Medford is a beautiful city located in Jackson County, Oregon. It is believed to be the 4th largest metro area in Oregon. If a family is looking to build a new lovely home in this city, they will have to browse through various construction agencies. There are many agencies in
There has been a steady rise in the use of plastic materials in several production processes. Industries are continually trying to develop new materials that are cost and energy-efficient. As a result, the mixed materials assembly in product development is becoming increasingly popular. Companies are looking for ways to join
Preston-based family business Readyfix has experienced steady year on year growth and as a result have further invested in a second warehouse at their premises on Croft Street. The business, which employs 35 staff, added an extra 350 pallet spaces, equivalent to the size of a football pitch, allowing the
This year, the International Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The PEFC is the world’s leading forest certification system and the standard of choice for public timber procurement policies in the UK. Its certification systems are recognised in 51 countries across the world
Asphalt shingles were invented in 1901. By the 1940’s they were being produced on a mass scale and were well on their way to being the most widely used roofing material in the United States. Fast forward to modern times, and asphalt shingles are still one of the more popular
A recent industry survey conducted by Södra Wood has shown a definite increase in the specification of timber as a construction material in the UK, with 63% of respondents saying they believe timber is growing in popularity. The survey (hosted through Building and Building Design magazines) generated insight from almost
The RIBA-approved CPD – ‘Specifying an alternative to traditional rainwater systems’ – is a 20 minute long video that provides viewers with a deep understanding of rainwater and soil systems, the requirements for these products and to offer an alternative. It looks at industry standards and regulations, specification requirements, design and
Classified as a superhard material, titanium is a go-to metal for homeowners who need a sustainable solution to their building needs. Research suggests that the superhard materials industry will be worth an estimated $6.5 billion by the year 2025 and both titanium nitrate and titanium alloys fall within this category. With researchers
Have you looked at an empty lot or unused flat piece of land in your community and thought that it could absolutely be used in a much better way? With the increasing health epidemic that is sweeping first world countries caused by our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, not to mention the
A pilot project has been introduced to help fast-track the training of new bricklayers in the construction industry. This Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) scheme is part of a drive to address a national shortage of bricklayers. Brickwork Academy is working with students at Wirral Metropolitan College and Hugh Baird
Medford is a beautiful city located in Jackson County, Oregon. It is believed to be the 4th largest metro area in Oregon. If a family is looking to build a new lovely home in this city, they will have to browse through various construction agencies. There are many agencies in Medford. All of them are ready to make your dreams come true. The most important thing you should know is that they are licensed, general contractors. So, your homes are in capable hands. Apart from building a new home from scratch, construction agencies can do a lot more. Their services include remodeling as well. There are many households that have grown tired of looking at the same old boring walls and furniture. They can handle the interior as well as exterior painting. If you aren’t satisfied with your garden, they can do something about it. Construction agencies dabble in landscaping, too. There are no limits. If you want to find out more about the function of contractors, you can read more about it here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_contractor. Brand New Homes If you can’t find the home you are looking for, you will likely try to build it. It is undoubtedly exhausting for you to go through every house on the market and still be disappointed. The houses aren’t what you pictured your perfect home to look like. Whether you want a simple home or a more complex residence, construction agencies are here for you. They work according to your budget. That way, everything will be planned accordingly. You will undoubtedly get the most out of your savings. When you contact a construction agency, the first thing you are going to do is explain your dream home. After the design and specifics have been discussed, they contact engineers, architects, and sometimes real estate agents. They build up a team to build your perfect home. They work according to your needs from scratch up till the finishing touches to make sure everything is perfect. Even though most construction agencies are focused on residential work, they do not back off from commercial work. They can build office buildings as well. Remodeling It is not surprising to hear that some households are searching for contractors to help them in remodeling. You can certainly do some stuff yourself. But in some cases, it is best if you leave it to the professionals. So many things can go wrong if you aren’t experienced in house remodel. The majority of people are actually doubtful to contract someone for this type of construction. This is mostly because they think contractors cost a lot. What they do not know is that it can cost you more if you try to do it yourself and end up screwing it all up. Home Additions If you have a vacant place in your home, you may have a vision for what it could become. Many people dream of their own personal space in their households. They may want to get away from all the chaos and just relax. Some people dream of a spacious garage. Construction agencies can handle anything. The first thing you should do is show them the place you have and the size of it. They have to calculate the budget also. Whether you have to enlarge an already existing room or just add more rooms to your home, they can do it. You should know that they have to follow the construction laws to pass the Medford inspection. So, you do not have to worry about anything. They use the best materials out there that can withstand all kinds of weather. If you want to read more about various home additions, click here. Fences Some families enjoy more recluse homes because they like to have privacy. However, not many homes have that. So, people have to settle down for whatever they can get within their budget. Contractors can help you achieve more privacy by building you any type of fence you want. That way, you will be protected from all those noisy neighbors you may have. With a high enough fence, you could comfortably relax in your own backyard without worrying about prying eyes.
There has been a steady rise in the use of plastic materials in several production processes. Industries are continually trying to develop new materials that are cost and energy-efficient. As a result, the mixed materials assembly in product development is becoming increasingly popular. Companies are looking for ways to join different materials to develop products that feature enhanced durability and sustainable functionality. Plastic and metal are two of the most common materials that have to be joined. Hot riveting is one of the most effective ways of joining materials. And it is being used extensively by many companies. What is Hot Riveting? Before discussing hot riveting, we must know the basics of riveting. It involves the insertion of rivets into pre-drilled holes. The rivet head stays in place on one end of the hole as its diameter is more than the shaft. Upsetting or hammering is used to increase the width of the rivet tail, so it locks in place on the other end of the hole, creating a permanent joint. Hot Riveting is a process that joins two materials permanently at specific points using a form-closing technique. Thermoplastic must be one of the materials being joined, as it melts under heat and you can shape it with tools. Various types of heat application can be implemented in a hot riveting process, such as convection, conduction, friction, and radiation. Of these, convection and conduction are preferable as they will not produce any contaminating dust or swarf. Companies are resorting to different hot riveting technologies, ranging from manual to fully automatic. We recommend that you check out hot riveting by bdtronic, as they have one of the most environment-friendly and cost-effective processes. Other common names for hot riveting include hot forming and heat staking. Uses of Hot Riveting? Now that you have a decent understanding of what hot riveting is let’s take a look at its most prominent uses. It is mostly used where high strength and low weight are critical. The medical technology and automobile industries use it on a large-scale. It is also used in electronics production. Hot riveting can also be used in aircraft and window furniture. It is used for joining a wide range of materials, especially in vehicles. It has multiple uses in an automobile – the engine, door/window locking system, headlights, taillights, and control units. Any screwless joint you see can be achieved through hot riveting, as long as one of the materials to be joined is thermoplastic. Another common application of hot riveting is the permanent mounting of PCBs and other metals on houses. Final Words Welding and screwing materials together cannot be used everywhere. Hot riveting provides an effective way of creating permanent joints at low costs. It ensures consistent accuracy and top-notch quality. If you want to join two materials quickly and efficiently without spending a fortune, hot riveting is the perfect option.
Preston-based family business Readyfix has experienced steady year on year growth and as a result have further invested in a second warehouse at their premises on Croft Street. The business, which employs 35 staff, added an extra 350 pallet spaces, equivalent to the size of a football pitch, allowing the 27-year-old firm to hold onto their ‘huge stocks’ promise as they continue to grow. Started in 1992 by Richard Burwood, Readyfix supplies construction site materials, fixings and consumables to some of the country’s largest housebuilders and contractors as well as sub-contractors and independent tradespeople throughout the North of England. The company sets itself apart by offering impeccable customer service and next day/same day deliveries by their own drivers. Managing Director Greig Burwood who runs the company with his father and four brothers added, “Our primary focus is to keep to our promises; prompt response, and on-site, on-time deliveries. We have an excellent team to enable us to do this and the warehouse extension is proof that we are willing to invest to make sure our customers continue to be fully supported and their needs met.” The warehouse was under construction for six months with eight different local contractors working on the building. Sales Director Mark Burwood commented, “This new warehouse extension will enable us to offer an even better service throughout the North of England. We’re proud to serve the construction sector with our commitment to responsiveness. Our large inventory now allows us to deliver orders of stocked items even quicker to meet customer demand.”
This year, the International Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The PEFC is the world’s leading forest certification system and the standard of choice for public timber procurement policies in the UK. Its certification systems are recognised in 51 countries across the world and more than 300 million hectares of forest are managed in compliance with PEFC’s internationally accepted sustainability benchmarks. Simon Henry, Managing Director of Södra Wood Ltd, one of PEFC UK’s earliest supporters, simply summarises PEFC certification as “a must have”. PEFC UK celebrations included a birthday event recently held in Sheffield, home of PEFC UK, during which certificates were presented to a select group of supporters, including Södra Wood, as a gesture of recognition and thanks. Significantly, Södra Wood Ltd, one of 20,000 companies and organisations to have achieved PEFC Chain of Custody certification, was one of the first 15 supporters of PEFC UK back in 2001. Certificates were presented by Alun Watkins, Executive Director of PEFC UK and Ross Bradshaw, Chairman of PEFC UK. Simon Henry, recipient on behalf of Södra Wood Ltd of the fifth certificate presented, explained what makes the PEFC so important: “For any reputable timber supplier to do business with any key customer, it simply needs to be certified by the PEFC. The PEFC are custodians of the values and standards that we live by here at Södra. They, like us, are passionate about sustainable forest management and creating a strong framework for the protection of the world’s forests, while at the same time promoting a strong global timber market. It’s an organisation that we love to support.” On what the PEFC means to Södra, Simon continued: “We’re a company with a very strong moral compass and as such, we’re proud to have the badge of honour that is PEFC certification. Being recognised by the leading forest certification group is something that we’re very proud of. From our own personal business point of view, it also contributes to the work that we at Södra are trying to do to raise awareness about the numerous benefits of timber – whether that be its sustainability credentials, versatility, efficiency, or potential to help the UK meet housebuilding and emissions targets. We very much look forward to continuing our support of the PEFC. Here’s to the next 20 years and beyond!” For further information about Södra Wood please visit www.sodra.uk
Asphalt shingles were invented in 1901. By the 1940’s they were being produced on a mass scale and were well on their way to being the most widely used roofing material in the United States. Fast forward to modern times, and asphalt shingles are still one of the more popular types of roofing materials. This is due to their affordability, availability and overall aesthetic appeal. Since the early 20th century, there have been many technological and design improvements in asphalt shingles. They can come in a variety of colours, types, and designs. Before you make the decision to move forward with asphalt shingles, it is important that you connect with a reputable Indianapolis roofing contractor. This will help you to ensure that you are choosing the right type of shingle and that they are installed correctly. Different Types of Asphalt Shingles There are many types of asphalt shingles. However, the three main types are three-tab shingles, dimensional shingles, and luxury shingles. Each has its own set of pros and cons. Learn more about the most popular types of Asphalt shingles below. Three-tab shingles: These shingles are typically the most affordable. They are single layered and notched into three tabs. If properly taken care of, they can last for more than 20 years. However, they are not the most durable type of asphalt shingle and are slowly losing their popularity to other types. Dimensional shingles: Sometimes referred to as architectural shingles, they are much stronger than their three-tab counterparts. By many accounts, they are much more stylish as well. These shingles are known to last upwards of 30 years. Luxury shingles: Luxury asphalt shingles are typically built like dimensional shingles, but are made to look more like slate or wood shake roofs. Homeowners that do not wish to pay for slate or wood shake roofs, may opt for luxury shingles. It is important to note that they will cost considerably more than dimensional and three-tab shingles. Pros of Asphalt Shingles Asphalt shingles have transformed greatly since they were invented. With these technological advances, many positive characteristics can be attributed to them. Some of the advantages include: Ease of installation and less difficult to find a qualified contractor Cost-effective and easy on the budget An average lifespan of 20 or more years Environmentally friendly and can be recycled Can come in many colors and designs Cons of Asphalt Shingles While it is important to consider all of the advantages of asphalt shingles, there are also some disadvantages. These cons should not serve a deterrent. However, it is important to weigh all the information available before making your final decision. Listed below are some of the cons associated with asphalt shingles. Do not last as long as other materials like metal, slate, rubber, etc. Typically requires more maintenance than other materials Not known to be the most durable roofing material Have a higher propensity to develop algae or moss growth Overall, asphalt shingles have made a good name for themselves among contractors and homeowners all over the world. They are affordable, stylish and offer your home a proven layer of protection. It is recommended that you connect with an experienced roofing contractor before you choose asphalt shingles. They better they are installed, the more likely you are to be happy with them in the long run.
A recent industry survey conducted by Södra Wood has shown a definite increase in the specification of timber as a construction material in the UK, with 63% of respondents saying they believe timber is growing in popularity. The survey (hosted through Building and Building Design magazines) generated insight from almost 350 architects, consultants, contractors and merchants. The objective was to ascertain whether the UK is beginning to recognise the merits of timber and the results were clear to see: 69% of those questioned said they already worked with timber 68.75% of respondents felt that timber can help meet government housebuilding and sustainability targets When asked to rank the benefits of timber in order of importance, sustainability took the lead, followed by the fact that it is a quick and efficient material to work with. Great aesthetics took third place, then versatility, cost-effectiveness and offsite capabilities. Nigel Buckley-Ryan, Sales Director, Merchants, at Södra Wood, commented: “As a timber business, we have been working hard to position the benefits of what wood can do for our construction industry – it’s really rewarding to see so many people working with timber. We believe it can help meet many sustainability and housing targets in the UK, so I’m delighted to see recognition of that. “Sustainability is something that we are very passionate about here at Södra, which is why for every tree we fell, we plant another three and operate according to a tree’s natural lifecycle. It is welcoming to see that the UK construction industry is becoming more conscious of timber’s excellent sustainability credentials.” Jeremy English, Sales Director, Manufacturing, at Södra Wood commented: “While timber’s popularity is clearly growing, there remains lots of opportunity for further development, especially in terms of timber’s offsite capabilities, and cost and time efficiencies. The interesting thing about this survey is that it also shows that work still remains to be done to raise awareness around timber’s benefits. We’ll certainly continue to build its case and, as always, endeavour to drive the industry forward.” For further information about Södra Wood please visit www.sodra.uk
The RIBA-approved CPD – ‘Specifying an alternative to traditional rainwater systems’ – is a 20 minute long video that provides viewers with a deep understanding of rainwater and soil systems, the requirements for these products and to offer an alternative. It looks at industry standards and regulations, specification requirements, design and installation, as well as performance and maintenance, and health and safety considerations. Suitable for anyone involved in the specification and installation of rainwater systems including architects, developers and contractors, the online CPD includes case study examples featuring cast iron style rainwater systems across a wide range of applications. The presentation illustrates how modern plastic systems can meet specifier’s requirements for easy-to-install and economical alternatives to traditional cast iron. These systems offer heritage aesthetics without the cast-iron price tag. Brett Martin’s Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater and Soil range provides an authentic cast iron style in plastic and is a cost effective, easy to install and long term alternative to traditional guttering systems. Approved by many Planning Authorities for use on even the most demanding heritage project, Cascade is so close in detail to genuine cast iron that it is difficult to tell the difference, making it an increasingly popular choice at sympathetic refurbishments, restorations and traditional style new builds. “As a leading manufacturer of plastic rainwater systems, we are well placed to help educate specifiers and installers about the benefits of rainwater and soil systems,” said Paul Wadsworth, Specification Manager Brett Martin Plumbing & Drainage. “Our new CPD presentation will help construction professionals gain an even better understanding of specifying an alternative to traditional rainwater systems.” To view the online CPD module, please click on the following link: –http://www.brettmartin.com/en-gb/plumbing-and-drainage/about-us/online-cpd.aspx
Classified as a superhard material, titanium is a go-to metal for homeowners who need a sustainable solution to their building needs. Research suggests that the superhard materials industry will be worth an estimated $6.5 billion by the year 2025 and both titanium nitrate and titanium alloys fall within this category. With researchers constantly testing and developing new uses for titanium, such as titanium dioxide used to coat buildings in order to reduce smog, these figures are likely to become a reality. Make Good Bones Better Wood was a go-to option for many years to set up the framing for homes, as it was fast to construct, durable, lightweight, and cost-effective. However, neither the effect on the environment or woods susceptibility to pests and damage can be ignored. Titanium makes a strong case as the material of choice as it not only provides a strong an durable frame that is better resistant to fires and earthquakes, but it also proves to be an ally for homeowners against pests. Titanium Plate Ticks A Few Sustainable Boxes One of the advantages of titanium’s anti-corrosion quality is that the need to replace it will most likely not happen, and if it does, it will take more than a few decades. What this means for the environment, is that the constant need for repairs and replacements won’t exist, therefore, freeing up resources. Titanium sheet used in roofing also happens to be a great temperature regulator with a thermal conductivity ratio of only 17.0 W/mK. This means less strain on the HVAC, which in turn, means less strain on the environment. Achieve An Everlasting Finish One of the biggest cost factors for a homeowner is the high cost of repainting their roof. While this might only happen every 5 to 10 years, the cost is estimated at $120 to $272 per roofing square, which means the bigger the roof, the higher the cost. Those who decide to use titanium dioxide as a coating won’t have to worry about the color fading. Titanium dioxide is resistant to organic and inorganic materials and also bacteria, which makes it ideal for use inside the home as well. Titanium is fast becoming the go-to material for the construction industry, as its various applications make it one of the most versatile metals. It’s strong resistance to the elements, low heat conductivity, and anti-warp quality make it the metal of choice for coastal regions and fire and earthquake-prone areas.
Have you looked at an empty lot or unused flat piece of land in your community and thought that it could absolutely be used in a much better way? With the increasing health epidemic that is sweeping first world countries caused by our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, not to mention the decreasing sense of community being caused by our time poor society, wouldn’t it be nice to use those spaces to counter all of this? This is where basketball come in to play. Utilizing otherwise useless areas in the community to create a social space where kids and adults can come and enjoy a game, watching or playing, with rules that fit NBA regulations, or just get made up on the spot to create a unique community form of the game. http://www.jerseybasketballassociation.com/rules/ A lot of the space available may be council owned, and able to be repurposed for community development, otherwise if privately owned you may be able to negotiate a lease with the owner that allows you to develop and enjoy the space for a set period of years, often at little or no cost. The benefit to the owner is that they enjoy community goodwill, and the space is being used until such time as they can develop it themselves (If you go this route allow for a period that will be the majority of the life of the court to get maximum use). Sizing the Court If you’re looking at a regulation court you will need to be able to clear at least 94 feet by 50 feet, plus a little space around the edge, while high school basketball courts are generally a little smaller at around 84 feet by 50 feet. Of course, there is no reason for you to stay strictly within regulations, but it is usually a good idea. However, the main goal is to create a great surface to play ball on. Building the Court Outdoor basketball courts are generally made from asphalt paving or concrete. One of the reasons that you will see basketball courts with cracks and weeds is often that the court hasn’t been laid properly from the start. When you are talking to your New Jersey asphalt pavement contractor about their process, they shouldn’t be talking about just laying down blacktop. The first step is not to just ensure that the surface is flat, but also to make sure that it is very well compacted. Although there are many corners that can be cut, a good asphalt surface will have material that is placed under the top layer, and usually several different layers of differing materials, depending on what drainage and earth is going to be under the court. Each layer must then be well compacted. If you go with a company that will cut corners for you, you will have court that simply won’t last the distance. Even more so if you are building near a busy road or in an industrial area. Painting the Court Using non-slip paint is ideal for an outdoor court, and although you can get a range of different materials for the top in a selection of colors, standard blacktop with white paint is likely to be your cheapest option. However, you may be able to use the space for a logo of the company installing in order to get a discount. The Surrounds Trees provide great shade, but they also may drop leaves which mean that someone will need to clean up before a game can happen. You may think that this is fine, however in a community court simple things like this often become a reason for no one to use the space. Try and look at plantings that will be low mess. Although, fruit vines or trees may be a great option to encourage more families to enjoy the space, with apples, peaches and nectarines growing well in New Jersey (see here). Although these do lose their leaves in winter, so it becomes a balance of which is the more desirable quality.
A pilot project has been introduced to help fast-track the training of new bricklayers in the construction industry. This Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) scheme is part of a drive to address a national shortage of bricklayers. Brickwork Academy is working with students at Wirral Metropolitan College and Hugh Baird College in the Liverpool city region, and Warwickshire College in the West Midlands, to give them the work experience they need to take up jobs in construction. The students have been chosen in partnership with participating local employers and will complete an additional seven weeks of practical skills training at their college, along with work experience days on local construction sites. After this they will spend the next 24 weeks working onsite with their employer, to achieve their NVQ Level 2 brickwork qualification. In addition to developing their practical trowel skills, the extra college training supports students to be better prepared for the construction sector, covering topics such as employability skills and self-employment. CITB will evaluate the pilot project and if successful, it could be rolled out to more colleges across the country, and to other construction trades. This comes after CITB research showed 70% of construction employers regard work experience as of significant value when recruiting, twice as many as those who value academic qualifications. They also found 29% of college graduates poorly prepared for work, due in part to a lack of practical, on-site experience. “We know that construction employers are struggling to recruit skilled bricklayers, while too many students on construction-related courses lack the onsite experience and employability skills that will get them their first job in construction. We’re really encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by the colleges and employers involved in the Brickwork Academy. We hope that its results will make the case for expanding the Academy approach with more employers and into other trades, to join together with other CITB initiatives to help more learners become site-ready for employment,” commented Steve Radley, CITB Strategy and Policy Director.