Tag Archives: Guttering Repairs

Sustainability – the Key to a Green Future

Soffits, Fascias, Guttering, Weatherboard, Roofline Products, Downpipes, UPVC, Colour-Matching

As a company, Chelmsford Roofline respect and support efforts made by other companies to offer green solutions. Eurocell are one of those companies who have proved their commitment to this end. One of their main objectives is to ensure that their business is as sustainable as possible. They believe that recycling plays a huge role in the battle to reduce carbon emissions and tackle climate change.

Eurocell are dedicated to making sure that every single piece of UPVC waste they create is recycled. They also aim to keep tonnes of UPVC out of landfill by bringing post consumer glazing products back into the production process. This includes window frames, doors, conservatories and building products.

Over the past 10 years, Eurocell have invested £10million into recycling, opened 2 recycling plants and started a nationwide collection service. In the past four years, they have recycled millions of frames and thousands of tonnes of production waste. Most of this is a result of their “closed loop” system, which creates a circular economy. This relies on reclaiming and reusing raw materials so that they stay within the supply chain.

The way it works is that the company remove end of life UPVC windows and doors, which are then taken to their own recycling plants. These plants are located in Yorkshire and Derbyshire, where 46,000 frames are recycled per week! The frames are sorted, shredded, granulated and micronised, and a process called ‘extrusion’ begins. This forms the material into new profiles which are used to fabricate new window and door systems.

The process is extremely sustainable, ensuring that waste is reused time and again. This ethos is one of the reasons that Chelmsford Roofline incorporate Eurocell products into what we do. Another reason is of course the exceptional quality of the products.

New & Replacement Fascias, Guttering Repairs, Joists, Roof Beams, Rafters, High Quality, Domestic & Commercial

Carbon Capture & Storage is Coming

Soffits, Fascias, Guttering, Downpipes, Weatherboard, Roofline Products, UPVC, Colour-Matching

Carbon capture and storage (CCUS), is set to become a reality in the UK, as the first round of licensing sites are offered. This is the process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial producers. These include heavy industry like steel and cement, resource power plants and hydrogen production. After being separated from other gases, the CO2 is then compressed and stored in underground geological formations. It may also be used to create commercial products. CCS can also be used to produce clean hydrogen, another important technology. CCS reduces emissions from off-grid hydrogen production that uses gas or coal gasification.

Sites offered in this round include areas off the coast of Aberdeen, Teesside, Liverpool and Lincolnshire. There has been significant interest in CCS schemes, which could mean strong competition to win licences. Chief executive of the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) Andy Samuel said: “This is an important day on the path to net zero emissions. “In addition to the huge environmental benefits of significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, the facilities will provide opportunities for many thousands of highly-skilled jobs.”

He went on: “Carbon storage is going to be needed across the world. There is growing investor appetite and we are keen to accelerate development of the carbon storage sector so that the UK is well-positioned to be a global leader. “The NSTA is ready to work with industry, government, regulators and others to deliver these exciting projects at pace.”

Estimates suggest up to 100 carbon dioxide (CO2) stores may be required if the UK is to meet its target of reaching net zero by 2050. The schemes would see CO2 emissions from industry, transported by ships or in pipelines. They are eventually stored offshore, deep underground in geological formations. Organisations must apply for a licence within 90 days, with the NSTA due to evaluate the bids after 13 September. New licences will be awarded in early 2023, with some schemes up and running within four to six years of that.

New & Replacement Fascias, Guttering Repairs, Rafters, Joists, Roof Beams, High Quality, Low Maintenance, Domestic & Commercial

Challenging Times for Construction

Soffits, Fascias, Guttering, Downpipes, Weatherboard, Roofline Products, UPVC, Colour-Matching

The official findings of the Office of National Statistics, are that construction experienced an r-shaped rebound in output from the pandemic. This was assisted by the industry’s major effort to return to work after the first shutdown. Output rebounded 12.7% in 2021, and latest figures show that construction activity has overtaken pre-pandemic levels. Indications are that despite inflationary pressures, this growth trend will continue, perhaps though at lower rates. Total order levels near the end of 2021, jumped to 9.2% higher than in the previous three months.

The most recent data shows construction inflation at 6.2%, although timber, concrete and steel exceed the all-industry rate. The highest price inflation rate of all the industry sectors, was visited on new housing. Group chief executive at procurement body Scape, Mark Robinson, said: “December was characteristic of a year in which the construction industry largely overcame the odds; particularly in relation to rising Omicron cases, labour and material shortages.

“But, with the final Covid restrictions set to be lifted soon, concerns around rapid and sustained inflation – furthered by soaring energy costs – have no doubt taken its place and look likely to pose a sustained threat to growth prospects in 2022. “Mitigating the impact of these inflationary pressures will require extensive, ongoing dialogue and collaboration between clients, contractors and their supply chains – qualities that frameworks aspiring to the ‘gold standard’ must embed.

He added: “Crucially, it’s important that payments are prompt and that any increased cost burden continues to be shared, rather than passed on to the supply chain. These firms are most vulnerable to cashflow challenges, but critical to the delivery of projects.”

It’s been a challenging time for many with issues including supply, materials and costs. Rhinos Plant Hire have machinery, tools and equipment available for projects throughout London, Essex and farther afield. Hiring your heavy plant machinery can often be more cost effective than purchasing.

New & Replacement Fascias, Guttering Repairs, Rafters, Joists, Roof Beams, High Quality, Low Maintenance, Domestic & Commercial

Is Fire Safety Training Compulsory in the UK?

Soffits, Fascias, Guttering, Downpipes, Weatherboard, Roofline Products, UPVC, Colour-Matching

Any business or establishment who have more than one employee or volunteer, should ensure there is some fire training carried out. This is a legal obligation, and everyone on the team should participate in a fire safety training course. New employees should also be familiarised with your company’s fire safety process, plus escape routes during their induction. The training can be carried out in house by a reputable company who offer this form of training such as Fire Logistics Limited. Employers need to make sure that staff know the procedure if fire breaks out, and ideally training of newbies, should be repeated during the first month of their employment. Yearly refresher training for all staff is wise once a year, and a record kept.

The importance of fire training cannot be underestimated, and can potentially avoid loss of life and damage to property and stock. Most training covers three main areas:

The Fire Action Plan, informing employees and others of the procedure should fire break out. This is included in the risk assessment, and employees need to be fully aware of all points.
There will be information on the elements of combustion, what poses a fire hazard and why.
Participants need to know the types of fire, and different ways of dealing with each, which can vary significantly. The various kinds of extinguisher will be explained and the kinds of fires they are used for, also how to use them safely.

Personnel must be made aware of how to raise the alarm should they discover fire, they should know the evacuation procedure and location of escape routes, exits and assembly points. These training courses are invaluable, and have proved extremely helpful for many businesses, especially during worst case scenarios.

Fire Logistics Limited offer an extensive program of training including tailored fire safety training courses, basic fire awareness and fire warden training to the highest standard.

New & Replacement Fascias, Guttering Repairs, Rafters, Joists, Roof Beams, High Quality, Low Maintenance, Domestic & Commercial

Eurocell Survey Findings

Soffits, Fascias, Guttering, Downpipes, Weatherboard, Roofline Products, UPVC, Colour-Matching

Leading UPVC manufacturer, distributor and recycler of building products Eurocell, recently produced a revealing report. The research found that there was generally too much emphasis on the creation of homes with little regard to supporting infrastructure. Study participants included private renters, home owners and social housing occupants. 69% of all questioned believed that there was not sufficient consideration given to the provision of health, education and sports facilities. They were of the opinion that these areas were continually overlooked during the construction planning process.

32% of people questioned thought that a lot more could be done to help develop doctors, hospitals and dentists, and 31% felt that way about nurseries and schools. More parks should be provided according to 28%, and additional leisure, sports and craft centres would be favoured by 26%. Facilities such as restaurants and cafés should be prioritised said 21%.

As many as 55% of respondents felt that fast construction of homes is a negative where community spirit is concerned. 44% of those asked complained that doctors surgeries etc were not extended in order to accommodate both new and old communities. To address these imbalances, 37% thought that local residents should have significant input on planning decisions. Greater collaboration between planners and service providers was suggested by 36% along with other factors.

Professionals contributing to the report included architects and developers within the industry. The Queen’s speech Christmas 2019 offered hope and raised expectations regarding infrastructure investment.

Eurocell manufacture high quality UPVC glazing and roofing products including guttering, soffits and fascias. Specialists like ourselves prefer to use reputable brand names such as Eurocell, to ensure customer satisfaction.