Hydrogen is being positioned as a significant part of the UK’s low-carbon future, but safety remains the biggest question of all.
With serious concerns around flammability, detection, ventilation and infrastructure, the reality is far more complex than the headlines suggest.
This explores what hydrogen really means for homes, industry and public confidence, cutting through fear, hype and political spin to focus on engineering, regulation and real-world feasibility.
From appliance design and workforce skill levels to storage, flame detection and public trust, the implications go far beyond simply swapping one gas for another.
Is hydrogen genuinely safe — or are we being pushed towards a solution that isn’t ready?
Roger addresses a damp problem question posed by Elizabeth concerning her kitchen and adjoining walls in an old house.
Elizabeth explains that after a damp proofing treatment was done on a problematic kitchen wall and chimney repairs were completed, the damp patches and salt deposits on the walls remain, causing concern.
Potential causes, structural features, the type of walls (solid or cavity), and past water ingress sources, like a washing machine leak or roof gutter issues. He highlights the importance of understanding precisely what damp proofing work was done, emphasising that vague or incomplete treatments often lead to recurring problems.
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Key Insights
🧱 Understanding Wall Construction Is Essential: Roger highlights the difference between cavity and solid walls, which affects how damp manifests and how it should be treated. Cavity walls may suffer from water ingress through the cavity, requiring different solutions than solid walls, where historical damp might be present. Knowing the wall type helps tailor the repair correctly and avoid ineffective treatments.
🔬 Salt Deposits Are a Key Indicator of Moisture Issues: The presence of hygroscopic salts that attract moisture can cause paint flaking and plaster deterioration. These salts act like sponges, continually bringing moisture to the surface, which means that simply repainting or superficial repairs won’t solve the underlying problem. Proper removal and use of breathable plaster materials are necessary to halt this cycle.
🏚️ Historical Water Ingress Can Create Long-Term Damp: The chimney’s lack of a pot or cap for an unknown duration allowed rainwater to penetrate deep into the structure. This kind of chronic water ingress leads to damp problems that are slow to resolve, sometimes taking up to a year or more. Quick fixes and short drying time expectations are often unrealistic in such cases, especially in older buildings.
📑 Clear Documentation and Scope of Work Are Crucial: Elizabeth’s vague description of “doing what was needed” reflects a common issue—homeowners often don’t have or don’t request detailed quotes or work descriptions. Without clear documentation, it’s difficult to assess the effectiveness of the damp proofing or hold contractors accountable. Roger advises always obtaining and reviewing detailed work scopes and materials used.
💨 Indoor Humidity Control Is a Vital Part of Managing Damp: Even after external repairs, internal moisture from cooking, washing, and poor ventilation can contribute to damp problems. Roger stresses the importance of extractor fans vented externally rather than recirculating filters and using humidity sensors to monitor moisture levels. Managing indoor air quality can mitigate condensation-related damp and salt activation.
🛠️ Proper Materials and Techniques Matter: Roger advocates using breathable materials like lime or cork plaster for replastering damp walls. These materials allow moisture to escape without damaging finishes, unlike sand and cement renders that trap moisture and exacerbate salt damage. This highlights the importance of specialised knowledge in damp remediation rather than generic plastering.
⏳ Patience and Realistic Expectations Are Needed in Damp Treatment: Damp problems, especially in old buildings, rarely resolve quickly. Roger advises patience and monitoring over months rather than weeks. This realistic approach helps homeowners avoid unnecessary repeated repairs and understand the slow nature of drying and salt migration processes.
Barry Bucknell was one of Britain’s most influential DIY pioneers, a man who helped transform the way ordinary households approached home improvement.
Rising to prominence in the 1950s and 60s, he became a familiar face on television through programmes that championed practical, affordable ways for people to modernise their homes.
His calm, methodical approach demystified DIY at a time when post-war Britain was filled with ageing housing stock, tight budgets, and a growing appetite for self-reliance.
Bucknell had a talent for breaking down complex tasks into simple, achievable steps. He encouraged viewers to pick up tools, tackle repairs themselves, and embrace the idea that a well-kept home didn’t require specialist trades on every job.
He became known for his signature board-covering techniques, tidying up dated interiors with hardboard sheeting and clean, modern lines — a style now affectionately remembered as “Bucknellisation.”
Beyond the practical demonstrations, Barry Bucknell played a cultural role. He helped shape the early DIY movement, inspiring generations to improve their living spaces and setting the foundation for the home-improvement media that followed.
His legacy lives on in countless workshops, sheds, and living rooms where people still take pride in doing the job themselves, fuelled by the confidence he helped spark.
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Solar panel fires have risen sharply in the UK, often caused by poor-quality isolators, loose connections, and unsafe battery storage. Risk increases when systems are fitted in dusty lofts packed with combustible materials.
Early detection and prevention are key: install a loft smoke alarm, use certified components, fit arc fault boxes, add fire barriers, and include rapid isolating switches.
Keep batteries outside or in fireproof enclosures, never in the loft. Regular checks after one year and every five years help maintain safety. Good design, proper installation, and maintenance keep solar energy safe and reliable for years to come.
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Key Takeaways
• Fires linked to solar panels have increased threefold in the UK
• Fit a smoke alarm in the loft for early warning
• Keep electrical connections clear of flammable materials
• Use high-quality DC isolators, junction boxes, and connectors
• Add arc fault boxes (intumescent covers) to contain sparks
• Install a fire-resistant barrier under in-roof solar panels
• Fit rapid isolating switches to cut power instantly during faults
• Never store batteries in the loft — keep them outside or in a fireproof enclosure
• Schedule a professional safety check after 1 year, then every 5 years
When you’re thinking of installing solar panels, or already have them on your roof, fire risk may not be the first thing on your mind. But evidence from the UK shows that fire safety around photovoltaic (PV) systems is a genuine issue. According to insurer data, fire services in the UK attended a fire involving solar panels about every two days in 2024.
Here’s how you, as a homeowner, can stay safe from solar panel fires—what to check before you order the system, how to choose a safe installer, and what products and ongoing maintenance will help.
What causes solar panel fires?
Most problems trace back to the DC side of a PV system where voltages are high and currents are continuous in daylight. Typical triggers include:
Loose, damaged, or poorly terminated DC connectors are causing arcing.
Incorrect installation or poor ventilation around inverters and junction boxes.
Mechanical damage to cables (UV, wind abrasion, wildlife) exposes conductors.
Debris or shading creates hotspots and stresses components.
Ageing components that were never inspected or maintained.
Before you order: fire-safe choices
Good decisions at the start dramatically reduce risk. Ask prospective installers to confirm the following in writing:
Certification and competence
Use a UK-certified installer (e.g., MCS-registered) with recent PV experience and references.
Request commissioning documentation and test results at handover.
Roof and layout
Roof materials assessed for suitability; racking allows airflow and secure cable management.
Planned safe cable routes with UV-resistant fixings and protection against abrasion.
Clear access paths for maintenance and emergency services.
Component quality
Genuine, compatible DC connectors (no mixing types) and rated DC isolators.
Inverter located in a cool, ventilated, accessible place (not a cramped loft corner).
Appropriate overcurrent and surge protection as per design and manufacturer guidance.
Isolation and labelling
Clearly marked isolation points inside and, where appropriate, near the array.
Weatherproof labels and an easy-to-follow shutdown procedure for homeowners.
Tip: Ask for a one-page “Fire Safety Design Summary” covering cable type/routing, isolation points, inverter location, and maintenance intervals.
Useful product categories
Discuss these categories with your installer. They’re widely available from UK electrical wholesalers and solar suppliers:
Electrical fire blankets/extinguishers (suitably rated) – positioned near the inverter or plant area; never attempt to fight a PV roof fire yourself.
Interlinked smoke/heat alarms (where appropriate) – especially in plant rooms or adjacent spaces (not inside the inverter casing).
Ongoing maintenance
Book an annual inspection: connectors, cable fixings, junction boxes, isolators, and inverter ventilation.
Monitor performance via the inverter/app; investigate unexpected drops or persistent fault codes.
After storms or high winds, visually check for loose fixings, lifted panels, or exposed cables.
Keep leaves and debris away from and under panels; maintain tidy cable runs.
Log any contractor visits and corrective works; keep documents together with your handover pack.
Warning signs to act on immediately
Burnt or melting smells near the inverter or roof space during daylight.
Discolouration or scorching on enclosures, isolators, or connectors.
Unusual crackling or buzzing from equipment.
Persistent inverter fault codes that return after a reset.
Loose, rubbing, or sun-brittled cables; debris caught under modules.
If you notice any of the above: isolate the system if it is safe to do so and call your installer or a qualified electrician.
Final thoughts
Solar panel fires are preventable when systems are well designed, installed by competent professionals, and looked after. Prioritise certified installers, sensible inverter locations, tidy DC cabling with proper isolation, and arc-fault protection where appropriate. Add routine checks, keep records, and react quickly to early warning signs. Do that, and you’ll enjoy clean energy with confidence.
CESAR – The Construction and Agricultural Equipment Security and Registration Scheme – @DatatagID https://www.cesarscheme.org
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Tool theft in the UK has reached crisis levels — costing builders, farmers, and tradespeople their livelihoods. Skill Builder visits the JCB event where Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch outlines her plan to fight back.
Her message is clear: it’s time to stop treating tool theft as a petty crime. The Conservatives propose tougher sentences, bigger fines, and nationwide rural crime task forces to hit back at organised theft.
We also hear about successful initiatives like the Caesar marking system, which helps police recover stolen machinery, and a new focus on shutting down resale markets for stolen goods online.
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Key Takeaways
🛠️ Tool theft devastates tradespeople and farmers—emotionally, financially, and professionally.
⚖️ Current sentencing is too weak; repeat offenders act with impunity.
🚓 Conservatives plan to strengthen deterrents with tougher penalties and more resources.
👮 Specialist rural crime task forces will focus on organised tool and farm theft.
🔖 The Caesar marking scheme shows that traceability works—police can recover stolen kit faster.
💻 Resale platforms like online marketplaces will face tighter regulation to cut off the trade in stolen goods.
🤝 Success depends on cooperation between police, industry, and local communities.
💬 The campaign’s message: “We stand with the grafters.”
Makita has been steadily building its XGT 40V Max platform to prove that cordless tools can match – and even beat – their corded counterparts. The Makita HS013G circular saw might just be the one that seals the deal. It’s powerful, precise, and built like a tank. For anyone who spends their days cutting timber, this saw feels less like a battery-powered tool and more like a proper site workhorse.
Built for Tough Jobs
Pick it up and you immediately know it’s serious. The HS013G is no lightweight DIY model—it’s designed for site conditions where reliability matters. The saw runs a 260mm blade with a cutting depth of 95mm at 0°, giving it enough reach for framing, roofing, or any structural carpentry work. At around 7.6kg with the battery, it’s not featherweight, but the balance and solidity make it easy to guide through long cuts.
The brushless motor delivers a smooth, confident feel. It doesn’t stall or bog down, even when you’re pushing through wet timber or heavy joists. Makita’s Automatic Torque Drive system monitors resistance and automatically adjusts torque and speed to keep cuts steady and prevent burning. It’s one of those features you don’t notice until you use a saw without it.
Precision and Comfort
Makita has always been strong on build quality, and the Makita HS013G continues that tradition. The magnesium baseplate glides smoothly and stays true, and the bevel adjustment locks securely up to 60°, with a positive stop at 45°. The cutting line visibility is excellent, helped by twin LED work lights and a dust blower that clears the line as you go.
If you’re running a Makita AWS (Auto-Start Wireless System) extractor, this saw will pair via Bluetooth to automatically start the vacuum when you pull the trigger. It’s one of those time-saving touches that make cordless setups feel genuinely professional rather than a compromise.
Corded Power Without the Cord
This is where the HS013G really earns its reputation. It has the punch of a 2,000W corded saw but without the drag of an extension lead or generator. With a 5.0Ah XGT battery, you’ll comfortably get through a full day of cutting. The intelligent cooling and battery protection systems keep temperatures under control, even during demanding jobs.
The performance gap between battery and mains power has been shrinking for years, but this model makes it vanish entirely. There’s no lag, no soft start wobble, and no loss of torque under load—it just cuts, cleanly and confidently.
The Bottom Line
The Makita HS013G circular saw is aimed squarely at professionals who want serious cutting power without being tied to the mains. It’s tough, precise, and ready for real site work. If you already use the XGT system, this saw will slot straight in and likely become one of your most-used tools.
In short, it’s everything you’d expect from Makita—reliable, refined, and ruthlessly efficient.
The Bottom Line
• 260mm blade with 95mm maximum cutting depth • 40V Max XGT battery system for corded-level power • Automatic Torque Drive adjusts speed and torque under load • Brushless motor for improved efficiency and longer life • Bevel capacity up to 60° with positive stops • Twin LED lights and dust blower for clear visibility • AWS wireless connection for dust extraction • Magnesium base and guard for strength and reduced weight • Soft start and electric brake for safety and control • Overload and thermal protection for battery and motor longevity
When Guy set out to re-roof his 200-year-old cottage, he wanted to keep its historic charm but bring it up to modern performance standards. The result is a clever blend of heritage craftsmanship and cutting-edge materials.
In this Skill Builder episode, Roger visits the project to see how Guy has combined Mayan’s Armoured Slate roofing system with SuperFOIL insulation and a full array of solar panels — all designed to meet building regulations, cut energy costs, and protect the house for another century.
The Mayan slate use real slate bonded to a GRP backing, making them tough, walkable, and ideal for low-pitch roofs. SuperFOIL layers above and below the rafters deliver the required U-value despite the cottage’s uneven structure.
Add to that some smart vapour control, solid oak details, and micro-inverters neatly installed in the loft, and you’ve got a restoration that blends old-world looks with 21st-century performance.
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Key Takeaways
🏠 Modern performance for a heritage home: 200-year-old cottage now meets modern insulation and energy standards without losing its character.
🪨 Mayan Armoured Slate system: Real slate fused to a GRP backing — lighter, stronger, walkable, and suitable for low-pitched roofs.
🌡️ SuperFOIL insulation innovation: Layered above and below uneven rafters to hit U-value targets while keeping the roof build-up slim.
💨 Vapour control done right: Moisture-sensor fans and ridge ventilation prevent damp and condensation — a common weak point in older homes.
⚡ Smart solar setup: Dual-aspect panels on both north and south roofs, each with loft-mounted micro-inverters for easy maintenance.
🎨 Authentic finish: Solid oak bargeboards treated with Osmo oil and bespoke ridge and verge details maintain traditional aesthetics.
💷 Surprisingly cost-effective: Fewer tiles needed thanks to the GRP system, proving innovation can reduce both labour and material costs.
🔧 Installer adaptation: Cutting Mayan slates with an angle grinder shows how trades need to evolve with new materials and systems.
When Cork’s 96FM invited Roger Bisby onto The Opinion Line with PJ Coogan, the conversation wandered from plumbing and broadcasting to history, architecture, and why YouTube has changed everything about learning practical skills.
Roger, a builder and plumber by trade, spent 15 years hosting a Saturday morning “fix-it” show on London’s LBC radio before taking his know-how online. “Nothing’s planned in life,” he told PJ. “You just drift from one thing into another, and before you know it, you’re doing television, radio, YouTube… it all sort of happens.”
▼ LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ▼
The YouTube revolution
When PJ confessed to saving himself a call-out fee thanks to a DIY video, Roger laughed. “I get tradesmen saying, ‘You’re putting us out of work,’” he said. “But really, it’s about connection. Once people trust you, they call you for bigger jobs. If your business relies on secrecy, the game’s over. Everything’s online now – even open-heart surgery! Though obviously I don’t recommend trying that at home.”
He believes YouTube empowers homeowners to make informed decisions, even if they never pick up a tool. “When someone understands what’s involved, they’re harder to rip off. They can use the language, ask the right questions – that’s good for everyone.”
Discovering Cork
Roger’s recent visit to Cork came while filming at Pipelife’s new manufacturing facility on Little Island. After wrapping up early, he wandered the city with a camera, capturing its mix of old and new. “I knew nothing about it,” he said. “So I just did a whistle-stop tour and asked people to tell me everything I got wrong!”
He chuckled about his geographical faux pas – sending the River Lee into the Irish Sea instead of the Celtic Sea – and the unexpected drama of filming a Garda arrest outside Nando’s. “You never seem to get away with a day’s filming without someone objecting,” he said. “Everyone’s got a phone camera, but if yours looks even slightly professional, people suddenly think you need a permit.”
A builder’s eye for the city
Despite the limited time, Cork made a strong impression. “I love cities built on marginal land,” Roger said. “Venice, Amsterdam, Cork – all built on marshes, and yet they’ve stood for centuries. The ambition of people amazes me.”
He was struck by the English Market, praising its beauty while noting with a builder’s eye that “the roof’s on its last legs and one day they’ll have to close the whole place to fix it.” He also admired the Firkin Crane, the Butter Market, and Cork’s colourful narrow streets.
“I’d love to come back with a local guide – not an official tour, just someone who knows the place,” he told PJ. The invitation was quickly accepted, with PJ promising to show Roger “what Cork people love about their own city.”
City Walks and Skill Builder
Roger’s Cork footage appears on his new YouTube channel Roger Bisby City Walks, a quieter offshoot of Skill Builder, which focuses on practical trade skills and building know-how. “City Walks didn’t sit well on Skill Builder,” he explained. “That’s for DIY and trade advice. This is just me drifting around looking at buildings.”
The Cork video has already drawn thousands of views from Ireland, and Roger says he’ll be back – ideally with sunshine next time. “When it rains too much, there’s always a pub,” he laughed. “But yes, drink responsibly.”
HETAS – Cleaner and safer choices for the use of biomass and other solid fuels, appliances and associated technologies. https://www.hetas.co.uk
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A homeowner in rural Scotland fitted a wood-burning stove under 5 kW and was surprised when the installer added a wall vent, saying it was needed because of the kitchen hood. In Scotland, stoves under 5 kW usually don’t need a dedicated air vent unless the manufacturer says so or the house is very airtight. Older homes typically have enough natural airflow.
The installer used a closable “hit-and-miss” vent. That only matters if a permanent vent is actually required, so in this case, it may have been unnecessary rather than automatically wrong.
There was also confusion about the cooker hood. It’s a recirculating hood, which filters air and puts it back into the room, so it doesn’t normally affect stove air supply. Only extractor hoods can pull air out and cause problems with solid-fuel appliances.
A simple check can help: tape the vent, run the stove, try the hood on and off, and crack a window. If the stove runs properly, the extra vent may not be needed—though final decisions must follow manufacturer guidance and Scottish rules.
Bottom line: ventilation depends on stove size, airtightness, and instructions—not assumptions. Always use CO alarms and smoke detection, and installers should assess each case rather than defaulting to a one-size-fits-all approach.
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Key Takeaways
• Sub-5 kW stoves in Scotland typically do not need a dedicated air vent unless the manufacturer requires it or the home is unusually airtight.
• A hit-and-miss vent is only inappropriate where a permanent vent is required; in this scenario, it is likely unnecessary rather than automatically non-compliant.
• A recirculating cooker hood does not extract air outside and therefore generally does not affect stove air supply; extractor hoods are a different case and are discouraged in the same room as solid-fuel stoves.
• A temporary seal test on the vent can help assess whether the stove draws properly, but regulatory compliance still depends on the manufacturer’s instructions and Scottish Technical Handbook rules.
• Building airtightness influences ventilation needs; traditional homes often provide sufficient natural air infiltration.
• Carbon monoxide alarms are mandatory for solid-fuel appliances and smoke detection is strongly advised.
• Installers must assess each case rather than applying blanket rules—stove size, airtightness, hood type, and regulations must all be checked.
Roger speaks with Duncan, a homeowner left without heating for more than 2½ years after a disastrous air-source heat pump installation under the UK Eco4 government scheme.
Installers got the heat-loss calcs wrong, fitted undersized radiators, never commissioned the system, and even added solar panels without checking the roof structure — causing further damage. The result: a cold home, big bills, and emergency repairs.
This isn’t an isolated case. With minimal inspections and installers chasing grant money over quality, thousands risk poor installs, damp, and structural issues — with no real safety net.
Duncan has now launched a charity to support others caught in the same situation and to push for urgent reform of government-backed retrofit schemes.
We’ve come a long way from copper and solder — here’s the smart, modern way to plumb a house that’s faster, safer, and built for the future.
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Roger heads back to the Pipelife Academy in Cork, Ireland, to meet Mike Geary and discuss how modern plastic pipe systems are changing plumbing for the better.
From flexible PEX to pre-insulated manifold systems, the days of worrying about joints under the floor or burst copper pipes are fast disappearing.
Mike explains how pipe-in-pipe systems make installation faster, cleaner, and easier to maintain, with the bonus that you can even rethread pipes through ducting if one ever gets damaged.
Roger and Mike also look at insulation—why it’s crucial for heat efficiency, how it affects flow and return losses, and why insulation delays freezing but doesn’t prevent it.
It’s a deep dive into the evolution of plumbing—from lead to copper to modern plastics—with real insight into how technology is helping the trade adapt to faster building schedules, higher comfort demands, and fewer apprentices entering the trade.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction – Roger visits Pipelife in Cork
00:31 Why plastic pipes have a 50-year guarantee
01:27 Advantages of pipe-in-pipe
02:20 How re-threadable pipe-in-pipe systems work
03:10 Why insulation matters
07:29 Heat loss outside the thermal envelope
08:50 How insulation affects freezing risk
11:51 Skills shortage and faster building methods
15:12 Why modern homes need smarter plumbing
17:20 Wrap-up and how to learn more
James and Ian built an external stud wall and a second-storey extension on top of what used to be a garage—now a home gym.
We look at the challenges of timber framing, getting measurements bang on, and making practical decisions that balance cost, time, and weather, like choosing to keep the existing lead roof rather than risk exposing the structure mid-build.
Instead of building the walls upright, they lay them flat first to get everything perfectly aligned before standing them up. Heavy-duty timber screws (ForgeFast) are used instead of nails for stronger joints and better compliance with building control standards.
We look at sourcing good timber, working around supply issues, and how the weather can dictate the order of work. Now that James has left the industry, we miss the banter and the laughs from this part of Skill Builder’s history.
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Highlights
🏗️ Building a timber-framed second storey on a converted garage.
📏 Laser-level accuracy for perfectly aligned stud walls.
🔩 Using ForgeFast timber screws for solid, structural fixings.
🌧️ Keeping the lead roof intact to avoid weather-related damage.
🪓 Assembling walls flat on the deck before raising them.
🔨 Tackling tricky roof geometry—hips, valleys, and ridges—under pressure.
🤝 Good humour and teamwork throughout the build.
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Key Takeaways
🏠 Building up, not starting over: Instead of demolishing the old garage, the crew extends upward, saving both money and usable space. It’s a brilliant example of how adaptive reuse can work in domestic builds.
📐 Precision is everything: The “measure twice, cut once” mantra comes to life here. With laser levels and careful planning, the team keeps things square across long runs, avoiding rework and wasted materials.
🪚 Flat-first framing: Assembling walls on the ground makes for tighter, cleaner joints and speeds up construction. It’s a method that pays off in both accuracy and efficiency.
🔩 Modern fixings for modern builds: The switch from nails to structural timber screws gives stronger, more reliable connections—especially on load-bearing walls and roof collars.
💰 Planning ahead saves money: Buying timber before prices climbed and cutting efficiently to reduce waste show how foresight can make a big difference to project budgets.
🌦️ Weather dictates the workflow: Keeping the lead roof in place protected the interior during wet spells—a small call that saved a lot of headaches.
🛠️ Craftsmanship meets problem-solving: Working out hips, valleys, and ridge lines on-site isn’t simple, but the team’s experience and adaptability shine through in how they handle every twist in the build.
Ever noticed white, fluffy stains appearing on your new brickwork? Don’t panic — it’s not mould or a bad batch of bricks.
In this video, Roger Bisby explains the real reason behind these marks, known as efflorescence, and what you can do about them.
You’ll learn why salt stains appear, why washing them off can make things worse, and how to manage the problem properly with salt neutralisers, breathable water repellents like Stormdry from @SafeguardEuropeLtd and better moisture control.
If your brickwork looks patchy or your new wall is turning white, this video could save you hours of frustration — and possibly prevent you from damaging your bricks.
👉 Got a question for Roger? Leave it in the comments below — your question could feature in a future Skill Builder episode!
Smart heating has been around for a while, but it’s usually limited to turning the boiler on and off through an app. Drayton’s Wiser 2nd Generation system takes things much further. It’s not just about warmth anymore; it’s about running your whole home in a smarter, safer, more efficient way.
We tried out the whole setup in a modern four-bedroom house to see how it performs when everything is connected.
The HubR – Everything Starts Here
At the centre of the system sits the Wiser HubR, a small box that quietly runs the show. It links all the devices to the Wiser Home app and your Wi-Fi network. There are one, two and three-channel versions depending on your heating layout.
Once installed, it lets you manage the heating, hot water and all connected accessories from your phone. The app gives you complete control, whether you’re on the sofa or miles from home.
Heating That Thinks for You
The Wiser Room Thermostat is slim, wireless and refreshingly simple. Set it up, stick it on the wall, and you can control the temperature by touch, in the app, or with your voice via Alexa or Google Assistant.
Add Wiser Radiator Thermostats to the mix, and things get interesting. Each room can have its own schedule and target temperature, so you only heat the rooms you’re using. It’s one of those small changes that quickly pays for itself when energy bills land.
Power Micro Module – Automatic Ventilation
One of the clever new bits of kit is the Power Micro Module. It sits neatly behind a switch or spur and turns any standard circuit into a smart one. We used it to control a ventilation fan, linked to a humidity sensor. When the air gets steamy after a shower, the fan automatically kicks in and stops once the room dries again. No timers, no wasted energy — just common-sense automation.
Smart Plugs – Everyday Control
The Wiser Smart Plug does precisely what you’d expect, but better – boosting your devices network through the building as well as acting as a smart plug. Plug in a lamp, heater or coffee machine, and you can switch it on remotely or set it to follow a schedule. It’s one of those small conveniences that you start using every day without thinking about it.
Safety and Awareness Through Sensors
Drayton has widened the Wiser range with a set of compact, battery-powered sensors that cover both safety and comfort.
Window & Door Sensors tell the app when openings are left ajar, handy for cutting off the heating if someone’s forgotten to close a window – and for security too, notifying you through the app if a window or door is opened.
The Water Leakage Sensor sits under sinks or beside appliances and raises an instant alarm if it detects a puddle. It’s a small device that could save a fortune in repairs.
The Temperature & Humidity Sensor quietly tracks the conditions in any room and can trigger other devices to act automatically.
A Motion Sensor keeps an eye on movement and light levels, adding a touch of security when the house is empty.
And the Smoke Alarm uses both optical and heat detection. If one goes off, they all sound, and you get an alert on your phone too.
All of these sensors connect to the HubR, so the system behaves as a single network rather than a bunch of separate gadgets.
Control It All from One App
The Wiser Home app ties everything together. You can adjust temperatures, set up “Moments” (automated actions), or check sensor alerts from anywhere. It also plays nicely with Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT if you want to link it to other smart home gear.
Built for UK Homes
Drayton has been making heating controls in the UK for more than 70 years, and that experience shows here. Everything feels solid, reliable and well thought out for British homes.
The new Wiser 2nd Generation system blends heating control, energy management and home safety into one practical package. It’s easy to fit, straightforward to use and makes a lot of sense whether you’re a homeowner or a professional installer.
For more details, visit wiser.draytoncontrols.co.uk and follow our full installation video here on Skill Builder.
Roger visits a construction site where the team is working on erecting trusses for a building’s roof.
Despite initial challenges, including limited crane availability and a six-month project delay due to roof redesign, the crew impressively lifted and positioned all the trusses manually.
The team discusses their multi-skilled approach to construction, handling everything from foundations to plasterboarding, emphasising the importance of precise measuring and adaptability in their work.
The project features a distinctive central skylight lantern, which required significant planning and redesign.
The team also highlights ongoing efforts to waterproof the building before the winter rains arrive.
Highlights
00:00:00 Introduction to the site and the truss installation
00:00:34 Crane cost constraints
00:01:30 Designed around a lantern
00:02:00 Redesign of the roof
00:03:09 Multitalented team
00:04:22 Emphasis on precision
00:04:58 Waterproofing for winter
Insights
💸 **Cost management influences construction methods:** The high cost of crane rental (£1,000 per day) forced the team to innovate by manually lifting trusses. This reflects how budget constraints can drive creative problem-solving on construction sites, requiring physical effort and coordination.
🌟 **Architectural features affect structural complexity:** The inclusion of a large skylight lantern in the centre of the building required a complete redesign of the roof structure. This highlights how aesthetic or functional design elements can significantly impact construction planning and timelines.
⏳ **Delays are common and require flexibility:** The six-month delay due to roof redesign shows the importance of adaptability in construction projects. Unexpected challenges must be managed without compromising the overall quality or progress.
🛠️ **Trade versatility is valuable in construction:** The crew’s ability to perform a wide range of tasks—from foundations and walls to roofing and plasterboarding—demonstrates the advantage of being multi-skilled. This flexibility helps maintain workflow continuity and reduces dependency on multiple subcontractors.
📏 **Precision is fundamental in construction:** The team emphasises the critical role of accurate measuring and cutting. Mastery of basic carpentry skills, such as using a spirit level and correctly using measuring tools, enables workers to tackle a wide range of construction tasks effectively.
🔨 **Tools are essential, but skill is paramount:** Despite using an average saw, the team’s skill level ensures high-quality workmanship. This underscores that the craftsman’s expertise often outweighs the quality of equipment in achieving precise results.
🌧️ **Weatherproofing is crucial before seasonal changes:** The crew’s prompt action to waterproof the building before winter rains illustrates the need for proactive site management. Protecting work in progress from weather damage prevents costly setbacks and ensures project timelines remain intact.
The video provides a practical overview of the realities of a construction site, highlighting the combination of technical skill, adaptability, and teamwork required to overcome challenges and successfully complete complex builds.
Resin bound drives are all the rage these days for the obvious reason that they provide a great looking gravel hard-standing without the drawback of loose gravel but are they a job for the general builder or should you sub them out?
There are two distinct forms of resin bound drive. One is where the gravel is mixed in with the resin and trowelled on in the same way as a screed, the other is a broadcast method where the resin is spread across the surface and the chippings are then thrown across it.
Those chippings that make contact with the resin are fixed and the loose can be swept up for reuse. The mixed resin method requires a special mixer so it is more likely that the builder will sub this job out but the broadcast method is easier because it requires very little outlay for tools.
Resin Bound Drive Training
Ideally, some training is required because you are dealing with a two pack product. Material suppliers can offer this.
Like anything that has two different methods, there is a difference of opinion as to which is best. Generally, the broadcast method is considered more suitable for driveways as it is harder wearing and has excellent skid resistance.
The trowel down method is a smoother surface which some prefer but it can be slippery when wet. This can be cured with a non-slip coating. Similarly, the broadcast surface can be sealed with a clear resin to resist staining and enhance the colour.
Once this is done it is often difficult for the untrained eye to see a difference between trowel down and broadcast.
Resin Bound Drive
Like so many wet trades the secret to success is the ability to work clean and time the job to produce a steady workflow. This takes a little experience and you are much better off starting with a small area.
On a concrete substrate, at the very least, you need to carry out a thorough jet washing and acid wash to remove any loose or weak material or even laitance.
If you are working with old tarmac that is sound then you will probably be fine but on new tarmac, you need to leave it at least 28 days, or in any instance allow for the oily bituminous residue to dissipate, or this will not allow the resin to adhere properly.
It is not normally necessary to prime a clean dust free surface, although primers are available for a belt and braces approach. The next step is to mask up the areas you need to protect. The resin needs to be applied right up to the edge so time spent on masking is going to make the job easier and neater.
The surface needs to be bone dry which can be a problem in Britain. If there is a shaded area that looks a bit damp it is worth running a roofers blowtorch over it.
You may be tempted to wait for a nice hot day but the two-pack goes off a lot faster in the heat so on the first couple of jobs you really need to pick an overcast day or start early in the morning.
As you get to know the materials you will learn when you can push your luck. When you are ready to lay you need one person mixing the resin and another on the squeegee and if you can manage it a third person on the gravel.
As you become more experienced, if the job is small, you can do the job with two people but the first time it is better to go in mob-handed. A notched squeegee is a tool you can’t do without because it makes sure the bed of resin is even rather than having thick and thin parts. As the notch lines begin to sink into the mass you can begin casting the gravel.
Ideally, you need to avoid walking on the finished surface for a few hours but when broadcasting the gravel it is sometimes hard to avoid. If you need to go on it then smooth-soled shoes are essential and walk very carefully so you don’t kick up the gravel.
On the job shown here there was a steep sloping section of drive and for a beginner, this is not good because the resin can run and slump. Again this underlines the value of the one-day training course.
Resin Bound Drives Close-up
Contact PICS Newbury for details of resin bound gravel drives materials and one day training courses.
Road safety, surface treatments and line marking specialist, WJ Group, delivered at least £83 million in social value in 2023, according to figures released recently.
The figure has been assessed rigorously across WJ’s contracts with National Highways, Transport Scotland and local highways authorities throughout the UK, and has been certified by PlanetMark. It has been calculated according to a range of measures, including carbon reduction, community engagement, volunteering, training and employment opportunities.
Standout contributions include 30,901 tonnes of CO2 reductions, primarily driven by the use of their bio-based thermoplastic products, and more than 1195 hours volunteering for community projects by members of the WJ team, including projects such as cleaning and refurbishing the Spitfire and Walrus monuments on Reginald Mitchell Way in Stoke-on-Trent.
WJ Group Leadership
Paul Aldridge, Sustainability Director at WJ Group, said: “Our core operations across the strategic and local road network throughout the UK deliver important social and economic benefits in terms of road safety and better journeys. However, our activities also deliver a wide range of social benefits, from improving the environment through carbon reduction to providing skilled employment opportunities for local people.
“Beyond that, we take pride in engaging with the communities through projects such as school outreach, where we teach local children about road safety, careers events and donations of time and materials for projects like new playgrounds.”
To find out more about WJ Group’s services, please visit: www.wj.uk
SOPREMA, a global leader in waterproofing, insulation, and acoustic solutions, will be exhibiting at Education Estates 2025 on 14–15 October at Manchester Central. Visitors are invited to meet the SOPREMA team on Stand 328 to learn how the company’s expertise in both soundproofing systems and educational roofing projects supports the creation of safe, comfortable, and future-ready learning environments.
At this year’s event, SOPREMA will highlight two key areas of expertise:
• Acoustic comfort in education: SOPREMA’s advanced soundproofing products, including Purekustik, Fibrokustik, Soprakustik, Tecsound, Pavaflex, and Pavatextil, are designed to help schools, colleges, and universities meet the requirements of BB93: Acoustic Design of Schools. These solutions help reduce noise transfer, improve speech intelligibility, and create learning spaces that enhance wellbeing and performance.
• Complete roofing service for education: Alongside product innovation, SOPREMA provides a full-service approach to roofing for both refurbishment and new-build projects. From initial surveying and design through to technical specification, installation guidance, and aftercare, SOPREMA ensures that every stage of the project is backed by expert support. Solutions such as DUOFLEX and Alsan PMMA are not only designed for durability and efficiency, but also address the key compliance priorities of the education sector:
o BB100 Fire Safety in Schools
o Broof(t4) Fire Performance Compliant Systems
o BBA certification to demonstrate proven durability
o RAG ratings to support specification confidence
SOPREMA IN ACTION
This dual focus reflects SOPREMA’s commitment to working in partnership with clients to address both the acoustic performance and building fabric requirements of modern educational facilities.
Phil Griffiths, Development & Specification Director said:
“Education Estates is the ideal opportunity for us to demonstrate how our soundproofing technologies and complete roofing services come together to support the education sector. By combining innovative products with technical expertise and a lifecycle service approach, we help schools, colleges, and universities create spaces that are resilient, sustainable, and truly fit for purpose.”
Education Estates is the UK’s leading event dedicated to the design, construction, management, and maintenance of schools, colleges, and universities. The exhibition attracts estates and facilities directors, local authorities, architects, contractors, governors, advisors, and education leaders who are focused on shaping the future of learning environments.
