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“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
“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.  

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Article
What does it mean to be FORS credited?

One thing you may have seen us shout about is that we have FORS silver accreditation for our fleet of vans, which we have achieved for a few years now.   But what does it mean? And more importantly, what does it mean to you? Does it make much difference to your delivery service?  In this article, we will explain why it’s so valuable to us and why it’s of benefit to you and offers you peace of mind when choosing us as your supplier.   First, what is FORS?  FORS stands for Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, which does what it can to set the standard for safer, smarter and greener road transport operations.   FORS, which is a voluntary accreditation program, gives companies a framework and sets benchmarks for them to help operators boost performance in environmental impact, safety and operational efficiency.   Being with FORS allows you to have further training, to put in place safer working practices and to commit to higher standards as a company.   So if you’re Silver-rated, what does that mean?  FORS have three ratings; bronze, silver and gold, with gold being the top. To achieve these ratings, lots of things have to be put into place to ensure you achieve them.   By having Silver accreditation though, FORS believe that “you employ good practice and comply with the requirements laid out by the FORS Standard.”  It also means that we’ve added some additional safety measures to our fleet, too. These include cameras and proximity sensors.   What does that mean for me, though?  For you, it means that when you order with Multifix, you can rest assured that our fleet and drivers have been proven to be safe, well-trained and efficient by an independent regulator.   It means that you can order with us knowing that your delivery will be reliable and that the route planning for it to get to you will be done with care and diligence.   Pushing for more  Having Silver accreditation from FORS is a huge badge of honour for us, but we aren’t content with just settling. In accordance with FORS requirements, we are always looking at ways we can improve.  Our Multifix fleet of vans go all over the country carrying valuable goods for projects. To see where they deliver to, click here.  

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Article
Solutions for high-rise buildings that Multifix provides

When constructing high-rise buildings, there is a lot of thought that goes into it and the products that are used must be of outstanding quality.   In this article, we will outline some of the quality solutions that we have available for you when it comes to high-rise construction and how they can help you.   Ancon channel system and ties  First up are the Ancon channel system and ties. The channel system has been designed to tie a masonry leaf to either steel, timber or concrete frames through a layer of insulation, while the ties work with the channel when tying outer brickwork to the existing frame.   The channel system is available in 2700mm lengths, with each pack containing 10 lengths. Whether you’re using concrete screws or high-thread self-drilling screws, it can be affixed to brickwork.  The channel system also features alternate 5.3mm and 9.5mm diameter holes. This is so that both fixing types and a 16mm opening can accept a drive socket.  You can see the channel system here, while the channel ties can be found here.  Visqueen non-combustible DPC   Visqueen’s non-combustible DPC is hugely popular and it’s easy to see why. It is a 0.6mm composite DPC and cavity tray system, which is supplied in 20m length rolls.  It is available in 300mm, 450mm, 500mm, 600mm, 700mm, 800mm and 900mm widths, while should you need special 100mm and 150mm widths, these are also available.   It is incredibly strong and very difficult to tear, while it is also A2 – s1, d0 and BS EN 13501-1:2018 fire-certified, making it compliant with UK Building Regulations.   The upper surface of the DPC is red, which allows installers to understand orientation, so towards the direction of moisture penetration.   The Visqueen non-combustible DPC is available via special request and has a three-to-five-day lead time, so if you would like to order, you can do so by getting in contact with us.   Timloc non-combustible weep vents  Weep vents are important and the Timloc non-combustible ones that we stock are of great use for those working on high-rise projects.  The Timloc weep vent allows the cavity to drain freely without obstruction and is diecast in A1 fire-rated metal, in addition to being coated by a two-part electroplated coating.   The weep vents are very quick and easy to position and are basically invisible within the mortal joint, so they won’t detract at all from the brickwork appearance. They also come in a pack of 50.  To see our Timloc non-combustible metal weep vents, click here.   ARC fire stop slabs  Providing up to three hours of fire integrity, the ARC fire stop slabs can be fitted either horizontally or vertically within external masonry walls and are manufactured from non-combustible rockfibre mineral wool insulation.  This offers up to three hours of fire integrity, while the fire stop slabs are also foil-faced, which provides a smoke barrier. They can also suit cavity widths of up to 450mm.   The fire stop slabs can either be cut to size on site, or can be factory finished, while they are also third-party certificated by IFC.   Much like the Visqueen non-combustible DPC, the ARC fire stop slabs are available by special request and have a three-to-five-day lead time, so please feel free to contact us to find out more.   The best for the job at hand  At Multifix, we want you to have the best materials and products possible for your work with high-rise projects.  In addition to the four solutions mentioned, we have a very comprehensive range that can cater your needs, which includes Visqueen Zedex Non-Combustible Flexi Preformed Units, otherwise known as flexicorners. You can find out more about those here.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
“A gamechanger for our business” - J&L Carpentry customer testimonial for Multifix

Customer testimonials are really important for any company in any industry, and that’s certainly no different for us at Multifix.   Indeed, we’ve spoken before about how important it is to gain recommendations within the construction industry, which you can read more about here.   As such, we always welcome the chance to receive a testimonial, as we know how much weight it can carry. Usually, we like to get them on video – you can see our library of testimonials here – but sometimes, we get them in written form too.   Here is a written testimonial that we received from Jenna Nugent, who is Operations Manager at J&L Carpentry.  “They continuously go above and beyond”   “With over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, J&L Carpentry Ltd work with the UK’s top residential developers, carrying out all aspects of carpentry and joinery works, as well as timber frame construction and BM Trada Fire Door installation across London and the home counties.   We have been working with Multifix for many years now and they continuously go above and beyond to help us day to day where needed, making sure everything required will be on site the very next day.   We were introduced to the Multifix online portal during a meeting and we can confirm this has been a gamechanger for our business.   It is very streamlined, user friendly and the fact it provides a tracking link and PODs instantly has been extremely helpful.   We highly recommend Multifix and look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”  Doing our bit  At Multifix, we are always looking for ways in which we can better our service to you and it’s therefore brilliant to hear such positive feedback.  If you would like to submit a testimonial, we would welcome your feedback – either good or bad, as we can grow in either case. You can find out how to contact us here.  

Read more → 2 min read
Article
Visqueen Zedex Non-Combustible Flexi Preformed Units: What are they? And do Multifix stock them?

One common question that we get asked by Brickwork Contractors is whether we stock Visqueen Zedex Non-Combustible Flexi Preformed Units, otherwise known as flexicorners.   The answer to that question is that you can purchase them through us, but as they’re a bespoke product, they’re not something we hold in stock.   As such, the ordering process is a little different. In this article, we’ll explain how to purchase them through Multifix and also what makes flexicorners so valuable.   Firstly, what are these flexicorners?   Flexicorners are manufactured from non-combustible DPC and are 90-degree corner units that can be used both internally and externally. They also have a 150mm vertical rise and a 100mm vertical fixing flange.  In addition, if a flexicorner has been incorporated into a brickwork outer leaf, each unit is suitable for a cavity width of up to 50mm.  Otherwise, they are available for cavity width ranges 40-100mm, 100-150mm, 150-200mm, 200-250mm and 250-300mm.  How can I order a flexicorner from Multifix?  As mentioned earlier, flexicorners are bespoke products, so there’s a different process before we can supply them to you.   First, we would need the drawings involved with the project to understand the product dimensions that you need and to enable us to provide you with an accurate quote.   The lead time for bespoke flexicorners is five to seven days from quote approval, depending on the size of the flexicorner or the quantity.  What other benefits do flexicorners have?  The flexicorners have a host of other features, which make them valuable assets for brickwork specialists. They are compliant with UK Building Regulations for fire safety and are A2 – S1, d0 and BS EN 13501-1:2018 certified.  They are also off-site factory manufactured, which reduces the risk of any water ingress, while they also provide an allowance for any site tolerances.   Most importantly though, they are part of the Visqueen Zedex Non-Combustible DPC System, which means they can be used in residential dwellings, in addition to low-rise and multi-storey residential public, commercial and industry developments with a masonry inner leaf.  Giving you the best tools for the job   Product quality is something that we insist on at Multifix as, where possible, we want to give you the best tools and the best products for the job.   With the Visqueen flexicorners, we believe we have that and we are more than happy to supply you with them for your projects and needs.   If you would like to speak to a member of our expert team about the flexicorners or to put the wheels in motion for an order, you can contact us here.  

Read more → 2 min read
Article
How much carpentry stock do you hold at Multifix?

One of the key things you need to know as a carpenter is how much stock does a supplier have at any one point, as you never want to be caught short waiting for goods to turn up.   Without knowing so runs the risk of delays and can cause setbacks that you just don’t need or want at any point in your projects.   As such, we are always open with our stock levels and in this short article, we will highlight just how much we have at any point and why.   How much carpentry stock do you have at any point?  At any point, we have up to six month’s worth of carpentry stock at our warehouse in Barking. This covers all key products, in addition to big-name brand products, such as Paslode items.   Having worked with carpenters for over 30 years, we know from experience the type of products that you need with frequency and have prioritised those, so you are never caught short with us.   Whether it’s screws, nails or foam, we’ll have you covered if you need something either immediately, or whether you need to make a bulk order for a project.   In addition, if you are using our customer portal, you’ll be able to see exactly what items are in stock at that current time. There will be either a green or a red dot next to the item, which indicates whether we have it or not.   Can you be trusted to deliver when I need it?  Without wanting to toot our own horn, yes. We’re proud to offer a very reliable delivery service, which has a 99.3% success rate.   In addition to that, 75% of our deliveries are on site before 12pm midday, as we understand that getting what you need to you quickly is hugely important.   We also have our own fleet of drivers to deliver your goods, who will give you a phone call when they are 10 minutes out to let you know when to receive it, so that your team are not waiting around on site.   In addition, through our customer portal, you can live-track our drivers and get a current ETA on your delivery with just a few clicks.  Having carpenters covered  At Multifix, we believe it’s sensible to have half a year’s worth of carpentry stock as we always want you to have access to what you need.   With the range of products at our disposal that we keep in stock too, you can rest assured that by using Multifix, you’ll have quality products to pick from.   If you would like to speak to someone at Multifix about our carpentry range, please feel free to contact us via this link. 

Read more → 2 min read
Article
How the cold impacts your Paslode nailer

When the days start getting shorter and the cold weather starts to hit, those working in carpentry will know that their Paslode guns could start to play up.   But why is this? What is it about the cold weather that causes Paslode nailers to occasionally malfunction and cause inconvenience?  In this article, we will explore why this happens and look at some of the things you can do to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.   If the Paslode nailer is cold, it won’t work – is that right?  No, this is incorrect. For a Paslode nailer not to work to its full capacity in the cold, three things need to happen.  The first is that the nailer itself needs to be cold, that much is true. However, unless the gas fuel cell is also cold, it will still work normally.   In addition, the outside air also needs to be cold for it to be an issue. And by cold, we mean under five degrees.   You could have a cold nailer and a cold gas fuel cell in the middle of summer for whatever reason, but because of the warm air, it would still work fine.   It is the same the other way around, too. If a gas fuel cell is cold, but is inserted into a Paslode nailer at a normal temperature, it will still work fine.   The only way it will malfunction is if the nailer is cold, the outside air is cold and the gas fuel cell is also cold. This can cause misfiring, slow firing and other problems, so it can be very inconvenient.   What can I do to prevent my Paslode nailer from having issues in the cold?  If you are using it outside, the nature of the air is obviously something you cannot control. However, you can control the other two elements, which will make it work in cold conditions – especially for the gas fuel cell.   Carpenters will keep the gas fuel cells in their pockets to try and keep them warm, or rub the gas fuel cell with their hands to try and warm it up.   As for the nailer itself, storing it correctly after use can help, but this isn’t always practical. As such, the main focus on getting it to work properly in the cold weather should be on the gas fuel cell.   Defeating the elements  Working in the winter is challenging enough as is, as working in the freezing cold comes with its own issues.   However, by taking some time out to make sure your Paslode nailer will work effectively, you’ll make life a lot easier for yourself when working.  With Paslode being one of the biggest brands in the carpentry sector, we have made it our mission to be as knowledgeable about their range as possible.   If you have any Paslode questions and would like to speak to a team member about the brand or what they offer, you can do so by clicking this link. 

Read more → 2 min read
Article
How the Multifix customer portal is the management tool you need

A common misconception regarding the Multifix customer portal is that it is only for placing orders. It’s great for doing that, but that’s just one of its features.   In fact, the portal can help you greatly from a management perspective and really help you save a lot of time in the process, with a lot of valuable information readily available.   In this article, we will go through three of the ways that it can be the management tool that you need, thanks to some of its features.   You can track your order and get an accurate ETA  Once you’ve made an order of anything, all you want to know is when is it going to turn up. Construction is no different, but finding out can be a bit of a faff.   However, with the customer portal, finding out is incredibly easy. With a few clicks, you can see exactly when your delivery is going to turn up and can plan accordingly.   All you have to do is click on the van icon by your order under the Despatched tab and you’ll get a screen giving you an ETA and a delivery progress bar.   It’s worth noting that you do not need to have placed an order on the portal to have access to this feature. Getting an ETA will be available to you, no matter how you order.   Of course, if something happens on the road, you can also see that and factor it in. You also have the option to live track our drivers, so you can see exactly where your delivery is!  Our drivers will still call you 10 minutes before they’re due to arrive to give you a heads up, but knowing when they’re set to arrive can be a huge help.  To see how to track your order, you can watch a short video on how to do so here.   You can access proof of deliveries and invoices  Searching for a proof of delivery to check an invoice can be hugely frustrating and time-consuming, but the portal has something in place to help with that.   With the portal, you can access all your proof of deliveries (PODs) and invoices with relative ease, containing all the information that you need.   Through the portal, you can either download a PDF copy of either a POD or an invoice, or you can print off a copy straight away.   While you still may need to print off copies for your records, it won’t be a disaster if you lose one, as you can download as many copies as you need from the portal.   You can see how to do so by watching this video.  You can set up spending limits   There’s a lot to juggle in a managerial role and that can be difficult to stay on top of, but the portal can be of a huge help to you in that regard.   One way of doing so is setting up spending limits, which can help improve cost control, mitigate risks and stop impulse purchasing.   Through the portal, you can put spending limits on your account, which gives you a great deal of control from a managerial perspective, while also reducing unnecessary spending.   Having that element of control as a manager can only be a good thing and is something that the portal can provide with very little fuss.  To find out how to set up spending limits, click here for a video explanation.   Making your day-to-day easier   One of the main reasons we created the portal is because we wanted to make things easier for you – to save you time and to make things more efficient.   We fully accept that some people don’t wish to use the portal for ordering and that’s fine. We understand it isn’t for everyone and we wouldn’t want to put a barrier in the way of your great relationships with our team.   However, we do believe in its ability to be an outstanding managerial tool and the three reasons listed are perfect proof of that.   If you would like to find out more on how the customer portal can help you, read this article on how it can make your life easier.  

Read more → 4 min read
Article
Do I get a dedicated team if I work with Multifix?

Taking the decision to work with Multifix is one that we hope will be very beneficial and productive for you. That is certainly what we will strive to deliver for you, as standard.   But aside from our reliable delivery service and extensive range of products, what do you actually get by having Multifix as a supplier? More specifically, do you get a team that will work with you to achieve your goals?  In this article, we will explain the type of support that you get from us when you join Multifix and highlight what team environment you can expect to find yourself in.   So what happens when I decide to work with Multifix?  Regardless of whether you’re in Carpentry, Brickwork or a Fire Stopping Contractor, you will be given a team to support you when you join Multifix.   This consists of a Customer Service Specialist, an Account Manager and a Business Development Lead.   All three of these people will be working with you to make sure that you get the very most out of your Multifix partnership and will be on hand to answer any query you have.   Your first point of contact would be the Business Development Lead, who will sort out your prices for you and deal with any issues you may have when you onboard with us.   After that, the Account Manager will be your point of contact for anything more technical or for any enquiries that you may have.  Finally, if you need to order something and you aren’t using the portal, then your best point of contact will be the Customer Service Specialist.   The only sector this is different for is if you’re a Fire Stopping Contractor, in which case you’ll have the services of an Account Manager and a Customer Service Specialist at your disposal.   Experts to cover all bases  The reason why we share the load between multiple people is for a few reasons, but mainly so that you aren’t just limited to one person for all your queries.  If you only had one point of contact, they could be on another call, away from their desk, ill or on holiday, which would leave you somewhat stuck as a customer.  We don’t want that for you, so we give you multiple points of contact, all of whom can help you beyond their specialist roles if the need arises.   We’re proud to have a number of knowledgeable experts within our team and having access to three of them at any point can boost efficiency.   Putting you first  One of the core principles of the company is to treat our customers with the utmost respect. We like to have strong relationships with our customers, including being on first-name terms, as we feel this is more personal.   By assigning you with a team of three keen to help and informative experts, we feel this goes a long way to securing that, in addition to giving you everything you need.   If you would like to speak to us about working with Multifix, we’d love to take your call or email. You can find out how to get in touch with us here.  

Read more → 3 min read
Video
Meet the carpentry 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 carpentry team and who you need to speak to!

Read more → 1 min watch
Article
Delivery and collection – what we offer

When it comes to work, convenience is a huge aspect. There are naturally things you can’t control, but everyone tries to make what they can control convenient.   That applies to ordering as well, as while that process can be as convenient as possible, how you receive it may not.   That is why we have both delivery and collection options available, but which is best for you? And how quickly can we turn things around? In this article, we’ll seek to clear up everything you need to know about delivery or collection.   What delivery options do I have available?  Depending on where you’re located in the UK, our method of delivery varies, If you are inside our geographic area, then it will be our own vans that deliver your goods.  We are very proud to offer a reliable delivery service, with 75% of deliveries arriving before midday. In addition, we also offer next-day delivery, to help you get what you need faster.    You can see where we deliver to here, but please note that we are always looking at ways in which we can expand our geographic reach. As such, keep an eye on that link as we will put any changes there.    Our drivers will give you a call when they are 10 minutes out and will also insist on a signature upon arrival to sign over the goods. They will also take a photo of the items when they have been successfully delivered, as proof of delivery.   In addition, via our customer portal, you can live-track your delivery. This will give you a rough estimated time of arrival, so you can plan your day accordingly.   If you are out of our own-van delivery area, then we will still ensure your goods are reliably delivered to you, as we have partnered with a pallet network. This will also be live-tracked and the pallet drivers do normally call in advance like our own drivers do, however this isn’t something we can guarantee.  What happens if I want to collect my items?  If you wish to collect your items, that is absolutely fine. In fact, if you are able to do so and you are based in London, this is possibly a more effective way of getting what you need, especially if you’re in a hurry.   The address for our warehouse is Trinity House, 111 River Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 0EG.   In order to do this though, it is best to get in touch with us over the phone, even if you order via the portal. On the portal, it’s possible to set your sender address as the Multifix warehouse, which immediately alerts our customer service team so they can make it a click and collect order.   However, it’s best to still get in touch over the phone, so that we can best guide you. We don’t want you turning up and waiting for a while, because the wait is determined by what you’ve ordered.   Generally speaking though, we can have most orders ready and processed for you an hour after you hang up the phone with us. Naturally, if it’s a large order, it may take a bit longer to collate.  When you arrive at the warehouse, there is a signposted collection point for you to go to. This is located by the side shutter with the ramp. When you get there, someone will be on hand to take your query.   Determining what’s best for you  Ultimately, it’s about convenience for you. If you’re passing through or live nearby, it may be better to come and collect.   However, you may not have time to do so, even if you do live nearby. In this instance, delivery will be your best bet. What’s important to us though is that you have the option to do either.   If you would like to get in contact with us at Multifix to discuss either delivery or collection, you can do so by clicking this link.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
The differences between self-tapping, self-drilling and CSK screws

When it comes to screws, there’s a lot of choice. And with so many different and similar names, it can be confusing to work out which is which.   This is especially the case with three types of screws in particular; self-tapping screws, self-drilling screws and countersunk screws, otherwise known as CSK screws.   Self-tapping and self-drilling screws are both designed mainly for metal, whereas a CSK screw is designed for timber to steel or any other metal. As such, it’s important to be clear with what you’re using.   In this article, we will explain what each of these three screws do, to clear up any confusion. We also have a video on the topic, which you can see below.   Self-tapping screws  Self-tapping screws are perhaps the most easy to mistake, as they look very similar to a wood screw given the thread goes all the way up. However, there are several key differences between the two.   The centre shank of the screw is a lot stronger and heavier than a wood screw, which is the first giveaway, while the thread pitch is also a lot closer together.   In addition, a self-tapping screw is very tough as it would’ve gone through a strengthening process before leaving the factory.  As for what it does, a self-tapping screw makes its own threaded hole as it’s driven into a material. It doesn’t need a pre-drilled hole, which can make it very convenient.   Self-drilling screw  As the name suggests, self-drillers – or TEK screws, as they are referred to– are designed to drill their own hole and then tap their own threads as it’s driven into the material.   They have a completely different front compared to self-tapping screws, with the front designed to act like a drill. A self-driller will then pre-drill through the material, before then bringing the thread in behind it.   This is otherwise known as drilling and then tapping, so it’s easy to see why there could be some confusion with self-tapping screws.   However, a self-drilling screw is a more technical screw and is made up of multiple different parts. This in itself should help differentiate it from a self-tapping screw.   Countersunk screws  The first thing that sets a CSK screw apart is that it is designed for a completely different material than both the self-tapping screw and the self-drilling screw.   They have a countersinking head, but also have two small bumps on either side, which are located shortly above the drill point. These are sometimes referred to as wings.  The purpose of these bits is to clear out the timber as the screw goes through the material, which prevents it damaging the thread.   Once they reach the metal point, they snap off and then allow the screw to tap into the metal material, making it a very effective screw.   Brilliant options for brilliant projects  All three of these screws are highly beneficial when used properly, but using one in an instance where another should’ve been used can end badly.   Hopefully we have helped clear up any confusion around the screws, whether it’s from this article or the video at the top of the page.   If you would like to speak to someone at Multifix about any of these screws, we are happy to help. You can get in touch with us via this link.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
Just how much impact has Brexit had on UK construction?

It’s been nearly a decade since the British public made the decision to leave the European Union and we continue to feel the impact of that every day.   In terms of industry though, the UK construction industry has certainly had some notable changes since the referendum, which have brought their own challenges.   In this article, we will take a look at how things have changed since the vote in 2016 and how those changes impact the UK construction sector.   Construction costs have shot up  Things have gotten a lot more expensive for people in UK construction since the decision to leave the EU and at an alarming rate, too.   As reported by The Guardian, data analysis from both the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Eurostat, the central EU database, showed that the cost of materials, including steel, cement and timber, rocketed up by 60% between 2015 and 2022.   Rising costs affected everybody in Europe, be it from the Covid-19 pandemic or general supply chain problems, but the UK was stung the most. For context, in the same period, the average rise for EU countries was 35%  The reason for the 25% increase compared to the average rise across EU countries comes down to things like added costs, admin or bureaucracy and it is smaller firms who will feel the pinch a lot more.   Across the same time period and according to the same data analysis, the cost of labour also soared – in the UK, it rose by 30%.  This is also significantly more than other EU countries. For comparison, Denmark and the Netherlands saw their cost of labour rise by 14%.   There’s been a notable shortfall in the UK labour force  It has been estimated by a thinktank that 330,000 people have left the UK labour force since Brexit, which includes the construction industry.   As a result, the situation has gotten pretty dire – so much so, that in July 2023, the UK government relaxed visa rules for foreign builders to try and combat this.   Jobs such as bricklaying, carpentry, roofing and plastering, amongst other construction jobs, were all added to the ‘shortage occupation list’, which offers a huge incentive to those from abroad.   If you have a job role on the shortage occupation list, you are eligible for 80% pay in addition to a skilled worker visa and a lower application fee, assuming you have a sponsored job offer and can speak English.   As per UK law, employers are allowed to offer 80% to EU migrants instead of the full 100% they’d have to pay domestic citizens, if they are filling a job listed on the shortage occupation list.   Construction worker shortages have always been problematic, but not quite on the post-Brexit level. Since Brexit, EU workers need a visa to work in the UK, which became a major issue after Covid-19, when a lot of EU construction workers returned home.  The change will no doubt help with the dwindling figures, which is great for the construction industry.   Making the most out of challenging circumstances  The construction industry, perhaps more so than any other industry in the UK, has always found a way to be resilient in the face of adversity. It is determined, dogged and strong.   In a post-Brexit world, that is no different. The challenges are very much real and have a big impact, but those in UK construction still find a way to deal with it as best they can and bounce back.   If you would like to read more articles on construction, you can find several – in addition to videos – on our Expert Hub. You can find that here.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
Two types of masking tapes Multifix stocks and how they fare against Frogtape

Masking tape is something of an essential for those in the trade, be it carpentry or refurbishment. Easy to use, flexible and generally pretty small, it’s a necessity for most toolboxes.   But, does it matter how much you pay for your masking tape? Is there really much difference between the market leader and cheaper products? And if not, can a bargain be had?  At Multifix, there are two types of masking tape in particular that we stock – unbranded masking tape and our Multifix blue masking tape.   To find out, we did a test pitting them against Frogtape, the market leader, which you can see in the video below.  We wanted to determine how the tape peels off and how it impacts any paint it is trying to separate, which brought interesting results.   Unbranded tape   For the test, a standard paint was used and the 25mm unbranded tape, the cheapest out of the three, fared pretty well all things considered.   It peeled off very easily and left no marks at all on the rough surface it was placed upon, which was a very good start. The width of the unbranded tape was thinner than the blue Multifix tape and the Frogtape, but there were no real issues.   There was enough from the test to show if you wanted to use the unbranded tape and wanted to put one strip partially over another to get a bigger width, you could do so without any problems.   The only slight blemish was that when you peeled the tape away, the paint was maybe a little bobbly and could be picked at once it had fully dried.   It wasn’t anything too detrimental, but compared to the others, this is where the cheaper price tag definitely came to fruition.   Multifix blue masking tape  Alongside the unbranded tape was the 50mm Multifix blue masking tape, which was much stickier than the unbranded tape, but came away just as easily.   It is also double the size of the unbranded tape, which naturally means it can cover more space, but this doesn’t make any difference to how easily it peels away, also leaving no marks.   The increase in price when it comes to how sharp the paint lines are is warranted compared to the unbranded masking tape too, as the Multifix blue masking tape leaves a much sharper finish.   However, there is still a slight element of crumbly paint, which could be picked at once it had dried and would otherwise leave an imperfect finish.   That being said, it’s a big upgrade on the unbranded and especially useful if you have to cover more ground, too.   Frogtape  The reputation Frogtape has earned as a market leader is thoroughly deserved and in this test, it came up trumps compared to the other two.   In very much a vase of “you get what you pay for,” the lines left behind from the Frogtape were the sharpest out of all three, easily winning the best finish.   It also peeled off very easily, but there is less of it in a full tape compared to the other two. Both the unbranded and Multifix blue masking tape are in rolls of 50m, while the Frogtape comes in rolls of 41m.   In terms of width, it sits in-between both the unbranded and the Multifix blue with a width of 36mm, but peels off very easily and does its job brilliantly.   Even though you get less per roll, it is the most expensive out of the three options, but the caveat to that is that you’re getting the best out the three by acquiring it.   Tale of the tape  To wrap things up, there is very good reason why we stock what we do. Both of them have strong positives and in relation to all three, some are better than others in certain areas.   In regards to what is best for you, that would depend on your project. If you need to cover more width, then the Multifix blue masking tape won’t let you down. If you need something cheaper but reliable, then the unbranded tape will do a good job.   However, if you want precision on the paint, then the Frogtape will be the best bet for you and you’ll get what you pay for. You can find Frogtape on many stocklists, including Amazon, Screwfix and Toolstation.   To find out more about Multifix’s range of masking tape, you are more than welcome to get in touch with us. You can do so by following this link.  

Read more → 4 min read
Article
Should you use CSK screws on metal applications?

A question we are often asked relates to countersunk screws (CSK screws) and whether they should be used on metal applications. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t straightforward, as it’s both yes and no.   However, we can explain and that’s what we’re going to try and do in this article. Here, we will discuss both sides of the coin and hopefully, that can help you.   We also have a video for you, which explains the reasons for not using CSK screws on metal applications. You can watch that below.   What are the reasons for not using CSK screws on metal applications?   It is generally advised not to use CSK screws on steel-to-steel fixings. This is because whenever a CSK screw comes into contact with metal, all of the pressure is where the screw head comes into contact with the steel plate.   This can cause the screw to malfunction, which is less than ideal. As such, hexhead screws are a much better bet as they stop the fixing from breaking, while also keeping the material flat.   In addition, a CSK screw can actually distort the material it is being used on. Because of the nature of CSK screws, they can bend the material – especially if it’s thin metal – out of shape.   This won’t happen with a hexhead screw, which will instead make sure that the material remains flat. As such, it’s advised not to use CSK screws with metal applications.   And what are the reasons for using CSK screws on metal applications?  However, that doesn’t mean you can’t full stop. There is a way around the above, which is actually a very simple solution.   If you countersink the corresponding hole, which will allow it to accept the screw head instead, then you’ll be able to use CSK screws on metal applications.   This is because by countersinking the corresponding hole, the load will be spread evenly across the CSK screws, instead of all the force being on one small CSK screw.   If all the force is on one small CSk screw, a failure is almost certain. As such, use a hexhead screw or countersink the corresponding hole to use CSK screws.   Finding a solution  As we stated earlier in the article, it’s not just as simple as saying yes or no, but hopefully with the explanation above, you’ll have some clarity around the situation.   If you would like to speak to Multifix about CSK screws, then please feel free to do so. You can get in touch with us by following this link.  

Read more → 2 min read
Article
What is an EPDM washer?

An essential for those in the trade, EPDM washers come in handy for a number of different scenarios and are a good friend to those who use them.   But, what exactly are they? What is their main purpose? What makes them so useful? And what does EPDM even stand for?   In this article, we will explain all of those questions in detail, but we have also put together a brief video for you on the matter. You can watch that below.  Tell me then – what is EPDM and what does it stand for?  EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, so it’s easy to see why it was abbreviated. In its simplest form, this is a type of synthetic rubber that goes around a screw.   It can be removed from the screw if you so wish, but there are several benefits to keeping it on – especially if you’re working on something that will be exposed to the outdoors.   Essentially, the rubber provides an airtight seal between the screw and the material it is being screwed into, with the seal also being watertight.   You mentioned about the outdoors – what makes them stand out?  EPDM washers are incredibly resistant to the weather, chemicals and temperature on either side of the scale, which makes them essential for outdoor projects.   The washers generally have a temperature range of -40 to 120 degrees, while they can more than deal with ozone, UV exposure or general weathering.   In addition, they are fine when it comes to acids and solvents, so if you are working in an environment where chemical exposure is an issue, they will be more than up to the task.  Is there anything else I need to know about EPDM washers?   They are built to last, which is another reason why they are so popular with those in the trade. They are incredibly durable and can withstand repeated compression and expansion cycles without losing any of their sealing properties.   As a result of their airtight nature, they’ll also keep just about anything out. Be it dust, water, air or other contaminants, they will stop pretty much everything from getting through.   Finally, they are very flexible. Whether it’s an ideal, smooth surface or a very irregular and rough one, EPDM washers will still deliver.  If you would like to contact Multifix for more information about EPDM washers, or to find out more about wanting to buy them, you can get in touch with us here. 

Read more → 2 min read
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