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What’s the Best Mix for Rendering?

Dylan Garton
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What’s the Best Mix for Rendering?

Roger helps you get the best mix

The best mix for rendering depends on what you’re rendering on to and the golden rule is you never make the mix stronger than the material that you’re going on to.

For example, lightweight concrete block that’s 3.6kN so we don’t want a really strong mix for this because if the wall moves, which it will as you always get some expansion and contraction as the seasons change.

You don’t want the render to be the thing that stops the wall from moving otherwise the render will crack. If you’ve ever wondered why does render crack, often this is a reason.

Also if you put too much cement in render it shrinks back and it will crack. People don’t always believe that, lots of people do a 3:1 mix and say it’s nice and strong but that won’t stop it cracking because there’s no real tensile strength in it so there’s no point putting too much cement in.

Best Mix for Rendering

Why lime helps make the best mix for rendering

Instead, we make a 6:1:1 which is six parts of sand, one part of cement and one part of hydrated lime.

The sand must be plastering sand or rendering sand, not building sand – do not use building sand for rendering because it shrinks and cracks.

Sometimes you can add some building sand to the mix for the base coat but it shouldn’t be your primary sand. It’s important not to put more than one part lime to one part cement because hydrated lime won’t set on its own, you need the cement to help it set.

The lime does give the mix body and make it creamy and gives it a certain amount of elasticity so that if the building moves the render will go with it a bit and if you do get a crack the lime in the mix will move into the crack and re-calcify to some extent. In a way, it is self-curing and self rendering.

A lot of renderers don’t use it and prefer to use plasticiser which puts lots of bubbles into the mix which is a good thing but the lime is better as we demonstrate in this video.

Roger also discusses the best weather for rendering.

Your Comments

forbidden forest – September 2019

Too many young builders get caught in the ‘brand new transit van and nagging wife for a bigger house’ brigade and before they know it they’re working 7 days a week and ripping everyone off so they can take their spoilt kids on a dull tour of Disney Land because their wife thinks they’ll like them more. Well here’s a message to busy builders everywhere – forget Disney land and a dull pile of plastic presents: buy your kids some second-hand books to read as this’ll give them the best life imaginable, then work 4 days a week so you can spend time with your family as opposed to throwing sh*t on walls all day while listening to talk sport and talking about talk sport.

stewie3ify – October 2019

I’ve got a house that’s been rendered on to concrete blocks and I’ve had quite a few long cracks I’ve had to chop the cracks out and patch them and this time I used plastering sand cement and lime I’ve been a plasterer for 16 years and the first thing I was taught when floating and rendering was the mix it’s important to always put lime in the mix never use building sand I’ve always done a 5:1:1 mix I hardly render these days but it’s fact to much cement and the wrong sand will make your render crack in time.

See more on rendering on Skill Builder.

Fall Protection – Making the Complex Simple

Dylan Garton
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Fall Protection – Making the Complex Simple

Andrew Pass, Global Engineering Manager for Fall Protection Engineered systems at MSA Safety explains why he believes engineered simplicity is fundamental to success in fall protection and explains how this has driven the design of the company’s new V-Series range.

Fall Protection – A Tall Order

With new designs and modern substrates, fall protection systems need the agility to perform when working on different, often lighter and more flexible, materials. Product innovation means being able to re-engineer products and systems to meet these needs while still maximising performance.

Leaving nothing to chance

The basic rule underpinning fall protection is that nothing is left to chance. That means every new product or link in a fall protection system has to comply with stringent regulations, to ensure maximum safety.

When structural materials change, so too do the forces at play if someone falls. Fall protection technology needs to continuously change to reflect these altered circumstances.

The basic rule underpinning fall protection is that nothing is left to chance. That means every new product or link in a fall protection system has to comply with stringent regulations

It’s not just different materials that need to be accounted for, it’s also changing working practices. A good example of this is the transmission tower.

In the past, workers had to physically climb the structures to maintain them. Today, maintenance departments investigate and utilise MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) where appropriate, which need completely different fall protection solutions.

As these new solutions evolve it naturally means that more and more systems are being used for fall protection. This can lead to confusion when selecting an effective combination of products.

Plus there is the increased risk associated with choosing non-compatible products. For this reason our skilled engineers create solutions that, while meeting complex needs, are still simple to understand and use.

The new MSA Safety V-Series range of Personal Protective Equipment demonstrates our principle of simplification.

Individual V-Series elements (harnesses, lifelines, helmets etc) work seamlessly together, and also with many of our other products, such as our Latchways engineered lifeline range. This simple ‘ecosystem’ is both easy to use and understand and provides one of the highest levels of protection available.

When we began to develop the V-Series, our priority was to use intricate engineering to enable customers to make a simple choice. We considered each and every fall protection requirement and looked in detail at how, why and where a system would be used.

It’s only by truly understanding the engineering complexities of fall protection needs that you can design a purposeful solution.

Solutions designed to meet a need

Our specialist engineers work closely with our customers in order to appreciate the detailed needs of the application rather than starting from the perspective of providing a solution that is in search of a problem.

To ensure we deliver truly great products, we have engineers dedicated to specific industries, for example, offshore wind farms. If you have a Self-Retracting Lifeline out at sea, how do you reduce the time and cost needed for the repairs?

The solution we found was to engineer products that can be serviced in 15 minutes on location. This meets a real user need that can only be fully understood by experiencing the environment first hand.

We take a lot of inspiration from other industries. Take automotive for example – in Formula One racing, safety is paramount and racecars are built with the most intricate, detailed engineering you can image – you of course can’t see that detail in the final car.

Fall protection is the same, it is developed around the most advanced engineering, yet customers ultimately get a simple, easy to use product.

Setting the standard, looking ahead

Fall protection standards are evolving at pace and MSA is involved in keeping that impetus going. Our UK Centre of Excellence and the Global strength of the MSA brand help us lead the way in terms of developmental and batch performance testing.

Even products launched 20 years ago still exceed the standards and test requirements required today.

In many ways, everything we do at MSA Safety is about taking the complex and making it simple. Precision engineering, sophisticated enough to do the work for you.

Innovation – learning from other industries and pushing the boundaries. And of course, testing above and beyond the latest standards.

When it comes to fall protection, ongoing evolution is imperative. Materials, designs and the built environment change constantly and this calls for a continuous cycle of newer and better products.

All of these have engineered simplicity at their heart – simplicity of use, simplicity of choice, simplicity of peace of mind. It’s what gets workers safely home to their families every night.

It’s what V-Series is all about. And it’s our message to the industry – get your engineering right, and everything else will fall into place.

www.latchways.com

See more on fall protection with Skill Builder.

Worker Killed Falling Through Skylight

Dylan Garton
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Worker Killed Falling Through Skylight

A company has been fined after an employee died following a fall through a skylight.

Leicester Crown Court heard how the deceased was working with another employee on the roof, re-siting a heater and new chimney flue when the incident occurred.

He suffered severe injuries and died from these injuries approximately 6 months later.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident, which occurred on 31 October 2014, found that the work at height on a fragile roof was not appropriately planned, supervised or carried out in a safe manner.

IKO-Design Ltd of Parker Drive, Leicester pleaded guilty of breaching Regulation 4 and Regulation 9(2) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and have been fined £100,000 and ordered to pay costs of £35,000.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Michelle Morrison said: “A well-planned job would have identified the risks from working on a fragile roof so that steps could have been taken to prevent the risk of anyone falling from height. This tragic incident was entirely avoidable if appropriate controls had been put in place.

“Proper precautions should be taken when working on roofs and near fragile skylights, even for short-duration work. Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”

www.hse.gov.uk

How to fit a JSP Force 8 Mask with Press To Check

Roger Bisby
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How to fit a JSP Force 8 Mask with Press To Check

In this video Roger Bisby gets a lesson from leading respiratory equipment expert, Matthew Judson, on how to fit a JSP Force 8 Mask for maximum protection.

Matthew explains the importance of ensuring that the mask fits properly and comfortably so that it continues to provide protection throughout the wearer’s working day.

Last year JSP introduced three sizes for its popular Force 8 Half-Mask to ensure a perfect fit and thus guarantee optimum protection for all wearers and Roger learns how to determine which size mask is right for you.

www.jsp.co.uk

Bosch launches thermal camera

Dylan Garton
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Bosch launches thermal camera

Bosch Professional has added a high-quality thermal camera to its measuring device range.

Its development is said to draw on the manufacturer’s deep understanding of practical problems faced by electricians, plumbers, builders and other trade professionals. The Bosch GTC 400 C Professional Thermal Camera is designed to bring competitive advantage to their businesses at an affordable price.

Multiple uses
It is designed for numerous applications, including installation and maintenance of heating, air-conditioning, electrical systems, windows, drywalls and building insulation. Just point the device at the work area to quickly gain a clear and reliable picture of the conditions you have to tackle. Its measurements, which include thermal images, visual images and temperature values, accurately show the pattern of heat distribution across the room or feature surveyed.

The thermal camera will reveal, for example:

  • Locations and courses of cables and heating pipes in walls and floors
  • Sources of draughts, dampness, water intrusion and pipe leakage
  • Weak points and overloads in electrical installations
  • Condition and effectiveness of heat insulation
  • Functionality of heating systems, and presence of radiator vents

Clarity
Issues which are difficult or impossible to see with the naked eye become clearly evident through high-resolution coloured pictures which are easy to interpret and demonstrate to your client. Visualisation is exceptionally sharp thanks to high pixel counts.

The device is equipped with a visual camera as well as an infrared sensor. This allows a thermal image to be easily superimposed onto a photo of the workplace, helping to put the data into context.

Speed
Bosch connectivity enables rapid transmission of images and data, wirelessly, to your smartphone or tablet, via the thermal camera’s inbuilt WiFi Hotspot and the Bosch Measuring Master app. You can share them immediately with your client, even while you are still on site. The device also has a micro USB, through which you can quickly move those files to your computer, using GTC transfer software, and on to your client in a report format.

With the GTC 400 C, measurement takes seconds, problems are spotted and acted upon sooner, and accurate information avoids time-wasting errors by ensuring that project plans are based on sound knowledge.

Simplicity
The camera’s intuitive interface makes is said to make it simple to take precise measurements and produce professional outputs.

Other user-friendly features include a large (3.5 inches) colour display, robust construction and IP53 sealing against dust and splashing water. Power supply is flexible, offering a choice between 12 V Li-ion battery packs and standard alkaline AA batteries.

The Bosch GTC 400 C Professional Thermal Camera is available now from specialist retailers at a recommended retail price of £900. This price excludes VAT and is subject to change.

www.bosch-professional.co.uk

The Capel Build Part 3 – Timber Frames

Roger Bisby
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The Capel Build Part 3 – Timber Frames

This is the third part of our second building project series on Skill Builder. The Capel Build sees carpenter and builder Robin Clevett renovate and extend an unusual property in Surrey. In this episode we look at the timber frames.

Robin has now taken delivery of the timber frame which was a day’s work in itself as some of the timber beams were huge. All of the timber came loose and everything was assembled on site.

Robin explains why it’s critical when building a timber frame home to set everything out perfectly and repeatedly checking everything, right from positioning the sole plates and checking the corners.

Robin is pleased with the quality of the timber frame as most of it fitted together perfectly. There were a couple of minor issues with four of the trusses but within 24hours or discovering the issues the manufacturer had made new ones, delivered them to the site and taken the old ones away so it didn’t hinder the build. The glue laminated beams were good fun. The joints were put together using a combination of Simpson Strong Tie products including the TUBSR Concealed Beam Hanger and the TU28 Concealed Beam Hanger which offer a completely invisible assembly.  It is a butt joint which will offend some purists who would like to see some tennons into those posts but the key thing is that it works and makes a strong joint.

Robin talks through some of the installation process which includes:

TU28 Concealed Beam Installation

  • Make a vertical notch in the joist end (width 6mm for TU12 and 9mm for TU16 to TU28),
  • Mark the position of the dowels on the joist before drilling holes – diameter of the hole according to the diameter of the dowel
  • Insert the top dowel in the joist
  • Route a  6mm deep pocket in either the joist end or the header. This is not compulsory, but is  improves the aesthetic of the connection making it tight to the post.
  • The hanger is screwed into the post and the joist is lowered onto the hanger.
  • Hammer in the stainless steel dowels

TUBSR Concealed Beam Installation

  1. Make a vertical notch in the joist end (width 6mm for TU12 and 9mm for TU16 to TU28),
  2. Mark the position of the dowels on the joist before drilling holes – diameter of the hole according to the diameter of the dowel
  3. Insert the top dowel in the joist
  4. Route a  6mm deep pocket in either the joist end or the header. This is not compulsory, it is used to improve the aesthetic of the connection
  5. Fix Install the joist onto the concealed beam hanger by hooking the joist onto the concealed beam hanger.  Top dowel hooks into slotted top hole on the concealed beam hanger.
  6. Install reamining dowels.the concealed beam hanger to the header with nails or screws

The next job for Robin is cutting the rafters and pitching the roof. Subscribe to the Skill Builder YouTube channel to stay up-to-date with this project.

Resin Bonded Drives – Practical DIY Job?

Roger Bisby
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Resin Bonded Drives – Practical DIY Job?

Resin bonded 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 bonded 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.

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.

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.

Resin bonded drive
Resin Bonded Drives

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 Bonded Drives Close-up

Contact PICS Newbury for details of  resin bonded gravel drives materials and one day training courses.

Check out our new feature on DIY resin bonded drives from Vuba Building Products.

Mask off the outer edge of the perimeter
Mask off the outer edge of the perimeter
Mixing it up in the tub
Mixing it up in the tub
Broadcasting the gravel
Broadcasting the gravel
Spreading the resin
Spreading the resin
Spiked shoes for walking on the resin are essential.
Spiked shoes for walking on the resin are essential.
More broadcasting of the gravel.
More broadcasting of the gravel.
Close up of high wear area
Close up of high wear area

See more on resin bonded drives with Skill Builder.

What Will The New Year Have in Store for the Construction Industry?

Roger Bisby
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What Will The New Year Have in Store for the Construction Industry?

Ian Anfield, Managing Director for construction audit and contract provider, Hudson Contract, shares his construction industry predictions.

“This time last year, I shared my thoughts on what would dominate the construction agenda in 2017. Some of the observations I made, such as Brexit being linked to skills shortages, were fairly safe, while others, like losing one of the major contractors due to decreased investor confidence, were a little more risky.

“Unfortunately, I imagine Brexit will continue to be blamed for every ill running through 2018, and Carillion limps on despite being morally and financially bankrupt.

At the moment, the company is being propped up by government contracts but surely this can’t spoil my predictions again and continue into 2019 – I foresee an end to Carillion’s long and painful death by June 2018.

As predicted last year, the cost of materials will continue to rise through 2018, the oil price, demand and poor old Brexit being blamed as the main drivers.

“As predicted last year, the cost of materials will continue to rise through 2018, the oil price, demand and poor old Brexit being blamed as the main drivers.

“This time last year, I projected that subcontractor rates would climb by 3% and in fact they went up by 3.8%, which is above inflation.

Therefore, unlike the rest of the UK workforce, if you believe government figures, on average, self-employed construction workers are better off now than they were 12 months ago.

Let’s hope it carries on and go for a prediction of another 4% next year taking the average earnings to £870 per week.

“As expected, the government has made lots of noise about penalties for land banking and relaxing planning laws, but ultimately the housebuilders will continue to build at a pace that minimises their risks and maximises their profits.

Reaching the government target of building 300,000 new homes next year will depend on how many schemes are designed to lend money to people who can’t afford to borrow it, rather than government policy on affordable homes, or the new City and Metro Mayors building a few council houses here and there.

It looks like the crash of 2008 is long forgotten and we may be building our debt pile ready for the next one.

“The London property bubble continues to float and will do so throughout 2018 as long as the Conservatives cling to power.

I have heard from a very good source that the foreign investors, who buy London property for their retirement pot, are far more worried about the damage Jeremy Corbyn and Labour could wreak on the economy than they are about Brexit.

And the banks are setting up satellite offices in the EU rather than moving lock, stock and barrel, so no shortage of potential purchasers to buy up the flats around the fringes.

Offsite construction is the new buzz for policymakers and commentators who seem to think we have never tried it before, or this time it will work much better and be more efficient

“Offsite construction is the new buzz for policymakers and commentators who seem to think we have never tried it before or this time it will work much better and be more efficient – and maybe they are right, we will have to wait and see, but I doubt 2018 will see a huge shift mostly because the cash-flow system does not work for heavy factory based outlay, and consumers are sceptical.

“Payment terms should be top of the agenda but with the government’s Construction Leadership Council dominated by major contractors and the consulting engineers who work with them, nothing significant will change in 2018.

“The most disappointing part of reading back through last year’s predictions was seeing the hopeful words around ending the CITB levy.

Despite the CITB being the most toxic brand in construction – hated by those who are forced to pay a levy under the threat of legal action and who get no help with training in return – the government seem to like them and look set to give them another 3 years to ‘reform’.

“In 2018, Hudson clients will continue to create their own success despite government policy rather than because of it, and the freelance builders who sell their services under Hudson will crack on and continue to out-perform the rest of the economy in terms of income.”

www.hudsoncontract.co.uk

Getting back to basics – Training & Development in the Construction Industry

Dylan Garton
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Getting back to basics – Training & Development in the Construction Industry

Serena Kennedy, HR Manager for fit out and refurbishment experts, ITC Concepts, explains why she believes investing in the future of employees working in the construction industry pays dividends.

In October 2017, ITC Concepts won the Croydon Business Excellence award for Employee Training and Development. We couldn’t have been prouder – investment in our employees, through various types of development and training, is something we take great pride in at ITC.

We believe that ensuring that our employees are able to learn and develop is one of the reasons why our staff stay with us for 8 years on average, and why 91% of our team believe ITC Concepts is a great place to work.

If it benefits our employees, it benefits our company as a whole. This is something that holds true for any company, in any profession.

Investing in employees, by supporting additional training and qualifications maintains a high level of knowledge and skills across the business. This has a big impact on the productivity of a company.

Naturally, a higher standard of training means a higher standard of work. On top of this, allowing and encouraging staff to pursue education and development goals means that they feel supported and valued by the company that they work for. For so many companies – ITC included – staff are a business’s most important asset, and facilitating and investing in their training and development is one of the many ways to reflect this.

Employees who feel valued are more likely to stay with a company; which contributes immensely to staff culture and loyalty, the value of which to any company in any sector cannot be understated.

Appropriate training makes staff feel confident and empowered, which in turn creates an atmosphere where employees feel able to do their best work

However, it is important that the support you provide is guided by your employees – not purely by what might seem to be best for the business in terms of profitability. The training that creates benefits in the long term is the training that holds its employees best interests at heart. Appropriate training makes staff feel confident and empowered, which in turn creates an atmosphere where employees feel able to do their best work, supported by their company.

At ITC, we have implemented a programme for employee development that includes: induction training for new employees, management and soft-skills training, appraisals and support to gain higher education qualifications. Additionally, we approach training for each employee differently, depending on their existing skills, interests and their position within the company. For instance, office-based employees are encouraged to go on site visits to enhance their understanding of how other teams work.

We encourage employees to discuss their development aspirations. Whether that’s obtaining a degree, achieving a new accreditation, being matched up with a mentor, or completing an online course, their suggestions are what guide our decisions.

Those who believe in working their employees until they burn out, then moving onto the next set of hires, are misguided in their approach

This approach has consistently resulted in success; employees who feel valued, are committed to our culture and high-quality results. Those who believe in working their employees until they burn out, then moving onto the next set of hires, are misguided in their approach. They run the risk of breaks in communication and an uncommitted team.

We believe that ITC would not have experienced the success it has over the past 25 years had we not incorporated employee training and development so completely from the beginning.

Our employees are what make our company – supporting them is a no-brainer.

Building an Extension Part 4 – Brickwork & Insulation

Roger Bisby
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Building an Extension Part 4 – Brickwork & Insulation

In Part 4 of our series following the building of an extension we cover the brickwork and insulation stage and some points to consider when insulating your home.

In this episode, Roger Bisby explains the benefits of using Rigid thermal PIR insulation, an alternative to mineral wool fibre insulation.

Installing insulation such as PIR board insulation can help make a home warmer and reduce energy costs.

Thanks to its high rate of return per square metre Rigid thermal PIR home insulation can help increase energy efficiency and achieve part-L compliance.

EcoTherm insulation has a lambda value of just 0.021 – 0.027 W/mk. For example: By using a 100 mm thick Eco-Versal board you can achieve a thermal resistance (R value) of 4.55m2K/W.

To achieve the same value with traditional insulation you may require up to 200mm thickness of insulation.

In the case of this project using Ecotherm Insulation Boards has helped the homeowner to significantly exceed the insulation requirements which means they can increase the extension’s glazed area with the addition of large windows and bi-fold doors.

This made this sustainable insulation material the best insulation for their requirements.

As ever this episode of the extension series covers technology, tips and techniques designed to help anyone undertaking building work.

Building an Extension

  • Building a brick pier to support the steel beams
  • Putting in wall ties
  • Cutting a thermalite block with an Irwin block saw
  • How to cut a block with a hammer and bolster
  • Damp proof course going in on the outer skin
  • When and why you need an expansion joint in your brickwork to prevent cracking
  • The insulation installation

www.ecotherm.co.uk

Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel to keep up to date with all of the latest episodes.

Bosch Impact Driver review: GDR & GDX 18v Impact Drivers

Roger Bisby
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Bosch Impact Driver review: GDR & GDX 18v Impact Drivers
In the eighth and final test of our big Impact Driver round up we put the Bosch GDR 18 V-LI & GDR 18-LI Impact Drivers and Bosch GDX 18 V-EC impact wrench through their paces.

These tests complete this series of cordless impact driver tests which has covered models from Makita, Milwaukee, Bosch, Hilti, Metabo, Pansonic, DeWalt and Hitachi.

Find all of the tests on our YouTube channel and watch out for the test conclusion coming soon.

The GDR 18 V-LI is said to be the first 18-volt impact driver with a flexible battery system.

FEATURES
– Unique choice between the “Premium” (longer battery runtime) and “Compact” (less weight for even more comfortable work) batteries
– High torque and high impact rate (3,200 bpm) for fast work progress when driving screws in metal (up to M 14) and wood
– Very short design for perfect handling, even in the tightest spaces and overhead
– Unique Bosch Premium lithium-ion technology for unbeatable battery runtime
– Bosch Electronic Cell Protection (ECP): protects the battery against overload, overheating and total discharge
– Practical battery charge level indicator constantly shows how much energy is left in the battery

The GDR 18-LI is said to be the shortest and lightest cordless impact driver in its class.

FEATURES

– The shortest design in its class (only 138 mm) for optimum ergonomics and handling
– Extremely lightweight: only 1.3 kg (with Compact battery) for the best handling, especially when working overhead
– Integrated LED light for illuminating the work area, even in dark places
– Powerful 130 Nm torque for all conventional cordless impact driver applications in metal and concrete
– High speed (2 600 rpm) for fast work progress
– Bosch Electronic Cell Protection (ECP): protects the battery against overload, overheating and deep discharge

The Bosch GDX 18 VE-C is said to be the most universal impact wrench in its class – with even longer lifetime

FEATURES

– Special bit holder combines 1/2″ square and 1/4″ hexagon – for even more applications
– Very compact design for perfect handling, even in the tightest spaces and overhead
– Speed can be set to 0 – 1300/2000/2800 rpm
– Brushless EC motor technology from Bosch – for up to 100% longer lifetime
– 3-stage PowerControl – for different torques in a wide variety of applications
– Impact rate can be set to 0 – 1100/2600/3200 bpm

www.bosch-pt.com

Pecavoid Max Frank ~ The Capel Build #2

Roger Bisby
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0

It’s time for the second instalment of the Capel Build which follows the renovation and extension of an unusual property designed by architect Michael Newberry in Surrey.

Carpenter and Builder Robin Clevett is taking the first glass and steel house in the UK which was built in 1957 and extending it and refurbishing it while paying homage to its original design values.

Pecavoid Max Frank

The building was revolutionary at the time it was constructed when similar structures had been built across parts of California but they’d never been done in the UK.

In the second episode of the series, Robin provides an update on the Pecavoid system he has used for the foundations.

A traditional foundation system wasn’t possible for the project because of the clay ground and surrounding vegetation.

Instead, Robin is using the Pecavoid system which is manufactured from interlocking sections of expanded polystyrene and is designed to compress when ground heave takes place.

See more with Robin on Skill Builder.

The Search for Redland and Icopal Apprentice of the Year

Dylan Garton
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0
The Search for Redland and Icopal Apprentice of the Year

Following the success of its inaugural event in 2017, Redland – the manufacturer and supplier of pitched roof systems – has announced the launch of the 2018 Apprentice of the Year: but with an important twist.

Redland has joined forces with sister BMI Group company, Icopal, the major flat roofing business. Together they will offer two apprentice awards: one for pitched roofing and one for flat.

February 1st and May 4th 2018 are the opening and closing dates respectively for entries; and the competition is open to all roofing apprentices who are currently enrolled with a participating college or training group or who are employed by a member of the Intelligent Membrane Association or Team Icopal.

Other employers wishing to enter an apprentice should contact their training provider and encourage them to link up with the BMI Student Support Programme through which these awards are being delivered.

What’s your Motivation?

The key theme for picking this year’s finalists will be ‘Motivation’ – whereby entrants are being asked to communicate what motivated them to enter the roofing industry; how they motivate themselves and those around them at college and at work; or to describe a person who has motivated them to succeed.

Candidates will then be selected for the final, which takes place over two days at the BMI National Training Centre in Gloucestershire.

Finalists will receive professional coaching on all aspects of running a roofing business – including business planning, presentation skills, and technical skills – before being assessed, making this a complete learning experience.

Apprentice of the Year

A selection of leading figures in the roofing industry will be judging the candidates.

They will also take part in ‘knowledge-sharing sessions’ over the course of the two days to answer questions and share the benefits of their experience to help pass the baton on to this next generation of roofers.

The two-day final will culminate in the Apprentice of the Year Awards Dinner – consisting of the finalists, their tutors and employers, and judges – where the winners of the 2018 competition will be announced.

Cash Prizes

At stake is a £2,000 cash prize – £1000 for each category – to invest in the future, the title of Redland Apprentice of the Year 2018 or Icopal Apprentice of the Year 2018, together with a trophy, a lifetime supply of free-of-charge courses at the group’s National Training Centre and a prize pack containing high-quality roofing swag.

All finalists will receive access to a selection of free courses at the BMI National Training Centre and also take away a prize pack full of roofing goodies.

Mat Woodyatt, Redland Technical Training Manager, explains: “Skills shortages are a pressing issue across construction as a whole; yet perhaps most keenly felt in roofing.

These shortages hinder recruitment, and national building capacity – and if not properly addressed, in time the sector will grind to a halt.

These awards are part of a group strategy to recognise and reward those coming into the industry; as part of wider initiatives to raise the appeal of roofing and motivate more youngsters and career-changers to get involved”.

Andy King, President of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors and chair of the judging panel, said of last year’s event: “The competition itself took all of the trainees outside of their comfort zone, and as a judge it was interesting to witness the individual way they adapted to the various challenges.

All the competitors benefited from the experience and each of them took something away and will hopefully use it to further their careers”.

www.redland.co.uk

See more on apprenticeships with Skill Builder.

The Capel Build part 1: The foundations

Dylan Garton
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The Capel Build part 1: The foundations

This is the start of our second building project series on Skill Builder. The Capel Build follows the renovation and extension of an unusual property designed by architect Michael Newberry in Surrey.

Carpenter and Builder Robin Clevett is taking the first glass and steel house in the UK which was built in 1957 and extending it and refurbishing it while paying homage to its original design values. The building was revolutionary at the time it was constructed when similar structures had been built across parts of California but they’d never been done in the UK.

In the first episode Robin introduces the project and discusses the challenges of finding a suitable foundation system that would work with the trees and clay.

Subscribe to Skill Builder to follow Robin through this project.

How to tie in a wall securely with Tiger cavity wall ties

Roger Bisby
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How to tie in a wall securely with Tiger cavity wall ties

Tiger says its unique, patented ‘one-shot’ Cavity Wall Ties mean faster fixing, easier application, stronger grip and less room for error. Roger Bisby tries them out.

Tiger says its cavity wall ties will transform professional & DIY building fixings, forever.

The secret is in Tiger’s patented wall fixing system. Insert, twist and the fixing becomes its own plug. An E.D.P.M. sheath is compressed, swells a full 360° within the hole, also making it waterproof. Designed to be more effective than old fashioned fixings, and lateral strength (pulling out as opposed to supporting) is significantly improved too. Building a wall just got easier.

Tiger Fixings can be repositioned right up to the last twist.

Whether it’s Starter Ties, Cavity Wall Ties, Eye, Hook or L Bolts Tiger says you can say goodbye to conventional wall plugs. The only tool you need is a drill.

www.tigerfixings.com

Panasonic Impact Driver review

Dylan Garton
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Panasonic Impact Driver review

In Part 5 of our mega-roundup, Roger puts the Panasonic EY75A7 Dual Volt 18v/14.4v Impact Driver through its paces; see how he gets on.

The Panasonic EY75A7 impact driver is a dual voltage model, which means it’s compatible with 18v and 14.4v Panasonic batteries.

This particular version is the body only packaged without batteries or charger. Improvements over the previous EY75A1 impact driver include a new “self-drilling screw mode”, improved durability, new brushless motor, and a stylish new “carbon black” design.

– Tough Tool IP56 dust and splash protection means that you can use this tool in any conditions.

– Self-drilling screw mode: the tool starts at the highest speed to cut the hole, then transfers to “hard” (high-impact) mode to cut the thread. After that the load is reduced, so the tool switches to “soft” (soft-impact) mode to limit potential thread stripping.

– New brushless motor is more powerful, more compact, and more well-balanced. It will provide you with up to 200% more cycles, and has a thicker motor shaft to provide greater strength for heavy-duty use. – Improved durability: see below for details.

– Improved drivetrain design reduces “centre run-out”, improves accuracy, reduces damage to the screw, and allows smoother driving with lower noise and vibration levels even during heavy usage. – Hard, medium, and soft modes are ideal for fastening long bits and bolts, furniture, and plasterboard respectively. – 3-speed provides even more application flexibility.

– Electric brake improves user and tool protection.

– Usability features include improved anti-slip grip pattern, belt hook, LED work light, and tapered bit holder that enable quick and easy bit changes.

– Housing: metal plates have been added where the battery locks into the tool. This helps to prevent wear and tear caused by abrasion and vibration during heavy use.

– Anvil: the redesign and improvement of anvil materials have increased the durability of the impact parts, which ensures a longer service life and increased overall performance.

– Switch: the hybrid switch uses rigid metal parts in the trigger for 200% more durability compared to the previous switch model.

– Motor: the thicker motor shaft (5mm) ensures greater strength, for heavy-duty use.

– Elastomer Bumper: increased amounts of rubber and resin coating on the bottom of the tool which helps prevent damage if dropped from elevated areas.

www.panasonic-powertools.eu

Building an Extension Part 3 – Suspended Beam and Block Floor

Roger Bisby
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Building an Extension Part 3 – Suspended Beam and Block Floor

Roger Bisby talks through the beam and block floor stage of building an extension.

Generally speaking there are two options for constructing ground floors. You can opt for a solid floor which involves laying wet concrete directly onto your ground surface or you can choose a beam and block floor which is also known as a suspended floor which allows you to achieve a low cost concrete floor.

Beam and block

Beam and block flooring can also be used for suspended flooring to subsequent levels and can even be used to support partition walling.

The advantage of a beam and block floor is that you don’t have to prepare the oversite saving time, materials and money because no hardcore or oversite concreting is required. If you’ve got an oversite which is a bit rough or spongy and you don’t want to compact concrete onto it you can simply put these beams over the top of it and it doesn’t matter what the ground does underneath so it’s great in clay or in made up ground.

It’s also a good system to use because it’s fairly cheap and as demonstrated it is quick and easy to install.

Other advantages of a concrete floor include a high thermal mass which can help reduce a building’s energy consumption as well as noise-reducing properties and fire-resistant properties.

This episode includes:

  • Raking out the oversite ready to lay the weed barrier and vapour barrier which stops the moisture coming up through the ground to the underside of the beams
  • Inclusion of air blocks underneath the beams
  • Putting the block into the beam – it’s important to clean the snots off the beams, sometimes you might need to use a brick hammer to scrape through
  • Why you need to run grout over the blocks, which is basically wet sand and cement which will fill in all the little gaps and tightens the floor up

Don’t forget to like the video if you want to see more like this.

Housing Association fined after exposing workers to Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

Roger Bisby
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Housing Association fined after exposing workers to Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

HSE is reminding companies of the necessity of monitoring workers’ health after a South Wales Housing Association was fined for exposing workers to Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).

Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court heard how Charter Housing Association Ltd. reported six cases of HAVS following a health surveillance programme launched in June 2015. The affected employees were all part of the maintenance team.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the six workers’ conditions were likely to have been caused or worsened by the use of vibratory power tools while in Charter Housing’s employment. It was also found that staff in the maintenance and refurbishment departments at Charter Housing experienced significant exposure to hand arm vibration in their daily work which put them at risk of developing or exacerbating existing HAVS.

The investigation also found the company neither adequately planned its working methods nor trained or informed employees on the risks to their health. Furthermore, Charter Housing did not limit the duration and magnitude of exposure to vibration and failed to put in place suitable health surveillance to identify problems at an early stage.

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a serious and permanent condition caused by regular and frequent exposure to hand-arm vibration. HAVS results in tingling, numbness, pain and loss of strength in the hands which may affect the ability to do work safely and cause pain, distress and sleep disturbance.

Charter Housing Association Ltd (now part of Pobl Group Ltd) of High Street, Newport pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. The company was fined £100,000 and was ordered to pay costs of £9,896.88.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Joanne Carter said: “An individuals’ health should not be made worse by the work they do. If Charter Housing had correctly implemented its health surveillance earlier, it would have ensured the right systems were in place to monitor workers’ health. The six affected employees’ conditions may have been prevented from developing or developing to a more severe stage.

“How people work today can affect their health and wellbeing tomorrow. This case serves as an important reminder of the necessity of task based risk assessments to establish the level of exposure, control measures to reduce that exposure to as low as is reasonably practicable and effective health surveillance systems. In the case of Charter Housing this realisation came too late.

“All employers need to do the right thing to protect workers’ health.”

www.hse.gov.uk

Stay warm on site with body mapping workwear

Dylan Garton
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Stay warm on site with body mapping workwear

A change of season means a change of focus on what you wear on site.

With this in mind, Snickers FLEXIWork, RUFFWork, LITEWork and ALLROUND Workwear is said to ensure you keep your cool when the heat is on or stay warm and comfortable when the temperature drops.

Interweaving 37.5 Technology fabric into Snickers’ working clothes means that you’ve got a wide choice of waterproof and windproof jackets, mid-layer fleeces and stretch hoodies.

There are also base-layer undergarments, gloves and headgear that excel at ventilation and moisture transportation to keep you working comfortably wherever you are on site.

“So, to make sure you get the right protection, flexibility, durability and ventilation, check out the newest workwear in our latest Autumn Brochure for precisely the right garments to fit your workday,” suggests Snickers.

www.snickersworkwear.co.uk

Lightweight beanie fits under hard hats for warmth and safety

Dylan Garton
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0
Lightweight beanie fits under hard hats for warmth and safety

As the chilly weather sets in JSP has launched a new thermal helmet beanie called the Surefit Beanie which is fully approved to be worn with all the JSP Evo range of Safety Helmets.

Compatibility is key when combining PPE and this new Beanie will prevent workers from wearing incompatible and dangerous alternatives such as hoodies under their helmets.

Designed to cover the entire ear for maximum comfort and warmth, this thermal Beanie is made from stretchy material making it a good fit for all head sizes. It is lightweight for all day comfort and machine washable at 30oC.

The Surefit Beanie is specifically sized to be worn under the JSP Evo range of Helmets so no complicated fitting to the harness is needed. The ear flaps can be custom embroidered with a corporate logo for branding purposes.

www.jspsafety.com

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