I bet you never thought your spirit level might not be level. Roger explains what you need to check and how an uneven level might waste huge amounts of time and money.
Featuring Milwaukee Red Stick.
Impact Driver v Drill – What’s the Difference?
What’s the difference between a drill and an impact driver? Roger explains the difference and what you need to know.
Bright Idea – Milwaukee Trueview LED Light
Robin loves to be in the spotlight and this range of Milwaukee Trueview LED lights cover every possibility.
Milwaukee products featured in this video.
M18 ONESLDP LED Compact Site Light Charger.
M12 SAL LED Stand Light.
M18 ONESLSP LED Compact Site Light with ONE-KEY.
Where’s Steve?
Roger catches up with an old friend to see what he’s working on. Viewers haven’t seen Steve Farrow since the 35A extension series filmed back in 2006 but he’s still on the tools and working on his daughter’s house.
HiKOKI 36V Brushless Cordless Angle Grinder
Roger checks out the HiKOKI G3612DA Brushless 36V Angle Grinder and looks at how to use a grinder.
The New G3612DA Brushless Grinder from HiKOKI is a compact cordless grinder that when combined with HiKOKI’s extremely efficient 18v / 36v li-ion batteries, becomes as powerful as a standard AC powered machine, accepting 115mm diameter discs with a 22mm bore, the powerful brushless DC motor produces a max 9500rpm no-load speed.
The massive power in this machine is safely contained with a number of safety features such as the electronic brake that will stop the wheel in under 2 seconds, Kickback Protection System, Anti-Restart Protection, Soft Start, and solid construction that is dust and water-resistant.
At 2.8Kg the G3612DA is incredibly light and it has the smallest grip circumference in its class at 190mm around the motor and only 146mm at its narrowest.
A 5 stage variable speed system gives you complete control but, if you dont have time to fiddle with settings, just flick on Auto Mode and the machine will change between 5,500rpm and 9,500rpm depending on load.
Loft Conversion Advice & Tiling onto Tiles ~ ASB #20
Send us your pictures and videos: http://skill-builder.uk/send
Bhajan Pabla has syphon problems in with his toilet that’s not functioning properly.
Jake Mariner wants to do a loft conversion on a budget.
Phil Bishop wants to know if it’s possible to tile onto tiles.
Rob Field is refitting a shower enclosure and trying to decide on the fittings.
4 Ways to Attract More Women into the Construction Sector
Kelly Friel, Digital Product Manager at industry and trade suppliers Zoro, offers her advice for attracting the talents of this under-utilised workforce.
“Companies who take steps to attract more women on board, often outperform those that don’t.”
Women are shockingly under-represented in the construction sector. Currently, only 3% of manual trades, 5% of engineering, 8% of haulage and 12% of professional construction roles are filled by women (Innovate UK), which means that the skills and expertise of almost half the population aren’t being utilised — and the industry is missing out. In fact, companies who take steps to attract more women on board, often outperform those that don’t (Sourceable).
But the problem isn’t necessarily that construction companies aren’t choosing to hire women, rather than women don’t consider careers in the construction sector as a viable career path. So, below are just some of the ways we can attract more women to a job within the construction sector.
Equipment and facilities
From toilets to personal protection equipment that fits, there’s a lot lacking in the industry when it comes to equipment and facilities for women. Most of the time, this is because a company has never had to supply these things before as there’ve been so few on-site, but if you want to attract more women into your workforce, you need to be able to show you’ve made the necessary adjustments.
That goes for atmosphere, too: make sure your sites are places that women would feel comfortable working in. Assigning new starters with a mentor can help make them feel more at ease, as that way they have a confidant they can go to if they have any problems. If employee behaviour is a concern, you could organise some diversity workshops for your staff that cover discriminatory language and conduct prior to new female employees joining the business.
Equal opportunities and pay
As an employer, you must provide equal opportunities from your leadership roles to your onsite engineering positions. It’s illegal to discriminate based on sex and that includes only giving certain jobs to men and women. So, when selecting a candidate, base your decision on their experience, training, and qualifications to find the best person for the job.
Another pressing equality issue is the gender pay gap. Once a woman has managed to overcome the odds and land a traditionally masculine role, she then faces the possibility of being paid less than a man for the same work. This is often accidentally perpetuated by basing employees’ salaries on their previous rates of pay, repeating the mistakes of their former employer, so it’s best not to do this when hiring new staff.
Existing female employees
Raise the profile of women who are already working in construction and make your existing female employees more visible at your company, for example through your website or social media. Not only will female applicants be better able to visualise themselves at your company as a result, but you’ll be leading by example and other businesses will do the same.
It’s also important to consider whether any of your current female employees have been overlooked for promotions or leadership roles. By supporting professional development in your company, candidates will consider even the most basic roles you have available as worthy of their time because they are good career opportunities.
Technology and innovation
There’s a bigger emphasis on technology-aided construction than ever before because it is often cheaper, more precise, eliminates human error and can complete projects of a size and scale that would otherwise be unachievable.
And, technology such as augmented reality, drones and robotics, as well as heavy machinery, means that most construction work is less labour intensive than it was the past, eliminating any concerns people may have had previously about women not having the physical ability to keep a job in construction.
Plus, advertising the use of technology and innovation in your construction business can not only appeal to women but a younger generation who are looking for roles that utilise their digital skills.
These are just some of the ways you can attract more women to roles in your construction company. It’s important for equality that all applicants are considered — but hiring women can greatly benefit your business too.
Dreadful Monocouche Render Stains – Roger’s Rant
Time for another one of Roger’s Rants. He has seen too many stained Monocouche renders and wants to share his thoughts.
Causes of monocouche render stains
Monocouche render stains refer to discolourations or blemishes that appear on the surface of monocouche render, a popular choice for exterior wall finishes. Monocouche render is a single-coat render system that provides a decorative and weather-resistant finish to buildings.
However, despite its durability and aesthetic appeal, monocouche render can sometimes develop stains over time due to various factors. These stains may manifest as dark patches, streaks, or efflorescence, which are crystalline deposits caused by water-soluble salts migrating to the surface of the render.
Common causes of monocouche render stains include exposure to weather elements such as rain and wind, water penetration from defective or improperly installed flashing, and biological growth such as algae or moss.
Preventing and remedying monocouche render stains
Preventing and remedying monocouche render stains requires proactive maintenance and appropriate treatment methods. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help minimize the buildup of dirt, algae, or other contaminants that contribute to stains. Additionally, addressing underlying issues such as water penetration through the application of waterproofing sealants or repairing damaged areas of the render can prevent future staining.
When stains do occur, various cleaning techniques and chemical treatments may be employed, depending on the nature and severity of the stains. These methods may include pressure washing, chemical cleaners, or poultices designed to draw out efflorescence. Proper care and maintenance are essential for preserving the appearance and integrity of monocouche render, ensuring that buildings maintain their aesthetic appeal and structural integrity over time.
How to apply Monocouche render
https://skill-builder.uk/apply-weber-one-coat-weberpral-monocouche-render#google_vignette
Find out more at: https://www.uk.weber/renders
First Fix HiKOKI Cordless Framing Nailer
Robin takes a quick look at the HiKOKI NR1890DC first fix cordless framing nailer.
https://www.hikoki-powertools.co.uk/products/nr1890dbcl-jp-18v-brushless-framing-nailer
Check out How to Build a Pitched Roof on YouTube.
How to Unblock Your Sink – Pro Tip
Grab your plungers, it’s time to unblock that clogged sink using the old-fashioned way.
Unblocking a kitchen sink with a plunger might possibly be the simplest video we have ever made, but it works a treat.
The Ultimate Choices in Work Trousers From Snickers Workwear
New Styles, New Designs and Snickers Workwear’s most advanced work trousers yet – with 4-way stretch.
September sees the next generation of Work Trouser choices from the premier brand of working clothes for professional tradesmen and women. There’s the Flexiwork 2.0 trousers, designed for craftsmen who want nothing but the best. These high-spec trousers are made of durable 4-way stretch fabric that offers a new level of comfort and freedom of movement.
Then there’s the ‘loose-fit’ AllroundWork stretch trousers with a classic Snickers Workwear look and feel plus the new FlexiWork Denim Work Trousers where Workwear meets Streetwear in these slim-fitting work trousers made of washed stretch denim.
Also, take a look at the new regular-fit RUFFWork Canvas+ heavy duty trousers. But the ladies will definitely have a close eye on the ALLroundWork women’s stretch trousers, specially designed and shaped to fit the female anatomy with a narrower waist for optimal comfort and freedom of movement.
All in all, probably the best possible additions to the Snickers Work Trouser range with something to suit everyone, whoever you are, wherever you’re working and whatever you’re doing on-site.
Tricky Joists & Wonky Ceiling – ASB #19
Send us your pictures and videos: http://skill-builder.uk/send
A full range of Built-In, timber to timber, long leg and face fix joist hangers, all designed and manufactured in house.
https://tecoproducts.co.uk
Cordless Dust Extraction with DeWalt DCV586M
Many of you made the point that mains powered dust extraction for cordless tools completely defeats the object of having such a tool in the first place.
Now we have the answer to the problem with the DeWalt DCV586M 54V XR FLEXVOLT M-CLASS EXTRACTOR with Wireless Tool Control allows the user to operate the extractor from a wireless remote.
Powered by 54V XR FLEXVOLT technology the DeWalt DCV586M is the ultimate dust extraction solution for a new generation of cordless tools and the key to unlocking the cordless job site and compatible with all TSTAK storage boxes for the ultimate portability.
The DeWALT brushless motor and high capacity XR FLEXVOLT battery coupled with dual M-Class certified HEPA filters with automatic cleaning delivers powerful, constant performance and runtime for the most demanding applications.
DeWalt DCV586M Features
Other features include a remote for wireless operation, a recessed battery housing to protect from job site conditions and TSTAK compatibility.
See more DeWalt products on Skill Builder.
Check out the latest products from DeWalt on their website.
Hultafors NEW Range of Snap Off Knives
Precision, quality and long-lasting sharpness are the hallmarks of these superb new products.
Hultafors Tools has launched a new range of snap off Knives for professional craftsmen and women.
With 13 different knives and 4 long-lasting precision blades, these all-round, ergonomic knives are designed and built to suit a wide range of jobs on site. From industrial and warehouse applications to specialist work on-site – from like cutting boxes open and shaping plasterboard, to trimming flooring and paring cables.
Adaptable Snap Off Knives
Symmetrically designed so that the blades can be turned over, they’re adaptable for both left and right-hand use so that left-handed craftsmen and women can adapt the knife rather than their own usage.
What’s more, the blades are available in three widths of 9, 18, and 25mm, with different blends of sharpness and long life built in to suit regular hard work on site.
Getting more information on the Hultafors Tools product range easy. You call the Helpline on 01484 854788 or check out www.hultafors.co.uk and download a digital catalogue.
Plumbers v Sparks v Chippies – Peugeot Challenge
We were invited to take part in Peugeot’s Surround Rear Vision Tradesman Challenge so we took Robin and ‘Little Hand’ Jubi along to make up the Chippie Team and go up against the Plumber Team including James Lawrence from Plumberparts and Phil Rawlingson, and the other team was the sparks with the pairing of Joe Amps and AJ Cookson.
Dodging bricks, pallets and woodpiles, and executing difficult parking manoeuvres, the Electricians came out on top, after safely navigating the course in the quickest time of 4m 49s after penalty deductions.
Peugeot’s Surround Rear Vision technology has been developed to increase all-round visibility to reduce parking and reversing accidents. Using cameras to monitor the van’s surroundings, with a video feed displayed to the driver, the technology gives drivers a wider field of vision compared to standard side-mirrors.
Research from the Department for Transport shows reversing and parking remains an on-going issue for van drivers, with 1,152 parking and reversing accidents reported in 2017. These accounted for nearly 10% of all light goods vehicle accidents for the year.
The time spent away from work is compounded by costly repairs. The Association for British Insurers previously estimated average vehicle repair costs in the UK have risen by more than a third since 2013, with the average repair bill following an accident at £2,137.
David Peel, Managing Director of Peugeot UK, said: “Today was about having a little fun with our all-new Partner van and its technology, but also highlighting a crucial safety innovation”.
Plumbers v Sparks v Chippies – Peugeot Challenge
================================================
Tell us what you like: http://skill-builder.uk/vote
Get in touch, send us your pictures and videos: http://skill-builder.uk/send
Twitter: https://twitter.com/skillbuilderuk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skillbuilderchannel
Out of respect to our channel sponsors and the wide variety of people who watch our videos, we will remove comments that do not follow common standards of politeness and decency.
Cool Compact Cordless – Milwaukee M12 System
Robin visits Dublin to see the latest Milwaukee M12 System, bringing a compact cordless power tool range to all.
The cordless job site is becoming a more realistic goal and Robin has made the leap with most of his tools, but can Milwaukee’s new cordless range help with completing the transition?
MORE FROM MILWAUKEE
The MILWAUKEE® M12™ Cordless System is the largest sub-compact system on the market, delivering industry-leading durability and power in a size that outperforms the competition in the tightest places. Powered by REDLITHIUM™ Battery technology for unmatched run-time, and coupled with patented technologies, innovative motors, and advanced electronics, M12™ changes the game. MILWAUKEE® offers more than 90 professional cordless solutions focused on providing tool belt portability, without sacrificing power and speed.
Featured in this video:
Milwaukee M12 FUEL FPDX Percussion Drill with Removable Chuck
Milwaukee M12 FUEL FIWF12 Impact Wrench
Milwaukee M12 FUEL CCS44 Circular Saw
Milwaukee M12 FUEL CH SDS-Plus Hammer
Milwaukee M18 FUEL FMS254 Mitre Saw
================================================
Tell us what you like: http://skill-builder.uk/vote
Get in touch, send us your pictures and videos: http://skill-builder.uk/send
Twitter: https://twitter.com/skillbuilderuk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skillbuilderchannel
Out of respect to our channel sponsors and the wide variety of people who watch our videos, we will remove comments that do not follow common standards of politeness and decency.
Driveway Sealers & Things Beyond Repair – ASB #18
Send us your pictures and videos: http://skill-builder.uk/send
Alastair is about to get a new block driveway and asks should he seal the drive and what block paving sealant would we recommend. Everbuild and Sika are two options.
Everbuild Path and Paving Sealers: https://www.everbuild.co.uk
The Sika range includes elastic sealing and bonding solutions, joint sealants for facades or resistant sealants for floors, as well as multipurpose bonding solutions for interior finishing or parquet installation. https://www.sika.com
Joe the Builder is working on his second house renovation and has ripped up old vinyl flooring to find that the concrete floor underneath isn’t 100% poured concrete flooring. Does he need DPC?
Michael Harvey has an insecure false suspended kitchen ceiling.
Steve Saunders has a question about a new build and noticed joints from the gas line coming from under the house out to the meter without protection on the copper line, and joints covered over with gravel.
Roger Brancher thinks his house in Kathmandu Nepal needs a bit of re-pointing to the brickwork. This is some interesting architecture.
Is Off-site Construction the Future?
What is off-site construction?
Off-site construction is the completion of elements or components for a structure at another location in a factory environment. Sometimes these components are assembled before being delivered to site. The off-site construction factories can either be permanent factories or ‘flying’ factories. ‘Flying’ factories are temporary facilities set up for a specific project and then moved once the project is completed. Off-site construction requires intense planning and design before fabrication and assembling can begin.
What are typical off-site construction methods?
Volumetric or modular systems is one of the most popular off-site construction methods. Whole rooms or parts of a building are fabricated off-site. These modular systems can either be assembled off-site and transported to site for placement or assembled on-site, where they need minor finishes.
Structural insulated panels are high-performance insulation systems. They generally consist of thermal insulation between two sheets of oriented strand board. These can be used if a building or structure needs to be made weatherproof quickly. They are transported to site in panels.
Prefabricated materials are materials that have been prefabricated ahead of time in a factory environment before being transported to site. An example of this would be precast concrete and prefabricated steel reinforcing.
Pre-assembled components is when various components and elements are gathered and assembled under factory conditions into a finished product before being transported to the site. Instead of assembling on-site in unpredictable conditions, pre-assembled components can arrive all ready to be installed.
How is off-site construction the future of construction?
Off-site construction comes with a lot of advantages that will help the UK building industry meet its goals set out in the Construction 2025 Strategy. Construction 2025’s main goals for the construction industry are;
- 50% reduction in carbon emissions
- 50% reduction in time spent on site i.e. faster delivery of the end product
- 33% reduction in the initial cost of construction
- 3% pa growth in the industry until the year 2025
Off-site construction helps reduce carbon emissions because there are fewer deliveries to site and off-site construction is both sustainable and relocatable. Construction sites that use off-site construction methods are shown to be 70 – 80% more efficient than traditional sites that are only 30% efficient. This is because of the high-quality control exercised in a factory setting as opposed to on a construction site, this also leads to less waste. Showing that off-site construction will help in the reduction of carbon emissions.
It allows for shorter construction time, meaning faster delivery of the end product. Installations are faster, cutting down on operation time and skilled labour needed. It is reliable and not weather dependent, no more delays due to rainy days and bad weather.
Off-site construction increases site cost predictability, which helps in the reduction of the initial cost of construction. There are less hidden expenses when it comes to off-site construction and there are early returns due to the quick finishing times. The designs are more lightweight and therefore money is also saved on the design and construction of foundation and structural supports.
There is also an increase in on-site safety. Because components are preassembled and transported in, there is less time spent at extreme heights doing construction works making it a safer environment to work in.
What are the disadvantages of off-site construction?
Off-site construction does come with its own unique set of disadvantages. Certain volumetric systems are structurally bulky which means that the floor to floor heights and wall thicknesses can be affected. Transportation limits and restricts the size that modules and panels that can be delivered in one piece. If it can’t fit on the truck, it’s not going anywhere. Design of spans and configurations can be restricted depending on the factory size. Future renovations and changes to the existing structures are more difficult, thus affecting the flexibility and changeability of the structures.
Off-site construction is definitely the future of the construction industry. The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. It also is in line with obtaining the goals that have been set out by the Construction 2025 Strategy for the UK building industry. Off-site construction will help in the reduction of carbon emissions, increase final product delivery and reduce the initial costs of construction. With the help of off-site construction, the hope is that the construction industry will continue to grow at a rate of 4.3% per annum as predicted by the Construction 2025 Strategy.
Bio
Martin Heaton is Owner and Director of Heaton Products, a Midlands-based manufacturer and supplier of building products, materials, and equipment to the construction industry. The home of Trestlemate, Propmate, Pull Up Mate, and Up-Rite, Heaton Products is an innovative leader in the development of products that help construction projects become safer, more economical, and more efficient.
Omnie LowBoard 15 Underfloor Heating
Roger is back with the next episode of our extension series and he has an Omnie underfloor heating system to install.
The first floor is completed using Omnie LowBoard 15. LowBoard is a 15mm thick square-edged wood board water underfloor heating panel floated or mechanically fixed over a flat and even timber or solid subfloor.
To avoid underfloor heating problems when using tiles, we recommend LowBoard is mechanically fixed, you’ll also need to refer to the tiler’s recommendations.
The low panel height makes it suitable where there’s limited floor-to-ceiling height to install a conventional underfloor heating system.
The panel has a multi-directional design for ease of installation. The universal panel is simply laid across the floor with no loop ends and straights to configure. The foil diffuser further increases the output and is pierced as the pipe is pressed into the channels.
A finished floor deck or 6mm ply, MDF or similar is mechanically fixed over the LowBoard panels to complete the floor.
Omnie LowBoard Spec
OMNIE LowBoard system using 12mm PE-RT pipe to DIN 4726.
The 15mm LowBoard panels to be laid fully-floating or mechanically fixed as a continuous layer over a sub-floor. Next, a minimum of 6mm covering layer such as flooring grade ply is then mechanically fixed over the LowBoard panels. If timber or laminate is used there is no need for a covering layer on top of LowBoard.
For tile & decorative floor finishes the LowBoard panels will require fixing to screed or a deflection free timber floor with a minimum 6mm flooring grade ply or tilebacker board mechanically fixed over.
Please refer to the Tilemaster Adhesives Ltd specification guide (IG UFH 23, see link below) or obtain specific conformation and guidance from floor finish installer or manufacturer/supplier.
The system is to be designed, installed and commissioned to BS1264.
See more on underfloor heating on Skill Builder.
See our Timoleon underfloor heating video: https://youtu.be/DWc8L3_t8y8
The Modern Slavery Act – What You Need to Know
You’ve probably heard of the Modern Slavery Act but you might be unsure about whether or not it affects your organisation.
If you are part of any kind of supply chain the likelihood is it does and acting now can protect your business and ensure you don’t lose contracts in the future.
This article from CHAS (The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) will help you to understand how The Modern Slavery Act affects you and what you need to do about it.
What is The Modern Slavery Act?
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 is an Act of Parliament designed to combat modern slavery in the UK. Modern Slavery is defined as the recruitment, movement, harbouring or receiving of children, women or men through the use of force, coercion, abuse of vulnerability, deception or other means for the purpose of exploitation. The Act consolidates previous slavery and trafficking offences.
Who does it affect?
Under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act private companies with a turnover of more than £36 million have to publish an annual “slavery and human trafficking statement” on their website setting out the steps that they have taken to address modern slavery in their business and supply chains.
For businesses within these supply chains, this means they may be asked to share what policy and provisions they have in place to tackle modern slavery.
How effective is it?
Currently, it’s only the publishing of a slavery and human trafficking statement that’s compulsory and it’s acceptable for companies that meet the threshold to say that they haven’t taken any action.
Consequently, the Act has been criticised for failing to drive real change. However, it is a flagship piece of legislation for the United Kingdom the Government’s response to an independent review of the Act published in July 2019 suggests it could soon be set to become a lot tougher.
In the meantime failing to take action is likely to attract bad publicity and in the long term, organisations are expected to build on their statements year on year so it is likely to gain momentum.
What’s more, an increasing number of companies who fall below the £36 million threshold, along with organisations in the public sector, are now voluntarily publishing transparency statements so it has become more than just a compliance issue.
Isn’t slavery a third world problem?
No, and according to the 2018 Global Slavery Index the scale of modern slavery within the UK is much higher than previously thought with an estimated 136,000 people living in modern slavery in the UK today.
Latest National Crime Agency figures show a continuing upward trend with the number of potential victims identified to the authorities rising by 36% in a year. In 2018, 6,993 potential victims were reported, up from 5,142 in 2017 and 3,804 in 2016.
A 2018 report from The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), says construction ranks second only to the sex industry as the sector most prone to exploitation.
The report also highlights that slavery in wealthier nations such as the UK is particularly lucrative for traffickers with the International Labour Organisation estimating that a trafficked person may generate $34,800 a year in destinations such as the UK in contrast with US$3,900 in Africa.
An ongoing skills shortage and falling numbers of EU workers coming to Britain following the Brexit vote is intensifying the problem.
What does slavery in the UK construction industry look like?
According to the Home Office, the majority of victims in the UK construction industry are Eastern European men who are promised a job in the UK and then forced by traffickers to work as labourers, for little or no money.
However, the CIOB suggests that slavery can take many different forms; an example of low-level slavery might include not paying holiday pay or not paying someone’s wages while at the other end of the spectrum it includes imprisoning workers.
Homelessness charities stress that there are clear links between trafficking, modern slavery and homelessness. The Homeless Link, a membership charity for organisations working with the homeless, says there is a dual issue in that people may become homeless after escaping exploitation, or be targeted by traffickers while using homelessness services.
It is also worth noting that modern slavery can be difficult to identify and often hides in plain site with language barriers posing a particular challenge to understanding whether someone is being exploited.
What should you do next?
In short wherever you fit into the supply chain modern slavery is on the rise in the UK along with the moral and legal obligation to deal with it.
Failing to address the issue may prevent you from operating in certain supply chains in the future resulting in the loss of contracts so the time to act is now.
Contact CHAS today on 020 8545 3838 to find out about the range of CHAS accreditation packages that can help, or visit www.chas.co.uk for more information.
TAKEAWAYS: Five things you need to know about the Modern Slavery Act
- Modern slavery is on the rise in the UK increasing by 36% in the last year according to National Crime Agency figures
- The Modern Slavery Act currently affects companies with a turnover of £36 million but some smaller organisations sign up voluntarily so be prepared to be quizzed about your approach to modern slavery by organisations of all sizes
- Awareness of the Act and an understanding of how to recognise modern slavery are important first steps in addressing this issue; modern slavery isn’t always obvious so vigilance is key
- As a contractor you could lose business if you fail to act; not addressing modern slavery may prohibit you from operating in certain supply chains