Learn how to create a user on the customer portal. Know the difference between the user types? Watch this video to understand more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5o-cx8VvYU PLEASE NOTE: you are going to need to have full access to all permissions to be able to follow along to this video. If you can't see the 'users' tab in your my account menu, please talk to your account manager or call customer service on 0203 248 4086.
In this video, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to create a requisition on the portal! Whether you’re new to the system or just need a refresher, we’ve got you covered. Plus, stick around to learn how to set up your favourites for an even quicker ordering experience: VIDEO COMING SOON
This explains what requisitions are and whether they are what you are looking for. Learn more on how to set them up here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmo8Qz7xIM4 Don't think requisitions are what you need? Check out spend limits: https://youtu.be/jPXC6lSlyp4
This video is focused on how the super user of your company account can enhance their buying experience with a recently developed and launched feature on the Multifix Portal! Approved items video: COMING SOON www.multifixuk.com
In this video, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to create a quick order on the portal! Whether you’re a beginner or just need a refresher, we’ve got you covered. Learn about other amazing features like requisitions that can streamline your ordering process, while maintaining control: https://multifixuk.com/expert_hub/whatarerequitisions
You can get slow cars, you can get quick cars. You can get slow grannies, you can get quick grannies. You can get slow orders and quick orders. The latter two words is the most important part of this description. Why spend ages on doing your orders slow when you can do it quickly? Sign up to the portal now here: https://multifixuk.com/users/sign_up?return_to=true
Are you ready to speed up your ordering process? In this video, we’ll explore the 'Quick Orders' feature available on our portal. Learn how to create a quick order effortlessly and enjoy a more efficient way to shop. Tune in and take your ordering game to the next level! Check out how to create a quick order on this video here: https://multifixuk.com/expert_hub/howtocreateaquickordervideo
The portal can seem daunting, futuristic and an effort to sign up to. But if you're thinking that, simply put - be prepared for simplicity. So in this video we put together the top 3 reasons why you should sign up and if you care about doing things quickly but without decreasing the quality of output - then here's your chance to do just that by signing up to the customer portal here: https://multifixuk.com/users/sign_up?return_to=true
Learn how to use one of the most useful features on the portal.
Why should you use favourites? Watch to find out. Learn how to set your very own list of favourites here: https://youtu.be/DTuntx6Syrw
At the turn of the year, new regulations came into effect when it comes to preformed cavity trays that have made a few notable changes to how you operate – especially when it comes to DPC. We understand that the reg changes can be confusing and it can be difficult to find a simple, easy-to-digest answer to what the changes actually mean. In this article then, we will attempt to provide you with that, as we explore what the changes are and what they mean for you. In a nutshell, what are the changes? With NHBC chapter 6.1.17 in full effect from January 1, 2024, it is now required that preformed cavity trays are used for door thresholds, T-junctions, pitched roof abutments, interfaces with guarding, balcony supports, wind posts or guarding, steps in horizontal level, penetrations in horizontal cavity tray arrangements and both internal and external corners. All of these have been listed as ‘complicated junctions’ by the NHBC and the new regulations state that these junctions need preformed cavity trays. Why is this the case? NHBC has stated that the changes “are part of an annual review to ensure NHBC Standards remain current and continue to help our registered builders to deliver the highest possible levels of quality, safety and comfort in new build homes.” Can I still use DPC? So, you can still use DPC if you need to make a horizontal straight and long tray run, but ultimately, you still need to use a preformed cavity tray for the changes of level, steps and both the internal and external angles. How long that DPC roll can be is seen as ‘widely variable, according to Cavity Trays, who themselves are a cavity tray specialist. Is it possible for me to see the full NHBC regulation? Yes, it is – you can see the regulation in its entirety here. Adapting to new methods We appreciate that having to integrate new methods can prove tricky, as even with the advanced warning, change is still change after all. However, we are hopeful that after reading this simplified explanation, you have a much clearer picture over the reg changes and how they impact you. To find out more about Multifix and to see how we can help you, please get in touch with us. You can do so here.
Even with innovation, sometimes there is a product or technique that is seen as timeless and still holds weight in today’s modern world. One such example is the IM350, as despite the much newer IM360 sweeping the market and proving popular, there still seems to be a place for the older model. In this article, we will explore why that is and how, in today’s construction outlook, the IM350 is still seen as a safe pair of hands. It’s highly durable Nailers will always hit a point where they don’t function as well as they should and that’s mainly because of the sheer force and velocity they go through when firing. However, the IM350 seems to be strangely exempt from the norm, with some professionals still using ones from 20 years or so ago and they’re just as effective now as they were then. Recently, one professional told Multifix that they accidentally broke one of the batteries for it, but it was the same battery that had been there from the very start. That level of reliability goes so far and even despite newer models being available, the IM350 still finds a way of outlasting them. It’s great for apprentices For apprentices starting out at a firm, getting all the tools you need can be an expensive outlay. Normally what happens is the firm will get a tool for you and take a certain amount out of your pay each week, so you get the tool and can pay it back on fair terms. However, not everyone does that and as such, some apprentices have taken to getting some IM350s second hand to get the job done. Not only does this give them grounding with excellent equipment, but it also gives them a tool that’s still revered and used now, which can only stand them in good stead. One professional told us that some of the apprentices even prefer the IM350 to any other alternative, so it very much still holds weight now. It’s very versatile The IM360, as good as it is, can only utilise one type of nail, which is specifically built just for that particular gun. Meanwhile, the IM350 is much more versatile and while it is advised to only use Paslode IM350 nails with it, other companies provide nails that can be used with the IM350. As such, if you’re ever in a spot, you’re much more likely to find a box of nails that are compatible with the IM350, meaning you can carry on with your project as planned. Standing the test of time It’s a huge testament to the R&D team at Paslode that they managed to create a product that even 20 years after its launch, is still seen as a go-to item by professionals across the country. There will always be a newer, shinier, flashier item, but when it comes down to performance, durability and compatibility as a full package, the IM350 will take some beating. To see what Paslode products we offer, from guns to nails and beyond, click this link here.
At Multifix, we are aware that we cater to a few specific sectors of the construction world, as opposed to the entire industry. One of those sectors is housebuilders, as we can do a lot to help them with their issues and to make sure they have the best tools for the job. In this article, we will explain how Multifix can help housebuilders and highlight some of the things we have in store that can really help them. Giving you the management tool you need Having everything you need when you need it is hugely important and that is why our customer portal doubles up as a hugely effective and efficient management tool. Whether it’s live-tracking orders and finding out an ETA, having all your proof of deliveries and invoices in one place, or setting up requisitions, our portal will have you covered. We understand that having things in your life that makes things easier is always appreciated and that’s exactly what we’ve tried to do with our portal. Taking your goods exactly where they need to be Delivering to new development sites can be problematic, as new postcodes take a while to register on map software. As such, your order can be sent to the wrong place or ends up taking longer to arrive, as the driver has to figure out exactly where it is they need to be. However, at Multifix, our drivers are equipped with what3words, so they will deliver exactly to where you need them to deliver. It’s a small thing, but it can make a big difference. A wide selection of products for your needs Whether you’re a national housebuilder looking to sub out fixings or a regional housebuilder looking for a place to buy fixings from, Multifix can help. At Multifix, we have teamed up with a number of excellent manufacturers to ensure our range is full of quality products that can get the job done and done well. Be it top-of-the-range DPC from Visqueen or proven and reliable sundries, we will have you covered and ensure that you have what you need and more. All we can do to help We always put people first at Multifix and that’s no different with housebuilders, whom we actively want to help to the best of our ability. By having these three aspects in full force, we feel we can be efficient, reliable and effective when it comes to supplying housebuilders. If you are a regional housebuilder and would like to find out more about how we can help you, or if you are a national housebuilder who wants to know more about what we can provide you with, you can see what we offer here.
One of the best traits in life is loyalty and in the construction industry, being loyal to your supplier can come with many benefits, ranging from personal service to better prices. However, it’s also very possible that your supplier may not be as trusting as you are, which can lead to you being taken for granted – maybe your deliveries are consistently hit and miss, or your pricing isn’t as good as it could be. In this article, we will highlight that while having loyalty with your supplier is a great thing, there are a few things you need to be aware of to make sure you aren’t being seen as a number, instead of a person. Is your pricing right? If you’ve been with a supplier for many years and have always spent well with them, you’re likely to be dismayed if you hear on the grapevine that another, newer company has been offered better rates. Despite this, loyalty will cause some people to avoid conflict and not make a big deal out of it or bring it up, while those that do can be made to feel like a number very quickly. As such, with Multifix, we will have an annual meeting with you to go through rates and to make sure you’re getting the best value for money with our service. While we accept we are never going to be the cheapest supplier out there, we will always strive to make our rates competitive and make sure that you get full value when you work with us. Is your personal service acceptable? Arguably more important than price is the personal service you get. No-one wants to be treated in a way that could be deemed unsatisfactory or worse, plain bad. People like talking to people, especially if something unexpected arises. They’d much rather this than speak to an automated robot, or worse yet, have no-one to call at all. Again though, people will overlook this to a degree if they are very loyal to their supplier, even though it could actually be making life more difficult for them – especially in the long run. At Multifx, we have a dedicated Customer Service team in addition to our account managers, so you’ll always have someone to physically speak to if you ever need to. We want to make sure that you have the best personal service possible and that you feel comfortable knowing that no matter what your query is, you’ll always be greeted on first-name terms and have an expert answering the phone for you. Are your deliveries reliable? You may find with your supplier that you’re happy with your pricing and you’re happy with the personal service that you get from them, but that your deliveries are inconsistent and sometimes late. Much like with the two previous examples, those loyal to their supplier – in an act of good faith – will see this as a case of how mistakes can happen and think nothing of it, but if it keeps happening, then it can be detrimental to your business. We understand how vital deliveries are and that is why we’re so proud to state that we have a 99.3% success rate and that 75% of our deliveries will arrive before 12pm midday. We also have a fleet of our own vans at our disposal, with our own employed drivers, who are at a FORS Silver standard. You can find out more about that here and why it makes a difference to you. Is the tech suitable for your needs? In an everchanging and technologically advancing world, having the right tech can be a huge asset to you and your business, allowing you to do things more efficiently as a result. If there is no framework in place for you from a technological aspect, you can lose so much time by chasing invoices, proof of deliveries or finding out driver ETAs, even if you are loyal to your supplier. It is because of these issues that we have developed our customer portal the way we have, which can be the management tool you need as it can access all of the above with a few clicks. Whether it’s invoices or proof of deliveries, they will all be in one place and will save you hours of time scrambling around to get everything together, while our live track function enables you to see exactly where your driver is. The best outcome for you As we stated at the start of the article, loyalty is very important and being loyal to a supplier is by no means a bad thing and something you should be rewarded for. Unfortunately though, that isn’t always the case and the last thing we want is for you to feel you’re being exploited or undervalued. If you like what you see though and would like to see if we can offer you something different, we’d be more than happy to hear you out. To find out how to contact us, click here.
Given how important deliveries are within the construction industry, it’s imperative that they are delivered to a location where they can be safely stored and easily found, if no-one can greet the driver. At Multifix, we are proud to say that we have a 99.3% success rate when it comes to our deliveries, but how do we know where to leave your items? In this article, we will explain how we achieve this and go into detail about some of the measures we take to ensure you get what you need safely and securely. We always try to meet a member of the team When our drivers are 10 minutes away, they will give you a call to let you know that they are to be expected. This therefore allows you to either meet us at a location of your choosing, or for you to send a team member down to greet us and pick up the goods. If we can have a face-to-face meet with either you or a member of your team, we are able to guarantee that your goods will be safely delivered. You have the option to tell us where to leave them However, for a variety of reasons, this isn’t always possible. Maybe you’re up against it a bit and can’t take the time out to meet us, or your team are busy going flat out to hit the deadline and don’t want to stop. We understand this can happen, so via our customer portal, you have the power to upload a photo of exactly where you want us to leave your items. There’s nothing worse than having your items left in a location you don’t want them to be in, or one that risks them being unintentionally damaged, so having your seal of approval is always a huge help. We will always take a picture for your records In the event that we can’t meet you face to face or we haven’t been told a location to leave the goods, our drivers – who have many years of working with sites – will leave them in a secure location themselves. Rather than leave you to find it though, our drivers will always take a picture of the delivered goods and upload that to your order via the customer portal, so you can see yourself exactly where they have been left. We don’t want you wasting time scrambling around to find where they could be, so this proof of delivery is a very effective way of getting around that. Having you in mind, always As you can see, we have a plan A, B and C when it comes to ensuring your delivery is successful as we know how important it is that you receive your goods in a timely manner. It is because of using this three-pronged approach that we have the success rate that we do and the entire system was devised very much with you in mind. To find out exactly where we deliver to, you can click this link here.
When your order doesn’t show up as expected, we completely understand why that is so annoying for you, as the knock-on effect from that can be very damaging. As a result of repeated missed orders, some of you have taken the mindset of ‘if my order isn’t delivered by a company’s own van, then I don’t want to know’, given that you get much more assurances with a company’s own van than otherwise. At Multifix, we are very proud of our van fleet and in this article, we will explain how we can help you, if own-van delivery is what you’re seeking. A formidable fleet From our warehouse at Barking, we have 15 vans that are ready and waiting to transport your goods to you, when we say we’ll get them to you. You can also live track your order via our customer portal, which will not only give you an accurate estimated time of arrival, but will also show you exactly where they are on the map. On top of that, our drivers will contact you when they are 10 minutes away, giving you time to prepare for when they arrive. Reliable drivers We take it upon ourselves to hire our own drivers, as we like to know exactly who is driving our vans and trust the people doing so. Our drivers have been with us for years and know their routes like the back of their hands, while always doing their job to the best of their ability. In fact, some have struck up professional working relationships over the years, with some clients even insisting on a certain driver delivering their products! Trusted and accredited In addition, we are very proud of the fact that our van fleet has FORS Silver accreditation, which means that we “employ good practice and comply with the requirements laid out by the FORS Standard”. This means that our drivers have been well trained, that our vans have additional safety measures as standard and most importantly, that your delivery will be reliable. For more information on what FORS accreditation means and how it impacts you as a customer, please click here. Where do you deliver to? It’s worth noting that our own vans do not go nationwide – they cover a decent portion of the country, especially in the south, but we can’t go across the country just yet. Those areas that are out of our reach are tended to by professional couriers. We have a 99% delivery success rate with our couriers, which make up around 8.5% of our daily outgoing vehicles. You can see exactly where our own vans will deliver to here. Proven to help Having our fleet of vans is very important to who we are, as we believe it is one of the best ways that can ensure reliable and successful delivery. We are always looking to improve both our fleet and our routes and we will always assess whether we can expand in a way that is beneficial for you. To speak with an expert about our own-van delivery, or to find out more about how Multifix can help you, please get in touch with us here.
At Multifix, we are self-aware enough to acknowledge that if you’re with an existing supplier, there are likely a number of reasons why you aren’t looking to switch. However, we are also aware that there will be some who aren’t happy with their existing supplier, but don’t have the energy, time or motivation to analyse alternatives and jump ship, even if it could work out better for them. As such, we have put together a quick-fire article explaining why it could be in your benefit to consider what we have to offer. We could solve any delivery issues you may have With 15 vans at our disposal and our own paid drivers, if you are in our geographic reach, then we will personally deliver your items to you. Your order can be live-tracked and an accurate ETA can be found, while in addition, our drivers will call you when they’re 10 minutes out, so that you know when to greet them. We are very proud to have a 99.3% success rate with our deliveries, while 75% of our deliveries arrive on site before 12pm midday. We can make things more efficient for you Management isn’t easy and if there are ways to streamline your processes and make life easier, it’s always a win. That is one of the reasons why we have designed our customer portal in the way that we have, as with our portal, you can use it so that it becomes a valued management tool. With the portal, in addition to live-tracking and getting an ETA, you can also access proof of deliveries and invoices, as well as setting up spending limits. Being able to do this will hopefully make your life easier and what’s more, the customer portal and all of its features are completely free to use. We can potentially help you faster One of our core values at Multifix is speed. We know you can’t wait around for things, hence why we try as hard as we do to get your orders to you as quickly as possible. We carry that belief into all other forms of our service too – you’ll have a quote back within 30 minutes, you can order online via our portal in 30 seconds and we have a knowledgeable customer service team to answer your calls as soon as they come in. While we agree with the saying ‘it’s a marathon, not a sprint’, we feel that by being as fast as we are, you can have everything you need for the proverbial marathon a lot sooner. A possible difference Ultimately, we want to make a difference for you and to make sure that you are getting the best service that you can possibly have. Therefore, if you are maybe in a position where you aren’t overly enamoured with your current supplier and may want to try something different, we are more than happy to set up a trial with you, so that you can get a feel for us. You can find out how to get the most out of your trial here, but if you want to see what some others have said about us, please watch this video here.
The use of air bricks is fundamental in the UK, but there are quite a lot of regulations to consider when using them that need to be factored in. These regulations adhere to both NHBC Standards and Building Regulations Part F, which covers all ventilation in building developments, so utilising air bricks is useful given the ventilation regulations. In this article, we will cover what air bricks are, what these regulations are and why air bricks are so important. Firstly, what is an air brick? An air brick is a specially designed brick that has holes in, which allows air to circulate through them and add ventilation to cavity walls, lofts or underfloor areas. Not only does this improve the air quality within the building, which is especially pertinent for older buildings, but they can also make buildings cooler in the summer. With proper ventilation in place, the lifespan of a building’s structure will last longer as it will be less likely to suffer from mould or internal structural damage, so having them is very important. What are the key regulations surrounding air bricks? When using air bricks, there are a few things that need to be factored in. For a start, air bricks should be no more than two metres apart and within 450mm of the end of the wall. How many air bricks you use is dependent on the length of the wall, but ideally, you’d want your air bricks to be a metre and a half apart, as that is the optimum space apart to maximise airflow. On the topic of airflow, air bricks need to be kept clear of any obstructions that could hamper that. The reason why the spacing is so important, especially for underfloor voids, is to make sure the airflow is adequate enough to meet NHBC Standards, which at the spacings listed, will do so. Finally, for those following DPC construction regulations, a large air brick will meet these and also boost ventilation, making them very useful. Can you have too many air bricks? Yes, you can, which is why it is recommended to have them spaced out between 1.5m to 2m apart. Too many air bricks can cause drafts, energy inefficiency due to heat loss and structural weaknesses. As an example and by using the method of spacing them 1.5 metres apart, if you had a building with a perimeter of 20m, you’d use 14 air bricks in total. But would I need to use them in every wall? No, you don’t necessarily have to use them in every wall, but it is advised to have them in walls that surround things like bathrooms or kitchens. Generally speaking, they won’t be needed for internal walls, but are advised and recommended for use on outdoor walls. Aside from what’s been mentioned, what other positives are there to using air bricks? As a result of the better ventilation, air bricks do a great job of ensuring that condensation is largely prevented, which rules out the possibility of mould or damp spots on the walls. They are also relatively simple to install and don’t need anything special or complex to get them bedded into the building’s design. In addition, they also prevent wood from rotting in timber floors, as anything wooden will likely remain dry thanks to the ventilation. An essential product Taking everything into consideration, it’s easy to see why air bricks are so important and why they are so frequently used. Using them properly has a huge amount of benefits, all of which do wonders for the buildings themselves. You can see what types of air bricks that we stock at Multifix here.
Having covered two of the three glue types, which you can see for PVA glue here and PU glue here, we are now looking at the third – grab/panel adhesive. Despite being referred to by multiple names, grab/panel adhesives are all very similar in their desired purpose, to fix two or more items together with no or minimal mechanical fixings. In this article, we will explore what they do, how they can help you and what they are predominantly used for. What is grab/panel adhesive? Grab/panel adhesive is a paste-like substance and is predominantly used for skirting, architraves or bonding timber panels. Grab/panel adhesive can come as either solvent, solvent-free or a hybrid polymer, which is still solvent-free, but has a very different formulation behind it. To find out why solvent or solvent-free is such a debate, click here to read an article we have written covering the topic. What are the pros of grab/panel adhesive? Because of how effective grab/panel adhesive is, it drastically reduces the need for mechanical fixes, e.g. nails or screws, which in turn means faster installations as you don’t need to spend time installing mechanical fixings or decorating/repairing the marks they leave behind. Also, thanks to the hybrid element of the product, it can be modified in a number of ways to make it more task specific. These would include faster drying times, stronger grab, greater flexibility and increased transparency, amongst others. Hybrid grab/panel adhesives are extremely versatile and will stick to virtually anything – so much so, that that they will even work underwater. What about the downsides? The product you’re using needs to be right for the job at hand and with grab/panel adhesives, there is a lot of choice, which is both a good and a bad thing. Obviously, it’s great to have so many options, but it can be hard to nail down the right one for the project. This can be tricky as finding the right adhesive for the right substrate can depend on a few things. The most pertinent are its porosity and the temperature it can work at, so some research needs to be done before you commit to buying one. This is especially the case as hybrids are expensive. A strong product Despite the need to properly hone in on what you need, grab/panel adhesives are very much worth the money and will make life a lot easier for you. Being able to do something properly and at speed is a huge help and not having to decorate after is like the proverbial cherry on top. To find out more about grab/panel adhesives and to discover more on what we offer, please feel free to get in touch with us. You can do so here.
With carpentry, there are three main types of glue that you can use – polyurethane (PU), Grab/Panel or PVA glue. All of them have their uses and all of them are hugely reliable, but they are all different and have their own unique strengths. As such, we will be profiling all three of them and their pros and cons on an individual basis and the first glue we will look at is PU glue. Firstly, what is PU glue? Polyurethane, or PU, glue is a type of glue that is best used for structural timber bonding, flooring or heavy load use. It can be used to glue timber to brickwork, plaster and concrete. It comes in four different types – fast setting, slow setting, standard and thixotropic. These are mostly self-explanatory; fast setting can set within five minutes, slow setting can take 45 minutes and the standard is usually around half an hour. Thixotropic, meanwhile, is for vertical applications as it doesn’t run. You can have a fast set thixotropic or a slow set thixotropic, but it still won’t run. The reason why the thixotropic variant doesn’t run is because of its jelly-like formulation, which prevents it from trickling down. What are the pros of PU glue? The bond generated from PU glue is very strong and that is immediately a huge positive. When applied, the glue will fizz and expand, to the point it will fill irregularities or gaps in the bonding materials. In addition, it reacts very well to moisture. In fact, if you lightly spray the bonding material with water, PU glue will not only set faster as it will draw water from the air rather than have water leave the glue itself to bond, but it will perform better too. This makes it great when dealing with damp or frozen materials, as it will still thrive in those circumstances. Those sound good! What about the cons though? Because of how PU glue fizzes up when it is applied, you need to either bond the materials with machinery or by clamping them down. As a result of the glue’s reaction, the bonded surfaces are prised apart, so it is imperative that the workpiece is either clamped or mechanically fixed whilst the glue cures. If you were to just rest one bonding material on top of the other using PU glue and then just leave it, you would come back to notice the materials had deviated slightly and were no longer lined up straight. An example of this would be if you bonded two materials together but failed to clamp them, you could find that as the PU cured, the items would separate by around 5mm, which in turn results in a weak joint and a useless bond. Also, PU glue is extremely hard to clean up whilst uncured and is a very messy product and as such, it may be wise to use PPE when using it. If it spills over and gets on your tools or your clothes, it’ll likely leave a permanent mark. In the event uncured PU glue spills over, you can use a cleaning solvent – such as a foam gun cleaner – to clean it up, but the results are only fairly limited. As such, anything important must be removed, covered over or masked up when using. When cured, the bulk of the glue can be cleaned off with a sharp knife, chisel or scraper, but there will be residue left behind. Your best bet then is to remove the rest with an abrasive product, such as sandpaper or wire wool. Forging a strong bond There is a reason why PU glue is revered and while caution is advised while using it due to how messy it can be, it’s a very good and reliable glue. If you are working on a project where heavy load structural timber bonding is required, then it won’t let you down. To speak to an advisor about what types of glue that we provide at Multifix or what may be best for your project, please get in contact with us here.