Tag Archives: Knock Throughs

Concrete Technology to Encourage Marine Biodiversity

Professional Renovations, New Builds, Extensions, Conversions, Knock Throughs & Complete Refurbishments

Some of the most exciting innovations in recent years have occurred within the construction industry. This is good news for all concerned as construction has been criticized for being a major contributor to carbon emissions production. New materials and methods have been introduced, which are gradually transforming the industry landscape. A groundbreaking type of concrete saw its inventors entered as finalists in the European Inventor Awards earlier this year.

ECOncrete is a product designed to be used underwater, as building material for sea walls etc. It is described as ‘concrete technology to encourage marine biodiversity’, and has been installed in over 40 locations within 10 countries. It is present in countries like Spain, Italy, Monaco, Netherlands, San Diego and New York. The underwater concrete market globally has a value of around EUR 320 Billion [2021], with an estimated growth of over 10.8% per year up until 2030.

A spokesman for ECOncrete said interest in the new material: “Reflects its revolutionary properties among a mission-critical net zero market. Importantly, it also evidences growing global awareness about subsea innovations capable of protecting our oceanic ecosystems through nature inspired, biomimicry design”. Ido Sella, CEO for ECOncrete said: “Think about barnacles, oysters and corals that create their skeleton from taking calcium ions from the water and using dissolved CO2 to create calcium carbonate for their shells. “When these sessile organisms settle on the concrete and encapsulate it with calcium carbonate they actually make it stronger. It was found that concrete covered by oysters can be 10 times stronger in terms of tensile strength than bare concrete.”

Marine construction is an expanding sector, ECOncrete has the possibility to make a major impact on the industry’s global environmental footprint.

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What are the Different types of Flour?

Professional Renovations, New Builds, Extensions, Conversions, Knock Throughs & Complete Refurbishments

You probably think flour is flour, but there are varieties around that can make a difference to your baked goods. Grain is sorted even before being milled, where its protein content is determined. Protein quality and the ability to form gluten helps decide whether the grain will produce hard or soft wheat. This is the term millers and farmers use, and basically describes the amount of gluten present.

Hard Wheat Flour

This has a high protein content, and if the gluten is up to standard, will ensure a strong, stretchy dough. This allows bread to have an improved structure when risen, ideal for bread, pizza and similar baked products.

Soft Wheat Flour

Soft wheat has a lower protein content and is more delicate with less gluten elasticity, more suitable for cakes and pastries. This ‘all purpose flour’ is light, crumbly and perfect for pancakes, biscuits and sauces. When raising agents are added it becomes self raising flour great for sponges, scones, suet pastry etc.

Wholemeal

Wholemeal flour is milled using the whole of the grain including the germ and bran layers for a rich flavour and robust texture.

White Flour

Is simply wholemeal with the coarser particles sieved out, great for lighter bakes like patisserie and light sponges.

Stoneground Flour

Flours that are stoneground are milled in the traditional way, using mill stones, a method which results in very flavoursome, textured flour.

Organic Flour

High quality organic flour is produced by processes that retain all of the original organic grain it is aged naturally and it has no artificial additives,

Gluten Free

Natural wholegrains like oats, brown rice and quinoa can be used to create flour that is gluten free. This is a good alternative for those who need to avoid gluten in their diets.

Ancient Grain Flour

Flour from grains with a long history, as opposed to more modern varieties, and have a variety of distinctive flavours and textures.

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What are the Most Popular Commercial Lights?

Professional Renovations, Extensions, New Builds, Conversions, Knock Throughs & Complete Refurbishments

People are starting to relax and enjoy gatherings again, this includes garden parties and even music and dance events. It’s important to set the scene here in order to really get the atmosphere up to speed. One aspect that can’t be overlooked in this case is the lighting used. Lighting or lack of it, can make or break the party mood, without it the surroundings can seem dull and lacklustre. With the right lights sparkling and glittering away, a vibrant, exciting space is created.

Fairy lights are incredibly popular these days, and come in a myriad of forms, colours, shapes and sizes. Most people agree that these strings of twinkling lights are stunning and can be draped on anything to enhance the feel. When it comes to commercial functions and events, Festoon lighting is on trend. These are well known for providing spectacular effects with Edison style string lights decorating the whole area.

Festoon lights use larger, traditionally shaped LED bulbs, which can be replaced should one be damaged. The effects are truly awe inspiring, and these lights can be configured in any way you desire. Perfect for use in gardens, weddings, arenas, festivals, music venues or concerts delivering a wonderful ambience. Festoon lights are functional, decorative and can be used outdoors due to being waterproof. Magical and practical!

People love this type of lighting whatever the time of year, whether in the summer months or at Christmas. These enchanting lights make everything look better, and create a feelgood factor whether your having a quiet drink with a friend or organising a major bash. Another advantage of these string lights is that should one go out it won’t affect the rest, unlike versions from years ago. Even when the weather is disappointing, these light will cheer the proceedings up. Contact Rolling Stage Hire to discuss your lighting needs on 01245 260 860.

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6 Advantages of a Veranda

Professional Renovations, New Builds, Verandas, Extensions, Conversions, Knock Throughs & Complete Refurbishments

Verandas and sheltered home additions are extremely on-trend for many reasons, one of the biggest is of course the value of fresh air. Since the virus showed its ugly face over a year ago, we’ve all been trying our very best to stay safe. We’ve become familiar with terms like social distancing, mask wearing, hand sanitizer etc. Experts agree that one of the most important aspects in staying safe and well is being outdoors. This is because the virus particles are widely dispersed through the air, and cannot infect as easily. With this in mind, homes, along with bars and restaurants etc have been quick to get verandas installed. Some of the other advantages of this type of sheltered addition include:

1. Larger Living Space

People love the extra space afforded by verandas, allowing them to enjoy their gardens all year round. This is even better if lighting and heating is added for the evenings or colder months.

2. Shelter from the Weather

Being outside in the rain or strong wind is no fun, but with verandas and glazed canopies it’s not as bad. You can take in the garden, have a cuppa, read a paper, check your phone etc while staying dry.

3. Higher Property Values

Alfresco living is loved by many, and it’s a well known fact that these home additions raise the value of a property.

4. Keeps the Party Going

Having some type of sheltered structure is perfect for extending outdoor parties and barbecues. Meaning a change in the unpredictable British weather doesn’t mean an end to the fun.

5. Clean Floors

Verandas are great for slipping your shoes off before entering the home, thus keeping carpets etc clean! They can also protect and extend the life of your timber decking.

6. Relaxation & Stargazing

Lots of people love sitting on the veranda in the evenings, gazing up at the stars through the glass roof.

To enquire about a high quality veranda from Allied Build contract us on 01277 223222.

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Swimming Pool Refurbishments

Professional Renovations, New Builds, Extensions, Conversions, Knock Throughs & Complete Refurbishments

Do you have a swimming pool? Does it get used? If your pool has become drab, neglected and undesirable you might consider a refurbishment. Restoring your pool to the beautiful water feature it once was, could be the best thing you do this year. New technologies and methods mean your pool will be much more functional and usable all year round. Refurbishments can include:-

Lining replacement
New coping stones
Terrace addition
Re-tiling
Painting.
Repairs to concrete
Repairs underwater
Liners replaced
Upgraded heating or filtration systems
Internal finishes such as re-tiling
Freeboard to deck level conversions
Concrete to liner pool conversions
The addition or removal entry steps
Moving floors and lots of other features

You can ensure a clean, safe pool with safety or automatic slatted covers, so you wont have to put up with debris etc, meaning less maintenance. These additions also retain heat, and provide a neat and tidy look during the winter months. An upgrade can include a renewable, low cost, energy efficient heating system, always welcome! Air source heat pumps are a favourite for many, and are very effective for outdoor swimming pools.

Before making any big decisions, have an experienced swimming pool specialist like Pool Maintenance Ltd, inspect your pool. These skilled professionals will be able to assess what, if any, issues there are with your pool. They can also tell you how sound the structure itself is, and if the filtration system is working, or could do with modifying or replacing. This is an important aspect of any swimming pool, as bacteria build up can be extremely troublesome.

The team at Pool Maintenance are qualified to work underwater and in confined spaces and offer a full service. Contact them for advice on pool refurbishment, or any of their other services such as filtration on 01457 765533 or 07748 908201