Strong winds and heavy rainfall (typical British summer weather!) have caused damage to structures all over the country, particularly to roofs. Twistfix supply a comprehensive collection of roof repair products, including the bestselling Firestone EPDM Rubber Roofing Kit.

The  Firestone EPDM Rubber Roofing system has been on the market for more than 40 years, testament to its unbeaten quality, versatility and successful application. Since the product was launched in the USA, well over a BILLION square metres of Firestone EPDM rubber roofing has been sold, making it the most popular type of roofing membrane on the planet.

EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. The material has excellent resistance to liquid, ozone, extreme temperature and UV radiation, delivering robust insulating qualities. Quick and easy to install, EPDM creates a seamless finish that provides the best protection for roofing structures.

The Firestone EPDM Rubber Roofing system has received countless accolades, including being named 'the best-buy roofing membrane' by the Association of Community Technical Aid Centres (ACTAC). In its publication 'Building the Future', Greenpeace revealed the results of an in-depth study of EPDM, in which it concluded that the material is an 'envi­­ron­­men­­tally-friendly choice of roofing membrane'.

Firestone EPDM rubber roofing is available as separate pieces from Twistfix but, for a more cost-effective choice, we recommend our comprehensive EPDM kit. As well as a piece of membrane in your chosen size, the kit contains all of the fixings, adhesives and trims required to achieve a professional, lasting result.

Please enjoy browsing through your EPDM options on our website, and get in touch with our technical team for advice and information.

Twistfix products are often used as part of remedial plans to renovate and restore listed buildings. One such building is Hall Place, a Grade II listed building located in Portsmouth.

Portsmouth, in Hampshire, along with other exposed areas on the south coast such as Dorset and West Sussex, was one of the first regions in which cavity wall structures became widely adopted. Hall Place, which was built in 1796, is the perfect example of an early cavity wall structure in the UK: when a system of repairs and cavity wall tie replacement was proposed for the structure, Twistfix was the first port of call for the contractors, 1st Master Wall Ties.

Hall Place is built using yellow buff bricks, a prestigious material, sourced from nearby in Dorset. Comprising a 9" structural inner wall and a 4.5" outer façade of Flemish bond brickwork known as 'snapped header', the front elevation of Hall Place features a solid parapet wall. Careful inspection showed that the outer leaf of the cavity wall was out of plumb and exhibited a series of undulations between levels; the soldier course lintels had also failed, leading to cracked brickwork above windows.

The leaves of the cavity wall were reconnected, and the soldier course lintels pinned, using Twistfix helical cavity wall ties. As it was essential to maintain the appearance of the façade, our self-tapping cavity wall tie replacements were used: these ties are installed into the smallest possible pilot holes (just 6mm in diameter) which are subsequently filled to make them practically invisible.

Above the window openings, helical bars were installed. This bed joint reinforcement formed a series of deep masonry beams, enabling all vertical loads to be properly distributed on either side of the brickwork, repairing the cracks and preventing any further movement.

Find out more about the products used for structural repairs or cavity tie replacement on our website.

Cracks can occur in brick and stone structures for a number of reasons and repairing these cracks is crucial to avoid further damage. Twistfix offer a comprehensive suite of masonry crack repair solutions, many of which are supplied in kit form to ensure that all of the required components are immediately available at once. One of these is the bestselling Brick Pin Fixing Kit.

The brick pin fixing kit from Twistfix contains everything required to effect quick, accurate and long-lasting masonry stitching, repairing cracks at junctions in brick and stone structures. An ideal retrofit solution for the tying layers of variable quality masonry to perpendicular walls, the kit represents impressive cost-effec­tiveness when it comes to concealed masonry stitching.

The brick pin fixing kit contains:

• 10 heavy-duty masonry stitching bars. Each bar is one metre in length, has a diameter of 8mm and is manufactured using high-quality stainless steel, noted for its remarkable resistance to corrosion
• One 10kg tub of WHO 60, a specially-formulated masonry repair bonding grout
• One mortar gun with masonry pinning nozzle set included
• One mixer paddle

Firstly, pre-drilled pilot holes are made. The holes are filled with WHO-60 polymer modified masonry repair grout, into which the helical stitching bars are inserted, bonding the reinforcement securely to the masonry. The result is strengthened, stabilised areas of wall failure, where tensile forces are evenly redistributed along the length of the helical bars.

Find out more about the brick pin fixing kit on the product page. If you need expert technical advice, simply get in touch with our team.

Completely transforming the look of a property is not as difficult and complex as it sounds; at least, not when you use brick staining dye from Twistfix. A comprehensive collection of brick staining formulas is available and here we present a quick guide on how to use them with the utmost effec­tiveness.

Brick staining dye allows you to quickly, easily and permanently change the colour of porous brickwork and is supplied ready-to-use. Within the formula are pigmented powders of superlative quality, dissolved completely in fixative fluid. Once applied, the dye is absorbed deeply into masonry pores, creating a strong integral bond that results in a natural, vapor-permeable finish.

Brick staining dye is a ready-to-use product that allows you to permanently change the colour of porous bricks. Formulated using high-quality pigmented powders, which have been dissolved in a fixative fluid, the dye is deeply absorbed into masonry pores. This creates an ultra-strong integral bond, resulting in a vapor-permeable, natural-looking finish.

Brick tints are a superb addition to our extensive range of colour-match brick repair mortars and crack-injection fillers.  The dyes are supplied in containers of 1L of formula, enough to dye around 20-25 square metres of masonry (dependent on required shade depth and masonry porosity). Throughout the staining process, the masonry texture is unaffected. A patch test is recommended before beginning, in order to ensure correct shade and coverage.

Though supplied ready-to-use, brick tint formulas may be diluted (to a maximum 2 parts water to 1 part formula) in order to achieve a lighter shade. The dye is simply applied with a brush directly to the face of each brick and left to dry, after which further coats can be added to deepen the shade.

There are several shades available, along with a brick staining soot wash and a limestone tinting dye. For further information on these products, check the website or get in touch with our team.

The beautiful weather over the Easter holidays had thousands of us jumping into the car to enjoy a well-deserved day out. That meant that many of us discovered just how far-reaching the extent of potholes really is! Now that spring is here and summer is just around the corner, it's time to take back our roads, paths and driveways: the ideal solution is available right here at Twistfix...

We are proud suppliers of the Ultra Crete Asphalt Repair Kit to both the domestic and industrial sectors. Whether you're a private contractor, local council or competent DIYer, this versatile cold-lay asphalt is designed to deliver professional results when it comes to the delicate job of pothole repair.

Potholes begin as tiny hairline fractures, caused by vibration and surface fatigue. Gradually, the edges of these cracks work loose, becoming worse and worse over time. During the winter, the freeze-thaw cycle widens the crack even further, dragging the surface material apart and creating potholes.

On driving surfaces, potholes are a serious impediment to safe driving. Loose material from potholes can damage cars and, as the material is dislodged, the pothole becomes even wider. When it comes to walking surfaces such as paths, pavements and patios, potholes are are danger to pedestrians, particularly the elderly and people with impaired mobility.

The Ultra Crete Asphalt Repair Kit centres on 3 x 25kg resealable, recyclable tube of quality cold lay asphalt. Also included in the kit is a 750ml spray can of Bitumen Cold Joint Sealer, which helps to prevent further water ingress. The formula can be used effectively whatever the weather and on a wide variety of surfaces, from roads and paths to driveways, car parks, patios and sports courts.

Find out more on the product page. Need further advice? Get in touch with our experienced technical team.

Brick staining is a cost-effective way to completely transform the look of a property. Twistfix offer access to a selection of brick staining formulas and here is our guide to their qualities and how to use them effectively.

Brick staining dye is a ready-to-use product that allows you to permanently change the colour of porous bricks. Formulated using high-quality pigmented powders, which have been dissolved in a fixative fluid, the dye is deeply absorbed into masonry pores. This creates an ultra-strong integral bond, resulting in a vapor-permeable, natural-looking finish.

Brick tints are supplied in 1L containers, which is sufficient to treat approximately 20-25 square metres of brickwork, depending on depth of shade desired and porosity of the bricks or masonry. The texture of the bricks remains unchanged throughout the process. A trial application is recommended to check exact shade and coverage rate. Here is our simple step-by-step guide to brick tinting...

1. As the dye will stain any absorbent material, make sure that the area is protected. Make sure to wear appropriate protective clothing.
2. Clean the area to be treated and make sure it is free of dust and debris. 
3. Shake the brick stain container thoroughly and decant into an appropriate vessel.
4. If a lighter tint is required, dilute with water to a maximum ratio of 2 parts water to 1 part brick tint formula.
5. Using a clean, high-quality brush, paint the formula directly onto the face of each brick. Note that overlapping brush strokes may produce a darker shade.
6. Wait for the formula to dry and examine to check that the desired shade has been achieved. If not, apply further coats.

There are several shades available, along with a brick staining soot wash and a limestone tinting dye. For further information on these products, check the website or get in touch with our team.

The recent heavy rain has caused the water table to rise dramatically, leading to many problems with water ingress into properties. Basements have been particularly affected and this is often caused by inadequate basement water­pro­ofing.

The water table is the surface where the water pressure head is equal to atmospheric pressure and is best visualized as the level at whch underground materials are saturated with groundwater.­  Its level can alter significantly due to a number of factors, including drainage capacity and amount of rainfall. Consequently, the water table tends to be higher during the winter months and lower in the summer.  To ensure that basements stay dry throughout the year, it is essential to install a compre­hen­sive, professional basement tanking system.

One of the most popular methods of basement waterproofing involves the use of cavity drain damp proof membrane. The product creates an air gap between itself and the floor or wall, which allows water to pass safely through to be directed away to appropriate drainage. The membranes are secured using plugs, plug seals and tape, creating a water-tight barrier that completely eliminates the possibility of water ingress.

Cavity drain membrane is so successful at its job that it has become the structural waterproofing method of choice for most professional installers. Twistfix supply a full range of UK manufactured waterproofing membrane and related ancillaries, all at the most competitive price.

Check out the Twistfix collection of damp proof membrane online and get in touch with our team for more information.

Damp proofing is a Twistfix speciality and we supply a comprehensive range of materials and tools designed to facilitate this essential work. For a limited time, you can make big savings on our 3-, 6- and 12-packs of professional damp proofing cream so stock up now!

Twistfix Damp-Cure is a silicone emulsion cream which has been specially designed and formulated for injection into mortar beds of masonry walls, controlling and preventing rising damp. Whether used in brick, stone or block walls, Damp-Cure provides a quick, simple and effective solution without the need for specialist equipment.

Installation begins with drilling a series of holes into the mortar course, into which the cream is injected. Migrating rapidly through the masonry pores, the cream reverts to its liquid phase, forming polysi­loxanes. Then comes a curing period during which silane vapour of a low molecular weight is formed, allowing for the best migration through the masonry.

Extensive field-use of Damp-Cure has shown that the product forms a highly effective damp proof course to treat rising damp. In testament to its professional quality, Damp-Cure has been tested and approved by the British Board of Agrément.

Make big savings on our industry-standard damp proofing cream today when you purchase with confidence from Twistfix.

It is an interesting fact of chemistry that water, though such a common element on Earth, has the almost-unique property among liquids of expanding in volume when frozen. Outside of the laboratory, this fact quickly ceases to be interesting and quickly becomes damaging, frustrating and costly!

The tiniest cracks in masonry can become filled with water. When temperatures fall low enough, this water freezes and, due to the aforem­en­tioned expansion, causes cracks to become slightly larger. The next time the masonry is exposed to water, these larger cracks fill once again with more water than before; when this water again freezes, the cracks become even larger.

This is the dreaded freeze/thaw cycle. Masonry will quickly begin to spall due to the damage, with the cracks becoming visible to the naked eye and damp patches appearing on the inside of solid walls.  Cavity walls, filled with insulation, can also be badly affected as the ingress of water can soak the insulation and deprive it of its thermal properties.

Twistfix offer an immediate, lasting solution to the problem of penetrating damp.  First, the cracks must be repaired using a deeply penetrating filler such as our Crack Injection Mortar; there are 11 brick-coloured mortars to chose from.  Once the cracks have been filled, a coating of our Masonry Water Repellent Cream protects porous brickwork, preventing any further water ingress and the frost damage potential occurring from it.

Find out more about these highly-effective products on our website.

The warmest February on record has been quickly followed by a series of storms hitting the UK, prompting urgent need for roof repairs and protection. This week Storm Gareth has brought damaging heavy rain and strong winds; Twistfix supply a wide range of professional products to protect properties against storm damage, including acrylic roof-sealing paint.

Twistfix roof paint is an acrylic-based roof sealant which is designed to produce a robust, durable waterproof coating that instantly seals leaks in almost any type of roofing material. The coating is an elastomeric formula which contains microscopic fibres; these fibres help to repair and restore leaking, cracked roofing material by enhancing flexural strength, allowing the coating to move with the natural thermal movements of the roof.

Twistfix acrylic sealant is a high-performance product and works more or less instantly, even if applied while it is raining. While curing, the product will not wash away and the product is designed to strongly resist against ponding. Primer is generally not required and only a single coat of the formula is necessary.

The product is ideal for sealing all kinds of leaking roofs, including flat roofs, asphalt, concrete, asbestos, felt, slate, lead bays, gutters, valleys and roof lights. It is no exaggeration to say that Twistfix roof paint is the best acrylic repair coating available on today's market and the economical 5kg tin ensures total cost-effec­tiveness. The paint is solar-reflective, grey in colour and can be simply and effectively applied with a spatula or brush.

Defend any property against the bad weather this season with Twistfix Roof Paint; find out more details on the product page.