• The survey was part of Dunlop’s research into the nation’s attitudes towards DIY, and produced a number of intriguing statistics
• While 11% of people said that they would never attempt DIY, 36% said that they would always attempt it, meaning that 53% would judge a job on its merits
• Even so, the majority of these DIY attempts would be jobs such as painting and decorating (which 88% of people would attempt) and putting up shelving (which 63% would attempt), with only 19% willing to give plastering a go and 40% happy to tile
• Other results revealed the generational differences in how and where people look for DIY guidance
• While 73% of 18 to 24 year-olds would look to the Internet for DIY advice, that figure drops to 54% amongst 55-65 year-olds and 43% in over 65 year-olds, further emphasising the technological divide
• While over 50% of 18 to 34 year-olds would prefer to make use of YouTube demo videos, those over 45 years old are far more reliant on traditional ‘how-to’ guides and product information

Quotations

Debi Bailey, Brand Manager of Dunlop Adhesives, commented:

In many ways these survey results have proven that attitudes to DIY are changing. On one hand, increasing numbers of people, perhaps encouraged by the resources that the Internet provides, would consider doing DIY jobs but, on the other, it has re-enforced the fact that most people appreciate the expertise of a tradesmen – and will leave the big jobs to a professional. Obviously, in an economic climate that’s still struggling, people want to save money, but it seems that many recognise that sometimes it is more of a risk not to get a true tradesmen to do complex work

• Dunlop found that many of these new trends correlated with one another
• The company has observed a growth in the sales of powdered adhesives, reflecting the increased popularity of porcelain, natural stone and large format tiles – all of which require a cement-based (powdered) adhesive
• In addition, an increased desire to tile in areas of the home not traditionally associated with the practice (such as conservatories, living areas and hallways), and the fact that both kitchens and bathrooms have got significantly larger in the last decade, are also likely to have contributed to the increased popularity of powdered adhesives
• A further trend has seen the balance between floor and wall tiling narrow significantly
• Whereas tiling has traditionally been 80% walls and 20% floor, the balance is now more like 60% walls and 40% floor
• Again this relates to changing consumer demands within the home, with larger room sizes increasing the potential areas for floor tiling
• Research has shown that the average bathroom size has increased over the last few years – with the average dimensions for a shower cubicle jumping from 300cm by 300cm to 300cm by 600cm, plus and increased uptake of wet-room

Quotations:

Debi Bailey, Brand Manager of Dunlop Adhesives, commented:

Lots of these new trends are relatively recent developments and reflect the changing styles, attitudes and consumer demands within the industry. In terms of adhesives, the move towards the powder-based products can be interpreted as a direct result of the popularity of particular tile materials and sizes

She continued:

It’s really interesting to be able to analyse our sales patterns, and see to what extent they relate to and mirror the rest of the industry. At Dunlop we always try to ensure that we are ahead of the trend curve, so that we can be confident that all of our products meet the demands of both the trade and DIY enthusiasts alike.

• The ‘Job Build’ tool is the final part of Dunlop’s now fully operational Trade Zone
• With a high volume of users already registered, it acts as an information resource for those in the trade. Home to a series of ‘How To’ guides, Dunlop’s video tutorial tiling tips and, not forgetting Professor Dunlop’s Brainbox, that encourages tradesmen to submit suggestions for new product launches and solutions for the building trade, the ‘Job Build’ tool is the icing on the cake
• Built to assist the trade in the preparation of quotes, the tool allows a job’s specification details to be entered into the site, before generating a series of product recommendations
• Providing an accurate product specification for the job in hand and detailing the quantity of product required as well as product suggestions and information on nearby stockists, the tool is a handy little addition to the trade’s growing technological repertoire

Quotations

Debi Bailey, Brand Manager of Dunlop Adhesives, said:

The Job Build tool has been in the pipeline for a while now and, the launch of this second phase sees the whole concept come together. We’re constantly striving for new ways to support and engage with the trade and, as always, any suggestions are welcome. We’re currently working on a new Olympics style online game, and have other plans for new launches this year so stay tuned and keep those eyes peeled…

• When mixed with water, Dunlop’s Rapidset Floor & Wall Tile Adhesive can be used for a wide range of different tiles, including ceramic floor and wall tiles, vitrified tiles and mosaics, quarry tiles, brick slips, and some natural stone
• In addition, the adhesive can be used on surfaces that include concrete, cements (sand screeds and rendering), existing tiles, asphalt and plasterboard – making it an incredibly useful product for the modern working tradesmen
• Suitable for both interiors and exteriors, the adhesive is available in 5kg, 10kg and 20kg bags, offering a water resistant option that can be ready for grouting as little as three hours after fixing

Quotations

Debi Bailey, Brand Manager of Dunlop Adhesives, said:

The Rapidset Floor & Wall Tile Adhesive is a great product for merchants to stock, especially over the coming months. It’s what a lot of tradesmen will choose to buy as, aside from the setting speed, it has incredible versatility in terms of both the substrate material and the tiles it bonds with. We pride ourselves on offering the best quality products on the market, and our Rapidset Floor & Wall Tile Adhesive certainly stands up to that billing.

• In addition to the overall sales increase in the merchant sector, Dunlop has also seen a significant increase in sales of the company’s levellers range, with figures revealing a 38% increase in comparison to the 2010 financial year
• Further contributing to the 2011 figures is the continued strength of the brand’s top products, which include the set fast plus floor and wall adhesive, the waterproof wall tile adhesive and the large format and natural stone adhesive

Quotations

• Providing water resistance, Dunlop’s ready-mixed Waterproof Wall Tile Adhesive is perfect for use in showers, as it’s specially formulated for fixing ceramic and mosaic wall tiles
• Its non-slip characteristics mean that there’s a reduced need for battens, even when fixing heavier wall tiles
• The easy to use adhesive is ideal for fixing to flat internal wall surfaces such as plaster, plasterboard, cement:sand rendering and existing tiles
• Available in off white 3.5kg, 7.5kg and 15kg tubs, it can also be used in bathrooms, toilet areas, kitchens and worktops and has a shelf life of 12 months

Quotations

• As times are tough for the traditional tradesman and with the appetite for learning a new skill on the up, the specialist manufacturer of tile adhesives, grouts, finishing and ancillary products, is launching two new courses
• Not only sharing its trade expertise with those in the trade who are looking to expand on their skill set, Dunlop will also be sharing some tricks of the trade with everyday DIYers who are looking to do more around the house
• The two new courses, one for DIY enthusiasts, and one for the trade, will be tailored to their individual audiences and will cover the following: knowing your tile type, knowing which adhesive to use for different tile types, how to use your trowel for optimum results, how to mix your adhesive, tanking, setting out, using rapid setting adhesive, using the correct tile cutter, laying tiles and using silicone to absorb movement
• Costing just £150, the two-day course is set to equip tiling enthusiasts for their first big job
• What’s more, Dunlop has three places on its DIY course and three on its trade course to give away and is encouraging those interested to tweet @DunlopAdhesives, email Dunlop@manifestcomms.co.uk or write in and let the team know why they deserve to brush up on their tiling skills

Quotations

Debi Bailey, Brand Manager for Dunlop Adhesives, comments:

As fewer people stick to their goals of shedding the pounds and hitting the gym each year, more and more people are opting to enhance their DIY skills. And this goes for tradesmen too – a skilled roofer might want to brush up on his tiling skills, and an experienced plumber might want to offer his customers an additional service. Whether adapting to the climate or becoming a bit handier around the house, learning a new skill is a great way to start the New Year.

• Dunlop conducted the survey as part of an investigation into how new developments in technology over the last few years have affected the building trade, and how smartphone capability can potentially help tradesmen in their everyday operations

• Smartphone applications have obviously had a substantial impact in the normal lives of people the world over, but are they being regularly used within specific industries such as the building trade?

• The survey suggests that tradesmen feel that there are not enough mobile sites on the market targeted towards the building trade

• While 37% of tradesmen download apps, only 22% of those download work related apps currently available for their smartphones

• All respondents from the questionnaire were put into prize draw to win an iPod shuffle and Mr P Randall, a builder from Home Fix Services, who said he used his smartphone for “talking to customers, pricing and ordering”, was the lucky winner

Quotations:

Debi Bailey, Brand Manager for Dunlop Adhesives, comments:

Technology has moved so fast in the last few years that it is increasingly important to be aware of the potential changes to methodologies of working, and the building trade is certainly no exception. We were really curious to find out how tradesmen are utilising the success of smartphone technology to help them within the trade; both as a picture of the present, and as a potential insight to the future of the industry.

She continues:
I think that what this survey reveals is that times are changing; if a tradesmen needs advice or guidance when tackling a particular job they are as likely to look for advice on their smartphone as they are to dust off an old builder’s manual. At Dunlop we want to make sure that we maximise the potential of new technology, which is why we have invested in digital tools such as our new Job Build tool on our TradeZone.

• Intending to support the trade in every way possible, the Job Build tool will allow tradesmen to offer their customers the best and most accurate quote possible for the job in hand
• Part one of the Job Build tool asks a series of questions to establish the criteria, including the surface, location, background and tile type, before recommending suitable materials for the job
• Part two, due to launch next month, will add an extra dimension by also providing the quantity of product required and information on nearby stockists
• The tool is situated on Dunlop’s bespoke Trade Zone, which was specifically designed for tradesmen and invites users to engage with a range of online tools and facilities to help keep them on top of their game and in the know

• Anhydrite screed possesses properties that make it an extremely attractive option in the trade

• Whereas traditional sand and cement screeds can be slow and labour intensive to install, anhydrite screed is substantially quicker and easier

• The overall effect is that anhydrite screed is less reliant on the quality and experience of the installer

• If it is not correctly prepared, the combination of moisture and a potentially weak surface can react negatively with the tile adhesive, terminally disrupting the bonding process

• As with ceramic/porcelain tiles as well as with stone, there are a number of specific effects to be wary of and the key is all in the preparation…