The benefits of combining off-site construction with external wall insulation (EWI) are explored in a technical document produced by the British Board of Agrément in conjunction with EWI specialist STO. Aimed at specifiers, contractors and end clients, the literature outlines the many benefits of marrying the two solutions, from energy
In a statement issued on 9 December, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has confirmed its support for Build UK’s Roadmap to Zero Retentions and encouraged industry to implement the new minimum standards when using cash retentions. The CLC’s support marks another significant milestone for the roadmap, which sets out specific
Plans for a massive logistics centre believed to be for online retailer Amazon have been unveiled by its developer. It is thought the online giant could create up to 3,500 jobs with the 1.6m sq ft logistics fulfilment centre next to the A66 in Darlington. The identity of the site’s
There are many reasons for a property owner to decide whether they want to repair their damaged, leaking roof or opt for a full roof replacement. In some instances it is not even up to the property owner, for example when insurance is involved. If you roof is damaged or
Fires can happen to anyone and at any time, with or without warning, and when it does happen it is more important to make sure that everyone is safe before trying to save the property. More often than not, fires can ravage a home, a business and any other property,
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
The benefits of combining off-site construction with external wall insulation (EWI) are explored in a technical document produced by the British Board of Agrément in conjunction with EWI specialist STO. Aimed at specifiers, contractors and end clients, the literature outlines the many benefits of marrying the two solutions, from energy efficiency to time savings and increased build quality to improved on-site health and safety. “EWIs and off-site construction are perfect partners when system selection, design and testing are key considerations,” said BBA Test Services product manager George Bailey, who co-authored the document with David Tyndall, STO Director – Off-Site Construction Solutions (Western Europe). “EWIs can be applied to a wide range of off-site modular and panellised structures including timber, SIPS, reinforced concrete and various steel-based options that are proving increasingly popular for large multi-storey buildings. “Durability, thermal performance and long-term aesthetics rely on the performance of the system as a whole…performance is achieved through multiple components working together,” added Mr Bailey. “Therefore when considering design changes or multiple external finishes, careful attention must be paid to the implications these alternations may have on performance.” The literature also discusses technical elements to take into account, for example the spacing of structural elements within each modular unit to accommodate mechanical fixings and planning the EWI early in order to determine the entire system’s performance through structural and environmental testing. Manufacturers offer numerous types of EWI, including EPS, XPS, mineral wool, PIR, PUR and phenolic foam. This variety of material type and usage means there is no standard method of testing and assessing systems; careful consideration is therefore required to select from test requirements including fire and thermal performance, watertightness, resistance to wind loading and structural testing. “EWI products should be supported by robust testing carried out buy a UKAS-accredited testing facility such as the BBA,” said Mr Bailey. “The work of the BBA in establishing certification and testing parameters for EWIs has led to European-wide regulation with EOTA and provided guidance to the UK government.” To view the document, visit: https://www.bbacerts.co.uk/uploads/cmsfiles/Industry_voices_STO_web.pdf
In a statement issued on 9 December, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has confirmed its support for Build UK’s Roadmap to Zero Retentions and encouraged industry to implement the new minimum standards when using cash retentions. The CLC’s support marks another significant milestone for the roadmap, which sets out specific actions in a phased approach for the construction industry to achieve zero retentions. Recent milestones delivered as part of the roadmap include publication of the retention policies of major public sector clients in November to provide increased transparency. This followed publication of the Minimum Standards on Retentions in July which aim to reduce the existing challenges with cash retentions. The CLC has urged construction firms and clients to adopt the minimum standards, which incorporate and build on the CLC’s commitment to abolish cash retentions. FIS chief executive said: “It is encouraging to see a unified approach, but I want to see a foot on the gas here. We’ve had enough of backstops and a backstop of 2025 is too far away, let’s rally and get this done by 2023. Retentions are an archaic way to manage quality and no longer fit for purpose. They undermine a positive culture and on balance I believe they contribute to the problem that they were designed to solve. Sadly I think we all know that and truth be told, all they are is a hangover of credit issues within the sector. So let’s get shot by 2023 at the latest, but also recognise that this is not the only place where the supply chain needs to improve in terms of payment. We still do the variations dance at the end of virtually every contract and use delay tactics to avoid paying til the last possible moment (sometimes sadly a moment too late for some companies), these are the shackles that hold this great sector back and contribute to stress and tension in the supply chain” Andy Mitchell, Co-Chair of the CLC, said: “The CLC believes that adopting the minimum standards will enable the industry to make progress towards the objective of achieving zero cash retentions by 2025. It will demonstrate commitment to the supply chain, whilst allowing the industry and its clients to adapt and improve standards of quality. Therefore, the CLC urges firms within the industry and construction clients, in both the public and private sectors, to support the roadmap and adopt the minimum standards, as a pragmatic means of improving prompt and fair payment practices and helping to create a stronger and more sustainable industry.” Jo Fautley, Deputy Chief Executive of Build UK, said: “It is encouraging to receive the endorsement of the CLC for the work that we are doing to move towards zero retentions as part of our roadmap. Achieving zero retentions is a vital part of becoming a more collaborative and efficient sector, and our roadmap sets out practicable steps for the industry to implement as we move towards this goal.”
Plans for a massive logistics centre believed to be for online retailer Amazon have been unveiled by its developer. It is thought the online giant could create up to 3,500 jobs with the 1.6m sq ft logistics fulfilment centre next to the A66 in Darlington. The identity of the site’s operator has not been officially confirmed but national logistics developer db symmetry has secured a £120m letting at Symmetry Park and said the tenant is a ‘world-leading retailer’. Now db symmetry, in partnership with landowners Durham Cathedral, has unveiled how the development will look when finished, bringing a major economic asset to the Tees Valley. Construction for Symmetry Park is gaining momentum with the steelwork already completed for the first phase of the £100m logistics and distribution hub. ISG Construction is main contractor for the building. Symmetry Park, Darlington is a 90-acre site located on the A66, seven miles from Junction 57 of the A1 motorway and 20 miles from Tees Port. Since acquiring the site last November, db symmetry has secured planning consent for over 1.6m sq ft of B1, B2 and B8 uses and intends to gain outline consent for a further 500,000 sq ft on the remaining 37 acres. db symmetry recently hosted an event in Newcastle to officially launch the scheme to North East agents representing the potential occupier market with a strong marketing drive to showcase the key attributes of the site in terms of specification and location. With the potential to create around 3,500 new jobs and contribute £180m to the regional economy, the developer said Symmetry Park Darlington is a significant new asset for regional and national investment. Andrew Dickman, director at db symmetry said: “We are pleased to formally bring Symmetry Park Darlington to market as an exceptionally strong proposition to those seeking a base in the North East. Having already pre-let a significant proportion of the site to a high calibre operator, we are in a strong position with funding in place and full site infrastructure construction underway. “We can offer bespoke design and build options from 50,000 sq ft to 500,000 sq ft and potential for roadside amenities in the form of a hotel, a petrol filling station, drive through, restaurants and offices.” Colliers International is jointly advising db symmetry with Gent Visick and Carter Jonas. Durham Cathedral was represented by Carter Jonas. The project team includes Lichfields, GVA, Harris Partnership, JPG and Desco.
There are many reasons for a property owner to decide whether they want to repair their damaged, leaking roof or opt for a full roof replacement. In some instances it is not even up to the property owner, for example when insurance is involved. If you roof is damaged or leaking, you may be considering repairing the damaged area or investing money in a complete roofing system replacement. This article will cover some of the top things to consider when making this decision. Architectural Asphalt Roofing Shingles vs. Old Three-Tab Shingle Roofs The two main types of asphalt shingle roofs are, 1) old 3-tab shingles and, 2) architectural asphalt shingles. Many roofers prefer to only install architectural asphalt shingles. Hanover PA roofing contractor JWE owner Jeff W. Erb says that he never recommends 3-tab shingles, and only feels comfortable installing architectural asphalt shingle roofing. “I have been working on roofs for over 20 years and I’ve seen thousands of failed roofing systems. In my experience, the old 3-tab roofs are inferior to the newer architectural asphalt shingles in terms of durability and leak protection. Architectural asphalt shingles are more desirable not only because of their aesthetic appearance and the high-definition look they provide, but because of the lifetime warranty provided by roofing product manufacturers. It’ll be the last roof you ever need for your home”. Lifetime Warranty for Architectural Asphalt Shingle Roofs Erb is referring to the ‘out-of-the-wrapper’ warranty provided by shingle manufacturers like GAF, IKO and CertainTeed on their roofing products. Furthermore, roofing installers like JWE who are factory-certified by these manufacturers are able to register their customers new roofs for extended, full-coverage, “lifetime” warranties that exceed 30, 40 and even 50 years (depending on the manufacturer). These extended warranties are only available for architectural asphalt shingle roofing system installations, so if you have a 3-tab roof that is due for a replacement it is well worth the money to invest in an architectural asphalt shingle roof. When it comes to quick roof repairs, most roofers do not guarantee that their work will stop the leak for an extended period of time. In order to warranty their work, roofers want to know that their installation is done properly, and this just isn’t possible without removing the existing roof. Roofers therefore prefer to address the roofing system in its entirety, which we will discuss in the following section. Roofing System Anatomy: Components are Difficult to Repair, but a Roof Replacement Addresses the Entire System A building’s roof is more than just a layer of shingles or sheet metal. A roof is a system of barriers that work together to protect from water, leaks, wind, storms, hail, energy loss, and more – the shingles are simply the outermost visible layer of the roofing system. If that outer layer of shingles has failed to the point of water leaking into the home, it is likely that there is damage to inner barriers like underlayment, roof deck plywood, flashing (like chimney- and step-flashing), vent-pipe boot leaks, and more. It is rarely the case that the source of the leak can be easily identified in a way that makes a simple repair possible without having to remove large sections of the roof. In most cases a full roof replacement is the most effective way to thoroughly repair the leak. During a full roof replacement all the components of the roofing system are replaced, and the roofer is therefore confident that their installation will last for decades to come. NOTE: Metal roofing is becoming increasingly popular, and if your asphalt shingle roof is due for a replacement you may want to be one of the many homeowners who are considering updating to metal roofing like standing seam, metal shingles or corrugated steel. They are far more durable, last much longer, and are unlikely to leak or suffer storm damage. Some types are not much more expensive than asphalt shingle roofs. Learn more about metal roofing services costs, benefits, etc. Dealing with Insurance Claims for Roof Damage Caused by Storms and other Covered Perils Roofs are the most common part of a house that are paid for by insurance companies. Most roofing contractors have the majority of their work paid for by homeowners insurance, and they are all painfully aware of the fact that these insurers have a profit motive to pay out as little as possible. This usually results in approval for bare-minimum repairs rather than full replacements. Ultimately this causes more hassle for the homeowner, who will inevitably have to shell out money for future repairs or a full roof replacement sooner than they would have otherwise had to. It is possible for savvy homeowners to get the most out of their insurance provider for their roof damage repair claim if they hire the right roofing contractor, many of whom are partnered with public insurance adjusters who are experts at getting claims approved. They are usually hired on a contingency contract that holds the homeowner accountable for no more than their deductible. Hiring a professional loss adjuster like this is a win-win for owners dealing with home damage because the contractor’s goal is to get the full extent of work approved and paid for. CONCLUSION: Most Professional Roofers Recommend a Full Roof Replacement The fact that most roofers usually recommend replacing a leaking or damaged roof is not a dishonest ploy to upsell property owners. As we explained above, it is hard for a professional roofing contractor to guarantee a small repair because it’s almost always impossible to determine the source and cause of the leak. Furthermore, roofing manufacturers do not warranty their products unless the installation of three or more roofing system components accompanies their shingles, so anything short of a replacement is missing the opportunity for a lifetime warranty. The good news is that a roof replacement is often the last roof a homeowner will need to get. The lifetime warranty on architectural asphalt shingle roofs is transferable to the next
Fires can happen to anyone and at any time, with or without warning, and when it does happen it is more important to make sure that everyone is safe before trying to save the property. More often than not, fires can ravage a home, a business and any other property, as fires can go on burning until it ran out of oxygen or all that could be burned had already been burned. Most of which actually is the latter, thus, those who have had the misfortune of having their properties burned must navigate through all the issues and problems in order to rebuild their properties. It is a legal requirement to take out a fire insurance policy on any property that you plan to purchase, since fires are the most common accidents that could happen to destroy your property. However, making a fire insurance claim is much difficult and complicated than it really is and you need a fire claim adjuster to make sure that you get the most of your insurance claims. What is a Fire Claim Adjuster? A fire claim adjuster is a public adjuster that has been licensed by the state to represent insurance policy holders who are filing insurance claims from their insurance providers. The responsibility of the fire claim adjuster is to ensure that the insurance policy holder gets the amount agreed on by their policy and whatever other benefits it may have in respect of their fire insurance claims. A fire claim adjuster is authorized to represent and negotiate with the insurance providers for the insurance policy holder, and by doing so will work for the benefit of the policy holder and not that of the insurance companies. Thus, they attend to meetings, inspections, negotiations, and prepare documents, reports and claims for the policy holders. They also make follow-ups, call insurance companies if they are taking too long to process the claims and ensure that you get paid as soon as possible so that you can also get to rebuild your home or property the soonest. Why You Need to Hire Your Own Fire Claim Adjuster? It is a reality that making a fire insurance claim and being compensated with the amount on your insurance policy agreement are two very difficult processes and even if you are willing to do this on your own, the truth is hiring your own fire claim adjuster is more cost-effective in the long run. With your own fire claim adjuster, you will be assured that your best interests are being protected and that the fire claim adjuster will make sure that your rights are protected and that you are represented in all meetings and proceedings. Most of the time also, insurance companies will not deal directly with the policy holder, they will have to assign a fire claim adjuster to be your representative, and this is not what you want or need at this time. Insurance companies will choose a fire claim adjuster and introduce him or her to you and will basically function in the same way as regular public adjusters do, however, these fire claim adjusters will not have your best interests at heart, instead they are working for the insurance providers and their only job is to see to it that you get paid with the minimum amount the insurance company wants to give you. Thus, it is better to hire your own fire claim adjuster who will work for your interests even if you had to pay them yourself, rather than accepting the offer of the insurance companies. How Do You Find A Fire Claim Adjuster? Insurance is a thriving business and there is good money to be made in it, thus, there are also a lot of establishments who do provide fire claim adjuster services, there are of course the expensive ones with stellar track records and the cheaper ones with less experience. Who to hire will depend ultimately on you own preferences and whether you want to take a risk on the new players or ensure the success of your claims with the more experienced one. You simply have to weigh it out and find one that will be a good fit for you. Someone you can communicate with, someone you can trust and who is really sincere and committed to working for your interests. You can find a fire claim adjuster in any of the businesses that specialize in this kind of things. But, you need to make sure that that service provider has the track record to prove that they are really good at what they do and they have verified and licensed public adjusters. You also would want someone that really has a physical office or location that you can go to, and schedule an appointment for a consultation, in that way you can actually get to experience how responsive they are to their client’s needs and decide for yourself whether you want to hire them for your fire insurance claim needs. Another way of figuring out which fire claim adjuster to hire is to ask for referrals from people you may know who have gone through the same experience as you did, and was either able to get the most from their insurance policy or not. Even if these people may not point you to the right fire claim adjuster, they can also tell you which ones to avoid. This is why experience and success rate is important, you would want someone who already have had the experience navigating through the complex process of making fire claims, someone who knows the language, has the right skill set and tools and one who can tell when insurance companies are playing hard or lowballing. You Now Have A Fire Claim Adjuster, What To Do Next? After the fire, and you and your family or employees are safe and without any injury, then you can move on to inspecting your property and assessing just how
