The latest industry news and product developments in the sector, including Hybrid Adhesives & Sealants: Why the Trade Can’t Get Enough. Managing increasing volumes of rain and stormwater run-off safely and efficiently is now more important than ever. How offering the complete roofline, rainwater, window, and cladding system is the way forward. We unveil the latest Cordless Tool Innovations for Roofing Professionals and why brighter homes and daylight matter for Irish Builders.
Hybrid Adhesives & Sealants: Why the trade can’t get enough
Let’s face it – no one’s got time to mess around with three different tubes when one will do the job. That’s where Hybrid Adhesives & Sealants come in. They’re the game-changer that’s been taking over building sites across Ireland and the UK.
What’s the story with these Hybrids?
They aren’t your average adhesives or sealants. Hybrids mix the best bits of silicones, acrylics, PUs, and epoxies, giving your customer serious bonding power, flexibility, durability, and chemical resistance all in one!
Your customer can use them to stick, seal, fill, repair and get the job done, no swapping products, no messing about.
Why the Trade Is All In!
In the last five years, hybrids have exploded onto the scene. Across Ireland, tradespeople are sealing windows, bonding floors, fixing roofs and much much more, all with one product.
Hybrids are:
– Tough as nails – hold strong in any conditions
– Flexible – ideal for movement joints
– Weatherproof and UV-resistant
– Time-saving – one tube, multiple jobs
– Clean and easy to use – less waste, less hassle
Bottom line: they work, and that’s why the demand’s gone through the roof.
Boom in Builders Merchants
Builders Merchants love them too. Less shelf clutter, easier to recommend and great value.
According to research company GFK, hybrids are one of the fastest growing segments in adhesives and sealants in the builders’ merchant market, doubling in size since 2019.
And it’s not slowing down. Why?
Because tradespeople demand stuff that works, and hybrids deliver every time.
The New Name to Know: OB1®
Now there’s a new player in town, OB1® Multi-Surface Construction Sealant & Adhesive. One of the fastest-growing hybrids in the UK is now hitting the Irish market hard.
What makes it different?
– Sticks to just about anything – even underwater
– Works on lead, PVC, glass, mirrors, fibreglass, timber – you name it
– No smell, no shrink, no cracking
– Paintable and food-safe
– UV, fungal and bacteria resistant
– Withstands temps from -40°C to +120°C
OB1 offers the ultimate bonding and sealing experience. And let’s be honest, with the price of construction materials through the roof, finding a product that performs and costs up to 25% less is a serious win.
Every saving counts, whether you’re quoting for a big job or trying to stay profitable on smaller projects. OB1 lets you cut your costs without cutting corners – and in today’s market, that’s gold.
You’ll find OB1 in most good builder and DIY merchants.
What the Trade is saying about OB1:
“Always got one in the van – solid stuff.”
Bathroom Fitter
“Absolutely remarkable bonding strength.”
Maintenance Engineer
“No leaks. No failures. Top class.”
Plumber
Hybrids Are Here to Stay and are only going one way – UP.
Builders Merchants are loving them, and tradespeople are saving time and money every day.
If you’re not stocking or using hybrids yet, it’s time to get on board.
Find out more at www.ob1original.com
Irish rainfall no match for Wavin’s rainwater guttering
We’re used to the rain in Ireland and, while the predictions are that we may be looking forward to a warmer summer, it doesn’t necessarily mean a dry one. Intense downpours, often in short bursts, can overwhelm guttering systems. Building developments especially residential properties, are also getting taller and more densely located. These factors combined make the challenge of managing increasing volumes of rain and stormwater run-off safely and efficiently more important than ever.
Wavin, a market leader in Ireland of solutions for sewer, soil & waste, rainwater, stormwater management (SUDs) and indoor climate, offers a choice of six rainwater gutter profiles to meet the varying aesthetic, capacity and installation requirements for all types of buildings.
The systems are designed for easy installation, to look great and to give outstanding performance. Features include hydrodynamic running outlets that can handle up to 30% more rainwater than other similarly sized competitor systems and using specialist seal technology the wide, retained seals provide a secure, watertight fixture with the flexibility to allow for thermal contractions.
For an aesthetically pleasing finish, Wavin fittings are engineered with concealed sockets to hide roughly cut downpipe ends. The products are also easy to install as the ‘Flexiclip’ seal jointing mechanism makes it simple to connect gutter units to fittings with an expansion line and stopper – ensuring a reliable and efficient installation every time.
These different profiles ensure a suitable profile to cope with heavier rainfall, and the hydrodynamic outlets increase the capacity, allowing for the number of downpipes to be reduced.
Wavin DeepLine, for example, is a semi-elliptical profiled high-capacity domestic system. It can serve a roof area of up to a maximum of 299m2 with one downpipe.
It is available in Anthracite Grey to match doors and windows – offering greater choice for merchants. StormLine offers similar high capacity with an Ogee profile featuring a high front edge to catch rainwater. This system delivers a stylish finish in areas like conservatories and around the roof perimeter.
It can be installed with hanging brackets for a seamless finish – ideal for self-builders or when used on detached properties. The outlets can connect directly to Wavin square or round downpipe for further aesthetic flexibility. It can serve a roof area of up to a maximum of 254m2 with one downpipe. SquareLine is a square profiled system for domestic applications serving roof areas up to a maximum of 178m2 with one downpipe.
RoundLine is a half round profile ideal for domestic applications which serves roof areas of up to 163m2.
The final two profiles, SuperLine and RoofLine, are ideal for industrial and commercial use.
Declan Conlon, Sales Director at Wavin, said, “For our merchant customers, Wavin’s guttering range offers exceptional choice across building type, aesthetics and capability requirements. The ease of installation, excellent product features, and strong performance makes them the ideal solution for the challenges
Ireland’s rainfall can present.”
To find out more about Wavin’s Rainwater Guttering range, or to discuss Point of Sale requirements, contact your Wavin sales representative. Wavin’s Rainwater Guttering range is available on the Wavin Online shop.
The complete roofline, rainwater, window, and cladding system
Pipelife are one of Ireland’s leading manufacturers and providers of plastic piping systems. They specialise in the extrusion of polyethylene (PE) pipes and offer industry-leading products for the heating and plumbing, water pressure, electricity, cable ducting, gas and agricultural sectors.
They have expanded its product portfolio and market footprint in 2021 with the acquisition of Cork Plastics. The product lines of Cork Plastics were a great fit for Pipelife Ireland’s extensive catalogue, and as a result of this acquisition, they have increased their sales presence in the building industry in Ireland, the UK, and Mainland Europe for roofing, rainwater, and exterior cladding systems.
With its extensive selection of rainwater systems, Pipelife is the go-to brand for premium PVC-U roofing products for new construction and home renovation projects. Due to their reputation for high-quality finished products, technical excellence and competitive pricing, the company has become one of the leading suppliers of PVC-U plastic building products.
Their selection of fascia boards is used to cover existing timber in new construction projects, complete replacements, and renovations. Their PVC-UE Cladding Systems can be installed vertically, horizontally, or diagonally over brick, block, masonry, and timber-framed walling to provide a stylish and protective external facing for structures.
uPVC fascia, soffit, window boards, external cladding, and gutter systems are just a few of the many goods they provide. Their materials come in a broad range of profiles and colours to fit any construction project and provide homes, businesses, and industrial structures with character and unique identity.
Pipelife carry an extensive range of rainwater systems – Xtraflo, Niagara, Hi-Cap, Half Round, Square and MiniFlo – with a wide choice of traditional and modern profile designs, as well as a range of colours to suit all tastes and applications. Some examples of these are:
– Hi-Cap, a semi-elliptical profile with a high capacity suitable for large roof areas.
– Niagara Ogee, a traditional Ogee-style profile – probably the highest capacity domestic PVC-U Rainwater System on the market.
– XtraFlo, a 170mm semi-elliptical System, for large Commercial/Industrial buildings, which links to a 110mm downpipe system.
The Pipelife Roofline product line is rounded off with a wide variety of rigid PVC-UE construction profiles and co-extruded cellular foam.
What about the Future?
With the initial capital investment of €30m now well underway to expand and upgrade their existing production facility at Little Island, Cork. When completed, it will be one of the most modern facilities within the Pipelife Group. A total of 35 state-of-the-art extrusion lines with the newest automation technology will be operational by 2026, with an annual production target of over 45,000 tons.
This substantial expenditure on new machinery and equipment, staff, and services is unprecedented in our industry in Ireland and will establish our Irish operations as a world-class manufacturing facility for many years to come.
The investment further demonstrates Pipelife’s long-term dedication to the Irish market, and the company’s size, modernity, and range of products will continue to make it a highly desirable supply chain
partner for the nation’s main builders, installers, and merchant groups.
If you would like more information from a member of their team, please call: +353 (0) 21 451 0600, 021 488 4700 or email them at: ireland@pipelife.com.
You can discover their full product range at: www.pipelife.ie and www.pipelifeeco.ie
Brighter homes, faster sales: Why daylight and VELUX matter for Irish builders
In Ireland’s fast-evolving housing market, developers and suppliers are under pressure to deliver homes that not only meet regulations but also stand out to buyers and investors. One proven way to add value and differentiate any new build or renovation is by maximising natural daylight—something VELUX roof windows are designed to do exceptionally well.
The Irish Market: Quality, Speed, and Buyer Demands
With house prices in Ireland continuing to rise and demand for high-quality homes outstripping supply, buyers are more discerning than ever. They’re looking for properties that feel modern, healthy, and energy-efficient features that can help homes sell faster and at a premium. In fact, research shows that
homes with well-designed roof windows not only achieve higher sale prices but also move off the market more quickly.
Daylight: More Than Just a Design Trend
Irish homeowners consistently rank natural daylight as a top priority. Bright, airy interiors are associated with better well-being and lower energy bills, making them especially attractive in a market where sustainability and comfort are key selling points. Well-lit spaces reduce the need for artificial lighting, support energy efficiency, and create a positive first impression – crucial for both buyers and renters.
How VELUX Supports Irish Developers and Merchants
VELUX works closely with the building materials and hardware store sector to help deliver homes that meet today’s expectations. Through the VELUX Daylight Design Centre, builders merchants, hardware stores, developers and architects can access:
– Free daylight calculations: Ensure every room meets optimal brightness standards, supporting compliance and energy efficiency.
– Architectural visualisations: Bring your plans to life with realistic 3D renders and CGIS – ideal for planning submissions and marketing.
– Expert guidance: From small extensions to large-scale developments, VELUX offers tailored advice to help you maximise the value of every project.
A Competitive Edge for Builders Merchant and Hardware Store Suppliers
For Builders Merchants and Hardware Stores, offering VELUX solutions means more than just selling a product. It’s about providing added value to your customers, builders, renovators, and homeowners by helping them create homes that are healthier, more attractive, and quicker to sell. With Irish property completions set to rise and planning reforms on the horizon, now is the time to position your business at the forefront of quality and innovation.
Stand Out in the Irish Market
Whether you’re supplying materials for a one-off build, a renovation or a major development, integrating VELUX roof windows and daylight design tools gives your clients a tangible advantage. Brighter homes are simply more desirable and in Ireland’s competitive property landscape, that can make all the difference.
To find out how VELUX can help your business or next project shine, contact our Daylight Design Centre for a complimentary consultation www.velux.ie/get-started/get-design-advice. Let’s build a brighter future for Irish homes, together.
Cutting-Edge Tools for Roofers: Precision and Power with FLEX Tools
Roofing professionals need tools that deliver precision, durability, and power to handle tasks like cutting materials, securing decking, and shaping flashings. FLEX Tools, a German brand with over a century of expertise, offers a robust 18V cordless platform with brushless motors and ergonomic designs, tailored for roofing’s rugged demands. These tools enhance efficiency and safety on steep slopes or complex installations.
Precision Cutting: Jigsaws and Circular Saws
The FLEX JS 18.0-EC cordless jigsaw is ideal for intricate roofing tasks, such as cutting curves in asphalt shingles for dormer edges or shaping roofing membranes around vents. Its four speed settings, auto mode, and brushless motor ensure smooth cuts through wood, metal, or composites, while the StarlockMAX system allows rapid blade swaps for switching between materials. The ergonomic grip and plastic sliding shoe minimise fatigue and protect surfaces during underlayment trimming. The CS 68 18.0-EC circular saw, with a 68mm cutting depth and 5,000 RPM, excels at straight cuts through plywood or timber for roof decking and battens. Its dust extraction compatibility keeps work areas clear, vital for maintaining precision when preparing sub-roofs or cutting sheathing.
Versatile Cutting: Mitre and Cold Cut Saws
The FLEX SMS 305 mitre saw is perfect for roofing tasks requiring angled cuts, such as crafting roof trusses or fascia boards for gable ends. Its 305mm blade and 60° dual-bevel design ensure precise mitres for complex roof frameworks, like hip or valley rafters. The CSM 57 18.0-EC cold cut saw is designed for metal roofing, cutting steel or aluminium flashings for chimneys or skylights without sparks or heat, preserving material integrity. Its 3,600 RPM and chip collection system enhance safety and cleanliness, ideal for burr-free cuts on metal panels or drip edges.
The Workhorses: Angle Grinders and Combi Drills
The FLEX LB 125 18.0-EC angle grinder is essential for cutting ceramic or slate tiles for roof valleys and grinding metal flashings to fit custom shapes. Its 10,000 RPM, anti-kickback technology, and brushless motor ensure durability in dusty conditions, with an ergonomic grip for control in tight spaces. The PD 2G 18.0-EC HD combi drill, with turbo mode delivering 1,400 in-lbs of torque and 2,500 RPM, handles drilling into timber or masonry for anchor points and driving screws into decking or joists. Its electronic clutch ensures reliability for securing roofing structures.
FLEX’s 18V platform, with Therma-Tech™ battery cooling, delivers consistent and long lasting power for roofing tasks, ensuring precision and efficiency. All FLEX tools, batteries and chargers also come complete with a 3 year warranty when registered within 30 days.
For more information visit www.flexpowertools.com
