The NHBC has announced a U-turn on its decision to insist all fire frames must be installed and sealed at the pre-plaster inspection stage. The amended guidance was published in a new technical update and comes after Stairways highlighted the potential threat to fire safety in new homes as a result of the change which…
By Karen Wood As is usual these days, many of the key points from the Budget appeared in newspapers before the Chancellor got to his feet in the House of Commons earlier today. As a result, there were no massive surprises. Overall there was, perhaps, more give than take for the construction industry. However, giving…
One of the industry hot topics at the moment, and one of the main focuses of building inspectors, is the installation of fire-rated doors and door sets, especially the gap sealing between door frames and partitions. Recent events have highlighted the unacceptable methods and workmanship in some installations and have created industry-wide concern. It is…
Tight timber supply conditions pose both challenges – and significant opportunities – for the year ahead, Stairways Midlands bosses are predicting. Throughout 2020, the raw material supply chain has been beset by new hurdles, most significantly those coming as a result of pandemic-related issues and sea-changes in market dynamics. Stairways Midlands director Neil Stevens believes…
“The only way is up” say Stairways directors Stairways Midlands directors Karen Wood and Neil Stevens are looking to 2021 with optimism after a difficult year – but one that has seen the business bounce back in the wake of the nationwide lockdown. As with so many companies across the UK, the company was forced…
When it comes to choosing the doors for a project, there are many things to consider – from materials and ironmongery to finish and fire resistance. There’s also the question of whether to use door sets or traditionally-hanging doors; across the industry, more and more specifiers are seeing the benefits of door sets and choosing…
A ground-breaking new apprenticeship standard in the woodworking industry has been pioneered by Stairways Midlands. The company was a “trailblazer” organisation which played a lead role in establishing Wood Products Manufacturing Operative Apprenticeship (WPMO) aimed at modernising training in the sector and properly equipping those coming into it with the skills they need to thrive…
How to achieve fire-compliant doors (that also look good) when standards are changing It seems like fire regulations and standards are evolving at a head-spinning pace these days – and this is certainly the case for fire doors. Following the terrible events at Grenfell Tower last June, and the ongoing investigations, it has become clear…
Understanding fire door certification Fire certification of doors is currently a hot topic. Understanding how the certification process works is important when requesting evidence of fire performance for your doors. It’s something we hear all the time: “Can I have a copy of your fire certification, please?” but what does this mean? In fact, there…
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