Roger visits Meadvale Builders
Extension with Meadvale Builders coming soon, hit subscribe – don’t miss it.
Check out Meadvale Builders:
https://www.mybuilder.com/profile/view/meadvale_builders
Tel: 01737 227009
Roger examines, to see if it’s time to cancel him.
🔗 Dan Cox Playlist: https://bit.ly/3F879Im
🛒 Ultimate Roofing Square: essential-carpenter-tools.co.uk
Martyn Bridges, from Worcester Bosch Group, returns to talk with Roger.
Worcester Bosch Boilers
🔗 https://www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/products/boilers
Worcester Bosch Heat Pumps
🔗 https://www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/heat-pumps
A heat pump is a relatively new technology in the UK although they are widely used in Scandinavia and many parts of Europe where there is an abundance of renewably sourced electricity.
A heat pump takes energy from outside and transfers it into heat to be circulated around a heating and hot water system.
A heat pump uses electricity to run the components of a heat pump, principally a fan, compressor and circulating pumps to transfer the energy from the heat source into the heat sink or heating system.
Roger compares OSB 3 board and plywood and gives his opinion on the best option.
OSB board and plywood are both hugely popular sheeting materials used in modern-day property builds. Whether they’re being used in wall sheathing, flooring or roofs, they both have their own particular suitability and also their own downfalls. So which is best to use in your project?
OSB board
OSB board was introduced in the 70s as an alternative to plywood for load-bearing building applications. It’s made up of layers of cross-oriented strands of timber and bonded with a waterproof resin. Their unique formation allows them to withstand high levels of stress. They are more often than not covered by layers of plaster and paint to achieve a polished look.
Plywood
Plywood has been around much longer than OSB board and was the favoured sheeting material until the cost savings of OSB became apparent. Flexible, durable and hardwood plywoods are suitable for a variety of applications.
Both OSB board and plywood are flexible and durable options for any project. They are ideal for property builds as sheet materials for walls, floors and roofs and are also great for use in smaller projects.
Environmental factors
OSB board is made from a FSC mix 70% timber, meaning that it is composed of a minimum of 70% FSC certified wood/pulp and the balance is controlled wood or reclaimed material. Plywood is certified as FSC 100%.
The majority of the time OSB boards are the cheaper option and for this reason, are now favoured in most building applications. However, when it comes to DIY plywood still reigns supreme – most probably due to the natural wood appearance of ply.
https://www.championtimber.com
Roger follows a project with a new group of tradesmen.
Meadvale Builders
🔗 https://www.mybuilder.com/profile/view/meadvale_builders
Reigate Plasterers
🔗 https://reigateplasterers.co.uk
Surrey Kitchen Installations
🔗 http://www.surreykitcheninstallation.co.uk
Stonefish Mosaics Floor Tiling Specialist
🔗 http://stonefishmosaics.co.uk
Good Wood Floors
🔗 https://www.goodwoodfloors.co.uk
Roger demonstrates the Keyfix Non-combustible Cavity Tray System.
ABOUT KEYFIX
Keyfix is setting new standards in the delivery of Non-combustible Cavity Tray Systems for projects requiring Document B compliance in buildings utilising steel frame systems in the external cavity.
The innovative non-combustible A1 fire rated Cavity Tray system is a practical solution to provide DPC protection over lintels, masonry supports, soffit systems and other elements in the cavity such as fire barriers.
• Self-supporting
• Integral Stop Ends
• Bond / coursing adjustability
• No sealants required
• Available for all cavity configurations
1. Classified A1 Fire Rated
Manufactured using only Class A1 Non-combustible Grade 304 austenitic stainless steel ensures a lifespan of 125+ years for the entire system. For coastal locations, Grade 316 austenitic stainless steel should be specified to ensure compliance with relevant British Standards and Warranty Provider requirements.
2. Rigid Self Support
The unique design of the Keyfix NCCT enables the stainless steel tray to be self-supporting across the cavity and requires no support from the internal structure, eliminating clashes with other components. Standard trays can be used to protect varying cavity widths from 50mm+.
3. Requires no Sealants or Mastics
The Keyfix NCCT is the only Cavity Tray of its type on the market with a mechanical dry seal at joints. The patented ribbed joint overlap eliminates the use of any sealants at joints which removes the possibility of installation errors caused by onsite conditions.
4. Integral Stop Ends
The Keyfix NCCT incorporates integral Stop Ends on each tray to ensure water is trapped and channelled outwards via the Keyfix NCW (Non-combustible Weep). The integral Stop Ends facilitate perp joint width adjustability of +/- 3mm between 7-13mm if required.
5. No Thermal Bridge
Completely self-supporting, the Keyfix NCCT is installed in the outer leaf with no connection whatsoever with the inner skin and therefore does not create a thermal bridge or differential movement issues.
6. Onsite Simplicity
The modular system incorporating integral Stop Ends, Non-combustible Weeps, and prefabricated external and internal corner trays with ribbed joints provide bond /coursing adjustability and removes the need for onsite fabrication. Detailed component schedules and location plans ensure easy planning and ordering with stock available quickly via our extensive distribution network.
Check out our 2-minute tip playlist:
â–¶ https://bit.ly/3Ur5keZ
Roger shows us how he likes to cut PIR boards or PUR boards with perfectly straight edges, without using expensive power tools.
If you’re happy to spend the money, check out the Festool ISC 240.
🛒 Festool ISC 240 Basic: https://amzn.to/3kPzh7a
🛒 Festool ISC 240 + Batteries: https://amzn.to/36cQPWK
🛒 Festool ISC 240 Complete Kit: https://amzn.to/2G9zXVU
Oakwood Garden Rooms: https://youtu.be/t8qMtDRo0RQ
@Oakwood Garden Rooms
Van theft has become a growing concern in many urban and rural areas, driven by the high demand for commercial vehicles and their valuable contents. Thieves often target vans for their cargo, which can include expensive tools, equipment, or goods, making these vehicles prime targets for criminal activity. The impact of van theft extends beyond the immediate financial loss; it can disrupt business operations, lead to increased insurance premiums, and cause significant inconvenience for the vehicle owners. Enhanced security measures, such as tracking systems, robust locking mechanisms, and vigilant awareness, are essential in mitigating the risks associated with van theft and protecting valuable assets.
Snickers Workwear and EMMA Safety Footwear lead sustainable business practices in their industries.
With COP26 and environmental responsibility all around us, the ‘The Circularity Gap’ is very much in focus for Protective Wear manufacturers and users alike.
It’s so important that by embracing the circular economy, global greenhouse gas emissions could shrink by 39%!*
That’s why Emma Safety footwear is a leader in sustainability having created the world’s very first ‘100% Circular’ safety footwear range and Snickers Workwear is at the forefront of sustainability in the workwear industry by sourcing the highest quality, most hard-wearing products with as little environmental impact as possible.
The combined result is environmentally-friendly, ergonomically designed working clothes and safety shoes that are not only designed to meet the physical demands that tradesmen and women face at work but will reduce your carbon footprint too!
The Milwaukee M18 FFN, DeWalt DCN692N and HiKOKI NR1890DC framing nailers are out for review on-site for feedback from real builders who use nailers every day. Will they be willing to swap their Paslode gas nailers for the latest battery-powered machines?
Framing nailer specs:
Milwaukee M18 FFN
Underfloor Heating Playlist
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvRh7uimDQfc-jiaMhAXBTesbMJhwJt-R
Mighton weatherstripping, staff and parting bead
https://www.mightonproducts.com/products/sash-window-hardware/weatherstripping-beads
Cutting heating bills can significantly ease household expenses and contribute to energy efficiency. Simple measures such as improving insulation, sealing drafts around windows and doors, and using programmable thermostats can drastically reduce heating costs. Regular maintenance of heating systems ensures they operate efficiently, while switching to energy-efficient appliances or alternative energy sources can also make a difference. Additionally, adopting habits like lowering thermostat settings when away or sleeping, and wearing warm clothing indoors, can further reduce energy consumption. By implementing these strategies, households can enjoy a warmer home while keeping heating bills under control.
Mica Action Group : https://www.micaactiongroup.com
Paddy Diver : https://twitter.com/PaddyDiver4
Official Twitter : https://twitter.com/micaactiongroup
FACEBOOK
=========
Mica Action Group
https://www.facebook.com/Micaactiongroup
100% Redress NO LESS!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/297785338568131
YOUTUBE
========
https://www.youtube.com/c/MicaActionGroupDonegal
ABOUT
======
The Mica Action Group are concerned Donegal homeowners who have come together, following observation of unusual and severe cracking problems to their houses.
The group are seeking to secure a full government-funded, administered and implemented redress scheme for all owners of dwellings in County Donegal whose houses are affected by structural cracking caused by defective building materials.
Find out more about the crumbling homes of Donegal scandal.
You can contact them by e-mail: registered@micaactiongroup.com
James isn’t feeling great this week, so it’s a good job he’s got plenty of help.
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RELATED VIDEO LINKS
🎬 How To Build An Extension series playlist: https://bit.ly/2LnUhG5
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🎬 Ultimate Roofing Square: https://youtu.be/_TmXZ0cGNEI
🎬 6 Roofing Squares Compared: https://youtu.be/7qlQW3j6OIQ
🎬 How to Make a Tusk Tenon Joint Like a Pro: https://youtu.be/osoItQj_blw
_________________________________________________________________
Our thanks go to James and Ian of The Supreme Finishing Company.
â—¾ https://thesupremefinishingcompany.co.uk
â—¾ https://www.facebook.com/thesupremefinishingcompany
Taking working comfort and layering systems to a whole new level.Â
The Snickers Workwear climate control system includes functional base layers, insulating mid layers and weather-protective outer layers.
These technically advanced working clothes allow craftsmen and craftswomen to adjust to changing weather conditions on-site so they’re always working effectively – with maximum comfort and protection.
Take the new FlexiWork Inverted Pile jacket for example. This warm and versatile pile jacket can be used both as a jacket in cooler conditions or a mid layer when the weather is more inclement.
Made of laminated polyester fabric with a furry pile lining for optimal warmth and comfort, its ergonomics also feature shaped shoulders for a great fit and optimum freedom of movement.
Hi-tech, advanced fabric technology like this is integral to all Snickers Workwear’s Base-, Mid- and Top-Layer garments for both men and women that always combine well with the Snickers Workwear hallmarks of best-in-class durability, comfort, ergonomics and fit.
If you’re serious about creating a truly sustainable build, the importance of understanding the entire supply chain when considering and making decisions about what materials, methods and products to use is critical. Bringing insight from Bradfords’ visibility of the entire supply chain we’re working with customers to help them tackle building sustainably from source to fit.
The whole carbon footprint of a new building or building project is split into that associated with the products and materials used, the construction process itself, and the through life use of the building.
What does that mean in real terms? As a rough guide, 60% of the carbon is embodied in the manufacture and logistics of materials and products. A further 10% is to the construction process itself, and 30% during the through-life operation of the building once you or the occupier is living in it.
The through-life use is obviously something that you live with every day for the duration of the time that you reside in the house. If you’re planning to build your dream home, or indeed a home that is built to last, then there’s no surprise that considerable thought is given to the efficiency and comfort of the home once it is built. It is totally understandable then that the upstream embodied carbon in the products through manufacture and transport to site – which represents the majority of the overall carbon embodied – is given less consideration when planning the build.. The choices you make on what materials to build with are made early in your project and represent a very short-term part of the overall journey you take.
If you want to get the fundamentals right from the start, know that all materials will have a history, and the positives and negatives will need to be weighed up for each. You also need to consider the design of your home, where you live and your lifestyle, all of which will have a big impact on determining what the most environmentally responsible products are.
Unfortunately, there isn’t always a clear answer as to whether or not something is a truly sustainable material. While it might be obvious that some materials cause more harm than good, there isn’t always one single product than stands head and shoulders above the rest, especially when you factor in cost and crucially that the products need to do the job.
These are the kind of factors you’ll need to take into account to establish what exactly constitutes a sustainable product:
Lifespan
How long before the product will need to be replaced?  Don’t be obsolete – you don’t want to have to retrofit your dream home shortly after you complete it. And think whole house. There are lots of shiny products which have great credentials, but do they work together, and do they actually do what you want now and for the long term?  Plan holistically and plan early.
Buy local
You may stumble across a product made from sustainably sourced raw materials, but if it’s being shipped from the ends of the earth, the embodied carbon created as a result of its journey to your build will tarnish the overall benefits.
Selecting a local product can have a huge bearing on the overall embodied carbon of your home both in terms of the build phase and it’s through life. Putting the right foot forward from the start and choosing a local manufacturer goes further than you think in terms reducing emissions that your materials create in their journey from the product line to your site.
There are plenty of options when it comes to UK manufacturers and many who create niche sustainable products with great performance for the job they’re intended.
Overall cost
Really think about whether or not you can afford a particular product. You need to be realistic. If you spend inordinate amounts of your budget on one green feature you might be cutting corners in the future that results in a detrimental green impact. Again, think whole house.
But look one step further. What’s the real overall cost? High-performance sustainable products often attract a higher initial cost on-shelf price, but you need to look at the cost saving for the life of the product when being used in your building. The benefits are often huge, and you should bear in mind the government incentives that either already exist or are in the pipeline when looking at the overall cost.
Recycled – and recyclable – materials
Purchasing products with recycled content obviously saves natural resources but purchasing products that are recyclable at the end of their – hopefully long – life will help save resources for the long term.
And what makes a sustainable material? Timber is usually cited as the ultimate sustainable material. At Bradfords we only source timber from suppliers who ensure that their forests are entirely sustainable; nothing is chopped down until it’s reached a certain maturity and there’s at least a like for like replacement growing. But take a look at those other products which come from natural sources and understand what the manufacturer does to mitigate the use of those resources, as well as the ancillaries like water and heat which go into the process of turning them into the products you want to use.
At Bradfords we’re working with our suppliers to ensure we understand the environmental impact of the products we offer and to explore more sustainable alternatives without compromising on quality. We’ll be making sure that our teams are given the information to be able to help you make informed choices, as well as launching our sustainability hub before the end of the year, which will be packed with information and guidance.
Cromar Vent 3 high-performance breathable roof underlay
â–¶ https://www.cromarbuildingproducts.com/products/vent3
DuPont Tyvek Supro Breather Membrane
â–¶ https://bit.ly/3cjJoyH
Klober Permo Air Vapour Permeable Air Breathable Roof Underlay
â–¶ https://klober.co.uk/product/pitched-roofing/membranes/permo-air
Thermafleece Breather Membrane 100gsm
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Being self-employed can be an incredibly liberating feeling, knowing that you set your limits and your working hours and don’t have to answer to anyone above you.
However, this freedom comes with its own set of worries too. The responsibility for any mistakes with your business lies with you, and that includes the mistakes of people you employ as well.
As well as this, it’s important to remember that you are indeed running a business and therefore need to treat it like one. This responsibility adds a significant increase to your workload and is a big trade off for the added flexibility of being your own boss. Here are some of the most important things to remember as a self-employed electrician so you don’t get caught out.
Qualifications And Licences
There are plenty of tradespeople out there that operate without the right qualifications. This tends to be because they’ve learned the skills they need to do the job and then wonder why they should pay to earn a piece of paper to prove that they can do that job. However, when you take a step back and really think about this, it’s understandable that members of the public would want to know that they can trust you and your alleged skillset.
Getting electrical qualifications, however dull you might think they’ll be to acquire, is the only way to prove you’re able to complete a job safely.
It’s also important to note that it’s actually the law for you to have the correct licenses and qualifications to conduct major electrical work on a property. It’s not worth the risk of getting caught, so do things the right way.
Health And Safety Assurances
Whenever you install electrical equipment, it’s important to remember the risks of doing so. Over time, electrical components will degrade, and regular checks are essential.
In rented properties, it’s recommended that these checks should be done every 5 years or whenever there’s a change of occupancy.
You’ll need to organise an EICR or Electrical Installation Condition Report to ensure plug sockets and light fittings, among other things, are safe for use by tenants.
When it comes to new build properties or if you’re completely rewiring the property, you’ll be required to generate an Electrical Installation Certificate or EIC for the property.
Business Plans And Budgets
As a self-employed electrician, you should remember that you’re running a business, whether you have any employees or if it’s just you.
This means that a business plan, as well as a budget, are key to your success.
Of course, you may be able to get by without thinking about these things, but the chances are you’ll run into many more complications than usual if you don’t spend some time organising and planning your business.
We highly recommend writing a business plan as soon as you begin your journey as a self-employed electrician, and once you’ve drawn up a budget, stick to it.
Managing your money without a plan, whilst trying to complete your contracts is not going to be an easy task, so spend some time preparing your funds before you get inundated with jobs and have no time for business management.
Life can sometimes feel like a hectic race where you have no time for yourself. While this is sometimes true, you can always rely on that relaxing feeling you get when you step in the door to help soothe what ails you.
But what if your home isn’t a relaxing space? There are no shortages of home maintenance issues that can disrupt your alone time.
Whether it is a messy living room, lack of space or the absence of light, you can find that your home is just as stressful as the outside world.
Don’t fret about that, though. We have organised a number of DIY solutions to help with your everyday problems.
Build A Space For Yourself
The last thing you want when you’ve spent all day with other people is to deal with someone else’s problems. This does not mean that you should immediately ignore your family or housemates, but finding a space to be alone is crucial to surviving in the modern world.
One example of a space that you can call your own is a garden shed. Sheds are no longer reserved for gardening materials and storage.
There are some impressive examples of homemade sheds out there that showcase a number of purposes.
You can build a shed to house your hobbies, store your gadgets or even make a second living room outside.
Whatever you choose, just remember how important your alone time is. What’s more, you can even use your new shed to complete some other DIY projects on this list.
DIY Storage
Another problem that you are sure to face is keeping your home tidy. You have probably tried everything to provide a healthy living space, but there is just too much stuff to keep on top off.
One solution for a messy home is increasing your storage space. However, this comes as a bit of a double edge sword because you don’t have the space for your possessions, so how are you supposed to find more storage space. Once again, DIY can provide the solution to your problem.
Opting for a DIY fitted wardrobes can give you an edge over store-bought storage systems as you can tailor your designs to the space that you have and your DIY skills.
The wardrobes found in furniture stores are often large, cumbersome things that are designed to take up a lot of room and store as much as possible.
By building a DIY fitted wardrobe, you can fit it to your own specifications, proving that little bit of extra storage that you need.
Another example of DIY storage is shelving. These are possibly some of the easiest things to build. All you need to do is sand down and hang a flat piece of wood on your wall.
Again, the customisation options are based on your skill level, and it only takes a few of these to improve your storage options.
Consider Adding More Light
This is a trickier solution to your problems, but you may want to allow more light to enter your home. The outside world is full of stressors, but one of those is certainly not the sun.
Natural light can improve your mood and make your home feel more spacious.
An easy solution to letting more light into your home is changing your doors. In some rooms, you will definitely want privacy, but others could use a transparent pane on the door.
These windows will filter light through your home and make the whole place feel brighter.
You can be more extreme and add more windows and skylights, but perhaps these jobs are best done by a professional.
Make Your Home Yours
The most important part of making a house a home is adding details to ensure that it has your personality. Flat-pack furniture is nice to a point, but when everyone ends up with the same decor it can feel as if your home is even blander.
It doesn’t take a lot of effort to improve your living space. A few homemade pieces of furniture can go a long way to stamping your mark on a property.
Some objects are easy to create, such as the aforementioned shelves and a coffee table. Place one of these homemade pieces in the centre of a room to make it pop.
Furthermore, you can make adjustments to the existing furniture that you have bought. Carefully stencilling signature designs or artwork into your pre-built furniture is a great way to place ownership over your mundane objects, giving your house a much-needed personality boost.
Perhaps try making an adjustment or two to your existing furniture to express your design ideas and improve your DIY skills in the process.
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember when trying to improve your home is that you should always be as creative as possible.
At the end of the day, it is your home and you should know what changes will suit your lifestyle.
These are just some helpful suggestions, so take what you need and make your house a home.
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