Building News is an information portal for all professional building specifiers. Here you can find all of the latest construction news from around the UK and the rest of the world.

BMBI Index: Sales Virtually Flat

Source: GfK Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data July 2014 – July 2022

 

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report reveals that builders’ merchants’ value sales were virtually flat (+0.2%) in July 2022 compared to the same month in 2021. As in previous months, volume sales were down (-12.8%) yet price inflation remained high (+15.0%).

Ten of the twelve categories sold more in July 2022 compared to the previous year, including nine which outperformed Merchants overall. Renewables & Water Saving (+25.5%) Workwear & Safetywear (+20.2%), Kitchens & Bathrooms (+13.1%) and Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+10.7%) did best. Only Landscaping (-4.6%) and Timber & Joinery Products (-14.4%) sold less.

Compared to July 2019, a more normal pre-pandemic year, total merchant value sales were +13.3% higher. With two less trading days this year, like-for-like sales were up +24.1%. Three categories did better than total Merchants: Timber & Joinery Products (+23.8%), Renewables & Water Saving (+18.6%) and Landscaping (+17.7%). Heavy Building Materials (+12.3%), Kitchens & Bathrooms (+11.3%) and Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+2.9%) all grew more slowly. Download and read the report here:

 

 

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Operator in hiding

An automatic swing door operator that is completely hidden from view has been introduced by GEZE UK.

 

The UFO NT is the new underfloor automatic swing door drive. It boasts a much wider range of capabilities and features than its predecessor including manual use via the Smart swing function.

Providing maximum transparency and meeting aesthetic and access demands the UFO NT is hidden in the floor and so overcomes the problem of a limited area at the top of the door frame, perfect for use with glass facades or listed or historical buildings with structural limitations, or where automatic doors are required but with an operator that is not visible.

The UFO NT can be used on any type of door – glass, wood or metal and is especially suitable for use where vandalism could be a problem as the operator is fully concealed. It is also suitable for retrofitting.

It provides compliance with the demands of the Equality Act and the building standard BS EN 8300.

 

 

Developed from the robust and efficient GEZE Powerturn operator the UFO NT has a higher IP rating (IP 67) making it suitable for external doors, and a higher closing force than its predecessor size EN1 – EN4. In addition, it can operate leaf widths up to 1250mm on external doors and 1600mm on internal doors, and leaf weights up to 125kg, surpassing the older unit in all areas of performance.

The Smart swing function enables large doors to be operated manually with ease, though if the door is manually opened at high speed the operator will apply motor resistance to slow it down. Using a redundant spring system, the Smart swing function allows the operator to be fully motor-controlled until power failure or fire alarm activation.

The versatile UFO NT underfloor operator is suitable for use with GEZE Cockpit and building management systems.

 

 

 

Andy Howland, sales and marketing director of GEZE UK, said “The aesthetically pleasing UFO NT is perfect for use in all types of buildings. Its versatility as an automatic swing door provides safe, efficient and convenient means of opening and closing a door yet the Smart swing allows it to be used manually with ease, its location in the floor makes for an attractive, unhindered door set.”

 

To find out more about the UFO NT CLICK HERE to email GEZE UK

or CLICK HERE for more information about

GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic operators and manual door closers

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KEN EDWARDS BUILDING GETS THE TORMAX TREATMENT

Greatly improving the main entrance to the Ken Edwards Building at the University of Leicester, TORMAX was recently contracted by Summers-Inman to work with GD Building Services to install a set of bi-parting automatic sliding doors, giving students and staff clear and easy access to lecture theatres and study areas.

Due to extremely restricted space inside, it was necessary for the sliding doors to be fitted to the external façade of the building, making the door mechanism liable to water ingress and a build-up of moisture.

Ensuring a long working life and reliable operation whatever the weather, TORMAX recommended their iMotion 2301.IP65 system which meets the most stringent requirements for resistance to dust, water penetration and corrosion.

The Ken Edwards Building was built in 1995 and is home to the college of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities. Named after former genetics lecturer, Dr Kenneth Edwards, the prominent campus building has three substantial lecture theatres, as well as classroom facilities, IT suites and a student common room.

 

“Even with the impressive structural canopy covering the doors, there was concern that the system would be affected by bad weather,” comments Simon Roberts, MD for TORMAX.

“Our IP65-rated system has been installed world-wide in a variety of locations, from cruise ships to clean rooms and even in hospitals operating theatres that need regular hosing down.

“In this instance, fitting the entire sliding door system to the outside of the building creates an unusual and rather striking entrance.”

 

In addition to being IP65-rated, the iMotion 2301 operator features a wear-free synchronous motor which delivers a near-indefinite working life, making this a low-energy, highly sustainable option in the long term.

Rapid reaction movement sensors combine with powerful opening and closing speeds, ensuring the doors operate with maximum efficiency, helping minimise heat-loss from the building.

 

www.tormax.co.uk

 

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LATHAMS PORTFOLIO ADDITIONS

Weathertex®’s Selflok Ecogroove Weatherboards Now Available From Lathams

Lathams adds Weathertex’s Selflok Ecogroove Natural and Selflok Ecogroove Woodsman to its portfolio of sustainable cladding and facing materials

Today, James Latham Ltd (Lathams), announces the introduction of Weathertex®’s sustainable Selflok Ecogroove Weatherboards to the UK and Irish building products market.

Exclusive to the distributor in the UK and Ireland, Lathams has added Weathertex’s popular Selflok Ecogroove Natural and Selflok Ecogroove Woodsman to its cladding range in response to a growing demand for a more sustainable, but simultaneously natural, option to traditional lapped timber planks.

Not only that, Selflok is also delivering a greener alternative to the carbon-intensive cement-based boards popular in the booming domestic cladding sector, reducing a home’s carbon footprint whilst achieving a robust, resistant and attractive façade.

The engineered boards are ideal for a wide range of external cladding applications and can withstand harsh weather conditions, retaining their aesthetic appeal without compromising on technical performance.

A Natural Performer

Considered a green solution for cladding and facings, both boards contain no added formaldehyde or chemicals; just 97% PEFC Eucalyptus hardwood fibre and 3% natural waxes.

From a visual perspective, Selflok Ecogroove Natural and Woodsman boards possess a characteristic wood grain effect, and each product has its own distinctive attributes.

The Natural board is un-primed and features deep cuts and patterns to show the knots, cracks, and imperfections of the raw and organic timber. Customers can choose to stain the product, or to leave unsealed, allowing a natural ageing process to take place, eventually providing a mellow, weathered finish.

In contrast, Selflok Ecogroove Woodsman features the same face texture, but is factory primed, meaning it can be painted or coated immediately, without pre-treatment.

With the panels measuring 3660mm in length and 300mm across the width with a 15mm groove running straight down the middle, they replicate two 150mm boards, meaning installation time is halved.

Great Outdoors

Hard-wearing, cost-effective, and versatile, the Weathertex Selflok range can be applied internally to any flat or curved surface (with a minimum radius of 2.5m) and can also be used for walls or ceilings. Simple to cut to the required size, both boards are easy to install, by simply overlapping the edge of the next board over the previous one, leaving the full face visible.

Both products are also perfect for horizontal outdoor use, especially in locations with harsher climates, as they can withstand most meteorological conditions without bowing or warping. Furthermore, the low sugar and starch content ensures both of the Weathertex boards also make the material resistant to insect attacks.

A mark of quality and long-term value, all primed Selflok cladding products are covered by a 25-year warranty, while un-primed products feature a 10-year warranty.

Eco-Friendly Exteriors

Selflok Ecogroove Natural and Selflock Ecogroove Woodsman are safe and low-maintenance, as well as being the first range of cladding materials to gain GreenTag™ Platinum, with compliant credits for LEED v4.0.

Commenting on the introduction of Weathertex to the Lathams catalogue, Technical Timber Sales Development Manager Justin Hayward says, “These new cladding boards respond to a number of challenges across the industry, particularly the need to balance aesthetics with longevity, and stability with sustainability. We have a strong commitment to sustainability, particularly CO2 reduction across our product range. When we became aware of Weathertex‘s Selflok range we instantly knew we wanted to have exclusive access to distributing these high-performance products here in the UK, offering one of the greenest cladding solutions currently available.”

Weathertex’s Matteo Bossi adds, “Preserving, protecting, and enhancing the environment is at the heart of our business model, so it’s essential we work with like-minded partners who share our values. Lathams, which has consistently demonstrated its commitment to sustainable business, was an obvious choice to introduce the Weatherboards to the UK and Ireland design and build community. We’re excited to collaborate with them, raising awareness around the Selflok range, and helping suppliers, specifiers, and developers across the industry make more sustainable material choices.”

To find out more about Weathertex’s Selflok Ecogroove Natural and Woodsman Boards, CLICK HERE.

To discover Latham’s wide range of materials, and realise the potential for almost any design preference or requirement, CLICK HERE.

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NOTTING HILL GENESIS SEEKING HEAT NETWORK EXPERTS

Notting Hill Genesis wants to work with expert contractors who will provide high quality services that will benefit residents connected to a heat network.

Public notices for four contracts have been issued, worth up to £25m combined. Two of these are for maintenance and metering services, with the other two related to billing services.

Each of the contracts will run for five years, with the option of five more, and a contractor can apply for more than one of the contracts.

We have 35 estates on heat networks, which are self-contained heating systems run from a single boiler room. On these estates we are the energy provider which allows us to buy energy at wholesale prices and charge our residents on a non-profit basis. It also means those on pre-payment meters do not pay a higher rate for energy than those who pay by direct debit.

Some of these heat networks have undergone major works in recent months to improve their efficiency and reliability.

Elly Hoult, group director of assets and sustainability, said: “These are really important contracts for us and those who live on our estates with heat networks. It is always important to ensure these systems run as efficiently as possible – and even moreso during the current cost of living crisis.

“We will work closely with the successful contractors throughout the term of the contract and meet regularly to share experiences and best practice both from our estates and the sector more widely. Being on heat networks should be a benefit to residents and our successful contractors will help ensure that remains the case.”

 

The procurement process is due to formally launch at the end of October, with the contract starting in summer 2023.

 

If you are an interested contractor and would like more information, please contact Nicole Ward at nicole.ward@nhg.org.uk.

 

You can view the Prior Information Notice here.

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F.H. Brundle expands its range of steel railings

Easy and trouble-free installation, resulting in a reduced installation time, is just one of the features of F.H. Brundle’s Fortitude range of ready-to-install wall top steel railings.

To complement its range of already successful Fortitude ready-to-install steel railings and gates, the company has introduced a range of stunning wall top railings that will help to create a stylish wall top boundary and add kerbside appeal to any property.

Available in Bow Top, Forest, Sphere Top or Vertical Bar options, these railings come in panel widths of 2750mm, and as either concrete-in or bolt-down posts to give an overall height of 500mm.

Posts are available in galvanised or PPC black, but they can also be powder coated to any RAL colour of your choice.

Standard railings can all be supplied with matching 0.9m and 1.2m high single and double leaf gates, complete with a catch, security collars to stop removal, and with a Locinox self-closing Tiger hinge on RoSPA bow top single leaf gates.

Estate fencing and gates are another part of this versatile range. Panels are supplied ready-made, making it a quick and economical fencing solution ideal for housebuilders in residential developments.

Fortitude railings are one of the easiest to install off-the-shelf handrail solutions on the market today.

If you’d like to learn more about these products, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01708 398048,

or visit www.fhbrundle.co.uk

 

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RINNAI LAUNCH GROUNDBREAKING CPD EVENT on ‘CARBON & ECONOMIC COMPARISON FOR HOT WATER SYSTEMS USING HEAT PUMPS, ELECTRIC & HYDROGEN’

Rinnai, one of the UK’s leading exponents of the practical, economic and technical approach to the current energy price spiral, is launching a new CPD – ‘Carbon & Economic Comparisons for Hot Water Systems using Heat Pumps, Electric and Hydrogen,’ aimed directly at the systems designers, major end-users, specifiers and consultants’ audience.

Places are limited so to secure space for your organisation please email engineer@rinnaiuk.com

or call 01928 595 937

The fully certified and approved CPD is being staged at the London Building Centre on September 21st & 22nd with two events each day, one at lunchtime and one later after/early evening for attendee convenience. Both events are fully catered and include a comprehensive information pack.

Rinnai is one of the first manufacturers to look at the totality of products in the main energy vectors and offer technical guidance to ascertain the most efficient heating and hot water delivery systems. The company now operates to the mission statement of ‘Creating a Healthier Way of Living.’

 

RINNAI H3 PRODUCT ROADMAP TO LOWER CARBON AND NET ZERO DE-CARBONISATION

 

Rinnai’s product and service offering is based on H3- Hydrogen, Heating and Heat Pumps – which allows any site in either residential or commercial sites to maximise the energy efficiency and performance in striving for NetZero and Decarbonisation. Additionally, Rinnai is developing and introducing electrical formats to all existing product ranges within the coming months. Rinnai’s new “H3” range of products includes a wide selection of commercial heat pumps as well as hydrogen blends-ready and hybrid hot water heating systems.

Rinnai is a world leading manufacturer of hot water heaters and produces over two million units a year. The company operates on each of the five continents and the brand has gained an established reputation for high performance, robust cost efficiency and extended working lives.

Rinnai’s commercial and domestic hot water products offer a limitless supply of instantaneous temperature controlled hot water and all units are designed to align with present and future energy sources and accept either natural gas or hydrogen gas blends. Rinnai units are also suited for off-grid customers who require LPG and BioLPG or rDME.

Rinnai units are UKCA certified, A-rated water efficiency, accessed through multiple fuel options and are available for purchase 24/7, 365 days a year. Any unit can be delivered to any UK site within 24 hours. System design services are available if needed and cost comparison services are accessible to all customers who require further cost detail.

Rinnai’s Innovation Manifesto clearly outlines the path to carbon neutrality and maintains a pledge to fully decarbonize company operations by 2050. Rinnai will further support the global clean energy transition by introducing a wide variety of domestic heating options across multiple energy vectors.

Rinnai is committed to decarbonisation. Rinnai’s water heating products are all hydrogen-blends ready NOW including the world’s first 100% hydrogen powered water heater. Rinnai products also accept BioLPG capable of delivering NetZero carbon emissions. Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry. More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage. 

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit

www.rinnaiuk.com

 

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ZIP HELPS FACILITIES MANAGERS REDUCE DRINKING WATER LEGIONELLA RISK

New HydroTap UltraCare reduces the risk of dispensing legionella and other bacteria in drinking water by 99.9%

Leading drinking water system manufacturer Zip Water has for the first time launched a system designed to reduce the risk of dispensing legionella and other bacteria in drinking water by 99.9%, verified by rigorous independent testing.[1]

Developed specifically for the healthcare and aged care markets, or anywhere additional peace of mind is required, Zip HydroTap UltraCare uses an innovative combination of four protective barriers to provide the ultimate safeguard against waterborne bacteria and viruses. An enhanced version of Zip’s market-leading HydroTap, it delivers instant filtered boiling and chilled water and is set to advance the delivery of drinking water in locations where there is high-risk to end users.

Of the four protective barriers, the first is Zip’s MicroPurity filtration. The 0.2 micron, carbon-free filter reduces cysts by 99.99%, while also ensuring that existing protective levels of chlorine remain in the water supply.

SteriTouch, a market-leading antimicrobial additive that reduces surface bacterial by 99.99%, is the second barrier. It is inside key components within the water path, as well as being embedded in the touch pad of the Classic Plus.

The third barrier is the inclusion of a Zip MicroPurity UV-C LED module for chilled water dispensing. This disinfects water as it is dispensed, reducing the chance of recontamination and common waterborne bacteria.

The final element is the HydroCare service plan,[2] which ensures the HydroTap UltraCare always performs to the highest levels of hygiene, efficiency and reliability with tailored service plans, a bespoke sanitisation regime and filter replacement.

 

“We’re proud to be able to bring such an important – and called-for – product to the health and care market, which will transform the way they deliver water,” comments Mark Brindley, Product Manager at Zip Water. “Our aim is to support the duty holder within these sensitive environments to control exposure to legionella, as set out in the HSE’s Approved Code of Practice and guidance on regulations.

“Independent tests have demonstrated that this 4-barrier system does exactly what we set out to achieve; to safeguard vulnerable users against possible bacteria found in water systems. Testament to this, HydroTap UltraCare is already receiving positive feedback from users across the world.”

 

And, because it is a Zip HydroTap, organisations will benefit from environmentally conscious features such as water efficiency – with an air-cooled process which eliminates the need for water in the cooling process, energy efficiency modes and the use of R290 refrigerant gas with zero ozone depletion potential.

HydroTap UltraCare is available with a choice of tap designs; Classic Plus, Touch-Free Wave and Classic Accessibility.

Please click here to visit the HydroTap UltraCare website

or call 03456 005005 for more information.

 

 

 

[1] ALS Pty Ltd Testing of the Zip HydroTap UltraCare system efficacy tests

[2] Zip HydroCare is available at an additional cost

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How is CaberFloor made?

,

In a short video launched by West Fraser,trading as Norbord, the panel product specialist demonstrates how its sturdy CaberFloor is made at the huge Cowie facility near Stirling, Scotland.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

 

The 95-second, virtual ‘factory tour’ enables the viewer to appreciate the exacting processes required to produce the versatile and well-proven particleboard flooring panels.  The cameras offer a panoramic view of the space-age interiors through to the highly automated plant: where dust and other pollutants are fully suppressed to create a healthy working environment for the handful of engineers and other staff who operate it.

 

At Cowie, CaberFloor begins life as a series of raw wood streams, carefully sieved and graded to the loadbearing panels’ precise specifications, while the fibres are dried to regulate their residual moisture content.   Minutely regulated chemical treatments are used to facilitate the panels’ formation in layers on the production line and pressure applied to achieve the exact thickness.

 

Next, the panel blanks are cooled and cured on a slowly rotating carrier system, enhancing their long-term performance and durability, prior to them being mechanically sanded and precision cut to size.  CaberFloor also features a machined tongue and groove interlock around all four sides to provide stability and minimise the need to support joints.

 

While the finished CaberFloor panels are carefully checked and labelled by experienced operators for distribution to merchant stockists and other customers, housebuilders and specifiers across the construction industry can be confident in the consistency of a precision made, fit-for-purpose product.

 

To find out more about West Fraser’s products for housebuilders, CLICK HERE to email Dan Clarke or CLICK HERE download product brochures from the housebuilder page of the West Fraser website.

For further information, call 01786 812 921

or CLICK HERE to visit the website

 

THE SUMMER ISSUE OF MMC MAGAZINE IS NOW AVAILABLE TO READ ONLINE

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New bio-based glazing reduces embodied carbon

Marlon Clickfix Panel Glazing

Brett Martin to cut buildings’ carbon footprint with products based on used cooking oil with ISCC certified product

 

Brett Martin is set to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings around the world with a remarkable new Polycarbonate glazing product largely based on bio-circular attributed material such as used cooking oil, produced in a ISCC Plus certified mass balanced approach.

Called Marlon BioPlus, the new sheet offers a major carbon footprint reduction by cutting the use of fossil-based material by 70%. This raw material delivers an 84% decrease in carbon emissions and in addition Brett Martin achieves further reductions in carbon by producing the sheet using 100% renewable energy, generated at its own site.

Marlon BioPlus has already achieved International Sustainability & Carbon accreditation with ISCC Plus certification. ISCC PLUS is a globally recognised sustainability certification program for bio-based and bio-circular (recycled) raw materials with a focus on the traceability of raw materials within the supply chain.

What makes Marlon BioPlus unique is the combination of this certification and Brett Martin’s 100% onsite renewable energy which together represents a huge step towards a zero-carbon polycarbonate sheet.

As the UK’s largest producer of polycarbonate roofing and facades Brett Martin supplies high profile projects as diverse as London’s Royal College of Art or Manchester’s Old Trafford stadium as well as a wide range of commercial and industrial buildings.

This new low carbon alternative retains all the physical and performance properties of the company’s other Polycarbonate ranges and will be available to be specified in any Brett Martin’s Marlon polycarbonate multiwall, corrugated or flat sheets for use in roofs and walls.

Employing over 1,000 people in total and with sales of £220million, Brett Martin is already one of Europe’s largest plastic sheet producers for the construction industry, and the new range is expected to create strong demand from a construction market eager to reduce its environmental impact.

Brett Martin Director, Paul Martin said: “The drive for sustainable, carbon neutral plastic materials is progressing well, and our launch of Marlon BioPlus is the latest milestone in our journey to that end. Our extensive investment in renewable energy at our Mallusk site is unique in our industry and an important part of our plan. We extrude the sheet using energy generated from our own wind turbine and dedicated solar farm at Mallusk.”

“This development of this new product reflects the newest technology in the plastic industry to introduce bio-based material. The process, known as mass-balancing, certifies the input of the material through the production system, similar to the way renewable energy enters the power grid. Importantly, the material is a recycled source and therefore the bio-based content does not compete with food production.

“And because the substitution occurs at the earliest stage of the resin production process, all the visual and mechanical properties of the finished sheet remain completely unchanged. So, we anticipate strong demand for the product which is soon to be available to the market globally and we will begin to see it being used in all kinds of buildings soon,” he adds.

www.brettmartin.com

 

THE SUMMER ISSUE OF MMC MAGAZINE IS NOW AVAILABLE TO READ ONLINE

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