A plumber in Essex has been sentenced to a community order after installing gas boilers while not being Gas Safe registered. Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court heard how Martin Law, installed three gas boilers and associated pipework at three premises in Faraday Close, Braintree, and at Sycamore Grove Braintree. A Gas-Safe investigation into the work undertaken at the premises found defects in …
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These days we tend to turn to diamonds whenever we need a large holes in concrete, brick or tiles. Personally I would not want to be without my diamond core bits but there are some jobs where I hesitate to get them out. If for example there is a possibility of hitting a wall tie I would rather get this …
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From Monday (April 4th), all government-funded construction work must be undertaken using Building information Modelling (BIM). The BIM mandate is the first in a series of major developments in the government’s Construction 2025 strategy. A key strand of which is to have an industry in the UK that is efficient and technologically advanced to meet the growing demands of a …
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This month sees the launch of two new site fire alarms from Bull Products, the specialists in safety and security for construction sites. The Bull Site Siren systems are designed as stand-alone temporary fire alarms on construction sites. These affordable alarms are fully self-contained and can be used separately as a stand-alone device, linked by cable or linked with a …
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Skill Builder offers some thoughts and tips on using Knauf’s spray plaster system. The system provides a faster, more consistent and cleaner method of application while offering time savings of 20-30%. Traditional methods of plastering come with some drawbacks. Speed of application, product material waste and inconsistent finish quality are some of the problems. Knauf Airless Readymix spray plasters are …
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The Code of Practice for single lap tiles now requires every tile to be mechanically fixed but roofing merchants will tell you that they sell a lot more tiles than clips, which suggests that roofers are not doing the job to code. The implication for the homeowner is that Insurance companies will refuse to pay out on storm damage claims …
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Builders could soon receive personalised sun-exposure text message warnings direct to their smartphones as part of a new project by Heriot-Watt University. Construction companies including BAM Nuttall, Laing O’Rourke and Bovis Homes are working with researchers at the University’s School of Life Sciences and the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) to change the behaviour of construction workers, minimising the risk …
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Roger Bisby shows you how he manages to carry out plaster boarding when he’s working alone. Be careful when following this technique! The pipe could work better with a couple of drilled holes to take long nails or screws. It is a work in progress, not perfect but food for thought. Hopefully others will come up with refinements.
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A few weeks ago we featured the new Gorilla brooms from Faulk’s, the makers of Gorilla Tub Trugs. The brooms have screw on heads with nylon bristles so losing your head while you are sweeping could be a thing of the past. But what is a broom without a shovel? So often builders use steel shovels to sweep up with …
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I have looked at a few different tools from Flex over the years. This German company is not a major player in the UK drills market and I don’t expect they are intending to be but they have some attractive looking tools in their range and they seem to be well made. The Flex PD2G 18v drill and the ID …
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Addressing thermal bridging in a design is one of the easiest ways to improve its Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) score, the methodology used by the Government.
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Hand protection specialist Globus has enhanced its range of chemical-resistant gloves with the launch of SKYTEC Nero – combining chemical and mechanical protection with comfort, dexterity and grip. The new SKYTEC Nero not only protects workers against water-based chemicals but also delivers abrasion and tear resistance performance. The result is a natural-rubber glove ideal for heavy-duty handling, processing and maintenance …
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In its third Annual Healthcheck of the UK’s contractors and tradespeople, ECIS has found confidence at its highest level since the survey began with 48% saying they feel confident about the year ahead.
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Roger Bisby demonstrates Worcester’s Greenskies Solar water heating system. It is a popular misconception that utilising solar energy is only possible in hot, sunny climates. The reality is that it is daylight and not just direct sunshine which is the important factor — which is why Worcester Greenskies solar water heating uses specially coated panels developed to collect as much …
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Skill Builder takes a closer look at two products from Youngman; their GPR steps and the Stair-scaffold. Youngman is arguably the most famous name in ladders and their range seems to be growing particlularly as it includes Boss towers. The latest product we have been sent to evaluate is their GRP steps. If you see a pair of GRP steps …
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Geberit, the sanitary products expert, has extended the sponsorship of darts champion Adrian Lewis for a further three years. Ranked number three in the world, Adrian ‘Jackpot‘ Lewis will wear the Twyford logo on the front of his shirt for all matches played in the UK, with the Geberit logo on his shirt for matches played outside of the UK. …
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Hemel Hempstead Scaffolding Limited has been fined after a worker suffered life-changing injuries when he fell from the roof of a barn.
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After engaging constructively with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Checkatrade and Trustatrader have agreed to improve their practices. These improvements address concerns that were raised following a call for information by the CMA on online reviews and endorsements. The CMA’s call for information highlighted a number of general concerns about the review sector, including the potential for some review …
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Skill builder takes one small step for man as we try out a new footwear product from Base. It seems to me that every time I try out a new pair of work boots or shoes they blow my socks off. I am talking metaphorically of course but the innovation that now goes into protective footwear means that we are …
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Snickers promises a hard wearing garment that’s easy on the pocket with the new Snickers Core Range but does it live up to its billing? Skill Builder takes a closer look. If you are someone who has looked at Snickers trousers and decided that they are a bit beyond your budget you might just be stopped in your tracks by …
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Skill Builder Guides & reviews for building and construction
