Tarmac Topblock builds new training facility

Tarmac Topblock is building a new training facility specifically for thin joint blockwork at its aircrete factory in Essex.

The new facility will focus on training the trainers, especially college lecturers offering construction courses. They will then take their new thin joint expertise back to their own colleges to support teaching of NVQ Level 2 Trowel Occupations, which requires students to understand thin joint blockwork as a walling solution.

Brian Hewkin, project manager of Tarmac's thin joint mortar brand, Durox System, said: "At our training facility we will provide lecturers with comprehensive information on building with thin joint masonry. In addition, we believe it is important to look at associated materials and methods, such as projection rendering and plastering."

To ensure that the training facility can offer the best possible example to visitors, chief trainer Frank Goggins is currently helping in building the facility.

Tarmac's Durox System uses 80% less mortar than conventional blockwork, resulting in less storage, mixing and handling of mortar materials.

"The key benefit of Durox is that it allows the inner leaf wall to be constructed first, allowing the roof to be installed to create a weatherproof envelope within days," explained Hewkin. "This enables internal trades to get to work at the same time as the bricklayers are raising the external facing brickwork."