Limescale within commercial heating and hot water systems is a common problem associated with hardwater areas. About 60% of mains water supplied in the UK is classified as ‘hard’ and this produces limescale deposits that reduce the efficiency of heating and water-heating appliances and systems. This means increased operating costs, as just 1.6mm of scale can reduce system efficiency by 12%, in turn increasing the amount of energy needed to meet hot water demands. Limescale in

Fire protection solutions manufacturer Advanced has supplied intelligent fire panels as part of a £3.5m project to improve fire safety at Cloud Student Homes’ Canterbury Student Village sites.  With fire safety a priority, it was vital to replace the existing fire alarm system in Kentish House, Behn Hall and Tallis Court. However, as the buildings were occupied, the challenge was to keep the existing fire system working while the Advanced panels were being installed to ensure

South London interior design studio Tailored Living Interiors has brought bespoke luxury to Oakley House and Pico House; two properties nestled in the repurposed Grade II-listed Battersea Power Station development. This development was introduced to Tailored Living Interiors through its exclusive collaboration with Kingdom International Real Estate. Oakley and Pico House offer a collection of one, two and three-bed apartments, with two luxury homes featuring bespoke interior

Carl Thompson, Technical Manager for CA Group, explores how fire performance testing is vital to achieve compliance, safety and clarity in specification. In the construction and building materials industry, few topics are as critical, and often as misunderstood, as fire performance testing. Two of the most frequently referenced issues in the UK are ‘fire resistance’ and ‘reaction to fire’. While both address fire safety, they do so from very different perspectives. Understand

Tom Roche, Secretary at the Business Sprinkler Alliance, considers whether fire safety standards for hotels go far enough. Recent high-profile hotel fires have brought renewed attention to fire safety standards across the hospitality sector. A major incident in a hotel in Turkey earlier this year resulted in the deaths of 78 people and prompted global concern.  Meanwhile, in the UK, the 2017 fire at the Cameron House Hotel near Loch Lomond, which claimed two lives, highlighte

Daniel Grimsdell, Regional Account Manager (Trade) at FireAngel, explores why testing, commissioning, and a thorough handover are essential in delivering fully compliant domestic fire alarm systems. When it comes to domestic fire detection and alarm systems, compliance is often considered complete once devices are installed. But as any experienced specifier knows, genuine compliance extends far beyond simply fitting alarms to walls or ceilings. It’s an ongoing process that in

Passive fire protection specialist Promat has won a series of leading industry awards for its work to drive up awareness of testing standards and the correct application of protection for structural steel.             Promat was named as the winner of two prestigious Construction Marketing Award’s (CMA’s) for ‘Best Mid-Range Budget Campaign’ and ‘Best Go-To-Market (GTM)’ in collaboration with marketing and PR agency Lesniak Swann, in addition to taking a gold award in The Dru

Etex Building Performance has seen the number of staff holding the IFE level 3 in Passive Fire Protection increase by a third following the latest exam results as it continues its competency drive. A further eight employees have now passed the exam, taking the number of staff holding the qualification to 37 at drywall manufacturer Siniat and passive fire protection specialist Promat, both part of Etex Building Performance. The highest industry-recognised qualification for pas

Passive fire protection specialist Promat has published a whitepaper examining the most effective way to protect structural steel from fire. Structural steel needs to be protected against the threat of fire to ensure structural integrity is maintained if exposed to high temperatures. With both fire protection board systems and specialist intumescent paint used to protect structural steel, the whitepaper looks at which system offers the most comprehensive protection, and in wh

Peter Barker, Technical Policy Manager at Element Materials Technology, explains what this change means in practical terms for those specifying, assessing or installing fire-tested products. In September 2024, the UK Government confirmed the withdrawal of the National Classes fire testing standards from Approved Document B, signalling a formal shift towards the EN 13501 series of European classification standards.  The publication of BS 476 in 1932 established a framework for

Keyfix’s new range of Wall Ties and Fixings developed to ensure performance that matches modern requirements. Introduced to complement Keystone Group’s one-stop shop for masonry ancillary products – such as Masonry Support, Lintels and Non-Combustible Cavity Trays (NCCTs) – the new Keyfix range of wall ties and fixings gives specifiers, developers, contractors and installers peace of mind that all the masonry ancillary products for the entire slab edge design have been consid

Samsung Climate Solutions has announced the launch of its new heating and cooling solution for smaller commercial refurbishments, the HVM R32. Samsung’s latest modular chiller uses R32 refrigerant with a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) which, combined with the HVM’s water-based system that eliminates the need for refrigerant inside a building, creates a safer and lower carbon environment inside the building. Designed with consultants in mind, the HVM R32 is a compact, ea

The new Stabilizer angle bracket in CRL’s Bellagio collection has been designed to make the installation of frameless shower enclosures even more secure and straightforward. The bracket is engineered to support hinged from fixed side panels with widths of 220mm to 380mm, and is suitable for use with 8mm to 10mm toughened glass. Available in both left- and right-handed versions, the bracket also features wall angle adjustment, enabling a precise fit even when with uneven walls

It was top of the construction bill once again as the Lighthouse Charity’s highly anticipated premier fundraising and networking event raised the roof at the Westminster Park Plaza, raising nearly £270,000 for the construction community. Over 950 guests arrived through the doors to a welcome drinks reception and what promised to be yet another fantastic day. Taking the helm were rugby presenter and commentator David Flatman, ‘Flats,’ along with Ellie Roper, sports journalist

With a heavy heart, everyone at LEICHT Contracts  ( London) and LEICHT Küchen AG  wish to extend a sincere farewell to Sarah Edwards, as she embarks on a new career opportunity.   Sarah Edwards explains, “Following over 16 years within the contract kitchen industry and 6.5 years with LEICHT Contracts, I have made the incredibly difficult decision to step down as Managing Director to join my family’s business outside of the kitchen and construction sector. Deciding to leave LE