INDUSTRYNEWS
Cladding just got animated
» IN RECENT YEARS FREEFOAM HAS seen a steady rise in sales of its PVC cladding range . However , in the last 18 months , with homeowners using disposable income to improve their properties , sales have skyrocketed . Freefoam have recorded a 55 % increase in sales making cladding a fantastic opportunity for any home improvement company , builder or pvc fitter .
But , as with any home improvement product , the success of a job , and indeed ongoing recommendations , depend on the quality of the installation . In order to help companies capitalise on this opportunity Freefoam have now created a video animation to show all stages of the cladding fitting process .
Whilst Freefoam provide detailed printed and online fitting instructions research has shown that fitting videos are incredibly useful and well received by installers and DIYers alike .
The new video features a high quality detailed animation to show every step of the fitting process . From fixing the initial battens and membrane , to installing cladding boards and accompanying trims . With close up details of key fitting points and on screen instructions the video illustrates each step clearly and simply .
Leigh Russell , Freefoam Technical Advisor commented : “ Freefoam cladding system is designed to be easy to fit whether you are a professional installer or a homeowner working on a DIY project . We provide detailed fitting instructions to ensure that installations are carried out correctly so that the cladding can perform as intended . For first time installers , getting to know the system can still be daunting . This animation offers users the chance to familiarise themselves with the cladding and demonstrates all the critical aspects of an installation .”
One of the most important aspects in any pvc cladding installation is the ventilation . Creating a cavity ( ideally a 5mm continuous gap ) between the internal wall and the cladding , with a suitably sized , unobstructed , gap at the top and bottom , allows for air to flow freely through . This ensures minimal heat build up and expansion and contraction of cladding boards . The video also highlights how to ensure every installation includes adequate ventilation by using Freefoam ’ s clever ventilated starter and closer trim .
View the video at : https :// www . youtube . com / watch ? app = desktop & v = vB0O4hUGN UU & t = 1s
Key guidance for chemical importers
» AS THE LEGISLATION CONTINUES to change following the UK ’ s exit from the European Union , the Glass and Glazing Federation ( GGF ) has issued key guidance for companies in the glass and glazing industry that import chemicals from the EU .
In a statement to its Members last week , the GGF highlighted the impact on companies who are importing chemicals over one tonne and purchasing from an EU company ( or a company based outside Great Britain ).
The EU REACH Regulation was brought into UK law on 1st of January 2021 and this regulation is now in operation ; it is known as UK REACH . This was triggered by the European Union ( Withdrawal ) Act 2018 and the EU legislation has been replicated in the UK with the necessary changes to make it operable in a domestic context . The key principles of the EU REACH Regulation have been retained . UK REACH maintains EU REACH ’ s aims and principles . These include :
• To provide a high level of protection of human health and the environment from the use of chemicals
• the ‘ no data , no market ’ principle
• the ‘ last resort ’ principle on animal testing
• access to information for workers
• the precautionary principle
purchasing substances , mixtures , or articles to and from the EU / EEA / Northern Ireland and Great Britain ( England , Scotland , and Wales ) will need to ensure that the relevant duties are met under both pieces of legislation .
Under the Northern Ireland Protocol the EU REACH Regulation continues to apply to Northern Ireland , while UK REACH provides the regulatory framework for chemicals in Great Britain .
The GGF has produced guidance showing which companies are responsible for registering under UK REACH . In addition the GGF has covered the criteria needed for registration and the shown how UK REACH affects downstream companies buying from registered importers . The GGF has also created a useful flowchart to make it easier for companies to understand their obligations and pathways to registration .
UK REACH and the EU REACH regulations operate independently from each other . Companies that are supplying and
To see the full GGF guidance issued on this subject please visit https :// www . ggf . org . uk / important-notice-about-reach-uk /
6 » SEP 2021 » CLEARVIEW-UK . COM