CEMENT FREE MASONRY MORTAR
The UK’s first 100% Portland cement-free sustainable alternative to standard masonry mortars – that’s how Cemfree Masonry Mortar is described by its manufacturer. Available in premixed bulk or 25kg bags, the product performs in a similar way to standard cement-based mortars with the added benefit of significant carbon savings.
NATURAL FIBRE INSULATION
Made with industrial hemp, IndiTherm is a flexible thermal insulation batt. Unlike conventional insulation materials, it helps tackle climate change by having a net capture of carbon. Its vapour breathability helps preserve buildings and create healthy indoor air quality reducing damp and mould, whilst it’s also pleasant to handle and healthy for installers.
FLOORING
CaberShieldPlus, from West Fraser is a durable, P5 particleboard flooring which features a permanent, waterproof coating on both sides. The panels are able to withstand the unpredictable British climate without deterioration and, if installed using CaberFix D4 adhesive, have BBA approval for 60 days exposure.
BREATHER MEMBRANE FOR TIMBER FRAME
A breather membrane designed specifically for timber frame construction, ECHOFOIL EXO from Partel improves thermal comfort and enhances airtightness. This reflective foil membrane has one of the lowest emissivity values in the market of just ≤ 0.04 and a cavity R-Value of 0.78 m2K/W, helping achieve a low U-value and is highly breathable.
Reflective Breather Membrane Ireland – Echofoil Exo (partel.co.uk)
COMBI BOILER
There are three new models in the Navien NCB combi boiler range, catering for compact two-bedroom homes through to larger five-bed properties with multiple bathrooms. The NCB500 ON and the NCB700 ON feature the company’s ON technology which eliminates the need to wait for hot water; whatever the time of day. The NCB300 is a compact and lightweight unit designed for small houses and flats.
PAINT SHADES
Five new shades have been added to the Colourtrend Colour Edit Volume 2 palette – including Pine Marten, a solution that is said to be ideal for a feature wall or panelling. The remaining new additions are Esker Ridge, Temperance, Reinvent and Tuscan Tile.
STONE WOOL INSULATION
The most thermally efficient stone wool insulation currently available in the UK and Ireland is the promise from Rockwool for its Thermal Insulation Cavity Slab 32 and Thermal Frame Slab 32. Made using patented NyRock technology, the new products have a more efficient fibre structure that is denser and traps more air.
OVERLAY UNDERFLOOR HEATING SYSTEM
With a suitability for most types of new or existing floor surfaces the Grant UK Overlay System is an ideal retrofit underfloor heating solution and an alternative to screeded systems. Uflex and Uflex MINI Overlay System features lightweight, high-density polystyrene boards which are available in 16mm and 20mm thickness respectively.
www.grantuk.com/products/underfloor-heating
RECYCLING SHOWER
The issue of water scarcity is the motivation for introducing the GROHE water-recycling shower concept. The circular solution cleanses, reheats, and reuses water in order to use only a quarter of the water and a third of the energy typically required by traditional showers, resulting into a cost-saving of up to 65% a year for a four-person household.
