Legionella concerns post-lockdown

Legionnaires’ disease could be on the rise in post-lockdown properties, according to a recent report by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH). HMM Features Editor Jack Wooler investigates why this is, and the actions required under law for landlords... View Article

Keeping safe with passive fire protection

Despite its importance, there’s considerable evidence to show passive fire protection solutions are being ineffectively designed, specified and installed in buildings. In this article, Craig Wells, Sales Director at Quelfire discusses the benefits of passive fire protection and how specifiers... View Article

Take control of underfloor heating

Specifying products that not only contribute to a building’s overall efficiency, but enhance how the interior space is used too, will be high on any self-builder’s agenda. Choosing a heating system can have a huge part to play, not only... View Article

Slate: the perfect material for every architectural design

Slate is becoming more widely recognised for its vast design versatility, above and beyond traditional build and ideal for use across an array of modern roofing and cladding projects. Here Julian Gomez, Director of Marketing at CUPA PIZARRAS looks at the features and... View Article

Building productive IT Infrastructure post-Covid

In 2020, the Covid-19 lockdown significantly impacted businesses operating in the construction industry, with several non-essential building projects being placed on hold. Now, as the sector begins to adapt to a new normal, Matt Newman, Account Director at IT Managed Service... View Article

Firestopping and the design of penetration seals

A service penetration through a fire-separating element may well be viewed as a minor element of a compartment wall or floor, but their importance cannot be understated. We talk to Bob Westcombe, UK Fire Protection Manager at ROCKWOOL about mechanical... View Article

Extinguishing fire safety myths

Fire Safety has and always will be a well-documented subject, with various experts and regulatory bodies sharing key insights that save lives. Despite this, practical knowledge can sometimes be overshadowed by false information and myth. Karen Trigg of Allegion UK... View Article

Glass; so much more than just a window

By Chris Davis, composites manager at H B Fuller:Kommerling and Vice Chairman of the GGF Laminators and Tougheners committee Look at any international city’s newest buildings and they will undoubtedly be architectural wonders, built predominantly from glass, with a steel... View Article

Self-sufficient heating

Nicola Martin, Sales Manager at RadiWarm® makes the case for pipeless radiators. Homeowners are choosing modern pipeless radiators for their projects because they like their flexibility, low maintenance and cost-effectiveness.  For a long time they were used where extending the... View Article

Mind the gap: specifying window sealants

Andrew Swift, sales and operations manager, UK and Ireland – ISO-Chemie, offers advice for architects and designers specifying sealant tapes for windows and doors in residential homes and commercial buildings. Issues around airtightness and energy efficiency remain top of the... View Article

Coronavirus Lockdown? Off-site construction saves the day

By Jonathan Passmore, UK Technical Sales Manager, Helec Ltd A lot has changed since the UK’s first two patients tested positive for Covid-19 at the end of January. Six weeks later, the prime minister announced a nationwide lockdown, asking the public... View Article

Increased fire standards call for informed specifications

Are efforts to improve the fire performance of residential high-rise buildings creating a risk that fully tested, quality – but not future compliant – building solutions may be replaced by seemingly compliant but lower performance products? We believe so and... View Article

Extending Your Reach

Extensions on existing properties are one of the most popular residential construction projects in the UK. Here, Charlie Ayers, MD of sustainable backing system brand SureCav, offers his tips on how to make your extension investment go further.  ‘Don’t move,... View Article

The importance of properly constructed cavities

The introduction of the Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) in 2018 means all new homes must adhere to a minimum-level of energy efficiency. A positive move from the UK government, over the last couple of years it has led... View Article

Stair safety – accessibility and the self-build project

Home accessibility and functionality are important considerations when planning a self-building project. Typically however, the stairwell and adjoining areas are often seen as the ‘poor relatives’ after the glamour of the kitchen and family rooms. Yet this area of your... View Article