Articles


All Articles Frequently Asked Questions Product Focused

16

Dec
5 Common Fire Door Faults

Fire doors are an essential part of the fire safety protocol in many residential buildings. Due to the importance, it must be carried out by a professional in the field who not only knows which specified products to use but is specifically trained in the installation of fire doors. The fire suppressing capabilities of a fire door can be compromised if not correctly installed. So what should you consider when fitting a fire door? Here are the 5 most common installation faults; Faulty Fire Seals 61% of fire or smoke seals on Fire Doors do not comply with the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005. All fire doors need a gap between the perimeter of the door and the frame so it can function correctly. However, to be complaint, an intumescent fire or smoke seal is required. This expands to minimise the amount of smoke and fire getting through the perimeter gap in the event of a fire. Incorrect Signage 1 in 3 fire doors have signage that display incorrect or outdated information. Fire door signage must be kept up to date as it is used to guide people in an emergency and to instruct people to keep the fire door shut at all times. Fire Door Damage 15% of fire doors have visible damage that could prove fatal in a fire. The door leaf is an important component of a fire door, and it must sit properly against the door stop. To work effectively, it must be free of distortion and any dents or holes. Unsuitable Hinges 1 in 5 fire doors have unsuitable hinges. Fire doors must have a minimum of 3 hinges all secured with the right sized screws and be free of metal fragments and oil leakage. All non-combustible packing should be removed. Excessive Gaps 34% of fire doors have excessive gaps between the door and the frame. Gaps of more than 3 mm between a fire door and its frame will not hold back fire, smoke, or gasses in an emergency situation. Excessive gaps also fuel the fire by enabling oxygen to get through and can collapse easily when a fire hose is used. Fitting a Fire Door? Look at our 750ml Fire Door Foam by Fire & Acoustic Seals. 

16

Dec
Challenges in Carpentry & Construction

The construction Industry seems to be in an endless battle of ensuring the client is satisfied and battling external challenges that occur throughout a project. 2021 has definitely thrown a lot of challenges at the construction industry. Let's take a look at them; 1.There's a Labour Shortage. The construction industry in the UK has long relied on skilled workers from overseas. However, over the past year, contractors have reported losing up to 50% of their workforce. Why? The pandemic saw many skilled workers return to their families in foreign countries for fear of being separated for long periods. Then, of course, there are the consequences of Brexit, which saw many decide to return to their home countries. 2. There's a Material Shortage. Not only is there a labour shortage, but there's a material shortage too. Raw materials are in short supply everywhere, not just in the UK. There are a few external factors that have contributed to it. Firstly, global demand, in general, is high. Secondly, thanks to Covid, there have been many factory closures, and production has slowed down considerably. This is true of particular products such as insulation, paints, adhesives and packaging. 3. There's an Increase in Price. The shortage in raw materials has caused prices to increase at an alarming rate. Lengthening lead times and an increase in demand has seen some products rocket in price by 250%. There's certainly never been another year quite like it for soaring costs.

26

Jan
Which Panel Adhesive Should I Be Using?

Not sure what type of panel adhesive you should be using? Unsure as to the differences between them? Take a look below at panel adhesive explained. The 3 Main Types of Adhesives Acrylic Based- Acrylic Adhesives are manufactured using acrylic or methyl acrylic polymers & fillers. They dry by a loss of water into a substrate (one of which must be porous). They are extremely strong and efficient in bonding multiple objects together and are very environmentally resistant. Solvent Based- Solvent based adhesives are manufactured using rubbers & resins. They are a glue or adhesion product that usually comes in the form of a liquid. Resins are dissolved in a volatile solvent to produce a tacky polymer solution, which can be extremely adhesive when dry. These dry by the evaporation of solvent air. MS/Hybrid Polymer Based- MS/Hybrid Polymer based adhesives combine polyurethane & silicone technology to deliver hybrid sealant that is extremely versatile. These are a one-part, elastic adhesive based on a modified silane polymer that cures when exposed to moisture to form high-performance elastomer. Which Panel Adhesive should I order and why? Product Type Usage Surface Usage Examples Benefits Strong Grip Panel Adhesive  Solvent Based Internal & External One surface must be porous to enable curing. Applications such as PVC/Aluminium cladding, carpet grippers, wall battens, architrave and skirting boards. - Enhanced grab adhesive for quick and simple direct bonding.- Excellent gap filling properties.- No need for mechanical fixings for many applications. Strong Grip Solvent Free Adhesive  Acrylic Based Mostly Internal One surface must be porous to enable curing. Applications such as architrave, dado rails, skirting boards, PVC panels and polystyrene coving. - Excellent slump resistance.- Environmentally friendly.- Excellent gap filling properties.*Not as strong as Strong Grip Panel Adhesive* Multi-X Stuck-It Grab Adhesive  MS/Hybrid Polymer Based Internal & External Can be applied to damp or wet surfaces and will cure underwater. All of the above. - Incredible initial grab.- Almost limitless applications.- Versatile.- High bonding strength.- Environmentally friendly.

28

Jan
Are Your Masks Fitted Correctly?

Construction dust can cause damage to workers' health and cause life-threatening diseases. Construction sites are hazardous environments, with workers exposed to many types of dust, such as silica, wood, and lead dust. The JSP Force 8 is a reusable half-mask, negative-pressure respirator. It consists of a filter-holding unit and is made from moulded rubber. The mask has intake and exhaust valves attached to adjustable straps, which fit tightly to the wearer's face. The JSP Force 8 has a replaceable filter that removes dust when the facepiece seal is leak-tight and delivers high protection against water and oil-based dust, mists and fumes. Does your mask fit correctly?  If your mask isn't fitted correctly, it won't give you the protection you need. Luckily, the new Force 8 PressToCheck means that the fit of the JSP mask can be checked quickly and easily.  1. FIT IT! Put the straps and harness over your head and pull them to a suitably tight and comfortable fit for you.  2. PRESS IT! Use the PressToCheck function and squeeze the front and backs of both filter covers together to stop air from entering through the filters.  3. CHECK IT! When you inhale, no air should come through the mask. If it does, adjust the mask and straps and repeat the process until it doesn't. Release when seal is made. What makes the JSP Force 8 Half Mask so great? It provides protection against construction dust. Made from lightweight thermoplastic rubber, it is flexible, fits most face shapes and is comfortable to wear. The 4-point cradle suspension harness with quick-release buckles ensures a daily face fit reassurance. The CR2 reflective strips create increased visibility in low light environments for added safety. The face mask components break down easily, allowing for cleaning and maintenance, making it more hygienic. It passed the dolomite clogging test and conforms to EN143. Add the P3 Filter which: Fits easily to the Force 8 Respirator  Has an advanced Typhoon Exhalation Valve that provides low breathing resistance, low heat, moisture and CO2 build-up also performs well at low temperatures. Features a Force 8 PressToCheck function, which instantly indicates if you have an effective face seal. Take a look at the JSP Force 8 Mask Here and our PressToCheck P3 Filters.

22

Dec
Protect Your Workforce

Tackling inefficient removal of silica dust on construction sites is a priority for the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and construction sites are legally required to use an M-class vacuum or extractor. That’s where the V-TUF M-Class Mini comes in! It is the safest and most efficient way to tackle dust on-site. 9% filtration efficiency Lightweight (Only 5kg) Washable filters Integrated filter shaker system Lightweight, compact, easy to store Extraction velocity monitor Using a V-TUF M-Class Mini protects those working on construction sites as it reduces the amount of harmful dust particles they breathe in through the air. "Regularly breathing construction dust can cause diseases like lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD – which includes emphysema and other breathing difficulties) and silicosis. Silica is the second biggest killer of construction workers after asbestos." (HSE) Using a V-TUF M-Class Mini protects those working on construction sites as it reduces the amount of harmful dust particles they breathe in through the air. Unrated vacuums can exhaust over 80% of harmful dust particles back in the air, which remain airborne for up to 8 hours. The V-TUF M-Class Mini, paired with M-Class rated filter bags that have a 99.9% filtration efficiency, and has been designed to protect your workforce from serious long-term health problems and disease in the future. Save Time and Money Using a V-TUF M-Class Mini makes cleaning up and packing away much quicker, enabling you to swiftly move on to the next project. Efficient dust extraction can also prolong the performance of the tools and accessories used on-site. It ensures that tools aren't clogged up with dust and require less maintenance. If you choose to invest in a V-TUF M-Class Mini you’ll need to use M-Class dust filter bags. Extra strong with a hard cardboard collar and a soft rubber sealer ring, our M-Class Dust Filter Bags are approved for the use in the V-TUF M-Class Vacuum range.

01

Feb
How to efficiently clean your Paslode Nail Gun

When it comes to Paslode, you won't find a more reliable nail gun. Although it's build to withstand tough working conditions, it is important to regularly clean and maintain your Paslode nail gun to ensure it remains in tip-top condition. How often should you clean your nail gun?  You should clean your nail gun every 50,000 shots. On every Paslode tool, you'll find an indicator that will tell you when it is due to be cleaned. Of course, if you're working in a particularly dirty environment, or on an intense project, you may want to do this more regularly. 15 minute step by step:  1. Make sure your nail gun is safe to clean by removing the nails in the magazine, along with the battery and fuel cell by pressing the eject button on the side of the tool.  2. Remove the shoulder screws from the rear of the tool and remove the cylinder cap which will also contain the filter. Use the Paslode Spit cleaner and spray directly onto the filter.  3. Next, remove the black cable related to the spark unit and the white cable related to the fan. Twist the fan unit and gently remove it.  4. Pinch the O-ring and ease it away from the rest of the tool. Then, use the Paslode cleaning spray to clean the entire fan unit. Once sprayed, replace the used O-ring with a new one.  5. The combustion chamber is the next part that you'll need to clean. Before you use your Paslode cleaning spray, push the combustion chamber downwards to gain full access. Spray with the cleaner and use the lint-free cloth and wipe inside the chamber.  6. Apply Paslode lubricant to the inside of the combustion chamber, and round the outside where it rests against the O-ring.  7. The lubricant must be evenly spread throughout the chamber. Unscrew the quick release knob so that the magazine case can be removed, giving access to the piston. Move the piston back and forth to distribute the lubricate  8. Next, reassemble the nail fun, including the cylinder cap. Don't forget to reattach the black cable to the spark unit and the white cable to the fan before finally screwing back on the cap.  9. Put the magazine, battery and fuel cell back into the nail gun and test that it works. Or if you would prefer to see it visually, please watch the video below -  Cleaning: Do's & Don'ts Do - Remember to let the tool cool down before you clean it. Do - Wear protective eyewear and gloves. Do - Use a Paslode Lubricating Oil as it is formulated to withstand the high temperature generated by Paslode nail guns. Do - To avoid damaging the tool or injury, tighten all the screws when reassembling . Do - Test the tool once you've finished cleaning. (Don't be alarmed if a small amount of smoke comes from the nail gun - it's normal!) Don't - AVOID other lubricants which can cause a rapid build-up pf combustion residue, affecting the tool's performance and longevity. See our Paslode Cleaning Kit here.

01

Feb
Paslode IM360Xi

The 360Xi framing nailer is light and perfectly balanced to guarantee a great performance for multiple applications. A high performing lithium battery and a weatherproof fuel cell ensures the tool will run all day, every day no matter the challenge.  Features:  Unbeatable power to weight ration. Lighter and better balanced tool: 3.6kg.  Quick release magazine  New battery position for high performing battery.  Re-engineered grip. Benefits: Able to drive long nails into the hardest substrates.  Guarantees all day productivity.  Designed to make nail jams a thing of the past.  Ensures your tool will work all day. Every day. Ensures extra comfort and convenience.  

02

Feb
Frequently Asked Questions - Fire Door Foam™

When it comes to fire safety, there are always questions as to what products are safe and certified to use and rightly so. When it comes to Fire Door Foam™ we have all the answers you need right here.  Q: What fire rating does Fire Door Foam offer? A: Fire Door Foam has been fire tested to 60 minutes (BS476 Pt20/22: 1987 & BS EN1634-1) in timber and composite doorsets and timber glazed screens. Q: What is the minimum and maximum gaps Fire Door Foam can be used? A: The minimum practical width is 5mm and maximum tested gap is 33mm. Q: Do you have to install Fire Door Foam with specialist packers of fixings? A: No, Fire Door Foam has been specifically tested with plastic packers and standard screw fixings. Timber and MDF packers may also be used when required. Q: Do I need to cap off Fire Door Foam with intumescent mastic? A: No, there is no need to cap with mastic for ratings of up to 60 minutes. Q: Can I add architraves over Fire Door Foam? A: Architraves are optional, Fire Door Foam has been tested with and without. Q: Does Fire Door Foam have a shelf life? A: Fire Door Foam has a 12-month shelf life whilst stored in temperature conditions (5°C > 30°C). Q: How many doors can I seal per can? A: A 750ml can will seal 3-4 single doors within a standard structural opening (10mm x 70mm void). Q: Does Fire Door Foam have an acoustic rating? A: Yes, Fire Door Foam has sound reduction capabilities of up to 60dB Rw. Q: Can I use Fire Door Foam when doorsets are required to have smoke control? A: Yes, Fire Door Foam has smoke leakage evidence to BS EN 1634-3: 2004. If you have any other questions about any of our products, speak to a member of our team today on 0203 248 4086 or email [email protected]

11

Nov
Construction Industry update Q4 2022

We’ve brought together the headlines from some leading Industry sources to provide a snapshot of the economic outlook for the Construction Industry. Construction Output expected to fall significantly in 2023 amid looming UK Economic Recession Headlines from the Construction Products Association (CPA) forecast a reduction in construction output of 3.9% in 2023 (compared to a rise of 2.0% in 2022). The CPA cite this as “mainly due to the impact of a wider economic recession, exacerbated by the effect of the ‘Mini Budget’, and the consequent fallout from recent political uncertainty.” For the full article visit ConstructionProducts.org.uk Construction Outlook: October 2022 Hewes & Associates forecast the decline of Construction Output in 2023 to be 5% and, state “Tighter public spending, higher inflation, and in turn raised base rates will be the new reality in our view. Efforts to control inflation will, we expect, result in base rates rising to around 4%, while inflation is forecast to peak in 2023, and drop to around 4-5% by 2024.” They also predict a housing downturn in 2023/2024 due to high borrowing rates, pressure on household incomes and low economic confidence, although “we do not foresee another round of austerity of the likes undertaken over the years 2010-2015” For the full article visit Hewes-Associates.com Some of the levers affecting these predictions: For the full article visit Building.co.uk Inflation: Energy costs:

25

Nov
What is an acceptable DPC for cavity trays in cavity wall construction? NHBC Technical Guidance 6.1/38

Using the right grade of DPC for cavity trays is important in order achieve the NHBC Buildmark warranty. On 11th November, the NHBC published technical guidance note to clarify what was already in the standards. Here’s a brief summary of the guidance note and help on selecting the right product: What DPC can’t I use as a cavity tray? Polyethylene DPC made to BS 6515: 1984 (categorised as low-density polyethylene). This IS suitable for use as a DPC to prevent moisture rising from the ground but NOT as a cavity tray. What DPC can I use as cavity tray? The product selected must meet ALL of the following criteria: Material: Flexible (plastic or rubber) DPC Designed: To prevent the downward passage of water or moisture through the tray Performance: Meets the requirements of BS EN 14909 Certification: Third-party certification that confirms their suitability for use as a cavity tray That sounds expensive! A high performance DPC can cost up to four times the price of a standard DPC. When comparing quotes, it’s useful to bear this in mind to ensure you’re receiving the right product for the application. When does this guidance come into force? Whilst this has been part of NHBC guidance for some time (Standards clause 6.1.17), on “all plots starting or at DPC level as at 1st January 2023, the use of appropriate flexible DPCs (as described above) will be required and use of low-density polyethylene DPC conforming only to BS 6515 will no longer be accepted.” What’s the right product to select from Multifix? We stock the Visqueen Zedex CPT high performance damp proof course as 20m length rolls in widths 100mm, 450mm & 600mm. We also carry a range of Brickwork sundries including pre-formed cavity trays for corners and ridges If you already have a Multifix account, roll your mouse over any of the product sizes or references above to see your rates. How can I be sure this is the right product? The products meet the requirements of BS EN 14909 and Visqueen carry third party accreditation specifying its use as a cavity tray, as per the NHBC technical guidance. Download BBA 94/3059 and their DoP here How do I open a Multifix account? Click here to open an account. Where can I find the full technical guidance note? Technical guidance notes can be found on the NHBC website. Here’s a link to note 6.1/38

09

Dec
Multifix Online Portal - New Features

1. Condensed menus Making it quicker & easier to navigate    2. Improved user set up Simplified flow to setting up new users.   3. Three new levels of user Easily customisable to your teams with the addition of one overall Super Admin user to increase security.   4. Order Management All order stages are now displayed together with filter options to find what you need, fast.    5. User Settings Your user settings condensed into one page.    6. Quick orders Browse from the website (Browse shop), use the search bar or use your favourites list to add items to your quick order or requisition.   7. Swap between orders for different sites or projects  Integration with the Website, create a quick order or requisition and then browser through our Shop to add to your order. This new feature also enables you to swap between drafts and also enables you to create new orders within the shop. 8. SMS / Email confirmation  Ability to receive notifications as to when orders are despatched from our warehouse with an eta and then also when they are delivered. This can be by SMS or by email depending on what you prefer.