A raft of revised British Standards has prompted the publication of three new technical guides from the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) for door and window hardware specialists. BS 3621: 2017 specifies the performance requirements and test methods for a thief-resistant mechanically operated single-point lock assembly. It gives ironmongers clarification
When it comes to sewer and septic systems, most of us would rather “flush it and forget it”, and this is a technique that we adopt…….until a problem arises. When the stuff hits the fan, and you find yourself with a spongy, smelly lawn, drainage problems and slow draining sinks
Every year seems to bring with it an even hotter summer heatwave than the year before, encouraging homeowners to find new ways to keep their families cool. With this trend showing no signs of stopping, now could be your chance to make a huge difference to your home and install
A raft of revised British Standards has prompted the publication of three new technical guides from the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) for door and window hardware specialists. BS 3621: 2017 specifies the performance requirements and test methods for a thief-resistant mechanically operated single-point lock assembly. It gives ironmongers clarification on how to conform to BS 3621 and the classification for locks in respect of other British and European standards. BS 8613: 2017 covers Finger Protection Devices for Pedestrian Doors. It will help specifiers, architects, facilities managers, health and safety and risk assessment professionals to select the appropriate finger protection products to prevent entrapment at the hanging stile of doors. In January 2018 BS 8300 was revised and the 2009 version was withdrawn. The 2018 version was split in to two standards, one covering the design of an accessible and inclusive built external environment and the other on the design of an accessible and inclusive built internal environment. The Guild’s new technical guide on this particular standard focuses on the second topic as it is the most relevant to the architectural ironmongery industry. It gives an overview of the history of accessibility legislation and goes on to give further detail about specific ironmongery products to which this that this standard applies. Douglas Masterson, GAI technical manager, says: “Architectural ironmongery companies play a crucial role, working with architects, contractors and others to schedule and specify the hardware for every door and window in a building and to produce a full fixing schedule of hardware items. So it is important that our members are up-to-date with the latest standards.” To access the latest technical briefings, go to the membership area of the GAI website: www.gai.org.uk For further information, contact Douglas Masterson on technical@gai.org.uk.
When it comes to sewer and septic systems, most of us would rather “flush it and forget it”, and this is a technique that we adopt…….until a problem arises. When the stuff hits the fan, and you find yourself with a spongy, smelly lawn, drainage problems and slow draining sinks and hard to flush toilets, your septic situation has reached its breaking point, and it’s time to call in experts for drainage help and repair, which can be quite costly. To avoid a huge septic system overhaul and a resulting large bill in your future, consider some simple things you can do at home–routine maintenance, if you will–to prevent septic disasters from happening in and around your home. How Do I Know When I Have Septic System Issues? Here are some telltale signs that your septic system needs some extra attention: Gurgling pipes. If your pipes sing more than you do in your morning shower, chances are that you are experiencing a backup somewhere along the line. Healthy pipes are quiet pipes; have this issue looked into as soon as possible. Slow flushing toilets. The occasional bathroom clog is to be expected, but a toilet that is regularly backing up and not flushing without the assistance of a plunger is a sign of a larger problem. Slow drains. Slow draining sinks, baths, and showers are an indicator that your system is draining slower than usual. Making sure that extra items don’t accidentally find their way into your sewer system, like children’s toys, excess food and trash, and bathroom waste other than septic approved toilet paper will ensure that you maintain a good healthy flow away from, not into, your house. Water backup. Water backup anywhere in the house, in a sink, tub, shower, or in the floor drain near the washing machine is an indication that something is plugged and failing to drain. This is one of the worst symptoms of system failure; contact an expert for excavation as soon as possible. Bad odors. Do you smell rotten eggs in the basement? Something’s not right, and excessive odors can lead to respiratory problems if not addressed. Greener grass near the drainage tank. Greener grass means that those patches are getting the benefit of extra “fertilizer”, which is an indication that there may be a leak in your septic system. Standing, smelly water. A spongy lawn or patches of standing water on the lawn are a sanitation issue, and these patches must be drained and cleared off so that your septic system can function normally once more. What Can I Do to Prevent Disasters? There is no need to experience these unsavory conditions in and around your home; implementing a few simple preventative measures will ensure that your septic system maintains its integrity in between professional cleanings: Pump it out regularly Routine pumping is essential to clear the way for new waste. There will ALWAYS be an abundance of waste, so maintaining the health of your system by pumping it out every one to three years will keep things “moving along the pipe”. Responsible flushing Perhaps the biggest culprit to a faulty septic system function is the disposal of improper items down the toilet. Items like cosmetic and baby wipes, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels should never be flushed. Use only septic system approved toilet paper, and keep a close eye on those little children’s toys–they are sneaky! Inspect your drainage field While your grass in the drainage field may be a lovely shade of green, that is not an indicator of septic system health. Areas that are soft, spongy, and contain standing water indicate that there are issues with the system. Odors accompanying excess moisture are also an indicator that trouble is brewing; at the first sign of a spongy lawn or offensive odor, call in septic experts to assess the problem. Add an automated detection system Installing a liquid level sensor in your septic tank will allow you hands free monitoring of your septic tank. When the liquid reaches dangerous levels, your system will indicate to you that attention is needed. Providing an early detection system will give you time to plan your cleanup strategy. Keeping on top of your septic system by looking for signs of slow drainage, leakage, or damage to the drainage field will ensure that you maintain its integrity for years to come. When in doubt, call in the experts for an assessment of your system and its unique needs.
Every year seems to bring with it an even hotter summer heatwave than the year before, encouraging homeowners to find new ways to keep their families cool. With this trend showing no signs of stopping, now could be your chance to make a huge difference to your home and install a Dream pool. Swimming pools are fun for the whole family. Kids of all ages are more than happy to spend their entire school holidays splashing around, while parents can enjoy a refreshing dip without having to brave the local lido or queues for the beach. If you’ve been toying with the idea of installing a pool in your garden but aren’t sure where to start, here are the five essential questions to help you work out the best pool for your family. Who is it for? The first question you have to ask yourself is simple: who will be using the pool the most? If you’re thinking about using it as a way to keep growing children throughout the summer, you should be looking at very different design features than if the pool is intended for fitness. When it comes to designing your pool (and the area around your pool), use the people who will be swimming in it the most to inform any features you might want to install for safety or convenience. For example, if you have little ones running around then a high fence and a lockable gate is a must. You will also want the pool to be in an area of the garden that can be easily supervised. On the other hand, a deep pool will be better for older children, and a pool in an adult-only residence can afford to be a little more design-led and hidden away from the rest of the building. What is it for? Similar to the first question, considering what the pool is intended for will dictate certain factors like its size, depth and leisure accessories. A pool for children should have a generous shallow end, multiple exit points and a hand or foot-hold around the edge. If you want to use your pool for entertaining, you may want to incorporate luxurious features like a tanning ledge, jacuzzi area or in-built parasols. Fitness pools will be focused towards performance – you could even opt for a lap pool, as size and depth are less of an issue. Where is it going? Choosing a location for your pool is important. Not only do you need to take into account obvious factors like its size and shape, but you will also need to think about how its sun exposure and how its position will impact the safe use of the rest of your outdoor space. Ideally, you want your pool to catch as much sun during the late morning and throughout the afternoon. This will make the water slightly warmer during use and make it a refreshing place to take a dip during the warmest parts of the day. Don’t forget to think about the dry areas you want around the pool, for lounging, dining or entertaining. Will you be building a designated pool area, where you can store accessories, toys and any drinks and snacks you might want when you’re lounging? If not, think about your route back to the house or shed and whether there’s an efficient pathway you could build. How quickly do you want it? Above-ground pools might not look as streamlined as an in-ground design, but they will be much, much quicker to install. Additionally, the larger and deeper you expect your pool to be, the longer it will take to construct, and certain materials are faster to install than others. With this in mind, think about how much you are willing to compromise in terms of build schedule, price and aesthetic in order to get your pool installed quickly. You may want to consult with a specialist firm who use the latest technology to reduce installation times, with carbon ceramic materials and fast pool builders. How much upkeep are you prepared for? The depth and size of your pool usually correlate to the amount of upkeep it’s going to require, although its construction material will be a factor, too. Vinyl pools are inexpensive and easy to keep clean, but are prone to leaks and will need replacing every 3-7 years. Concrete is a porous material so, if you leave it unfinished, your pool will need to be kept meticulously clean to prevent bacteria growth. Fibreglass is a popular option for both affordability and ease of maintenance. Pool types that require less maintenance include lap pools and natural pools. Lap pools are simply easier to manage due to their modest size, while natural pools utilise a reed-based filtration system that keeps water clean without using chemicals. If you don’t want the upkeep of a regular pool, consider these options. Building a pool is an investment and may not suit every household, particularly in the UK. However, their contribution to fun, fitness and leisure means that once you take the plunge, you’re sure to love your pool for years to come.