SUSTAINABILITY CHOICE CUTS
Choosing the right product for the right job means reducing the chance of product wasteage, saving costs and the planet, as BMJ finds out.
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or builders’ merchants, enabling customers to save time and money is of high importance, and by suggesting more sustainable and higher quality materials, tradespeople can eliminate unnecessary expenditure and wastage. As projects can vary enormously, opportunities where the builder can reduce wastage of surplus materials will depend on multiple factors, not least the design type and building materials required.
Thanks to its strong, durable and long-lasting properties, masonry construction remains the most common form of house construction in the UK. As such, most builders are well educated on the specification of bricks and blocks. However, this often isn’t the case with other associated materials, where time and cost savings benefits could be overlooked. Olga Waterhouse, marketing project manager at Tarmac Cement says that, in particular, cement and mortar are often seen as commodities thanks to their proven track record and availability. “This means some builders will make spontaneous purchases without analysing which cement and mortar products are most efficient and sustainable
for the job at hand” she says. “However, with guidance from a skilled merchant, customers can specify the most appropriate product for their project and reap numerous rewards for themselves and their clients.”
Characteristics and Benefits In many instances, it’s often not one big thing that differentiates one type of cement and mortar from another. Rather, it is the sum of all the smaller things that can really make a big difference including improved health and safety, reduced wastage and a tighter control on spend. Waterhouse says that selecting the correct product for the job, based on its characteristics and benefits, is a given for professional builders. “For example, a cement that has enhanced resistant to a freeze/thaw attack will not only sustain the reputation of work but will also help avoid costly mistakes further down the line. “Whilst it may not seem like a deal breaker, the type of packaging and size of the product is also worth considering” she adds. Most of the cement available to buy as a packed product comes in 25kg bags for builders to split open with a spade and load up the mixer with half of the bag. On a larger site, where there are multiple mixes to be made in one day, this isn’t an issue. However, smaller projects, such as extensions or home improvements, may only require one mix at a time, which could result in the half opened bag potentially going to waste or being spoilt. Waterhouse explains that this is because the other half of the cement is often left lying around, and can become vulnerable to dampness. Whether its rain affecting the top of the bag or moisture evaporating from the ground, wet weather can see cement harden prematurely to form clumps. Overall, the process is extremely wasteful.
“In contrast, Tarmac Cement’s Blue Circle Mastercrete 12.5kg Handy Pack is half the size of the traditional 25kg bag. Importantly, this means it has the exact amount for one mix of mortar (one part cement and four parts sand), ultimately reducing waste. This means that money and cement can be saved as they can buy the exact size that they need.”
A smaller bag is also lighter, which makes it 36
easier to deal with on site. In the case of the 12.5kg Mastercrete bag, Waterhouse points out that it even has a small inbuilt handle so it can be easily carried in one hand, reducing the risk of accidents. “It essentially makes the product easier to transport, whether that be up ladders or on to site through confined spaces such as passageways” she says.
As well as handling, it’s also important to look at storage, especially as products can remain outdoors and on-site for a number of months. Something as simple as waterproof packaging can increase storage space for water vulnerable products and eliminate wastage through accidental damage.
Ready to Use Mixes
“Likewise, when looking for a high-quality mortar there are many qualities to suggest - from how it hangs on the trowel and spreads, to its workability, compressive strength and appearance. For many builders’ merchants a pre-packed ready to use mortar is therefore a firm recommendation” she continues. The guaranteed mix proportions of a ready to use mortar also helps overcome many potential problems relating to site mixing such as the use of excess water and the addition of inappropriate materials.
“As expected, a pre-mixed mortar eliminates all these head-aches. With improved quality and consistency, high quality products such as Tarmac Cement’s Blue Circle Quality Assured Mortar are made to exacting standards in a controlled factory setting, with a 1:1:6 (cement: hydrated lime: sand) mortar and is the right mix for general brick and block work. “Tarmac Blue Circle Quality Assured Mortar Mix is also available in weatherproof, tear resistant bags, and for even smaller projects, re-sealable 5kg plastic tubs to reduce mess and wastage on site.
Waterhouse says that its vital merchants ask questions of their customers: what they are working on, what tools do they need for the job? “Show a genuine interest in their projects and offer advice on what they may need to get the job done as efficiently as possible. Engagement with customers will benefit all parties and, crucially, your bottom line. BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net May 2019
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