers much more than just great detergents; it provides floor care professionals with expert guidance, sustainable products and solutions required to protect and maintain floors, ensuring they remain beautiful for longer.

Developed for professional cleaners, caretakers, building service contractors and traditional wood floor contractors, this innovative program enables the floor owner to more effectively protect their investments, revitalizing the floor surfaces with new, revolutionary methods.

From oiled to finished floors, Bona offers high performing, fast and time saving care and maintenance solutions. A FIBA approved range of products, uniquely designed for sport floors is also included in the program.

As part of the Bona Care Program, Bona offers a unique possibility to restore or redesign worn and damaged rubber, PVC, PU, vinyl and linoleum floors, eliminating the need for full floor replacement. This reduces downtime by an impressive 50%, resulting in considerable savings for the floor owners.

“The new Bona Care Program for wood and resilient floors provides effective processes and professional support, enabling the building service contractors to offer optimal service and care that extends the life of floors and retains their original appearance for longer. We strongly believe that this will be a real game-changer for the industry,” said Davide Cavalleri, Sales Manager Jan San & Rental EMEA/APAC.

The Bona Care Program includes processes and products allowing everything from full renovation and recoating to daily cleaning resulting in a prolonged life of the floor and fresh looks. The program can be used in all types of environments – commercial areas as offices and hotels, to sports halls and airports.

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Months of anticipation and speculation has come to an end as the 18th Edition of the IET wiring regulations has now been published.

BS7671:2018 was released on the 1st July 2018 and will become effective from 1st January 2019, but the new edition can be used immediately.

There are lots of changes in the 18th Edition. These include new and revised regulations, new chapters and restructured sections.

So with the big blue book now available where do you look to discover these changes? Hopefully these headlines will make your task a little easier.

(This is for information only. For the full details designers & installers should purchase a copy of BS 7671:2018 IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition and follow the requirements & recommendations therein, this information does not constitute design advice)

Extended Scope

The scope has been extended to include an extra category (section 730 catering for electrical shore connections & inland navigation vessels). Section 730 contains the particular requirements for this added special location.

Chapter Changes

Chapter 46 is new and Chapter 53 has been rewritten. Part 6 is restructured & the regulations for inspection & testing move to new chapters and get new regulation numbers.

Definitions

There are several new definitions, and a few existing definitions that have been amended. For example, “Departure” is a new definition.

Departure is explained as an intentional decision to not fully comply with BS7671.This must be accompanied by a declaration from the designer that the safety levels achieved are not less than full compliance with BS7671 would provide.

Energy Efficiency

A new appendix on energy efficiency is included within the 18th edition. Appendix 17 makes recommendations for the design construction & assembly of the installation for optimising efficiencies in the use of electricity.

Only Use Approved Parts

Devices & components used in low voltage assemblies e.g. Consumer Units, Distribution Boards etc. shall only be those that have been declared suitable for that purpose by the manufacturer of the assembly.

If in doubt ask the manufacturer of the assembly to confirm compatibilities.

Note; if a deviation from manufacturer instructions is introduced then the person introducing the deviation becomes the manufacturer.

Arc Fault Detection Devices

AFDDs have been included in Chapter 42. These devices provide additional protection against fires that are caused by arc faults in AC final circuits.

Arc fault detection devices (when used) should be installed at the origin of each final circuit that is are being protected, AFDDS should be installed in consumer units and/ or distribution boards.

Appendix 6

In the schedule of inspections, under the section dealing with consumer units & distribution boards there is a reference to check for the AFDD six monthly test notice, similar to the requirements for RCDs & RCBOs.

Also in the schedule of test results form there is a new tick box for AFDDs which allows the installer to record operation of the manual test button on the AFDDs, again this is similar to RCDs & RCBOs.

Surge Protection

Within the 17th Edition of the Wiring Regulations, the requirements of surge protection were determined through risk assessment methods. Now, overvoltage protection is required in certain circumstances.

For example, where there is risk of serious injury or of loss of life, where many co-located people are affected, where there is an interruption to public services, or commercial / industrial activity. Other requirements are contained in 443.4.

For circumstances where overvoltage protection is not required, a risk assessment can be carried out. If a risk assessment is not carried out, overvoltage protection must be provided.

Before and After

Looking to get more pointers on the 18th Edition?

We have created a few ‘Before and After’ slides to show you how the 18th Edition might affect what you do.

Visit our 18th Edition Area and check them out.

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An upgraded version of a Kinedo cubicle from bathroom brand, Saniflo, has been specified not only for housebuilding but by companies in the leisure sector. The Kineprime Glass is an updated version of Kineprime Contract, which has long been a popular model in student accommodation and in council houses and local authority homes. The new model replaces functional plastic internal panels with stylish opaque glass ones and comes complete with a thermostatic valve and handset and hose. This unit is ideal in the smaller bathroom and this is where its appeal lies for manufacturers of holiday accommodation.

MRC Modular in Downham Market is currently installing 150 Kineprime Glass corner units into their new, luxury log cabins which are being despatched to holiday parks throughout the UK, whilst Swansea based manufacturer, The Log Pod, has ordered an initial 120 of the same cubicles – with slider door option – to be fitted across its range of static and mobile pods.

Andy Lancaster of MRC Modular specified the cubicles primarily because of the time-saving aspect. Once his installers had been trained by Saniflo’s technical team he found that units can be fitted and working in just a few hours. The intuitive assembly process, combined with internal panels (as opposed to tile and grout) means that once the cubicle is in it can be connected and working with no need for follow-on trades;

“The Kinedo cubicles not only save us installation time, but because they come with the tray, shower valve, showerhead and handset in the package, we don’t have to separately specify those items. In a timber frame building – where the wood can expand and contract with the weather conditions – we have found that this movement can be detrimental to tiles and grout; causing slippage, cracks in the grout and sometimes leaks. The glass panels eliminate this issue and so are proving to be more suitable for our log cabins. They are also very attractive which is important for customers who can enjoy home comforts whilst on holiday.”

Size is even more important for The Log Pod.  The overall compact dimensions of the pod mean that there is a lot to squeeze into a confined space.  The Kineprime Glass 800×800 model fits unobtrusively in the corner of the pod bathroom, yet provides a spacious showering area.

Edgar Wallace is the company’s Sales Director;

“Demand for our log pods has increased thanks to the popularity in glamping and staycations. We have scaled up production in our new factory and switching to the integrated cubicle is already saving us time. Taking delivery of the whole package – rather than individual elements – is far more efficient for us and they are quicker to install too because there are no tiles or grout. Each cubicle can be fully installed and watertight in an afternoon or less. They also look stunning; we’re very pleased with them.”

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Last summer a family from Rochdale replaced a leaking shower enclosure for a Kinedo Eden shower cubicle from Saniflo. It all started when there was a leak and water came through the ceiling causing damage to the dining room ceiling below the bathroom, and stained the rug. Initial investigation suspected the source of the leak as cracked grout and failed silicone.

However, as the enclosure was removed there was more evidence of damage caused by the leak. The tiles inside the enclosure had moved far more than expected and were very loose. After removing the tiles, it was apparent that the plaster board was very damp and wet rot was suspected on the wooden studs.

When the shower tray and tiles from the enclosure area were removed, the floor beneath the tray and the wall studs were indeed found to be rotten with wet rot spores, which had travelled across four wall studs, causing the wallpaper in the bedroom next door to the bathroom to peel off the wall.

What follows is a step by step guide of how to resolve such a situation by installing a shower cubicle, such as the Kinedo Eden Corner Entry by Saniflo.

1. Repair all damage

All damage must be repaired before preparing the area for a new shower cubicle. Remove and replace rotted timber studs and treat any remaining exposed timber with a wet rot timber treatment.  Patch up any rotten floor timber leaving a rigid and secure base for the installation of the Kinedo Eden Corner Entry shower cubicle, complete with thermostatic shower valve. Rebuild bathroom and repair any damage to adjoining bedrooms, living room below.

2. Install supply pipes

Now install supply pipes for the shower, connect the waste to the shower tray and adjust the legs to ensure the tray sits flat on the new floor.

3. Check for leaks

Pour water down the waste pipe to check for ant potential leaks.

4. Connect shower valve

Connect the shower valve to the glass panel and connect the overhead shower to the shower.

5. Fix back panel

Install the first back panel insitu on the shower tray before fixing the second panel which has the shower fitted.

6. Connect shower panel to pipes

The panel with the shower is then connected to the supply pipes. The shower connection pipes are clearly identified hot and cold. You may have to recommend full bore isolation valves to ensure the best flow to the shower.

7. Test

Flush the shower through to test.

8. Place back panel and sliding doors in position

The back panel is then placed into position and then the sliding doors are placed in position. The shower door connecting blocks are then fitted.

In the case of the Rochdale family, the tiles removed from the enclosure were recycled and replaced only in the areas which are now on show. This would not have been possible had the customer decided to have a replacement enclosure rather than a Kinedo leak free shower cubicle.

The plumber had to return to grout the tiles outside of the cubicle 48 hours after placing them on the wall to ensure the adhesive had dried completely.

However, the shower could still be used as there was no tile adhesive, grout or silicone in the bathing area which needed to dry.

So the next time you have to replace a leaky shower enclosure, recommend a shower cubicle to your customer. Not only will installing a new shower cubicle save them time, hassle and labour costs, they’ll have a new shower up and running in less than a day, and a shower that easy to clean and maintain in the longterm.

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Coffee culture in the United Kingdom has developed rapidly over the past five years, to the benefit of manufacturers of specialist coffee machines (for home and retail use) and specialist cafes and coffee shops. The UK retail coffee market has actually delivered strong growth for over a decade, allowing coffee chains and independent operators to spread rapidly across the whole of the UK.

The boom is partly attributable to the influence of American TV and the entrance of US-style coffee houses into the UK, with customers looking to emulate the cosmopolitan New York lifestyle. However, it is also the way we work, shop and spend our leisure time that accounts for the growing café/coffee culture. Mobile technology and the availability of free wifi has seen cafes become meeting, remote working and study places as well as places to socialise; particularly for families and women. More than a quarter of British adults visit a coffee shop once a week or more and over half those customers are women.

The rise of on-line shopping, too, has also contributed to the growth of café culture. Where people once spent their weekends trawling shops, now they are meeting up with friends in their local café.

Physical expansion by leading chains is a strong driver of growth, but the independents are also expanding strongly driven predominantly by interest in Artisan coffee shops. In the same way craft beer is helping to revive the brewing industry and speciality teas are helping to revive that oh-so British past time of tea drinking, it is the careful crafting of a quality coffee that is stimulating demand.

The trend is very much one that Saniflo in the UK can identify with. Over the last few years, there has been a noticeable leap in sales of commercial products for cafes and it is often a change in use of buildings and premises that necessitates a solution for waste water drainage. Former offices, showrooms, shops and even historic buildings are all being brought back to life to take advantage of café culture. And it is both independents and chains that are turning to Saniflo for a solution.

Take the Pato Lounge in Orpington High Street. As a redundant bedroom showroom, the building was falling into disrepair before being acquired by the Lounge Group – a chain that is renowned for its quirky use of pre-used buildings – and transformed into a large, comfortable café.

With its serving area in the centre of the space it needed a method of discharging water from sinks, dish and glass washers. A Sanicom 2 pump – installed under the counter – takes the waste water away through small bore pipework in the floor to the back wall where it is pumped up and across the ceiling to meet a soil stack in a central column. A further Sanicom located in the boiler room pumps condensated water and waste water from a large ice machine through the same ceiling void. A final Saniflo pump – the Sanicubic XL, is installed into a cleaner’s cupboard next door to the men’s and ladies bathrooms, from where it handles black water waste pumping it via the same pipework to the central column where it drops into a manhole and joins the mains drains in the street.

In Peterborough vacant offices and a former coffee shop was merged into one to create a two-story Argo Lounge. A full reconfiguration of the space meant that the plumbers used the same Sanicom and Sanicubic XL technolgy to discharge waste from the kitchen and bathrooms. Without the pumps the whole conversion would have involved more costly civils work; possibly prohibiting the viability of the scheme.

Three Cosy Clubs, in Birmingham, Leicester and Cardiff, have each been converted using similar Saniflo products turning an old bank branch, former knitwear factory and empty retail premises into large vibrant spaces that tap into the café culture trend.

Gatehouse Café, located in Walmgate Bar, York is a charming independent cafe nestled within the ancient walls of York. As the most complete of the four main medieval gateways into the city it is the only ‘Bar’ in the UK to retain its barbican, portcullis and inner doors. Using Saniflo products was the only affordable way of providing waste water discharge for the serving area and customer WC. A Sanicom in the kitchen and a Saniaccess macerator pump discharge waste via small bore pipework eventually ending up in the same cast soil pipe concealed within the toll bar walls.

Expanding chain, Patisserie Valerie, is opening new outlets at a rapid pace. The original concept of this store was to introduce continental style cakes to the brits, but as demand for additional products has grown each of the shops has invested in food and drink preparation areas; more often than not using Saniflo products to discharge waste water. In a large older building in Edinburgh a store basement has been transformed into a manufacturing premise, where handmade confectionary and cakes are made for distribution throughout Scotland. Saniflo products have made it possible to install sinks for food preparation areas with no major construction works. A Sanicom 1 – which can work with temperatures of up to 90°C – has been installed as the main pump station whilst two Sanispeeds – which are for lighter commercial applications – are processing water from a cleaners sink and dishwasher and pumping it up to meet the main soil stack.

So, the continuing development of the café culture in the UK, we can safely say, is being aided and abetted by leading plumbing brand, Saniflo, allowing a nation of tea and coffee lovers to indulge their passion in increasingly sociable spaces.

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