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Article
The second staircase guidance and how it impacts you

While the country was enjoying a bank holiday for Good Friday, the government published technical guidance on the second staircase rule at long last.   This had been months in the making and now housebuilders have a definitive answer, it is set to make their lives a lot easier.   But what exactly is the guidance and why is it so important? In this article, we will explain what the guidance is and how it can affect you moving forwards.   What is the guidance?  Back in December 2022, the government revealed that all new residential buildings over 30 metres would need two staircases, however, this was protested by a number of industry bodies.  The reasons for the protestations revolved around safety.  As such, the government sat down with them and agreed that the height should be lowered. In July 2023, the government knocked 12 metres off the height, so now any residential building with a height of over 18 metres will need two staircases.  With that agreed, the government stated in October 2023 that there would be a 30-month transition period from the approved document's release date.   On March 28, the approved document was released, meaning that the guidance will kick in at the start of October 2026. From this date, it will be compulsory for new buildings over 18 metres being built to have two staircases.   How will the transition period impact me?  During this time, any new applications for buildings over 18 metres can either follow the old guidance, or choose to follow the new one.   The existing guidance states that a building of over 18 metres can just have a single staircase, but there is a reason why the second staircase guidance is being brought into effect.   Ultimately though, the choice is to get ahead of the curve before October 2026 or to just have a single staircase like normal.   Does a second staircase guarantee safety?   This is where there is some conjecture, as while on the face of it the answer is yes, the deeper answer is a bit more nuanced.   While the guidance insists on two staircases for buildings over 18 metres, it doesn’t say anything about having evacuation lifts or a second fire-fighting shaft as compulsory.  It does state that in the event of an evacuation lift being fit, then they should be provided in an evacuation shaft, which will come with an evacuation lift lobby and a protected stair, but that’s it.   This has angered some bodies, who believe that while this is just a minimum requirement, the guidance doesn’t go far enough in keeping people safe.   Clearing up the news   New regulations can throw people off kilter as it can change how they work, but as a result of reading this, you will hopefully be aware of the impact of the guidance.   If you would like to get in contact with us to discuss it further, you can find out how to contact us by clicking this link. 

Read more → 3 min read
Article
The construction industry is struggling, but are things getting better?

It’s no secret that things in the construction industry at this moment in time are not in the best of health. There’s hardship everywhere you look and unfortunately, it’s a very difficult time for many.   At some point, there will be a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, but the question on the lips of many is when is that light going to start to become brighter?  In this article, we will look at the current state of the construction industry and analyse where potential shoots of positivity could come from in the remainder of the year.  What’s actually happening at present?  The picture is a somewhat bleak one, with construction companies folding at the highest rate in a decade, according to the Financial Times.  According to the government’s Insolvency Service, 4,280 companies in construction went under between June 2022 and 2023, which was 16.5% more than the previous year.   The picture didn’t improve for the rest of 2023, with it being reported by insolvency practitioner Begbies Traynor in January 2024 that 7,849 firms were at risk of collapse.  That report from Begbies Traynor also highlighted that construction was the number one industry under significant financial distress.  Is there any positivity on the horizon?  The good news is yes, although it may still be a harsh ride until the end of the year. Currie & Brown have recently published their April 2004 UK construction market outlook and there are positive signs ahead.  They are forecasting that there should be an increase in construction activity, although there is a risk this “could strain the current limited labour and contracting resources.”  As such, they are hoping for a more staggered approach instead of “a synchronised rush where everyone pursues projects simultaneously.”  In addition, they believe that despite the slowdown, there is ample long-term demand and they feel that companies who can position themselves strategically will be best placed to deal with the spike.   The upturn isn’t just predicted by Currie & Brown, either. S&P Global believes that a painful six month period of decline is now over, as March 2024 saw the strongest increase in new orders since May 2023.   This is especially encouraging as it has shown that a period of growth is coming to the construction industry, which is really important.   The Glenigan Index isn’t quite as optimistic in the short-term, but does believe non-residential construction is showing signs of life, which is good.   Reasons to be hopeful  The Currie & Brown report is certainly a ray of sunshine amidst an otherwise cloudy backdrop and a much-needed one at that.   Naturally, there is still a long way to go, as per the Glenigan Index, but the S&P Global insight was especially positive.   As outlined in this article, we understand that things are very tough for everyone at present – whether you’re a small firm or a nationwide giant. If you have any concerns that we may be able to help with, feel free to get in touch with us. You can do so here.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
How a speedy supplier can improve your supply chain

The famous saying “slow and steady wins the race” certainly is true in some aspects and when it comes to a project, you can’t rush quality. However, it doesn’t always apply.   This is especially the case when you need service from your supplier quickly – be it getting a quote, making an order or receiving a delivery.  In this article, we will explain just why speed from your supplier matters and how it can make your life a whole lot easier.  More time to prioritise the things that matter  With a speedy supplier, everything falls into place much easier. You aren’t spending your day waiting around for a quote, you aren’t falling behind schedule because your deliveries are late and you can order what you need within seconds.   This allows you time to solve other issues and to focus on the things that really matter on your projects, whatever they may be.   Irrespective of what project you’re working on, being efficient helps significantly and if you can find a way to ensure that with your supplier, it all helps.   Speaking of help, what can Multifix do when it comes to speed?  Speed is one of the things prioritise so much at Multifix – and especially prioritising it while not compromising on our reliability or quality of service as a result.   For example, we’ve worked especially hard to be in a position where we can guarantee that you’ll have a quote back within half an hour.  In addition, should you be on our customer portal, it’s possible to make an order within 30 seconds. Everything on the portal is aimed at your convenience and that includes speed.   As for deliveries, 75% of our deliveries are on-site before 12pm midday. In some cases, we’ve been able to have goods ready before site work even starts.   When it comes to making your life easier, these are things we’ve found really help.   Rapid resolutions  We know how much speed can make an impact on your lives and your work projects, so that is one that will always remain one of our core customer values.   One aspect of our speedy service is our delivery though, which we are delighted to say has a 99.3% success rate. To find out exactly where we deliver to, click here.  

Read more → 2 min read
Video
Grab Strength Test

In this video, Daniel takes a few branded adhesives and compares their grab strength test with the Multifix Stuck-it Extreme

Read more → 5 min watch
Video
Customer Portal overview - top features that will help your business

In this video, you will get an idea of what the top features are on the Multifix Customer Portal, in view of you understanding what you can do to get the maximum out of your portal account. Guides are here: https://multifixuk.com/expert_hub/portal-onboarding If you are unsure as to what user you are, see here: https://youtu.be/a8aaywvVmfs

Read more → 2 min watch
Article
Comparing two of the best PFP solutions for loft compartmentalisation issues

Picking passive fire protection products when fitting a loft is a big decision. The need for it is enormous, given that without it, the loft is left open above the party walls.   This means that a fire could tear through the loft, so compartmentalisation is necessary. However, picking the right solution can be difficult.   In the main though, there are two main PFP solutions for loft compartmentalisation issues. They are the Protecta 80mm FR board (or 80mm batt) loft space system and either the Rockwool or Firefly fire curtains and in this article, we will compare both.   We will be honest and admit that we do stock the 80mm FR board, but we will still provide a balanced and objective comparison between all three products.   By the end of the article, you’ll know the differences between the batt and the fire curtains and which one will be better for your project.   What are the main differences between the batt and the fire curtains?   The key difference to note is that both the Firefly and Rockwool fire curtains are two layers, whereas the 80mm bat is just one layer. However, both still have the EI60 fire-resistance classification rating, which means they can hold off fire for a minimum 60 minutes.   The feel of both is very different, too. The fire curtain is an insulation-like material, while the 80mm bat is more of a board.  Other than that, there’s not a great deal of difference between the products, although both have different pros and cons, which we’ll come on to. There’s also not a lot of difference cost-wise, so your choice will be based on what system is best for the situation at hand.   Pros of the 80mm batt   One of the biggest pros of the 80mm batt is the speed of installation. It is estimated that the time to install an 80mm batt is 25% faster than other types of products, which can help you save on labour costs.   This is because there is only one layer to install as opposed to two, but you still get the EI60 fire rating with the one layer.   It’s also more pleasant to work with, in the sense it isn’t itchy and is quite easy to get into a loft space.   Also, loft compartmentalisation is a tested detail on the bat, which is something of an industry exclusive.   For those unaware, a tested detail means that the product has specifically undergone testing for that scenario. An assessment detail is something that has been given afterwards but isn’t specifically for the task at hand.   Pros of the fire curtains  Both Firefly and Rockwool are big industry names, so you’re getting a trusted brand. The Firefly fire curtain is seen as the industry standard, while Rockwool’s name is synonymous with quality.   The fire curtains are also very lightweight and both also have the EI60 fire rating, which matches the 80mm batt.   They can also be integrated with fire alarms, which means they are only activated whenever a fire is detected. A barrier will then be made between the fire and the free space.    Another pro of the fire curtains is that they are very adaptable, in that they can be cut-to-fit on-site to certain size requirements. This can be particularly useful if they need to be installed on a property with an unusual design.   Cons of the 80mm batt   While it’s worth noting that both the batt and the curtains have very few flaws, there are a few prominent ones for each that could sway your decision.   The main one for the 80mm batt is that it hasn’t been tested with doors in it, which could be an issue if there’s a fire door present.   In this situation, the batt can still be fitted, but the installer would need to fire-certify the door first. If time is of the essence, then this could be problematic.   Cons of the fire curtains   As for the fire curtains, the main cons come for those who are handling them. Like all insulation material, they are rather itchy if they encounter your skin and they are also difficult to physically carry.   While the curtains themselves are rather lightweight, the massive rolls they come with are not. Bringing these into a loft space can be challenging for those lifting them.   Finally, as the fire curtain is two layers, it takes longer to install compared to the batt. Both have the same EI60 rating, but one is much faster to install than the other.   Choosing between the batt and the fire curtains   Both are very good products in their own right and most importantly, both will get the job done of protecting those living with it installed.   If you are installing in a loft that has a rather unique design or has a fire door, then the fire curtains will be the best choice.   Your workers may have issues lugging the curtain into the loft space and getting itchy skin, but the result is hugely impressive.   However, if you’re in a normal setting, where there are no unusual characteristics to the building framework, then you can go down a different route.   That different route can save some time, while also ensuring the same level of fire safety is intact. As such, in those circumstances, the 80mm batt is a great option.   It could also save you in labour costs, as you could install more at a faster rate, helping you speed up a project without compromising on safety.   The Protecta 80mm batt is still a relatively new product on the market, so if you would like to speak to our expert team for more information, you can do so here.  

Read more → 5 min read
Article
I don’t have time – what do I need to know about Multifix?

We get it, you might not have time to hear us out properly. So here’s a super quick run-through of what we can offer you: - Fast and reliable delivery service – 99.3% success rate, 75% arrive before midday, next-day delivery as standard and your order can be live-tracked - Quality products, whatever you need – whether you’re in carpentry, brickwork or firestopping, we supply products from some of the best brands on the market - Expert staff – our team members have many years of experience behind them, so you’ll always be speaking to someone knowledgeable  - A personal touch – we remember your name, you get a call before delivery and we strive to give you a quote in 30 minutes - Customer portal – power to order in seconds, have proof of deliveries and invoices in one place, set up requisitions and impose spending limits  If you wish to find out more about any of these, give us a quick call and we’ll answer your queries. You can find out how to contact us here.  Sounds interesting? To see what else we can offer you, watch this video to find out more.  

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Video
Meet the brickwork team!

When you need an order placed, have a query or just getting started on your journey with Multifix, this video will help you understand the role in the brickwork team and who you need to speak to! Contact Darryl | E: [email protected] | M: 07848 459595 Contact Christian | E: [email protected] | M: 07841 513 687 To get your quote/place an order call sales: 0203 248 4086 or email: [email protected]

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Article
How can Multifix prove that they can give expert advice?

One thing that you’ll often see companies claim is that their staff members are experts in their field and that they’re extremely knowledgeable.  However, that isn’t always the case and it can be annoying for you to ring up a supplier, place an order and not get what you want, due to a lack of knowledge or experience.   At Multifix, we’re incredibly proud of the expertise within our team and we frequently make mention of it. But how can we prove that to you, especially if you’re someone who hasn’t used us before?  In this article, we will explore why we say what we do and how we can back up the claims that we make.   Staff with years of experience  When people join Multifix, they tend to stay. As an example, all of our account managers and customer service specialists have been with the company for several years – some of whom have been with us for over a decade.  Naturally, this is huge testament to the great work they do and the environment they’ve helped to create, but along the way, they’ve gained more and more experience and knowledge within their roles.  As such, when you speak to them, you can be assured that you’re speaking to an expert and that they’ll be able to handle your query with confidence.   Regular training   It’s no secret that things change in construction – whether it’s new regulations, new products or new technologies and it’s important to us that we keep our eye on the ball.   That’s why we frequently have training sessions for our staff, so that they are well versed with new developments, as and when they arise.   We’re more than happy to welcome in external experts to pass on their knowledge to our team, so that they are better equipped to take your query.  We see things first-hand  Another thing we do at Multifix is that we frequently go out on the road to see our customers and to see how they’re doing with their projects.  This is great for a number of reasons – not only can we see how things are going and whether our customers are satisfied with our service, but we can gain a better understanding of what you need from us when we’re out in the field.   These experiences help us immeasurably and speaking to you to find out what your key issues are and how they can be prevented has also allowed us to become more knowledgeable to handle your questions.   Sticking to our word  As with every form of life, your word should be your bond and that’s very much the case with us. When we say that we have a team of experts ready to take your query, we really mean it.   Our entire operation is built around doing what is best for you and that includes having extremely knowledgeable staff members to assist you wherever they can.   To find out more about how we can help you, please feel free to get in touch with us. You can do so by following this link.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
Our top five selling carpentry products of 2023

Seeing what is popular with our carpentry customers is always very interesting and for us, it’s also very important. We have to know what you want so that we can be better prepared for you in the future.   In this article, we will highlight the five best-selling carpentry products of 2023 and look at what makes each product so desirable.   5. Multifix 350ml Solvent Free Panel Adhesive  At number five is the 350ml Solvent Free Panel Adhesive, which is a very useful product for any carpenter.   Able to be used both internally and externally, the white panel adhesive cleans up with water and will provide very strong bond strength and reliable adhesion on the majority of common surfaces.   It can also be used on damp surfaces, which is a big plus and thanks to its extended open time, you have more time to reposition, should you need to.   In addition, there is an enhanced slump resistance, which allows for quick and direct bonding, while the high solids formulation reduces shrinkage.   You can view the product here.   4. Paslode Ring Galv Nail – IM360 Xi  Paslode nailers can be a carpenter’s best friend, regardless of whether they are first or second fix and when it comes to first fix, the IM360 Xi is one of the very best.   As such, it’s perhaps little surprise that the nail and fuel pack for that nailer feature so highly on this list. The sizes we offer are 51mm, 63mm, 75mm, the 90mm ring shank and the 90mm smooth.   This nail/pack comes with 3300 x 2.8mm nails, as well as three Xi-series fuel cells, making it a very useful combi-pack.  You can find the product here.   3. 600ml Fire & Acoustic Intumescent Foil The 600ml Fire & Acoustic Intumescent is an extremely valuable product for carpenters, given it plays a huge part in keeping people safe.   The role of any intumescent is to swell when exposed to heat and the Fire & Acoustic intumescent is very effective.   After being exposed to temperatures of 125 degrees, the intumescent starts to swell up and this acts as a barrier, preventing smoke and fire from coming through.  It is Certifire approved (CF5840), fire rated (BS476 part 20/22:1987 and EN 126-4 (2006)) and offers up to four hours of fire protection.   In addition to the 600ml foil, there is a 310ml cartridge and the product has recently become available in the colour orange.   You can find the 600ml here.  2. 750ml Fire & Acoustic Seals Door Foam  Fire & Acoustic Seals also take the second spot from 2023 with their gun grade 750ml fire door foam for fire doors and doorsets.   The foam is designed to seal the gaps between walls and fire door frames and the foam itself can offer fire protection of up to one hour.  It can be used with many different substrates, including timber frames, softwood, hardwood and even MDF.   The foam itself is orange and has been extensively tested for both 30 and 60 minutes fire resistance grading, which it has achieved with BS 476:Part22:1987 and BS EN 1634-1.  You can purchase the product here.   1. Paslode Galv PPN Twist Nail  At the top of the list are the Paslode hardened twist nails for the PPN nailer! These 3.4x35mm nails come in a set of 2500 and come with two fuel cells.   These nails are hardened and twisted for ease of use, while they are also electro galvanised. The unique full head design offers the best quality finish in addition to outstanding performance.  Given how popular Paslode products are, we had an inkling that at least one Paslode product would end up in our top five, but to have two in and one at top spot says a lot for its popularity!  You can find this product here.  Supplying the carpentry sector  Carpentry is part of the fabric of Multifix, much like our other areas of expertise, so we will always strive to keep on top of what you need.   If you would like to speak to someone about our carpentry range, we are more than happy to help. In fact, you can even meet us by clicking this link. 

Read more → 4 min read
Article
How Protecta’s Eco-Foil System can avoid waste disposal issues

For anyone working on any project that requires fire-stopping, waste disposal can cause issues if it isn’t managed properly.  Whether it’s leakage or having too much waste at any one point, if it isn’t under control, it can eat into time that you don’t have to sort out.   Protecta believes that they have an answer though, with their Eco-Foil System. In this article, we will explore the Eco-Foil System and drill into how it can make your life easier.   Firstly, what is the Eco-Foil System?  The Eco-Foil System is a two-pronged system, which consists of the Eco-Cartridge and the Eco-Foil. The Eco-Cartridge is effectively a double-ended plunger, so the logic is you use one side and then flip it over to use the other.   By using the Eco-Foil though, once the 300ml cartridge of whatever you’re using – be it FR Graphite, FR Acrylic or FR IPT – is done, rather than throw away a whole plastic cartridge, you only have to throw away a very small piece of foil.   As such, this creates less than 10% of wastage compared to using plastic cartridges, which is a huge amount of waste avoided.   If the product isn’t in plastic, it’ll be worse though – right?  No, that’s very wrong. Not only is the performance level exactly the same, but Eco-Foil products have a much longer shelf life than plastic cartridges, to the tune of six months.   In addition, the system fits into a standard skeleton gun, so you won’t have to buy anything extra to make the most of it either.   True to its name as an eco-product, the Eco-Cartridge can be used a minimum of 60 times, thus making it incredibly cost-efficient.  Making things easier for you   By using the Protecta Eco-Foil System, the amount of hassle you can save yourself is notable. Being able to fit everything into one container instead of needing to fill up several will make your life easier and also save you money.  In addition, you’ll also be doing things greener, which is especially beneficial for the industry given construction’s net zero goals.   To find out more about our Protecta products, we’d be delighted for you to get in touch with one of our fire-stopping experts. You can find out how to do so by clicking this link.  Equally, to purchase the Protecta Eco-Foil System, click here.

Read more → 2 min read
Article
Does Multifix offer 60-day payment terms?

At Multifix, we have always been very open with our payment terms, which are 30 days net EOM and this applies whether you’re buying with us for the first time or have been with us for years.   However, some of you have asked whether we extend that limit or are able to extend it – namely to the tune of 60 days.   The answer to this question is yes we do, but we don’t offer it as standard. In this article, we will explain why this is the case and when and how 60-day terms can be acquired.   What does Multifix offer as standard?  As mentioned above, our standard payment terms are 30 days net EOM. This means that customers have 30 days to pay off their balance with us.  We do this because we understand the construction industry can be difficult at times and goalposts can be moved without warning for contractors.  As such, having the buy now pay later scheme in place is beneficial for our customers and it allows us to offer the best possible service we can to you.   How can I get 60-day payment terms?  If you wish to explore extending your payment terms with us, you need to put a request in with us in writing so that we can action it.   This would also need to be made clear to us before you order, so we can have everything ready in place accordingly.   Once we have your request, we can assess whether we can action it and then we’ll let you know very quickly whether we can do so or not.   Being flexible  As we said earlier, we understand that sometimes things move unexpectedly and you can be caught cold in construction, which can be a very stressful experience.   If we can help this by giving you 60-day terms when needed, then we will do all we can to make sure that we can make this happen for you.   If you would like to contact us to see if we can provide this for an upcoming order, you can get in touch with us here. 

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Article
HSS-R drill bits vs HSS-G – what’s better for you?

One question we’ve been asked recently revolves around drill bits and which is better out of the HSS-G and the HSS-R.   In the interest of fairness, we have to share that we have recently stopped selling HSS-R drill bits. However, in this article, we will compare the two as objectively as we can.   We will highlight the pros and cons of both and by the end of the article, you’ll be well aware of the differences between the two.   Firstly, what exactly are they?  As mentioned above, they are both drill bits. However, HSS stands for high-speed steel and the R and G stand for different things.   The R stands for rolled, while the G stands for ground. This means that the R has been rolled into shape, while the G has been ground to shape.  The differences between the two are that the G undergoes more grinding and sharpening processes, thus making it more precise, while the R is very wear-resistant.   What are the pros of the HSS-R?  The main pro of the HSS-R is its cost, with it being notably cheaper than the HSS-G. Naturally, for those who are keeping a close eye on the purse strings, this makes them very appealing.   In addition, they are very durable. They are also wear-resistant and strong, so when it comes to general-purpose drilling, they are very effective.   They are also very easily accessible, which can help if you’re in a bit of a spot and you need something at short notice.   And what goes against the HSS-R?  Because of the way that they are made, HSS-R drill bits will not be as precise as HSS-G drill bits, which naturally can be a problem depending on what you’re working on.   In addition, they won’t fare as well at high cutting speeds as HSS-G drill bits, which makes them unsuitable for projects that require demanding drilling applications.   Finally, they are not the most versatile. They are best used with metal, but aren’t the best for drilling into some of the more tougher materials.   What about the HSS-G? What makes that good?  The precision of HSS-G is its main selling point, as the accuracy you get with an HSS-G is exceptionally good. It also leaves a nice surface finish, which can be important.   Despite being more precise too, they are also very effective with harder materials. Whether it’s steel, stainless steel or alloy steel, an HSS-G drill bit will be great for you. They are also very efficient when used with wood.   Much like the HSS-R drill bits, the HSS-G drill bits are also very versatile and wear-resistant, but they also come in a number of different sizes and coatings, giving them more versatility.  And what lets HSS-G drill bits down?  They do cost more than HSS-R drill bits, which can be problematic. Budgets are becoming more and more important and with a need to make every penny stretch, the added cost can be off-putting.   In addition, finding HSS-G drill bits in smaller sizes can be harder than getting hold of HSS-R drill bits, which are very easy to obtain by comparison.   This isn’t a major issue, but could be annoying, depending on what you need and when you’d need it.   High-performing drill bits  Both of these drill bits offer high performance, but for us, the HSS-G edges it. The fact it’s more precise, more versatile and more needed by customers gives it the nod for us.   This is also why we have discontinued our HSS-R range, as while it is undoubtedly a very good drill bit, the HSS-G is seen as better.   If you would like to see our range of HSS-G drill bits, you can do so here.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
“Top-notch service” – Portview customer testimonial of Multifix

At Multifix, we believe in the importance of people. This is especially the case when it comes to reviews of our service, which we value dearly.   It’s one thing us saying we can provide you with something, but it’s another if you yourselves are saying that we can indeed stick to our word.  We sometimes get feedback from our customers and in this instance, we would like to share it by way of a written testimonial.   “Keeping excellent customer service alive”  Berina Rice, Purchasing Manager of Portview, had this to say about us in response to helping her with an order:  “A big thank you to the lovely Multifix team for keeping excellent customer service alive and well in the UK, whilst most other suppliers have totally gone to the dogs since Covid.  “You phone Multifix and you get top-notch service. An actual human being actually answers the phone and pretty quickly, too! A human being who is knowledgeable, friendly, polite and who actually cares and wants to solve your problems.  Believe you me, that is so hard to find now in this era of “no reply” sales confirmations, the dreaded chatbots and sales confirmations from “the sales team” – no name, no email and no telephone. Keep up the great work, you are all fantastic!”  Here to help  Receiving praise like this is far from a given and is the result of a lot of dedication and hard work from everyone across the company.   It is always exceptionally pleasing to hear feedback like this, knowing that we have made your lives a little bit easier and less complicated.   If you would like to submit your own testimonials or feedback for us, good or bad as it’s all helpful for us, you can do so here.  

Read more → 2 min read
Article
Solvent vs non-solvent – why does it matter?

One of the more prominent issues UK construction faces revolves around solvent use. Some have taken this very seriously, but there are still some unsure as to why.   In this article, we will look to explain why solvent-free alternatives are a better bet and offer some insight as to why it’s such a pertinent issue.   Why should we move away from solvent-based products? Why are they seen as bad?   Solvent-based products are not bad per se, at least in terms of their effectiveness. In fact, they are extremely effective at what they are tasked with doing.   For construction, this is normally around adhesion. It is no secret that a solvent-based adhesive will likely perform much better than a non-solvent adhesive.  This has forced innovative creators to try and replicate solvent-based adhesives and to good effect too, as there are now plenty on the market that can do a very good job.   But why should we put down solvent-based adhesives? The main reason is because of the negative environmental impact that comes with them.   In short, they contribute towards air and water pollution as a result of the VOCs they release when used. VOCs are hazardous chemicals and can play a part in smog formation and water contamination.   In addition, they can also pose risks to humans. If you are exposed to VOCs for prolonged periods of time, you can potentially suffer from breathing issues, nausea, headaches and more.   As well as that, solvent-based adhesives are flammable, so an element of care will be needed to mitigate any fire risks.  Can non-solvent-based products do the job though?   Yes, they can. However, as mentioned above, it likely will not perform to the same standard – but that doesn’t mean they can’t do the job to a very high level.   As they are VOC-free as well, they will also be a lot safer to use. They are safer to be used around humans, they are better for the environment and they aren’t flammable, so it eliminates a fire risk.   In addition, at a time when the construction world is moving away from solvent-based adhesives, solvent-free adhesives are likely to be used instead.   The most popular ones on the market are there for good reason, as they can be trusted to deliver a comparably good performance to solvent-based products.   A more sustainable future  With the UK construction industry doing all it can to be more sustainable and environmentally conscious, be it through net zero or the types of products used, solvent-based adhesives are likely to become a thing of the past.   In its place are products that are getting closer and closer to replicating the performance levels of non-solvent-adhesives, while also keeping the air cleaner.   If you would like to see our range of solvent-free products, you can do so here.  

Read more → 2 min read
Article
How much fire-stopping product do you hold in stock?

As we all know, having fire-stopping systems is crucial to any project and as such, you need to know that you can access the right product it at any given point.   With that in mind, one of the questions we are often asked is how much stock do we hold at once, when it comes to fire-stopping products?  The short answer to that is three months, but in this article, we will explain why that is the case and why it differs from our carpentry range.   The long and short though is that you’ll have stock available?  Correct. As we have three months’ worth of stock at our Barking warehouse, we’ll always be on hand to help you out for a project.   In addition, if you are in our geographic reach, you will have your goods delivered to you by our fleet of vans, which go to great lengths to make sure you get your products on time.   With a 99.3% success rate, we have proven time and again that our vans are very reliable and 75% of the time, your delivery will be with you before 12pm midday.   We know how important it is that your project doesn’t run into delays, so one of our company values is to ensure speediness to your order.  Three months is great, but why is it six for carpentry?   This is a good question, but we do have a good answer for you. In short, with carpentry, we work with a variety of different suppliers, so we have to keep well on top of that to account for any possible shortages.   By contrast, we have a much smaller supply base with firestopping, as we work exclusively with Protecta. Therefore, it’s much easier to keep control of, so three months is all we need.   However, three months is still plenty and it means that we always have a very healthy pool of supplies available at any given point, so we’ll always be able to assist.   How come it’s only Protecta you work with?  We have a brilliant relationship with Protecta and have been supplying their innovative fire-stopping solutions for several years now.   We believe that their products are some of the very best and most effective on the market, which is why we exclusively work with them.   For further information on why we have partnered with Protecta, you can read this article here.   Helping you keep people safe  These products are so important as they have the ability to keep people safe amidst serious threat, so it’s vital that no shortcuts are taken.   That is why we will always have something on hand for you to get, as and when you need and with Protecta’s products, you’ll have something that can make a huge difference.   One such Protecta product is their FR Acrylic, which has been used on many projects with brilliant success. You can find out what makes it special here.   

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Article
“Reliable, honest and efficient” – Pantera customer testimonial for Multifix

Recently, we received a testimonial from Pantera Group, which has been established in the world of carpentry for many years.   As you may have seen, we are very fortunate to have several video testimonials, which we very much appreciate. You can see those here.   However, we do have written ones as well and the one from Pantera certainly falls under that bracket.   Here’s what Mat Glendenning, Managing Director of Pantera, had to say about us…  “I have continually been impressed…”  “We have continued to work with Multifix for over a decade. The service provided is always attentive, reliable, honest and efficient.  “As a specialist Carpentry Contractor working across some of the largest projects in London and the South-East for over 25 years, surviving in the construction industry is challenging.   “Multifix are a part of the team that supports us to not only survive, but to thrive. I have continually been impressed with their approach to innovation and appetite for continual improvement.   “I would recommend Multifix to any company looking to have one less thing to worry about.”  Always appreciative   Receiving praise from our clients in the form of testimonials isn’t something that we take for granted and is something we are hugely appreciative of as a company.   We know how much the spoken word means in the construction industry, so to have so many experts vouch for us does mean a lot.   Should you wish to leave feedback for us, either in the form of a testimonial or otherwise, we would love to hear what you have to say. You can find out how to contact us here.  

Read more → 2 min read
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