For eager and entrepreneurs and potential investors the construction industry has never been more profitable, and with more demand for better infrastructure in cities with growing populations, the number of firms working in the UK has been rising according to the Office of National Statistics. A significant increase of 6.2%
If you’re involved in a farming operation, then you’ll be aware of just how much energy is needed to maintain a living. Whether it’s tractor use, ensuring the needs of livestock are met, or heating any number of crop stores – all are extremely energy-intensive. The predicament can be even more
Konecranes investigates the hoisting gears of the critical overhead cranes at the Palm paper factory, with Oil Analysis and Crane Reliability Study (CRS) Churning out corrugated base paper: The paper machine 6 (PM6) at the Palm paper factory in Wörth am Rhein, Germany, annually produces some 650,000 tons of the
National building and maintenance contractor, United Living, has appointed former Wates business director Michael Holling into a new role as operations director; covering both the North and Midlands regions. Michael brings with him 30 years of construction and maintenance knowledge, having previously worked at Wates since 1995. Throughout his career
A new building designed by London-based practice, Walters & Cohen Architects, has been opened at Newnham College, Cambridge. In 2014, Walters & Cohen won an architectural competition to design new accommodation for Newnham College, one of the 31 colleges of the University of Cambridge. The original brief was to design
Saracen Interiors is now reaching the end of a substantial fit-out project for Global Technology company Carl Zeiss. The interiors company is transforming c. 43,000 sq. ft. of office space plus undertaking a range of external works at a site in Cambridgeshire to create a world-class lean manufacturing facility, including
The islands of Hawaii are like black pearls in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Most people know that the place is the treasure chest of many natural wonders including black sand beaches, turquoise-colored ocean, waterfalls and chaotic yet beautiful volcanic eruptions. Little did people know that the island-state is
The reason why most people add a single story extension is to create an extra space where you can spend leisure time. Moreover, such extensions also create room for natural light and give you plenty of space which you can use for decoration. However, what you need to understand is
Regardless of whether the building is a commercial one or a house with a unique flat roof, most people know that flat roofs require more maintenance than standard pitched roofs. While it can be easier to build, the flat roof requires more inspections and maintenance to ensure everything functions correctly.
The use of contractors across the construction industry is commonplace as they are hired to complete specialist tasks or seasonal work. However as part of hiring contractors it is important to consider the safety measures and responsibilities across the workplace. By involving someone who is a temporary part of your
For eager and entrepreneurs and potential investors the construction industry has never been more profitable, and with more demand for better infrastructure in cities with growing populations, the number of firms working in the UK has been rising according to the Office of National Statistics. A significant increase of 6.2% in 2017 was recorded, meaning that there were 314,590 active in the UK. With increased earnings, the rising value of new construction orders and highest level of employment to record the numbers sound evermore impressing. The industry does encounter some downfall however, even with these numbers, the delivery from the client can be impacted. A whole development plan can need changing if there are hazardous materials detected on building sites. This costs the business time and money, which might not be an option for them. Environmental consultants are now being invested in by construction developers as they realise that this type of waste needs to detected early and removed as soon as possible. Hazardous waste, what is it and how can you handle it? Hazardous waste is when it contains harmful substances to human health or the environment, even if it does not have an immediate effect states The Health and Safety Executive. Whether the business is a producer, carrier, consignee or holder they’re responsible for handling the hazardous waste. The most common types of hazardous waste are: Asbestos Chemicals Batteries Solvents Pesticides Oils Various equipment that include ozone depleting substances and general hazardous waste containers — which can be quite common in construction. Excavated soil or demolition materials contaminated with any of the above The above hazardous substances can come in solid, vapour, micro-organisms, liquid and gas forms. Some of the substances can appear in more than one of these forms at the same time, therefore businesses handling these must be properly equipped to do so. Each year globally, we produce 400 million tonnes of hazardous waste, that’s around 13 tonnes every second. This figure has increased massively over the years and businesses are pressured by the governments around the world to ensure they keep their waste levels to a minimum through The Waste Hierarchy, which is to prevent, reuse, recycle, or recover waste in that specific order. General waste and hazardous waste must be stored differently, with security, safety and environmental protection being the main focuses. A good understanding of Hazardous properties such as flammable, ecotoxic, explosive and carinogenic are important to allow you to segregate or store wastes properly with the security, environmental protection and safety in mind. Making sure that your waste is labelled appropriately so there’s no mix up in identifying it and making it secure is key. This prevents your construction site from contamination and waterproof covers are also recommended to make sure there are no waste run offs to contaminate other areas. Records must be kept so that everything is accounted for alongside taking the correct physical precautions. You must fill out a consignment note before your waste management company comes for collection, this is required when: Collections from businesses that are registered waste carriers. Movements from one premises to another within the same organisation. When another business has produced waste, movements from customer premises. The consignment note is not needed when: The movement of domestic hazardous waste – other than asbestos. Waste has been imported and exported under international waste shipment controls that require a different movement note. All this paperwork should be kept on file, in some cases for several years. EA (in England and Wales) and SEPA (in Scotland) deal slightly differently with Hazardous wastes. Development projects require a lot of thinking when it comes to hazardous waste. Making sure you’re well prepared for your next build by analysing the site you’ll be working on before getting plans put in place or having environmental consultants in is a necessity. Sources: https://www.gov.uk/managing-your-waste-an-overview http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/key-points.htm https://www.gov.uk/dispose-hazardous-waste https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/constructionindustry/articles/constructionstatistics/number192018edition http://www.theworldcounts.com/counters/waste_pollution_facts/hazardous_waste_statistics
If you’re involved in a farming operation, then you’ll be aware of just how much energy is needed to maintain a living. Whether it’s tractor use, ensuring the needs of livestock are met, or heating any number of crop stores – all are extremely energy-intensive. The predicament can be even more critical during the autumn and winter months, when harsh conditions make it more difficult for farmers to harvest, package and distribute produce. Add this to the challenges that come with heating rural, remote and off-grid agricultural locations (traditionally served by inefficient fuels like oil), and a farm’s energy supply can become quite problematic. For farmers looking for a greener, cheaper and more effective off-grid fuel solution that’s reliable even in colder seasons, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) could be an alternative. LPG has increasingly become a go-to for farmers looking to meet ongoing heating or operational needs without compromising on outputs and the quality of their end product – or becoming dependent on an expensive alternative fuel. Farming and off-grid use Available in gas cylinder and bulk form, LPG provides an alternative to oil and solid fuels for off-grid agricultural use. It can be used for heating or transport in all types of farming processes, and delivers a range of operational and environmental benefits. From dairy processing and poultry rearing right though to maintaining the perfect temperature for crop drying (or even propane enrichment of biomethane in anaerobic digestion plants), farmers have turned to LPG for its cleaner, more cost-effective and easily-controllable capabilities. For farmers looking to understand the benefits of LPG, here is advice on how gas can become an essential part of efficient farming in the winter months: 1. Livestock and energy usage Whether it be barn ventilation, lights, supplying food and water or manure handling, poultry cultivation requires a huge amount of energy. For birds and livestock, a constant heat supply is crucial to their survival – especially during colder seasons. By choosing LPG, farmers and animals can potentially benefit from: – An efficient and cleaner-burning fuel, LPG reduces the risk of contamination within livestock (through feeds and litter) – ensuring that animals are kept as safe as possible. – The moisture produced by LPG heating is the perfect level to promote speedy feathering and weight gain amongst poultry. – Choosing an LPG supplier with a national supply network means deliveries can be made quickly and efficiently, keeping birds warm all-year round. 2. Weighing up the green benefits For farmers looking for greener ways of working, LPG can offer environmental benefits. It’s a lower-carbon alternative to conventional fossil fuels, cutting carbon emissions by approximately 15 % compared to heating oil (and 33% compared to coal). It also doesn’t produce black carbon – which is a major contributor to climate change. As a transport fuel for tractors or other farming machinery, it’s also estimated that LPG (or propane) produces up to 24% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline, and 11% fewer emissions than diesel engines. Not only that, but the risk to the local environment is also kept to a minimum, as propane is non-toxic – providing a cleaner, greener, and cost-effective fuel solution for all kinds of farming uses. 3. When heating is needed for horticulture Maintaining constant temperatures for commercially grown plants and flowers is crucial to securing profits. When temperatures begin to drop, plants are naturally at greater risk of being damaged by frost, so it’s important to have the right heating system in place. LPG, as opposed to other off-grid options like oil, allows plant growers to benefit from a cleaner burning fuel, ensuring crops remain free from contamination. Depending on the size of the operation, farmers can also choose between an LPG gas bottle (which can easily be handled and lifted) and LPG gas tanks (which can be topped up automatically), meaning an energy system that delivers a constant heat supply for horticulture. 4. Using LPG to dry crops and grains When it comes to drying crops and grains, an LPG system can be a huge commodity to farmers looking to dry their produce quickly. As a highly controllable source of fuel, LPG makes for a more precise drying process, allowing farmers to maintain ideal levels of moisture without over-drying. The result is quicker drying all round, whilst also enabling farmers to preserve the quality of their crops, and ensure that the final product meets market specification. Additionally, with LPG grain drying technology, there’s the potential to recycle heated air, providing an even more efficient way to dry grain, without increasing fuel consumption. Sources https://lpg-apps.org/index.php?mact=LPGApi,cntnt01,application,0&cntnt01application_id=16&cntnt01returnid=17&cntnt01sector_id=2&cntnt01subsector_id=24 https://www.flogas.co.uk/business-lpg-farming#lpg-supply-options-41 Gas for Off-grid Britain’ Report, UKLPG, https://www.uklpg.org/resources/gas-for-off-grid-britain Gas for Off-grid Britain’ Report, UKLPG, https://www.uklpg.org/resources/gas-for-off-grid-britain https://www.smithgas.com/propane-uses-in-agriculture
Konecranes investigates the hoisting gears of the critical overhead cranes at the Palm paper factory, with Oil Analysis and Crane Reliability Study (CRS) Churning out corrugated base paper: The paper machine 6 (PM6) at the Palm paper factory in Wörth am Rhein, Germany, annually produces some 650,000 tons of the versatile packaging raw material with surface weights of up to 160 g/m2. In order to safely transport these huge paper rolls day and night, the double-girder bridge cranes inside the factory must always function flawlessly. For this reason, Konecranes has closely analyzed the gear oil of the cranes and used the endoscope to look deep inside the gears. Paper remains one of the most important resources for the economy: According to the association of German paper factories, the paper industry sold approximately 23 million tons of paper, cardboard and paperboard in 2017 – up 1.4 percent from 2016. The packaging industry is especially hungry for paper. Sales in this sector increased by 3.4 percent last year alone. This is the area of operation for the paper machine 6 (PM6) at the Palm paper factory in Wörth am Rhein. The 650,000 tons of corrugated base paper it produces each year is handled at various stages by eleven double girder overhead cranes, all playing their own crucial role in the paper production on PM6. In order to safely transport these large paper rolls day and night, the hoisting gears of the eleven cranes inside the factory must always be in top operating condition. For this reason, Palm has asked Konecranes to look at eight of its most critical cranes. Following the results of the oil analysis and subsequent endoscopic investigation, the maintenance experts identified a significant risk to future production and replaced one of the hoisting gears completely. Record paper machine produces around the clock At the Palm paper factory, located in Aalen in Baden-Württemberg, everything circles around recovered paper. Nine paper machines in five factories annually produce approximately 2.2 million tons of newsprint and corrugated base paper. The paper production continues around the clock. Correspondingly high are the demands from the eleven double-girder bridge cranes that have been in use in the factory in Wörth am Rhein since the start of production in 2002. Collectively, they handle and store the completed paper rolls that weigh many tons. “The cranes are in use day and night,” says Sven Bohrer, electrical engineer at the Palm paper factory. “If one should break one day, the production would have to stop, or at least greatly slow down, until the problem is solved. This would cost us time and money.” For this reason, Konecranes has closely investigated the gear oil of the hoisting gears of eight of the eleven double-girder bridge cranes at Palm. Because you can look deep inside the oil, the wear metals and waste substances it contains make it possible to draw conclusions about the state of the entire gear. Nico Zamzow, Vice President Industrial Service EMEA Central at Konecranes, comments on the method: “The oil analysis protects the crane. Any damage can be identified and treated early with its help. Moreover, system operators are able to optimize the maintenance and servicing of the cranes thanks to the detailed analysis report, and thus significantly increase their lifespan.” For the oil analysis at Palm, Konecranes experts took samples from the hoisting gears of the eight double-girder bridge cranes. “The samples are analyzed by our laboratory, which specializes in industrial drive train analysis. Here, the lab staff compares the current state of the oil with the samples taken in 2016 and against the OEM design limits,” says Nico Zamzow. “This way, we also use trend analysis to provide the best possible picture of any change within the condition of the gearbox.” The result for Palm: Seven of the eight cranes were found to be “healthy”, as in the gear oil contained few to no foreign elements or waste substances indicating contamination or wear. However, the gear oil of the automated number 5 crane, used in the roll warehouse, was found to have a noticeable increase in its wear partial count, triggering the lab to issue a “Caution” notification on the analysis report. Nico Zamzow: “Iron particles in the oil can be an indication of increased wear and a deeper look may be required for this particular hoist”. Crane Reliability Study has the solution If the reason for the wear is not clearly identified and removed, the gear may be permanently damaged. “If the gear is jammed while there is a roll on the hook, it becomes very difficult to recover it and repair the crane,” explains Nico Zamzow. In order to determine whether there is already damage, the Konecranes experts used the Crane Reliability Study (CRS). The modular analysis allows them to check safety-relevant components, such as the hoisting gear as well as the steel structure, the motors, and the electrical equipment of the crane. In addition, the maintenance experts pose questions to crane drivers and technicians. The analysis result flows into a detailed report for crane owners – with concrete recommendations for action. In the case of Palm, Konecranes used a high-definition video endoscope to investigate the hoisting gear. “Just like in medicine, we use the endoscope to reach inaccessible places without having to dismantle the entire gear,” says Nico Zamzow. “For the CRS, we use a special, oil-resistant model that was developed for industrial use and can be fitted with different lenses.” Following the endoscopic investigation, the Konecranes service experts are certain: The hoisting gear must be replaced. In addition, the cable drum, the cable drum support, the slip-ring unit, the cylinder coupling, and the motor coupling must be renewed. “Thanks to discovering the wear early on, there was no risk to safety and we were able to replace the old gear with a new one without affecting production,” explains Nico Zamzow. “The benefits of Oil analysis as a predictive maintenance tool for identifying problems early on is proven to minimize
National building and maintenance contractor, United Living, has appointed former Wates business director Michael Holling into a new role as operations director; covering both the North and Midlands regions. Michael brings with him 30 years of construction and maintenance knowledge, having previously worked at Wates since 1995. Throughout his career he has delivered a range of complex housing projects for local authorities and housing associations, including joint ventures and private development schemes. The appointment marks a significant investment in United Living’s growth strategy, to assist with new and existing business opportunities across the North and Midlands regions. Michael will be based in United Living’s Sheffield office, providing leadership across all operational areas as part of the United Living North Leadership Team. The business is currently strengthening its presence in the North and Midlands, having promoted long-serving employee Shaun Pickin to the role of Operations Manager for the Midlands, and last year appointing former Kier and Keepmoat director Helen Francis as Business Development Director for the North. Speaking of his appointment, Michael Holling said: “This is an exciting time for United Living’s growth strategy across these regions and I look forward to leading on the next stage of development. United Living Group has a great reputation across the housing sector and it’s a pleasure to bring my experience to the business. I’m looking forward to working with the team.” Jo Jamieson, managing director for United Living said: “Michael has built an enviable reputation for delivering large scale construction and residential projects with a keen emphasis on operational excellence and truly understanding customer’s aspirations. I look forward to working with him to drive forward our growth plans across the North and Midlands, and to maximise the opportunities in our pipeline.” For more information about United Living: www.unitedliving.co.uk
A new building designed by London-based practice, Walters & Cohen Architects, has been opened at Newnham College, Cambridge. In 2014, Walters & Cohen won an architectural competition to design new accommodation for Newnham College, one of the 31 colleges of the University of Cambridge. The original brief was to design a new 75-bedroom student residence at the southern end of the campus. However, during the feasibility study an alternative option was developed that integrated new accommodation in among the existing College buildings, leaving the beautiful gardens unspoilt. The Dorothy Garrod building comprises a new entrance, a welcoming Porters’ Lodge, conference facilities, a rooftop gym, staff offices, meeting and supervision rooms, 86 generous en-suite student bedrooms, kitchen/social areas with plenty of space to cook and eat together, and a popular new café that invites students to linger, work and socialise. 19 bedrooms and two kitchens in the neighbouring Fawcett building were also refurbished, and the rooftop terrace allows Newnhamites to appreciate their beautiful College from an entirely new perspective. Working with Newnham’s project team, special interest groups, students, staff and Fellows ensured that the building meets the College’s needs and is entirely unique to them. The new frontage creates a stronger presence on Sidgwick Avenue without imposing on the historic buildings and gardens. Landscape works are integral to the design, with the building wrapping around a new courtyard garden, and carefully considered interstitial spaces improve visual and physical links between buildings. Integrating the student residence, offices, porters’ lodge and café in one building has created a stronger sense of community and forms the heart of the College. Cindy Walters, Director at Walters & Cohen Architects, said: ‘It has been a huge honour and privilege for us to work with Newnham College to deliver their bold strategic vision. Since winning the design competition four years ago, we have worked with students, administrators, College interest groups and Fellows to ensure that the new building meets the needs of the College, fits into its very unique context and delivers twenty-first-century facilities. The new Porters’ Lodge and entrance was the greatest challenge. It offers a warm welcome, connects the street to a new garden, connects the College to a new café, conference facility and offices, and contains art and artefacts that are specific to Newnham. In the new entrance we have created a space that could not be anywhere else in Oxbridge or the world.’ Professor Dame Carol Black, Principal of Newnham College, said: “This is a building worthy of celebration, one which gives the students of Newnham College a sense of pride and aspiration. It embraces our glorious gardens, with the new en-suite bedrooms looking out over trees on every side. Our architects Walters & Cohen have designed a building at once modern and forward looking, and in sympathy with Newnham’s original Champneys buildings and gardens. The new conference centre is an exciting venture for Newnham, and our students are delighted by the stylish public café with its space for group working and relaxation.”
Saracen Interiors is now reaching the end of a substantial fit-out project for Global Technology company Carl Zeiss. The interiors company is transforming c. 43,000 sq. ft. of office space plus undertaking a range of external works at a site in Cambridgeshire to create a world-class lean manufacturing facility, including a clean room, where Carl Zeiss will make electron microscopes for sale and distribution worldwide. The fit-out of Building 1030 at Cambourne Business Park covers three floors, and the complexity and specialised nature of the work has just been documented in a new video available to view at https://www.saraceninteriors.com/blog/5583/ Clive Longden, Saracen’s Site Manager, said: “It’s a complex project with some significant challenges, but working closely with our client, the team has successfully met these challenges, and we are now on track for completion and handover on time.” Saracen won the project in a competitive tender against strong competition, further cementing the groups presence in the industry. The team is managing a full fit-out of office space on floors one and two, as well as installing all-new kitchens and breakout areas. The first floor also includes a technical area for research and development that has required particularly careful design. But the toughest challenges have been on the ground floor where building a clean room for the production of the electron microscopes threw up significant mechanical and electrical hurdles as well as issues of coordination that the Saracen team has had to overcome. As well as the advanced M and E work, the project has required the installation of a range of specialised equipment, including cranes. Saracen has also installed an external goods lift as part of the project scope of works. The project came about as a result of significant local business growth together with increased global demand for the products and services of the two Cambridge based subsidiaries of the Global Carl Zeiss group. Carl Zeiss Microscopy Ltd and Carl Zeiss Ltd, wanted to combine operations and move from their two current premises in Cambridge, to a single facility and as a result have signed a long-term lease at Cambourne Business Park Saracen is managing the project so that staff will be able to easily transfer into the newly-revamped premises and to provide Carl Zeiss with room for further future expansion. www.saraceninteriors.com
The islands of Hawaii are like black pearls in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Most people know that the place is the treasure chest of many natural wonders including black sand beaches, turquoise-colored ocean, waterfalls and chaotic yet beautiful volcanic eruptions. Little did people know that the island-state is also one of the best places to look up the clear sky at night. Yup, Hawaii is also the best spot to do stargazing. The unpolluted air and the high elevation of its mountains mean that you will have an unobstructed view of the bright stars and other heavenly bodies visible to the naked eyes or with the aid of sophisticated telescopes. There is so much beautiful Hawaii real estate on market to view these stars. Another reason why a state is a great place for astronomy encounter is that of its altitude. Hawaii is positioned at 21 degrees North Latitude which makes it able to see both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere which makes it the only state in the US which will make you able to see both the North Star and the Southern Cross. If you are planning to visit Hawaii, here are some stargazing activities that you can try: * Check the astronomy calendar of celestial events prior to your visit. Be informed about the perfect date and time to catch astronomical events, including moon phases. You don’t want to miss the spectacular show that rarely happens in 10 or 100 years. * If you will be heading on to the Big Island, find a tour that will take you to the summit of Muana Kea for sunrise. You can also do a warmer stargazing at the lower elevation through a telescope. Or head on to Imiloa Astronomy Center where you can use their telescopes to see a clearer view of the stars and other heavenly bodies. * On Oahu, take time to visit the Bishop Museum and enjoy its planetarium. They also have a website where you can find night sky events in Hawaii. *Visit the University of Hawaii Institute of Astronomy. It has tons of information related to astronomy that will serve as your guide. *Some hotels are promoting stargazing on their rooftop to attract guests. One example of this is the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort in Kaanapali. Scout for hotels that let you experience stargazing in Hawaii. * If you have the money for it, you can rent a barge and experience stargazing in the middle of the ocean. The calmness of the ocean plus the magical sightings up above will make your Hawaii vacation an unforgettable treat. If you are in the market for Hawaiian real estate contact a trusted Hawaii real estate agent.
The reason why most people add a single story extension is to create an extra space where you can spend leisure time. Moreover, such extensions also create room for natural light and give you plenty of space which you can use for decoration. However, what you need to understand is that adding a single story extension is not an easy task, which is why it is advisable that you hire a professional builder. Here are the factors you need to consider when choosing a builder for your project. 1. Certification A professional builder should be trained in order to render out construction services. The only way you can be sure that you are dealing with a certified builder is by checking the license of the expert you are dealing with. Moreover, find out from the Federation of Master Builders whether you are dealing with a registered member or not. 2. Experience Dealing with an experienced builder is better than dealing with someone who is new to this type of work. That is because experienced builders can give you better ideas on how you can make your single story extension more interesting. Moreover, an experienced builder will use the skills that he or she has acquired over the years to get the work done on time. We make it our primary goal to offer our clients solely the service and solution that they need. Based on our experience in the industry, we can make recommendations and project improvement suggestions that will lead to an even better outcome than clients expect. Builders Chester 3. Great Customer Services A profession builder should be able to offer you quality services. They should also be easy to work with since you can only be able to inquire about the project if you are comfortable working with the builder. Besides, being easy to work with the builder should also possess great communication skills so that it can be easy to discuss matters relating to your project. 4. Building Regulation And Planning Permissions The last thing you want is to be on the wrong side of the law for not fulfilling building regulations and planning permissions. However, with the aid of a professional builder, you can make sure that you meet all the necessary conditions before you start working on your project. If your builder is not familiar with building regulations and planning permission, then you might want to find a builder who does so that he or she can guide you through the entire process. 5. Cost Of Hiring A Builder Either you are dealing with a construction company or an independent contractor, you need to understand that different tradesman cost different rates for offering their services. Because of this reason, it is advisable that you get a quotation from various dealers if you want to get the best deal. Moreover, the detailing of the quotations should be the same, if you want to get correct estimates of your project from all the parties involved. By getting quotations from different builders, you will be able to determine, which dealer has the best offer for your project. Once we understand your needs and requirements, we can easily manage the project from beginning to the end leaving you with time to pursue other interests. If you are not too sure about your needs, we can help you find what works best for you. Builders Liverpool 6. Payment Plan Another important factor you need to consider when choosing a builder for your single story extension is the payment plan. After agreeing on the price of the project, it is important that you agree on a payment plan as well. Most builders demand a small upfront deposit, in order to start off the project. The small upfront deposit is usually used as capital to buy some of the materials needed to start off the construction project. Other builders, do not request for upfront payment but instead, they use their own money to buy all the necessary materials and equipment needed for the project. However, once the project is complete, the client is required to cover the total cost used in the project. Therefore, make sure that you get a flexible payment plan from the builder you choose to work with, especially if your project will last for more than four weeks before it is completed. The payment plan should be drafted in form of written quotation and signed by both parties. Conclusion Choosing the right builder for your single story extension project is not an easy task. That is because there are hundreds of contractors who specialize in this type of work and only a few have proved to have the ability to offer quality services. However, by acknowledging these factors, you can be sure to find a reputable builder to help you with this type of project.
Regardless of whether the building is a commercial one or a house with a unique flat roof, most people know that flat roofs require more maintenance than standard pitched roofs. While it can be easier to build, the flat roof requires more inspections and maintenance to ensure everything functions correctly. The most difficult element about a flat roof is knowing when to replace the roof or if it requires a few repairs. This article will provide information on the most common types of flat roof repairs what you need to know. 1: Alligatoring One of the most common indicators that a flat roof needs to be replaced is the maintenance issue known as alligatoring. Alligatoring refers to the case when the asphalt used to build the roof has aged and lost elasticity resulting in a bubble and crack effect – similar to the skin of an alligator. Sadly, this means that the flat roof’s asphalt has become damaged to a state of no repair and will require replacement. Not only are we focused on putting in a good roofing solution that’s going to make clients happy, but we also take the time to help after the job is done. We take pride in the work being completed and therefore want clients to understand how to make sure the quality does not drop in the long-term. Roofers Wirral 2: Moisture And Leakage Another highly common issue experienced by properties with flat roofs is the leakage and lingering moisture. Fortunately, these problems can be dealt with effectively as long as one remains aware of them. As with all roofs, a flat roof develops leaks; however, as it is flat, the water does not have any place to go except straight down. This means the moisture will enter the roof and result in potential fungus and mould. One of the best ways to deal with moisture and leaks on a flat roof is by having it regularly inspected. Each time to you find an issue, repair and maintain the problem immediately. 3: A Buckle In Membrane The majority of flat roofs with asphalt are built in a similar way to pitched roofs because they have an asphalt-soaked membrane, and this membrane is spread across the top of the building. However, unlike the pitched roofs, the membrane of the flat roof is in a single piece and placed along the roof. This means that as time progresses the roof will settle and shift along with the property structure. Any excessive movement can result in buckling in the asphalt membrane, which can lead to breaks in the roof. A roof that buckles is not secure to live under and can lead to future problems. This is why it is best to have the membrane replaced as soon as it shows any buckling. 4: Pooling Water Due to the roof being flat there is nowhere for moisture to run when it rains. Moreover, when the house settles the roof can shift slightly, meaning it may not be as level as it was originally. This can cause water to pool in dips and divots. While the majority of materials are manufactured to hold up the water, the pools must be drained as soon as possible and check that the water does not seep into the lower layers of the roof. If pooling lingers, it is likely to deteriorate the exterior of the roof; thus shortening the lifetime of the roof. 5: Cracking Roof Flat roofs have a tendency for pressure to be exerted on them because they are not slanted. In some cases, the pressure can be built up as if the stress and pressure can be excessive. It can cause the roof to crack, and if it does crack you should contact a professional immediately. In addition, exposing the house to precipitation can result in roof cracking. This shows that the roof is structurally compromised and it is time for a new one. The majority of roofing work is carried out while the structure below is still occupied. That’s why we schedule and conduct our work with the utmost flexibility to suit your specific needs. We want to do our jobs while causing the minimum amount of disruption in your day-to-day life. Roofers Chester 6: Flashing As with various roofing materials, the asphalt flat roof tends to expand and contract with changing weather and temperatures. As time progresses, this continued expansion and contraction can result in flashing to pull away from the corners and edges of the roof; thereby, resulting in leaks and moisture being trapped in the roof. The best method of dealing with this issue is by inspecting and maintaining the roof regularly. When the leaks are significant or you have deterioration in the flashing, you will be required to replace the roof. If you have questions regarding the condition of the roof, or you think it is time to have the roof inspected, you should contact a roofing professional.
The use of contractors across the construction industry is commonplace as they are hired to complete specialist tasks or seasonal work. However as part of hiring contractors it is important to consider the safety measures and responsibilities across the workplace. By involving someone who is a temporary part of your team, without the correct training and safety awareness there is greater risk of accidents. What is a Contractor A contractor is someone who has been hired for a specific job and does not work regularly for an employer. They may be brought in to undertake tasks which are highly specific or simply when more staff are required. Contractors are commonly used across the construction industry to complete bigger tasks where a variety of skills are needed. The Law Under health and safety law both the contractor and the business have obligations and duties. To ensure the safety of any personnel carrying out work, full risk assessments must be undertaken, and adequate training provided. All parties should be in full cooperation and be aware of any health and safety information for the site such as correctly identifying safety signs or understanding set procedures such as lock out tag out or one man one lock. There are a number of health and safety and construction regulations which must be adhered to, ensure you fully understand the law before bringing a contractor on site. Safety Procedures and Managing Contractors As part of hiring contractors, you should have pre-defined steps in place to ensure their safety when working on site. Here are some of the steps which should be undertaken: Plan Ahead Prior to employing a contractor, you should plan ahead for any training or health and safety measures that need to be in place. You should create a checklist to assess your health and safety management and if it is suitable to employ contractors under your current guidelines. As part of this planning process you should also clearly define the job at hand and assess any risks associated with it. Hiring When hiring a contractor, you should ensure this is the correct person for the job. Make sure to check credentials and ask for evidence of work. When you have successfully chosen your contractor ensure you show them around the site and make them aware of any health and safety procedures. Working When working on site it is important that the contractor adheres to safety measures such as signing in and out and wearing the correct safety equipment. Review Both during and after the work, reviews should be undertaken to ensure the work is of high standard and the contractor is correctly adhering to safety guidelines. Working with contractors is inevitable in some industries and it is important that considerations have been made for their safety in the workplace. Ensure you know the law and have health and safety procedures in place prior to hiring a contractor and any relevant training is provided before work is undertaken.