http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/ Reviews, news and information about building and construction products and materials for local builders and SMEs in the UK construction industry from BuildersBox. en Copyright 2008 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 09:53:42 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 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. ]]> http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2008/02/gang-nail-roof-trusses-and-flo-1.html http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2008/02/gang-nail-roof-trusses-and-flo-1.html Timber ecojoist energy efficiency joist roof trusses Thu, 14 Feb 2008 09:53:42 +0000 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. ]]> http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2008/02/ecoledlighting-product-review-1.html http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2008/02/ecoledlighting-product-review-1.html Electrical BSI Building Regulations downlights lighting Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:25:38 +0000 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. ]]> http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2008/02/planet-sash-windows-product-re-1.html http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2008/02/planet-sash-windows-product-re-1.html Doors, Windows & Shutters energy efficiency pvc windows Thu, 07 Feb 2008 01:38:51 +0000 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.]]> http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2008/01/top-5-grab-adhesives.html http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2008/01/top-5-grab-adhesives.html Adhesive adhesive everbuild Evo-stik grab adhesives Liquid Nails No More Nails pink grip Serious stuff Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:00:43 +0000 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.]]> http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2008/01/solid-wood-floor-installation.html http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2008/01/solid-wood-floor-installation.html Adhesive adhesives battens floors nails sika wood floors Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:10:02 +0000 Travelodge is using modified shipping containers to build a new hotel in Uxbridge town centre. The budget hotel chain claims the new construction method will cut millions of pounds from the cost of its hotel development strategy. It is predicting that its new strategy will enable it to cut 10% from the cost of each build, and improve construction speed by 25%. The Uxbridge Travelodge will be the first hotel in Europe to be constructed in this way.]]> http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2008/01/travelodge-uses-shipping-conta.html http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2008/01/travelodge-uses-shipping-conta.html containers Hotel Property Travelodge Uxbridge Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:18:50 +0000 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).]]> http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2007/11/solar-thermal-panels-achieve-b.html http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2007/11/solar-thermal-panels-achieve-b.html renewables renewable technology solar panels solar power solar thermal Mon, 26 Nov 2007 09:46:00 +0000 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. ]]> http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2007/11/time-saving-timber-frame-garag-1.html http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2007/11/time-saving-timber-frame-garag-1.html Timber carport garage timber timber frame Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:54:27 +0000 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. ]]> http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2007/11/osram-halogen-energy-savers-pr-1.html http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2007/11/osram-halogen-energy-savers-pr-1.html Electrical energy efficiency lamps lighting Osram Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:12:37 +0000 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. ]]> http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2007/11/velux-extends-into-solar-energ-1.html http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2007/11/velux-extends-into-solar-energ-1.html renewables boiler heating renewable technology roofing solar power Fri, 02 Nov 2007 12:15:02 +0000 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. ]]> http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2007/10/adams-rite-security-and-safety-locks-will-deal-with-the-latest-legislation.html http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2007/10/adams-rite-security-and-safety-locks-will-deal-with-the-latest-legislation.html Doors, Windows & Shutters Adams Rite Assa Abloy codelock continuous hinge deadlatch deadlock doors locking safety security Mon, 22 Oct 2007 16:11:49 +0000 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.]]> http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2007/10/renewable-technology-what-real-1.html http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2007/10/renewable-technology-what-real-1.html renewables renewable technology solar panels solar PV wind turbines zero carbon Mon, 08 Oct 2007 10:46:55 +0000 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]]> http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2007/09/evostik-serious-stuff-1.html http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2007/09/evostik-serious-stuff-1.html Adhesive adhesives Evo-stik grab adhesives Serious stuff Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:52:14 +0000 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 ]]> http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2007/09/evostik-liquid-nails-solvented-1.html http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2007/09/evostik-liquid-nails-solvented-1.html Adhesive adhesives Evo-stik grab adhesives Liquid Nails Fri, 28 Sep 2007 15:30:26 +0000 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 ]]> http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2007/09/everbuild-pink-grip-1.html http://www.buildersbox.co.uk/blogs/builders-products-and-materials/2007/09/everbuild-pink-grip-1.html Adhesive adhesives everbuild grab adhesives pink grip Fri, 28 Sep 2007 11:53:35 +0000