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LATEST BUILDING PRODUCT NEWS
Eaves gutters should be fitted at lower level to prevent snow build up downloadweblink
The Metal Gutter Manufacturers Association (MGMA) has recommended that eaves gutters should be fitted at a level lower than what is commonly adopted in its latest guidance document. Eaves gutters have traditionally been installed as high as possible under the roof edge to ensure that overshooting of rainwater does not occur, but in the event of heavy snowfall, this has the potential to cause problems.
RAL Classic Colours in matt shades 840-HR available from Dural download
RAL Classic Colours are used by industry experts worldwide to cover a wide range of applications such as powder coating, safety and signalling and meet the requirements of DIN regulations. All RAL Colours have descriptive names to support their four digit number, for example; RAL 1005 Honey Yellow.
Refurbishment company extends contract with property management firm download
Novus Property Solutions has expanded its partnership with property management and development company, Places for People, as part of a four year deal valued in excess of £20 million. The company will undertake planned refurbishment of around 5,000 homes to keep them up to the Decent Homes Standard and will be the main contractor for Places for People across Milton Keynes, North London and the Thames Gateway, the South West and East.
Ecodan allows renewable heating to interface with third party equipment downloadweblink
Mitsubishi Electric has launched a new Ecodan controller for use in applications where the renewable heating needs to connect with third party equipment or Building Energy Management System (BEMS) controls. Volt free and voltage inputs allow third party control systems to work alongside multiple modes and flow temperatures of any model in the Ecodan PUHZ range, whilst unit running, defrost and error functions can be monitored by third party interface.
Help to Buy has positive effect on market despite disappointing figures download
Integrity Software examines the recent figures released from the government surrounding the Help to Buy Scheme, as well as providing advice on how construction accounting software can help to capitalise on the outcomes of the scheme. The figures relate that only 4% of house sales from the launch of the scheme to May 2014 were assisted by Help to Buy, just 5% of the mortgages were taken out in London, 80% of loans were given to first time buyers; and nearly half of completions under ...
Five steps to ensuring variations don’t drain profitability of projects download
Wes Simmons of EQUE2 has advised construction companies on the five key steps of ensuring that variations don’t drain the profitability out of a project, with planning in advance, checking figures and monitoring sub-contractor behaviour noted as the key factors to success. Preparing for such delays as bad weather conditions, unexpected on-site discoveries and disputes can ensure that all potential problems have been thoroughly thought through before work even gets underway.
Saint-Gobain PAM UK launches new range of cast iron shower drain kits downloadweblink
Adding to its range of VortX drainage products, Saint-Gobain PAM UK launch a range of complete cast iron shower drain kits. Supplied boxed, each kit features a VortX shower drain body, bottle trap and stainless steel grating, which is available in a standard finish, or can be polished to order.
Top AIS Award for Saracen Interiors refurbishment of Royalty House in Watford download
Saracen Interiors wins an AIS (Association of Interior Specialists) gold award for its refurbishment of Royalty House, the old Hertfordshire Primary Care Trust building in Watford that completed last year on behalf of Aspect Property Group. The high quality of the interior fit increased the value of the space at Royalty House and the efficiency of the building with a reduction in energy costs of up to 50 per cent.
Single loop touchscreen controlled fire alarm panel launched from C-TEC download
C-TEC’s ZFP touchscreen controlled addressable fire alarm panel is now available as a single loop version, featuring the same touchscreen interface, 64 node peer-to-peer network capability and ‘DeviceManager’ functions as the 2 to 8 loop panels. ZFP can be configured to suit any application and can be easily extended using the wide range of programmable indicator and switch modules, including ‘A-Bus,’ PCBs and touch screen compact controllers.
Passive fire protection seminars examine installer responsibilities downloadweblink
BM TRADA presented a number of educational seminars and practical demonstrations at Firex International 2014, surrounding the benefits of using effective passive fire protection systems, in addition to information on testing, classification and the correct specification and installation of doors. The free half day seminar, ‘Fire Protection Measures – Understanding Your Responsibilities,’ was delivered to visitors, explaining the duties of the Responsible Person under the Regulatory ...
Video of the Week
Watch the trailer to find out why everyone is going to The Build Show video
Have you heard about the BuildShow? It’s the first show for years aimed squarely at building and construction industry contractors and professionals and supported by organisations such as the Federation of Master Builders, National Federation of Builders and Glenigan. More great brands including Kingspan, VW, Festool, VEKA, ISO-Chemie, ALUK and many more are already attending. Watch this trailer to see why
Features
How can the mandatory requirements surrounding BIM benefit the industry?
Paul Marsden, specification sales manager at Baxi Commercial discusses the quality of BIM files and the general benefits of the approach. As part of its vision for the industry and the country, the Government will require construction projects to be 33% cheaper and delivered 50% faster using 50% less materials and emitting 50% less carbon by 2025. That is quite a list of demands and there is strong political will in the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) to see this ...
Case Studies
Heat pump contributes to school achieving A rated energy performance download
A Dimplex heat pump has contributed to a Hampshire school achieving an A rated energy performance certificate as part of a £200,000 Eco project, aimed at creating a new build learning centre based on Passive Haus principles. The Dimplex LA9 MI 9kW air source heat pump provides the hot water for the underfloor heating and has been installed alongside the MVHR units which are ceiling mounted with the ducting exposed.