Ready for a climate change

A regeneration charity has gone the extra mile by climate-proofing the external spaces at several social housing estates. Hannah Baker reports. Scientists predict that climate change is likely to bring more extreme weather events to the UK, significantly increasing the... View Article
Flat roof systems

View from the top

Allan Frizzell of roofing specialists Topseal looks at how innovation in roof coverings has taken the hassle out of flat roof maintenance. Flat roofs have a long history in the UK, and their benefits in terms of affordability and ease... View Article
Door access control

Locking crime out

Robust door access control is key to a safer community. Tim Rogers of security specialists Key Management Systems reveals the options. Door Access In a world where population numbers are rising rapidly and social pressures change by the day, concerns... View Article

PVC-U: A strong investment

Quality windows and doors must provide not only safety, but also comfort and adequate thermal performance. Andrew Reid of Profile 22 explores the benefits of PVC-U products. Social landlords can get caught up in a perfect storm when looking to... View Article

Landlord insurance explained

Renting out a property involves various safety and security risks so a flexible insurance policy is vital. Simply Business examines the options. A comprehensive landlord insurance policy can offer a peace of mind and help landlords protect their assets, while... View Article
Opening doors to accessibility

Opening doors to accessibility

Phillip Jones of P C Henderson reveals how choosing the right door can improve accessibility. A staggering 97 per cent of councils in England do not have plans to address the country’s growing lack of accessible homes, an issue already... View Article

Getting to grips with U-values

Annemarie Shotton of CCF provides some insulation solutions to help achieve U-values, discussing the benefits new products are bringing to the market. When it comes to insulating a property, architects, specifiers and building contractors all know the importance of adhering... View Article

Kitchens for the ages

It’s high time that kitchens are adapted to functionally respond to the UK’s changing demographics, argues Mike Turner, executive director of kitchen specialists Ian Williams. Living conditions in social homes has improved significantly since the introduction of the Decent Homes... View Article
Lighting the way – smart solutions for social housing

Lighting the way – smart solutions for social housing

Andy Davies, head of business development and specification at lighting specialists Harvard Technology, explains how one of the UK’s largest operators of affordable housing, Peabody, gave tenants improved and safer lighting across its estate, whilst delivering significant financial savings, reductions in... View Article

A smart choice for rainwater and eaves systems

Specifying cheaper products is a false economy Ongoing maintenance requirements are a huge area of expense for social housing builders and operators, so choosing durable materials and products is a must. Brian Bell of Marley Alutec, explains how to get the balance... View Article

A hot topic: choosing smoke, heat and CO alarms

When specifying for housing developments – be they public or private sector – there can be no greater concern than tenant safety. With this in mind, it’s crucial to be aware of the most effective smoke, heat and carbon monoxide... View Article

Giving old multi-storeys a new lease of life

They may have been the necessary solution to post–war housing shortages, but concrete multi-storey buildings’ structural integrity has come back to haunt planners and maintenance teams. Nic Collins of Sika explains how they can be made fit for the future.... View Article
Don’t slip up: effective choices for communal spaces

Don’t slip up: effective choices for communal spaces

Beware taking the cheap option when it comes to busy communal spaces – it could prove to be a false economy. Martyn West of Altro advises on how to make informed specification choices based on safety, durability and reducing maintenance... View Article

Smart lighting management

New generation monitoring and management systems for indoor lighting and LED solutions are bringing significant benefits to social housing. Tim McKernan from Harvard Technology explains. Lighting, which can accounts for as much as 40 per cent of a building’s electricity bill, has... View Article
Restoring pride in social housing

Restoring pride in social housing

Building more social housing is higher on the agenda than ever before, but future-proofing must be top priority for management teams, explains William McDowell of Rockpanel Group. Social housing tower blocks are easily one of the most controversial elements of... View Article

Solar success: why PV systems are a win for landlords

Energy efficiency continues to be a hot topic for property as housing providers gear up to meet rigorous efficiency rules. John Forster, Chairman of Solar Trade Association Scotland, reveals how solar roofing can improve homes and lives. Despite the UK government’s commitment... View Article
Flood resilience: Preparing properties for the winter

Preparing for winter with resilient properties

In recent years there has been significant damage to many properties as a result of harsh and persistent wintry weather. Flooding has been high up on the agenda with a national flood resilience review having been commissioned by the Department... View Article