Building materials supplier CEMEX has expanded its mortar range by adding 25kg bagged options to two of its dry mixes, in order to provide customers with increased flexibility of supply. CEMEX’s M4 and M12 Natural Mortar are now available in 25kg bags, as well as 1 tonne bags alongside the
Architectures, designers, general contractors and builders need different types of metals in construction projects. To choose the best metal, they consider efficiency, maintenance and durability of metals for their projects. Metals offer striking beauty, versatility and clean looks than other materials. For a construction project, you have to consider economic
Charlie Carlton, Head of Digital at IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery, has commented on the UK economy entering a recession and the outlook for the construction industry: “The UK has now officially, and inevitably, entered a recession, with the economy shrinking by 20.4% between April and June, compared
Global building materials supplier CEMEX presents VIAMAIN, a sustainable alternative to conventional materials designed with the utility contractor in mind. The benefits it delivers include improved air void compliance and a reduction in the number of defects associated with trench reinstatements through enhanced workability and compaction properties. Furthermore, the enhanced
The NHBC has presented Pasquill with a Pride in the Job award in recognition of their role supplying timber trusses to a development in Devon. For 40 years, Pride in the Job has celebrated the housebuilding industry and worked to build confidence in new homes. The competition focuses on exceptional
If you do your research and find the correct structural steel fabricators, your project will be able to be completed efficiently. It will have an effect on the end item, how much time is required to complete the project, and also your total bill. You need to know that not
Marine plywood is made with waterproof glue and has excellent quality. However, this type of plywood is not decay-resistant because it is not chemically treated. It is also a common choice for boat parts and constructing boats. It is used for outdoor furniture because of its durability, especially when it
~ Let’s not let our high street fall to the wayside ~ The government has recently announced plans to invest billions of pounds into UK infrastructure to help rebuild the economy. The UK will “Build Back Better”, it claims. The decline of the British high street has been cause for
Building materials supplier CEMEX is proud to present STREETPAVE, a complete three-stage bedding, bonding and jointing mortar paving system. The range consists of BS 7533 compliant products for rigid pavement construction. All three products in the system are high performance and offer rapid strength, including; STREETPAVE PaveBase bedding mortar; PaveGrip
IronmongeryDirect has reported its most successful month in history, with June seeing record figures for both order numbers and revenue. With many people turning to DIY during lockdown, the UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery experienced an 80% year-on-year (YoY) increase in web traffic in June. This increase led to a 75%
Building materials supplier CEMEX has expanded its mortar range by adding 25kg bagged options to two of its dry mixes, in order to provide customers with increased flexibility of supply. CEMEX’s M4 and M12 Natural Mortar are now available in 25kg bags, as well as 1 tonne bags alongside the original dry silo option, to ensure all masonry requirements can be met – whatever the size of the site or requirements of the job. Both sizes of bags are fully waterproof to make storage even easier; perfect for sites which are too small for a silo or need the mortar to be moved to different areas throughout the job. A bagged product also allows for a more efficient use of labour. Readymixed, CEMEX’s M4 and M12 Natural Mortar is easy to use; customers simply add water until the required workability is achieved. It is available as both natural and in a wide range of colours. CEMEX M4 and M12 Natural Mortar is suitable for brick laying, block laying, repointing, general masonry repairs and for laying patio and paving slabs. Additionally, M12 Natural Mortar is specifically designed for below ground and DPC environments where increased durability is required. Both mixes are factory made for guaranteed consistency, using dried, constituents, accurately blended to approved mix designs to produce M4 and M12 mortars that comply with the requirements of BS EN 998-2. Michael May, Sales Manager for CEMEX Mortars Europe, commented: “It is important that we continually adapt our product portfolio to provide increased flexibility for the customer, which is why we have included two bagged dry mortar options in the range. Bulk and 25kg bags are suitable for smaller sites where storage is a challenge, or making good where the volume required on site doesn’t lend itself to a silo. “This means that whatever the size of the site or the needs of a job, we can provide a high quality, easy to use and consistent dry, pre-blended solution, compatible with a wide range of bricks and blocks.”
Architectures, designers, general contractors and builders need different types of metals in construction projects. To choose the best metal, they consider efficiency, maintenance and durability of metals for their projects. Metals offer striking beauty, versatility and clean looks than other materials. For a construction project, you have to consider economic benefits, versatility and sustainability of metals. Here are some widely used metals in the construction industry. Steel It is widely used and most recycled metal. Steel is frequently used in the construction industry because of its sustainable structure. If you want this metal for your construction project, you have to choose a reliable supplier for the best steel supplies in Melbourne. Steel structures are available at low costs. These may be available in coastal defenses, bridge deck plates, high-rise buildings, educational buildings, low-rise buildings, security fencing, stadiums, office buildings and hospital buildings. Aluminum Nowadays, the use of aluminum is increasing because of its physical properties. It is an ideal material for different construction projects. Aluminum is lightweight and strong. This metal is highly resistant to corrosion. The fluidity of this metal gives freedom to designers and architects. Aluminum is used in walls and ceilings, roof covers, window frames, HVAC systems and to construct bridges and stadiums. Remember, aluminum is malleable and highly conductive. It is resilient to the harsh climate. This metal is frequently used in wire, doors, and windows. Aluminum handles, walling roofs and HVAC ducts are frequently available in the building industry. Iron Wrought and cast irons are two different products with specific objectives in construction. Cast iron is poured, molded and melted. Wrought iron can be rolled in the final stages of its production. It is used in different architectural projects. Remember, the dome of the United State Capitol is made of cast iron. Wrought iron is easy to rivet to make things, such as rafters, trusses and beams. Copper It is an old metal to add versatility to engineering projects. Copper is a versatile material with amazing physical properties. Remember, copper features strength, flexibility, corrosion resistance, and conductivity. In the construction industry, copper is an excellent metal. It is suitable for cladding, heating systems, gas and oil lines, electrical wiring, roofing, and rainwater systems. With the use of copper, you can add strength and versatility to your building. Copper tubing is available in two types and famous for pipes in constructions. Inflexible copper tubing can be used as cold and hot tap water pipes. Moreover, soft copper is suitable to make refrigerant lines in heat pumps and HVAC systems. Malleable metal and copper ductile is resilient to corrosion for soil and water. Titanium Titanium is an extra-strength, lightweight metal famous in the construction industry. It is used for cooling and heating system because of its corrosion resistance. Titanium is famous for its use in roofing, security systems and pipes. Remember, plates of titanium offers additional reinforcement. Copper tubing, stainless steel, carbon steel and aluminum are all strong, corrosion-resistant and durable metals. These are frequently applied in the building industry. Use of these metals is common in the construction of door frames, staircases and pipes.
Charlie Carlton, Head of Digital at IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery, has commented on the UK economy entering a recession and the outlook for the construction industry: “The UK has now officially, and inevitably, entered a recession, with the economy shrinking by 20.4% between April and June, compared to the first three months of 2020. “The construction industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, with the lockdown causing output to plummet since March. In April, it fell by a staggering 40.2% – the highest monthly fall since such records began in 2010. “However, while construction output remains around a quarter (24.8%) lower than it was pre-lockdown, there are certainly signs of recovery. The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that output increased by 23.5% between May and June, which was also a record. “The sectors which grew the most were repairs and maintenance of private housing (44%) and the building of private new houses (42.3%). “In other more positive news, the number of unemployed construction workers dropped by 3,000 in the months between April to June (compared with March to May), and this was joined by a rise in average weekly earnings, from £578 up to £590. While this is 9% lower than the equivalent period last year, it is the first increase in 2020, so hopefully it will continue to rise. “The slow, but visible signs of recovery are also evident in our sales figures, as IronmongeryDirect saw record numbers for both orders and revenue in June. We experienced an 80% year-on-year increase in web traffic and a 75% rise in transactions. “While there is undoubtedly still a long way to go before the construction industry fully recovers, it’s great to see that there are a few signs of progress after an incredibly challenging few months. While we are about to hit a hard time as a nation, there can be hope that we’ll recover in full force.” For more information about IronmongeryDirect, visit: www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/.
Global building materials supplier CEMEX presents VIAMAIN, a sustainable alternative to conventional materials designed with the utility contractor in mind. The benefits it delivers include improved air void compliance and a reduction in the number of defects associated with trench reinstatements through enhanced workability and compaction properties. Furthermore, the enhanced durability means VIAMAIN has a significantly decreased whole life carbon footprint compared to traditionally used materials. This can be further reduced by the use of a Warm Mix version VIAMAIN ECO. “For our customers the risk of defects associated with trench reinstatements is one of the major issues they face and by using VIAMAIN they’re seeing a reduction in both visual and core defects, which saves their business money in defect charges and rectification,” explained Martin Ashfield, National Technical Manager (Asphalt & Surfacing) for CEMEX UK. “The sustainability benefits are an added advantage, as we are seeing more and more customers looking to choose more eco-friendly options for their projects. We offer a wide range of sustainable products to our customers for all types of work and we continue to collaborate with others to increase our eco range.” CEMEX customers, D T Hughes Contractors and Ryeland Developments, are two out of 120 that have switched to VIAMAIN for their multiple trench reinforcement projects. Liam Cannon, Reinstatement Manager at D T Hughes, said: “VIAMAIN has lowered air voids by roughly 50% and lowered the number of defect complaints received. It’s an all-round better product visually and because it passes the air content test saving the company money and time.” CEMEX has partnered with Shell Bitumen as their leading Bitumen supplier in the UK and Carl Platt, Director of Asphalt, Paving, and Building Products for Europe, said: “It’s important to us that we offer sustainable and durable solutions to customers. We’ve been working with Shell Bitumen in the UK for a long time and they understand our business and strategic priorities. Increasing our sustainable product range aligns to our strategy and Shell’s robust supply chain and quality products support us to deliver a reliable high standard to our customers.” VIAMAIN mixes are fully compliant with the requirements of the Specification for the Reinstatement of Opening for Highways and mixes are available as a 20mm binder course and a 10mm & 6mm surface course, all of which fully conform to BS EN 13108-1. The product is providing customers with a lot more confidence in the durability of their reinstatement work and Ryeland Developments Operations Manager, Callum Whitfield, said: “VIAMAIN is far superior to standard 6mm batches, operatives prefer to lay the material and customers are happier with the end-product.”
The NHBC has presented Pasquill with a Pride in the Job award in recognition of their role supplying timber trusses to a development in Devon. For 40 years, Pride in the Job has celebrated the housebuilding industry and worked to build confidence in new homes. The competition focuses on exceptional site managers, along with the suppliers and contractors who support them in the goal of creating high quality homes. Pasquill, the UK’s leading supplier of timber roof trusses, was acknowledged for supporting Baker Estates with its Hayne Lane development in Honiton. The collection of two, three-and four-bedroom homes, garages and flats were supplied with trusses and spandrel panels via Pasquill’s Bodmin site. The trusses for the houses are a mix of standard trusses with some raised tie trusses. Chris Powell, Sales Director at Pasquill, said: “These days a little bit of good news goes a long way. This is a terrific achievement, so I’d like to say thank you to all my colleagues who were involved on this project – from administrator to delivery driver. “Building quality homes is the goal, and it takes a team of experts to achieve this. We’re proud to have played our part and are delighted to be recognised alongside our fellow suppliers.” For more information, please visit www.pasquill.co.uk
If you do your research and find the correct structural steel fabricators, your project will be able to be completed efficiently. It will have an effect on the end item, how much time is required to complete the project, and also your total bill. You need to know that not every structural steel fabricator functions similarly in terms of equipment, kinds of projects, etc., therefore it is necessary to know what to look at before working with a certain business. The following are some tips to help you out with the above aim. Look for where there are experts Structural steel fabricators function differently therefore you need to see whether the company you have selected has experience in your project. If you can find some experienced brand that knows about the kind of fabrication you need, this will allow the work to be completed fast. It will also be done well as they will have had experience in the task. How many years have they been working for? You need this question to be answered. No doubt, some fresh companies may give you excellent service, but it is rather risky selecting a business that does not have much experience and is new. For those whose task is really large and tough and if you do not want any complications, select an established brand that has been working for some years. The reason for this is that they have been present for some years and know how to handle tasks and customers. They are doing something correct that’s why they are in business for some time. Check out reviews Nowadays it is simple to know what consumers think about a certain company as there is the internet. It is a good idea to see online reviews. Do not only look at the reviews present on the company’s website. Check out ones present on social media. Professional brands usually have customer testimonials present on their page. No doubt these are wonderful, however, see off-site ones present on other platforms such as Instagram, Google My Business, etc. Does the business invest in equipment and staff? Those brands which spend money on equipment, technology as well as staff are often likely to complete the task faster, better, and well. The employees are a vital part and the way they work is important in determining how they will complete your project. Therefore, see their credentials also. Registration is important See if the business is registered in the area it is present. For instance, if you are looking for structural steel fabricators in Melbourne, check if they are registered over there. If they are then it means that they will give items and services which are of a good standard. Only those businesses get registered that are effective. One spends much cash on a project and they will want it to be completed according to their requirements. You will want to be satisfied that you have selected a professional brand that will give you excellent results. Consider the above tips for this.
Marine plywood is made with waterproof glue and has excellent quality. However, this type of plywood is not decay-resistant because it is not chemically treated. It is also a common choice for boat parts and constructing boats. It is used for outdoor furniture because of its durability, especially when it gets a solid protective finish. What Is Marine Plywood? Almost all marine plywood is made from peeling a massive sheet of veneer from a spinning log – imagine a tissue paper coming off its roll. There are two species of plants used for marine-grade plywood: Douglas-fir and western larch. All plies shouldn’t have knotholes but may have knots. Marine plywood come in different grades: Cases of Use Marine plywood is preferred in the construction of boats and docks thanks to its waterproof nature. It is proven to perform longer in wet and humid conditions. It can also resist fungal attack and delamination. It can also be used for kitchen and bathroom walls. These two areas in the house are prone to moisture; that’s why you need waterproof plywood. Using marine plywood for your kitchen floor will prevent it from deforming and rotting. Woodworkers also love using marine plywood in making outdoor furniture such as: What makes it Special? Marine plywood is super strong because: Whether you are planning to DIY or work with a professional, you need to use high quality materials for your home construction/renovation. Luckily, Sheet Materials Wholesale got your backing. Here you will get quality class 3 plywood at the most competitive prices.
~ Let’s not let our high street fall to the wayside ~ The government has recently announced plans to invest billions of pounds into UK infrastructure to help rebuild the economy. The UK will “Build Back Better”, it claims. The decline of the British high street has been cause for concern for a number of years, but this new investment could offer a lifeline. Here, Nick Cowley, managing director of aluminium building product supplier, Endurawood, shares insight into how to construct a modern high street that thrives. It’s no secret that the high street has been troubled in recent years. Consumers are increasingly turning to online shopping, and if they do venture out, it’s probably to a large indoor shopping centre. With fewer customers on the high street, retailers are not making enough profit against their overheads, forcing them to close high street stores. The resulting empty shops are an eye sore, making towns and cities appear run down and lifeless. The high street must be renovated in order to bring shoppers back, and retailers must adapt to modern consumer lifestyles and shopping habits. Time to adapt The British high street developed in the 1860s and 1870s due to urbanisation, as many people no longer had the facilities to grow their own crops or keep livestock. Consumer lifestyles were vastly different at that time — there was no internet, less travel and less to do. Shoppers had no choice but to buy their supplies from the high street, and had more time to do so. Now, many consumers have larger work time commitments, and the ability to travel and use the internet makes it easy to shop elsewhere. With many shoppers now possessing a more modern lifestyle, the high street must adapt and evolve to avoid death of businesses. A number of high street shops trade nine-to-five and close completely on Sundays. For a worker in a nine-to-five Monday to Friday job, this outdated trading pattern leaves only Saturday as an opportunity to shop. Retailers who start opening an hour earlier in the morning or offer late night shopping will be able to create a few extra hours of shopping time a day. To prevent shoppers going elsewhere, high streets must offer something unique. Dispersing small businesses between the well-known retailers gives shoppers the perfect balance of the familiar and the novel find. Hosting events, such as student discount nights, food festivals and craft markets, can attract shoppers and add vitality to the high street. Shoppers are unlikely to tire of the ease of online shopping. Because of this, retailers should aim for their stores and websites to work together. A great way to do this is through click and collect delivery, as the shopper is likely to see something they like in store when they visit to receive their order. Ensuring customers experience a welcoming and calming atmosphere gives physical shops an edge over online shopping, where there is no contact. Shoppers who choose to go to store wish to view the items in person and have an enjoyable trip out of the house, so retailers must capitalise on this. Keeping up appearances The appearance of the high street is critical to its success. Visitors to an area of empty shops and run down streets are likely to turn away and never come back. In contrast, passers-by of a modern, prosperous area are likely to explore. Investment in new paving and lighting can make a large difference to the feel of a high street. Incorporating areas of interest, such as sculptures and small green spaces, also helps to uplift the area and provides space for social interaction. Adding more cafés and restaurants also boosts the social attraction of the high street. However, the main way to boost the appearance of the high street is to update the shops. Drab buildings give the impression of a boring and lifeless shopping experience, so modernising is essential. Exterior cladding can transform an ordinary brick building into a sleek store with character, and make the area appear warmer and more welcoming. Adding decking to the outside of cafés and restaurants provides a new space for trade, and the ability to seat customers outside gives the appearance of a thriving high street. Incorporating railings into the surrounding area can provide spaces for shoppers to get away from the hustle and bustle of the high street and recharge. Adding enclosures can conceal unsightly areas, such as large shop bins, keeping the space looking clean and clear. However, it’s important that the materials used to renovate the high street are durable and low maintenance, allowing the area to look new for years to come. Endurawood is an aluminium material with a woodgrain finish. Endurawood is available in cladding, decking, railing and enclosure systems that are easy to install and provide a number of performance benefits over traditional wood. Aluminium is non-warping, frost-resistant, non-porous and dissipates heat, making it durable in all weathers. The woodgrain finish is colour stable and stain and scratch resistant, ensuring the features stay looking pristine. In addition, the material is non-combustible and slip resistant, which ensures the safety of customers and staff. The new government investment into infrastructure provides an ideal opportunity to re-invent the high street. By incorporating changes in retail operation with updated store aesthetics, the high street can return to being the thriving hub of urban areas — creating employment and boosting the local economy.
Building materials supplier CEMEX is proud to present STREETPAVE, a complete three-stage bedding, bonding and jointing mortar paving system. The range consists of BS 7533 compliant products for rigid pavement construction. All three products in the system are high performance and offer rapid strength, including; STREETPAVE PaveBase bedding mortar; PaveGrip priming slurry; and PaveFill flowing joining mortar. These products can be used together for pavements constructed with clay, natural stone or concrete pavers. STREETPAVE PaveBase bedding mortar is made from cement and graded aggregates, and is available in a silo, bulk and 25kg bags. Once applied it is highly durable, suitable for walking on in 12 hours and driving on in 24 hours, and can be laid from 10-75mm in one pass. It is perfect for paved areas of mixed foot and vehicular traffic alongside general private and public hardscape areas. Meanwhile, STREETPAVE PaveGrip priming slurry uses specially selected aggregates to create the essential bond between the bedding and the paving element. Delivered in bulk or 25kg bag, it is applied with a brush at 1-2mm thick and is suitable for high-trafficked pavement. STREETPAVE PaveFill flowing joining mortar is the final step in this premium quality system. It is fast-setting and frost resistant with a 40MPa compressive strength and low shrinkage. Simple to mix and apply, PaveFill can be applied in joint widths of 5-50mm and up to 200mm deep in a single pass. “CEMEX is a UK leader in specialist mortar systems for hard landscaping and our new STREETPAVE system is a further demonstration of our expertise; allowing our customers to construct resilient pavements that meet and exceed the strict demands of BS 7533, ” commented Michael May, Sales Manager for CEMEX Mortars Europe. “The STREETPAVE system has been designed so it can work as a three-stage process with each product tested individually and collectively. The long-term value of using such high-quality products is clear; BS 7533 compliant systems are more robust and provide better overall value than non-compliant systems as they require less maintenance and last longer, in some cases exceeding 40 years. We know our customers want reliable, effective products and we are proud to offer the STREETPAVE system to help meet their paving requirements.” CEMEX R&D, Innovation and Business Development projects are part of the global R&D collaboration network, headed by CEMEX Research Centers, based in Switzerland.
IronmongeryDirect has reported its most successful month in history, with June seeing record figures for both order numbers and revenue. With many people turning to DIY during lockdown, the UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery experienced an 80% year-on-year (YoY) increase in web traffic in June. This increase led to a 75% uplift in transactions, taking the total number of orders to unprecedented levels. The surge of interest in home improvements saw a slight shift in IronmongeryDirect’s usual consumer base, away from its usual trade focus and more into the domestic market. In fact, while online traffic from existing customers rose by 29%, the number of first-time visitors more than trebled (208% YoY). Categories that performed particularly well in June included: ● Locks and latches ● Door and cabinet furniture (front door furniture, handles and knobs) ● Screws and fixings ● Gate, fence and shed hardware ● Shelving and storage Charlie Carlton, Head of Digital at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, said: “In recent months, many people have used their extra time at home to do DIY and this trend is clearly evident in our sales data. “We’re delighted to have been able to provide for the nation during lockdown, whilst still supplying critical products to the NHS and schools in this difficult time. With restrictions starting to ease off, we expect to see a return to our normal trade patterns and will continue to serve the country’s construction industry as it recovers from the pandemic.” For more information about IronmongeryDirect, visit: www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/