More than half of small building firms say that rising material prices are squeezing their margins and the same percentage have had to pass these price increases onto consumers, according to the latest research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Small and medium-sized (SME) building firms were asked which
United Living has a three year programme of refurbishment work in Thurrock, Essex on its agenda and is currently looking to sign up new suppliers and subcontractors. A trade networking event was organised with Constructionline to outline the opportunities available on the programme and give attendees the chance to join
New roofing guidance for housebuilders has been published by the Trussed Rafter Association (TRA). How to Build Compliant Spandrel Panels, which is endorsed by the NHBC, has been updated to include information about single-skin cladding for spandrel panels. The guide now has a page featuring fermacell Gypsum Fibreboard as an
Designed to blend into the surrounding scenery, a unique roof construction of the new dining hall is the centrepiece of the regional college in Schwäbisch Gmünd. Visitors see a suspended roof, which is perfectly integrated into the landscape. The unusual roof construction was designed by German Liebel/Architekten and it was
RGB Building Supplies Exeter is inviting the local tradespeople to a free decorating breakfast morning on Tuesday, the 24th of April. There will be free bacon butties and cups of coffee between 7.30am and 11am, while leading industry names, such as Crown, Farrow & Ball, Bedec, ProDec and Tembe, will
Metsec plc, the UK’s largest specialist cold roll-forming company, has launched its innovative new range of steel framing systems (SFS) products, following months of research, product design and stringent fire testing. The company recognised that there was a need to increase the efficiency of SFS, while reducing both the environmental
Gripple, the manufacturer of building services suspension systems, has launched a global campaign that supports its newest time and labour saving trapeze bracket solution, Fast Trak. The campaign offers new and existing customers the chance to get in ‘pole position’ and win tickets to the Formula One Grand Prix events
Baumit supplied its external wall insulation system to a 72 property scheme, based in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, Ireland and comprising a mixture of social and private housing. The semi-detached, three and four-bedroom homes, designed by Craftstudio Architecture, needed to eliminate instances of cold bridging and increase the properties energy efficiency,
A popular community primary school located in the heart of Salford, Manchester, has been welcomed into its new home, created with the help of Kingspan Light + Air. The bright facility comprises high performance Kingspan Kapture Prismatic Skylights with climate control glazing, which offers savings of up to 80% on
Microcranes, Inc., a leader in the emerging mini crane industry, has introduced the ISO Certified M1 Global Model Microcrane designed to fit through 36 in. doorways, narrow aisles and inside elevators, yet expand to boom up to a 22 ft. tip height. The M1 Global hydraulic pick & carry portable
More than half of small building firms say that rising material prices are squeezing their margins and the same percentage have had to pass these price increases onto consumers, according to the latest research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Small and medium-sized (SME) building firms were asked which materials are in shortest supply and have the longest wait times. The average results were as follows (in order of longest to shortest wait times): 1) Bricks were in shortest supply with the longest reported wait time being more than one year; 2) Roof tiles were second with the longest reported wait time being up to six months; 3) Insulation was third with the longest reported wait time being up to four months; 4) Slate was fourth with the longest reported wait time being up to six months; 5) Windows were fifth with the longest reported wait time being more than one year; 6) Blocks were sixth with the longest reported wait time being up to four months; 7) Porcelain products were seventh with the longest reported wait time being more than one year; 8) Plasterboard was eighth with the longest reported wait time being up to two months; 9) Timber was ninth with the longest reported wait time being up to two months; 10) Boilers were tenth, with the longest reported wait time being more than one year. SME building firms were also asked by what percentage different materials have increased over the past 12 months. On average, the following rises were reported: Insulation increased by 16%; Bricks increased by 9%; Timber increased by 8%; Roof tiles increased by 8%; Slate increased by 8%; Windows increased by 7%; Blocks increased by 7%; Plasterboard increased by 7%; Boilers increased by 7%; Porcelain products increased by 6%. The impact of these material price increases includes: More than half of construction SMEs (56%) have had their margins squeezed, this has gone up from one third (32%) reporting this in July 2017; Half of firms (49%) have been forced to pass material price increases onto their clients, making building projects more expensive for consumers, this has gone up from less than one quarter (22%) reporting this in July 2017; A third of firms (30%) have recommended that clients use alternative materials or products to those originally specified, this has gone up from one in ten reporting this in July 2017; Nearly one fifth (17%) of builders report making losses on their building projects due to material price increases, this has gone up from one in ten reporting this in July 2017. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Material prices have rocketed over the past year. The reason for this could include the impact of the depreciation of sterling following the EU referendum still feeding through. High demand due to buoyant international markets could also be contributing to price increases. What’s particularly worrying is that when prices have increased mid-project, almost one fifth of builders have absorbed the increase and therefore made a loss. Also, if material price increases weren’t enough of a headache for building firms, they are also experiencing material shortages with wait times ticking up across a range of materials and products. Worst case scenarios include firms waiting for more than one year for a new order of bricks.” Berry continued: “The rise in material prices is not just a problem for the country’s construction firms – it is also a problem for home owners. Half of firms have been forced to pass these price increases onto their clients, meaning building projects are becoming more and more expensive. This problem has worsened recently with more than twice as many firms passing material prices on to their clients now compared with nine months ago. What’s more, home owners should be prepared to have to use alternative materials or products to their first choice. One third of firms have recommended that their clients should use alternative materials or products to those originally specified. Now more than ever, it’s important that builders and their clients keep the lines of communication open in order to stay within time and within budget. Specified products or materials may need to be swapped for alternatives or clients will need to accept the additional cost.” Berry concluded: “We are calling on builders merchants to give their customers as much advance warning of forthcoming material price increases or wait times as possible so that firms can warn their customers and plan ahead. We are also advising builders to price jobs and draft contracts with these material price rises in mind. The FMB’s latest State of Trade Survey shows that almost ninety per cent of building firms are expecting further rises over the next sixth months. This makes quoting for jobs difficult but if builders flag the issue to their client from the outset, and include a note in the contract that prices may be subject to increases, they shouldn’t be left short. What we don’t want is for the number of building firms making losses on projects to increase as this could result in firms going to the wall. A large number of collapsing construction companies will have a terrible knock-on effect in the wider economy.”
United Living has a three year programme of refurbishment work in Thurrock, Essex on its agenda and is currently looking to sign up new suppliers and subcontractors. A trade networking event was organised with Constructionline to outline the opportunities available on the programme and give attendees the chance to join United Living’s approved supplier list. The key trades expected to attend the event include: Kitchen renewal, Bathroom and WC renewal, Central Heating renewal, External door replacement, Electrical works, Damp remedial works, Any associated asbestos removal, as well as Cyclical decorations and repairs, External wall insulation, Roofline renewal work such as fascias, soffits and downpipes, Window replacements, and Structural repairs and modifications. “We are delighted to expand our operations into Thurrock and we are committed to providing opportunities for local businesses to work with us to provide a first-class service,” said Daren Moseley, Managing Director for United Living South (Refurbishment). “This event is an opportunity to meet with local contractors that would like to work with our group in a full range of trades. We can’t wait to meet them on the day.” Registration for the event is free and is available for both Constructionline and non-Constructionline members at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/united-living-supplier-engagement-day-tickets-45102958162?aff=efbneb. The drop-in session will take place on the 24th of April, between 9.30am and 3.30pm at Aveley Football Club, Parkside, Park Lane, Aveley, South Ockenden, RM15 4PX.
New roofing guidance for housebuilders has been published by the Trussed Rafter Association (TRA). How to Build Compliant Spandrel Panels, which is endorsed by the NHBC, has been updated to include information about single-skin cladding for spandrel panels. The guide now has a page featuring fermacell Gypsum Fibreboard as an example of how single-skin cladding can replace two sheets of plasterboard either side of a spandrel panel, without compromising fire and acoustic requirements. Jonathan Fellingham, TRA chairman, said: “The first version of the guide we published last year proved to be very useful to housebuilders. “We decided to update the guide to add more useful information for housebuilders on single-skin cladding options for spandrels. We take our collaboration with the installers of our products seriously and are committed to offering guidance to increase quality and accuracy wherever possible.” Throughout the guide there are technical drawings and 3D renders showing safe and compliant installation methods for spandrel panels. Where necessary these have also been updated to show closer detail of bracing, and to demonstrate different ways to restrain spandrel panels. Further guidance will be published throughout 2018 providing the latest advice on all aspects of the design, manufacture and safe installation of roof components. www.tra.org.uk
Designed to blend into the surrounding scenery, a unique roof construction of the new dining hall is the centrepiece of the regional college in Schwäbisch Gmünd. Visitors see a suspended roof, which is perfectly integrated into the landscape. The unusual roof construction was designed by German Liebel/Architekten and it was constructed using Metsä Wood’s Kerto® LVL products. The basic idea of the building was to use as many natural resources as possible. “As a result, we decided to construct the roof using wood,” says Steffen Kainzbauer, architect and project manager at Liebel/Architekten. “The wooden roof structure was developed by an interdisciplinary team of seven specialists.” The group designed a grillage frame structure supported on steel columns. Implementation of the roof construction succeeded with the use of Kerto® LVL Q-panels and S-beams. In the project, load-bearing and dimensionally stable Kerto LVL (laminated veneer lumber) was used for the beams, and also for the roof and floor panels. “We achieved a consistent design with identical material on both the beams and the ceiling. Due to the load-bearing strength of the LVL beams, we were able to design slender beams and use LVL roof and floor panels for lateral stability,” states Mark Lukas from the engineering firm Dr.-Ing. H. Hottmann. The Kerto LVL main and secondary beams used in the roof construction are just 10–12 cm wide and show only a very small deflection. Complex roof construction with precise implementation The roof design team created and implemented a unique wooden roof construction with Kerto LVL Q-panel and S-beams. The end result is convincing in terms of sustainability, design and functionality. Remarkable also is the performance of the carpentry company, Holzbau Moßhammer GmbH, which implemented the large new dining hall construction project with excellent precision and fully on schedule. Kerto® LVL proved again to be fast, light and green material for construction. Read more about this unique wooden roof structure.
RGB Building Supplies Exeter is inviting the local tradespeople to a free decorating breakfast morning on Tuesday, the 24th of April. There will be free bacon butties and cups of coffee between 7.30am and 11am, while leading industry names, such as Crown, Farrow & Ball, Bedec, ProDec and Tembe, will be holding product demonstrations and will be answering questions. Everyone attending will receive a 10% discount on all paint throughout the day, as well as being given the chance to win a replica football shirt in a free prize draw. “Our demo morning is a great opportunity for local tradespeople and homeowners to come and hear about some of the latest decorating products and receive expert advice. We look forward to welcoming everyone along for breakfast,” commented Paul West, Branch Manager at RGB Exeter. The event will be taking place at RGB’s Exeter branch based on Alphinbrook Road. RGB Building Supplies is one of the leading independent builders merchants in the South West, operating out of 19 locations across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. The branches contain a wide array of high quality products in stock, including landscaping, plumbing and heating, decorating, heavyside and lightside and general building materials, as well as dedicated kitchen, bathroom and bedroom showrooms in many locations.
Metsec plc, the UK’s largest specialist cold roll-forming company, has launched its innovative new range of steel framing systems (SFS) products, following months of research, product design and stringent fire testing. The company recognised that there was a need to increase the efficiency of SFS, while reducing both the environmental impact and cost to customers. The new range of products gives specifiers and installers a far greater choice of stud widths and gauges, while reducing the amount of wastage and providing cost savings on framing projects. In addition, provided the project is installed in line with Metsec’s guidance, it is covered under Metsec’s PI insurance. “We are taking a new approach to our range of SFS framing systems. Today’s buildings need to perform as efficiently as possible, structurally, acoustically and thermally and be a safe as possible in terms of fire performance,” said Ryan Simmonds, sales director of Framing at Metsec. “Our new products can offer improved design efficiency. Over specification is something to be avoided in any case, but in today’s cost-driven market the need to ensure that designs optimise the amount of material used is increasingly important.” The data collected from the stringent testing and assessing will support the overall system. “With the range tested, assessed and calculated to adhere to stringent fire and safety regulations and the introduction of more width and gauge options in order to reduce over-specification, Metsec’s new range is firmly putting its stake in the ground,” explained Ryan. The SFS range is available in a variety of options, including infill, continuous and high-bay walling and SFS load bearing system. SFS framing is now the most common form of infill walling used in the UK today. “Our objective is to combine best value and quality for installers and end users and make a substantial impact on sustainability and the green credentials of any project where Metsec’s SFS solution is implemented,” said Ryan.
Gripple, the manufacturer of building services suspension systems, has launched a global campaign that supports its newest time and labour saving trapeze bracket solution, Fast Trak. The campaign offers new and existing customers the chance to get in ‘pole position’ and win tickets to the Formula One Grand Prix events in Silverstone, Spa Francorchamps and Austin. “With sales of over £1 million anticipated within its first year, Fast Trak™ is our biggest and most exciting construction product launch since the wire rope kits in 1997. After launching the product last September, Fast Trak™ has become a trusted solution for electrical, mechanical and HVAC installations and this campaign aims to increase that awareness and drive further sales,” explained Mark Kimberley, product manager at Gripple. The Fast Trak campaign includes promotional packaging, branded gifts, a dedicated landing page and social media competitions and will run from the 26th of March until the 5th of June. The second stage of giveaways includes monthly prizes throughout 2018 for the best customer feedback. “The promotion compares the product’s characteristics to motorsport, highlighting its speed, efficiency, safety, performance and of course, Gripple’s world class team! We’ve even introduced a Fast Trak™ character who has already been spotted around various Gripple sites and will be the centre of the campaign, featuring in videos showcasing the benefits,” added Mark. Fast Trak is a prefabricated, trapeze bracket solution that offers speed, flexibility and efficient use of space for the installation of electrical containment, pipework, ductwork and other mechanical services in restricted places. The safe solution comprises metal tracks and mounting brackets, it has tool free adjustments, it creates zero waste and it’s lightweight for ease of delivery and handling on-site. Each system has a 3:1 safety factor and can suspend a maximum weight up to 180kg. The range was recently extended to include new track lengths and further innovative additions, which are scheduled to launch later this year.
Baumit supplied its external wall insulation system to a 72 property scheme, based in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, Ireland and comprising a mixture of social and private housing. The semi-detached, three and four-bedroom homes, designed by Craftstudio Architecture, needed to eliminate instances of cold bridging and increase the properties energy efficiency, so Baumit’s high quality external wall insulation was selected due to its performance and 10-year warranty. The work on the external wall insulation started in January 2017 and it was jointly installed by Ecoclad and Morrin Building Services, both appearing on Baumit’s approved contractor’s list, thus guaranteeing the quality of work being carried out. The chosen solution was the Baumit EPS, a high performance external insulation with superb thermal properties and high impact resistance. “Baumit’s EPS system was selected for the project due to the inherent cold-bridging issues within the properties’ single-leaf masonry construction. The EPS external wall insulation performed as highly as we’d hoped and resolved these issues,” said Peter Mcgonigle, director at Craftstudio Architecture. The BBA/NSAI-approved system consisted of 100mm expanded polystyrene façade insulation boards in grey graphite that were adhesively bonded to the building’s exterior walls. A reinforcing mesh coat was placed over the boards and once dried, Baumit SilikonTop provided a ready-to-use, resin-bound coat to give a highly-decorative, long-term protective finish. Throughout the application, Baumit’s technical team offered support, including site visits, to assist installers. The EPS system is compatible with any number of products from Baumit’s vast range of finishing renders, including its NanoporTop offering which uses natural daylight to trigger its ‘photokat’ photocatalysis self-cleaning technology to keep facades looking fresh and blemish-free. Completed in January 2018, the Carrickmacross project welcomed its occupants into a property that looks as good as the comfort it provides, with its energy efficiency helping reduce household fuel bills, making it a long term cost effective solution.
A popular community primary school located in the heart of Salford, Manchester, has been welcomed into its new home, created with the help of Kingspan Light + Air. The bright facility comprises high performance Kingspan Kapture Prismatic Skylights with climate control glazing, which offers savings of up to 80% on artificial lightning energy consumption. The Deans Primary School had to be relocated due to the high demand for school places in the area. The new building has been designed by Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, to offer the best environmental conditions for learning, including high-quality daylighting within the classroom and corridors. It also aims to enable students and teachers to work comfortably within bright spaces that contribute to the overall sense of positivity and wellbeing around the school. “Our vision is to create an environment which is both stimulating and interesting for our pupils, allowing their talents and personalities to flourish. It was important that the new school building embodied and supported this vision. The Kingspan skylights have helped to create a calm ambience throughout the top floor of the building, supporting the learning that takes place there,” commented Stephen Kirkpatrick, head teacher of The Deans Primary School. The technical team at Kingspan Light + Air used climate-based daylight modelling of the proposed building to design a skylight system, comprising Kingspan Kapture Nano-Prismatic Skylights with climate control glazing. The unique contoured form of the Kapture Skylights allows light to be captured at low sun angles such as in the early morning and late evening, ensuring the internal spaces are illuminated all day. Research has shown that exposure to sunlight has considerable physiological and psychological benefits for the learner, improving their attitude, learning rates, health and attendance. Therefore, the Kapture skylights were specified in Kingspan Light + Air’s climate control glazing option as they can achieve a solar heat gain coefficient as low as 0.45, with an overall light transmission of 81%. After installing the products, the team at Kingspan conducted a full site report that confirmed that the Kingspan Kapture Prismatic Skylights achieved a Daylight Factor of 5% in the classrooms and 3.5% in the corridor. The scheme also achieved a uniformity of over 90%, complying with the requirements of CIBSE Lighting Guide 5 Lighting in Schools, and the Education Funding Agency (EFA).
Microcranes, Inc., a leader in the emerging mini crane industry, has introduced the ISO Certified M1 Global Model Microcrane designed to fit through 36 in. doorways, narrow aisles and inside elevators, yet expand to boom up to a 22 ft. tip height. The M1 Global hydraulic pick & carry portable crane is rated at 905 kg and it has a hook height of 6.1 m. It is only 762mm wide and weighs 816 kg, with 136 kg of removable counterweights to reduce weight while transporting. The lifting crane also comes with several configurations such as a roof top configuration that allows floor to floor or ground to roof lifting of material at up to seven stories. The ISO Certified M1 Global is built to ASME standards, exceeds OSHA standards and is CE Certified to meet international standards for the USA and Canada, Europe, UK, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Saudi Arabia, South America and other territories that look to a CE mark for a measure of conformity. Safety features include an upper limit switch (anti-two- block), 1.5 load safety factor, 4:1 rated hook with safety latch, brakes on rear and front wheels, brake on winch, dual stop points on four piece boom and a winch shield. “We work with many industries, from startups to fortune 100 companies around the globe to provide equipment for tight spaces and alternatives to renting or buying expensive large cranes. Our cranes are used in industrial building, glazing, HVAC, maintenance, aircraft/aerospace, steel, marine, stone, military, manufacturing, utilities, auto and energy,” said Josh Clark, CEO and founder of Microcranes, Inc. The machine unfolds from sides and back for stabilisation, while the four piece boom extends to a 22 ft. tip height. Users can easily raise and lower the hydraulic boom with hand controls, and raise or lower live loads with a DC power winch powered by 24v deep cycle battery power with an on-board charger. The line speed is 30 FPM (9m/min.). The M1 Global Model can also be made in stainless steel for clean room environments.