PHAM NEWS | MARCH 2026 8 News Review


Heavy rain highlights gutter issues


Extreme weather patterns and climate change are behind a surge in gutter-related damage in UK homes, according to a nationwide study by plumbing and drainage manufacturer Wavin. Tradespeople across the UK say


changing weather patterns are a leading cause for damage to guttering systems, with more than a third (36%) suggesting heavier rainfall is behind a recent spike in guttering jobs. Almost all (99%) of professionals say that heavy rainfall has impacted the gutters they have been called out to fix, leading to nearly a third (32%) of them to now recommend post-storm inspections to catch issues before they cause costly damage to homes. As new figures reveal that 24% of


gutter-related issues are caused by storms or impact damage, more than


BoB asks if you will volunteer


Construction charity Band of Builders (BoB) has released its six-month project schedule to urge tradespeople to volunteer their time


and skills. BoB


completes practical projects for UK construction workers and their families facing illness or injury, with volunteers playing a key role in delivering the various renovations, house adaptations, and garden improvements. Up- coming projects include home extensions, safety upgrades and accessible garden work for families and individuals in Ipswich, Burnley, Cheshire, Market Bosworth and Norfolk. BoB’s operations director Tony Steel says: “We know that tradespeople have


busy diaries, so we’ve released our six-month schedule to give volunteers as much notice as possible – plus details about what’s involved in each project.” To register as a volunteer and find out more about the projects, use the


online link below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/326/08


CMR:Layout 1 17/08/2016 10:21 Page 1


a third of professionals (38%) are recommending the use of high- quality, durable systems as the most effective way to prevent blocked gutters. Steve Skeldon, above ground


product manager at Wavin, comments: “The role of professionals has never been more important in helping homeowners understanding the impact of Britain’s increasingly extreme weather on their guttering systems. By clearly explaining how issues like blockages, leaks or misaligned gutters can lead to damp,


structural damage or costly repairs, tradespeople now play a key part in raising homeowner awareness. “Professionals can also guide


homeowners toward practical, preventative measures by encour- aging routine inspections, and timely maintenance. They should feel confident recommending system upgrades where


appropriate.


Enhancements such as higher capacity profiles better suited to a property’s roof size, shape, or location can help homeowners prevent costly damage.”


Cashback incentives


Installers new to Viessmann can benefit from cashback incentives through the VPlus New Installer Promotion, offering up to £600 in rewards for the first three purchases of selected boilers and heat pumps. The promotion applies to Vitodens gas-condensing boilers and the Vitocal 150-A air source heat pumps, with tiered bonus payments based on each unit. Rewards are credited as VPlus points, redeemable online for prepaid debit cards, tools, workwear, or other items. The offer is available to those who have not previously registered a Viessmann unit in 2025 or 2026, while the existing loyalty scheme remains for others. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/326/09


Service to streamline the MCS journey


To make the MCS journey more straightforward for installers, Baxi has introduced a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) umbrella service for air source heat pump (ASHP) installations. The service is designed to


manage system design, compliance and administrative processes on behalf of installers. Baxi says that the scheme can save installers around eight hours of administrative work per ASHP installation. Under the scheme,


design and parts list. Following installation, a Baxi commissioning engineer inspects the system and completes the required MCS documentation. The service also includes checks


installers


submit an enquiry and receive an initial system size estimate to support customer quotations. If the project proceeds, Baxi engineers undertake an on-site survey and produce a heat loss report, including radiator and pipework calculations. Installers are then provided with a system


for eligibility under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) in England and Wales, which offers grants of up to £7,500 for qualifying air and ground source


installations. Baxi’s MCS umbrella scheme is


available now with more information available using the reader link below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/326/07


MCS enhances support team


heat pump


MCS has expanded its Customer Experience team as part of preparations for its redeveloped Installer Scheme, designed to simplify certification and strengthen consumer protections. The newly grown team, now over 50% larger, covers complaints, quality oversight, customer support, outreach, and installer relations. These investments will enhance guidance for households, support installers through certification and compliance, and improve overall industry standards. MCS has also appointed a Certification Body Partnership Manager to strengthen engagement with certification bodies. The initiative comes amid record activity, including 369,000 certified installations in 2025.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40