Builders' Products and Materials

Gang nail roof trusses and floor beams product review

2008-02-14T09:53:42Z

Gang-Nail System’s roof trusses and Ecojoist floor beams are being used as components in a new energy efficient scheme in Kent. BSW Alouette, a timber engineering company specialising in modern methods of construction, is supplying and erecting Super E closed panel timber-framed houses to Berekely Homes’ Holborough Development in Kent. The Super E system uses Ecojoist floor beams and Gang-Nail roof trusses. ]]> Related internet links: Gang nail website Ecojoist technical manual

EcoLEDLighting product review

2008-02-11T09:25:38Z

EcoLEDLighting has announced that tests carried out by the British Standards Institute on its range of LED downlights, confirm they are the first BSI-tested luminaries of their type to fully comply with Part L 1 (A & B) and 2 (A & B) of the UK Building Regulations. ]]> Related internet links: EcoLEDLighting website BSI website

Planet sash windows: product review

2008-02-07T01:38:51Z

Planet has launched a new range of sash windows – ensuring homeowners are wrapped up warm this winter. With an average home losing between 10 to 20 per cent of its heat through window space alone, the new u-pvc double glazed sash window range combines energy efficiency with a traditional look and feel of a sash – a key feature of British period homes. ]]> Related internet links: Planet sash windows

Top 5: grab adhesives

2008-01-28T17:00:43Z

Grab adhesives can be an invaluable tool for all sorts of jobs. Some provide quick and effective fixing on their own, while others just don't stand up. In the first in a series of product recommendations BuildersBox puts a number of the best known brands through their paces. We've come up with our top five but if you think there's anything missing, or we have made a recommendation that just doesn't stick, then let us know.]]> UniBond No More Nails (Ultra) The market leader and it’s easy to see why. This high strength adhesive stuck everything we threw at it. Having said that, nothing comes free and there’s a reason this is also the most expensive on the market. BuildersBox review and technical specification Everbuild Instant Nails Everbuild manufactures a wide range of sealants, adhesives, fillers and building chemicals. Its Instant Nails grab adhesive is used with a standard applicator gun and is one of the strongest we’ve encountered. It’s easy to use and apply and, like No More Nails (Ultra) will stick almost anything, quickly. BuildersBox review and technical specification

Everbuild Pink Grip Everbuild Pink Grip is a builders’ firm favourite, being both cheap and effective. It will stick almost anything on a site that needs sticking but in our experience a user does need to have the ‘knack’ to use it effectively. It can be used inside and out and adheres to just about every substrate. BuildersBox review and technical specification Evo-stik Liquid Nails Evo-stik Liquid Nails is among the many products offered by the DIY arm of Bostik. The multi-purpose gunnable adhesive has high bond strength and good gap filling properties. It is easy to use and performs well. BuildersBox review and technical specification Evo-Stik Serious Stuff Serious Stuff claims to be the strongest adhesive available and we found that it certainly is strong. It can carry more weight than anything we’ve tried but, like Pink Grip, its qualities can only be realised by those familiar with grab adhesives use. BuildersBox review and technical specification

Solid wood floor installation kit from Sika

2008-01-14T17:10:02Z

The Sika Solid Wood Floor Installation Kit provides tradesmen with everything they will need to fit a 20m2 floor, in one handy pack. The kit includes SikaBond T53 adhesive, which makes light work of fixing solid or engineered wood planks, boards or industrial parquet.]]> Related internet links: Sika website

Travelodge uses shipping containers for hotel

2008-01-14T16:18:50Z

The modules, built specifically for the task in China, will be fitted into a steel frame, bolted together and arranged over the eight floors of the site. Travelodge says that once decorated, furnished and the buildings exterior is cladded, the rooms will look and feel no different to its other hotels. The Uxbridge hotel is being construction by main contractor George & Harding. Mark Allies, managing director of George & Harding, said “Despite the logistical and physical constraints of the Travelodge Uxbridge site, George & Harding has demonstrated the flexibility and adaptability of the modular system. The modules are cost effective yet durable, easily transported, stackable and reusable and make absolute sense for businesses like Travelodge, as well as student accommodation and urban housing.” Paul Harvey, Travelodge’s director of Property & Development, said: “We see this method of construction as a viable way for us to achieve our ambitious growth targets. We believe that almost half of our new hotels over the next 12 years could be built in this way. The method also presents interesting recycling options given the steel containers can be reused or melted down. On the basis of environmental life cycle modelling, we know modular construction is environmentally friendly so there is tremendous benefit on a number of levels.” Travelodge operates 318 UK hotels and is targeting a 10% share of the total UK hotel market by the end of the next decade. This ambitious goal has seen the budget hotel chain step up its openings programme, with plans to add on average 4,000 rooms (approx 40 hotels) every year up to 70,000 rooms (around 1000 hotels) by 2020.

Solar thermal panels achieve BBA accreditation

2007-11-26T09:46:00Z

The British Board of Agrément has issued its first-ever Certificate for a renewable energy technology - the Clearline range of roof integrated solar water heating panels from Viridian Solar (Certificate No 07/4474). Clearline is roof integrated, meaning that it replaces tiles and sits lower in the roof. The resulting aesthetic is a great improvement on the standard installation of solar panels above the tiles. In common with other quality solar panels, Clearline has passed tests to the European standard for solar panels (EN 12975- 2 : 2006).]]> Related internet links: Viridian Solar website BBA homepage

Time saving timber frame garage system: product review

2007-11-19T15:54:27Z

Finnforest has launched a professional timber frame system to provide a time saving solution for garage and carport buildings. Made from engineered precision cut timber, the system offers the look and nostalgia of a traditional oak style framed building, but benefits from the Beamlock system, an adjustable post support fixing which helps reduce installation time, and therefore cost. ]]> Finnforest website

Osram Halogen Energy Savers: product review

2007-11-19T14:12:37Z

Opting for energy saving lamps is now simpler with the launch of a new extensive range of Halogen Energy Savers from Osram. Osram claims it is the first manufacturer to offer a complete range of halogen lamps, in both mains and low voltage, that consume up to 30% less energy than standard halogen or ordinary incandescent light bulbs, meaning switching to low energy alternatives is no longer a logistical nightmare. ]]> Related internet links: Osram website Halogen Energy Savers range

Velux extends into solar energy market

2007-11-02T12:15:02Z

Velux has launched a solar hot water system, developed to deal with the growing demand for environmentally friendly energy solutions in UK homes. The manufacturer, known for its roof windows, has now branched out into the energy market, offering homeowners a system designed to be easily integrated into a home. It says that energy produced by the system can provide up to 70% of a home's hot water requirements. ]]> Related internet links: Velux solar power website Energy Savings Trust website

Adams Rite: security and safety locks will deal with the latest legislation

2007-10-22T15:11:49Z

Adams Rite is to showcase a number of new locking and access control products designed to comply with the latest legislation on stand G125 at Interbuild. The new CO475L-28 Codelock New, robust security deadlocks; a streamlined panic bar; a new deadlatch; a Codelock system and the UK’s first CE-marked continuous hinges are all new products that will be featured within themed areas designed to help building professionals meet the latest UK and European legislation, regulations and standards. ]]> Security zone As well as the next generation of security deadlocks, which have achieved EN12209 Grade 6, there is a new, robust deadlock designed specifically to meet the most exacting Grade 7 with anti-drill performance suitable for use in a BS 3621 locking system. Codelock is a mechanical access control device for aluminium doors. Available with an internal paddle handle or touch bar option, this system conforms to BS EN 179:1998+A1:2001 and BS EN 1125:14997+A1:2001 for emergency exit and panic exit doors. Codelock is suitable for both new and retrofit applications. Safety zone On display here is a new concealed two point exit device locking mechanism that meets the requirements of BS EN 1125 and can be installed in the new generation of thermally broken commercial door systems. There is also a version for the traditional shopfront door systems. Designed to meet BS EN 12209 and developed for panic and emergency exit applications, the new Deadlatch has Euro profile cylinder operation, separate spindle drive and an easily reversible two-part latchbolt. Tested to BS EN 1935:2002 Grade 13 and fire tested to BS EN 1634-1:2000, Adams Rite CE-marked continuous hinges are ideally suited for use on high traffic, high impact doors with both a security and a safety requirement - such as entrance and hallway doors in hospitals and secure buildings. Accessibility zone On display in this area is a selection of standards compliant and fire-rated door control products including overhead concealed door closers for commercial aluminium doors. Related internet links: Assa Abloy website Adams Rite website

Renewable technology: what really works?

2007-10-08T09:46:55Z

With clients keener than ever to investigate renewable technology, small builders are increasingly being asked to provide authoritative advice on relatively untried technology. So what will really work in practice and what's just eco-bling? Charlotte Webster of Solarcentury talks to Will Anderson, self-builder and author of 'Diary of an Eco-Builder', about his experience building a 'zero carbon' home.]]> The road to zero carbon Five years ago, Will Anderson and architect Peter Smithdale of Constructive Individuals, set an ambitious task of building a zero carbon energy self sufficient house, in a built up, urban environment. With an environmentally aware self build project, there is the freedom to choose different materials and plan how the house will be constructed, but the location can be a challenge when determining what renewable practices to use. “It was a very tough goal for this particular site as it’s very constrained, we had no southern aspect, and it was in a built up area; so we knew at the beginning that we’d only be able to achieve that goal if we built a very low energy house,” comments Anderson. Which technology would do the job? The next step was to settle on what would supply that energy. There can be complications in a built up, urban environment. Wind as a renewable energy source, is often obstructed in cities. Anderson looked at wood burning boilers, but in the middle of the city this was not very practical unless there is a ready supply of wood or wood pellets. “By far the best energy source for us, here in a built up environment, was the sun. It’s there, why not just grab it?” The location of the house and the fact that there was no southern aspect to the plot, for the windows, provided further challenges and meant that passive solar design was out of the question. A solar PV solution The solution came in the form of solar PV cells installed into the roof. The roof was pitched south on an east-west house resulting in a characteristic and interestingly shaped building. “The solar power is just a very attractive technology. Because it’s so low maintenance, it’s reliable, you can install it and it carries on with the job," Anderson says. "It’s not mechanical like solar thermal, so once it’s working it just carries on.” Solar photovoltaic energy presents a clean, reliable and plentiful alternative to electricity. Solar PV works differently to solar thermal systems, and can be five times more effective in delivering carbon reductions, not to mention considerably cheaper – saving up to £3 per kg of CO2. Over ten years, a typical domestic solar PV system in the UK will save over 9 tonnes more CO2 than its solar thermal equivalent. Solar PV is extremely reliable, requiring minimal maintenance. “So, it was pretty obvious for our situation, that we had to use solar," says Anderson. Due to the intermittent pattern of solar PV and being situated in the City, Will decided to connect to the National Grid to make his target of total energy consumption for the year matching the total energy generation a 12 month goal. Thinking site specific “There are so many issues about how to supply renewable energy, so you have to be very site specific in thinking about what resources there are on a particular project," he continues. "District heating, solar or wind? There are all these different choices that the majority of people are not very familiar with. There are people who’ve been doing this for some time, so there is expertise out there to draw on in finding the right solution.” Using a reliable solar energy solution company that can offer a comprehensive service offering will ease the design and installation process on any build project. From planning the design with the architect, to installing the rain screen, the modules and inverters, to commissioning the project, Solar PV is the simplest and most reliable renewable technology available. “It’s just nice to know that you’re generating your own energy, you’re not reliant on fossil fuels and indeed in my case I have no energy bills at all," Anderson ethuses. Equipped for the future The end goal of Zero Carbon homes will be virtually impossible to shy away from and so small and self builders should be equipping themselves with the knowledge of renewable technologies and the convenient situations in which to use them. One of the key issues is the performance of the buildings themselves. “You have to recognise that every bit of renewable energy supply that you have to install is in fact only a match to the building’s energy demand," he says. Far from being a complicated mechanical and engineering challenge for builders, innovations in the solar PV industry have meant that the overall practice is simple, user friendly and thoroughly reliable in the drive for zero carbon buildings. “For me, the beauty of solar is that it’s so simple. Once installed, it just sits there working for you all the time. Of all the renewable energy technologies, it’s the most attractive in terms of actual user interaction – because it’s minimal,” Anderson concludes.

Evo-stik Serious Stuff

2007-09-28T15:52:14Z

In its mean looking black cartridge Evo-Stik Serious Stuff certainly does look the part and, in terms of bonding, it does not disappoint. Supplied in a cartridge with a resealing cap, the adhesive will instantly bond wood, metal, brick, plaster, ceramics and plastics without the need for nails or screws. The adhesive dries white, but it is not paintable or flexible and cannot be used to fill gaps. It can be difficult to apply the correct dosage but once the technique is mastered there are few adhesives with as much strength. Its one drawback is a lack of technical information available and instructions are minimal. Technical information: Gap Filling: no Flexible: no Paintable: no Interior: yes Exterior: yes Sealing and crack repairs: no Temperature and uv resistant: no Solvent free: no Related internet links: Evo-Stik website

Evo-stik Liquid Nails (solvented)

2007-09-28T14:30:26Z

Simpler to use than some of the other adhesives we have tried, Evo-Stik Liquid Nails (solvented) will bond a wide range of materials including cladding, battens, architraves and skirting as well as lightweight objects fixed vertically. The adhesive can be used for gap filling, although the bead needs to slightly extrude at the edge to form a good bond. Any excess can be cut back during drying. Liquid Nails is not suitable for certain types of structural work, while solvents in the adhesive may affects sensitive surfaces so it is wise to check it on a small area first. If it is to be used on large or heavy items on vertical surfaces it may be necessary to temporarily fix or clamp the item. Be sure to allow 24 hours before removing any temporary support. As with all other adhesives, substrates must be free from dust and dry. Porous or friable surfaces should first be made sound with a surface consolidatinhg primer/sealer. Technical specification: Gap Filling: yes Flexible: no Paintable: no Interior: yes Exterior: no Sealing and crack repairs: no Temperature and uv resistant: no Solvent free: no Related internet links: Evo-stik Liquid Nails technical information Evo-stik Liquid Nails safety information

Everbuild Pink Grip

2007-09-28T10:53:35Z

Everbuild Pink Grip is an adhesive for the initiated but, once you work out how to fit the cartridge and use it correctly, it is as good as anything on the market at a fraction of the price. It is used with a standard applicator but, as there is no resealing cap, you must make sure you are going to use the entire cartridge for a job or the remainder will be wasted. With a pink colour the product is easily recognised but, as it is not overpaintable, care has to be taken to make sure none is visible. It will bond to both porous and non-porous surfaces and has very good early and ultimate adhesive strength. The adhesive offers gap filling properties to accommodate uneven surfaces and has good ‘nip off’ properties to prevent messy stringing. It can be used in both vertical and horizontal applications and employed inside and outside. Areas for use include bonding dado rails, architraves and skirting, fizing parquet and cork flooring, fixings wall cladding to internal wall surfaces and battens directly onto walls. However, it cannot be used on damp surfaces or used no polystyrene, Styrofoam or expanded polyurethane. Heavy materials must be supported for at least 8-24 hours. Technical specification: Gap Filling: yes Flexible: no Paintable: no Interior: yes Exterior: yes Sealing and crack repairs: no Temperature and uv resistant: no Solvent free: no Related internet links: Everbuild Pink Grip technical information Everbuild website