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Skill Builder
Roger Bisby & Dylan Garton
35 episodes
14 hours ago
Roger Bisby and other guests talk about their experiences in the building industry, look at the latest products and troubleshoot problems listeners are having. Find out more at https://skill-builder.uk.
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Self-Improvement
Education,
Business,
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Home & Garden
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All content for Skill Builder is the property of Roger Bisby & Dylan Garton and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Roger Bisby and other guests talk about their experiences in the building industry, look at the latest products and troubleshoot problems listeners are having. Find out more at https://skill-builder.uk.
Show more...
Self-Improvement
Education,
Business,
Management,
Leisure,
Home & Garden
Episodes (20/35)
Skill Builder
35 ~ Government Scheme Leaves Homeowners in Ruin
Roger speaks with Duncan, a homeowner left without heating for more than 2½ years after a disastrous air-source heat pump installation under the UK Eco4 government scheme.

Installers got the heat-loss calcs wrong, fitted undersized radiators, never commissioned the system, and even added solar panels without checking the roof structure — causing further damage. The result: a cold home, big bills, and emergency repairs.

This isn’t an isolated case. With minimal inspections and installers chasing grant money over quality, thousands risk poor installs, damp, and structural issues — with no real safety net.

Duncan has now launched a charity to support others caught in the same situation and to push for urgent reform of government-backed retrofit schemes.
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5 days ago
29 minutes 19 seconds

Skill Builder
34 ~ Thermally Broken Lintels with Richard Price from Catnic
Thermally broken lintels minimise heat transfer through the building envelope to meet Part L of the Building Regulations.

Catnic’s thermally broken lintels use two folded steel sections bonded to a high-strength, thermally efficient core, achieving psi values no greater than 0.05 W/mK without additional brackets or cold bridges.

Traditional steel lintels create significant thermal bridges by crossing the insulated cavity.

Separating the inner and outer steel sections breaks this thermal convection and reduces heat flow by over 90%, depending on the design.

Catnic thermally broken lintels are available to suit 90-205mm cavities, in standard, heavy or extra heavy duty load capacities.
________________________

Summary

Thermally broken lintels slash heat loss by eliminating cold bridging.

Fit cavity widths up to 225 mm, with future options for arches and bays.

Independently verified with BBA certification and BRE thermal modelling.

Powder-coated steel for strength and durability, with installation guidance.

Free structural calculations and lintel schedules from Catnic.

Central to a “fabric first” approach — boosting efficiency before adding tech like heat pumps or solar.

Find out more about Catnic: go.skill-builder.uk/catnic
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1 month ago
29 minutes 4 seconds

Skill Builder
33 ~ Heat Pumps & Renewables with Mike Geary

Roger visits the Pipelife Academy in Cork, Ireland, to discuss heat pumps and renewable energy technology with Mike Geary.



Summary



Noise Concerns and Quiet Innovations



A significant obstacle to the adoption of heat pumps is noise. Many UK homeowners face planning permission issues due to sound levels. However, innovations like quieter fan designs in new units—especially the “media unit”—help meet stringent noise regulations.



Running Cost Misunderstandings



A recurring issue is complaints about higher electricity bills. This often results from misconceptions. Heat pumps are commonly installed in older, poorly insulated homes, leading to inefficiencies. Many believe removing their oil boiler will save £3,000 annually, which is misleading since electricity bills inevitably rise, though often less than perceived.



Design Matters in Retrofits



A key insight is that retrofitting heat pumps without upgrading insulation, windows, and heating controls leads to inefficiency. Pipelife only installs pumps after conducting thorough home assessments to ensure customer satisfaction, emphasising that heat pumps should be the last component in a retrofit.



Weather Compensation Benefits



Systems with weather compensation—where an external sensor adjusts water temperature based on outdoor conditions—achieve up to 30% cost savings. Many homeowners misunderstand lukewarm radiators as a problem, but it's a sign of optimised performance.



Proper Installation and Oversight



We must emphasise the importance of experienced and trustworthy installers. A full heat loss calculation, radiator sizing, and proper commissioning ensure long-term success. A good installer also teaches homeowners how to use their systems efficiently.



Heat Pump Behaviour and Efficiency



Heat pumps can heat water up to 65°C, but efficiency drops at higher output. A COP (Coefficient of Performance) of 3–4 over a year is typical. Systems are tailored for climate and house conditions to optimise performance.



Environmental and Behavioural Shift



With growing electrification—cars, ovens, and hobs—heat pumps may appear to be the biggest consumers, but broader electricity use is the real cost driver. Users must adapt to new heating behaviours and manage expectations regarding comfort and billing cycles.
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3 months ago
16 minutes 31 seconds

Skill Builder
#32 ~ Kirk Johnstone from On The Trowel
Roger travelled to Ellesmere Port to get a plastering lesson from Kirk Johnstone from On The Trowel.

The guys take a break and wait for the plaster to set while Kirk shares some tips and insights on plastering.

Be sure to check out his channel "On The Trowel" for more on plastering techniques.

Check out Kirk Johnstone The Plasterer:

youtube.com/@Onthetrowel

facebook.com/kirkjohnstonetheplasterer

instagram.com/kirkjohnstoneplasterer
Show more...
4 months ago
18 minutes 31 seconds

Skill Builder
#31 ~ Which Home Heating System Is Best For You?
As energy efficiency and sustainability become increasingly important, homeowners have various home heating choices. In the second instalment of our home heating series, Roger looks at heating systems and explains their features and benefits.
• Condensing Boilers
They are highly efficient boilers that condense water vapour in the exhaust gases to recover heat, leading to higher efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.

• Heat Pumps
These systems extract heat from the air or ground outside your home and use it to heat your home and water, offering an energy-efficient alternative to traditional heating methods.

• Electric Radiators
Electric radiators convert electricity directly into heat, offering a simple, often cost-effective, and easy-to-install home heating solution.

• Solar Thermal Systems
These systems use solar panels to capture energy from the sun, which is then used to heat water stored in a cylinder for home use.

• Biomass Boilers
Biomass boilers burn natural materials like wood pellets, chips, or logs to provide heating and hot water, offering a renewable and carbon-neutral alternative to fossil fuels.

• Hybrid Systems
Hybrid heating systems combine a gas boiler with a renewable energy source like a heat pump, balancing eco-friendliness and reliable performance.

• Infrared Panels
Infrared panels emit heat in the form of infrared radiation, heating objects and people directly, making them a more efficient option for some homes.

• District Heating
This system provides heat to multiple buildings from a central source through a network of insulated pipes, offering efficient and eco-friendly heating for urban areas.

More From Skillbuilder - The Basics Of Heating Your Home

WHICH? - Best Heating For Your Home 2025
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10 months ago
25 minutes 42 seconds

Skill Builder
#30 ~ Hard Hat Guide with Russel Pieters from MSA Safety
Roger has a chat with Russel Pieters from MSA Safety about staying safe on-site and how to choose the correct head protection.

Established in 1914, MSA Safety Incorporated is a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures.

Check out the full range of head protection from MSA Safety:
gb.msasafety.com/Head-Protection
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2 years ago
25 minutes 12 seconds

Skill Builder
Leaving Your Heating on Constantly – Is It Cheaper? #29
Should you leave your heating on constantly? or are you better off using your timer?
Roger gives us his money-saving advice to reduce your fuel bills this winter.

Energy myth-busting with Money Saving Expert:

The energy market is in crisis. There are no cheap energy deals due to record wholesale prices (what providers pay), so using less is the best way to save right now.

There are obvious ways to cut your usage, such as wearing jumpers and turning lights off, but this guide aims to crack the less-obvious energy conundrums, including if it's cheaper to keep your heating on constantly all day, or whether painting your radiators black can help.

READ MORE: Energy Mythbusting - 12 energy-saving conundrums explored

More From Skillbuilder - The Secrets Behind Low Energy Bills
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2 years ago
14 minutes 1 second

Skill Builder
#28 ~ Secrets of Structural Engineering with John Cranna
Roger has a chat with Abergavenny-based Structural Engineering expert, John Cranna..
John started his consultancy in 1992, having worked for major engineering consultants Ove Arup, Scott Wilson and Halcrow. ​

He has worked on large buildings, including constructing the Lloyds of London building. Since becoming self-employed, he has gained experience in the smaller scale of construction for domestic and commercial design.

He provides a personal, friendly, cost-effective solution to your structural engineering and building needs.

He's a chartered engineer, a full Institution of Civil Engineers member, and has professional indemnity insurance.

www.johncranna.co.uk

More From Skillbuilder - Structural Engineers, What Do They Do?
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2 years ago
29 minutes 48 seconds

Skill Builder
#27 ~ From Carpenter to Inventor with Dan Cox
Roger Bisby chatted with Dan Cox about his life as a carpenter and how becoming an inventor came naturally.

Dan's Ultimate Roofing Square and Essential Hinge Jig.
https://www.essential-carpenter-tools.co.uk

OTHER DAN COX VIDEOS

The Oast House
https://youtu.be/2_LNrxL2gvE

6 Roofing Squares Compared
https://youtu.be/7qlQW3j6OIQ

Dan Demonstrates The Ultimate Roofing Square
https://youtu.be/_TmXZ0cGNEI

How To Fit Herringbone Joist Struts
https://youtu.be/8rgIu8XeLLE

Roof Framing Masterclass
https://youtu.be/OSDUZPV8GB0
Show more...
2 years ago
21 minutes 44 seconds

Skill Builder
#26 ~ Motivation & Self-Employed Builder Burnout
Roger and Sam discuss working with type 1 diabetes and how to stay motivated and energised as self-employed tradesmen (sorry, tradespeople).

FURTHER VIEWING

Quoting Jobs & Price Conditioning

Reasons for Going Self-Employed

Mental Health & Dealing with Stress

Special thanks to Sam & Jen from SJ Ward Builders.
Check out Sam and Jen on Facebook

#mentalhealth #stressrelief #diabetes
Show more...
2 years ago
16 minutes

Skill Builder
#25 ~ Tool Theft Campaign Update with Ian Elliott
Roger catches up with Ian Elliott of CITS (Combined Industries Theft Solutions) to see the state of play with our anti-tool theft campaign.

https://www.cits.uk.com

Founded in 1958, Clancy is one of the UK's largest privately owned construction firms.

https://www.theclancygroup.co.uk
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2 years ago
32 minutes 38 seconds

Skill Builder
#24 ~ Treating Damp & Waterproofing with Safeguard
Roger is joined by Damian Wallis of Safeguard Europe, the leading manufacturer and supplier of specialist damp-proofing and waterproofing products.

Safeguard has grown to become a market leader in the UK and now exports throughout the world. All products are manufactured under an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 quality & environmental control system, audited by the BSI.

The product ranges are accredited by a wide range of industry authorities and international testing houses. They pride themselves on industry-leading technical knowledge and an ability to innovate by developing and manufacturing new products.

www.safeguardeurope.com

See more about Safeguard on Skill Builder
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3 years ago

Skill Builder
#23 ~ Shocking Training Revealed by Heat Pump Whistleblower
Roger and Mike discuss the quality of the training offered by one of the major players in the air source heat pump space.
Heat Pump Training
Check out the @HeatGeek 'Master the Heating & Renewables Industry' training course.
https://courses.heatgeek.com
Show more...
3 years ago
37 minutes 40 seconds

Skill Builder
#22 ~ Are Bricklaying Robots the Future of Construction?
Roger looks at robotic bricklaying technology and asks the question, is the future of construction robotic? or are other materials and techniques going to take us to the next level?
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4 years ago
7 minutes 54 seconds

Skill Builder
#21 ~ Buy & Sell Surplus Stock with In My Yard
Roger is joined by Clive Drummond from In My Yard, the marketplace for trades and DIYers to buy & sell new, used and surplus stock.

It's easy to use, with just 4 simple steps, you take a photo, create a free account, upload your pictures and describe your items and post it on the In My Yard website.

The In My Yard Story

In My Yard is the brainchild of 2 hardworking landscapers from Surrey.

Frustrated with the choice and availability of low-cost materials, machinery, tools and equipment locally, plus a large amount of wastage from site, they decided to create an online marketplace for tradespeople with 3 specific goals in mind:

1. Bringing the Trades Community together
2. Putting money back in your pocket/saving you money
3. Reducing the impact of construction waste on the environment

 

➤ https://www.inmyyard.co.uk In My Yard solves these common problems saving you time while putting money back into your pocket.
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4 years ago
20 minutes 44 seconds

Skill Builder
#20 ~ Plastic Surgeon Hard Surface Repair Experts
Roger is joined by Owen Freeman from Plastic Surgeon Fine Finishers, a UK network providing high-quality, engineered repairs of damaged surfaces.

➤ www.plastic-surgeon.co.uk

➤ www.facebook.com/PlasticSurgeonUK

See more podcasts with Skill Builder.
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4 years ago
23 minutes 27 seconds

Skill Builder
#19 ~ The National Construction Products Regulator
In January 2021, the government announced the creation of a new national construction products regulator. The primary responsibility of the regulator is to ensure homes in the UK are constructed using 'safe' materials.

The regulator will have the power to remove any product that represents a significant safety risk and to prosecute companies that break the rules.



National Construction Products Regulator issues

Roger's latest rant looks at why good ideas don't always turn out as planned.

- National regulator established to ensure homes are built from safe materials.

- Action taken as Grenfell Inquiry reveals manufacturers ignored safety rules.

- Independent review will examine faults in the system and recommend how abuse can be prevented.

See more on Government's new regulator established to ensure construction materials are safe
https://bit.ly/2NHL647​

Will a Construction Products Regulator Make Homes Safe?

See more on National Construction Products Regulator with Skill Builder.
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4 years ago
23 minutes 50 seconds

Skill Builder
#18 ~ Damp Cure & Condensation Specialist Mostyn Neylon-Witham
Roger is joined by damp cure expert Mostyn Neylon-Witham from Dovedale Dampcure Services Ltd who are damp specialists in the treatment of condensative dampness, damp walls, penetrating damp, woodworm, wet rot, dry rot and rising damp problems within properties.

LINKS

http://www.dovedaledampcure.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/dovedaledamp

https://www.nuaire.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/NuaireGroup



Special thanks to Dovedale Dampcure Services Ltd.

Condensation Control (PIV system installer)
Damp Treatment
Dry Rot Treatment Products
Wet Rot Treatment
Woodworm Treatment
Chemical Injection Systems & Electro-Osmotic Installations Carried Out​
Home Buyers Damp & Timber Report

They have four decades of experience in the field and offer cost-effective solutions for the treatment and eradication of your problem.

See more on damp with Skill Builder.
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4 years ago
43 minutes 7 seconds

Skill Builder
#17 ~ Hydrogen Boilers, Heat Pumps & The Future of Heating
We're joined by Martyn Bridges, Director of Marketing and Technical Support at Worcester Bosch Group, to discuss hydrogen boilers and the future of heating our homes with reduced emissions.
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4 years ago
44 minutes 4 seconds

Skill Builder
#16 ~ Cowboy Builders
Roger discusses cowboy plumbers and cowboy builders and looks back at his time on the BBC with Watchdog and Rogue Traders.
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4 years ago
14 minutes 49 seconds

Skill Builder
Roger Bisby and other guests talk about their experiences in the building industry, look at the latest products and troubleshoot problems listeners are having. Find out more at https://skill-builder.uk.