Refurb and maintenance

If a tower block under housing association or local authority control was built more than half a century ago, one of the major potential problems it faces is the existing drainage systems, says  Ed Swift, National Sales Manager (Public Sector) for Polypipe Building Services…

This is particularly true in structures where the original cast-iron drainage systems have not been replaced and will be entering their sixth decade of service.

Local authorities in the UK have responsibility for approximately 4,500 tower blocks and the refurbishment programmes often deal with aesthetic elements - while internal systems may be hiding a multitude of problems.

A poll of tenanted households, conducted by YouGov on behalf of Safeguard Europe, the UK’s leading specialist in damp-proofing and waterproofing technology, has revealed a new North-South divide.  Renters living in the South are more likely to encounter damp and mould in their homes than those living in the North.

The poll of 1,154 tenants, conducted earlier this year, found that in London, the East of England and the South East, the highest proportion of tenants reported encountering damp or mould while living in rented accommodation at 63%, 60% and 56% respectively. Meanwhile, fewer tenants had experienced such problems in the East Midlands, the North East and Scotland at 39%, 39% and 40% respectively.

Euramax Solutions, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of PVCu windows and doors, has announced the launch of its new unique range of exterior cladding and outdoor living products for the construction market. Endurawood components are made of solid aluminium yet have the beautiful appearance of natural timber.

Barnsley-based Euramax Solutions has been manufacturing PVCu windows and doors for over 65 years and supplies to the modular, new build, holiday home, DIY and retail sectors across the UK. It is now able to offer its commercial clients a choice of aluminium products from decking, wall cladding, gates, pergolas, balustrades, handrails and more, all with the unique Endurawood appearance.

Boilers break down when you least expect them to, and usually during the colder months when you’re most dependent on them. Boilers can stop working for any number of reasons, so it’s important to use them regularly and schedule annual servicing.

Before you start shopping for a new boiler when one stops working, look for some simple explanations – is a valve closed? Is the gas on? Has a fuse blown? Is the thermostat set up wrong? Try to locate the source of the problem before trying to fix it.

Here are some of the most common causes of boiler breakdown:

Polypipe Building Products is at the forefront of innovation with the launch of a new innovative range of soil products for the UK residential market.

Ring seal soil systems have remained largely unchanged for several decades, so this exciting new launch makes PolySoil™ the most comprehensive and technologically advanced ring seal soil product in the sector. 

PolySoil™ is constructed from single-piece moulding technology that improves the performance and longevity of the soil system by having no snap caps. Soil systems expand and contract depending on the temperature of the water running through the system, and it is possible that over time the integrity of a snap cap fitting can be compromised leading to failure. PolySoil™ fittings are manufactured with one piece moulding technology so they have no moving parts, therefore improving the life and integrity of a soil system.

Windows and doors are the entry ways to your home, so when it’s time to replace them, it’s important to choose durable and resistant materials that will stand the test of time. The argument of which material is better to use for windows and doors between PVCu and aluminium has been in debate ever since aluminium became a popular window manufacturing material.

Recent figures[1] suggest that the number of PVCu window and doors fabricators are declining, or have begun to offer aluminium systems, with a massive 40% increase in firms who offer both PVCu and aluminium products. In 2015, almost 60% of bifold doors in the UK were made of aluminium, compared to only 27% made from PVCu, showing the rise and popularity of aluminium in UK households. However, both materials have been trusted for use in construction for decades due to their durability and resistance.

Housing scheme, Hugh Webster Place, features bright and colourful cladding which has been complemented by the use of Senior Architectural Systems’ slim profile SPW600 aluminium doors and windows. The fenestration package has been designed, fabricated and installed by Glass & Framing Solutions Ltd for main contractor Houlton & Sons.