News
How To Win The Battle Of The Forms
LAST month I explained why the question of whose terms of trading apply in a contract remains one of the most common causes of dispute between commercial contracting parties. I discussed offer and acceptance and the need for evidence of an intent to contract. This month I discuss the battle of forms: In the case of Tekdata Interconnections v Amphenol [2009], the buyer of goods (Tekdata) issued to the seller (Amphenol) a purchase order stating that the purchase of goods was on Tekdata’s terms. Amphenol sent an acknowledgement...
read moreHow To Avoid Getting Into A Spot Of Trouble
CLEANING technicians frequently encounter customers who – in a state of panic – have used a proprietary brand product, or even washing up liquid in a far too concentrated form when attempting to remove a stain. There are also some technicians who also subscribe to the ‘three glugs’ school of chemical application as well. Put out a spotting kit on a training course and it’s the ‘fly’s around the jampot’ syndrome, everyone wants to see which chemicals other technicians carry. I have to admit being equally guilty of doing...
read moreHow Well UFH Works With Different Finishes
THE commonest forms of underfloor heating (UFH) all involve circulating water through high-performance plastic pipe which has been set within the structure of the floor. UFH has become the preferred form of heating throughout the residential sector and is also often specified for schools and medical facilities, for offices, factories, boats and even zoos. It is the most comfortable form of heating because it has a high radiant component. It is safe because it creates no hot surfaces. It is unobtrusive, more hygienic and more...
read moreHelp For You To Set Out On The Right Line
FIRST attach a length of string to two nails, then a chalk line with a chalk chamber, followed by simple lasers evolving into the Leica Lino L2P5, a very useful piece of equipment. Leica are renowned for quality and accuracy, well this is no exception! I have tested this instrument over a few months and I amat a point that I cannot, or should I say do not, want to be without it. Themain difference is accuracy and speed. Chalk lines can be tripped over and distorted when catching fibres of a carpet or catching the subfloor. This tool does...
read moreThe Hygrometer Is For Me A Test Of Faith
I had a couple of technical calls this week, both regarding screeds and underfloor heating installations. In both instances the contractor was told by the screed supplier that they were ‘rapid drying’ products and would be dry within four or five days. On hearing this ‘claim’ I emitted a load of expletives, which you’ll be pleased to see I’ve not included in this article. One of the following callers asked what kind of test do we, or should we be using to confirmif it really is dry? Being an ‘old fart’ or a...
read moreInsulation Can Be A Sound Investment
IN the past decade, solid flooring has become an increasingly popular choice in the residential sector. However there is a perception that it can be noisy. Whether it be solid wood, laminate, ceramic, marble or limestone floor, a general stereotype has arisen that solid floors are noisy. Part E of the Building Regulations (‘Resistance to the Passage of Sound’) states that strict tests must be carried out to ensure there are adequate measures to reduce transfer to surrounding properties and rooms. Whether it be airborne sound,...
read moreA BDPM Or No BDPM, That Is The Question?
ONE of the main problems encountered on refurbishment projects is determining if the building is constructed with a structural base damp proofmembrane (BDPM). Lack of knowledge or appreciation of this can have a flooring system laid that is immediately at risk of failure. In this article I will explore how to avoid this, by helping you to identify the risks before carrying out the project. Everybody knows that a newly screeded floor needs to be dry (75%RH or less) to be suitable for laying a flooring system. On new build projects there is...
read moreWould I Accept That In My House?
WHEN I started out on the great journey of working life Imet an old experienced trades man who gave me a small piece advice that has been the main stay of my standards ever since. ‘Would I accept that in my house?’ He was talking about a lock somebody had fitted into a door, but this same simple sentence can be used as a guideline throughout our industry. I have remembered his words on many occasions when visiting sites for clients unhappy over standards of installations. For example, where there was a combination of vinyl...
read moreEstimators Leave Installers To Carry The Can
I have been training installers in wood flooring for many years. Once most installers were employed, but now virtually all are self-employed. This has created communication problems between estimators and installers andmanagement. I remember when I was installing and employed by a company. I would often get asked questions regarding site visits and what to look out for. The communication back then was great. Now things are different with very little effective contact taking place. On the majority of courses I do, during the breaks...
read moreLessons In Maintaining School Flooring
Ricky Smith, Truvox International UK field sales manager, offers some thoughts on the way ahead for school flooring: SPECIFIERS are becoming more aware of the full range of flooring solutions available. Resin flooring, for example, provides outstanding flexibility in terms of design – bespoke finishes can be created with colour combinations and patterns tailored to suit requirements. School flooring has to be tough and durable to withstand the impact of hundreds of pairs of feet, and it helps if the material used is non-slip to...
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