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— Driveway Contractor (@drivewaysuk) August 31, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/drivewaysuk

August 31, 2017 at 07:31AM

Wolf Paving Donates Asphalt to Waukesha Veteran with Operation Finally Home

The team of paving professionals at Wolf Paving takes pride in the products and services they provide to the local community.

With a long tradition of supporting charitable organizations, Wolf Paving was happy to donate asphalt surface and grading for a local Operation Finally Home project.

Operation Finally Home and Wolf Paving

Operation Finally Home is a not-for-profit charity that partners with corporate sponsors, builder associations, builders, developers, individual contributors, and volunteers to help America’s military heroes and their families transition to the home front by addressing one of their most pressing needs—a home to call their own.

When Wolf Paving learned about a local home project being completed through this charity in Waukesha, Wisconsin, they were happy to step in and donate time and resources for a good cause.

“I am very active in the Metropolitan Builders Association and our current president has been a proud advocate of Operation Finally Home,” said Kent Breitenfeldt, an estimator at Wolf Paving. “I knew that Wolf Paving would be happy to support this local charity and I was happy to help contribute to the successful asphalt installation for this deserving family.”

A New Asphalt Driveway Welcomes Military Veteran Home

Wolf Paving contributed to the project by grading the driveway sub-base and laying new asphalt pavement on the surface to complete the driveway project. The new asphalt surface was made of Wolf’s custom asphalt mix created at the Wolf Paving asphalt manufacturing plant locally, specially for Wisconsin’s tough weather.

The crew laying the asphalt followed the appropriate steps in asphalt driveway installation and everyone was pleased with the final result.

To find out more about this charity, visit OperationFinallyHome.org.

Take a look at some of our additional charity initiatives to see how you can get involved!

Request A Free Asphalt Paving Estimate

At Wolf Paving, we own the materials and plants, which allows us to control the entire process and provide customers with the highest quality custom asphalt mixes to meet every specific paving need.

With more than 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to commercial driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt paving needs.

Request an estimate and get on our list for upcoming projects! Call Wolf Paving today. For the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.

The post Wolf Paving Donates Asphalt to Waukesha Veteran with Operation Finally Home appeared first on https://www.wolfpaving.com/blog

ISG wins Investec London office fit-out

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— Driveway Contractor (@drivewaysuk) August 28, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/drivewaysuk

August 28, 2017 at 10:03AM

London garden bridge project officially scrapped

Second cladding system gets fire test ‘all clear’

Big Ben safety row rumbles on

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— Driveway Contractor (@drivewaysuk) August 22, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/drivewaysuk

August 22, 2017 at 07:35PM

Property Manager Checklist To Help You Sell Your Property Fast

If you are in the process of selling your commercial property or large real estate investment, have you thought about the simple things you can do now to give your property listing a boost?

With our free, easy-to-follow property manager checklist, see the simple repairs that can help attract more buyers and increase your sales profits. Take a look below at just some of the things that can help your property listing make the right first impression with potential buyers -- and don’t forget to download your free checklist!

Refresh Your Parking Lot to Improve First Impressions

Anyone visiting your property is going to take notice of your parking lot – be it a tenant, customer or potential buyer. Giving your lot a fresh, new look might be just what you need.

We have a full list of things you can do to improve your curb appeal, but these are our top recommendations:

• Add a little paint. Re-painting your pavement and parking stripes is a cost-effective way to give your parking lot a fresh look. At the same time, make sure all of your parking lot signs are clean, in good shape and visible.

• Sweep it clean. It’s amazing how great a parking lot can look after a good cleaning. Consider hiring a company for a street sweeping service to remove all debris and give buyers a good look at the full property potential.

Make Your Property Turnkey with Simple Pavement Repairs

In an ideal world, commercial property buyers want a turnkey property with little required investment after the sale. Choosing to make asphalt repairs to your parking lot can not only make your property turnkey, your investment in repairs can actual raise the value of your property.

Consider these simple asphalt parking lot repairs:

• Crackfilling and sealcoating. If your asphalt lot is more than 5 years old, it likely needs a fresh sealcoat application and depending on past traffic, it may require some crackfilling. These minor repairs can help boost the value of your property and improve your curb appeal.

• Pothole repairs. The thought of repairing potholes may turn away some buyers, so hiring a asphalt paving contractor to fill your potholes is a good investment. If the process is completed by an experienced, professional paving team, it should be quick and easy for you.

Download the full property manager checklist now to see other pavement recommendations to help expedite your property sale.

Consider Minor Exterior Building Repairs

When it comes to selling your property, the state of the building is top priority for many buyers. What simple repairs can you make to ease the mind of buyers?

• Paint exterior surfaces with any flaking or peeling paint
• Repair loose shingles
• Fix any small holes or exterior wall damage
• Trim up landscaping

Consider these additional exterior maintenance tips.

Preparing for a commercial property sale can be challenging. With the help of the right local contractor and the right list of exterior repairs to boost your listing, you can be well on your way to a successful sale!

Download your free copy of the Property Manager Exterior Maintenance Checklist

Additional Resources for Property Managers:

• Exterior Maintenance Checklist for Property Managers
• 9 Important Asphalt Paving Budget Tips For Property Managers
• A Cost-Effective Guide To Help Property Managers Budget For Asphalt Repairs

Request A Free Pavement Repair or Sweeping Estimate

At Wolf Paving, we own the materials and plants, which allows us to control the entire process and provide customers with the highest quality custom asphalt mixes to meet every specific paving need.

With more than 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to commercial driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt paving needs.

Request an estimate and get on our list for upcoming projects! Call Wolf Paving today. For the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.

The post Property Manager Checklist To Help You Sell Your Property Fast appeared first on https://www.wolfpaving.com/blog

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— Driveway Contractor (@drivewaysuk) August 21, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/drivewaysuk

August 21, 2017 at 08:35AM

CITB buys plant simulators to fill operator skills gap

Wolf Paving Back on The Mr. Fix-It Show

Our team at Wolf Paving was invited back in the Mr. Fix-It studios to answer listeners' questions related to asphalt repair, repaving and driveway construction. This program gives weekly advice on home improvements, repairs and do-it-yourself projects.

This episode covered several topics, with a large focus on driveways and parking lots in the last half hour.

To listen to that half hour segment: Click here

In the beginning of the interview, we talk about the unique history of Wolf Paving and what it was like growing up as part of the third generation to run this business. From there we go on to talk about the importance of a foundation due to the flexible nature of asphalt.

In this segment we cover various topics, including:

• The difference between the thicknesses in gravel bases
• How older driveways should be sealcoated
• How to remedy crumbling edges on driveways
• How often to seal asphalt driveways
• The difference of spray vs. roll-on sealer
• How the seasons affect the paving process
• How to remove oil spills on newly sealcoated driveway
• And more!

CLICK HERE: Request A Free Estimate Now for Your Next Paving Project

With 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt paving needs.

For more information on Wolf Paving visit our Why Wolf? page to see what we can offer you.

The post Wolf Paving Back on The Mr. Fix-It Show appeared first on https://www.wolfpaving.com/blog

Construction Safety In the European Workplace – Perception vs. Reality

Since the enforcement of the EU Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Strategic Framework in 2014, the numbers of accidents at work have been dropping, suggesting a positive impact on health and safety regulations and compliance at the workplace.

The framework analyzes key challenges and strategic objectives for health and safety at work and aims to identify actions and instruments to address these objectives.

But whether workers actually feel safe at work is a different matter. Perception of safety or danger is none the less a very important question that can have a significant impact on a worker’s performance and well-being at work.

Health and safety consultants Arinite compared research from Eurofound on the perception of safety in the workplace with Eurostat’s recent analysis of health and safety incidents across the EU 28 countries. This is what they discovered.

 

 

 

 

 

Mismatch between perception and reality

Revelations show that actual workplace safety and perceived safety do not always match. Romania, for example, has an incidence rate of 68.9, meaning out of 100,000 workers 68.9 were injured and had to stay off work for more than 4 days (5.5 out of 100,000 on average died).

Compared to other European countries in the survey, that is the lowest rate, followed by Bulgaria and Greece. France, Portugal and Spain show the highest incidence rates.

If you now look at how workers from these countries perceive safety in the workplace, the results are perplexing. Denmark, which scored fourth in the incident rating, now ranks first place, with almost 50% stating they were “Very Satisfied” with their working conditions. They thus having the most satisfied work force in the ranking.

Romania on the other hand, previously having the fewest incidences in comparison, appears to be one of the least satisfied countries, with only 11% saying they were “Very Satisfied”.

Reasons behind the discrepancies

How come the number of accidents at work and the perception of safety do not seem to correspond very much?

Firstly, the feeling of safety can be shaped by many factors, such as job quality, financial security, development of skills or national labour laws.

 

Also, considering the results in Denmark and Romania, the strength of bureaucracy in a country may influence the perception of safety too, as effective and exact incident reporting systems manipulate the ranking. Denmark’s high incident rate might simply be a result of the strength of the Danish accident reporting system, which leads to the assumption that safety is being regarded as a high priority – therefore workers naturally feeling safer.

 

Construction workers seem to feel less at risk when they feel that safety provisions and strong labour laws are in place. Creating a safe work environment is not only a question of compliance, but also of assuring a productive and happy workplace.

The OSH will keep improving prevention measures, implementing existing health and safety rules, and reinforcing coordination with international organisations, like the International Labour Organization (ILO). Social safety nets also need to be strengthened to ensure accidents across the EU decrease further while working conditions improve, leading to a successful relationship between employer and employee.

The post Construction Safety In the European Workplace – Perception vs. Reality appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

What’s next for college leavers this A Level results day?

On the 17^th August, teenagers up and down the country will receive their long-awaited A-Level results. Results day will come as a huge relief for most college leavers after the months of waiting. The day will mark a new phase of their lives; a phase no longer dictated by textbooks and strict curriculums.

 

Young people receiving their results this year have more options than ever before when it comes to choosing a career path. The choice between applying for a job, internship, apprenticeship or going on to further education can be quite a task in itself though.

 

Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular and appealing and offer a unique opportunity to combine practical training with study, thereby enabling young people to get the much needed and sought after, experience, but also the tangible qualifications, readying them for future career opportunities.

 

According to Gov.uk, over 90% of apprentices currently go into work or further training. This high percentage almost certainly stems from the fact that apprenticeships provide individuals with the relevant skills, energy and commitment required for full-time employment.

 

Workplace specialists and design and fit-out firm, Active, has taken on numerous apprentices since they were founded in 1999. Jennie Armley started as a marketing apprentice with Active in 2015, after completing the programme last summer, she was taken on as a full-time marketing coordinator.

 

Armley said “I was keen to get some experience early of working within marketing and Active offered me just that – I could deal with real business problems and continue to learn at the same time. I was convinced it was a better opportunity for me than going to university and it certainly has been!”

 

Adrian Powell, director at Active, said, “The services sector is a great place for apprentices to be able to explore the right career path for them. There is ample room for growth both personally and professionally, as people can move up quickly within their chosen speciality. I would encourage young people receiving their results this week to explore all the options available to them before embarking on the next chapter.”

The post What’s next for college leavers this A Level results day? appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

Finding The Right Commercial Paving Company

The following guest blog is written by Kris Lindahl, a Twin Cities real estate expert and founder of The Kris Lindahl Team.

When you are planning a significant paving project for a commercial space, you should research several paving companies to decide which one will provide you with the best work and service. Ask these five questions to get a sense for the company’s ability to handle your project, and ensure a solid result.

 

1. Do You Have Any References?

For any project of this size, it is important to confirm that the businesses you are considering are up to the task. You want to hire a company that has been in business for several years, with a list of successful commercial projects that they can show you with pride. Ask for references, and follow up on them. If possible, visit one or two sites where the company completed the paving, and inspect it to see how it is holding up over time.

2. Do You Have Experience With Commercial Projects?

Many paving companies will offer residential and commercial services, but you should make sure that the business in question is experienced with the scope and quality differences between a small paving job for a home and a parking lot for a shopping center you've invested in. The size of the staff is also important. A business that functions with too few members to the crew will take considerably longer, especially if you have a bigger project. Whether the goal is to attract customers or attract tenants, you'll want to have a good job done the first time around.

3. Can You Meet my Project Requirements?

An experienced paving company will go with you to the site to consult, talk to you about your needs and help you formulate a plan to pave it safely and professionally. There are different combinations of asphalt that are used for unique purposes. You need the right combination to ensure a solid paving surface that is less likely to crack over time. The best paving company will be able to handle virtually any surface, and provide paving that will stand up to traffic and meet state guidelines.

4. How Will You Ensure the Project Is Completed Properly?

Throughout the entire process, you need to know that the project management is always carefully in hand. Ask your paving company how they confirm that all safety standards and local requirements for the paving of commercial spaces are met. Ask them to provide proof that they are insured, and appropriately licensed. If the company relies on any subcontractors, inquire about the vetting process for companies or contractors to which they subcontract certain services.

5. Does the Company Handle Repairs?

Any reliable paving company will stand by the project with a warranty of some sort. Request the specific details of the warranty, should you have any problems once the job is complete. After the warranty period, you may need to have periodic repairs or maintenance to the surface over time. Ask the company how they distinguish between the need to repair or replace, to get a sense for their ability to provide you with the service you need. Find out whether or not they can complete specific kinds of repairs or maintenance, such as patching, pothole repair or sealcoating. This way, you do not have to seek out another business to do your maintenance and repairs a few years down the road.

Hiring a quality paving company is vital for your commercial project. As you start to get quotes from different businesses, ask these five questions. With the answers, you can determine which company is most likely to meet your expectations.

The post Finding The Right Commercial Paving Company appeared first on https://www.wolfpaving.com/blog

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— Driveway Contractor (@drivewaysuk) August 14, 2017

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August 14, 2017 at 07:25AM

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— Driveway Contractor (@drivewaysuk) August 14, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/drivewaysuk

August 14, 2017 at 07:25AM

INNOVATION – A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

There is no doubting the fact that we are living in a global economy and that we are all going through an intense period of change. For many of us, our focus is on our immediate vicinity and surroundings and the issues that affect our customers and business operations. However, there are a number of fundamental issues that affect and drive us all, the world over – financial stability, safety, environmental concerns etc. One area that can directly affect these issues, and more, is innovation.

For most manufacturers, innovation is a critical factor that is equated to their success. It builds competitive advantage and in turn financial stability. It can also improve environmental performance and health and safety, criteria that are at the very heart of many businesses’ operational ethos.

In many instances, product innovation is developed at a local level, often as a result of customer demand or identification of an opportunity. Some innovations are developed at a global level but this poses great challenges with regards to local interpretation, market need, performance expectations and regulation differences. Factors that drive product specification can greatly differ from one country to another, due to issues such as legislation, climate, culture and infrastructure.

As a leading manufacturer of products working across multiple industry sectors (seehttp://bit.ly/2o8Ca6Z) Sika has a robust – and shared – approach to product innovation. The company has created a number of Global Technology Centres. These centres are design to drive product innovation at both local and global level. The UK centre, based at Sika’s Head Office in Preston focusses on liquid applied membranes and coatings, utilising the vast experience that Sika UK has within this field.

Whilst developing products for the UK market, the centre can call upon global market intelligence and the resources of the rest of the group. This helps to advance product development within a network that has the ability to share outcomes and successes around the world, often in turn helping to drive other innovations.

In so doing, Sika is able to leverage the benefits of both centralised and decentralised approaches to Research and Development, responding to local market and customer demands and sharing this advancement around the world. For organisations such as Sika, successful innovation results from the inter-connected nature of broad knowledge networks and the sharing of know how within these networks.

A great example is the recent development of extremely low odour, liquid roof waterproofing systems. Conventional products have traditionally contained significant quantities of organic solvents that can lead to significant odours during application. This can lead to risks of disruption occurring when used on live sites such as hospitals and schools.

Through the development of new technologies, Sika UK developed an ultra-low odour system that established new benchmarks in performance. Drawing upon its significant expertise and longstanding involvement in the UK roofing market, UK developers worked collaboratively with colleagues in Zurich to pioneer and patent novel curing compounds, commissioned specialist manufacturing equipment and worked in close partnerships with colleagues overseas to support successful market introductions across Europe and the US.

As a global brand, Sika has the ability to deliver local innovations on a global basis. To find out more about the impact Sika are making every day, visit http://gbr.sika.com/en/group/about-us/sika-everyday.html

The post INNOVATION – A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

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— Driveway Contractor (@drivewaysuk) August 11, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/drivewaysuk

August 11, 2017 at 10:45PM

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— Driveway Contractor (@drivewaysuk) August 10, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/drivewaysuk

August 10, 2017 at 11:06PM

Gilbert-Ash Awarded British High Commission Project in Ghana

West Africa project is latest for UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office

26^th July 2017: Award-winning UK construction, refurbishment and fit out contractor, Gilbert-Ash, has been awarded a fit out project on the British Embassy in Accra, Ghana.

Set to commence in August 2017, it is the latest international project by Gilbert-Ash for the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) with work undertaken in a total of 41 countries worldwide to date.

Ghana is one of the world’s fastest growing economies and the UK’s fourth largest export market in Sub-Saharan Africa. The UK is a key partner to Ghana and is committed to advancing continued economic development in the country.

The fit out project, the first by Gilbert-Ash in Africa, includes interior and exterior refurbishment of British Embassy facilities in the capital city.

A key aspect of the close to £400,000 project includes fitting and reinforcement of new enhanced windows and doors in key embassy buildings.

Andrew Whitten, General Manager, Gilbert-Ash Fit Out said: “Ghana is a modern, dynamic country and one of the UK’s longest-standing and strongest partners in Africa. As with all our projects for the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, it is critical that the fit out of the British High Commission is completed to the highest standards showcasing UK excellence in design, construction, materials and innovative technologies.

We will be working closely with local Ghanaian companies and so far, our team have been very impressed by the level of commitment provided across the local supply chain for this prominent project. We look forward to playing a small part in transferring some new skills that we hope will also benefit and bolster the growing local construction industry in Accra.”

Over the last decade, Gilbert-Ash has undertaken a broad range of projects in partnership with the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office to refurbish and refit British Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions around the world. Often in environmentally challenging and culturally diverse locations, the company’s fit out team are highly skilled in delivering the highest quality projects on an international scale. To meet high specification standards befitting the UK’s leadership in design and construction, Gilbert-Ash ships many of its fit out materials around the world.

Andrew Whitten added: “With each project we develop for the FCO, we are acutely aware that the High Commissions, Embassies and Consulates represent the ‘public image’ of the UK. We therefore think of the work we do as being a ‘showcase’ for British skills overseas, so we really give the projects everything, both through a sense of company pride and of national pride.”

Working with its strong UK supply chain network, the company recently commissioned the manufacture of the bespoke windows for the British Embassy project in Accra with manufacturing, packing and shipment within a four week timeframe.

With Ghana’s tropical climate, the Gilbert-Ash Fit Out team will be working to complete the project in 12 weeks in challenging 34°C temperatures.

The leading construction company has specialist fit out expertise in a range of sectors including workplace, retail, leisure and restoration. For more information on Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com

The post Gilbert-Ash Awarded British High Commission Project in Ghana appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

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— Driveway Contractor (@drivewaysuk) August 9, 2017

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August 09, 2017 at 12:31PM

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— Driveway Contractor (@drivewaysuk) August 9, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/drivewaysuk

August 09, 2017 at 09:06AM

Timber Expo set to address safety and quality in buildings

A unique show designed to bring together the leading voices of the construction industry for all in the

built environment

Timber Expo, the UK’s only event dedicated exclusively to Timber, announces its return to Birmingham NEC from 10 – 12 October 2017. Covering a wide range of timber applications, from timber frame through to plywood, CLT and timber cladding, the show will explore the latest developments across the industry as well as new products and innovations from around Europe, for all in the built environment.

 

Exhibitors from across Europe will be at the show including fastenings and fixings provider, Schmid Scrauben Hainfield; manufacturer, Intumescent Systems, a leader in fire containment technology; Czech distributor of plywood and packing, Orlimex; Latvian sawmill, Vudlande Sawmill, which will showcase the newest form of sawmilling technology at the show, and Gaujas Koks Ltd, which has 25 years of CLT manufacturing and will operate two major sawmills with a total output of 300,000m3 of finished products. This top quality product is not one to be missed.

 

This year, collaboration with TRADA, the leading authority dedicated to informing best practice design, specification and use of wood and timber in the built environment, will see the Timber Focus Theatre introduce speakers who will explore how the industry is pushing the boundaries on the use of wood, wood for good health, technical timber an how designers are working directly with fabricators.

 

Students from the Emergent Technologies and Design Programme at the Architectural Association are also developing an innovative timber installation, co-ordinated by TRADA and sponsored by Hanson Plywood. The design derives from extensive research on plywood composite material systems, focused on the integration of doubly curved plywood forms and tensile cables. The design is a development from an initial understanding of ‘tensegrity’ (or floating compression) systems and departs from a pure tensegrity through a three-dimensional structure, where doubly-curved plywood members coexist in equilibrium.

 

There has never been a more important time to learn about building materials and regulations, which is why the show has introduced a series of free CPDs bringing together leading authorities to deliver advice and guidance on key issues including:

Up to date advise on fire prevention in all types of buildings

Changes to Legislation on Safety

Advice and guidance on construction product safety

Your responsibilities in the construction process and protecting you and your employees

 

Nathan Garnett, Event Director at Media 10, which runs the show, said: “In addition to showcasing the latest products and innovations across the timber sector, the Timber Expo will deliver the latest information on safety and quality in buildings for all in the built environment, from architects, contractors, local housing authorities, and developers. This is crucial in the current climate and only by coming together, through shared knowledge and learning, will we be able to tackle the issues surrounding building safety head on.”

 

Consisting of Build Show, Civils Expo, Plant & Machinery Live, Energy 2017, Smart Buildings 2017, Surface & Materials Show (featuring Kitchens & Bathrooms Live), HVAC 2017 and Grand Designs Live, UK Construction Week caters for the entire spectrum of the industry from builders, architects, innovators and consultants, each show provides exhibitors with the opportunity to network alongside decision makers and purchasers while showcasing their services and products to thousands of visitors.

 

For more information and free registration visit www.ukconstructionweek.com.

The post Timber Expo set to address safety and quality in buildings appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

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— Driveway Contractor (@drivewaysuk) August 8, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/drivewaysuk

August 08, 2017 at 09:13AM

The Smart Buildings of the Future

The Smart Buildings Of The Futurelt;/a> by Rubber Bond.

The post The Smart Buildings of the Future appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

Advantages of Asphalt Driveways Over Concrete Driveways

The majority of commercial and residential driveways are finished with either asphalt or concrete. Both are cost-effective, but asphalt comes with more benefits. If you're paving a new driveway or refinishing an existing one you're probably wondering about the relative benefits of asphalt over concrete. 

Asphalt Offers Both Installation Speed and Fast Usability

An asphalt driveway can usually be laid in one or two days, depending on the size of the project. Concrete, on the other hand, typically takes twice as long to lay and even longer to set. Depending on the season, asphalt driveways can be ready for use in as little as two days after completion, whereas concrete can take up to a week to cure.

Asphalt Offers Driveway Durability

Unlike concrete, asphalt is not subject to surface flaking caused by poor installation, incorrect preparations of the mixture and the application of salts to melt ice and snow. Known as ‘spalling,’ this surface flaking is an ongoing problem with many concrete driveways, especially those that were hastily installed. Given its flexibility, asphalt is also considerably less likely than pavement to crack over time.

Asphalt Pavement Offers Lower Maintenance Costs

If your asphalt driveway does start to show some lineal cracking, you can repair these easily and inexpensively. The crack sealant products you need are widely available through home improvement retailers, don't cost very much and can easily be applied on your own, even if you have absolutely no previous paving expertise.

In addition, regular preventative maintenance, like crack filling, sealcoating, sweeping and general upkeep, can extend the lifespan of your asphalt driveway to 20 years or more. Concrete is more difficult to maintain, because it cannot be heated and repaired with the same ease as asphalt pavement.

Asphalt Pavement Offers Additional Benefits

An additional benefit of asphalt is that its black color helps draw and retain more of the sun's heat. In the winter, this means that snow will melt faster on an asphalt driveway than it will on a concrete driveway. Not only does improve safety in residential settings and at commercial business properties, this makes property maintenance easier for everyone!

With Asphalt Paving, It’s Easy to Request A Free Estimate

If you have any questions about the benefits of asphalt paving or are interested in a free paving estimate, please contact us today!

With 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt paving needs. Wolf Paving offers professional paving services from Milwaukee to Madison, and everywhere in between, including all areas around: Sun Prairie, Oconomowoc and Waukesha.

It’s never too early or too late to request a free paving estimate. Call Wolf Paving today. For the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.

 

The post Advantages of Asphalt Driveways Over Concrete Driveways appeared first on https://www.wolfpaving.com/blog

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— Driveway Contractor (@drivewaysuk) August 7, 2017

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August 07, 2017 at 11:13AM

Post Grenfell: UK Construction Week to offer definitive safety courses

In light of recent tragic events, UK Construction Week, the leading event for the construction and building sector has taken the most positive step possible by launching free unbiased, factual workshops to anyone working in the industry. These free, one hour CPD-certified sessions – taking place from 10 – 12 October at the Birmingham NEC – will address the specification and use of products from the viewpoint of safety, quality and fire prevention in buildings to ensure that all participants are given the most up-to-date advice and guidance on the main issues affecting the built environment following the tragedy at Grenfell Tower.

 

These topics have been under intense public scrutiny at a national level, and whilst Grenfell will change the construction industry forever, companies must come to terms with the fact that ‘doing enough’ is no longer good enough. Our industry has a responsibility for the safety of every user or inhabitant of every building in the UK and with an ever-zealous media looking to apportion blame, and the threat of prosecution and prison now a stark reality, these workshops will ensure that our industry is completely informed with the latest views, findings and legislation.

 

Earlier this month UK Construction Week issued a survey which received over 1000 responses from construction professionals. This survey asked them to identify the professional bodies they want the most up-to-date guidance from; the type of products and services that are now a priority for on-going and future projects; and how the industry can learn from this terrible event and move forward. The survey results have shaped a series of workshops, which will seek to clarify the latest advice and guidance for the industry. Topics include:

 

Building Regulations – an update and interpretation

Fire Prevention – guidance on sprinklers, fire doors, dampening

Flammable Building Materials – looking at cladding and other materials and latest advice

Health & Safety – knowing your responsibilities and up to date guidance on the latest legislation

Improving Safety through Technology

 

Nathan Garnett, Event Director, said, “In light of recent tragic events in London, and the fact that there are millions of square metres of building space being refurbished, refitted  and built right now, the industry must act swiftly to decipher the latest guidance and advice by separating the facts from the fiction. By collaborating with the authorities and professional bodies, we at UK Construction Week have responded with a series of free, CPD certified workshops to address the latest issues and provide the facts from people the industry knows and can trust.”

 

Available to any companies involved in the specification or use of products or services in construction or who are responsible for Health and Safety in commercial or residential buildings, the show is offering completely free subsidised places on the workshops. Due to the expected high demand, places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

 

For more information and free registration visit www.ukconstructionweek.com or contact info@ukconstructionweek.com

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Tobermore Tegula Paving For Driveways

Tobermore Tegula Paving for Driveways

 

Tobermore Tegula Paving Setts For Driveways

Tobermore Tegula paving setts offer a timelessly elegant look.  This particular type of paving has a tumbled antique appearance to give an aged look.  All the colours in this range are vibrant and long-lasting colours, which are suitable for either modern or period
homes. For you information, the Tegula bracken kerbs in this range are perfect for creating beautiful borders around the driveway.

In addition, there are various options available with the Tobermore Tegula paving range including special features and circles. When having circle features installed the diameter of the feature circles can often be further extended using the versatile Tegula Sett blocks, hence not limiting homeowners to a particular size for their driveway or patio area.

There is a range of different colour options including the Bracken shown above. Other colours include: Bracken, Charcoal, Golden, Heather and Natural featured below.

Great range of products, brands, colours and textures.

Also we offer a fantastic range when it comes to colour, designs, and textures for driveway installations.  Most noteworthy, not only do we install the Tobermore range of paving products, in addition, we work with brands including Marshalls and Natural Paving for their great product guarantees.

Free quotation for your driveway installation

If you would like a quotation for your driveway installation,  please call us on 0800 160 1618 for an appointment.

Keep informed of all our latest news and products

Finally, if you would like to keep informed of all our latest products, news and installations.  Please join The Driveway Company on our Facebook Page. 

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SIKA RANGE KEEPS CONCRETE STABLE – WHATEVER THE WEATHER

The mini-heatwave that settled upon many parts of the UK in June provided a welcome reminder that hot, sunny weather wasn’t necessarily the preserve of our compatriots across the continent. Sweltering temperatures, however pleasant they might be for camels or ice cream vendors, do not make ideal building conditions, particularly when it comes to concreting.

For concrete to be placed and finished correctly, it needs to remain workable. In hot weather, moisture is drawn from the mixture more quickly, which can lead to it setting too rapidly for the user’s requirements. For instance, a 300mm-thick slab requires two loads of concrete to fill a mould.

Timings are tight, and it’s not unknown for the first load to set before the second load is even delivered – particularly during hot weather. It only takes the second delivery load to be delayed by traffic, for example, for the process to fail. Fresh cement that’s poured onto an already-set and compacted base can lead to cold joints and unevenness.

Fresh loads of cement should knit together to form one homogenous mass. For this to happen – concrete generates its own heat, so climatic conditions are only part of the hydration issue – it helps if the setting process is decelerated. Here’s where the availability of a product range such as Sikatard is such a huge benefit.

Sikatard is an admixture in liquid form developed for the control of cement hydration. It coats the cement particles to prevent infusion and slow the drying-out process. This ensures the concrete mix is stabilised and prevents its setting for hours or even days. Sikatard, which conforms to the requirements of BS EN 934-2 Table 8, can also be used in steel reinforced concrete construction without restriction. Its stabilising properties ensure the distribution of stresses throughout the reinforcement encapsulated in the concrete isn’t compromised.

Sika PilePak is another product proven to eliminate moisture escape from concrete. Its use during cast in situ concrete piling projects eases steel reinforcement fitting. Sika PilePak acts as a thickening agent which helps retain moisture within the concrete’s cement paste. It’s added to the concrete during batching then delivered to site.

Dry or gravel-based ground absorbs water from cement like a sponge, making steel reinforcement insertion incredibly difficult, which could affect the concrete, and ultimately, the infrastructure’s stability. Sika PilePak ensures consistency and workability of the concrete over a prolonged period of time, helping avoid any concrete problems at any one pile position.

With the government announcing a total of 250,000 new homes are needed annually to keep pace with demand, speed is key to developers helping fulfil this requirement without compromise to safety or quality. Thankfully, in Sika PilePak and the Sikatard range, the industry has the products with which to build a stable base to help meet our future housing needs – however hot the weather.

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