WWW.BUILDINGCONNECTION.COM.AU AUTUMN 2019

TEACHING AIRTIGHTNESS INSIDE: BREAKING THE SILENCE ON SQUEAKY FLOORS | PE-X EDUCATION AN ODE TO AWA’S FEARLESS LEADER | BREAKING THE SILENCE ON SQUEAKY FLOORS WHAT ARE YOU REALLY WORTH? CHARGE OUT RATE CALCULATOR The original FyreBox™ just got The Simplest Firestopping Method. Ever.

BOSS’s multi award-winning FyreBox™ - now approved for multiple penetrations.

PROVIDES UP TO -/120/120 FOR: 7,?࠮7,?(3࠮\7=*WPWLZ࠮:[LLSZWYPURSLYWPWLZ࠮*VWWLY 7HPYJVPS

Now approved for risers, shaft walls, inter-tenancies & all common wall types /LILS࠮:WLLKWHULS࠮:OHM[^HSS࠮0U[LY^HSS࠮:OHM[SPULY࠮+PUJLS࠮)SVJR࠮)6::)H[[Z

Guarantees compliance every time.

1300 502 677 IVZZMPYLJVTH\ 7,? 7,?(3WS\TIPUN NHZWPWLZ

better (SSV^Z\USPTP[LKJVWWLY WHPYJVPS

-\SSYHUNLVMWV^LY KH[HJHISLZ

-`YL)V_™ THE GAME CHANGER CONTENTS

COVER STORY

10 AIRTIGHT BUILDINGS: THE NEXT ‘BIG THING’ IN CONSTRUCTION Airtightness has been labeled as the single most important contributor to a building’s energy effi ciency. So why is Australia so far behind the rest of the developed world? 10

FEATURES

18 PE-X EDUCATION 52 BREAKING THE SILENCE ON The choice of cross-linked SQUEAKY FLOORS polyethylene piping products has Protection from the elements increased in recent years, with is the key to preventing noise many builders and plumbers still pollution in new residential confused as to which piping is properties. Brihony Tulloch 18 best for which job. investigates how you can help. 22 AN ODE TO AWA’S FEARLESS LEADER REGULARS Following more than 15 years with the AWA, executive director 06 Editorial and CEO Tracey Gramlick has 08 Industry news drawn the curtains on an 28 Waterproof Positive illustrious career in fenestration. 32 Kitchens & Bathrooms WHAT ARE YOU REALLY WORTH? 24 36 Window World There’s a mountain of stuff to get 56 Products 22 your head around in order to be a successful small business owner. 81 Trade stuff And one incredibly important fragment of that mountain is knowing what to charge.

50 CERTIFY TO THRIVE An Adelaide building company is the fi rst in South Australia to achieve the new Standard 67 TOOLS in safety as well as quality and environmental management. Can 70 LEGAL 52 you do the same? 72 MARKETING

4 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 IT’S IMPORTANT TO KEEP SOME THINGS DRY

WATER RESISTANT PLASTERBOARD USG Boral water resistant plasterboard* for use in bathrooms, showers, laundries and toilets. Lightweight – quick to install – easy to handle, score and snap – less waste – superior finish in painted areas.

*Includes USG Boral 13mm WETSTOP™, Fire WetStop™ and MultiStop™ 4 and 5. USGBORAL.COM/AU/WR-PLASTERBOARD

SALES ENQUIRIES 1800 003 377 TecASSIST™ 1800 811 222

USGBoral.com Interior Linings Ceilings Cornice Finishes Systems Solutions

© 2018 USG BORAL. All rights reserved. USG BORAL, INNOVATION INSPIRED BY YOU, WETSTOP™, Fire WetStop™ and MultiStop™ are trademarks of USG Boral Building Products or one or more of its affiliates. SHEETROCK is a registered trademark of United States Gypsum Company and used under license. WetStop™ Plasterboard used as a cricket pitch cover for illustrative purposes only. USG Boral does not currently sponsor any major cricketing events. UB1297 12/18 EDITORIAL

WHERE’S THE ROYAL

COMMISSION INTO www.buildingconnection.com.au AIRTIGHTNESS? MANAGING DIRECTOR Jeff Patchell jeff [email protected] GENERAL MANAGER Jeremy Sweet [email protected] EDITOR - BUILDING CONNECTION Justin Felix 03 9542 9014 [email protected] EDITOR – ACROSS THE TRADES Paul Skelton [email protected] STAFF WRITERS Brihony Tulloch, Cameron Grimes GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Sam Elliott, Kat Jeff erys uring the recent hearings a simple air tightness test costing ADVERTISING TRAFFIC MANAGER into the Banking, less than $1000 would have saved Tracey Glanville Superannuation and over 30 years! SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER D Brigitta Novosell Financial Services Industry we heard Our cover story is a bit of a 03 9542 9005 some unbelievable testimony. monster, but when it comes to the CONTRIBUTORS That included learning that the top issue of airtightness, there’s nothing Andrew Golle, Jerry Tyrrell, Selina Zwolsman, 200 mortgage brokers representing short and sweet about it. John Power, Dr Darry O’Brien, Paul Cott the Commonwealth Bank earn up As John Power reports, airtightness ADVERTISING to $2.5 million dollars annually. Now has been labelled the single most Ralph Harpur 0417 449 699 [email protected] that’s enough to upset brain surgeons important contributor to a building’s TO SUBSCRIBE 1800 623 214 and the plumbers! energy effi ciency. Why is it then that Australia 03 9542 9000 We’re sure there are better ways Australia is so far behind the rest of New Zealand +61 3 9542 9000 to spend money rather than on the developed world? Fax (with credit card details) 03 9542 9090 the broker’s fi rst class holidays to In the article we assess

the Maldives at the expense of the how improved airtightness – www.facebook.com/BuildingCXNMag/ fully-extended home owner who notwithstanding potentially complex www.linkedin.com/showcase/building- discovered their brand new ‘dream ventilation and moisture control connection-australia/ home’ is leaking like a sieve and strategies – is ultimately a positive chewing up money on electricity and force when embraced to achieve www.twitter.com/BuildingCxnMag other expensive fuels. optimal building effi ciencies. By mail, please write to the address below In an era of value-add, maybe the PUBLISHED BY: banks should have been insisting WELCOME BACK Connection Magazines Pty Ltd on an air tightness test as part of Former editor Justin Felix has 2/18-22 Lexia Place, Mulgrave, VIC 3170 their loan condition, as in the years returned to the hot seat. After a two AUSTRALIA to come, lots of these interest-only year hiatus in the fi shing industry, and ISSN 1320-0100 loans are going to come back to bite a European adventure, we’ve lured Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily refl ect those of the publisher. many a home owner, let alone pay for him back in for a second stint. Although all materials are checked for accuracy, no the artifi cially infl ated energy costs. liability is assumed by the publisher for any losses due to the use of material in this magazine. Copyright Little did average home borrowers Enjoy the read 2019 by Connection Magazines. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored know, the brokerage fees were adding in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by $6,750 to the servicing cost of an any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior permission of average $300,000 loan. Imagine what Jeff Patchell Connection Magazines.

6 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 ut going abo de e ce or n tr m a l n i r s e a

d e

L

stiebel.com.au/decentralised INDUSTRY NEWS

UPDATED RESIDENTIAL AIR CONDITIONING EFFICIENCY STANDARDS RELEASED AS/NZS 5141:2018, Residential heating and cooling systems – Minimum applications and requirements for energy effi ciency, performance and comfort criteria has been published following the work of industry representatives, consumer advocates, regulators and technical experts. “There are countless schemes in place to guide energy effi cient products in our homes, but none look at the installation and design of air conditioning and its impact on overall energy effi ciency,” said Standards Australia chief executive Dr Bronwyn Evans. This Standard specifi es the ACCESSEAP ADVOCATES FOR BETTER “Talking about problems and taking requirements for design, selection, MENTAL HEALTH IN TRADE INDUSTRIES action are proven ways for male installation, commissioning and The rate of suicide among men in the tradies to stay mentally healthy, but maintenance of residential heating trades industry, especially lower- it’s still diffi cult to get them to take and cooling climate control systems. skilled employees, is approximately that all important fi rst step,” explains “Over the last two decades, double that of the general male AccessEAP clinical services director equipment energy effi ciency programs working population. Marcela Slepica. such as Energy Labelling and MEPS It’s this trend that motivated Managers and employees need to be (Minimum Energy Performance Australian not-for-profi t AccessEAP educated on the behaviours that may Standards) have driven air conditioning launch Toolbox Talks. These sessions indicate a colleague is going through equipment manufacturers to focus on increasing awareness of a tough time and learn ways to dramatically improve the energy mental health issues and helping men encourage them to seek help if there is effi ciency of their products,” said to understand that at some point concern for their welfare. Standards Australia technical most people need help and that help is committee chair Robert Beggs. available. AccessEAP off ers some tips to help “However, these effi ciency gains AccessEAP relationship men reach out in times of need: (which have come at a cost to the management director Eleni van ∫ Seeking help is positive for your manufacturer and ultimately the Delft has already provided tailored mental health. It is not a sign of consumer) can be blown away with toolbox talks to organisations in weakness; poor application or installation. the manufacturing, mining and ∫ The best health is achieved with “This Standard now introduces construction industries and is amazed looking after both your physical and minimum requirements for the by the immediate eff ect it has had on mental health; selection and installation of the participants. ∫ Make self-care a priority and set equipment and system components to “Often in male dominated industries, goals for sleep, exercise and “me” ensure that the installed system can the macho mentality still exists where time; operate at optimum effi ciency. Other men are afraid to show weakness, ∫ Maintain social contact and keep important consumer requirements sadness or vulnerability,” says Eleni. in touch with friends and family; such as noise levels, system reliability, “If men don’t feel like they can open and, serviceability and workmanship are up, it can have a detrimental eff ect on ∫ Equip yourself with the tools and also addressed by this Standard.” their mental wellbeing.” strategies you need to cope with With a recent focus on promoting challenging life events. Start a healthy body and healthy mind, with your EAP and a confi dential Toolbox Talks helps build awareness appointment. in some of the more male orientated workplaces where mental health For more information please visit issues are prominent. www.accesseap.com.au

8 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 INDUSTRY NEWS

HYNE TIMBER ANNOUNCES “Increased GLT manufacturing STUDENT CREATES BIO-BRICKS FROM SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION TO GLT capability has been on our horizon for HUMAN URINE MANUFACTURING a number of years and a Queensland University of Cape Town (UCT) post Hyne Timber has announced Government grant has accelerated graduate student Suzanne Lambert a significant expansion to its this investment,” Jon says. has developed a natural process that Glue Laminated Timber (GLT) “GLT is the talk of the design and allows bio-bricks to be created from manufacturing capability in construction industry, but a lack of human urine. Maryborough, Queensland. competitive Australian supply options The process, known as microbial The new state-of-the-art has prevented many projects from carbonate precipitation, involves manufacturing plant will accompany using it. colonising loose sand with bacteria the existing plant in Maryborough’s “Increased capability here in that produces an enzyme called Industrial Estate which is now in its Australia will be a game changer urease. 40th year of production. for the construction sector and This enzyme breaks down the urea This announcement comes as a very positive area of growth for in urine while producing calcium engineered timber manufactured from Maryborough.” carbonate through a complex plantation softwood is increasingly Construction of the new plant chemical reaction. preferred for larger scale commercial is expected to commence within a The end result is cemented the sand and residential construction matter of weeks. which can be molded into any shape, projects due to its sustainability and “Recruitment of a range of or in this case, a rectangular building environmental credentials. specialist roles will commence well brick. Hyne Timber chief exectuive Jon ahead of plant commissioning, with The next phase of research Kleinschmidt says investment to more operational and specialist jobs will explore how to optimise the increase manufacturing capability has created as production scales up,” manufacturing process so that it can never been more timely. Jon says. lead to profit, the logistics of urine collection and transport to a resource recovery, and social acceptance. 2019 NCC SEMINARS COMING Presentations will be held in all capital FEBRUARY AND MARCH cities and this is your opportunity to The 2019 NCC seminars will be hear about BCA focussed changes – NEW VISION IMPAIRMENT STANDARDS presented by the ABCB and Standards don’t miss out! FOR BUILDING RELEASED Australia in February and March 2019. Standards Australia will also outline The latest ‘wayfinding’ Standard, AS Representing the culmination details of changes to Australian 1428.4.2:2018 Design for access and of the first three year amendment Standards that are referenced in the mobility Part 4.2 – Means to assist cycle, the seminars will inform NCC. the orientation of people with vision practitioners involved with designing, At the conclusion of the seminars, impairment – Wayfinding signs, approving or constructing buildings two webcasts will be available; one has been published following broad about important changes included covering amendments to the BCA and stakeholder consultation. in the latest edition of the NCC. the other on amendments to the PCA. The Standard guides the provision of signage within the built DATES AND VENUES FOR THE 2019 SEMINARS ARE: environment for people who are blind CITY DATES VENUE or vision impaired. “This Standard is an excellent Canberra 12 February National Convention Centre example of Standards Australia Perth Convention and Perth 19 & 20 February working with industry to make the Exhibition Centre lives of everyday Australians easier,” Darwin Convention and Darwin 26 February said Standards Australia chief Exhibition Centre executive Dr Bronwyn Evans. Brisbane Convention and Brisbane 28 February & 1 March “The impact and intended benefits Exhibition Centre of this Standard is so far-reaching 5 & 6 March (two sessions on International Convention Sydney that representatives of the building 6 March) Centre Sydney and property sector, consumer Hobart 8 March Hotel Grand Chancellor groups, government departments, 13 & 14 March (two sessions Melbourne Convention and Melbourne architects and disability advocates on 13 March) Exhibition Centre were all involved in its drafting and Adelaide 15 March Adelaide Convention Centre eventual publication,” she said.

www.buildingconnection.com.au 9 COVER STORY AIRTIGHTNESS

AIRTIGHT BUILDINGS: THE NEXT ‘BIG THING’ IN CONSTRUCTION AIRTIGHTNESS HAS BEEN LABELED AS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTOR TO A BUILDING’S ENERGY EFFICIENCY. SO WHY IS AUSTRALIA SO FAR BEHIND THE REST OF THE DEVELOPED WORLD? JOHN POWER REPORTS.

he term ‘airtightness’ is both 20 YEARS BEHIND THE US the inside and outside of a building, is scientific and emotive. Before we examine what airtightness measurable (see the accompanying T Undoubtedly, the idea of involves at a practical level, let’s begin text Measuring Airtightness, on p. 16). minimising air leaks conjures only by noting some of its broad principles As described, perhaps the most easily positive engineering vibes – every within the context of what the rest of understood measurement is expressed building owner would applaud the goal the world is doing. in terms of Air Changes Per Hour (ACH). of optimising heating, ventilation and Airtightness refers to the air This value equates to the number of air conditioning (HVAC) performance, permeability of a building envelope, i.e. times per hour the air volume is fully as well as better health, by removing its capacity to inhibit the unintended replenished in a building (or sample area unwanted gaps and cracks in the transfer of air between the interior of a larger structure) when subjected building envelope. of a building and the outside world. to an air pressure blower door test at However, there is an accompanying A building with poor airtightness 50 Pa. undercurrent of suspicion about this is often described as ‘leaky’, as it The higher the ACH value, the leakier activity. Does airtightness compromise permits excessive or uncontrolled air the building. A value of 0–2 is considered our ability to invite fresh air into a transference. In winter, this translates excellent – indeed, a score of 0.6 is building, effectively prioritising energy into heated air escaping from a the target for home owners seeking efficiency over the comfort of a cool building while unwanted cool air enters to attain ‘Passivhaus’ standards1; a evening breeze? interior spaces, seriously degrading result of 3–5 is good; a result of 10 is We examine why both attitudes are the effectiveness of heating units; fair, usually demonstrating easily fixed simplistic, and assess how improved conversely, in summer a leaky building shortcomings; and a result of 15 or airtightness – notwithstanding allows cool air to leave a building and worse is poor. potentially complex ventilation and unwanted hot air to enter, curtailing the Most experts agree that a home, for moisture control strategies – is a function of cooling systems. example, should achieve a decent rating positive force when embraced to The extent of a building’s leakiness, of less than 10 ACH simply by ensuring achieve optimal building efficiencies. i.e. the rate at which air moves between that all tradespeople uphold the

10 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019

COVER STORY AIRTIGHTNESS

Other instruments like NABERS DIAGRAM 1 – ‘GOOD’ DESIGN OUTCOME and NatHERS do not reference or reward ‘best practice’ airtightness performance levels. How does Australian airtightness policy compare with other countries’ activities? “In Australia the building science industry, including airtightness, is 20 years behind the US… and the US is 10 years behind Europe, so it’s pretty far back,” says technical manager Pro Clima Australia; and president Air Infi ltration and Ventilation Association of Australia (AIVAA) Sean Maxwell. “There’s some pretty old perspectives here [in Australia] and ideas about buildings and sealing things up.” While airtightness design and implementation in Australia is purely This is a cold roof system using vapour- Cons permeable layers to control condensate and ∫ Uncontrolled roof space ventilation discretionary, and described in the rigid roofi ng substrate to ensure correct is reliant on wind and temperature loosest possible language in our run-off , even at low slopes, and manage pressures to derive airfl ow for moisture National Construction Code (NCC), long-term durability under fl uctuating wind management. The amount of airfl ow it is important to note that a draft stresses. cannot be guaranteed at advantageous Pros times. Critical selection of vapour- 2019 NCC, due for adoption early next ∫ Good vapour control at the roofl ine; permeable roof sheathing like specially year, adds extra rigour to airtightness excellent drainage with no risk of ponding formulated OSB is essential for proper provisions – though there are no or associated leaks. vapour management. Incorrect selection ∫ Safe and easy to install quality of vapour-impermeable plywoods or moves to make airtightness standards uninterrupted water control layer. timber boards, etc, can lead to long-term mandatory. ∫ A counter batten approach allows for a damage. This draft 2019 NCC presents two highly ventilated cavity between the metal sheeting and the membrane to drive off Roof Space Ventilation pathways for improving airtightness residual moisture in cold periods and It is essential that the gap between the roof in buildings: achieving a target score allows for removal of heat in summer. membrane and sheeting be well ventilated. of 10 ACH; or adopting an Alternative ∫ Well-sealed vapour control layers on It is not essential that the roof space Performance Solution, comprising a the inside of the structure provide for have large amounts of ventilation to expel better air tightness and prevent moisture moisture from the roof space. checklist of building practices designed from inside the home entering tin toe to maximise airtightness. Sean says a h construction systems a potentially subsequent 2022 NCC will ‘hopefully’ resulting in long term moisture issues. create even stricter and clearer Diagram and explanation courtesy Jesse Clarke, Pro Clima Australia. measures regarding airtightness in buildings. By contrast, he says, many other countries incorporate airtightness highest standards during construction, (introduced in early 2018). This tool, performance into their building codes and by targeting obvious leakage points which relates to larger buildings like with compulsory levels of compliance. like ill-fi tting door seals, gaps in window offi ces, factories, schools, hospitals, “For instance, in the US many states frames, missing or poor-performing etc., off ers points of credit for have regulations whereby you can’t get vent dampers, fl oorboard cracks, as well applicants who can prove their building your certifi cate of occupancy unless you as loosely sealed downlight fi ttings. has been commissioned and tuned prove you have reached a mandatory In Australia airtightness, particularly to stated air permeability thresholds. airtightness level,” Sean says. in the residential sector, is seldom taken “In my home state of New York the into account when designing buildings minimum required level is 3 ACH; in and very rarely tested. states like Georgia – with a similar There is only one building rating climate to here – it’s 5 ACH.” tool in Australia that rewards superior Pro Clima technical Figures vary from state to state, he airtightness performance, which manager Sean Maxwell. explains, depending on which version of is Green Star – Design As Built v1.2 the International Energy Conservation Building Design & Construction Codes (IECC) is adopted by individual

12 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 COVER STORY AIRTIGHTNESS

state jurisdictions, but a ballpark score DIAGRAM 2 – ‘BETTER’ DESIGN OUTCOME of 3–6 ACH applies to most US states. In the UK airtightness testing has been compulsory in new buildings in Wales and England, for instance, for well over a decade, with tests requiring air permeability ratings in the vicinity of 5 m3/(h.m2). So, what kinds of ACH scores do we attain in Australia? Sean cites a detailed CSIRO report2, released in 2015, which involved the testing of 125 modern residential dwellings (all relatively recent constructions) throughout the country. The results showed an average Australia-wide score of 15.4 ACH… “Which is about fi ve times leakier than the minimum state-mandated requirement in New York,” Sean says, This is a non-ventilated cold roof system better airtightness and prevent moisture adding that only state-employed utilising vapour-permeable layers to control from inside the home entering into the building inspectors are able to issue condensate, and rigid roofi ng substrate to construction systems and potentially compliance certifi cation. ensure correct run-off , even at low slopes, resulting in long-term moisture issues. Cons Sean says Australia should be aiming and manage long-term durability under fl uctuating wind stresses. ∫ Careful selection of materials for vapour for ‘respectable’ airtightness levels in Pros permeance and moisture sensitivity is homes of approximately 5 ACH. “And ∫ Good vapour control at the roofl ine; essential to gain enough drying capacity always keep the building code in the excellent drainage with no risk of ponding for any given climate. or associated leaks. right perspective, which is the worst ∫ Safe and easy to install quality Roof Space Ventilation building you can legally build!” uninterrupted water control layer. It is essential that the gap between the roof At the very least, he advises, our ∫ A counter batten approach allows for a membrane and sheeting be well ventilated. highly ventilated cavity between the metal No ventilation is provided to the roof building codes should reference a sheeting and the membrane to drive off space and the moisture is managed by well simple ‘quantitative’ performance residual moisture in cold periods, and implemented vapour control layers on the benchmark, in line with US models, in allows for removal of heat in summer. inside and outside of the structure. order to clarify airtightness targets and ∫ Well sealed vapour control layers on the inside of the structure provide for create a standard that homeowners can understand. Diagram and explanation courtesy Jesse Clarke, Pro Clima Australia.

PUTTING THEORY INTO PRACTICE It is heartening to see progressive building design consultancies, One long-term exponent is 100 of the company’s homes revealed developers, as well as builders taking Henley Properties, which has been fairly consistent results well under the a strong interest in airtightness as a incorporating airtightness testing proposed NCC Infi ltration threshold. means of augmenting energy effi ciency into its dwellings since 2009. Henley Results were also gratifyingly stable and health in buildings. A recent Green constructs approximately 2,500 homes regardless of location, building design Building Council of Australia (GBCA) per year throughout Australia’s eastern (single or double-storey) or style. seminar series, held in partnership seaboard. Airtightness tests matter, Adam with engineering consultancy Aurecon, According to Henley’s energy & says, because without a known level of attracted dozens of enthusiastic sustainability manager Adam Selvay, a leakage, or infi ltration, it is impossible professionals. recent blower door test assessment of to know whether a home will be losing No doubt, Green Star’s recent conditioning energy due to drafts and recognition of air permeability leaks, OR, on the other hand, if it is too performance has sparked signifi cant tight and at risk of indoor air quality interest in airtightness in commercial concerns. buildings; however, Australia also Energy & Sustainability The only way to build an effi cient and has some pedigree in the practical manager Adam Selvay. healthy home is with the use of a blower application of airtightness protocols door test, he stresses. within the residential building sector. Many other jurisdictions have

www.buildingconnection.com.au 13 COVER STORY AIRTIGHTNESS

drafts and a leaky home, as the DIAGRAM 3 – ‘BEST’ DESIGN OUTCOME insulation is not going to be nearly as eff ective as it is intended to be.” In support of this opinion, Adam says Henley has modeled the energy star ratings of similar homes at 5 ACH and 25 ACH respectively, resulting in a diff erence of two stars. In other words, home energy ratings that do not allow for airtightness assessments are seriously inaccurate. Ratings apart, there are other important reasons for paying careful attention to airtightness, including greater occupant comfort, less fl uctuation in indoor temperatures, and improved health through lower infi ltration of allergens, dust, smoke and pollution. What measures must be undertaken to bring a home down to 5 ACH? Adam Ideal Warm Roof with internal and external ∫ Vapour-permeable layers allow for large air and moisture management. drying capacity and therefore built in says there is no single “silver bullet”. Sophisticated fully air-controlled and resilience in the event of incorrect water “Rather, it’s about building fi xtures, vapour-managed construction system shedding through workmanship and/or fi ttings, materials, process and quality,” utilising control layers to deliver excellent water control layer detailing issues. he says. “And it’s about choosing health, durability and energy effi ciency ∫ Rigid sheathing allows for proper drainage outcomes. even at low slopes and also manages wind materials, fi xtures and fi ttings that are Pros pressures on the membranes, allowing for fi t for purpose, with attention paid to ∫ Good vapour control at the roofl ine; long-term durability of weather seals on what their purpose is meant to be.” excellent drainage with no risk of ponding the water barrier. A good example, Adam says, is or associated leaks. Uninterrupted water Cons control layer. ∫ Careful selection of vapour permeance Henley’s specially designed downlight, ∫ A counter batten approach allows for a properties and moisture sensitivity of which is made to deliver premium LED highly ventilated cavity between the metal materials is required. lighting without unwanted air infi ltration sheeting and the membrane to drive off ∫ The rafters penetrating the external residual moisture in cold periods and weather barrier should be sealed for into ceiling cavities. allows for removal of heat in summer. optimal control of air and water, which can Other signifi cant fi ttings that aff ect ∫ Well-sealed vapour control layers on add labour. airtightness include is evaporative the inside of the structure provide for ∫ The capital cost is higher, but the total cooling. “The duct sizes are large, and better airtightness and prevent moisture lifetime cost is reduced through enhanced from inside the home entering in to the durability. even though Evaps in cool climates have construction systems, that can potentially backdraft dampers installed, they are result in long-term moisture issues. Roof Space Ventilation not entirely eff ective.” ∫ The use of coincident thermal control, It is essential that the gap between the roof vapour control, air control and water membrane and sheeting be well ventilated. Adam says Henley is comfortable with control layers allow for highly predictable No ventilation is provided to the roof airtightness levels of approximately 5 outcomes. No large air void reduces space and the moisture is managed by well ACH, as greater levels of airtightness uncertainty in performance. It also frees implemented vapour control layers on the up the possibility of creating a roof cavity inside and outside of the structure. inevitably require a higher specifi cation for use as an attic or storage space. of ventilation and moisture control. Diagram and explanation courtesy Jesse Clarke, Pro Clima Australia. Such measures, he suggests, might require a degree of occupant activity and understanding that is beyond market readiness. gone down the pathway of prescriptive “For a long time we’ve understood Indeed, the notion that buildings airtightness without due consideration that the NatHERS energy rating should be airtight – but not too airtight of ventilation and encountered Sick software can assess insulation, thermal without appropriate scrutiny – brings Building Syndrome (SBS). This is easily mass, glazing, orientation and design a whole new layer of complexity to the avoided with known infi ltration results layout, but it has not had any capability theme of airtightness… and requirements for ventilation for adjustment of air infi ltration,” he controls at specifi c thresholds.Another explains. VENTILATION, MOISTURE & reason for blower door testing is to “Clearly, it doesn’t matter what CONDENSATION verify that a 6 Star energy rating of a insulation or what windows you build CETEC consultant Ben Lindsay says home is not wildly off the mark. a home with – if you’ve got signifi cant increased airtightness certainly carries

14 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 COVER STORY AIRTIGHTNESS

associated requirements for careful airtightness testing in Australia for both system’, rather than a cluster of ventilation and moisture control, though dwellings and non-dwellings builds. isolated engineering challenges. designers should not be fearful of Also, more importantly, we hope to see In fact, according to building science extremely airtight spaces – increased more airtightness testing thought about manager for Australia and NZ, Pro airtightness permits increased and specifi ed in project specifi cations Clima Australia Jesse Clarke, problem- opportunity for control of air movement by designers and architects early free outcomes really necessitate an and behaviour. in the design stage. This will allow integrated ‘hygrothermic’ analysis of And the building industry trusts the air tightness specialists to foresee the entire structure. science: Ben says Green Star ratings ventilation, moisture and condensation The fi rst step is to provide adequate involving airtightness processes issues and provide design advice to fi x internal ventilation, Jesse says. This have motivated an upswing in related these issues well before the concrete is might include one or many supply enquiries – “The driver behind 80% even poured.” air inlets nozzles or vents placed of airtightness testing enquiries When buildings become very airtight, strategically to maximise comfort we receive is due to Green Star Ben stresses, the need to fi ne-tune while extracting waste air in the most compliance,” Ben says. the whole building envelope becomes appropriate places. For example, inlets “We hope in the future to see an more acute, taking into account the might be in living spaces, and outlets industry-wide adoption/acceptance of structure’s location, prevailing climate, in bathrooms or kitchens. Cutting- useage, construction materials, edge technologies, he adds, such as internal air movement, internal vapour- heat recovery ventilation systems are generating hotspots like kitchens and able to heat or cool fresh air before it showers, as well as all the building enters a building using energy derived CETEC consultant fabric’s layers (including insulation and from outfl owing air. These systems can Ben Lindsay. cladding). be enhanced with fi ltration, meaning Clearly, it helps to regard buildings infl owing air is actually cleaner than with strong airtightness as a ‘building ambient external air.

Building up to eight storeys? Stick with timber framing.

From traditional timber framing to new mass timber building systems, timber can deliver a range of advantages including; lower costs, increased speed of construction, safer workplaces and reduced footing requirements. Timber also delivers the environmental benefit of reducing CO2 emissions while storing carbon in the structure. Choose timber and you can bring these benefits to your next project. Discover how at woodsolutions.com.au www.buildingconnection.com.au 15 COVER STORY AIRTIGHTNESS

MEASURING AIRTIGHTNESS Such techniques are a great start – and they certainly help to overcome the Airtightness can be measured in most buildings to a high degree of accuracy. practice of opening windows or doors Adelaide-based ESD consultant SUHO to introduce fresh, unconditioned, Jessica Allen, has signifi cant experience potentially moisture-bearing air into a assessing the air infi ltration performance of all types of buildings. building and undoing all the benefi ts of According to Jessica, the scientifi c the airtight envelope! But they’re not a assessment of air infi ltration is a fl edgling complete solution. specialist fi eld in Australia, with some 36 registered practitioners spread throughout As Jesse explains, a more holistic the country. (“Victoria is leaps and bounds approach is needed to make sure all ahead of the rest of the country in terms building and design aspects of an of energy effi ciency,” Jessica notes.) airtight building co-function in harmony, Nevertheless, the building and construction industry nationally is making increased use delivering maximal energy effi ciency of air pressure (blower door) tests to confi rm without creating any unwanted building tightness and overall construction moisture-related side eff ects. quality. In terms of demand, Jessica says SUHO’s caseload comprises 60% residential, 40% BEYOND AIRTIGHTNESS: commercial property testing. HYGROTHERMICS Testing is conducted according to AS/ “To achieve truly healthy, durable NZS ISO 9972:2015 Thermal performance of buildings – Determination of air permeability and energy-effi cient buildings, of buildings – Fan pressurization method, with A Red Pen Test can help defi ne the parameters international research guiding building buildings pressurized to 50 Pa in accordance of an airtight building envelope. systems development recognises with relevant standards. Tests involve the sealed fi tment of one or that controlling only heat conduction more temporary test fans at the perimeter of readings due to their increased accuracy in structures results in perverse a building envelope, usually a doorway, and when assessing large spaces… though she outcomes due to changing temperature concedes the layperson would have a clearer activating the fan(s) to create the desired gradients and moisture accumulation pressure of 50 Pa. If testers have insuffi cient understanding of ACH results. fans to pressurise oversized buildings Tests are designed to assess habitable at cold surfaces, or within cold porous to 50 Pa, then readings of 25 Pa may be building envelopes, often defi ned by a Red Pen materials,” he says. extrapolated to obtain approved readings. Test. See accompanying diagrams. Used both “Hygrothermics, which is the science Tests on standard dwellings usually fi guratively and literally, a Red Pen Test can involve a single fan, perhaps two, and may help designers, builders and testers ensure of heat and moisture within the building take just a few hours to complete. Assuming that airtightness-related features such as envelope, addresses this issue. In order conventional layouts apply, tests can cost uninterrupted wraparound membranes, to deliver healthy, durable and energy- junctions, etc, are indeed continuous and as little as $800. In typical tests, all operable effi cient buildings we need to shift our doors, windows and vents are closed, though eff ective. permanently open features like gauze slit air perception from ‘thermal envelope’ vents in WCs are left unaltered. NB: as seen in the diagrams, unconditioned to ‘hygrothermal envelope’ design. spaces like garages, verandahs and roof This means understanding not only There are two main units of measurement, cavities (in cool roof structures with ceiling Jessica explains: insulation) are NOT included within the R-values of insulation and conductivity Air Changes Per Hour (ACH) is the most parameters of the Red Pen Test. of materials, but also understanding consumer-friendly method, and assesses the Tests are not designed to pinpoint exact porous materials, moisture storage and number of times per hour the volume of air in leakage points, though problematic trouble a building (or designated zone of a building) spots are generally self-evident. the ability to allow structures to dry completely replenishes under pressure of “The two biggest ones – and the easiest to through vapour diff usion and the overall 50 Pa. The lower the reading, the better the fi x – are exhaust fans that don’t have dampers system resilience to water leaks.” on them; they absolutely pour out free- airtightness. An excellent reading is 0–2 ACH; Jesse says that as structures become a disastrous reading might exceed 30 ACH. fl owing air to the roof cavity, and the Air Permeability – usually expressed dampers cost $35 from Bunnings. more insulated and more airtight, the in terms of m3/(h.m2). This reading The second main weak point is door traditional ‘breezy’ structure approach, assesses the air leakiness of a building seals, and they’re also incredibly which encourages airfl ow through all and is based on the surface area of easy to fi x.” all internal surfaces, including fl oors, Solutions, Jessica adds, cavities and assemblies, no longer walls and ceilings. The lower the are more likely to stem from applies. reading, the better the airtightness. commonsense building practices “By limiting air movement either and the ways in which materials This is the preferred testing method for intentionally or accidentally, we increase commercial-scale buildings. are joined together, rather than “The same test reveals both sets of exotic design methodologies. energy effi ciency but the energy we now results – I always give both readings in my Simple steps like taping up retain used to provide us with the heat reports,” Jessica says, professing membranes following energy required to dry our structure as a preference for air permeability electrical or plumbing interventions can make it fl owed through gaps and cracks, even a massive diff erence to if wasting energy at the same time. ESD consultant SUHO Jessica airtightness. “We use insulation as a barrier to Allen. heat fl ow through building systems.

16 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 COVER STORY AIRTIGHTNESS

However, real barriers do not exist in provides better control of energy and with continuous supply air and extract real buildings. Some amount of heat will of moisture within structures, but the air at the same rate. This is known as always transfer even with insulation in selection of materials and the ability to balanced ventilation and utilising fans the structure. So it is more appropriate allow the systems to dry through the makes it controlled and predictable. to refer to them as control layers materials is essential.” For cold climates the solutions can rather than barriers. Anything that A complete hygrothermal system, range from continuously running is considered a full barrier will never Jesse says, therefore requires the simple supply and extract fans to achieve its intent in the real world, as it following considerations: fully ducted continuous heat recovery is based on a design ideology. ∫ Water control layers – of paramount ventilation. A recommended 10L/s/ “This also holds true for importance in preventing water person is specifi ed in AS 1668.2 weatherproofi ng barriers on the ingress into where the number external side to manage water ingress. highly insulated of people may be In reality a building will leak at some and air-sealed estimated by number point in the lifetime of the building. A construction “In order to of bedrooms plus ‘healthy building systems’ approach systems. Any deliver healthy, one for normal acknowledges this and accounts for it air leakage occupation. For by utilising materials that allow water to through external durable and mixed and warm evaporate and selecting materials that waterproofi ng HQHUJ\HɤFLHQW climates summer allow the water vapour to pass through membranes means buildings we humidity within the the materials in the assembly, thereby that water ingress external air needs to allowing the construction systems to is possible. need to shift our be considered and dry out.” ∫ Thermal control SHUFHSWLRQIURP dehumidifi cation may What has this to do with air sealing? layers – Insulation be required to ensure “Airtight seals applied to water is critical to create µWKHUPDOHQYHORSH¶ dry and healthy control layers provide optimal energy effi cient, WRµK\JURWKHUPDO indoor environments. weatherproofi ng,” Jesse says. healthy and HQYHORSH¶GHVLJQ´ Providing the “Ensuring water does not leak is durable buildings. above elements the fi rst step for a healthy building. Insulation helps -HVVH&ODUNH3UR&OLPD are considered But we need to consider how to get regulate indoor $XVWUDOLD in conjunction unintended water leaks back out of temperatures at with airtightness the structure and encourage drying healthy conditions measures, a building processes like water vapour diff usion and keep internal should perform at through carefully selected materials surfaces warm to reduce the peak energy effi ciency without incurring and vapour control layers to release likelihood of mould growth on cold any moisture-based damage. At the moisture from wet structures.” (See the internal lining surfaces. same time it should help enhance the accompanying diagrams, which present ∫ Air control layers – Nominating comfort and health of occupants. It’s a the incremental pros and cons of three dedicated air control layers is the best complex and fi nely tuned balancing act, (Good, Better, Best respectively) design way of achieving good airtightness but one that can – and does – deliver confi gurations. outcomes. Well implemented air extraordinary results when handled “As we further start to understand barriers prevent humid air moving professionally. how airtight our buildings are in into places you don’t want it and Australia we can gain better control condensing on cold surfaces. over energy leaks. Air also contains Air barriers are the fi rst step in NOTES moisture, and air leaks through managing moisture and delivering 1.Passivhaus is a voluntary design and construction movement based in Germany. It construction cavities take any moisture healthy, durable and energy-effi cient aims to achieve the highest possible energy contained within the air for a free buildings. effi ciency in buildings through state-of- ride. Should that humid air come into ∫ Vapour control layers – Water vapour the-art mechanical and passive design and contact with any cold surfaces then a can migrate through porous materials construction techniques. 2. House Energy Effi ciency Inspections risk of condensation arises. Air sealing and membranes that are designed to Report, Michael Ambrose & Mike Syme, CSIRO, be vapour permeable. These allow for December 2015. migration of water vapour and keep the building dry and healthy while John Power is a freelance achieving airtight envelopes. journalist based in Cherokee and Carlton, Building Science ∫ Living Space Ventilation – It is Victoria, and a former Manager Jesse Clark. favourable to utilise controlled living editor of Building space ventilation in any building. Connection and Plumbing Living space ventilation is best done Connection.

www.buildingconnection.com.au 17 PIPING PE-X EDUCATION

7KHFKRLFHRIFURVVOLQNHGSRO\HWK\OHQH 3(; SLSLQJSURGXFWVKDVVLJQL¿FDQWO\LQFUHDVHGLQWKHSDVW few years, with many builders and plumbers still confused as to which piping is best for which job. Building Connection takes a closer look at the market and the products available.

E-X pipe systems are somewhat of a modern plumbing P phenomenon. In just over 20 years they have captured the majority of the residential hot/cold water supply market from copper, earning vastly more market share than the early starter in polybutylene (PB) piping. Despite its popularity, PE-X and the range of fittings available make for quite a complex decision that many plumbers and builders don’t know enough about, which can result in risky business practices. There are many considerations to make before you specify or install a PE-X system and although a cursory glance may give you the impression that all systems are the same, it’s not that simple, and price is certainly not a guide. “With such a vast array of PE-X piping and associated fittings on the market, plumbers can be a bit overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the right product for the job,” Auspex product manager Glenn Bines says.

TYPES OF PE-X – A QUICK GUIDE In Australia, PE-X pipe supplied to the market is categorised as PE-Xa, PE-Xb Knowing what type of PE-X to use, and how each type should be paired with the or PE-Xc. right tools is vital to ensuring installation is successful. PE-Xa is produced by the peroxide (Engel) method which takes slightly longer to manufacture, while PE-Xb is clean, economical and allows for the PE-Xc features a natural (translucent) known as the silane or ‘moisture cure’ pigment to be run throughout the entire core with a black jacket. method. wall of the pipe.” “When extruding PE-Xb, if you take Industry consultant Alan Whittle JOINING METHODS the pipe off the machine and leave it to explains that PE-Xc is produced by a There are three methods of connecting sit in the open air, it will take months to physical cross linking process instead PE-X, all of which involve mechanical eventually achieve the necessary level of chemical agents. fittings. of cross linking,” says Glenn. “Firstly, polyethylene pipe is extruded “Recent developments in copper “We take the pipe after it is extruded in the normal manner and then exposed systems have seen the introduction of and put it into a humidified environment to electron beam or gamma radiation crimp joints; however, traditionally you at about 95°C and compress those under controlled conditions. While the could buy any copper fitting and braze it months worth of cross linking into four extrusion process is very simple, to on to copper tube,” Glenn says. hours time. manufacture PE-Xc it is necessary to “You obviously can’t do the same “The advantages of the cross linking have access to an expensive radiation with PE-X. The pipes, joining methods method for PE-Xb is that it’s quick, source,” Alan says. and tools are all system-specific so if

18 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 you buy a pipe from one manufacturer, GUIDE TO MARKINGS ON PE-X PIPE: you have to buy everything from the manufacturer.” IT WORKS FAIRLY SIMILAR TO IDENTITY MARKINGS ON YOUR CAR TYRES, EXCEPT IN THE Mixing pipes and fittings from CASE OF PE-X PIPE, THE APPROPRIATE MARKING MUST BE CONTINUOUSLY REPEATED AT INTERVALS NOT GREATER THAN 1 METRE. different manufacturers will immediately void your warranty which WHAT’S IT MEAN.... can prove to be a very expensive exercise should something go wrong. TRADE MARK DN 25 PN 16 SDR 9 PE-Xa 100 060718 C2 AS/NZS 2492 Fittings and tools have evolved and become system-specific with varying internal diameters of pipe, so even if two products look identical, Identity Material Place of they probably aren’t. Two Australian of brand classification Manufacture* manufacturers have developed approved adaptor fittings to help Nominal diameter, Date of Relevant overcome this. classification and SDR Manufacture Standard The joining methods are all tested to the same Standard; therefore, it comes *Some brands may source product from different factories, down to personal choice of pipes used so this identity point could vary for some suppliers when deciding which joint is right for the job.

CRIMP tubing before expanding the tubing until specialised tools, just a square cut on Crimp is one of the most commonly a fitting can be pushed in. The sleeve is the end of the tubing. used joining methods for PE-X as it then pushed back over the pipe end to is readily available. This method uses seal the joint. TOOLS AND MAINTENANCE a smaller diameter fitting that can “Polymer sleeves are flexible and Tools play an important role in the PE-X be pushed inside the tubing before require less force to secure the joint, system and manufacturers will either being crimped. Hand tools and battery which means longer tool battery life supply their own tools or recommend operated tools are both available and faster compression, They are also tools to suit their fittings. As well as and different manufacturers will reversible, eliminating connection using the right tools, plumbers need to use different jaw sizes, so plumbers mistakes” REHAU technical manager maintain them to ensure they are fit for will need to use tools specified by Christoph Schrader says. third party purpose. manufacturers which need to be “Just about all plumbing tools, regularly calibrated and serviced. PUSH-FIT regardless of the brand, can benefit Push-fit type fittings involve the tubing from some simple care and servicing SLIDE being pushed into the fitting, where it to extend their reliability and service The slide joining system is achieved is held in place by a stainless steel grip life,” The Energy Network (TEN) field by placing a sleeve over the end of the ring. These fittings do not require any technician Paul Greenough says.

WHICH PIPE/WHICH FITTING

FITTING TYPE

PEX-X TYPE CRIMP PUSH FIT SLIDE* PE-Xa YES YES YES PE-Xb YES YES NO PE-Xc YES YES NO *Slide-type fittings require the pipe to be expanded which puts pressure on the polymer structure of the pipe. This doesn’t affect PE-Xa due to its manufacturing process.

www.buildingconnection.com.au 19 PIPING

TECHNICAL NOTES “One of the most common problems Lithium-Ion batteries do not suff er this is oil leaks, which have several prime type of problem. All batteries, whether TECHNICAL NOTE – Guidance for determining conformance to AS/NZS 3500 causes. Tools used near or in dirty, dusty used or not, will self-discharge over In September 2015, the Plastic Industry Pipe locations should be frequently wiped time,” Paul adds. Association of Australia (PIPA) released a clean or where possible, blown off with “Certain styles of pressing tool are technical note with guidance on determining compressed air. commonly faced with bent or broken the conformance of PE-X pipe systems to AS/NZS 3500. “All hydraulics weep small amounts of heads caused by the locking pin not In the note, PIPA emphasise that only oil. Dirt gets attracted to these areas and being fully inserted and backing out some products are covered by a product causes premature scoring of bores and during the pressing cycle. standard for specifi c applications, so it is wearing of scraper seals and O-rings. “These pins need to be cleaned and important to ensure that users are aware of the correct PE-X for the particular job. “Using tools in or near wet locations lightly oiled with WD40 or similar to causes corrosion in circuit boards and ensure that they are engaging and The technical note reads: rusting/pitting in cylinder bores. A good locking properly before use.” Products in AS/NZS 3500.4 and Section 3 measure would be to give the tool a It is recommended you spend a few Heated Water Services in AS/NZS 3500.5 quick wipe and spray with a moisture minutes every day, or at least once a (which has since been withdrawn) – specifi cally these are for pipes ≤DN100 displacement spray such as WD40 or week, doing some simple cleaning and and these sections state they shall have a similar. oiling. This simple maximum allowable operating pressure of at “Water left in procedure can greatly least 1.0 MPa at 60°C. the heads can also reduce repair costs in As a result of these additional requirements nominated in AS/NZS 3500, it is possible cause deep pitting In Australia, the long run. to have PE-X pipe that is WaterMarked as and rusting resulting Servicing on a compliant with AS/NZS 2492 that is suitable in an oil leak. Water PE-X pipe supplied regular basis can for cold water applications but not comply with the additional requirements for hot water combined with dirt to the market also help to catch applications – hence care must be exercised makes a grinding problems in the early when determining if a PE-X pipe complies with paste that will also is categorised as stage. High usage the hot water requirements of AS/NZS 3500 parts 4 and 5. score the bores, PE-X-A, PE-X-B or tools may benefi t AS/NZS 2492 Appendix B provides leading to a more PE-X-C. from servicing every guidance on the allowable working pressures expensive repair.” six months, or sooner, of PE-X-80 pipes (the most commonly used Batteries should be depending on the PE-X pipe material) over a range of water temperatures. This guidance is based on kept clean and dry as frequency of use. information drawn from ISO 15875 in order use in wet locations Plan to send tools in to facilitate selection of the appropriate pipe can cause corrosion on the contacts or for servicing every year at the very least. for the application. Table B1 lists the fi ve internally. As previously mentioned, it is “A service always includes a calibration common pipe SDR values with corresponding allowable working pressures at 20°C. best to dry the battery and wipe it clean on the tool which is performed on almost Table B1 states that only pipes with SDR as soon as possible. every repair. At TEN, we test the tool values of 7.4 and 9 have allowable working “Older Ni-Cad batteries can suff er when received and after it’s repaired pressures above the specifi ed level of 1.0 MPa from overcharging. It is best to use to ensure it is working to its designed at 60°C. As pressure rating or PN classifi cation them until depleted and then charge values. Mechanical (manual) tools are not is more commonly used in the plumbing to full, rather than allowing them to calibrated as they rely on human muscle industry the SDR values can be readily charge for extended periods. Ni-MH and power to operate,” Paul says. translated into PN values by using Table 3.2 in AS/NZS 2492. According to Table 3.2 pipe made from PE-X-80 compound with an SDR of 9 has a nominal pressure rating of PN 16 HOT & COLD PIPE SELECTION GUIDE (at 20°C). Similarly a PE-X-80 pipe with an WORKING PRESSURE (MPa) SDR of 7.4 is PN 20. The interpretation of the combined CONTINUOUS SERVICE SDR 7.4 SDR 9 SDR 11 SDR 13.6 SDR 17 requirements of AS/NZS 3500 parts 4 and 5 TEMPERATURE °C along with AS/NZS 2492 is that for hot water 20 2.00 1.60 1.25 1.00 0.80 applications PE-X-80 pipe must have a rating of PN 16 or PN 20 to comply. Lower pressure 60 1.50 1.19 0.95 0.75 0.59 classes might satisfy the requirements for 70 1.33 1.09 0.88 0.69 0.54 cold water but not hot water as nominated in AS/NZS 3500 parts 4 and 5. That is, based on the guidance provided STANDARD DIMENSIONS RATIOS (SDRS) in Appendix B of AS/NZS 2492 PE-X-80 pipes COMPOUND PN 8 PN 10 PN 12.5 PN 16 PN 20 PN 25 with PN ratings of 12.5 or less do not comply with the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4 for PE-X 80 17 13.6 11 9 7.4 - use in hot water applications. PE-X 100 - 17 13.6 11 9 7.4 PE-X 125 - - 17 13.6 11 -

20 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 THE DOS AND DON’TS OF PE-X SYSTEMS STANDARD DIMENSION RATIO (SDR) – WHAT IS IT? According to Umow Lai senior hydraulic 4. Don’t use PE-X to connect solar panels to consultant Chris Mason the most common the storage tank Knowing a PE-X pipe’s SDR is essential issues he’s seen on site when dealing with 5. Don’t install PE-X where it will be exposed in picking the right product for the PE-X piping installation are: to direct sunlight, unless verifi ed with the right job. A pipe’s SDR is the ratio of ∫ The clip spacing for pipe work being well manufacturer pipe diameter to wall thickness, and is beyond the requirements of AS 3500 6. Do complete any brazing/soldering before Plumbing and drainage connecting fi ttings to pipe and quench represented as: ∫ The installation of pipe work through metal fi tting before fi xing pipe SDR = D/s, where D= pipe outside stud work without the use 7. Do ensure your PE-X is sleeved when diameter, and s = pipe wall thickness. of grommets penetrating a slab For example, if a PE-X pipe’s SDR=9, ∫ The use of marker paint being sprayed 8. Do replace any kinked or damaged pipe that means that the diameter of the onto PE-X, which may cause the pipe to before testing deteriorate 9. Do allow for pipe movement/thermal pipe is nine times the thickness of the ∫ The cross use of diff erent fi ttings and expansion/contraction through studs or wall. Because of this, pipes with a lower compression sleeves frames SDR have a higher pressure rating. ∫ The touching of pipe work with sharp edges, 10. Check the unsupported radii of Common SDRs for PE-X piping such as a metal top plate track the pipe products are 7.4, 9, 11, 13.6 and 17. 11. Do use grommets, sleeves or stud clips to Follow the procedures below to ensure you overcome Point 9, in accordance through don’t void the warranty of your PE-X products. the manufacturer’s instructions 1. Do not mix and match manufacturer’s 12. Do install clipping to recommended Auspex products as the warranty will be standards www.auspex.com.au void unless WaterMarked adapters are 13. Do calibrate your crimp tool on a used daily basis The Energy Network (TEN Group) 2. Protect the pipe at all times and make 14. Don’t use metallic clips as they can bite www.tengroup.com.au sure the pipe and fi ttings are clean into the pipe if it expands The Plastics Industry Pipe Association 3. Do pressure test every system on of Australia (PIPA) completion of installation www.pipa.com.au

6LJQL¿FDQWFKDQJHVDUH FRPLQJWRWKHNational Construction Code LQ

Are you ready? Preview available from February 2019 at abcb.gov.au

www.buildingconnection.com.au 21 ASSOCIATION NEWS AN ODE TO AWA’S FEARLESS LEADER

Following more than 15 years with the Australian Window Association (AWA), executive director and CEO Tracey Gramlick has drawn the curtains on an illustrious career in fenestration. John Power reports.

n our modern era of regulatory and commercial volatility, the AWA has been one of the few building industry I associations to not only survive, but thrive. The association’s prosperity is largely attributable to the work of outgoing executive director and CEO Tracey Gramlick, whose participatory leadership, fierce pride in the industry, and pragmatic negotiation skills have helped raise the profile of the glass and window sector in Australia and set the scene for self-controlled industry growth for many years to come. Tracey joined the AWA in 2003 at the invitation of the board and former CEO Ian Frame, who recognised that Tracey’s unique talents as a design engineer, gifted administrator and negotiator, as well as respected educator would help bring a new level of professionalism to the association. After serving five years initially as technical director, Tracey was appointed executive director and CEO in 2008. During her 15-year involvement with the AWA, membership numbers swelled from 280 to 680 – a remarkable feat in the context of the static or declining fortunes of so many other industry associations during this period. Tracey Gramlick, outgoing executive director and CEO of the Australian Window Association (AWA). I’LL TAKE ‘SOMETIMES’… Tracey leaves behind an association that is highly regarded and admired for its excellent training programs, peerless training organisation (RTO), which ultimately facilitated the industry advocacy, direct involvement in governmental policy, creation of the Australian Fenestration Training Institute. and fearless ability to shape its own destiny. This status is the Using her background as an accredited Cert. IV trainer, result of a far-sighted and strategic approach to core industry Tracey insisted that all AWA training programs be written in matters, including member training, full accordance with Cert. IV protocols, product compliance and conformance, as thereby achieving the highest levels of well as regulatory reform. training professionalism from the outset, “The interesting thing is: the AWA is 30 “The interesting and instantly garnering the cooperation of years old this year, and when we look back relevant tertiary institutions. at why the association was established, thing is: the AWA Upon her arrival at the AWA, Tracey the same core problems apply now,” says is 30 years old this also helped develop and expand existing Tracey. “It was about industry skills and year, and when we association programs, most notably the knowledge – training, that is the specific Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS), skills in the industry as opposed to generic look back at why which had a stable of just 2000 products or vanilla sorts of training programs that the association in 2003; under Tracey’s stewardship that were available in universities and schools. was established, inventory grew to some 440,000 products “Remember, also, that the association by the end of 2018. was started when the government decided the same core At a time when most other industry to introduce a seven-year warranty on problems apply associations saw quality control and housing, and the industry said, ‘Oh my compliance measures as an ‘imposition’ goodness, this will apply to all window now,” says Tracey. on member companies, Tracey’s instinct and glass products,’ which meant the was to appreciate that the contrary was industry had to get together and start to true: members would be best served by address issues like product compliance and having greater, not lesser, involvement conformity, as well as technical expertise.” in regulatory oversight by taking ownership of schemes like In response to these significant challenges, one of Tracey’s WERS rather than wait for external parties to thrust such first steps was to establish the AWA as a formal registered schemes on them.

22 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 RBA Group

In similar fashion, Tracey safeguarded and developed the AWA’s status as an independent NATA-approved window Lead-Free product inspection agency. The value of this initiative, commenced under Ian Frame but dramatically expanded under Tracey’s guidance, cannot be overstated. Not only did Water NATA accreditation guarantee that the association would be a credible leader in quality control and compliance procedures, AVAILABLE NOW but it also empowered members by demonstrating their willing adherence to the highest levels of independent scrutiny. “And the interesting thing is we’ve actually thrived on that,” she says. “As an association – and against the judgement of some of ‘Compact’ Water Cooler Accessible the members – we asked, ‘What do we want to achieve?’ and we answered, ‘We want every window in every building in this Drinking Fountain country to be fit for purpose, no matter where windows come from. “You can’t just say, ‘Woe is us, windows are not compliant.’ You have to be able to say we’ve got the solutions and here they are, and this is what we want from you in return. It may only come off sometimes, but I’ll take sometimes…” RBA2730-032 RBA8900-429 GLOBALISATION RULES Tracey’s other great accomplishment was to realise that the AWA operates in an increasingly global commercial Polished Stainless Polished Stainless environment of free trade agreements and borderless 5.0L/m 1.7L/m manufacturing partnerships. Under Tracey’s direction the AWA developed 11 formal Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with a variety of window-based associations in other countries, as well as another 30 associations representing allied industries, to keep members fully apprised of both opportunities and challenges in a global context. This tireless, global, and hands-on involvement in the RBA1083-600 RBA1083-650 industry has dignified the AWA as an indispensable and serious advocate for regulatory reform, giving the association prominence as a shaper of government policy while simultaneously winning practical concessions for members APPROVED Enclosed Trap (such as workable timelines for implementing regulatory DRINKING WATER Drinking Fountain changes). STATIONS - POSITIVE CHANGE CHOOSE FROM Tracey leaves the association as it enters a new era – on 1 OVER 100 January a newly incorporated venture began following the amalgamation of the AWA and AGGA (Australian Glass & MODELS! Glazing Association). RBA8901-102 New executive director and CEO Clinton Skeoch inherits an organisation that is robust, professional, comfortable with the need for ongoing change, and ready to face a brave new world Low Profile of close cooperation with other building industry partners Drinking Fountain and regulators as energy efficiency takes centre-stage in the building sector. Tracey, for her part, looks forward to a range of fresh challenges: numerous board appointments (both in Australia and overseas); as well as plenty of domestic and overseas travel with husband Tony. RBA8900-102 Connection Magazines wishes Tracey a fulfilling next chapter in her career.

SYDNEY | MELBOURNE | BRISBANE | PERTH | AUCKLAND www.buildingconnection.com.au 23 Australia 1300 788 778 www.rba.com.au BUSINESS MATTERS WHAT ARE YOU REALLY WORTH?

$VDQ\VHDVRQHGVPDOOEXVLQHVVRZQHUZLOOWHOO\RXWKHUH¶VDPRXQWDLQRIVWXɣWRJHW\RXUKHDGDURXQG LQRUGHUWREHVXFFHVVIXO2QHVPDOOEXWLQFUHGLEO\LPSRUWDQWGHWDLOLVNQRZLQJZKDWWRFKDUJH Building ConnectionKDVWDNHQWKHJXHVVZRUNRXWRIWKHHTXDWLRQZLWKLWVFKDUJHRXWUDWHFDOFXODWRU

s the backbone of hours on average each week Australia’s economic chasing invoices for payment. A success, small ∫ More than 16% of small and business owners must be 10% of medium businesses say recognised for their passion they need to improve cash fl ow and purpose. As any one of to achieve their fi nancial goals. these individuals will attest ∫ Small businesses spend though, it isn’t all rainbows and 12 hours on average each butterfl ies. week completing paperwork Cash fl ow, staff acquisition to comply with government and retention, growth and regulation. compliance are all key things to It becomes apparent fairly consider. Then there are those quickly then, that charging the other important things like right amount in the fi rst place family and work/life balance. is vital to the success of any Plumbing, electrical, small business. carpentry and various other As there is little in the way of trade services are often under- compulsory business training valued by the public, who fail to guide new industry start- to appreciate the real cost of ups on how to run a fl edging doing business these days. enterprise, we thought we’d They don’t diff erentiate help ease the burden by between a skilled tradesperson creating a charge-out rate who has gone through four- calculator for a sole trader, years of training or, for which is often the starting example, a company-employed point. washing machine repairer who It’s important to understand has done a two-week training that there’s a diff erence course that relies on multiple between estimating a job and a choice service answers from a Resident estimating expert Brian charge-out rate. manufacturer’s app. Seymour says you need to cover your To estimate a project, businesses But part of the blame also lies with the bases or you’ll end up working for need to consider labour and material trade sectors themselves, when they fail discounted wages. costs, as well as the price of plant/ to deliver good value to the consumer excavation works. These elements are (written quotes, on-time, good work, used to create a library of standard good communication), who doesn’t have Inexperienced or start-up contractors rates, which are the catalyst for the same problems when dealing with coming into the market also cloud the estimating. many other business sectors. situation by off ering ridiculously low As a sole proprietor things are a little If you are charging market rates to quotes, either through ignorance or diff erent. You need to factor in the likes the consumer, they should rightfully deliberately. of hours, your required salary and all of expect good service and value. Published in November 2018, the the overheads you need to pay in order The media loves to beat-up the trade Westpac Small Business Report in to keep your business ticking along. industry. Publicity-seeking online collaboration with Deloitte revealed While this calculator makes no job-referral companies like HiPages, some statistics that highlight some of account of hiring support staff or One Flare, Service Seeking, etc. don’t the issues business owners face when charging extra for night/weekend help either, especially when they get it comes to paperwork, compliance and call outs, we hope it can improve the themselves on TV to announce what cash fl ow. likelihood of new businesses surviving plumbers are charging per hour, without Some of these include: the fi rst year and minimising damage to any clarifi cation. ∫ Small businesses spend up to eight the overall sector.

24 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 SETTING THE SCENE enough potential customers for the To create the right impression with The aim of this exercise is to work he’s accustomed to doing. customers and be reliable, Gary’s demonstrate how to logically arrive Domestically, Gary has one child to decided to fi nance a new van but he at a charge-out rate calculation, for a his partner Sarah, who works part-time doesn’t believe he needs an offi ce typical fi rst year contractor starting but much of what she earns goes into and can work on quotes/accounts from out. baby-sitting. Gary home and claim a home-offi ce tax In this example, spends the fi rst deduction. Gary has served $30,000 of their after He’s accumulated a reasonable tool his apprenticeship It’s important tax income on rent kit including computer and software with a local trade and has family living over the years and will opt to hire/rent contractor. He to understand that costs much the same any specialised equipment and charge reckons he’s a good WKHUH¶VDGLɣHUHQFH as most others. it back on jobs. The world wishes Gary tradesman and gets He hasn’t saved a good luck with his new venture, in the on well with clients. between estimating lot, in spite of having knowledge that some 50% of small Three years after DMREDQGDFKDUJH a company van and businesses fail in their fi rst year. fi nishing his time, out rate. completing a fair bit To give Gary’s business every chance Gary completes the of overtime with his of survival, let’s see what his real costs exams and gains a previous employer. are and then consider what he should contractor’s licence. He’ll need some funds charge his time out at. At the age of 27, for cash fl ow, as he Gary is ready to take on the world and be knows a lot of people don’t pay on time To get an experienced view, his own boss, just like the guy he worked and he needs to buy materials ahead of Building Connection invited expert for over the past seven years. client invoicing. estimating trainer Brian Seymour to He doesn’t have a sophisticated Over time he hopes to earn a credit make some comments on the way marketing plan but believes there are account with his main wholesaler. through the exercise. lightweight & Fast to install, with less STEEL, labour & costs

• Superior advantages over blockwork and traditional concrete formwork • Waterproof and durable protective barrier • Continuous concrete pour height up to 4.5m (275mm profile) • Deep basement up to 60 storeys • Accommodates curved walls • A range of finishing applications available 110MM 155MM 200MM 275MM www.dincel.com.au | 1300 dincel takE STRUCTURAL WALLING TO the next level. BUSINESS MATTERS

CHARGE-OUT RATE CALCULATOR

A. HOURS EXAMPLE YOUR RATE Estimate the number of ordinary hours you work per year Fill out your rate here Weeks in the year 52 weeks Less: Annual Leave 20 days Public Holidays 10 days Sick Leave 2 days Inclement weather 2 days Lost time/Training courses 2 days Eff ective working weeks 45 weeks Ordinary working hours per week 38 hours Total available working hours per year 1,710 hours Less lost hours (1.5 eff ective hours lost a day*) 338 hours Total Available Hours (Available hours are diff erent to chargeable hours. You probably won’t reach 1,372 in your fi rst year) 1,372 *You lose time travelling, buying materials, providing quotes, chasing up debts, fi nding new clients) B. SALARY $ PER YEAR $ PER YEAR Decide how much pre-tax income you need to earn annually? For this exercise we’ve used $83,900, that’s the average salary of all male workers throughout Australia. Just remember you are taking a signifi cant risk working for yourself, as the majority of those earning the average salary work a 9-5 job for Government or a private enterprise. Weekly pay rate $1,613 x 52 83,900 Superannuation @ 9.5% 7,970 Total salary cost for you $91,870 Brian says - Students often tell me these figures are bull$#!+, until I point out to them that their existing wage is only 73% of what it costs the boss to employ them (they forget to consider holidays, super, etc...). They need to include them in their charge-out or they will be working for discounted wages. C. OVERHEADS $ PER YEAR $ PER YEAR Other costs involved in running your business Personal sickness and accident insurance 800 Public liability insurance (compulsory) 650 Contractor licence fee 650 Electricity/gas (working from home) 500 Van lease (3 years/30%/$38,000 vehicle) 9,500 Van servicing (Year 1 of ownership) 650 Van registration/3rd party insurance 600 Van comprehensive insurance 1350 Petrol (~$60 per week) 3,000 Phone/internet plan plus business apps 960 Bank fees 300 Accounting fee 1000 PPE/clothing 400 Standards/Codes for reference 500 Postage/stationery etc... 400 Replacement of tools (per annum) 1000 Contractor association membership 850 Material waste 500 Contingency (5%) 1000 TOTAL OVERHEADS 24,610 Brian says - In my training courses, I use the average figure of $25,000 as a sole traderÕs overhead, but I also suggest including some Ôdirect costs’ for the first year (i.e. stock, etc...). If Gary is working from home, he needs to ask the question - Ôif my boss asked me to use my spare room as an office and my garage as a store, would I charge him?Õ If the answer is YES, then he should include this cost in his overheads or he is making an unappreciated donation to his customers. (B+C) Ö A = Your charge-out rate

26 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 NEW ABEY HI CLASS WATER HOOKERS EVERY AUSSIE HOME IS SITTING ON A TICKING TIME BOMB

Braided stainless steel flexi hoses do not provide the required protection against rust they first promised, and in time may fail. Corrosion weakens the braiding which can lead to bursting of the inner liners. SOLUTION… Abey’s Polyamide Hi Class Water Hookers offer the most advanced solution and use high strength, non-metallic, non-corrosive braiding similar to kevlar material used in bulletproof vests. Because they are not metal they will never rust, even when in extended contact with water-borne chemicals such as chlorine. They are stable and strong, don’t kink and best of all they come with an unheard of 15 Year Abey Rust Resistance Warranty.

Brass alloy end connectors for SoftPEX® core inner liner various sizes & applications. with temperature operating yr range tested to conform 15 within the scope of AS3499 Rust Resistance Warranty 70° Celsius at 1000kpa. Boostcrimp.

No kinking – the spanner flats at the sleeve allow No more rust. you to tighten using two Used extensively Fully watermark This new spanners so there will be in the USA for tested and approved polyamide no more kinking of the flexible water to the latest AS/NZS braiding will hose. connectors. 3499:2006 standards. never rust!!

Don’t wait for disaster to strike! Change over to an Abey Polyamide Hi Class Water Hooker – the highest protection in its class.

Not all water connectors are the same. Purchasing a premium Abey product is your best insurance against rust and burst water hose damage due to corrosion. For a few cents more, you can buy piece of mind knowing that your water connectors are not going to suddenly explode.

ABEY AUSTRALIA LTD | VIC 03 9747 7777 | NSW 02 8572 8572

QLD 07 3805 7000 | WA 08 9446 8255 | SA 1800 809 143 abeytrade.com.au 20083 TCC WATERPROOFING - ANDREW GOLLE

REMEDIAL WATERPROOFING – DOING HALF A J.. !

Andrew GolleGLVFXVVHVWKHSURVDQGFRQVRIUHPHGLDOZDWHUSURR¿QJDQGKRZEHVWWRLPSOHPHQW the technique in various situations.

emedial waterproofi ng THE RIGHT REMEDY proper rectifi cation methods could have techniques are considered We are called upon to apply remedial been used. R a specialist set within the techniques where a leak or defect There are some remedial practices construction waterproofi ng trade. detected cannot be addressed by that are not acceptable and do not Remedial techniques form part of the standard orthodox waterproofi ng satisfy National Construction Code current Certifi cate III trade qualifi cation practices. Inability to excavate behind (NCC) performance provisions. For CPCC 31411, along with internal basement walls, loss of amenity example, the practice of applying waterproofi ng, external waterproofi ng to occupants or disturbing sound topical or densifying sealers to grout and below ground waterproofi ng. structure prevents the application of joints in order to rectify leaking showers Some consider remedial practices as normal methods. Even the cost to do and decks, without removal of tiling or the ‘black arts of waterproofi ng’. Many so may be prohibitive and outweigh the addressing substrate degradation. do not have faith in remedial techniques benefi ts of rectifi cation. AS/NZS 4858:2004 Wet Area where they have been applied to Some remedial techniques only rely Membranes Part 6 requires that problematic water ingress defects and on localised repairs which can transfer ALL classifi cations of waterproofi ng failed. the original leak further down the line, membranes cater for up to and including only for it to appear somewhere else. 5mm of movement at junctions and Top: Negative pressure membrane fail Remedial practices can be perceived as joints. These topical sealers do not through salt crystals behind membrane. band-aid measures, where the accepted perform to these requirements.

28 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 AS 3740 -2010 Waterproofing of Domestic Wet Areas under the Scope 1.1, specifically states that this standard does not recognise topical or penetrating sealers; additives; or decorative coatings. The reasoning is that hydrophobic sealers and additives do not accommodate incidences of cracking in concrete or thermal differential cracking between the tile edge and grouting. Any such statements of NCC compliance by these operators should be accompanied by a Code Mark Certificate, documenting compliance with the NCC and being recognised by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB). If this certificate of compliance cannot be produced, then the use of such practices is at the client’s risk. Other accepted remedial techniques have been given a bad name by misapplication and incomplete scoping Crack injection foam acts as a water stop to active leaks. at the outset. Often these jobs are only half done. Additional remedial steps are added only when initial attempts to rectify a water leak fail. This common practice gives otherwise acceptable remedial techniques a bad name, where only half a job is done. Let’s have a look at three accepted remedial techniques that can be applied successfully but fail when only half the job is done.

NEGATIVE PRESSURE MEMBRANES Negative pressure membranes are applied onto the internal face of the floor or wall where water movement through the wall is trying to push the membrane off the substrate from behind. These specialised membranes are used to resist hydrostatic pressure from the external side of the wall, where Left: Crack injection foam degraded by UV exposure. Right: Crack injection into water is trying to move through the rusty drip tray. Packers still in place, holes not plugged, crack to sealed over. wall and equalise, due to the effects of gravity. Negative membranes are also used or other influences on the structure. membrane. Once this is done, pressure to resist rising damp and some minor They can be very successful as relief must be established. This may salt resistance. These membranes a remedial technique when all site take the form of in-situ external are generally a hydrostatic epoxy or a specific factors are taken into account drainage at the footing; changing cementitious membrane that forms a and where a systematic approach is external ground levels facilitating relief crystalised matrix into the substrate as engaged and not just the application of of built up water behind the wall; or hydration occurs. Some people feel that the membrane. internal and cavity drainage systems, negative membranes are not effective The expected retained hydrostatic where water is drained through the base and cannot be guaranteed as there may pressure must first be quantified of the wall and diverted to a sump to be be increases in the hydrostatic pressure in order to select the appropriate pumped out to an outfall.

www.buildingconnection.com.au 29 WATERPROOFING - ANDREW GOLLE

Most negative membranes do not remedial technique where topical should be given to entrapment of tolerate excessive movement or repairs are not practical. Crack injection water within the slab; moving the leak aggressive mineral salts forming behind techniques are subject to failure where to another crack; and identifying and the membrane. Hydrophilic seals at the wrong product is selected for the sourcing the entry point of the leak. A penetrations and structural joints can task, or where only half the process is complete process should be adopted, be incorporated to allow for movement carried out. using injection as part of a system, such at critical areas. Densifying sealers can Crack injection application is and as: be employed as part of the hydrating always should be a complete process, 1. Identify the crack as static/active/ process of the membrane to arrest and not just about drilling and pumping leaking and select the appropriate salt crystal formation from within the into a hole. Many applicators will apply injection materials. substrate. only part of the process by: drilling 2. Identify appropriate size packer All negative membranes should be around the crack; injecting foam into sleaves according to slab thickness protected with an isolation coat or the open crack; walk away leaving the and packer spacings. topical lining. This is often not done as packer sleaves in the holes. This can 3. Clean salts and other contaminants part of the remedial system, subjecting result in ongoing leaks where water from the crack. the membrane to abrasive damage or eventually bypasses the injection 4. Seal the face of the crack. This degradation from the elements, such as foam, as it is only to be considered as assists in ensuring the injection exposure to UV. a waterstop, and therefore only part of material tracks through the the waterproofing system. complete depth of the crack and not CRACK INJECTION Many specifiers and waterproofers just spilling out of the crack face. Crack injection techniques have been rely on crack injection as a single 5. Drill holes through the crack, clean around for many years and are a viable application solution. Consideration holes and insert packers. 6. Inject with water to clear the crack, to prime for hydrophilic reaction and establish the injection process. 7. Inject with hydrophilic foam, following the same injection process as established with the water injection. 8. REMOVE PACKERS! How can you expect the injection to be successful if open holes are left behind with non-integral metal sleaves poking out? 9. Plug the holes. 10. Water test. 11. Upon successful water test, apply a negative pressure membrane spanning over the crack.

DAMP PROOF COURSE INJECTION Chemical damp proof course injection is employed where there has been an absence of DPC in older buildings, or Rising damp and salts coming through wall. where there is an event of external water ingress at the base of the building. Older buildings constructed with a stone plinth or masonry directly into the ground can draw moisture up into the walls through capillary action. This can result in salt degradation of external and internal finishes. Some people do not put much faith in DPC injection and failures can occur where only half a job is done. Three main Left: Hayden drilling damp injection holes into 400mm of bluestone wall. factors need to be considered when Right: Damp injection densifier into 400mm of bluestone wall. scoping a DPC injection remediation:

30 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 1. WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF THE WATER INGRESS? DPC injection does not address where the water ingress is coming from. Has a pipe ruptured? Has the neighbour built up a garden against your property or re-directed runoff against your building? Has a French drain become blocked or sub-floor ventilation become ineffective? Addressing the source or compilation of sources should be treated as the primary remedial concern with chemical DPC used as part of the rectification scope. These may include the installation of cut off drains; clearing out blocked or the establishment of new French drains; installing effective sub- floor ventilation; installing insulation and venting rooms to external outflows. Hydrostatic epoxy membrane to bluestone wall against seepage. 2. DENSIFYING AGENTS USED IN DPC INJECTION WILL NOT ARREST WATER FLOW. Trapped water within the walls or active water flow through cavities will not be effectively restrained by a densifier. DPC densification works as the product soaks into porous surrounding materials but does not fill or breach cavities or fissures. This is especially relevant where internal walls are below ground and Left: Steve applying densifying sealer to wall prior to negative membrane against DPC injection will only restrict capillary salt crystal formation. Right: Hydrostatic epoxy membrane after densifier sealer. movement from floor level but not seepage through the wall, as active water leaks. Water entrapment can be relieved imagine sticking a pin through the wall Each process should be scoped as a and excess water restrained with the into the balloon. This is the salt crystal complete system and not just partial application of a negative pressure exhibiting a point load behind the application. Don’t forget to water test membrane to the affected walls as part membrane and rupturing it. Possible what you have fixed and be open to of the DPC injection process. aggressive salts should be analysed. further investigation and incorporating A designated densifier applied to additional processes if required. 3. WHAT ABOUT THE SALTS? the wall prior to negative membrane Doing half a job will only result in Rising damp can bring mineral salts application. This will restrict the salt ineffective remedial attempts. Scoping through porous masonry resulting in from crystalising and therefore no point and following a complete process spalling of face bricks or delamination load behind the membrane. incorporating multiple remedial of rendered and plastered finishes. Each remedial waterproofing task will techniques and site factors will Aggressive mineral salts are water borne, vary according to site conditions and ensure greater success in remedial where the salt attaches to the water the expected result required. Assessing waterproofing. molecule and crystalises at the masonry these requirements will steer the surface as the water evaporates. These applicator in selecting a waterproofing salt crystals become larger and exhibit a system to suite the requirements. point load that even a negative pressure This may require a crack injection to membrane cannot withstand. active leaks; hydrophilic plug or seals Andrew Golle is a registered builder in Queensland, Imagine a negative membrane as a to penetrations; densifying sealers or NSW and Tasmania, and a rubber balloon stretched over a brick DPC injection; and, finally a negative Certificate III construction wall. This will resist a body of water pressure membrane to encapsulate the waterproofer. under hydrostatic pressure. Now area, as a complete system.

www.buildingconnection.com.au 31 WHEN A KITCHEN IS MORE THAN JUST ‘COOKING QUARTERS’

A kitchen is rarely just a kitchen today, with homeowners expecting more and more from their cooking quarters. Selina Zwolsman explains the implications for builders and designers.

omes at both ends of the potential for this home hub to be much one washtub and space in the same size spectrum are presenting more than a food preparation zone. room for a washing machine’. H diff erent design challenges Our European cousins have been Your client may see their generously- when it comes to multi-purpose combining their kitchen and laundry sized sink as a suitable washtub, but kitchens. In this feature, we’ll look at spaces for decades, and the concept of the NCC overrules this presumption, both tiny homes and generous abodes, a ‘Euro laundry’ is growing in popularity clearly stating that ‘a kitchen sink or and put forward some points to in the US, too. In Australia, however, washbasin must not be counted as a consider when designing these complex installing a washing machine in a new laundry washtub. A laundry washtub is spaces. kitchen renovation can prove a little considered to provide the necessary more complicated. means to dispose of waste water as TINY HOMES AND EURO LAUNDRIES The National Construction Code required by P2.4.3(c)’. With the tiny home movement gaining (Volume Two) sets out specifi c To meet the requirements of the Code, traction in Australia, designers are requirements with respect to laundry you’ll need to ensure you’ve allocated being challenged to make the most of facilities in Class 1 Buildings. a task-specifi c tub in your combined small spaces. The Code indicates that ‘a Class 1 kitchen space. An obvious place to start is with the building must be provided with clothes Additionally, you’ll need to consider functionality of the kitchen, and the washing facilities, comprising at least if and how your incorporated laundry

Euro laundries are becoming more popular in Australia; however, the NCC sets out specifi c requirements for making it a reality.

32 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 will affect waterproofing requirements. By locating a washing machine and tub in the kitchen, you’ve (by the Code definition) created a laundry space, which will need to meet the requirements set out for wet areas in the NCC and Australian Standard AS 3740. Of course, all States and Territories and their associated private certifiers will interpret and legislate the requirements differently, and it’s critical that you contact your local authority to confirm their interpretation of the guidelines set out within the Code.

STACKED TOWERS When space is at a premium in a small home design, stacking laundry appliances seems a no-brainer. The appliance manufacturers, however, are not so encouraging when it comes to lifting front-loading washing machines off the floor. The often-overlooked installation manuals are mostly very clear when it comes to appliance elevation: Fisher & Paykel ‘Installation Instructions User Guide’ for their WH series range of Front Loading Clothes Washers states ‘this machine must not be installed and operated on a plinth’. Miele’s installation instructions are clear, too: ‘Plinth installations should only proceed on concrete or cemented bricked plinths. The unit/s must be secured against slippage via retaining clips. Freestanding Besser blocks or bricks Kitchens have become more than just a working space. They are now the focal point are not an acceptable form of plinth, of many homes. And when you see designs like those above, it’s easy to see why. and Miele will not install upon them. Further installations of washer/dryer stacked on a plinth are prohibited.’ appliances before you start your space of things to consider when designing A fully loaded washing machine can be planning. these kitchen additions. a hefty weight, and a full spin cycle will typically create a significant amount of ABUNDANT ABODES AND KITCHEN THE BUTLER’S PANTRY vibration and movement. The structural QUARTERS Historically speaking (from the integrity of the surface a machine is Most of the large kitchen entries that Victorian era), the ‘butler’s pantry’ was mounted on can make a big difference make their way into the KBDi Designer a dedicated space for the cleaning, between a safe performance and an Awards program have well-equipped counting and polishing of the family epic fail. If the latter occurs and your sculleries or spacious butlers’ pantries silver, sets of china, serving dishes client’s machine comes off second adjoining the main kitchen areas. and so on. The butler would keep this best, you can bet your bottom dollar the Interestingly, despite the roles of the pantry locked in order to prevent the manufacturer won’t come to the party. two types of add-ons being somewhat theft of the family heirlooms, and would To stay on the safe side of sensible different, the identification of these sometimes even sleep in the space for design, make sure you’ve seen and zones is often interchanged. added security. referenced the specific installation Here we’ll look at the difference While we’d all like our own Mr Carson manuals for your clients’ selected between the two, along with a summary at home, few of us have the privilege

www.buildingconnection.com.au 33 A well-appointed butler’s pantry or scullery make for the perfect space to include extra storage or hide dirty dishes. of having a live-in butler. What many the cook. They were the fi rst to wake A well-designed scullery will: can aim for, however, is a well-fi tted out in the morning and the last to go to ∫ cater for the full working capacity of butler’s pantry for the storage of dry bed. They rarely saw the outside of the the space, with its own ‘work triangle’ goods, crockery, our ever-growing list of scullery, which was the small kitchen if necessary appliances, Tupperware and mason jars. or room at the rear of a house used for ∫ be well lit and suffi ciently airy, with washing dishes and mechanical air extraction where A butler’s pantry other dirty household required should: work. ∫ have practical fi nishes designed to ∫ be well-ventilated When space is With ultra-effi cient accommodate moisture and potential and suffi ciently dishwashers, we splashes illuminated (natural at a premium rarely need our lighting is ideal, in a small home own scullery maids To see more great examples of the but often not so design, stacking today. When the kinds of kitchens set out above, or to attainable) plates are piling up, learn about our technical bulletins which ∫ have accessible laundry appliances though, many are further outline the code requirements cupboards and seems a no- looking for out-of- discussed in this feature, visit www. drawers, and well- brainer. sight areas to stack kbdi.org.au. placed shelving their dirty dishes, and that is easy to dust a scullery ticks the box. Today’s sculleries Selina Zwolsman is the THE SCULLERY can range from marketing communications In Victorian times, the scullery maid simple sink and pantry combinations coordinator for the Kitchen was at the opposite end of the servant to totally fi tted-out ‘miniature kitchens’ & Bathroom Designers Institute of Australia hierarchy to the butler. Scullery maids tucked behind a shiny and showy (KBDi). were very young girls employed to assist front end.

34 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 A Global Leader in Innovative, High-quality Water Solutions.

Hot Water Control Valves | HVAC | Backflow Prevention Pressure Reducing Valves | Butterfly Valves

Distributed by

www.hydroflowaus.com.au | www.wattswater.com.au WINDOW WORLD - RUSSELL HARRIS FLASH IT!

Moisture penetration around wall openings has resulted in increased claims and litigation. AWA technical manager Russell Harris reports.

ive years ago I wrote an article about window installation, which CAVITY VENEER CONSTRUCTION F was our industry’s Achilles heel – TIMBER WINDOW INSTALLATION and it still is. Window and door openings are WEEPHOLES probably the most vulnerable points for HEAD FLASHING water ingress. EXTERNAL Leakage around windows can cause BRICKWORK substantial damage to the wall frame, STUD FRAME internal linings, insulation, fl ooring or the window unit itself. Moisture associated with water penetration can pose health risks, as SARKING residents are exposed to mould, mildew and fungal spores, which can cause asthma and other respiratory ailments. JAMB FLASHING Installation problems such as the WEEPHOLES omission of fl ashings or the loss of continuity in the water barrier around SILL FLASHING windows can also contribute to excessive air leakage, condensation and diminished energy or acoustic performance. Windows and doors must be IMPORTANT: Ensure building loads do not bear on door. weatherproofed so as not to become a Sill must be level side to side and front to back, and fully supported at all times. weak point in the building envelope. Windows supplied in Australia are regulated by Australian Standard SINGLE SKIN VENEER CONSTRUCTION AS 2047, which sets out minimum TIMBER WINDOW INSTALLATION performance requirements. It also stipulates that windows and doors be subjected to rigorous testing for EXTERNAL structural integrity, operating force, CLADDING SARKING water penetration resistance, air HEAD FLASHING infi ltration and ultimate strength. Proper installation is equally important in achieving the best performance. STUD FRAME Poor weatherproofi ng and fl ashing of the interface between the window and wall systems compromises overall performance of the building envelope. JAMB FLASHING

The National Construction Code states: “A roof and external wall (including openings around windows and doors) must prevent the penetration of water SILL FLASHING that could cause – a. unhealthy or dangerous conditions, or loss of amenity for occupants; and b. undue dampness or deterioration of IMPORTANT: Ensure building loads do not bear on door. Sill must be level side to side and front to back, and fully supported at all times. building elements.”

36 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 The degree of exposure to wind is the most important factor in the CAVITY VENEER CONSTRUCTION specification and installation of windows A GUIDE TO INSTALLATION and doors. Components and installation practices that are acceptable in sheltered 1 HEAD LINTEL situations may quickly fail when exposed 1. Sarking overlaps head flashing. BRICK 2. Head flashing goes into lintel. Head flashing goes over VENEER INTERNAL to the full force of wind and rain. WALL LINING jamb flashing. Head, sill and jamb flashings are integral 3. Maximum spacing for weepholes in brickwork is 1200 2 ARCHITRAVE components in the weatherproofing of mm (from centres). 4. Sealant (exterior). 10mm clearance buildings, yet they are often overlooked, 3 5. Fix reveal to lintel with a gauge and spacing 4 appropriate for the wind load. neglected or improperly installed. 5 In recent years there has been a INTERNAL WALL LINING proliferation of waterproofing claims

STUD and litigation across the country, with JAMB 3 FRAME rectification costs totalling in the millions. 1. Jamb flashing overlaps sarking. 2 2. Packer. Perhaps the greatest force behind 3. Fix reveal to studwork with a gauge and spacing 1 this increase in problems associated appropriate for the wind load. 4. Storm mould. 4 with water ingress is the introduction of increasingly stringent insulation and BRICK VENEER energy performance requirements. SILL 1 Older methods of construction have 1. Fix reveal to studwork with a gauge and spacing 2 appropriate for the wind load. 10mm min been fairly forgiving. Given minimal 2. Sill flashing (mandatory) sandwiched between frame clearance 3 insulation and few well-ventilated and architrave. 3. Pack sill to level where required. STUD cavities, moisture management was 4. Sarking. FRAME INTERNAL WALL of little consequence. However, these 5. Preferred flashing position. LINING 6. Maximum spacing for weepholes in brickwork is 1200 7 BRICK matters are crucial today. mm (from centres). Keep weepholes above flashing. VENEER 4 7. Alternate flashing position. There are essentially three types of 6 5 flashing: sill, jamb and head. It is important to note that flashing must be installed in a ‘bottom up’ manner to ensure that each layer SINGLE SKIN VENEER CONSTRUCTION overlaps the one below. This principle is A GUIDE TO INSTALLATION important, as water is directed onto the 1 element below at each transition. There must also be provision for LINTEL HEAD INTERNAL drainage below the window, so that any 1. Sarking overlaps head flashing. WALL LINING water can escape to the outside of the 2. Pressed metal head flashing. Head flashing goes over CLADDING jamb flashing and head. ARCHITRAVE wall. 3. Fix window frame to lintel with a gauge and spacing Flashing is essential for achieving appropriate for the wind load. 10mm clearance 2 proper weatherproofing of any wall openings, particularly around windows 3 and doors. INTERNAL WALL LINING It is the responsibility of the builder JAMB or installer to ensure that windows and 1. Jamb flashing overlaps sarking. STUD 2. Packer over sarking. FRAME 2 doors are dealt with in such a way that 3 3. Fix window to stud frame with a gauge and spacing 1 water does not penetrate from the outer appropriate for the wind load. CLADDING skin to the inner skin of the building 4. Sealant (external). 4 envelope.

The extent of flashing required 2 depends on climate, exposure of the SILL 4 window to the elements, construction 1. Sill supported. 1 3 ARCHITRAVE type and other design aspects. 2. Fix window to stud frame with a gauge and spacing appropriate for the wind load. CLADDING STUD 3. Pack sill to level where required over sarking. FRAME 4. Flashing goes behind architrave. INTERNAL For more information check out the 5. Sarking. WALL videos and guides on installation and 6. Sill flashing tray (mandatory) overlaps sarking. Sill LINING 6 5 fixing at https://www.awa.org.au/ flashing drains to outside. resources/installation-video-series

www.buildingconnection.com.au 37 CPD ACADEMY - JERRY TYRRELL AND REMEMBER CPD IS UNNECESSARY IF WE AVOID MISTAKES!

CPD - CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DUMBNESS

Jerry Tyrrell argues that there is a better way for all of us to keep up-to-date and learn new skills.

ou all know I’m a fan of education date with products and practices in our The Australian Building Codes Board and knowledge. I write this industry. But like most good intentions (ABCB) is working hard to get the NCC Y column every quarter and try in our industry, it has not been carefully right. It is moving with us and starting to share everything I’ve learnt over 46 thought out. Nor does it realise we all to develop tools and resources that years in our industry. The industry wants have diff erent learning styles and most give us what we want. It is providing us to keep learning too. Every year we of us hate classrooms and people who pictograms for the 10 Classes of spend hundreds of millions of dollars use too many words and too few clear Buildings, number of toilets in a large on continuing professional education images. I am an architect, designer, commercial building and the right (CPD). builder and tradesman. So I’m going to terrain category for the postcode of our Some of this money is well spent. But be cheeky and speak for all of us. building. too often it is wasted. These are some After speaking to thousands of Well, I may have lied about the latter. of the reasons why: tradespeople and professionals, I The ABCB is not doing this last one yet. ∫ course content that does not help us reckon the things we all want advice on Most importantly though, the ABCB ∫ information is poorly presented are: is working with Standards Australia ∫ we have no way to easily access/apply ∫ where to fi nd best practice to provide us with a single dictionary the information we are given at the ∫ how to use the NCC… not just here of building terms. Yippee! Architects, course about certifi ers, contractors and tradespeople ∫ our industry has no eff ective way to ∫ what Standard to use and how to get will fi nally use the same language. tell us about mistakes we are always it quickly…at NO COST please making ∫ what has gone wrong in the past year WE COULD GET POINTS AUTOMATICALLY ∫ disinterest from us. ∫ how to fi x mistakes we never wanted The CPD we all want encompasses CPD is aimed at keeping us up-to- to make. curiosity, constant relevant intel

38 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 Lighting and Fans for every project FROM BEACON LIGHTING COMMERCIAL

PANORAMA CASPA

SPEX

AIRMOVER

View the range and get a quote at www.beaconlightingcommercial.com.au

Melbourne Adelaide 8, 621 Whitehorse Rd 2/34 Bennet Ave, Mitcham, 3121 Melrose Park, 5039 P +613 8415 0277 P +618 8374 0553

Brisbane Perth Sydney 7/19 Lensworth St, 3/11 Howe St, 34 -36 Adderley St East, Coopers Plains, 4108 Osborne Park, 6017 Lidcombe, 2141 P +617 3216 9039 P +618 9444 9653 P +612 9699 7255 COMMERCIAL CPD ACADEMY - JERRY TYRRELL

from Standards and the ABCB, as well source on your tablet or smart phone, information must be properly prepared as written summaries we can easily find this should be recognised and count though. It needs to be summarised, and read. And CPD should include alerts towards your CPD. illustrated and displayed in point form. about chronic failures and mistakes When you meet the architect, Complex processes should be supported For instance, we should be rewarded waterproofer and tiler on site to nut out by a video. when we read this magazine. We should a complex sunken bath with fountain This is a chance for organisations be rewarded every time the HIA or MBA and koi pond on the other side of the and the government to coordinate and send out an alert about the stupidity wall, you should fractionalise the cost of using composite flooring next to a record this and get of these resources. pool, external doors with MDF cores, CPD points. Most importantly, plasterboard when repairing a flood We’re all privy “We’re all privy they can implement damaged basement, jambs embedded to the notion of an enduring system into tiles... but no. The associations are frequent flyer points to the notion that we will use. This not doing this yet. accumulating every of frequent solution is cheaper, We should be rewarded every time we time you fly. Why À\HUSRLQWV recoverable, relevant check the correct way to waterproof a can’t our CPD Points and no nonsense. weather exposed sliding door. This could accumulate every accumulating Sadly, most CPD easily be set up with the new smart time we are smart? HYHU\WLPH\RXÀ\ in industry is falling detail Standards Australia is developing. Why can’t our CPD on ‘deaf ears’. THE CPD WE ALL NEED Accumulation of AI (ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE) The following is 3RLQWVDFFXPXODWH CPD points should If we get CPD points for using the right the ‘blend’ of what every time we are be valued. All of us resource, I think we should use AI to we should have. It should look at our record and tell our associations. The should all be on our VPDUW"´ points ‘calculator’ industry could easily set this up. tablets or smart and remember what It could be supported by every phones. Download is we learnt and see association, institute, licensing proof that we have long term benefits authority, state and federal complied. And all contractors should in the reduction in mistakes, complaint government. If you read it, research it, know that if anything goes wrong, their and post completion stress. download, transmit it, check with your work and decisions will be assessed NCC is now free. Standards will network of experts, review an approved against these rules and resources. This soon be smarter and easier to access.

JERRY’S CPD RECOMMENDATIONS

RESOURCE COMMENT POINTS

Access to NCC with all changes ABCB can make real time changes to the NCC so when we look at them online we 4 notified with periodic email alerts know they are the latest version

Smart Standards Standards Australia is developing visual versions of key Standards 4

All complex details should be given a risk rating. For example, if it can cause injury Best practice 1 point per detail or leak badly, we have to show we have worked out how to build it properly

¬ This resource should be centralised with carefully thought out ways to collect 4 mistakes and faults in our industry. Feedback with specific guidelines

¬ Alerts – specific warning about a faulty product or practice 2

Connection Magazines publications contain a wealth of information all contractors Must read periodicals / articles should read. It is already an eMag. All associations could centralise their generic 4 messages here. Everything new about safety, hazards and risk. SafeWork Australia could: ¬ provide and update SWMS templates, Safety (WHS alerts) 2 ¬ offer online asbestos identification courses, ¬ remind us about rules for ladders, scaffolds, confined spaces etc.

Every time we send a smart Standard detail, NCC rule or copy of a relevant Sharing knowledge 1 per transmittal Connection Magazines article to one of our team we should get a point

40 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 Associations will become irrelevant EXAMPLE OF FEEDBACK FROM 2018 unless they provide real benefi t that People often say it can’t be done. ∫ Some 316 stainless steel lights/products helps us build better. Governments Well, I disagree. I don’t want to trudge to a are corroding, which means they are not need to invest in ideas that support boring course when I can be told about what 316 grade. Stainless self tappers are us. They need to be proactive, rather is really happening in our industry. Here are rusting and snap. some of the things that were still going wrong ∫ Foam sealant should always be used than reactive too. I’d say 90% of the in 2018: around windows should always be done to cases I’ve been involved in were easily ∫ Corrosion of external fi xings is still chronic. achieve compliant thermal performance – preventable via better knowledge/CPD. These ‘scar’ our work and always make the and clients should pay for this. painters’ job diffi cult. ∫ Box gutter design and overfl ows are still Finally, I learnt so much about ∫ Strip drains should be located in the centre not understood. And well-intentioned building from the many craftspeople of shower screen doors so water drains off roof plumbers place wire mesh across box I have laboured for, worked with or the door into the drain, rather than onto a gutter inlets to stop obstructions which collaborated with on complex details. dry fl oor. end up causing more trouble than they ∫ Access for maintenance remains bad. prevent. They are marvellous sources of CPD. You ∫ Fall arrest/durable materials are ignored at ∫ Finally, slopes in garages to the door work – can be too. the design stage. especially at the base of driveways.

Let me know any thoughts at [email protected].

++ Jerry Tyrrell is co-founder of Tyrrells Property Inspections. He has more than 45 years’ experience as a contractor, architect You too can make a diff erence by emailing me your advice, tips and feedback anytime. and author. The fi rst 20 emails will get one of my new safety centres.

1 2

www.buildingconnection.com.au 41 PREFABRICATION - KEVIN EZARD

THE GLOBAL HOUSING SOLUTION

Prefabrication is growing around the world, but what does that mean to Australian builders? Kevin EzardGLVFXVVHVWKHRSSRUWXQLWLHVWKDWDERXQGDQGH[SODLQVWKDWDWULFNOHGRZQHɣHFWLVLQHYLWDEOH

refabricated housing is not a global basis. The investment in research emerging to meet the growing demand. new concept – over the centuries and applied technology for the design In the US, the growth trend to P there have been many examples and construction of buildings lags prefabricated housing in the past year of human shelter generated by this behind all other industries, with the vast has been spectacular, with recent method, and just 100 years ago in majority of construction fi rms investing moves to mass production of buildings the US you could buy a complete four less than 1% of their revenue in new by a number of very large corporations. bedroom prefabricated home from a technologies. These include Sidewalk Labs, an Sears catalogue, ready for delivery and In the housing construction industry, Alphabet (Google) company with new assembly! moving to off site prefabrication has construction methods and fl exible In more recent times, skilled labour been the solution to this problem, building designs enabling radical mixed- shortages and increased demand particularly in Europe, where some use, walkable neighbourhoods that through urbanisation have led to a countries have reached 80% of all reduce the cost of housing. global housing shortage, and the homes built using timber off site Another example of this new construction industry needs to meet systems with high levels of effi ciency. approach is Katerra, a billion dollar this growing challenge and build houses In Australia, the building industry has start-up that is changing the landscape. in a way that’s faster and cheaper. been slow to move in that direction; As Craig Curtis, the president of Katerra To compound the issue is the low however, increasing shortages of Architecture stated, “The benefi ts of level of productivity in the construction skilled labour has now become a key off -site manufacturing are many — less industry overall, with virtually zero driver for greater adoption. This, by waste, greater precision, safer work, improvement in the past 20 years which large, is thanks to new timber and mass fewer delays. is the lowest rating of all industries on a wood off site prefabrication facilities “But the greatest result stems

42 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 from the decision-making shifted towards the front end of a project. By locking in the details necessary for manufacturing, we can signifi cantly reduce risk to project schedules and budgets. “This approach represents a wholesale shift of mindset from one-off projects to repeatable products, for mass production of componentised buildings.” What this means to the residential construction industry in Australia is that change is inevitable, and new opportunities will arise due to the ‘trickle down’ eff ect from the major disruption now underway globally. These changes will encourage acceptance of new ideas and new ways to generate effi ciencies in building design and prefabrication, with greater collaboration and integration of the process to reduce costs and improve Katerra standardised platform building design. aff ordability of housing. One of the world’s foremost authorities on off -site construction, US building systems company Entekra chief executive Gerry McGaughey, was keynote speaker at the October IWBC conference held in Boston. Gerry has guided home builders in Europe and North America in transitioning from ineffi cient stick- framing to off -site construction – enabling them to signifi cantly reduce cycle times and boost productivity Craig Curtis, Gary Caulfi eld and Tedd Benson. while delivering higher-quality, more sustainable buildings. In his presentation he commented, the software solutions now available TIMBER OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION “The construction industry is like a to attain high levels of accuracy and baton relay race – hand over the baton quality in manufacture of energy and now it’s your problem. effi cient housing. “A key element for success is getting In Australia, these topics were the people together to create systemic discussed at the Frame 2018 Timber change and operate as a team. Also Off site Construction two-day event in important is process improvement to Melbourne. Both international and local drive change in effi ciency.” experts presented in speaker sessions For more information on Frame 2019 titled Timber Off site Construction keep an eye on Another speaker, Tedd Benson, along with panel discussions. www.frameaustralia.com. Event details will founder and owner of high quality Next year the conference and be available in February 2019. Bensonwood and Unity Homes, advised exhibition will be expanded thanks to the construction industry needs to the rapid growth in interest across the develop better ways to build, but building industry. “improve not revolutionise” through The program will include more Kevin Ezard provides business communication process and product. sessions, discussing topics of and marketing consultancy He advocated adoption of the best importance to designers and builders services to the timber and digital technology to “build it twice – contemplating a move into off site wood products industry. virtual before actual” and embrace timber construction.

www.buildingconnection.com.au 43 JOINERY - GREG CHEETHAM BALANCE AND OPTIONS

Getting the training mix right requires input from all levels of the industry. Greg Cheetham outlines the process and encourages experienced tradespeople to share their experience.

inding the right apprentice in the (rotating through the Australian The TAGs take industry advice and construction trades is hard. Chamber of Commerce and Industry, determine the skills and knowledge F Training is sometimes even the Business Council of Australia and aligned to a particular role or occupation. harder, and getting agreement on what the Australian Industry Group), and two Training packages are made up of to include in the training is harder still. senior public servants. work-related courses from entry level The role of a skills service The AISC has a formal role in Certificate I courses to Advanced organisation (SSO) is to develop training approving vocational education and Diploma, Graduate Diplomas and packages that underpin the training training packages based on advice from Graduated Certificates. curriculum across the nation. industry reference committees (IRCs). In general, a trade-based or Artibus Innovation is the SSO trusted The IRCs ensure training packages apprenticeship course is at Certificate to work with construction and property meet the needs and concerns of III level. Some courses have core and services industries to create training employers, employees, training electives units, and others just have regimes that produce the necessary providers and people seeking training core units. skills and knowledge. qualifications. There are course completion rules: for The system operates through a range Essentially, Artibus Innovation example, a core with electives sometimes of committees, starting at the federal works with the property services and streamed into specialist skill areas such level with the Council of Australian construction and plumbing services as joinery, stairs, formwork and the like. Government (COAG) Industry and Skills IRCs to support the necessary skills They are not aligned to years of study Council. and training. They communicate with but are performance based, allowing This ministerial council takes advice industry through industry forums, web- students to study relevant units and from the Australian Industry and Skills based surveys and technical advisory progress at their own pace. Committee (AISC). groups (TAGs) to develop a range of For more information on what is in the The AISC is made up of industry training packages. This is where a lot of current courses visit www.training.gov. leaders, a peak body representative the grunt work is done. au for a detailed view.

44 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 TRAINING AREAS Since inception, Artibus Innovation has been working to review and update training products that support the following sectors: ∫ Building design ∫ Building and construction (certificate iv to advanced diploma) ∫ Carpentry and construction (entry level) ∫ Brick, block and stone work ∫ Plumbing services (drainage to hydraulic services) ∫ High-risk work (licences and qualifications) ∫ Swimming pools and spas ∫ Insulation ∫ Building services (painting, waterproofing, etc) ∫ Fire protective services The knowledge and experience of trade practitioners is needed to help identify and ∫Waste management meet skills requirements to ensure success for the next generation. ∫ Urban pest control ∫ Cleaning ∫ Real estate. Sheridan van Asch, executive officer ∫ new training, retraining and upskilling; at Artibus Innovation, says the above ∫ new jobs and roles in sectors and Artibus has several qualifications work is progressing and she encourages industries, eg: building information under review. Usually the aim is for a industry to become more involved management, 3D printed building major review every five years. This is through workshops and industry components in concrete or plastics; a complex process, requiring lots of surveys. There is also direct contact via and discussion, negotiation and multiple regular newsletters. Why not sign up? ∫ Development and integration into approvals by IRCs to get a qualification Once the current qualifications have projects of energy-efficient building up and running. been updated, Artibus is keen to work materials and products. Probably the most significant for with industry to explore and develop many readers are the carpentry and training products that support new and The full report contains projections joinery qualifications. The current emerging skills requirements. on skill shortages and employment, and Certificate III in Carpentry was released other visions for the future. It can be in 2011 (with minor changes in 2013 THE FUTURE downloaded from: http://www.artibus. and 2017). In the Artibus Skills forecast released com.au/skills-forecasts/ With rapid changes in communications, in April 2018, the main challenges and To get the training mix right requires business and manufacturing technology, opportunities included: input from all levels of the industry. construction materials and methods ∫ Vital skills may be lost due to a decline The knowledge and experience of trade there is a need to keep training relevant. in the number of older workers, and practitioners is needed to help identify The latest proposal for the Certificate costs may rise because of fewer and meet skills requirements. So why III in Carpentry is to have 22 core units younger replacements. not share yours? and eight electives. The latter are ∫ The introduction of new technologies, It can only help you and the grouped into commercial, formwork or digitisation and automation will affect construction industry to maintain residential, plus a general range. lower-skilled jobs. Prefabrication is high-quality building practices that will Many more qualifications are up for one example. mean a better future for the following development or redevelopment, such as: ∫ Increased demand for smart and generations. ∫ Certificate III in joinery green construction. Buildings must ∫ High-risk work have lower operating costs and ∫ Certificate IV to Advance Diploma in higher values to provide health and Greg Cheetham has been Building Construction. productivity benefits. a construction worker, shopfitter and detail joiner for most of his life, More information is available at OPPORTUNITIES including nearly 30 years http://www.artibus.com.au/national- New technologies, and smart and green in VET as a teacher and manager. projects/ practices, require:

www.buildingconnection.com.au 45 SURVEYANCE - DR DARRYL O’BRIEN GETTING IT RIGHT

It is possible to improve decision making and reduce disputes. Dr Darryl O’Brien outlines a few ways of avoiding mistakes, including the need for proper business processes.

he building industry is a high- pressure environment in which T disputes are common. Builders and sub-contractors are often called upon to make decisions on the spot. In academic terms, these decision-making limitations are called bounded rationality. That is, the correctness of any decision is constrained by your experience in dealing with similar issues, the time set aside for making the decision and the quality of the information available. However, given the widespread nature of building-related disputes, it is probable that poor decision making may be a result of more than simple bounded rationality. Indeed, it could be that a combination of organisational structure and unconscious bias is also contributing to poor decision making, and thus disputes. This article will examine two influences on decision making: ∫ how the flow of information between people can lead to poor decisions; and, ∫ the types of unconscious bias that we are all susceptible to, and how understanding them can lead to better outcomes.

ORGANISATION KNOWLEDGE FLOWS can be a problem because the owner’s It is important to understand these In all businesses the information relative lack of knowledge creates an barriers, as your front-line staff and flows upward and downward, but environment that allows incorrect or sub-contractors generally have for several reasons it is the upward partial information flows that are too access to timely, accurate and useful flow of information that poses most positive. information. Their knowledge is vital. challenges. This temptation to ‘gild the lily’ can Organisation structures may create First, the interests of workers (or be further encouraged by the use of an environment in which the accuracy sub-contractors) and the business numerous sub-contractors who may be of data is questionable. However, of owners may not be aligned, with used only for one or two jobs. equal relevance is the fact that internal workers seeking to maximise their self- If sub-contractors are used for just information management processes interest. For example, workers may have one job there is little incentive for them are subject to a range of unconscious a tendency to downplay or ignore bad to provide the best service, as future biases that can affect sound decision news and over-represent good news to work is not on the cards. Further, if making. improve their standing with the boss. there are workmanship problems, the In this environment good news is sub-contractors have moved on to work UNCONSCIOUS BIASES usually relayed quickly, and bad news elsewhere and the problem becomes It is estimated that adults typically is passed on more slowly, if at all. This the builder’s responsibility. make up to 35,000 decisions each day.

46 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 When trying to process such With confirmation bias, several large amounts of information we unconscious actions may take place: need to simplify the data to make it ∫ seeking only the information that manageable. If we don’t do this, we may supports the favoured position; become overwhelmed and unable to ∫ being too critical of evidence that make a decision. conflicts with the favoured position; Researchers have identified two main ∫ where evidence is ambiguous the types of decision-making strategies – interpretation supports the favoured algorithms and schema. position; and Algorithms are a process whereby ∫ information is filtered through a specific procedure is used for similar situations that led to positive finding a solution. A simple example outcomes, creating and reinforcing of an algorithm is a cooking recipe these as the optimal course of action. ARE YOU GETTING or checklist, and these can be quite effective for simple problems. This behavior leads to a false sense YOUR REGULAR Algorithms will ensure that a solution of optimism. Negative or contrary is found, but as the complexity of the information that does not align with the problem increases, so does the time beliefs are dismissed or rationalised needed for solving the problem. Hence away as not being important or relevant. we need other, less time-consuming strategies such as schemas. THE WAY FORWARD Schemas are created when we draw A combination of business structure NEWSLETTER? information from related networks of and unconscious decision making can facts in our memories to make sense of create an environment in which poor www.build.com.au/newsletters new information. It is the comparison decisions are made, but what can be of previous experiences with new ones done? that gives meaning to events. Business processes must be created The deeper the networks and the more to prevent information distortion. information recovered from our long- Owners should invest time speaking term memories the more accurately the with sub-contractors and front-line current situation can be mapped to past staff, who must be encouraged to experiences and a decision made. present all relevant information in an Schemas are constructed to provide accurate and timely manner. logical interpretations of events and Owners must recognise confirmation include typical understandings of people bias, and understand that it operates and events that conform and reinforce at an unconscious level. It is crucial similar prior experiences. The filtered to keep an open mind and not jump to experiences thus become the frame of conclusions. Advice should be sought reference by which new experiences are from friends and colleagues, but avoid analysed and compared. ‘groupthink’ and consider scenarios It is important to note that the designed to test your ideas and opinions schema process is unconscious – you – not support them. are not aware that your mind is running With so many decisions to be made through schemas every time a decision each day, it’s inevitable that some will is made. be wrong. However, an understanding of However, schemas are limited by our decision-making processes will help to mind’s processing limits. This is made limit mistakes. evident in an unconscious resistance to revising existing beliefs to process new, contrary information. Rather, the tendency is to filter new information so that it conforms to existing belief Dr Darryl O’Brien is Head structures, and to ignore information of Course, Undergraduate that is in conflict. Built Environment, at CQ This process is known as confirmation University. He is a member of the Australian Institute bias and is a contributor to poor of Building Surveyors. decision making.

www.buildingconnection.com.au 47 LEGAL MATTERS - PAUL COTT TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE

Resident legal expert Paul Cott explains the importance of time in the building and construction industry, and advises you to know your rights when the clock is ticking.

think everyone reading this is aware of the critical importance I of time in life. We all have it, we all spend it and, at times, it’s all we have. No less important is time in the context of building and construction projects, whether commercial or domestic. After all, as has been said in many contexts, time is money. For every day past the deadline on one project – extensions of time aside – builders experience a loss of income on another. And for every day past the deadline, the owner is missing out on possession or rental income. There is always a contractual stipulated time for completion; however, there is also a distinction between the date of practical completion and the date for practical completion. Practical completion recognises that completion of a building project is rarely ‘perfect’ in the sense of the works being defect free. So an extra amount of time is added on at the end of projects to enable the builder to fi x minor defects while work is still possible and permitted. A date for practical completion represents the date work has to be achieved by. To get to practical completion (which often designates handover of the property to the owner) the builder is required to proceed with due diligence. In summary, this means the contractor is meant to take reasonable steps to comply with the of events can see a builder entitled to Time can’t be extended by the builder timetable. extend time. Standard contracts often if they are at fault, or in breach of the ‘How long is a piece of string’ is a contain clauses that automatically contract themselves. Often it is said colloquial phrase that resonates among extend time by a certain number of that the principle here is based on who the industry when talking about this days due to inclement weather, natural should, and who can, bear the loss. subject; however, it can be summarised disasters, strikes, changes in the law, Builders should take whatever steps as doing what is needed on a particular latent conditions (i.e. things about the they can to minimise delays and losses job – regardless of the circumstances – site such as an unexpected amount on the job. Reasonable delays should be to satisfy the client and contract, while of rock below the surface) and similar avoided. Unfortunately, when so much complying with the law. This must occur things. The parties can agree between depends on the exact facts of a case, it while not being delayed by things within themselves as to what events qualify for is not possible to state more precisely the builder’s control. an extension of time but in the context exactly what a builder needs to do to This leads me to the issue of of residential contracts, it is rare that avoid reasonable delays. extensions of time (EOT). Certain types they do so. A related issue surrounds how much

48 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 time delay can actually be claimed. the time by which the notice should contracts contain clauses dealing with Unfortunately, the law doesn’t provide be claimed or given to the owner. It the critical element of time and in both a lot of guidance as to how long a is important to remember that if the types of contracts, it is dealt with in builder can legitimately claim and the notice requirement is not complied some detail, as it should obviously be. only answer that can be given is this: it with, the builder can lose the right to an Both types of contracts aim to depends on all of the circumstances. extension. This rule exists to enable the achieve a balance between the rights of A court or a tribunal can still assess, owner to make whatever adjustments an owner and the rights of a builder in however diffi cult such an assessment necessary in the event of not being relation to time, to extending it and as to is, whether or not the amount of time able to achieve handover of the building the common practical issues of delays. claimed was reasonable and legitimate. or property. This is known as the Whether they do so is a matter of If an EOT is to be claimed, it must prevention principle. opinion, but it is a complex area and in be done so by the builder via notice in This situation can also result in the particular sets of circumstances that writing to the owner, preferably before builder not being able to claim liquidated arise, some unfairness can result. it is actually extended. This is critical (i.e. agreed) damages for delays caused It is important to consider getting as I have witnessed multiple cases by the owner, which is the converse of advice if an issue involving time crops where time was allegedly extended the right of the owner to claim such (set up; as there are plenty of hidden traps by the builder (verbally) without the amount) damages for delay caused by you can fall into. owner’s knowledge. Following disputes the builder. Actual damages though, surrounding various other issues, a suff ered by the builder, may in this case court or tribunal has had to attempt to still be able to be claimed. Paul Cott LLB (Hons), Grad unravel the facts and work out exactly One hopes that this article gives the Dip Legal Practice, LLM is a what occurred. reader an understanding of the key Senior Associate Lawyer The precise notice requirement issues surrounding time in the context with Ascot Solicitors focusing on building and for the EOT is generally set out in the of building and construction contracts. construction litigation. contract and often prescribed as to Both residential and commercial

DISCOVER. DUO Dimming Switch

The DUO Dimming Switch is designed to ensure trouble free dimming with Haneco lights.

Australia’s LED Lighting Specialist

www.buildingconnection.com.au 49 CERTIFICATION - DAN HADLEY CERTIFY TO THRIVE

$Q$GHODLGHEXLOGLQJFRPSDQ\LVWKH¿UVWLQ6RXWK$XVWUDOLDWRDFKLHYHWKHQHZ6WDQGDUGLQVDIHW\ DVZHOODVTXDOLW\DQGHQYLURQPHQWDOPDQDJHPHQW&DQ\RXGRWKHVDPH"-/%$GHODLGHVHQLRU management consultant Dan HadleyUHSRUWV

afety is important when it comes projects that include residential builds, panels and other companies know to the construction industry. retirement homes and refurbishments that an organisation is serious about S Safety begins with diligence and including such sites as: these elements in their business. care but more is required to truly ensure ∫ Grange View Estate, a 60-unit Metcalf Group (SA) partnered with the safety of all stakeholders. Good retirement village built from ground local professional services fi rm JLB safety management means setting the up at Grange. Metcalf Group (SA) management consultancy in Adelaide bar high and with the introduction of the acted as the project management to work towards implementing a robust new international Standard for safety, contractor on this project and saw the and eff ective integrated management ISO 45001:2018, earlier this year, the project from breaking ground through system that would be compliant to bar has been set even higher. to handover. the ISO standards. Far more than just The new international Standard for ∫ Various retirement villages. Metcalf achieving a certifi cate on the wall, both safety was released globally in 2017 Group (SA) has been selected as the fi rms were serious about achieving a and came into eff ect in March of 2018. preferred builder for some of the genuine outcome of best practice. It means a greater emphasis on risk- largest retirement entities in SA such JLB’s managing director, Sean Bates, based thinking, greater oversight and as Retire Australia, Life Care, ECH and and senior management consultant, a more integrative and wholesome ACH. Dan Hadley, worked with Metcalf’s team approach to protecting all to build further effi ciencies stakeholders. An Adelaide and practices alongside building company has a specialised quality become the fi rst SA-based management software construction company to system that would mean achieve this certifi cation Metcalf Group (SA) could while simultaneously attain its goals. achieving certifi cation for Sean was pleased with quality (ISO 9001) as well as the outcome of certifi cation environmental management and the company’s real (ISO 14001). commitment to the safety Metcalf Group (SA) has a of its staff and other long and successful history stakeholders, saying: “It’s of building high quality good to see a company so homes, commercial buildings committed to achieving best and retirement villages in practice and caring for their South Australia. The company is also a ∫ O’Halloran Hill and St Marys fi re people as well as the environment.” leader in shop fi t-outs and renovations station refurbishments. Well-known ISO 45001 is an ISO Standard for to properties of any scale. A 30-year-old and important to the community, management systems covering family owned and operated company, these sites service a wide area occupational health and safety (OH&S) it has always been focused on quality, providing key fi re protection services that was offi cially published in March safety and care for the environment. In and Metcalf Group (SA) was entrusted 2018. The ultimate goal and focus January 2018, the company’s founder to refurbish and update both sites. of ISO 45001 is the reduction of and managing director Gary Metcalf ∫ Blakeview Primary School, Salisbury occupational injuries, accidents and decided that the company was ready to Kindergarten, Kiparrin Special School, incidents. Although there are some new take things to the next level. Golden Grove High School and Golden requirements, the Standard is largely “We have always prided ourselves Grove Lutheran Primary School based on the elements of OHSAS 18001 on going above and beyond, exceeding refurbishments. and AS 4801, which ISO 45001 will be client’s expectations and achieving replacing completely over the next certifi cation would be the next step to Third party certifi cation is an outward three-year migration period from 2018 formalise that,” Gary says. demonstration of quality, care for to 2021. ISO 45001 also follows the high Metcalf Group (SA) is well-known the environment and a commitment level structure of other ISO standards in South Australia for a range of to safety. It lets the public, tender such as ISO 9001:2015 and ISO

50 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 14001:2015 which makes integration that pulls together to produce achieve this certification such as JLB. of these standards and systems much outcomes that are quality driven will A good quality consultant will help a easier for firms. likely be more loyal, productive and business not only achieve certification Knowing that the new Standard had committed. but help the business improve and find been announced and was due for release ∫ More business through winning greater efficiencies. in early 2018, Metcalf Group (SA) and contracts, tenders and new JLB chose to pursue the latest Standard opportunities. Businesses that want METCALF GROUP (SA) AFTER ATTAINING and raise its internal practices to the to differentiate themselves from CERTIFICATION… highest level. Although AS 4801 is a their competitors can do so through Metcalf Group (SA) now proudly displays highly stringent and practical standard certification. Clients will know that its certification on its walls in reception for safety, ISO 45001:2018 is a an organisation has held itself alongside its policies, licenses, awards contemporary and efficient application accountable to high standards. and Club Quality membership (JLB). It’s of good practices in maintaining safety. an impressive sight for anyone walking Superseding AS 4801, the new Standard So, can small businesses or even sole in and the staff can be proud to show will fully replace it by 2021. Thus, when traders attain certification to these them off. The company continues to the Standard was released and finalised, standards? maintain these standards as audits Metcalf Group (SA) was already The short answer is yes. Depending will continue every year through their compliant in principal and eagerly on what standards a business seeks chosen certification body TQCSI. awaiting its audit. to be certified to, Maintaining these any business can standards means WHY BECOME CERTIFIED? make the same a commitment There are a number of reasons to achievement. There “We have always to continuous become certified to the three most are a number of steps prided ourselves improvement and common ISO standards of quality, towards meeting the best practice. safety and environmental management. standard(s) that may on going above But certification include: and beyond, isn’t the end of the These include: ∫Developing exceeding client’s story. Within three ∫ Building greater efficiencies into the a practical weeks of certification, business that ultimately increase management expectations Metcalf won several productivity. Quality is not just manual for the and achieving tenders with concerned with the end product business. consistent feedback or service but how the company ∫ Conducting a Work FHUWL¿FDWLRQZRXOG that the certification gets there. Efficient, quality-based Health Safety be the next step to attached to their practices can lead to streamlined (WHS) review. formalise that,” tender proposals operations that produce more of what ∫ Developing proper was impressive. an organisation seeks to provide. job descriptions, Gary says. Other organisations ∫ Cost savings that come from work instructions can now see efficiencies and better practices. and SOPS (through third By seeking efficiencies in quality, (safe operating party independent organisations can save money, procedures). evaluation) that Metcalf Group (SA) is achieving their outcomes for less. ∫ Assessing risks and developing Safe on the same level of quality as the Tier 1 ∫ Controlling and minimising costly Work Method Statements (SWMS). firms in the industry. risks. By managing risks in quality, ∫ Conducting an initial environmental “Attaching our certificates to our safety and the environment, report. tenders, showing our certifications on organisations may prevent outcomes ∫ Setting measurable goals for the footers of our emails and displaying of costly loss that other, less mindful continuous improvement. our policies and commitments at our firms, may have to suffer as a result of ∫ Having an emergency plan in place. office has given our clients even greater not holding the same high standards. ∫ And, many more including ongoing confidence that Metcalf is the best ∫ Greater public and client perceptions. maintenance and genuine use of the choice,” Gary says. Customers and clients more and management system. more continue to seek products and Dan Hadley (MBA, BComm, IMC) is a services that are not only competitive This can be a lot of work, especially senior management consultant and but are reliable, friendly to the for a small business. Interpreting the economist for JLB based in Adelaide, environment and don’t create harm. Standard and trying to reach that level South Australia. His services include Many clients and customers are even of practice can be difficult but worth the specialties in quality systems, risk, willing to pay more to achieve this. effort. There are industry professionals strategic advisory services and ∫ A more unified workforce. A workforce in the market who assist businesses to economic consultation.

www.buildingconnection.com.au 51 FLOORING BREAKING THE SILENCE ON SQUEAKY FLOORS

Protection from the elements is the key to preventing noise pollution in new residential properties. Brihony Tulloch investigates how you can help.

queaky fl oors can plague both new and old homes alike. waits too long to put the plywood on the glue, the adhesive’s Fixing noise pollution issues can be intimidating since grip can diminish, increasing the likelihood of squeaks. Shonky S fi nding the cause requires a fair amount of diagnostic hammering can leave gaps between the joists and nail which work (which not too many builders have the patience for). also leads to noise pollution. But did you know squeaky fl oors can be prevented by simply But the issue that is almost guaranteed to result in squeaky implementing strict weather protection policies onsite? fl oors is the framework and sheet fl ooring being exposed to Scott Stephens owns and operates Squeaky Floors, a moisture. specialist service that provides general carpentry as well as “Water is your number one cause,” warns Scott. noise pollution solutions. He understands that fi xing vibration or “Once the fl ooring swells, it breaks that bond with the glue. friction issues without damaging carpeting or hardwood fl ooring Nails will hold it for the fi rst four to fi ve years, but after that we can seem daunting even to the most experienced of builders. usually get a call. “When doing my carpentry course I found that no other “Time and the elements are the two main causes of builders in the class even knew where to start when it comes noise pollution. More often than not, when new homes are to repairing squeaky fl oors,” he says. being built, there’s a delay between when the framing is “While scouring a job board website for carpentry work, I erected and the cladding is put up to enclose and protect noticed that there was a large the framework leaving it number of ads from home vulnerable to the elements. owners looking for someone “Further, Yellow Tongue to repair noise pollution issues sheet fl ooring, which is most going back six months that no commonly used, has a lifespan other carpenters were taking in terms of being exposed to on. That’s how the idea for the elements, so what we fi nd Squeaky Floors was born.” in a lot of the newer homes is But you don’t need problems occur because the specialised skills to fi x fl ooring has been exposed to squeaky fl oors – builders can too much water during the stop the issue long before building process.” home owners hear that But Scott acknowledges irritating creak. that implementing stricter Noise pollution is an issue weather protection policies usually associated with older can be easier said than done. homes. Floorboards, joints and adhesives succumb to wear “Depending on which state or territory construction takes and tear over time and inevitably start to squeak, but Scott place, building framework may require an inspection or emphasises that it also occurs in new buildings and homes and additional work,” he says. therefore should be at the forefront of every builder’s mind. “This inevitably causes delays, not to mention the time it “Squeaky fl oors are a problem usually associated with takes to put the roof and cladding on, so shielding it from the heritage homes, but that’s simply not the case. We can work weather is sometimes easier said than done.” on properties that are anywhere between 10 to 80 years old,” Scott’s number one message to home builders is that says Scott. prevention and protection is the key. “Then fi guring out the source of noise pollution is like a “The best thing builders can do to prevent future squeaky puzzle; is it the fl oorboards, is it the soft fl oor, is it the sealant fl oors is to protect the framework and sheet fl ooring from the underneath? weather. Once the framing is up, protecting it is critical; get it “There are many causes of squeaky fl oors,” says Scott, but enclosed and watertight as fast as possible.” builders taking short cuts and using poor quality materials during the construction of new homes is a large contributor to the problem. Squeaky Floors For example, if adhesive glue gets dirty, or the installer www.squeakfl oors.com.au

52 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 NEW PRODUCT RELEASE Ubiflex Extreme 2 in 1 Waterproof flashing

Non Adhesive back – double sided flashing Install either side up Easy to install at extreme low temperatures Superb performance at extreme high temperatures

Ubiflex Extreme is a high-quality waterproof flashing material made of aluminium reinforced silicone. It has been developed for quick and easy installation and to withstand harsh weather conditions keeping its superb product benefits and installation features.

Available colours

Head Office Branch Offices 32 Industrial Ave, Sydney T: 02) 8795 6300 F: 02) 9756 4074 Thomastown, Vic, Aust 3074 Brisbane T: 07) 3086 7300 F: 07) 3209 3611 T: 03) 8301 7100 F: 03) 9359 4076 Perth T: 08) 9207 9300 F: 08) 9248 9543 cagroup.com.au HATCHING NEW IDEAS

Alison Scotland brings us up-to-date with Standards Australia’s movements in early 2019.

he building and construction sector was a big an area of T focus for Standards Australia in 2018 with a number of committees wrapping up work to meet deadlines for the first three year amendment cycle of the National Construction Code (NCC). Beyond this, the sector itself is transforming and moving into new and exciting areas with Standards Australia innovating at a similar pace. We have started projects in new areas, and are looking too at the way we manage projects to ensure it is as effective as possible, and as dynamic as we need to be for the future.

INNOVATION BRINGING SPEED AND AGILITY We set up the Incubator – a space for testing new ideas and proving concepts – in 2017 to bring the speed and agility of a start-up to Standards Australia. The Incubator has been looking at a With thanks to the Incubator, Standards Australia is embracing new ideas and number of exciting projects with two concepts to aid the future of the building industry. streams of focus: ∫ Process innovation: trialling new industry or technical body, to anyone ∫ Hydraulic engineering ways of opening up our processes with specialist expertise in the field. ∫ Building regulation and being more proactive with quality ∫ Property owners assurance BUILDING COMMISSIONING ∫ Building maintenance ∫ Content delivery: testing Proofs Supported by the Australian Institute ∫ Energy performance specialists of Concept for visual and digital of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and standards and how content can be Heating (AIRAH), we are creating a All interested individuals should send delivered in more intuitive and user- new technical specification to provide their CV and their area(s) of interest focused ways. a framework for the design and from the list above to buildcomms@ installation, testing, compliance and standards.org.au. Participants will be Two separate projects have been verification of buildings. selected based on relevant skills and set up to test a ‘crowd-sourced’ If you are a professional in Australia experience. approach to the development of with experience in any of the following technical content. The aim is to deliver areas, we’d like to hear from you: THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS a Standards Australia document to ∫ Building commissioning We are pleased to be working with the market as quickly as possible in a ∫ Facility managers Air Filtration and Ventilation Association fully open and transparent manner, ∫ Building services of Australia (AIVAA), to create a new incorporating a wide range of diverse ∫ Mechanical engineering handbook aimed at providing guidance (new and existing) contributors. This ∫ Building design on the application of AS/NZS ISO shifts the contributors and experts ∫ Fire engineering 9972:2015, Thermal performance from those nominated by a specific ∫ Building compliance and verification of buildings - Determination of

54 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 air permeability of buildings - Fan were there. This may seem like a hostile we can evolve the standards/prefab pressurisation method. question, but it allowed for a really lively relationship into the future. Professionals in Australia with and engaging conversation. experience in any of the following areas We were there to fi nd out what WHAT’S ON FOR 2019 should get in touch: direction the sector was heading, and Despite 2018 being another big year for ∫ Air permeability testing whether there is a role for standards Standards Australia, 2019 will be just as ∫ Thermal performance of buildings along the way. signifi cant particularly for the building ∫ Building forensics Can standards help increase safety and construction sector. ∫ Building science for the growing Looking towards ∫ Building envelope commissioning number of employees the next three- in the space? Would year amendment All interested individuals should standards support With hundreds cycle of the NCC, send their CV and their area(s) of consistency of of standards it is important any interest from the list above to hb194@ approach as more referenced in the standards intended standards.org.au. Participants will be components are built for reference in NCC selected based on relevant skills and off site and brought NCC, it is vital that 2022 are discussed experience. onsite? Do specifi c each section of the and put forward These are two of the many innovative prefabrication industry considers as proposals as projects being developed at Standards standards need to how the NCC and soon as possible. Australia, both of which have already be prepared or can With hundreds of started drawing in people that have they use existing standards align in standards referenced never contributed to standards before, materials standards? WKHLU¿HOG in the NCC, it is vital as well as some seasoned professionals. These were among that each section the questions we of the industry PREFAB AND THE FUTURE were asking of the considers how the Last year Standards Australia took prefab sector at the conference. NCC and standards align in their fi eld. its innovation credentials to the 2018 The big turnout and the engaged By submitting a proposal and working PrefabAUS national conference in audience, as well as the reception we with Standards Australia to address a Brisbane. received, is exactly why this is only need in the building and construction Many times over the course of the the start of our interaction with the industry, the whole sector and the conference, our Standards Australia Australian prefab industry. broader Australian community are team members were asked why we We are looking forward to seeing how better off .

TRADE STUFF .COM.AU

LITTLE RED ROOFING BOOK Roof cuts and rafter lengths – Hancock’s 10th edition is a very popular, best selling book. With calculations, diagrams and tables it will help you with plumb and side cuts for hip and rafter, down and side purlin cuts and more. Calculations for roof frames, roof cuts and rafter lengths. This 88-page pocket size edition is in metric, updating all the old calculations, and it is a very easy-to-use roofing guide which you can use with BEST complete confidence. This book will earn its keep. SELLER! $25.95 ...... CODE 129

SEE ORDER FORM ON PAGE  OR PHONE 1800 623 214 ORDER ONLINE @ WWW.TRADESTUFF.COM.AU

DELIVERED DIRECT TO YOURwww.buildingconnection.com.au DOOR 55 NEW PRODUCTS

DUST REDUCTION The volume of airborne dust created on building sites during sanding can now be reduced with new SHEETROCK Dust Control Joint Compound from USG Boral. Tested to the USA’s National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) Method 0600, SHEETROCK Dust Control produces respirable airborne dust at levels lower than the USA’s current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), which are lower than the PELs set by Safe Work Australia. Working with USG Boral’s Dust Control HAND-MADE MOSAIC ARTISTIC TILES joint compound can mitigate dust and adds Global tiles manufacturer Maurimosaic has launched its new hand-made mosaic artistic an extra layer of protection for painters, tiles such as patio, primero, fi esta, viento and fortuna among others which is now available plasterers, builders and other trades on for sale across the globe. site and makes clean up easier and faster. The tiles are handcrafted with hand-cut stained glass and available in a wide range of combinations and colours from its Italian colour palette. The hand-made manufacturing provides each tile with a slight variation, creating an intentionally organic appearance in each design. The materials available are adapted to the unique style of mosaic to facilitate its use in any type of surface, both indoors and outdoors.

Maurimosaic USG Boral www.maurimosaic.com www.usgboral.com

HONEYWELL HYPERSHOCK DEWALT PROCOMFORT SAFETY Eye protection should be front of mind for FOOTWEAR every Aussie, especially for those working The new DeWalt PROComfort range is outdoors or in potentially hazardous redesigned safety footwear program environments. that can provide long-term comfort while Honeywell’s Hypershock polarised providing extreme durability, stability and lenses enhance fi ne detail and deep protection on the job. colours while reducing the oriented light Off ering diff erent fi ve designs, that causes glare - minimising eye fatigue, the PROComfort safety footwear is strain and discomfort. BIG RIVER GROUP LAUNCHES lightweight, fl exible, supportive and With a focus on design and a ARMOURCAB breathable, featuring a new three-layer comfortable fi t, the wrap around frame Timber manufacturer and distributor Big sole, midsole system and fi t technology. has been engineered to fi t a wide range River Group has just launched ArmourCab, The PU / rubber out-sole is non-slip of head shapes, providing increased a new timber specifi cally for carpentry and to the highest slip resistance C rating coverage, side protection and superior joinery applications. including a 300°C high heat resistant peripheral vision. ArmourCab is available in three native rating, which makes the DeWalt So, if you’re yet to fi nd the perfect pair timber species – blackbutt and spotted PROComfort safety footwear versatile for for all your jobs onsite, these might just be gum for hardwood applications, or hoop all situations. the ticket. pine for softwood. They are engineered from a 16mm moisture resistant MDF (MRMDF) core with a 1.0mm timber face bonded to each side to form a strong, solid and stable panel that is easy to work with. It is available in a range of standard panel sizes, including: 2400x1200mm, 2400x600mm and 2000x1200mm.

Honeywell Safety Big River Group DeWalt www.honeywellsafety.com www.bigrivergroup.com.au www.dewalt.com.au

56 BUILDING CONNECTION Autumn 2019 67 TOOLS 70 LEGAL

AUTUMN 2019 72 MARKETING COVER STORY PICK UP WHERE PETROL LEFT OFF GIVEN THE RISE IN POPULARITY OF ELECTRIC CARS, IT’S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL WE HAVE ELECTRIC UTES. TERRY MARTIN REPORTS.

t’s simply wrong to think of Australia North America is leading the charge 2017 using a comical design sketch as a large and isolated continent with electric pickup trucks but major that showed an oversized pickup with a I far removed from what’s happening programs are occurring in Australia, more conventional model (such as Ford’s in the rest of the world, where electric which gives us reason to investigate F-150) in its load bed. vehicle sales are taking off and auto who’s doing what, and why. He has since followed the lead of US companies are committing massive president Donald Trump in taking to funds to building battery-powered cars, TESLA TWITTER FEED Twitter to discuss the program and vans, trucks and, yes, even utes. Tech billionaire Elon Musk has already divulge a few details, such as its use of a True, there’s a lot of scepticism built the world’s biggest lithium-ion dual motor layout, “crazy torque” levels, around these parts, plenty of doubt and, battery in South Australia and as dynamically adjustable suspension perhaps not surprisingly, hardly any head of Tesla Motors in California (in accordance to the load) and the meaningful demand from consumers he is driving the development of an biggest battery that Tesla has built for right now for electric vehicles of any all-electric pickup that could reach its vehicles to date, enabling a driving description, let alone the ute which is production as early as this year. range of around 500 miles (805km) ingrained in our culture as a big, bold, Hard facts are thin on the ground, before recharging is needed – enough to brawny member of the working class with Musk revealing the plan late in eliminate any sense of ‘range anxiety’ – albeit one that in recent years has for most owners. moved up into more polite society. Expect the still-secret Tesla pickup But just as solar panels are fast to therefore offer excellent acceleration becoming standard fixtures on the – overseas reports point to 0-60mph average Aussie home, due in no small (0-97km/h) achieved in around five part to pain inflicted by higher energy seconds flat – as well as strong pulling bills, vehicle electrification has a power and a high towing capacity, the relevance about it and has reached the latter tipped to be 4,500kg and could point where the trends are undeniable extend much further than that, if the and action is well and truly underway. tweets from Musk are credible.

58 ACROSS THE TRADES Autumn 2019 In-wheel batteries should allow for a deep load bed, while an optional auxiliary battery on top of the load floor is expected to push the range out further. There should be plenty of supply here for tradies to use with their power tools, too, while the cabin is being touted as a six-seater and is guaranteed to come with a high level of advanced technology including, as Musk has indicated, 360° cameras and radars for high-level autonomous safety systems and handy features such as automatic parallel parking. Whichever way you look at it, Tesla is one of the biggest names in the EV Workhorse W-15 business and its pickup will be a game- changer for the automotive world. We asked Tesla Australia about the impact the ute was expected to have here, but, perhaps not surprisingly, we were simply directed to Musk’s Twitter feed…

BRIDGING THE GAP All the major motor vehicle manufacturers are moving towards hybrids, combining their traditional internal combustion engines (ICEs) with various forms of electrification. These include ‘mild’ hybrid systems that integrate a compact electric motor/ generator with the ICE for extra power Havelaar Bison and efficiency, ‘parallel’ hybrid which uses a bigger electric motor that can power the vehicle by itself for short that is scheduled to launch in 2020 – the Group, which at the time of writing was periods, and ‘plug-in’ hybrid electric Blue Oval pitching to tradies that it will preparing to launch its series production vehicles (PHEVs) that typically have a not only get you to the jobsite but will W-15 mid-size pickup in the US – a ‘range longer electric-only range and can be power the site as well – while Jeep is extender’ plug-in hybrid capable of up recharged via mains electricity or fast- preparing to launch not only an all- 130km on electric power alone with its charging outlets. new Wrangler-based ute, known as the 60kWh Panasonic lithium-ion battery, or With plug-in hybrids, the ICE kicks Scrambler, in 2020, but a plug-in hybrid 500km in total with the three-cylinder in only as required, and in the case powertrain designed for the same petrol engine in action. of ‘range extender’ versions, the platform. Priced from $US52,500 ($A73,500), conventional engine is simply used to General Motors has also made it clear the W-15 uses two 172kW electric charge the battery rather than drive the that its latest platform underpinning motors, one at each end to allow four- wheels. the new Silverado and GMC Sierra will wheel drive, with a total system output Mild hybrid systems are already be capable of running any powertrain of 343kW. It can reach 60mph (97km/h) available in America on pickups such configuration, including PHEV and full- from standstill in 5.5 seconds, has a 1t as the Chevrolet Silverado and Fiat electric, which is important seeing that payload, 2.5t towing capacity and, for Chrysler’s Ram 1500, and will eventually Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) is now running power tools, a 7.2kW power become widespread, attached to remanufacturing the Chevy pickup in outlet providing up to 30A directly from virtually every ICE from the mass- Australia. battery pack. The ute also has high-level market brands during next decade. safety gear such as automatic braking PHEV pickups are also in the works. ELECTRIC LINE HONOURS and lane departure warning. Ford, for example, has committed to a Beating just about everyone to the While the W-15 is not slated for plug-in version of its best-selling F-150 punch is the Ohio-based Workhorse right-hand drive markets, PHEV

Autumn 2019 ACROSS THE TRADES 59 powertrains are expected to turn up the basic architecture, typically available via 110/220V ports (taking on global mid-size utes such as the with truckloads of power and torque, up to 10 hours on 220) and fast-charge Australian-developed Ford Ranger in the 4x4 drivelines via electric motors outlets (which need just 75 minutes). years ahead, in line with development stationed at each axle and promises of The B2 has a healthy 3,400kg towing plans announced by their respective thorough engineering capacity and a parent companies. and heavy-duty 2,268kg payload, with Korea’s SsangYong and China’s components to cope a useful load area LDV are also reportedly developing with the demands of The B2 has a (measuring 1,752mm electrified versions based on their travelling off-road. healthy 3,400kg long x 1,245mm wide) one-tonne utes – the Musso and T60 Preliminary and – in something respectively – but for all the positive specifications for towing capacity and you simply cannot noises from various brands with global the Bison point to a 2,268kg payload, get with a normal reach, it’s whisper-quiet when it comes a driving range with a useful load engine crammed in to making concrete commitments on of 300km on a area (measuring under the bonnet – a full-electric models. single charge, a 1,752mm long x full load-through rugged carbon-fibre facility from front to OTHERS STARTING UP reinforced steel 1,245mm wide) rear that allows long With full-blown battery electric utes, space-frame chassis pieces of timber to be the big players are clearly waiting to and a body with carried. This includes see how the market reacts to the Tesla 1.3m3 of space in the 24 lengths of 2x4 pickup and other new models from load area as well as 0.51m3 of lockable through the ‘patented passthrough’ or 72 smaller manufacturers who are taking storage space. Like the W-15, the Bison sheets of 4’x8.5’ plywood with the rear a leap of faith – and hoping tradies, as also has a high-current power socket to seats removed, according to Bollinger. their core audience, come along for the run tools. ride. Bollinger, meanwhile, is taking orders THE AUSTRALIAN WAY Among those with positive energy for the B2 pickup ahead of production If this all sounds a bit like ‘only in is Havelaar Canada with the Bison, due to get underway in 2020. This is America’, let us show you how BHP – Bollinger Motors with its B2, and other an all-electric, all-wheel drive, all- aka The Big Australian – is currently fledgling North American brands such aluminium body combination, with trialling all-electric versions of Toyota’s as Via Motors and Rivian Automotive dual motors producing a combined tough-as-nails LandCruiser 79 Series – all of which are working to have full- 388kW/697Nm that can shift the ute that have been specially modified by electric pickups in production by next 2,300kg vehicle from 0-60mph in 6.5s. Adelaide firm Voltra. decade. A 120kWh battery pack can deliver a Voltra has replaced the LandCruiser’s There are a lot of similarities in 320km driving range, with recharging stonking 4.8L turbo-diesel V8 with

Bollinger B2

60 ACROSS THE TRADES Autumn 2019 a full-electric powertrain – including 104kW/256Nm electric motor, custom gearbox and 42.24kWh lithium-ion battery pack – and since about mid-2018 BHP has been running two examples of the vehicle (dubbed eCruiser) at its Olympic Dam mine site in a 12-month trial. It still operates as a fully-fledged 4x4 ute, but the eCruiser is expected to bring a number of important benefits. These include: zero tailpipe emissions, which is especially important working in an underground environment where diesel particulate matter is a major health hazard; less maintenance due to fewer moving/wearing powertrain parts Bollinger B2 and less stress on the driveline; lower servicing costs, with no oil changes, air/ oil/fuel filter replacement, etc; obvious Recharging only takes around BHP is currently collecting data on savings on diesel consumption (and 40 minutes when using a 50kW DC the vehicles’ performance, power supply, storage); and user-friendly operation, fast-charger, and there’s also the maintenance requirements, charging with less heat generation and a bigger-picture benefit of lowering times and corrosion resistance. quieter, smoother and arguably more the company’s carbon footprint and Depending on the results, a decision on comfortable drive. reducing its impact on the environment. wider deployment will be made – and

Autumn 2019 ACROSS THE TRADES 61 motor and a 132kWh lithium-ion battery enabling a driving range of up to 250km – but there is obviously lots of potential for broader applications suitable for trade operators, including those driving with a regular car licence. The beauty of this is the conversions are relatively simple and chassis rails enable battery packs to be packaged securely between them, which is good in terms of design, safety and dynamics. Queensland-based ACE Electric Vehicles has also committed to assembling electric vehicles for sale in Australia, including a light-duty Voltra eCruiser ‘Yewt’ small pickup and a ‘Cargo’ compact van with payloads of around 500kg, fully independent suspension and a 45kW/174Nm electric motor and 23.2kWh battery. Driving range is 150- 200km with a partial load.

A POSITIVE CHARGE Utes are big business in Australia, with more than 200,000 new ones sold every year, and the two top-selling vehicles in the nation are from the tray-backed class – Toyota’s HiLux and the Ford Ranger. As a result, we’ve seen rapid changes in recent years in areas such as infotainment and safety technology – driven by customer demand rather Ace Yewt than government regulation – and we think powertrain technology, with electrification at its heart, will be the could really build momentum for the this to underground mines,” he said. next frontier to be crossed. conversion market in Australia while “If there’s a market there for it, most The Aussie Voltra eCruiser is a the vehicle importers take a ‘let’s wait definitely, but at the moment we’re not great example. It’s not a mass-market and see’ approach. targeting any other market than mining production model by any stretch, but a Voltra’s eCruiser project manager so there’s really untapped potential sign of times that was built out of real Andrew Draffin told us that the there.” need, with clear benefits and, let’s face company was primarily targeting the it, plenty of question marks in terms of mining sector with the electric ute – MORE LOCAL PROJECTS reliability, longevity and so on – all of which has been built to full Australian There are other operations getting in on which are being thoroughly tested and Design Rule compliance – and that it was the act in Australia, such as Melbourne- will provide important answers, not just really not viable at this stage for light- based SEA Electric which has developed for BHP but for us all. commercial applications. fully electric light trucks/cab chassis This is clearly what is also happening But he agreed that “anything is really and vans. The company has backing in the engineering centres of the major possible” in terms of potential longer- from the Victorian Government, a auto-makers. Few want to show their term opportunities with other sectors pilot fleet contract in place with Kings hand just yet – and all of them are such as building and construction, Transport and a local development waiting, or working, on new battery or even exploring partnerships with project underway with Isuzu Australia breakthroughs that will ensure electric factory-backed converters such as HSV Limited. utes can cope with Australia’s long and its Silverado program. The Isuzu program at this stage distances and tough terrain. “The feedback that we’ve already got only goes as low as the 8,000-9,000kg But all understand that positive has been astounding with the amount of GVM class with the NQR series – in this charge is in the air, and is bound to hit people who want to do a trial and take case using a 130kW/1,500Nm electric the road before too long.

62 ACROSS THE TRADES Autumn 2019 IT’S MY BUSINESS IT’S MY VAN

Renault Trafic works hard to keep your business costs down. It includes Aaron | Flowmotion Plumbing and Roofing capped-price servicing,^ longer intervals between services and exceptional fuel economy. That’s why Aaron from Flowmotion Plumbing and Roofing loves his Renault Trafic. It’s the van you need guaranteed.

Ѓ Now with 3 Year / Unlimited km warranty Ѓ 12 month / 30,000km service intervals Ѓ 3 Year Capped Price Service^

Renault Turbo diesel from $ * Drive TRAFIC 32,990 away

^Capped price service applies for the first three scheduled services – $549 for Trafic 66/85, $599 for Trafic 103. *Recommended drive away price for TRAFIC single turbo with solid paint valid for vehicles ordered before 31/03/19. ABN buyers only. Renault reserves the right to vary, extend or withdraw this offer. Van shown with customised features available at additional cost. TECHNOLOGY

REACH FOR THE CLOUDS

A NEW REPORT SUGGESTS A STRONG CORRELATION BETWEEN THE NBN, CLOUD-BASED APPS AND SMALL-BUSINESS SUCCESS. PAUL SKELTON REPORTS.

ired of contracting, Clint Ruby This increase in staff, clients and jobs himself to use ServiceM8, supported by decided a few years ago that became unmanageable as Clint tried the supplier’s online training videos and T it was time to become a sole to co-ordinate everything with a diary chat rooms. Now, the app is a core part trader, installing solar panels for a and a whiteboard. He was working until of his business operations. couple of major suppliers. 10.30pm most nights to catch up on Clint estimates that he and his staff But, as is the case for many quoting and invoicing. save four hours a day by not doing the entrepreneurs, he didn’t have an easy Apart from two weeks at Christmas, paperwork required by their compliance- go of things from the outset. When the Clint and his family didn’t take a heavy roles. This has freed up staff to do market dried up suddenly in 2014, Clint holiday in six years, because the paper- more jobs, as well as reducing the cost of had to make a quick transition into based business had to be shut down if duplicate record books. general electrical work in construction he was absent. Also, the professionalism of his to stay afloat. Thinking there must be a better business has increased, which has been “It was a long, hard road,” Clint says. way, Clint began searching online for the key to serving more than 1,500 The switch to construction changed a digital solution and came across clients. In particular, this has been the business model of Ruby Electrical in ServiceM8. The app was life changing, crucial in serving insurance companies, Currumbin, Queensland, to one with although making the switch wasn’t which demand a high standard of care a high volume of jobs and clients. For simple, as he admits to having been and compliance. one thing, it meant employing three or computer illiterate. Many small business operators could four staff. But he pushed ahead and taught relate to Clint’s story. Going out on your

64 ACROSS THE TRADES Autumn 2019 own isn’t easy, but people could be making SMES ARE USING AUTOMATION TO CUT THEIR WORKLOAD. life harder than it needs to be. Are there DIGITISATION OF ACCOUNTING AND INVOICING ARE KEY DRIVERS OF readily available solutions that would be DIGITAL ADOPTION IN AUSTRALIA SMES easy to integrate into your business? Trent Innes is managing director Extent of IT use in business processes, by business size % of business using some IT in their business processes, 2015-2016 of Xero, a cloud-based accounting software platform for small and 85% medium-size businesses. Accounting 86% Recently, through its Small Business 95% Insights division, Xero examined how 74% changes in digital connectivity affect Invoicing 77% small operations – in particular the role 86% of cloud-based applications and high- 55% speed internet. HR/Payroll 77% “For example, there’s a belief 88% in the market that digitisation, or 44% digitalisation, has had a negative effect Marketing 58% on employment, but that didn’t feel right 67% to me,” Trent says. 48% Business process Business To test his view, the teams at Xero Operations 54% and data analyst AlphaBeta looked at 79% rollout data for the NBN as a basis for 42% Business 54% digital connectivity. They compared the planning figures to Xero customers’ data to see 74% what was happening to employment and 23% Stock 39% revenue growth. control The resultant report – From little 55% things big things grow: How digital connectivity is helping Australia 0-4 persons 5-19 persons 20-199 persons small businesses thrive – found that the rise of cloud-based applications has *Source: ABS 8129 enabled small businesses to improve their performance. Cloud-based apps store software and customer data on secure, enterprise- list goes on, but these businesses are awareness and transition costs. These grade remote servers instead of on saving real time and real money thanks are exacerbated by a lack of time to the premises. This allows business to the way they conduct their activities.” investigate options, and fear of change operators to access information, Australia is home to 2.23 million small (according to the Australian Taxation updated in real time, regardless of businesses, which make up 99.8% of all Office, 30% of businesses still complete whether they log on from home, at work businesses in the country. They employ business activity statements on paper). or via their phones. 10.9 million people, so their success is “Most small business operators are “There is a real revolution occurring paramount to a healthy economy. busy – they have limited resources and in the way small businesses access new However, many small businesses are lots to do. business process applications, and I not fully participating in the digital “Further, if there is a substantial believe it is very important,” AlphaBeta revolution. Although the NBN covers transition cost involved in adopting director Andrew Charlton says. half the country, two-thirds of small a new technology, it won’t be well “Digital connectivity and cloud- businesses were not connected to received. The message of this report based applications are enabling high-speed internet according to the is that the payback period for small small business to access the tools Australian Bureau of Statistics in business is very short because of the and efficiencies that were once the 2015-16. amount of time it will save them.” exclusive province of big business. “This speaks of opportunity,” The rollout of the NBN began in 2009. “Small business operators can now do Andrew says. This sparked a major shift in the type all their accounting in a much simpler “There is a lot to be gained by of digital connectivity Australian small way, with a lot less paperwork and in a small business if the power of these businesses can access. In 2009-10, only lot less time. technologies is properly harnessed.” 8.7% of small businesses and 10.6% of “They can also do HR functions, He says the biggest challenges for medium-size businesses had a high- marketing and some recruiting. The the adoption of digital technologies are speed broadband connection.

Autumn 2019 ACROSS THE TRADES 65 Apps connected to Xero are helping industries address longstanding quotations, appointment setting and inefficiencies or pain points reminders. Trade & Construction ∫ Increased revenue by reducing unpaid ∫ Mobile workforce that needs a remote bills through digital invoicing, which coordination and supervision results in a higher proportion of High volume of client jobs to schedule, Business pain points / business needs ∫ perform and invoice prompt payment online. ∫ Essential to assure quality, safety and ∫ Increased revenue by reducing invoicing compliance of work errors, or even failing to invoice. 1. Clerical work 2. Job scheduling, quoting, invoicing and compliance “When you look at the number What do they use apps to do 3. Business performance analysis (eg, and type of small businesses in cash flow monitoring 4. Processing orders Australia, they’re so fragmented and they do so many different diverse things,” Trent says. “From a technology perspective, they Example apps were largely ignored until the cloud came along. Now they have better access to the technology that big business enjoys, and at a fraction of the cost.” Removing barriers for digital In the past decade, Australian “But we’re also seeing a rise in connectivity now is important, because businesses have increased their the area of marketing, and for other the digital transformation of small expenditure on information and purposes. businesses is likely to be a slower communications technology hardware “If you look at construction process than some other digital and software by 67%, and have shifted specifically, the adoption rate is 40% transitions, such as social media. much of their spending from hardware for clerical apps and Further, small to the cloud. 20% for business businesses are often And it appears to be paying off. intelligence. Further, time-poor and can “At a macro level, small businesses that 39% of tradespeople In the 2017-18 absorb only a certain are digitally connected are increasing use apps for job financial year, degree of change their employment one-third faster than scheduling and businesses on Xero at any one time. those not on the NBN,” Trent says. invoicing.” Adopting digital “Their revenue is growing almost two- Apps such as using apps increased innovations is likely thirds faster. ServiceM8 and their revenue by to be staged. “To get an idea of what is happening Tradify allow 5.5% overall. That “Small business on a micro level, we decided to look at tradespeople to compares with 3.6% is such an important the number of apps our customers were automate a range for those on Xero with sector, employing using, integrated into their Xero system.” of micro-processes, 66.8% of the The Xero system comprises more including scheduling no connected apps. workforce, so than 800 third-party apps that small jobs with staff digitisation is going businesses can use for a range of and customers, to have a huge effect purposes, including rostering, time communicating with on the efficiency sheets or expense management. staff and clients about jobs, recording and competitiveness of the economy,” With more than 50,000 registered compliance information, preparing Andrew says. third-party programmers on its quotes and invoicing customers. He believes that growth in adoption of database, the Xero app system is cloud-based apps will largely be organic, quickly becoming a powerful resource This benefits trades businesses in but it could be accelerated by more for tradies. four main ways: awareness and understanding among In the 2017-18 financial year, ∫ Time saved on invoicing and reporting small-business operators. businesses on Xero using apps by field staff and managers. “Gone are the days of people collecting increased their revenue by 5.5% overall. ∫ Increased revenue from better receipts in shoeboxes for a few months That compares with 3.6% for those on customer service and optimisation then laboriously sorting them, manually Xero with no connected apps. of employee time, for example, using entering and submitting them. “Most of the apps our customers use time saved on compliance work to “The clerical activities that have are very much ‘clerical’ – accounting, allow an extra job to be completed. consumed so much time in the past are invoicing and payroll, for example,” Customer conversion and retention now being automated in ways that are Trent says. can be improved by automating going to save many, many hours a week.”

66 ACROSS THE TRADES Autumn 2019 TOOLS

Leatherman Tread LT Style meets functionality with the Tread LT from Leatherman. Launching in 2018, the Tread LT is a slimmer and lighter version of the original Tread multi-tool. Consisting of 26 tools, it’s travel-friendly, comfortable and will help you solve any problem you encounter. It’s also adjustable to accommodate any wrist size and fully customisable with the links you need most. Each stainless steel bracelet link is a usable tool, like Allen wrenches, screwdrivers and box wrenches. It’s quite handy if you don’t have your toolbox with you.

Leatherman www.leatherman.com.au

Oliver WB 34 workboots Oliver Footwear has released its WB 34 series, merging comfort, performance and durability across every style. Specially formulated technologies make up the WB 34 collection including COMFORTcushion to absorb impact, Odorban Control Technology to minimise odour for optimum freshness and hygiene, NATUREform toe caps with a wide profile and cushion liner to ensure toes are comfortable and a GRIPthane dual density polyurethane sole for superior durability. As well as offering a six-month manufacturer’s warranty on all footwear, Oliver’s WB 34 range also come with HYDROstop protection, offering a 3-year guarantee against the effects of hydrolysis and microbial attack on the sole.

Oliver Footwear www.oliver.com.au

Macaron smart tape measure With the combination of a flexible ribbon and a small pop-out extension piece, the Macaron smart measuring tape allows you to measure with increased accuracy and fluency. Curved or straight. Further, it was designed to assist people suffering visual impairment. The Macaron was designed and created by four QUT students, one of whom is blind. The Macaron is able to take measurements without needing to read the markings, and also connects via Bluetooth to a mobile device. The app can be used to pre- set the object and distances to be measured. Voice input is also available for the setup and all can be saved to the phone app with the press of a button.

OSeyeris www.oseyeris.com

Summer 2018 ACROSS THE TRADES 67 TECHNOLOGY TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

MANAGING FINANCES IS NEVER FUN; BUT, IT CAN BE EASY. FROLLO FOUNDER GARETH GUMBLEY HIGHLIGHTS A SERIES OF THIRD-PARTY APPS FOR YOUR PHONE THAT MAKE CONTROLLING YOUR SPENDING SIMPLE.

hese days, it seems like Finch Beem It money sprints out of a savings www.finch.me www.beemit. T accounts faster than a toupee If you’re somewhat com.au in a hurricane. It doesn’t help that of a social butterfly, The beauty of Beem transactions happen so easily now with Finch is a must- It is that it doesn’t tap and pay. have for ensuring overcomplicate Before you know it, you’re down to your hard-earned payments. So long as double digits in your bank account and money doesn’t the person you want wondering how you’re going to limp end up paying for to transact with is other people’s along to the end of your pay period. an existing Beem expenses. Whether It user, the actual Two-minute noodles and instant coffee, it’s splitting the bill for a group payments process has been designed anyone? dinner, divvying up the cost of a to look more like a Twitter feed than The apps provided by major shared holiday house or simply a stodgy bank transfer. The app is Australian banks and lenders work asking your mate to put in for a six- jointly owned by CommBank, NAB well for checking your current balance, pack, Finch makes it as painless as and Westpac, and given payments transferring money and paying bills, possible with its intuitive interface. happen instantaneously, it’s actually but they don’t actually encourage you to You can proactively pay someone better than transferring money to save or budget your money. money, request that someone else someone’s bank account via online Thankfully, there are a handful pay you, and also create groups banking – a process that typically of apps out there that fill the gaps and to track shared expenses across takes 1-2 days. New users also get enable you to make the most of your multiple people. No more awkward a $5 credited to their linked debit hard-won earnings. conversations necessary. account.

easyshare Stocard Frollo www. www. www.frollo.us geteasyshare. stocardapp.com/ Designed to com en/au help improve easyshare is another Rewards programs your financial payments app that are a great way fitness, Frollo is a focuses specifically to save money free app that gives on splitting with vendors that you all the tools you payments and you frequent on a need to manage your bills in a shared regular basis, but money effectively. household. who wants to lug It connects all of This could be for rent, groceries, all of those loyalty cards around? your bank accounts, credit cards, electricity, internet and any other Stocard is an app designed to liberate loans and superannuation together shared expenses that need to be you from loyalty card fatigue, with into a single dashboard to give you divvied up among roommates. Taking support for all of the major vendors a complete picture of your finances, the awkwardness out of chasing and programs, including Woolworths, and based off your transactions, household members for money – and Flybuys, Myer, Priceline, Qantas and it provides you with personalised negating the need for any passive Coles. The app stores digital versions insights that help you save money. aggressive post-it notes on the of each card on your phone, and also Budgeting and keeping track of fridge – easyshare is clever enough to shows your current rewards points bills is all done automatically, and collect the cash from relevant parties balance, nearby store locations, as the inclusion of personal goals and and then pool it all together to pay well as any relevant offers, coupons community-based challenges help rent or bills on your behalf on a one- and catalogues. you stay motivated to continue your off or recurring basis. positive savings habits.

68 ACROSS THE TRADES Autumn 2019 TOOLS

Comtruk Sports Utility Bed Designed and manufactured in Australia, the Comtruk Sports Utility Bed (SUB) aims to re-imagine the classic ute tray with more performance features and improved safety features. The SUB’s integrated strapping system aims to make loading, load securing and unloading easier, regardless of cargo size or shape. It features multiple channels of attachment for securing of loads and installing equipment carrier accessories. When not securing a load, the SUB’s channels hold rubber friction strips to help reduce sliding and create grip to the bed floor.

Comtruk www.comtruk.com

Prazi beam cutters With more and thicker glue-laminated timber (GLT) being used in general construction, there comes a time when a standard circular saw is not up to the task. Beam cutter attachments have been available in the US for more than 20-years but have had limited compatibility with some of the circular saw brands on the Australian market. Such attachments virtually turn a circular saw into a refined chain saw. Recently, market-leader Prazi has released an 18” beam cutter that fits virtually all standard circular saws where the blade is on the right hand side. The product has also been tested and works well with a growing number of 36V cordless saws. You can buy the tool direct from the manufacturer.

Prazi www.praziusa.com

Bosch GOP12V-28 12V Multi-tool The Bosch GOP12V-28 12V Max Starlock oscillating multi- tool features the next-generation Starlock 3-D interface; the accessory connection is cupped and shaped like a bottle cap to provide more contact surface area for rock- solid blade grip and maximum torque transfer. The tool’s EC brushless motor delivers more power versus the previous tool’s 12V motor. This tool produces a top speed of up to 20,000 oscillations per minute and it has a 2.8° oscillating arc. The variable-speed dial allows users to match the oscillating speed to the material and task with a range of 5,000 to 20,000 opm (oscillations per minute). Bosch’s Constant Response circuitry allows the tool to maintain the desired speed even as load increases.

Bosch Power Tools www.bosch-pt.com.au

Summer 2018 ACROSS THE TRADES 69 LEGAL WHAT’S IN A NAME?

MUCH LIKE YOUR OWN NAME, YOUR BRAND NAME MEANS EVERYTHING, WRITES BLAIR BEVEN. ARE YOU PROTECTING IT?

hey say that a person’s own imposters who want to steal your name that are invented (Kodak, Google). name is the sweetest sound and your goodwill? The answer is no. Some are illusory (Facebook) and then T in any language. We strongly The only way to do this is to register more common/known names can be identify with our names. It’s often the the name as a trademark with the trademarked if they do not relate to first thing you learn about someone; Intellectual Property Office of Australia the goods or services (Tesla, Nike). You your first chance to form judgements and secure your ownership over the would not be able to secure a trademark about who they are. name. Once granted, the registration registration for a word that directly The same goes for brand names. lasts 10 years, and if you continue to describes the goods or service; for We see over 4,000 ads every single use it, can be renewed for another 10 example ‘plumber’ or ‘electrician’. This day. Companies spend a lot of time years or in perpetuity. defeats the purpose of the trademark competing for our attention registration system where the and this is often through government allows you to the promotion of brand. ‘own’ and have a monopoly As a seasoned in the name for a period tradie, you probably of time. Trademark rights know all about the are national rights. Owning art of attracting new a trademark registration business and the value in Australia for example of having a good brand. would not afford you any Whether you’ve opted protection in the United for a media-friendly States of America. brand (e.g. Dr Sparky for There are numerous electricians) or you’re benefits to obtaining a simply trading under registered trademark your own personal including gaining a name, that name is an complete monopoly over integral part of who you the name, which acts as are and how customers a deterrent for a third party perceive you. So, what rights do you Another misconception is that using or registering the same name. The have in law to protect that brand? internet domain names afford you the investment business usually makes This area falls under the broad legal right to that name. Like company in the creation and promotion of their umbrella of intellectual property (IP) names, domain names are merely for brands means that the name should be law and it’s frequently undervalued or administrative use and do not give the legally protected as a trademark. Most overlooked by business. company any monopoly in the name. A businesses have taken a considerable It’s also complicated: there are domain name is only associated with effort to create the brand and this several situations where a company the company’s website and points investment can be consolidated through might seek to register a name and each consumers to your business. It does not your IP protection. requires a different method. protect the name itself. It is possible, If you’re operating as a company, as most people know, to merely change Process you will have registered the name of the company name or domain name The drafting of a trademark application your firm with ASIC. Companies must by the smallest margin to secure should be conducted by a qualified have Pty or Ltd in their name. If you’re similar names. trademark attorney or specialised not operating as a company, you still For a trademark to be IP lawyer. When a trademark need to register your business name. registrable, it must be distinct. is being considered, the goods Companies can also register a business The inherent distinctiveness and services for which the name, if they wish to operate under a associated with a different name from the name they are trademark appears on a incorporated under. sliding scale. The most Blair Beven is a partner But does registering a company inherently registrable at national law firm or business name protect you from terms are those names Mills Oakley.

70 ACROSS THE TRADES Autumn 2019 trademark will be used are classified with the application or issue a notice of Benefits of trademark registration with IP Australia according to a acceptance. The application, if accepted, ∫ You are deemed the absolute owner of global classification system (called a is then advertised in an official the name/brand in Australia; specification of goods and services). trademarks journal, which opens a two ∫ The registration acts as a deterrence There are 45 potential classes covering month window of opposition – if some to others to file a similar or identical trademark application; all possible goods or services in the other person or company was aggrieved ∫ The trademark registration lasts for world. IP Australia and most trademark by your trademark application. If no- 10 years; professionals charge per class. The one opposes the application it is then ∫ You can license others to use the drafting of the specification requires registered. trademark for a fee or royalty; some skill and expertise. There is no If IP Australia raises issues with the ∫ You can use the Australian point in spending money to trademark a application then IP Australia allows applications as a base to protect the trademark in other countries using valuable name if it does not secure what 15 months to secure acceptance. A the same filing date as Australia. you do or intend to do. trademark lawyer should be engaged This gives you some priority in the In Australia, once the application if you have issues with the application trademark. is lodged it can take anywhere up to as it could identify an infringement ∫ A registration can be used to stop others using the trademark or a four months for the application to be risk or other inherent defect in the similar trademark for your goods or examined by IP Australia. However application. services. the filing date of the application acts ∫ You can sell the trademark to a third as your priority date to the name. This Blair Beven is a partner at national law party; priority date is highly important in IP firm Mills Oakley and specialises in ∫ A trademark acts as an asset of the business which can be valued and and starts a six month clock to secure trademark law and practice. He protects included in your statement of assets protection overseas and still claim the a significant number of trademarks for the company. Australian filing date. in Australia and globally. He can be IP Australia will either issue an contacted at [email protected]. examination report raising any issues au or +61 2 82895809.

PERFORMANCE WELDING

Every day, thousands of trade professionals rely on Tradeflame equipment to deliver superior precision, ease of operation and reliability. Designed to the highest quality industry specification and Standards compliance, Tradeflame Oxy/Acetylene and Oxy/LPG alternative Welding Kits will take care of all general- purpose heating, cutting and welding applications in one sturdy toolbox. If you love what you do and love doing it well, trust Tradeflame performance to get the job done.

Scan to find out more

For your nearest stockist, call 1300 657 022 or visit Tradeflame.com.au

Autumn 2019 ACROSS THE TRADES 71 MARKETING PITCH PERFECT

WINNING JOBS CAN BE HIT AND MISS, BUT WHEN YOU DO LOSE A JOB IT’S IMPORTANT TO ANALYSE THE SITUATION TO FIGURE OUT WHY. CECELIA HADDAD LOOKS AT MASTERING THE PITCH.

in some, lose some. That’s the It doesn’t matter if you have the they need? What is their budget? If you way life goes. But wouldn’t it cheapest price, the fastest turnaround don’t know or address this, your pitch W be nice to win more often? or promise the best quality products will be way off and you won’t get the job. Winning new business doesn’t money can buy, a customer will never In the words of Stephen Covey: “Begin have to be daunting or time consuming give a job to someone they don’t trust. with the end in mind”. Think about what but it does require an investment of a Trust isn’t a word you can just slip you want your customer to think, feel little bit of time to ensure you will reap into a sentence to make it happen. It and do. Sign here? Provide feedback? the rewards. starts building from the first impression Make sure you have a clear take out, There are definitely some jobs the customer gets – this could be your don’t assume the customer will initiate that will be small and straight forward website, vehicle signage or your first closing the deal. that can be won by a quote over the conversation. There are ways to build You should always go beyond phone. However, winning the bigger and gain the trust of your customer. expectations. Once you know and more valuable projects require A bit like a puzzle, you need this and what the customer needs, don’t just thought and preparation and some all the other elements to complete the supply one idea or one quote especially tailoring to meet the individual needs of picture, and your pitch! Here are the if you have additional or even better your next customer. three stages of pitching to win. idea. It shows you have thought about So, what makes someone ‘buy’ from their needs and gone above and beyond you? Is it the lowest quote, the fastest Stage 1 - Prepare their expectations. turnaround or the promise of quality? It You must do your homework before Time is money; how much time does is probably all of those things, but there you work on any quote or new business the customer have? If they say half an is one thing that if you have it, you will proposal. What is the customer’s hour then you should not be talking or always win and that’s trust. situation? What do they want? What do presenting for more than 20 minutes

72 ACROSS THE TRADES Autumn 2019 to allow them time for questions. You want to make sure they have all the information they need to decide there and then. A picture tells a thousand words and photos of what you have done in the past or ideas for their project will be much more visually exciting than just a verbal presentation. It also allows you to demonstrate your experience. Before and after photos are very impactful and examples backed by facts or testimonials will go further than empty words. Do you know what your unique selling proposition/point of difference is? Be ready to answer the question “why should we choose you for our project?”. They may not ask it, but you need to make sure you cover it because the customer will be thinking it anyway. Always be ready to address the competition. Do you know your competitors and what they might offer? You can address your competitors without mentioning them. Point out your positive differences (not their A customer will never give a job to someone they don’t trust. weaknesses). This will be far better received than criticising the competition. Look at their body language, not just opportunity or there is an add on you Stage 2 - Present Your Pitch their words to understand what they can offer them if they if they advise by a It’s all about the customer of course, so really think about your presentation. certain time. start by talking about them and what Looking at their watch, physically Ask questions to ensure they have you understand their needs to be. If you turning away, losing eye contact, enough information to decide. If they are find your pre-prepared presentation isn’t checking their phone – these are all undecided and you really want the job going to meet their needs, then at least indications that they are not on board then be bold and ask: “What do you need you will have an opportunity to address with what you are presenting. Stop and me to do to win your business?” You that and correct it during your pitch. ask questions before you just continue might be pleasantly surprised by the It is you they are buying not to ramble down the same path. answer and something you are willing to what’s in your presentation. This is do to get the job. directly related to the trust factor. Stage 3 – Closing the deal Once the customer has decided, Find common ground – teenagers, pets, To close a deal, you will be advised the pitch process doesn’t stop there. proximity – anything that connects to always talk to the decision maker; Evaluating their response will be a them to you will help establish rapport however, sometimes the influencer is great investment of your time for future and build a relationship from common just a crucial. Make sure one or both are pitches. Understand why they selected ground. At the end of the day, they present when you give your pitch. you for the job – or why they didn’t – and will hire you if they like you, but not if Overcome any fears or objections. If use that information for your next pitch. they don’t, even if you have the best you don’t know what they are then ask Good luck! presentation in the world. if there is anything your potential client There is a fine balance between is unsure of doesn’t like. Can you clarify giving away too much information anything further? or not enough. You need to avoid Don’t pressure the customer to close Cecelia Haddad underwhelming and overwhelming your the sale, but you can create a sense Cecelia Haddad is the director of client by ensuring you have enough of urgency by offering an incentive Marketing Elements, a PR company information for a decision to be made for them to decide sooner than later. that specialises in the building and but not so much that you have caused This could mean their project could be environmental sectors. confusion and information overload. completed sooner due to a window of

Autumn 2019 ACROSS THE TRADES 73 TRANSPORT

with Terry Martin MERCEDES-BENZ VISION URBANETIC CONCEPT

ercedes-Benz has developed the purpose of use. dashboard, etc – also frees up space a thought-provoking new In presenting the concept, Mercedes for new ideas on interior design, M high-tech light-commercial has configured a classic delivery van bringing obvious benefits with the van concept that combines trade and and a 12-seater people mover, but ability to carry more tools, materials, family transport in the one package. the bodies are really only limited by occupants, and so on. Dubbed the Vision Urbanetic, the our imagination – there could be one The concept also incorporates an IT concept is designed to answer “the set up for any particular trade, for infrastructure that can perform high- questions of future urban mobility”. example, and another that serves as level functions in real time such as We might have expected it to be fully a luxury lounge-style limo or a mobile monitoring stock levels of materials autonomous, freeing up the owner from man cave… used and planning optimum routes driving duties, and that it would have With the trade body, there is a between jobs to avoid traffic jams an all-electric powertrain, reducing air variable load floor that can be split and so on. and noise pollution. into two levels and offers 10m3 A lot of advanced safety technology But what we did not anticipate of cargo volume. The load space is likewise fitted to the van. With was just how deeply the German measures 3.7m long, within a total the people mover body, the vehicle auto giant’s designers, engineers vehicle length of 5.14m. uses multiple cameras and sensor and product planners were prepared Switching between bodies can be systems to communicate not just to delve into the idea of a highly done either automatically or manually, with the occupants but with those on flexible trade van that can be easily Mercedes says, with the automated the outside. transformed into an eminently suitable process taking just a few minutes. For example, there’s a large-format out-of-hours multi-purpose vehicle. All driving functions and running display on the front of the vehicle While utes and pickups are gear are built into the autonomous to inform pedestrians crossing the increasingly used for both work and vehicle platform, onto which the street in front of it that the vehicle recreational purposes, the trade- bodies are simply fixed. So the chassis has noticed them. There is also ‘digital specific fit-outs in commercial vans will operate independently – even shadowing’ around the side door where are not in the same ballpark. With moving from one location to the next if several hundred light units display the this concept, however, the vehicle required, without the body attached. contours of people approaching along comes equipped with different The absence of a driver’s cab – with the flanks of the vehicle, signalling to interchangeable bodies, depending on no need for a steering wheel, pedals, them that they have been noticed. RENAULT ALASKAN AND OROCH

enault Australia is continuing to work on the parts and accessories for the Alaskan such as sports bars, business case to bring the Alaskan one-tonne wheel arch fenders and bullbars. R pickup and the smaller Oroch ute to this market. The Oroch, meanwhile, looks to be a slightly longer-term Built on the same platform as alliance partner Nissan’s proposition for Australia but Andrew is pushing the case Navara, the Alaskan is all but locked in for launch here for it to be built in right-hand drive as it would hand the but minor changes required for local homologation have company a highly specified small/medium dual cab ute at pushed out its timing to late 2019 or early 2020. a much lower entry point – around $30,000. There are also some sticking points in relation to the Launched overseas in 2015, the Oroch is based on the costs involved in sourcing the Alaskan from Nissan’s plant same platform that underpins a variety of Renault and in Barcelona, Spain; however, Renault Australia managing Nissan compact SUVs and passenger cars and borrows director Andrew Moore has told us that significant much from the budget-oriented Dacia Duster small SUV. progress has been made and that the Alaskan will be sold It was primarily developed for the South and Latin here as a dual cab only with a limited model range. American markets and is designed to sit between the He also pointed to the premium-looking design of the half-tonne pickups that are popular overseas and the one- Alaskan compared to other pick-ups in the segment, tonners that are big business in Australia. adding that Renault was not out to compete in volume As such, Oroch’s payload tops out at around 650kg and terms with the Thai-built heavy hitters in the segment. it is not designed for heavy duty workloads, relying at the This means the Alaskan will be pitched against the moment on 1.6 and 2.0L four-cylinder petrol and dual fuel likes of Ranger Wildtrak, HiLux Rugged X, Volkswagen’s (petrol/ethanol) engines and using only a 4x2 (front-wheel Amarok and Mercedes-Benz’s X-Class – the latter built as drive) driveline. part of the same program that has delivered Renault its It has a car-like monocoque chassis, fully independent first mid-size one-tonner. suspension, circa 1,300kg kerb weight and measures The Alaskan will be offered with the 2.3L four-cylinder around 4,700mm long, 1,820mm wide and 1,695mm high, turbo-diesel engine used in Navara, and its underpinnings resting on a 2,829mm wheelbase. This makes it bigger will include the sophisticated five-link coil spring rear than, say, a Subaru Brumby but a fair bit smaller than suspension seen on high-end versions of the Nissan ute. Alaskan and Co. The cargo bed can hold up to 683L. The X-Class relies on many of the same components A significant update is due around 2020, so an – including the basic architecture, four-cylinder Australian release would likely be based on this ‘Phase diesel engine and rear suspension hardware – but has II’ overhaul, taking on more budget-oriented 4x2 dual cab incorporated its own engineering modifications, and utes from the Asian brands and hoping to pick up buyers various other changes, including a V6 diesel engine option. who would otherwise have bought an Australian-made Renault Australia is also working closely with the Falcon- or Commodore-based ute before Ford and Holden factory in Spain to develop a range of high-spec body closed their local manufacturing operations. Cuts metal penetrations in a flash CUTTING METAL HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER

THE METAL PECKER® is specifically designed to cut penetrations in profiled metal roofing for in-situ vent pipe and skylight installation ...as well as air-conditioning duct, furring channel and other straight or formed metal sheet. The tool’s precisely engineered slot-shear cutting action eats up folded sheets, seams and joints, like no other hand or power tool, you’ve ever used. The more you use the tool, the more uses you will find for it onsite.

Cutter blade shears the metal between the anvils HOW IT WORKS The Metal Pecker’s bolt-cutter sized handles provide far greater cutting leverage than other metal cutting hand tools. Its precision cutter blade shears the metal between the anvils and pushes out a 1.7" (43mm) x 0.24" (6mm) slug with each cutting stroke. There is no blade face to blunt. To cut, you simply punch a pilot opening in the metal sheet, poke the beak of the Metal Pecker’s cutting jaw into the opening and commence cutting.

A MULTITUDE OF USES The Metal Pecker compliments other tools that do their best work on single thickness profile cutting at ground level, or on flat sheet. However, when the going gets tough with in-situ penetrations and other tools pass up under-folds or have difficulty cutting through a profile, reach for the Metal Pecker. Its extended handles keep you away from the sheet’s sharp edges and provide greater reach and leverage in hard to access places – reducing your work time. Every tool kit needs a Metal Pecker The tool with 1001 deconstruction uses

Non-slip serrated Slot-shear design cutting jaw

Heavy duty construction

Precision honed Cuts Clean – no swarf cutting blade

Comfort-grip PVC moulded handles

Manufactured from hardened tool steel

Bolt-cutter length handles Read what the users say: provide greater leverage

I’ve just finished work on a 250,000 sq ft building and it was more efficient for me to carry the Metal Pecker around than any other tool, or having to a generator with cords, as cordless tools can’t cut tough like the Pecker. Barney Smethers Roofing Contractor. Sydney Australia

I like the fact that the tool cuts easily through trapezoidal standing seam ribs and all kinds of trim, so as to fit new flashings. James Gunnerson Building Specialist. Michigan USA

ORDER TODAY AT www.metalpecker.com VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK V6 TDI580 ULTIMATE

olkswagen has set a new nose in front of the Mercedes X350d, control, an active rollover prevention benchmark among the one- its chief rival which can complete the system, trailer sway stability control V tonne mid-size ute brigade, task in 7.5s with its own 190kW/550Nm (when the towbar wiring kit is installed) launching a more powerful version of 3.0L V6 diesel. and front and side airbag protection for its Amarok V6 diesel engine that sees This is a fair effort for the big VW the driver and front passenger. the German brand maintain bragging ute, which drives all four wheels on Interior highlights on the Ultimate rights over newcomers such as the a permanent basis, tips the scales at include Nappa leather seat upholstery, Mercedes-Benz X-Class X350d. 2,244kg and maintains a good fuel ‘ergoComfort’ heated front seats (with Available only in top-spec Ultimate economy figure on the official combined 14-way electric adjustment for the guise for the time being, the new test cycle (city/country), returning 8.9L driver), a premium multi-function colour TDI580 4x4 twin cab has emerged with per 100km from its 80L fuel tank. The display in the instrument binnacle, high- a revised version of VW’s 3.0L 24-valve engine is rated to the Euro 6 emissions grade 6.5” touch screen infotainment turbo-diesel engine that produces standard while the TDI550 is compliant system with satellite navigation 190kW of power from 3,250-4,500rpm with Euro 5 and returns 9.0L/100km. and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and 580Nm of torque from 1,400- The Ultimate brings with it 20” compatibility, leather-clad multi- 3,000rpm – up 25kW/30Nm over the ‘Talca’ alloy wheels, a unique front function steering wheel, transmission continuing TDI550. bumper design, durable cargo area paddle shifters, alloy sports pedals, What’s more, Volkswagen says lining, stainless-steel side steps (with black headlining and pillar trim, tailored maximum power of 200kW is available LED lighting) and a ‘long-design’ sports carpet mats and dual-zone climate- from 3,500-4,000rpm via the bar, while other exterior features of control air conditioning. temporary overboost function, which is note include bi-Xenon headlights, Maximum braked towing capacity a 10kW improvement over the TDI550 LED daytime running lights, front remains at 3,500kg, while payload is and kicks in for up to 10 seconds fog lights with a cornering function not quite at the 1t mark – 836kg. Gross between 50km/h and 120km/h. and, assisting the driver, a rear-view combination mass is 6,000kg and GVM For this to occur, the standard-fit camera, front/rear parking sensors and 3,080kg. ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic tyre pressure monitoring system. The Amarok sits on a ladder-frame transmission must be in either third As with all Amarok V6 variants, chassis and uses double wishbones with or fourth gear, and the driver needs to four-wheel disc brakes are fitted, anti-roll bar at the front suspension and have depressed the accelerator by at along with ABS brakes (with off-road a ‘multi-layered’ solid axle with heavy least 70%. programming, electronic brake- duty springs at the rear. From a standing start, the TDI580 force distribution and brake assist), The tray measures 1,555mm long, Ultimate can sprint from 0-100km/h a mechanical rear differential lock, 1,620mm wide (1,222mm between the in a claimed 7.3 seconds – 0.6s quicker electronic stability and traction wheel arches) and 508mm from tub than the 550 and enough to keep its control, hill holder system, hill descent floor to sill. NISSAN NAVARA BLACK EDITION, SILVERLINE

issan has placed fresh emphasis on its Navara one-tonne ute range with two new special edition N dual cabs: the ST-based ‘Black Edition’ and SL- based ‘Silverline’. Nissan has had a strong response to its value-laden mid-spec editions in the past – such as the 2017 ST-X N-Sport – and has now added a host of accessories and other detail items to create the ‘black and silver’ duo. Black really is the central element in the ST-based special ISUZU N SERIES edition, with the colour appearing on the 18” alloy wheels (with General Grabber all-terrain tyres), front grille, nudge suzu Australia has launched its updated N Series bar, fog lamp surrounds, smoked bonnet protector, wing light truck, bringing a broader availability of its mirror caps, wheel arch flares and sports bar. I automated manual transmission (AMT) as well The Black Edition also features an LED light bar, soft as a host of detail mechanical, cabin technology and tonneau cover and protective tub liner. specification changes across the huge range that is now The Silverline, meanwhile, has 16” alloy wheels in place of available in almost 70 different configurations. the standard steel rims, a polished alloy sports bar, unique Among the headline acts is the introduction of the NPS tailgate badging and a mobile phone holder in the cabin. 75/45-155 4x4 AMT model, which is billed as the first- There are no mechanical changes to the Navara, which ever two-pedal 4x4 light truck on the Australian market at this level runs with the twin-turbo version of the 2.3L – a direct response, Isuzu says, to customer demand for four-cylinder diesel engine producing 140kW of power a reliable, rugged and easy-to-operate vehicle that can and 450Nm of torque. It combines with a six-speed access difficult job sites and is available in both 7.5t and manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox, driving de-rated 4.5t (car licence) GVM ratings. through a part-time 4WD system with low range. The NPS 4x4 AMT comes in single and crew cab body The new editions join the Series III range in the current styles and combines the five-speed AMT with a part-time D23/NP300 generation, upgraded early in 2018 with a 4WD system and Isuzu’s familiar 5.2L 16-valve ‘4HK1-TCN’ raft of mechanical and detail specification changes to four-cylinder diesel, which produces 114kW of power at make Navara better suited to Australian conditions and 2,600rpm and 419Nm of torque from 1,600-2,600rpm. customer preferences. When low range is selected, the AMT reverts to clutch- For the SL, ST and ST-X dual cabs, which have a less manual control mode, which keeps the selected five-link coil spring rear suspension, the overhaul was gear engaged. Local engineering work has also seen the headlined by a fresh round of modifications – including transmission specifically calibrated for Australian off- a dual-rate rear spring system and faster steering gear road conditions and usage patterns. A five-speed manual ratio – aimed at further improving ride and handling gearbox remains available, too. characteristics, especially with a load on board or with a Cruise control is now standard across the N Series trailer behind. range, along with a new dash-mounted infotainment system featuring a 6.2” touch screen, updated Android Auto operating system, USB 3.0 connectivity, Bluetooth V4 and DAB+ digital radio. Local engineering work has also seen Isuzu revise tyre specifications on some model lines, such as the NPS 4x4 swapping to Bridgestone L330 225/80 R17.5 rubber (from Michelin XZT 8.5R17.5s) – a change that the company says improves its off-road performance and gives the truck a higher load capacity, maximising the use of the steer axle’s 3,100kg limit (+200kg). NPR and NNR models also now have a new Michelin tyre that is said to bring improvements in braking, mileage and durability. FORD TRANSIT PHEV, MILD HYBRID

ord has unveiled new fuel-saving electrified versions of its Transit van – a plug-in hybrid F electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the mid-size Transit Custom and a ‘mild hybrid’ version of both the Custom and the full-size Transit with a 48V starter/ generator system. The first series production PHEV in its class, the plug- VOLKSWAGEN in Transit Custom will enter production in the second half of 2019. AMAROK V6 TDI550 It uses Ford’s 1.0L three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine but, rather than doing the main job of powering CORE the vehicle, it serves as a ‘range extender’ which generates electricity that is then fed into a 14kWh lithium-ion battery pack located under the load floor. olkswagen is pitching its most affordable V6- Full technical details were not provided at the vehicle’s powered Amarok dual cab ute ever straight at the unveiling in Germany, but the electric drive motor on V trades, lowering the entry price for the TDI550 board takes full responsibility for driving the front engine to $50,990 drive-away with the introduction of wheels and enables a 50km driving range on battery the new Core 4x4 model grade. power alone – covering many inner-city trips – while the VW Australia has been slowly adding lower-priced total driving range, with a full tank of petrol, is claimed variants to the Amarok V6 range, which initially arrived to be more than 500km. with highly specified Ultimate and Highline variants Meanwhile, Ford also has first-in-class bragging before a Sportline version was added to bring the rights with the so-called mHEV (mild hybrid electric baseline price down to around $55K. vehicle) powertrain developed for Transit, which uses a Now, the German prestige brand has stripped it back belt-driven starter/generator instead of a conventional further with the Core 4x4, which misses out on a few alternator in combination with the latest 2.0L EcoBlue creature comforts but has the main attractions front diesel engine across all power ratings. and centre: VW’s highly regarded 165kW/550Nm 3.0L The system is designed to capture energy when the V6 turbo-diesel engine, combined with the eight-speed vehicle brakes or decelerates, storing this as charge in automatic transmission. the 48V air-cooled lithium-ion battery pack and using it to The price point could even fall below $50K before power the van’s electrical ancillaries and provide improved too long, with Volkswagen Group Australia planning to torque under acceleration and during normal driving. introduce a long-awaited (six-speed) manual version now This reduces load on the diesel engine and, in that the Core 4x4 is here. combination with an updated automatic engine idle-stop With V6 versions accounting for around 70% of total feature, delivers fuel savings of up to 3% on average – or Amarok sales in Australia – and rising – VW is hungry for as much as 8% in start/stop urban conditions, based on more new buyers. the latest WLTP test procedure. There’s a useful amount of safety gear on board including four airbags for front occupants and four-wheel disc brakes with a supporting cast of electronic systems assisting the driver including ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction and stability control, a diff lock, hill holder and, when travelling off-road, hill descent control. Items left off the Core’s standard equipment list include front parking sensors, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, a lockable tailgate (with ‘comfort’ closing), tinted windows, four 12V power sockets (leaving one in the cabin), under-seat storage, rear cup holders and chrome cabin trim highlights. In terms of outright acceleration, the ute can reach 100km/h from standstill in a claimed 7.9 seconds. TRADE STUFF .COM.AU

THE AUSTRALIAN DECKS AND PERGOLAS AS 1684.2-2010 THE AUSTRALIAN HOUSE CONSTRUCTION MANUAL RESIDENTIAL TIMBER-FRAMED CONSTRUC- BUILDING MANUAL One of our most sought-after construction manuals, TION NON-CYCLONIC WITH AMDT 1/2 This book is worth its weight this is an invaluable reference covering every aspect This Standard specifies requirements for building in gold to all apprentices, of decks and pergola construction. Includes designing, practice and the selection, placement and fixing of the builders, designers and training estimating, building, timber selection charts, fastening various structural elements used in the construction institutions. It covers brick veneer, & anchoring recommendations, terminology, painting & of timber-framed Class 1 and Class 10 buildings as weather-board, cavity brick and finishing, and preparation of plans for councils. defined by the Building Code of Australia and within the concrete block construction, limitations given in Clause 1.4. The provisions of this and provides over 550 detailed Standard also apply to alterations and additions to such illustrations, and loads of practical know how in line with buildings. industry requirements, the BCA and Australian Standards. This Standard also provides building practice and As a hot tip place your order now, as books by this author procedures that assist in the correct specification are in strong demand. and determination of timber members, bracing and $45.95 ...... CODE 391 connections, thereby minimizing the risk of creating an environment that may adversely affect the ultimate performance of the structure. This Standard may also be applicable to the design and A GUIDE TO PUMP SYSTEMS construction of other classes of buildings where the A guide to Pump Systems in Plumbing design criteria, loadings and other parameters applicable Services is an Australian first to those classes of building are within the limitations of publication specifically written for this Standard.Includes 45 supplements on CD-ROM. plumbing designers, practitioners, consultants and specifiers of plumbing installations and equipment involving the use of pumps for all classes of buildings and construction.

$28.95 ...... CODE 049 $29.95 ...... CODE 669

LITTLE RED ROOFING BOOK POCKET SPAN TABLE BOOK Roof cuts and rafter lengths – Hancock’s 10th edition Updated and expanded, the 2007 is a very popular, best selling book. With calculations, edition of this popular publication diagrams and tables it will help you with plumb and side is a must-have for students. The cuts for hip and rafter, down and side purlin cuts and more. 330-page Pocket Span Table Book Calculations for roof frames, roof cuts and rafter lengths. continues to be presented in an This 88-page pocket size edition is in metric, updating all easy to carry pocket sized durable the old calculations, and it is a very easy-to-use roofing and spiral bound format. Included guide which you can use with complete confidence. This are new span tables for MGP10 book will earn its keep. and Treated F7 seasoned softwood, and LVL and I-beam floor joists, as well as new bracing installation details and $169.00 ...... CODE 445B nominal fixing requirements. UNTIL SOLD OUT $35.95 ...... CODE 635

AUSTRALIAN TIMBER FORMWORK DESIGN This manual presents a systematic THE ONLINE approach to the design of concrete formwork systems constructed using STORE FOR timber components. It is the result of the co-operative effort of several TRADIES organisations. The objective is to simplify the task of formwork design, it is also intended as a technical reference and educational tool.

$25.95 ...... CODE 129 $26.95 ...... CODE 730

DELIVERED DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR BUILDING YOUR OWN HOME BLOKES HEALTH BLOKES’ HEALTH 2 This complete guide to building your This is an absolute gem of a Following in the footsteps of Dr own home covers every step of the publication and a valuable resource Bernie Crimmins original best-seller, process. It explains how to select for men of all ages. Written by Dr Blokes’ Health: comes Blokes Health land and gives design guidelines, Bernie Crimmins, Blokes Health 2. We all want to live as long and outlines the roles of professional provides extremely useful health as healthy as we can, with good consultants and the workings of advice in a simple manner. There quality of life. In this book Dr Bernie control authorities, offers advice aren’t many books you can buy that Crimmins outlines the main health on preparing working drawings, could actually SAVE YOUR LIFE! problems that affect males and gives details a who’s who of subcontracting and the supply some simple advice on how to prevent, or detect early, those industry and includes detailed drawings showing how all the particular diseases which may lead to an early demise. components are assembled to achieve the desired result. An indispensable guide to building your own home. $45.95 ...... CODE 760 $19.95 ...... CODE 394 $19.95 ...... CODE 671

THE AUSTRALIAN ROOF THE AUSTRALIAN FORMWORK A PRACTICAL BUILDING MANUAL - RENOVATORS MANUAL APPROACH THE STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE The all Australian practical guide This is a practical skill development WITH TABLES & BEVELS, for renovations & alterations in line manual based on the principles and 5TH ED with the Australian Building Code. practice of building better, more Trade methods & hints described. economical and safer formwork. It Suitable for on-site roof building Covers most of the popular is aimed at the hands-on people, and cathedral ceiling roofs. Full renovations and alterations around carpenters, foremen, supervisors and of easy-to-follow instructions. An the home.Allan Staines books have inspectors. Covering materials and indispensable aid for teaching apprentices, quick and easy become classic references for Australian builders. components, ground, wall, soffi t, beam, stair, etc. forms, to use tables and bevels for all roof pitches from 5–75°. and lots more. It provides detailed diagrams and clear Bevels drawn on the page are ready to be transferred illustrations for every point of discussion, principle and directly to the bevel tool. Never again will you ponder a practice. roofi ng problem.

$34.90 ...... CODE 38 $32.95 ...... CODE 5 $57.95 ...... CODE 87

FIRST NAME: LAST NAME:

COMPANY:

ADDRESS:

SUBURB: STATE: POSTCODE:

PHONE: MOBILE:

EMAIL:

CHEQUE MASTERCARD DINERS CARD NUMBER: EXPIRY: / VISA MONEY ORDER AMEX

CARDHOLDER’S NAME: SIGNATURE:

CODE QTY UNIT COST TOTAL $

$$

$$

$$

$$

TOTAL PAYABLE $

*PRICES ARE IN $AUD AND INCLUDE GST & POSTAGE. ALL PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINTING. PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. LIMITED STOCK AVAILABLE, SPECIAL ORDERS CAN TAKE 3-4 WEEKS FOR DELIVERY.

MAIL TO: CONNECTION MAGAZINES, UNIT 2/18-22 LEXIA PLACE, MULGRAVE VIC 3170 FREECALL 1800 623 214 | FAX 03 9542 9090 | WWW.TRADESTUFF.COM.AU

DELIVERED DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR NEVER MISS AN ISSUE!

WWW.BUILDINGCONNECTION.COM.AU AUTUMN 2019 WWW.PLUMBINGCONNECTION.COM.AU AUTUMN 2019

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO PIPING PROBLEMS - IS THIS THE ANSWER TO SOLVING AGE-OLD ISSUES? TEACHING INSIDE: THE INTERNET OF TOILETS (IOT) WORLD WIDE WAKE UP CALL: THIRD WORLD SANITATION NEEDS AIRTIGHTNESS FIT FOR PURPOSE: MANDATORY CO TRAINING INSIDE: BREAKING THE SILENCE ON SQUEAKY FLOORS | PE-X EDUCATION WHAT ARE YOU REALLY WORTH? AN ODE TO AWA’S FEARLESS LEADER | BREAKING THE SILENCE ON SQUEAKY FLOORS CHARGE OUT RATE CALCULATOR WHAT ARE YOU REALLY WORTH? CHARGE OUT RATE CALCULATOR

2 Year (8 issues) $79.00 2 Year (8 issues) $79.00 1 Year (4 issues) $45.00 1 Year (4 issues) $45.00

WWW.CONNECTEDMAG.COM.AU

HOME BUSINESS

WWW.ELECTRICALCONNECTION.COM.AU AUTUMN 2019

CURRENT Tech Predictor2019 what comes next?

COAL TTO DIVVE AASS SOOLLAARR TTHHRRIVVEESS. > ELECTRICAL INVADERS? +INSIDE: > 5G-ISH OR BUST What are you really worth?+ The power of community + Battery tech update MEDIA PARTNER AUGMENTING NATURAL ABILITY COMMUNICATION PARTNER > DECEMBER 2018

2 Year (8 issues) $79.00 2 Year (12 issues) $99.00 1 Year (4 issues) $45.00 1 Year (6 issues) $59.95

PRICES INCLUDE DELIVERY WITHIN AUSTRALIA ONLY. FOR INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY FEES, PLEASE CALL 1800 623 214

Company:

First Name: Last Name:

Address:

Suburb: State: Postcode:

Phone: Mobile:

Email: TOTAL PAYMENT: $

CHEQUE MASTERCARD DINERS Card Number: Expiry: / VISA MONEY ORDER AMEX

Cardholder’s Name: Signature:

MAIL TO: CONNECTION MAGAZINES, UNIT 2/18-22 LEXIA PLACE, MULGRAVE VIC 3170 FREECALL 1800 623 214 | FAX 03 9542 9090 | WWW.TRADESTUFF.COM.AU Boundary Wall System

For zero-lot-line construction

Singularly a boundary wall, together, acts as an intertenancy wall

BCA compliance as a single external wall close to the boundary Combine two walls to perform as intertenancy walls for acoustic separation Non-sequential build freedom for adjacent dwellings Build without access from the adjoining property Narrow footprint to maximise land use on smaller lots

Find out more at gyprock.com.au