Buildingtalk Editorial Team

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BUILDINGTALK

The Independent Weekly Product Information Guide
for Building and Construction Industry Professionals
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ISSN 1740-5475 - Free subscription
Last week's delivered circulation: 15426
Published every Monday from the UK.
Issue 198: 28 April 2008
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In this issue:
* Editor's Message
* Our Top new products selection
[1] Hydro launch Stormbank Pro rainwater harvesting
[2] GE lamp delivers impressive energy savings
[3] 'Save it Easy' retrofit lighting solution success
[4] Solar air heating dehumidifiers and ventilators
[5] Bruel and Kjaer instant sound insulation feedback
[6] SpeedDeck self-clean cladding surface
[7] British Gypsum launch Thistle Durafinish
[8] Sustainability of building materials
[9] NHIC on energy efficiency, safety and innovation
[10] Corus launch CarbonNeutral building envelope
* Other industry news
* New technical articles and case studies
* Other featured product news
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Howard Chapman, Editor, writes:

The tide of migration is turning and the UK construction industry could
lose many of its Polish workers following the launch of a Polish
government campaign to encourage builders to return home. Newspaper
adverts and a glossy brochure at Polish cultural centres is talking up
opportunities in Poland, which is experiencing a building boom; and
the current weakness in Britain's currency means builders are also getting
fewer zlotys for their pounds.

In a related story this week, we heard that wooden-framed houses are
being trucked from a factory in Eastern Poland, before being assembled
on Anglesey. Bearing in mind that, according to the Home Builders
Federation, fewer new houses are being built in Wales than at any time
since World War II, this timber-frame option could help. They were
cheaper and took about eight weeks to complete in comparison to the
four months it would have taken to build a brick-and-mortar
alternative.

In a contribution to the Buildingtalk series on 'sustainability of
building materials' we posed questions to Tony Crutcher at Kestrel
about the key considerations when buying PVC-U or timber building
materials. You can follow the link on the story to see what he had to
say.

Some key new product launches this week on Buildingtalk will
contribute to achieving the UK government's pledge to cut carbon
emissions by 20% by 2020. Hydro International's new rainwater
harvesting system for commercial and public buildings means up to 40%
mains water savings. GE Lighting launches its high-efficiency
Watt-Miser. With more than 68 million fluorescent tubes used commercially
in the UK, reducing the energy consumption of fluorescent lighting is
very important. Energy Conservation Solutions tell us about its
'Save it Easy' retrofit option, which it claims can produce 34% to 56%
energy savings.

SolarVenti has a range of solar air heating dehumidifiers and
ventilators that also provide free space heating; and Confidex Sustain
from Corus offers the 'first carbon neutral building envelope in the
world'.

Innovations from SpeedDeck Building Systems, which is offering a
self-cleaning surface on its cladding; and British Gypsum launch
Thistle Durafinish plaster, which is around 60% tougher than standard
finishing plaster.

Finally, newspaper boss turned eco housebuilder Eddie Shah recently
branded construction workers as lazy and incompetent, saying: "If they
spent the same effort working as they do ducking out of work, we would
have one of the most efficient construction industries in the world."
There has been a vigorous response in the trade press, including fury
from Ucatt general secretary Alan Ritchie. If you have an opinion you
can have your say on the Buildingtalk blog at:
http://www.buildingtalk.com/blog.

Best wishes
Howard Chapman, Editor
mailto:news@buildingtalk.com
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OUR TOP NEW PRODUCT SELECTION
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[1] HYDRO LAUNCH STORMBANK PRO RAINWATER HARVESTING
(Hydro International, 21 Apr 2008)

Mains water savings of up to 40% and payback in as little as two years
are promised by Hydro International's new StormBank Pro Advanced
Rainwater Harvesting system. StormBank Pro brings water saving and
sustainability within the reach of every building from small offices
through to schools, hospitals and care homes. By using collected
rainwater instead of expensive treated drinking water, StormBank Pro
provides building users with a sustainable water supply which can be
used in a range of applications from toilet flushing and garden
watering, through to vehicle and yard washdown.

* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13884/

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[2] GE LAMP DELIVERS IMPRESSIVE ENERGY SAVINGS
(GE Consumer and Industrial Lighting, 21 Apr 2008)

T5 Watt-Miser is the cornerstone of GE's latest generation of high
efficiency, high output, triphosphor coated tubes. Reducing the
energy consumption of fluorescent lighting is key if the Government is
to achieve its pledge to cut carbon emissions by 20% by 2020. GE
Lighting has responded to this challenge by designing more efficient
products, such as the T5 Watt-Miser. The range offers users the
optimum in performance, light quality and energy reduction. This new
range significantly decreases energy costs and CO2 emissions.

* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13885/

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[3] 'SAVE IT EASY' RETROFIT LIGHTING SOLUTION SUCCESS
(Energy Conservation Solutions , 22 Apr 2008)

'Save It Easy' enables fluorescent lighting users to re-lamp with high
efficiency T5 and T8 tubes in existing fittings, negating the previous
need for large-scale investment in replacing existing luminaires to
gain the significant energy economies associated with new generation
h/f ballasted triphosphor tubes. Energy savings range from 34% to 56%
depending on application and plug-in installation avoids the need for
highly qualified staff and the engineering problems of new attachments
and re-wiring.

* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13886/

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[4] SOLAR AIR HEATING DEHUMIDIFIERS AND VENTILATORS
(SolarVenti UK, 21 Apr 2008)

Damp related problems make themselves evident by a cold, stale and
musty atmosphere and sometimes also by excessive condensation.
SolarVenti air heating dehumidifiers and ventilators eradicate these
damp symptoms by displacing the stale smelly air and replacing it with
fresh, sun-warmed, dry air at zero running cost and reducing your
carbon footprint. Damp problems solved and free supplementary heat
source.

> Quick link to request free details direct from the supplier:
http://www.buildingtalk.com/rdx/ml/soz/105/4
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13887/

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[5] BRUEL AND KJAER INSTANT SOUND INSULATION FEEDBACK
(Bruel and Kjaer UK, 23 Apr 2008)

Immediate on-screen analysis of sound insulation, using Bruel and
Kjaer's new BZ-7228 building acoustics software, means that problem
partitions can now be quickly identified on site. Developed for use
with the type 2250 analyser, the software enables fast and simple
measurement of airborne and impact sound insulation, reducing
time-costly off-site evaluation and hastening any necessary remedial
work.

* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13888/

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[6] SPEEDDECK SELF-CLEAN CLADDING SURFACE
(SpeedDeck Building Systems , 23 Apr 2008)

Attractive buildings can become streaked with dirt over time, spoiling
carefully designed facades and discouraging potential occupants or
buyers. To combat this, SpeedDeck Building Systems is offering an
optional Dobel Clean self-cleaning surface. Clean cladding gives
better durability, reduces maintenance, reduces Health and Safety
risks by removing the need for cleaning at height and improves
building envelope aesthetics.

* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13889/

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[7] BRITISH GYPSUM LAUNCH THISTLE DURAFINISH
(British Gypsum, 24 Apr 2008)

British Gypsum launch revolutionary new super-hardwearing finish
plaster, Thistle Durafinish which is around 60% tougher than existing
finish plasters. It has been shown to brush aside the everyday knocks
and scrapes that can damage existing plaster finishes, especially in
high traffic areas like corridors and stairwells in schools, hospitals
and similar buildings. Equally suitable for skim finishing over
plasterboard or as a final coat in two-coat plastering systems,
Thistle Durafinish is a direct substitute for traditional finish
plasters in both new build and refurbishment.

* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13890/

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[8] SUSTAINABILITY OF BUILDING MATERIALS
(Kestrel-BCE, 25 Apr 2008)

Regardless of product, PVC-U and PVC-UE and timber are constantly
under the spotlight while their sustainability credentials are
compared and debated. Buildingtalk questions Tony Crutcher, Sales and
Marketing Director at Kestrel about considerations builders'
merchants and stockists are facing when buying PVC-U or timber
building materials.

> Quick link to request free details direct from the supplier:
http://www.buildingtalk.com/rdx/ml/kes/144/4
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13891/

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[9] NHIC ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY, SAFETY AND INNOVATION
(National Home Improvement Council [NHIC], 25 Apr 2008)

Three major themes for the National Home Improvement Council's 2008
Annual Awards Scheme will be energy efficiency, safety, and innovation
in UK home and environmental improvements. This year's awards brochure
provides full details of the various important categories in this
prestigious Annual Awards Scheme. This year's awards judges will be
particularly anxious to see the important integration of energy saving
measures as well as safety issues in today's crucial housing
refurbishment schemes.

* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13892/

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[10] CORUS LAUNCH CARBON NEUTRAL BUILDING ENVELOPE
(Corus Colors, 25 Apr 2008)

Corus Colors is applying CarbonNeutral methodology to its two premium
pre-finished steel products - Colorcoat HPS200 and Colorcoat Prisma -
when used as part of a Colorcoat assessed cladding system, via the
company's new offering, Confidex Sustain. Confidex Sustain offers the
first CarbonNeutral building envelope in the world measuring and
offsetting its impact from cradle to grave i.e.manufacture through to
installation, use and end of life.

> Quick link to request free details direct from the supplier:
http://www.buildingtalk.com/rdx/ml/cru/167/4
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13893/

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Other featured new product news
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NEW DOMESTIC VENTILATION CPD
(BEAMA, 21 Apr 2008)
BEAMA and the Residential Ventilation Association to develop a new CPD
seminar called 'How to Design, Install and Commission Domestic
Ventilation Systems'.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13894/

NEW EUROBOND CPD ON FIRE PERFORMANCE
(Eurobond Adhesives , 21 Apr 2008)
Eurobond new RIBA approved CPD seminar focuses on true fire
performance of composite panel systems.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13895/

BSI CONFERENCE ON USING ENERGY EFFICIENTLY
(BSI British Standards, 23 Apr 2008)
BSI British Standards is running a one-day conference on Efficient
Energy Management
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13896/

BILCO LAUNCHES NEW SMOKE VENTILATOR
(Bilco, 22 Apr 2008)
Bilco UK new GEW-50REM smoke vent offers clear vent area of 1m and has
a translucent double skinned polycarbonate dome cover making it ideal
for the residential housing market.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13897/

NEACO LAUNCHES NEW BALUSTRADE SYSTEM
(Neaco, 24 Apr 2008)
Neaco combine stainless steel and aluminium versions of their Spectrum
balustrade range with launch of stylish new Duplex system which allows
architects to incorporate both within the same design.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13898/

NEW FLUORESCENT LUMINAIRES FROM WOLF SAFETY
(Wolf Safety Lamp Company, 25 Apr 2008)
Wolf Safety launch new range of linkable ATEX Certified portable
fluorescent luminaries for use in demanding areas such as the oil, gas
and petrochemical industries and the utility markets.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13899/

UNION SQUARE LAUNCHES NEW 'EMAIL VAULT'
(Union Square Software, 24 Apr 2008)
Construction IT specialist, Union Square Software's Email Vault allows
construction companies to unlock contractually important email trapped
in personal inboxes and folders.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13900/

RESIN SURFACES LAUNCH OF FAST-CURE RANGE
(Resin Surfaces , 25 Apr 2008)
Resin Surfaces is meeting increased demand in the construction
industry for fast-track flooring installation as it launches its
fast-cure range of epoxy resin products.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13901/

FLOOD FORECASTING FOR WASTEWATER AND STORMWATER
(Wallingford Software, 24 Apr 2008)
Wallingford Software release FloodWorks v9.0, the leading real time
flood forecasting and warning software solution.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13902/

SCR LAUNCH RANGE OF HYGIENIC WALL COATINGS
(Suspended Ceiling Restoration Company, 25 Apr 2008)
Suspended Ceiling Restoration Company launch of a comprehensive range
of hygienic wall coatings.
> Quick link to request free details direct from the supplier:
http://www.buildingtalk.com/rdx/ml/sug/105/4
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13903/

REDEFINING SUSTAINABLE WINDOWS FOR SCHOOLS
(L B Plastics, 25 Apr 2008)
Windows and curtain walling solutions during for Building Schools for
the Future programme are the focus of a new guide by L.B.Plastics.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13904/

T.I.DYNAMIC FACADES LAUNCH AEROLITE GRANITE
(T.I. Dynamic Facades, 21 Apr 2008)
Aerolite lightweight stone facade system expands potential for granite
in building design because it is easily installed at greater height
whilst maintaining system integrity and performance.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13905/

WOOD IS GOOD FOR NEW KINGSPAN FACADE
(Kingspan Insulated Panels, 24 Apr 2008)
Kingspan WoodTherm combines an insulated panel system with a natural
wood veneer laminate cladding, offering high thermal performance with
design flexibility.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13906/

NEW SFS INTEC SYSTEMS FOR LOWER ROOFING COSTS
(SFS intec, 21 Apr 2008)
SFS intec launch the ISO-TAK thermal break fastening system to enable
quicker, high consistency quality fastening of single ply membranes
and insulation.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13907/

PRODUCT INFO CD AVAILABLE FOR REHAU POLYTEC 50
(REHAU, 25 Apr 2008)
REHAU has produced a product information CD Rom for use by specifiers
of its REHAU Polytec 50 composite curtain walling system.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13908/

A-RATED WINDOW SYSTEM WITHOUT A-RATED COSTS
(Eurocell Profiles, 21 Apr 2008)
Eurocell launch Thermalogik, an innovative and economic 'A' rated
window system for residential properties.
> Quick link to request free details direct from the supplier:
http://www.buildingtalk.com/rdx/ml/euc/129/4
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13909/

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC TOP COP FOR AIR CONDITIONING
(Mitsubishi Electric Automation Systems, 24 Apr 2008)
Mitsubishi Electric launch new wall-mounted, inverter driven heat pump
air conditioning system with an industry high COP of 5.25 in heating
and 5.15 in cooling modes.
> Quick link to request free details direct from the supplier:
http://www.buildingtalk.com/rdx/ml/mis/156/4
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13910/

TIDAL ENERGY TURBINE TRIAL SUCCESS
(FreeFlow 69, 23 Apr 2008)
Trial success for innovative UK developed vertical axis turbine that
can generate power from tidal movement of the sea, as well as from
tidal rivers and inland waterways.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13911/

HONEYWELL ST9500 TWO CHANNEL HEATING PROGRAMMER
(Honeywell Control Systems, 25 Apr 2008)
Honeywell launch its ST9500 two channel, seven day heating programmer
for independent control of two heating zones.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13912/

CABIN ENHANCEMENTS MADE EASY
(Finnforest UK, 24 Apr 2008)
Finnforest's 2008 range of cabins has been bolstered by the addition
of a range of versatile optional extras.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13913/

TELEPORTER TO LAUNCH NEW DORFONE DR
(TelePorter, 24 Apr 2008)
Dorfone DR system is a door entry system for houses and can be
connected to the front door or an automatic gate. Two different
entrances can be controlled by the same system.
> Quick link to request free details direct from the supplier:
http://www.buildingtalk.com/rdx/ml/tel/111/4
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13914/

AICO SMOKE ALARMS LINK WITH WARDEN CALL SYSTEMS
(Aico, 24 Apr 2008)
Aico has launched an important new accessory for its unique RadioLINK
wireless interconnect mains powered smoke and heat alarm system.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13915/

NEW MOBILE 3G SECURITY CAMERA SYSTEM
(Tag Guard, 24 Apr 2008)
Tag Guard take temporary, portable CCTV security into another era with
their new 3G mobile camera system.
* Read more: http://www.buildingtalk.com/more/13916/

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The week's top stories from Buildingtalk - Issue 198