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
FIS, representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK, announced the winners of the 2019 Fit-Out Futures Awards which were celebrated at the FIS President’s Lunch in London. Iain Mcilwee, FIS CEO said “the Fit-Out Futures Awards recognise the outstanding contributions and achievements of individuals,
Nestled in one of the North East’s most exclusive suburbs is a luxurious property that is stealing the attention of affluent house hunters. Poppy Cottage, the new property by Developments by Joseph Homes, is located on one of Wynyard Park’s most sought-after plots and is worth a cool £1.2million. Constructed of the highest quality textured brick
The planning stages of a construction project require attention to a whole lot of details, and the type of concrete being used is one that should be near the top of every list of priorities. But what type of concrete is best for your project? iMix Concrete will run through
Energy Assets Group (EAG), one of Britain’s leading metering and energy services businesses, has announced that from 1st February 2019, all of its utility network design and construction operations will be rebranded as Energy Assets Utilities (EAU). As a result of the brand strategy, Future Energy Group (FEG), which was
An acoustic attenuation solution provided by Sto has helped create a new acoustic environment at a leading London restaurant. The StoSilent Distance system has been installed at Lyle’s – a restaurant that is quickly becoming recognized as one of most prestigious establishments of its kind in the capital. Located in
Perhaps the most luxurious new private rental apartment block in Ashford is already more than 60% reserved as demand for high-quality accommodation soars in one of the fastest-growing and best connected towns in the South East. Called La Scierie (The Saw Mill) because it has been built on the site
Less than one in ten young people would consider a career in construction, even though more than half are interested in subjects that qualify them for the industry, new research by L&Q has revealed. L&Q, one of the UK’s largest housing associations and developers, surveyed 1,095 16-18 year-olds about their
The redevelopment of Birmingham’s Centenary Square reached a leafy milestone as work began to plant the first of the site’s trees. More than 50 trees will be planted over the next few months, including 17 Silver Birch, 12 Ginkgo, 12 Cherry and 12 Acer Rubrum, which will be complemented with some low-level planting. The first
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.
FIS, representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK, announced the winners of the 2019 Fit-Out Futures Awards which were celebrated at the FIS President’s Lunch in London. Iain Mcilwee, FIS CEO said “the Fit-Out Futures Awards recognise the outstanding contributions and achievements of individuals, who have demonstrated excellence, dedication and commitment to their personal development, organisation and the finishes and interiors community. All the nominees were outstanding candidates and it was an honour to meet, host and award them” The event saw 300 FIS members and their guests come together to see the winners revealed in the delightful surroundings of Plaisterers’ Hall. Congratulations to all the winners and the shortlisted entrants. Apprentice of the Year Award WINNER: John Taylor – Stortford Interiors The judges commented that John was clearly a talented tradesman and that he was also changing attitudes internally about the positive benefits that an apprentice can bring to his company. John was also praised for his understanding of the importance of his work and the need to follow guidelines. He continues to develop as a fantastic example of why the modern apprenticeship system will shape our industry for the future. The award was presented by Sarah Beale, Chief Executive of CITB and Iain Mcilwee CEO of FIS. RUNNER UP: Danny Beadle – Pexhurst Services Danny was recognised for his commitment to all aspects of the day-to-day site role, as well as his dedication to learning and improving his skill-set. Future Leader Award – sponsored by CCF WINNER: Simon Broggio – Meronden Simon is an exemplar of how someone can enter the construction sector as a labourer and with the right attitude and work ethic work their way up to take on a Level 6 Construction Site Managers course. He is already a natural leader and an asset to the finishes and interiors sector. The award was presented by Dean Pinner, Managing Director of CCF Ltd and Iain Mcilwee CEO of FIS. Olton Bridge, 245 Warwick Road Solihull, West Midlands B92 7AH Telephone 0121 707 0077 Email info@thefis.org Website www.thefis.org RUNNER UP: Richard Austen – Stortford Interiors Richard was awarded runner-up due to his enthusiasm to adopt new ways of working and new technologies. He was also recognised for his ability to manage both his peers and his superiors. Outstanding Employee Award WINNER: Matt Taylor – Astins With more than 18 years’ experience in the industry, Matt was recognised for his never-ending energy and professionalism for design and to the sector. The award was presented by Nathan Garnett, Event Director at Media 10 Limited and Iain Mcilwee CEO of FIS. RUNNER UP: Ed Kelly – ETAG Fixings Ed was commended for his exceptional reliability, quality of work, initiative and professionalism, as well as his commitment to Etag’s work values. Lifetime Achievement Award – sponsored by CCF Ray Deeks – G Cook & Sons Ray was chosen as the recipient of this award for demonstrating a lifetime’s dedication to his trade. In particular, he was applauded for the amount of his own time he has committed to sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with the wider industry. The judges said: “We all owe Ray a vote of thanks for the legacy that he continues to leave.” The award was presented by Dean Pinner, Managing Director of CCF Ltd and Iain Mcilwee CEO of FIS.
Nestled in one of the North East’s most exclusive suburbs is a luxurious property that is stealing the attention of affluent house hunters. Poppy Cottage, the new property by Developments by Joseph Homes, is located on one of Wynyard Park’s most sought-after plots and is worth a cool £1.2million. Constructed of the highest quality textured brick and natural roof slate, the detached executive-style bungalow is situated on a 3,638 sq ft plot in Musgrave Garden Lane, in the heart of the luxury housing development in the Tees Valley. This beautiful four-bedroom home, which boasts a sleek interior design scheme with an array of modern touches, oozes luxury living. Chris Musgrave, CEO of Wynyard Park, explains how the new show home is set to revolutionise the way customers look at self-build projects. He said: “Joseph Homes caters to house buyers who want the luxury of a self-build property but don’t necessarily have the time or resources to independently manage such a project. “Joseph Homes offers a selection of six designs for customers to choose from, with the opportunity to make individual changes to match their particular requirements, while it project manages the custom build on behalf of the customer. “One of the difficulties for anyone embarking on a house build project is that it is difficult to get an initial feel for the property. It’s hard to get excited about an empty plot of land, which is why we introduced this stunning new show home. “Poppy Cottage is the perfect insight into a Joseph Homes property. It gives an overview of the style and quality of the build and helps get the customer inspired for their dream home. “What sets our homes apart is that we go the extra mile in every way possible. We compromise on nothing; from the architectural design to the handmade bespoke kitchens and bathrooms. Poppy Cottage radiates elegance and quality craftsmanship, something that is hard to get across through images alone.” Since the launch of Poppy Cottage Joseph Homes has secured the sale of two bespoke properties, each with the sale price of over of £1m. Wynyard Park is home to some of the most exclusive and sought-after plots in the North East, with local footballers and millionaires alike calling it home. It has sold more than 70 self-build plots in the last two years alone. Chris added: “Every person who has come through the doors of Poppy Cottage has been impressed. Our aim is to show house buyers that there is no need to fear the idea of taking a custom build route, as Joseph Homes provides its customers with both freedom and convenience.” To book an appointment to view Poppy Cottage or to find out more information about a custom build project with Joseph Homes, contact 01740 667 000 or email info@josephhomes.life
The planning stages of a construction project require attention to a whole lot of details, and the type of concrete being used is one that should be near the top of every list of priorities. But what type of concrete is best for your project? iMix Concrete will run through various types of concrete and the applications they’re best suited for. Small wall footings, sheds and floors – C15 C15 is ideal for these kinds of projects. This particular type of concrete allows for non-permanent finishes to be placed on top, such as tiles, which means it is perfect for flooring. It is worth noting that it is only suitable for flooring without any embedded metal, such as steel rebar. Foundations and floor slabs – C20 For foundations for single storey buildings, internal floor slabs and oversites, you need C20 concrete. With a 28-day strength of 20 Newtons, it is strong enough to withstand the loads expected in these environments, without possessing the strength of other, heavy duty concretes. Footings, foundations, groundwork and trench fill – C25 For this variety of applications, a versatile type of concrete is needed, and C25 fits that bill. Used in domestic and commercial applications alike, most commonly in foundations for houses and extensions, it is strong and durable, with a 25 Newton 28-day strength. Driveways – PAV 1 Driveways are expected to withstand a high amount of wear and tear, as well as heavy loads on a regular basis. PAV 1 concrete is ideal for a driveway as it contains air-entrainment additives that create small bubbles, protecting the concrete from freeze-thaw damage. Paths, patios and pavements – C30 With a 30 Newton 28-day strength, C30 is the recommended concrete for those looking to lay a patio or path in their garden , or for the laying of pavements. It can be used for garage bases, too – ‘external light use applications’ also fall into the category of suitable uses for C30 concrete. Reinforced floors, walls and workshop bases – C35 Floors in certain environments are going to have to endure greater impacts than your average domestic flooring. Think of warehouses and other industrial environments – vehicles, machinery and materials make for a very heavy load, and as such the floor needs to be made of a heavy-duty concrete, such as C35.
Energy Assets Group (EAG), one of Britain’s leading metering and energy services businesses, has announced that from 1st February 2019, all of its utility network design and construction operations will be rebranded as Energy Assets Utilities (EAU). As a result of the brand strategy, Future Energy Group (FEG), which was acquired by EAG in May last year, and Dragon Infrastructure Solutions (DIS), which joined the Group in May 2017, will now operate as EAU. The move reflects the success of the company’s expansion strategy which, since 2015, has seen its network design and construction business build a nationwide offering with operational centres in Livingston and Alva (Scotland), Northampton, Birstall and Sheffield. In total EAU employs over 300 people, working with housebuilders and developers to deliver the gas, electricity, water and fibre-to-the-home networks that energise Britain’s public and private housebuilding programme. “The acquisitions of FEG and DIS have added significantly to the resources and geographic capability of the network design and construction services available to our customers. By creating a nationwide service offering with a single brand, our people will be better empowered to drive our growth plans through a clearer sales, marketing and customer service focus,” said Craig Topley, Energy Assets Group Managing Director (Construction). “This opens up exciting opportunities both for staff and our customer base as we continue to enhance the service delivery portfolio through the strategic expansion of the Group.” The Group is also an independent operator of ‘final mile’ gas and electricity networks and a leading provider of energy-related services including metering, data and asset management. www.energyassets.co.uk
An acoustic attenuation solution provided by Sto has helped create a new acoustic environment at a leading London restaurant. The StoSilent Distance system has been installed at Lyle’s – a restaurant that is quickly becoming recognized as one of most prestigious establishments of its kind in the capital. Located in the historic refurbished Tea Building in Shoreditch, Lyle’s frontage consists of original individual glazed windows, which lead into a clean modern, large open plan area. Within this area there are exposed HVAC services below the soffit, a bar space and an open kitchen experience. “Although the interior is clean, light and modern and gives a feeling of space, unfortunately all the original features of the building, i.e. glazed tiles to the walls, original concrete columns and polished concrete floors are hard and reflective and only add to the acoustic conundrum with attenuation, reverberation and speech clarity,” explains Sto’s Technical Consultant for Acoustics, Mike Wallace. “Add to the mix the open kitchen and bar, mood music and hard wooden tables and chairs, and it was vital that the correct acoustic balance was achieved. “For a restaurant, it’s important to create the correct balance. You want the area to have a good background atmosphere, and at the same time, the customers need to be able to hold conversations without straining to hear, where speech is intelligible. This is when good all-round acoustic design becomes a vital element within the space. To achieve this, we were asked to provide a Class B solution, which translates to 0.8 and 0.85 as a weighted sound absorption coefficiency.” The Sto Silent Distance 115 system was chosen to achieve this balance and Sto worked closely with Billy Hookway of Trishna Group to provide the optimum design. The Sto Silent Distance 115 system allows the creation of seamless, sound-absorbent walls and ceilings up to 200 m², allowing inclined planes, sharp and consistent joints, bulkheads and floating return bulkheads. In line with the aspiration of the client wishing to have a modern, clean, uncluttered aesthetic, it was natural for Lyles to choose the Sto Silent Distance system. The interior soffit consisted of existing pre-constructed square concrete coffers, and the client wished to retain these, so Sto designed the individual canopies to be tight to the soffit and give the impression of height and depth, and to accentuate and express the natural concrete coffers. The use of the Sto SW150 minimal void solution, in conjunction with the 25mm 115 board, provided the perfect balance in achieving the all-important acoustic design and the aesthetic requirements. Installation of the system was managed by Craft Interior, a trained Sto Acoustic installer. “The overall installation was finished with Sto Silent Décor M in white, to create an eye-catching finish that is very in-keeping with the clean and minimalist design of the restaurant’s interior,” adds Graham Chadwick of Craft Interior. “The StoSilent Décor M is spray-applied and can be tinted to match a wide range of shades from the StoColor system”. The final effect has been extremely successful, with Lyle’s diners able to enjoy their meal in surroundings that are attractive and contemporary from both a visual and acoustic viewpoint. Picture caption: A StoSilent Distance acoustic attenuation solution has helped create a new acoustic environment at this leading London restaurant. Picture courtesy of Adam Luszniak Photography
Perhaps the most luxurious new private rental apartment block in Ashford is already more than 60% reserved as demand for high-quality accommodation soars in one of the fastest-growing and best connected towns in the South East. Called La Scierie (The Saw Mill) because it has been built on the site of a former town centre saw mill, the 31 spacious apartments feature Italian designer kitchens, stone worktops, LED lighting systems, marble-effect porcelain tiles, TVs fitted in the bathroom and bi-folding doors to private balconies. Built with the executive lettings market in mind, the block consists of 10 two bedroom and 21 one-bedroom apartments accessed from a stunning entrance lobby. Constructed and finished to an extremely high specification by Ingleton Luxury Homes, there has been considerable interest among prospective tenants since it was released to the market just before Christmas. La Scierie is an ideal choice for people looking for a slice of affordable luxury in the heart of one of the most vibrant and fast-growing towns in Kent, with commuters to London in particular being drawn to the upmarket development. In addition to the quality of the apartments, location is also a huge draw. La Scierie is a couple of minutes’ stroll from Ashford International station, which offers unrivalled rail links to London and Europe. London St Pancras can be reached in just 38 minutes, while regular Eurostar trains whisk passengers to Paris in two hours from this corner of the Garden of England. The apartments are also close to the town centre and the Ashford Designer Outlet, where a £90m expansion is due to open later this year bringing another 50 upmarket brands to Ashford. More than £520m is being invested in town centre facilities, with a fabulous new six-screen Picturehouse boutique cinema, hotel and restaurant complex having opened in December. Among the first tenants to move into La Scierie are young couple Amba Doughty and Harry Edwards, along with their four-month-old baby Harrison. They are “thrilled” with their first family home. “We were initially attracted by the fantastic location so close to the town centre, the train station and the Designer Outlet but at our first viewing we were amazed at the quality of the apartments. We are so happy to make this our first family home,” said Amba. La Scierie is owned by innovative property company, A Better Choice for Property Ltd, which was established by Ashford Borough Council in 2014 as an investment company with the aim of building a portfolio of 400-500 private rental properties, helping to generate new income to help pay for council services. For viewing and more information about La Scierie contact the letting agents Connells on 01233 511020.
Less than one in ten young people would consider a career in construction, even though more than half are interested in subjects that qualify them for the industry, new research by L&Q has revealed. L&Q, one of the UK’s largest housing associations and developers, surveyed 1,095 16-18 year-olds about their career aspirations. Around 50 per cent of the young people said that they were interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). However, only nine per cent stated that they would consider a career in housebuilding. The Construction Industry Training Board estimates that 230,000 new recruits will be needed by 2020 to support construction growth and account for an ageing workforce. There are 167 different careers in construction, and the built environment is the second biggest employer in the country after the NHS. Around half of all construction careers require degrees in a STEM subjects. However, the new research revealed that the industry was perceived as challenging and unexciting by students. The findings were revealed today as L&Q launched its new schools programme aimed at increasing the number of young people joining the construction industry by raising awareness of the wide variety of jobs available. Learning to Succeed is a £1 million programme that will seek to address the sector’s image issues by offering free STEM education lessons and careers advice to 30 schools in 12 London boroughs. The programme is being developed and delivered in partnership with Construction Youth Trust, the construction industry’s youth charity. Schools became obliged to provide weekly careers advice to all pupils in 2018, although no extra funds have been allocated. L&Q is the first housing association in the country to offer careers advice and assistance of this kind. The survey also revealed: Science is the most popular school subject, closely followed by maths Young people cited concerns that construction wasn’t an exciting field to work in or they thought they wouldn’t be good at it as reasons for their lack of interest However, for the nine per cent who were interested in construction, the “excitement” of the field was the biggest factor for their interest Exactly 40 per cent of young people feared they wouldn’t be good at the job. To address this, L&Q is promoting the benefits of apprenticeships where people are paid to learn. The results suggested that having an exciting career was more important than money to the majority of young people, in our survey the young people who did want to work in construction said they were motivated by excitement rather than money Matthew Corbett, Director of the L&Q Foundation, said: “Construction isn’t just about hard hats and steel capped boots, it’s also about innovation, technology, great design, communities and placemaking. If we’re going to solve our housing crisis, then we need our young people to help – but first we need to increase interest and awareness of the opportunities the industry has to offer. “The average age of a tradesman on a site is now 45-years-old. And Brexit is looming. We’ve got a serious amount of work to do in promoting ourselves if we’re ever going to fill the substantial gaps in our skills base and make the industry more appealing to younger people.” Construction Youth Trust Director, Carol Lynch, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with L&Q to develop and deliver the Learning to Succeed programme. It is through the development of programmes like Learning to Succeed that we can challenge the negative misperceptions of the construction industry and inspire young people to choose a career from amongst the amazing breadth of roles available within the sector.”
The redevelopment of Birmingham’s Centenary Square reached a leafy milestone as work began to plant the first of the site’s trees. More than 50 trees will be planted over the next few months, including 17 Silver Birch, 12 Ginkgo, 12 Cherry and 12 Acer Rubrum, which will be complemented with some low-level planting. The first tranche of trees have been planted close to Centenary Way, near the Hall of Memory and Baskerville House, with the remainder being planted in phases. Councillor Sharon Thompson, Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods at Birmingham City Council, said: “The transformation of Centenary Square into a world-class public space for Birmingham is progressing well, and it was a privilege to be involved in putting one of the first trees into place.” Chris Hall is Interim Deputy Chief Executive at Acivico, the delivery team acting as project manager on behalf of Birmingham City Council, said: “Centenary Square has always been one of the most well-known parts of Birmingham city centre, which is why we are so excited about helping to create what will become an iconic space for the public to enjoy.” The redevelopment of Centenary Square is being delivered for Birmingham City Council by Bouygues UK. Once completed, Centenary Square will be a stunning public space in the heart of the city, featuring a 5cm-deep pool with water jets, which can be drained for events to take place. The entire square will be illuminated by 43 lighting columns. Work on Centenary Square is due to be completed this summer.