Latest innovations and products in the interiors section of the construction industry.

Adveco Extends MD Family with a Range of High Efficiency Wall-Mounted Light Commercial Boilers

  • Range extension includes 10 new compact light commercial wall-mounted gas condensing boiler variants for central heating and DHW projects
  • Highly efficient, cost-effective to run and rated for ultra-low emissions
  • Compact and smart for no-nonsense installation and maintenance

Hot water and heating specialist Adveco, adds 10 new high-efficiency wall-mounted models to its popular MD condensing gas boiler range for light commercial applications.

The MD wall-mounted boilers offer the same high-quality patented heat exchanger construction, with continuous non-welded run of titanium stabilised stainless steel, providing exceptional construction strength and corrosion resistance. The wall-mounted variants of the MD also incorporate the brand-exclusive three-pass design, featuring large bore, circular tube cross-sections that reduce the collection of debris to ensure greater longevity.

All the MD boilers feature efficient pre-mix burner technology to help control operational costs and significantly reduce NOₓ and CO emissions.

Unlike many wall-mounted boilers, the compact MD offers integrated run/fault signal for connection to a BMS system. With 0-10 V input on the MD, a BMS system incorporating interior/exterior sensors can deliver automated heating control with these boilers.

Bill Sinclair, technical director, Adveco says, “Following the unprecedented success of the floor-standing MD boiler, which have received accolades from customers and trade media alike, we can now broaden the options for commercial customers with a wide choice of wall-mounted appliances. Bespoke hot water and heating system design and supply is at the very heart of everything we do, extending the MD range ensures we can continue to deliver the perfect results for your project or application.”

The new range includes boilers with rated heat outputs of 15, 24 and 34 kW. The MD15, MD24 and MD34 have two variants to accommodate either central heating only or DHW via an indirect water heater. A third variant of the MD24 and MD34 includes an integrated Plate Heat Exchanger for instantaneous DHW.

 

With a 60kW heat output, the MD60 is designed to meet the demands of commercial central heating. Available in two variants, it can be selected with (MD60C), or without (MD60A), an integrated system pump.

Built-in cascade controller and easy to use LCD display provides full temperature control and maintenance self-check for all primary components and functions. The entire MD wall-mounted range is further supported by a seven-year parts and labour warranty when boilers are commissioned by Adveco to ensure long-lasting reliability and efficiency for customer peace of mind.

MD15, MD24, MD34

  • Ultra-low NOₓ emissions at 24-31 mg/kWh
  • Uses low cost 60/100 mm diameter PP concentric flue system
  • Natural gas or LPG

MD60

  • Ultra-low NOₓ emissions at 27.9  mg/kWh
  • Uses low cost 80/125 mm diameter PP concentric flue systems
  • Natural gas or LPG

Adveco – Expertly engineered for you. Visit www.adveco.co

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RINNAI CELEBRATES ITS FIRST 100 YEARS OF MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS TO SERVE ITS CUSTOMERS

Rinnai, best known in the UK for its comprehensive range of hot water and heating home units, is globally celebrating its first 100 years of manufacture in serving its customers with a three-year period of planned anniversary related events to connect to the start of the company’s next centenary.

The Rinnai Corporation was founded in Nagoya, Japan in 1819 and today operates in 17 nations and regions around the world with sales of kitchen appliances, air conditioners, hot water heating & home heating units in over 80 countries.

Says Rinnai UK Managing Director Tony Gittings, ”The company has evolved and developed into a group that produces a diversity of products and services that directly benefit ordinary people in their daily lives.

“Our policy is to help enrich the lives of people in local communities by providing optimal solutions that fit the lifestyle culture, climate conditions, and the energy situation of each country around the world. The three-year period is aimed at connecting the first century to the next one. The theme will be named – Connected in passion for the next 100 years.”

This follows the other significant corporate developments on the global presence of Rinnai – the issuing of a new logo and a new brand statement – ‘A Healthier Way of Living’.

In the UK Rinnai is the acknowledged leader in continuous flow hot water heating technology. The company offers a comprehensive range of A-rated units plus large systems for any size of site or application.

For more information visit www.rinnaiuk.com

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Ultra-green Armstrong ceilings help npower with in-house sustainability

Manufacturer’s Dune eVo tiles feature in an agile working programme.

Ultra-green ceiling tiles by Armstrong Ceiling Solutions are helping one of Britain’s leading utility companies focus on providing low-carbon, sustainable energy, alongside agile working, within its own offices.

In 2014, npower initiated a major programme to introduce agile working across its estate to benefit the wellbeing of its employees and enable the business to reduce its own energy overheads.

Agile working gives employees the freedom to choose where and how they work, be it from home a few days a week, from a client’s office or a café, or moving around different spaces within an office. The added benefit is that workers can save considerable time they would have otherwise spent on commuting into work, and with fewer workers coming into the office that means less power and water use, and fewer cars on the road.

As part of this programme, Armstrong’s new Dune eVo mineral ceiling tiles replaced the manufacturer’s traditional Dune tiles as part of a mechanical and electrical upgrade at npower’s office in Princes Way, Solihull, Birmingham (one of its largest offices, with typically around 600 employees on site during normal working hours).

Dune eVo was the first ceiling system in the industry to gain Cradle to Cradle™ accreditation. Being 100% recyclable, the range has been designed to provide class-leading visuals and improved acoustic performance through a new surface that is also brighter and smoother.

More than 2,000m2of the old Dune tiles were returned to the company’s production facility in Gateshead for recycling while the new Dune eVo tiles were installed over eight floors (550m2per floor) in two months by a team of six by main contractor Beacons Business Interiors (Bbi) for principal contractor Mitie.

The modern, highly efficient Solihull office, which significantly benefits from solar power, is home to npower’s commercial, sales, finance, human resources, communications and risk departments. It boasts an on-site restaurant, with a contemplation room and a number of quiet study rooms.

Bbi’s strategic business development director Paul Westlake said: “The project went very smoothly, with the Armstrong systems performing very well as usual. The fact that we offered a recycling scheme was a big positive as this was a refurbishment project and we diverted the old tiles from landfill.”

As one of Britain’s leading energy companies, npower serves around 3.6 million residential and business accounts with electricity and gas.

Julian Pugh, head of real estate and workplace at npower, said: “Our business aims to provide good value to its customers, operating in a professional manner, and is very much in the public eye. Our management of the workplace needs to follow a similar value-adding approach to the working experience of our employees.

“Since introducing flexible and agile working five years ago, one of the most important lessons we’ve learned is that agility isn’t a property strategy, it’s a people strategy. This has changed the dynamic of project perception, so instead of just looking at redesigning an estate around the most cost-effective use of property, we’ve also looked at it from the perspective of enhancing the experience of employees using it at every point on their work journey.”

More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceiling Solutions website https://www.armstrongceilingsolutions.co.uk

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ALTRO ENSEMBLE STRIKES A CHIC NOTE AT NEW BINGO CLUB

Altro Ensemble™ modular luxury vinyl tiles have helped to create a chic, dynamic and modern space with a new approach to bingo within the new Opera Bingo Club in Barrow-in-Furness.

Architects and designers, Bignell Shacklady Ewing, developed the new space and the company’s Interior Designer, Emily East, headed up the project. She said: “The brief was to create an energetic space with a contemporary, fresh approach to bingo that would attract customers of all ages.

“Our client was keen to represent the local area within the scheme, so we used a variety of bespoke murals, wall graphics and photographic designs to represent Barrow-In-Furness in an innovative manner.

“We felt the wood effect Altro Ensemble flooring system would enhance that contemporary feel the client wanted to achieve, and give it a chic and ‘funky’ feel. For example, we used the flooring to create an area of herringbone pattern that was unique to the bar area, using the tiles to enhance the bar overall design.”

This area featured three shades of Altro Ensemble. “The colour options worked well in this format, complementing the other interior finishes,” said Emily. “The overall effect is a wonderfully rich and contrasting pattern that is beautiful to look at; adding a superb quality feel. It makes a fantastic first impression.”

Altro Ensemble was also specified for the club’s book sales counter and various corridors, laid in straight planks.

“The beauty of this flooring is that it’s ideal for design-led projects, offering huge flexibility to create unlimited patterns with stone and wood effect modular tiles. It’s also hard-wearing and very comfortable underfoot, so it’s ideal for busy spaces where there’s a lot of traffic. This project was a great opportunity for us to try Altro Ensemble and we are very pleased with the results.”

Award-winning Altro Ensemble is a modular flooring system that gives complete design freedom to create stunning floors for interior spaces. From colour blocking to geometric patterns, the possibilities are as endless as the imagination.

The flooring has up to 15dB sound reduction with added comfort underfoot, making it perfect for front of house areas in hotels, including foyers and receptions, restaurant and café dining areas, retail, offices and student accommodation – any environment where design is key. With 39 colours and four modular sizes, you can mix and match to create unique patterns using colour and design.

Daryl Davidson, Head of Operations & Finance for the Opera Bingo Club, says: “When Emily East presented the Altro Ensemble flooring to us we knew it was perfect for the modern, high quality look we wanted and it worked so well with the overall design.

“We wanted this to be a bit different to other bingo clubs, and this needed to come across in the way we presented ourselves. The herringbone floor pattern in front of the bar is so striking, it’s one of the first things you see when you enter the club. A real focal point that sets us apart. The other flooring areas look superb, too, high quality and very in keeping with our ‘look’.

“This is a very busy club, so we needed a surface that wasn’t just great looking, but hard wearing too. One that would stand the test of time. The Altro Ensemble is fitted in the club’s high traffic areas, and it will stay looking good for many years to come. It’s comfortable to walk on, too, very easy on the feet.

“The cleaning staff are delighted with how easy it is to maintain, they mop it every day and it comes up beautifully every time. I would certainly recommend the flooring to anyone who is looking for beautiful, chic, comfortable and practical.

“The feedback we have had from staff and customers has been fantastic. They love the new club and there is a wonderful buzz here. The design and feel we have created is a million miles away from the ‘traditional’ bingo club, and we are thrilled with it. We have four other bingo clubs and two cinemas in the group, and we would certainly consider using Altro Ensemble there too.”

 

About Altro – www.altro.co.uk

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ARCHITECT EMBRACES THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF TITON’S NO2 FILTERS

Two Titon HRV10 Q Plus units with Trimbox NO2 Filters® have been installed as part of unique self-build project in East Dulwich, London.

 When architect Jake Edgley began building his own six-bedroom house, he included a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system as part of the design, alongside other ‘green’, environmentally-friendly measures, including non-toxic paint and flooring.

The 400m2 house was constructed in two halves, each built around a tree, with one MVHR system covering each half of the property. As Jake designs and specifies homes as part of his job, he often experiments with different products on his own property. Having included Titon’s ventilation systems on a number of projects during the last ten years, he was already fully aware of the company’s product offering.

Commenting on the decision to have nitrogen dioxide filters added, Jake said: “We noticed if a neighbour lit a bonfire or a barbecue, the smell would still enter the house. Fortunately, I had seen the Trimbox NO2 Filter® on the Titon website, so I made enquiries into the possibility of adding one to the ventilation system.” 

The bedroom area had the Trimbox NO2 Filter® added first, and the Edgley family were so impressed with the results, a second unit was installed to the other half of the house six months later.

Jake explained: “The Trimbox filters work amazingly well, they have completely eradicated any smells coming in from outside. In fact, if we smell smoke outside, we just close all the doors and windows, and there is no trace of any odour indoors. The MVHR unit is already a good dust filter and this is improved by the Trimbox, and we’ve also noticed the Trimbox acts as an excellent attenuator to any noise from the MVHR unit. Then there’s the added benefit of knowing the units are filtering out any pollutants so, despite being located about 60 metres from a road, the air inside the house remains clean and healthy.”

Jake now certainly practices what he preaches, as his positive first-hand experience has led him to include the Trimbox NO2 Filter® as part of every new build domestic ventilation system specified by his company, Edgley Design.

“The Trimbox is a great product, particularly in London areas,” he concluded. “Given the rise of environmental toxicity over recent years, we always encourage domestic clients to put MVHR systems into new build homes. Including the Trimbox as part of the system should make perfect sense to homeowners, especially given its capacity to remove diesel particulates and filter toxins from indoor air.”

Titon developed the Trimbox NO2 Filter® to complement its extensive range of HRV Q Plus Eco MVHR units and combat the high levels of nitrogen dioxide found in exhaust gases from diesel engines. The filter incorporates balanced flow technology to provide class leading absorption of NO2 and is available in two duty sizes (depending on the duty required). The product is effective in reducing NO2 to an acceptable mean annual concentration level of 40µQ /m3, while vastly improving indoor air quality (IAQ). Independent tests have demonstrated the Trimbox to absorb 98% of NO2, not only in normal, continuous ventilation mode but also at ‘boost’ or higher ventilation rates.*

For more information about Titon and its range ventilation systems, visit: www.titon.com

For further details about Edgley Design, visit: www.edgleydesign.co.uk

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RINNAI INTRODUCE THE SENSEI N SERIES

NEW GENERATION OF OUTSTANDING CONTINUOUS FLOW CONDENSING HOT WATER HEATING UNITS AND DELIVERY SYSTEMS – CAPABLE OF DELIVERING MORE THAN 950 LITRES OF TEMP. CONTROLLED HOT WATER PER HOUR AT COMMERCIAL TEMPERATURES FROM A SINGLE UNIT.

Rinnai, the world’s leading manufacturer of continuous flow hot water systems, is introducing the Sensei N Series to the UK marketplace, as the new generation of maximum quality and reliability in hot water heating delivery.

The new Rinnai Sensei N Series water heater range offers a new and more compact and enhanced combustion design that allows for easier installation and enhanced operational performance together with increased levels of serviceability.

All components in the range are designed and manufactured by Rinnai, and this ensures maximum quality and reliability from the industry leader in commercial continuous flow water heating products and systems.

The Rinnai Sensei N Series is the first ever continuous flow hot water heating unit manufactured with stainless steel heat exchangers to be available in the UK – this gives a greatly extended working life at optimum performance to each of the four models in the range. Added to this is the Sensei N Series market leading extended warranties.

The four models are: the N1600i giving 954 litres per hour; the N1600e (external) also giving 954 litres per hour (at 50 degrees); the N1300i giving 775 litres per hour and the N1300e also giving 775 litres per hours of temperature controlled at 50 degrees. The two 1600s have load profiles of XXL and are water efficiency class A rated, while the 1300s are load profile XL and are also water efficiency class A rated.

Other features include:

  • flue up to 30+ metres for concentric
  • Turbo Fan
  • Built-in controller as standard on both internal and external models
  • Cascade Cable assembly allows up to 24 water heaters to be connected and function as one total and complete system Any number of N-series Rinnai water heaters can be manifolded together enabling the largest capacities on the market.
  • Built in flue damper
  • Air inlet filter
  • Frost Protection – minus 15°C on the internal versions and minus 20 °C on the external versions
  • New PCB Design
  • Controller as standard – Lockable, set up of appliance, Temperature set up to 75°C
  • Maintenance Monitor for engineers

Rinnai manufactures over 2 million hot water heating units each year and so can offer advantageous cost savings for installers and end users. The N Series are probably the most competitively priced type of their kind currently available to the UK sector.

All the range are also low-NOx and the Sensei N Series utilises Rinnai’s patented advanced burner technology with a 13-1 turn down ratio – the largest on the market – with extremely quiet operation. Integral controls on the units enable the water heater to achieve high efficiencies because of advanced burner control and high modulation ranges.

In reducing Legionella proliferation, Rinnai has developed additional ‘SMART’ controls for secondary return DHW systems in the form of an advanced temperature control system which allows for safe running of water at 42°C core temperature during the day and 60°C overnight.

The advanced burner controls with the Sensei N Series models ensure that all the appliances are well ahead of the NOx requirements set within ErP. The current level of permissible NOx set by ErP is 56 mg/Kwh. The Sensei N Series range have been third-party tested at 28 mg/Kwh making them one of the greenest water heating appliances available.

As the units do not incorporate storage their ‘green credentials’ are further recognised by BREEAM and score additional credits under the building regulations.

The industry uptake of Rinnai’s continuous flow heater systems are proven to be more energy efficient than conventional storage systems and are increasingly the experts’ preferred method of hot water provision. Rinnai units easily cater for any size projects that need high volumes of water at intermittent times of day.

 

For more information visit www.rinnaiuk.com

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Constructing efficiency from above

With six billion people estimated to be living in cities by 2050, how can ceilings help accommodate such growth? Ian Clarke, commercial technical manager for Armstrong Ceiling Solutions, discusses.

The construction industry is at a critical juncture. Headcounts worldwide are growing, and growing fast – and the projected numbers are staggering. It’s predicted there will be nine billion people worldwide by 2050, with two out of every three living in cities by the same date. For those tasked with designing and building our cities, the challenges of such accelerated growth quickly add up. From skills shortages and needlessly complicated supply chains to a fear of embracing BIM, it’s never been more important to face the challenge head on.

But what can be done today to help counter the increased building demand of tomorrow? Simply put, a drive towards greater construction efficiency. To this end, any opportunity for increased simplicity and proficiency should be welcomed. While the building envelope is an obvious focus for building faster and more effectively, the internal space should not be overlooked.

Start how you mean to go on

While the outside of a building goes a long way to define architectural appeal, it’s the interior space which creates comfort and usability. By enhancing light and acoustics, ceilings are a critical aspect of this process, and they are an area where architects, specifiers and installers all stand to benefit from enhanced methodologies.

Involving ceiling manufacturers at the beginning of the design and specification stage is critical. In doing so, a more collaborative, transparent working environment is established where questions from all parties are openly asked and existing conventions are challenged. The result is that key concerns are raised earlier, leading to less rework down the line. A team that’s working together clearly and cohesively also works more efficiently, which will become increasingly important as demand and population figures continue to rise.

On call with one call

In our always-on world, everyone expects to be able to get what they want with a single tap, click or call. The ceiling industry is no different. It’s why, at Armstrong Ceiling Solutions, we provide everything from industry-leading products and expert support right through to training. For example, in the UK 90% of Armstrong products are available next day, while a 24-hour call-to-site service is also available. This approach aids efficiency by greatly simplifying supply chains and, in turn, minimising exposure to unforeseen delays.

Working the right way, right away

Increasingly, contractors are being asked to take on greater responsibility and become jacks of all construction trades. This is leading to increased levels of superficial knowledge and a move to hiring generalists over specialists. While some short-term benefits may exist, the long-term inefficiencies in moving away from specialist expertise are likely to cause serious issues in terms of meeting demand and maintaining quality standards.

By realising this, we’ve made it a clear mission at Armstrong Ceiling Solutions to maintain specialisation and in-depth knowledge in contractors’ skillsets, combining comprehensive training at the renowned Armstrong Installation School, technical support from our ceiling specialists and – in the UK – the Omega Contractor programme of Armstrong recognised specialist ceiling installers. As a result, contractors are able to draw on both their experience and comprehensive, targeted expertise in order to deliver best practice in terms of cost and construction efficiencies.

Win with BIM

The digital age is playing an ever-increasing role in all aspects of construction, meaning a meticulous attention to data is no longer a need, but a must. And Building Information Modelling (BIM) is set to play an ever more prominent role in terms of delivering ceiling construction efficiency.

The benefits of BIM are manifold, not least in terms of improving collaboration and enhancing decision-making. It also greatly reduces rework and eliminates costly duplication of drawings, freeing up talent and capital to be used elsewhere. Yet many within the industry are still not yet fully equipped to deal with BIM, preferring instead to rely on time-proven methodologies. But with just 30 years before we reach the estimated worldwide populace of nine billion, it’s way past time for the industry at large to embrace future-facing technologies and techniques; to look proactively at methods that will enable all of us to construct a more efficient future for all.

Building efficiency into products

While service and support help increase project efficiency, it’s important also to consider the role of the products themselves – in terms of both ease of installation and environmental sustainability. In both cases, Armstrong Ceiling Solutions builds efficiency into its portfolio.

To complement our world-leading range of tiles, we’ve developed a range of highly engineered products – including grids and canopy kits – which simplify installation and maintenance, helping minimise time on site and accelerating project completion.

Last but not least, there’s the efficiency in the products themselves. Currently, some 60% of all materials are used in creating and maintaining our built environment – with a significant amount enduing their service life in landfill. Products which can be recycled and re-used therefore add value to the process as well as to our planet. Among Armstrong Ceiling Solution’s range are a number of products certified as ‘Cradle to Cradle’ (C2C), which means they’re responsibly manufactured and endlessly re-usable. Already a requirement for certain projects in the United States and Europe, C2C is sure to become more widespread, helping contractors provide transparency and protecting our environment for future generations.

To learn more about how Armstrong Ceiling Solutions can help you construct a more efficient future, visit www.armstrongceilingsolutions.co.uk.

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RINNAI HOT WATER – RELIABLY INSTANT, ENERGY EFFICIENT AND LOWER FUEL COSTS FOR UK HOMEOWNERS

Rinnai’s range of ErP A-rated continuous flow gas-fired hot water heaters now includes models specifically aimed and designed for the UK domestic market. The units guarantee high efficiencies and low running costs combined with consistent water temperatures seven days a week.

Rinnai’s range of continuous flow water heating units are being specified and installed in the whole range of domestic properties – studios, flats, houses, high-end residential houses – as installers and end users become aware of the ease of installation, and the energy & cost saving benefits.

Rinnai manufactures over 2million water heaters every year and as such is at the forefront of creating unit cost advantages for installers. Competitively priced, the units offer all technological advances and innovations, all at a similar cost to lower specification competitor models.

The reason for the increase in popularity is that continuous flow heating systems are proven to be more energy efficient than conventional ones and are now the preferred method of hot water provision. Rinnai units meet the demands of any size of home and are ideal where high volumes are demanded at intermittent times of the day, delivering safe temperature useable hot water.

Rinnai’s multipoint 17i water heater, for example, eliminates the problem of sudden changes in water temperature, resulting in cold showers or scalding hot baths – the water temperature you set is the water temperature you get. So, if somebody is happily showering at 42°C and a tap is turned on to draw a bath elsewhere in the property, the temperature does not vary, and there is no chance of either user running out of hot water.

The Rinnai 16i interior model measures just 675 x 370 x 139mm and weighs in at 18kg – a one-man lift. The room-sealed unit has a temperature range of 35°C to 60°C with direct electronic ignition. Gas consumption ranges between 4.7kW-6.5kW for Natural Gas and 4.9kW-36.8kW when using propane. Hot water delivery flow is an impressive 16ltr max flow. Nominal operation pressure is 1-7 bar and it uses a 230V AC 50Hz 1ph power supply with an electrical consumption of 68W.

Meanwhile, where an external installation is required, the Rinnai 17e external multipoint water heater offers greater flexibility at the design stage and offers a viable solution where flue runs are problematic or internal space is not available. Capable of flow rates of up to 510 litres per hour at a 50°C rise, the 17e is suitable for multiple applications and can be specified for use with Natural Gas or propane.

The 17e has full frost protection and is available with a range of external ancillary items, including pipe cover box – and security cage where necessary.

For smaller properties, the Infinity 11i interior unit differs from the 17i as it weighs 2kg less at 16kg and consumes 6.10kW-21.60kW of Natural Gas and has an 11-litre maximum flow.

Key features of the 24kW Rinnai 11i are: Compact & lightweight unit for easy installation; Robut, durable heat exchanger; User friendly digital controls; In-built frost protection; Ideal replacement for large obtrusive and bulky cylinder; Compact design to fit a limited space.

 For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com

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ALTRO NOW A RECOMMENDED SUPPLIER OF FLOORS AND WALLS FOR PROCURE22

Altro has been appointed as a recommended supplier of vinyl and resin floors and floor accessories on the Department of Health’s ProCure22 Framework for NHS and social care construction schemes in England. Altro floor systems, including Altro Orchestra, Altro Aquarius and Altro Wood Safety, are recommended for use throughout healthcare environments. This follows Altro’s appointment in 2018 as a recommended supplier of wall and door systems, including the Altro Whiterock and Altro Fortis systems.

The ProCure22 (P22) process is designed to achieve improved value for money and reduce exposure to risk through a simplified capital procurement procedure.

With up to 20-year product guarantees, Altro can ensure healthcare environments provide an impervious, hygienic and durable environment, meeting the stringent requirements in critical hygiene areas. With a vast array of colours, including wood-look designs, a warm and welcoming environment can be created to reduce stress and improve patient and staff wellbeing, without compromising on hygiene standards.

Altro provides a wide selection of floor solutions that can be used in all areas of health and care environments, including specialist safety solutions for areas with a high slip risk, including bathrooms and kitchens.

Altro has also been awarded DSDC accreditation, and is the only manufacturer to have HACCP approval for both floor and wall products.

Mark Johnstone, Head of Commercial, UK, Middle East and Ireland says: “Altro pioneered hygienic wall sheets and safety flooring, and we have over 60 years of experience providing solutions in health and care environments, including many projects within the NHS and social care. We are proud to have our floor and wall solutions included on the Procure22 Framework. Our floor, wall and door systems are recognised as cost-effective and durable solutions for health and care, and work together to create a hygienic environment that is designed to support the wellbeing of patients, staff and visitors.”

The following products are included in the P22 standard components list:

  • Altro Aquarius™
  • Altro Pisces™
  • Altro Suprema™
  • Altro Walkway™ 20
  • Altro XpressLay™
  • Altro Wood™ Safety
  • Altro Wood™ Safety Comfort
  • Altro Reliance™ 25
  • Altro Stronghold™ 30
  • Altro Zodiac™
  • Altro Cantata™
  • Altro Orchestra™
  • Altro Operetta™
  • Altro Serenade™
  • Altro Proof™
  • AltroFix™ 19 Plus
  • AltroFix™ 365
  • Altro adhesive-free flooring approved installation tape
  • Altro Acoustic Underlay 101
  • Altro Flexiflow™ 2mm classic standard variant
  • Altro Flexiflow™ 8mm acoustic standard variant
  • Altro Screed™ 3mm standard variant
  • Altro Crete™ 8mm standard variant
  • Altro Tect™ standard variant

This award is valid until October 2021.

The following products were included in the P22 standard components list in 2018:

  • Altro Whiterock White
  • Altro Whiterock Satins
  • Altro Whiterock Chameleon
  • Altro Whiterock wall designs
  • Altro Whiterock Splashbacks
  • Altro Fortis Titanium
  • Altro Fortis corner protection
  • Altro Basis
  • Altro Whiterock Digiclad
  • Altro Whiterock hygienic doorsets

This award is valid until October 2020.

 

About Altro – www.altro.co.uk

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Rinnai – top tips service & maintenance for economical, long working life of hot water heating units

Pete Seddon of Rinnai lists the most important points of ensuring that continuous flow hot water heating units are well serviced and maintained to ensure the longest possible and most economical working life.

There are two very distinct perspectives on the service and maintenance of continuous flow hot water heating units and systems – that of the end user and the one of the installer/contractors. Firstly, we will look at the installer’s viewpoint.

  • Make sure of the exact make and model of the appliance before you attend the call. Varying appliances require different service routines. With Rinnai appliances we recommend that a service kit for every appliance is taken and utilised for every service visit. This will also help you to plan the correct amount of time for the job in hand.
  • Obtain service and install manuals wherever possible. This goes in hand with the above. This will allow you to see the routine that is required. You should be able to acquire this information from the manufacturer and at the same time you can also speak to a member of the technical department to get a better understanding of the servicing routine.
  • Compliance. If you have never been to the site before it is always worth checking over the installation to ensure the installation complies with regulations and manufacturer’s instructions. Sadly, there are still some sites where the installation and the appliances that do not follow regulations or a manufacturer’s explicit instructions. This could have impact on the performance of the appliances as well as the longevity of the system/appliance. If you think something is not quite right, we advise that you should inform the customer and make them fully aware.
  • Water Treatment. There are a lot of areas in the UK that require water treatment for hard water. If you know the area requires Lime Scale protection check that the site has it fitted. There are still a lot of sites that do not have any protection fitted but are in hard water areas. Lime Scale is a problem that can, if not treated properly, have huge consequences with appliances, systems and health. If you are unsure of the area you can check the Local Water Authority or call the manufacturers Technical Department for advice. At Rinnai UK our website does have a Water Hardness check and we can check the Water Authority for you as well – all we need is the area and postcode. Ultimately if there is no protection fitted, but there should be, then advise the customer of this and make them aware of the potential but probable problems that will ensue.
  • Detail your work. It is always worth noting down what work has been carried out. If gas pressures must be checked then note them down. If parts must be changed, note what parts have been changed. By just putting “Serviced the Appliance” down on the report may not constitute a proper service has been carried out in the eyes of the manufacturer and could impact on the customers warranty.
  • Technical Advice. If, after all the above, there is still something you are unsure about or you want to double check, call the Technical Department of the manufacturer. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Rinnai UK actively encourages questions and discussion, this way you can get peace and good practise. At the end of the day we are here to help you as much as possible. And there is no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to safety and a gas fired appliance.

For the end user or owner:

  • Always understand what type of equipment you have, the manufacturer of that equipment and the service requirements and frequencies. Different appliances will have different service requirements at various intervals. It is always beneficial to find this information out because it can impact on the warranty.
  • Where possible use engineers who are familiar with the appliances. It is always worth contacting the manufacturer direct. With Rinnai UK we have a list of engineers who have undertaken training and are familiar with the Rinnai products. Majority of, if not all, other manufacturers will either have the same or have their own engineers. By utilising engineers who know the appliances you will have confidence that the servicing will be carried out correctly.
  • Always plan. It is always beneficial to find out when your appliances are due and to book them in a few weeks in advance. If you leave it too late you may not be able to get an engineer when you want them. This way to can plan it around your requirements. For example, if your business was dependant on the appliance you would be best planning this in when it was the quietest period or on days when it is not so dependant.
  • Paperwork. Ensure you keep hold of all your records of servicing. You should get a service report from the company who serviced the appliance, if you don’t make sure you request one. This is your proof that the servicing has been carried out. Without this paperwork if your appliance ever developed a fault during its warranty period you might be refused the warranty without this proof of service.

For more information visit www.rinnaiuk.com

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