Concrete fails from the inside out. It starts with corrosion; salt, moisture, and chemicals find their way in through the tiniest imperfections, reacting with the steel hidden beneath the surface. Over time, that steel expands, the concrete fractures, and what once looked solid begins to crumble from within. By the time the damage is visible, the cost of repair is already stacking up. That’s why more engineers are turning to stainless steel rebar. Designed to resist corrosion in even the harshest environments, stainless steel rebar keeps concrete stronger for longer, cutting down on maintenance costs and extending the lifespan of

In construction, deadlines are tight, safety is paramount, and even small inefficiencies can add up to costly delays. That’s why more contractors and engineers are turning to prefabricated cages as their reinforcement solution of choice. These ready-made steel structures arrive preassembled, saving hours of manual tying and bending while ensuring accuracy and consistency. At Hickman & Love, we’ve seen how prefabricated cages transform projects in foundations, bridge piers, and complex infrastructure. By assembling reinforcement offsite in a controlled environment, prefabricated cages save time, reduce risk, improve quality, and streamline site work.

Construction is all about momentum. Every day saved on-site makes a difference; not just to deadlines, but to budgets, safety, and the people working tirelessly to bring a project to life. That’s where prefabrication is proving to be a game-changer. By moving reinforcement work off-site and into a controlled environment, prefabrication strips away many of the common challenges that slow projects down. No more battling unpredictable weather. No more rework caused by inconsistencies. Just reliable, precision-engineered reinforcement delivered to site, ready to slot straight into place. At Hickman & Love, we’ve spent more than 80 years helping the UK construction

When you’re building something that matters, whether it’s a home extension designed to bring a family closer together, a commercial unit that will become the engine of a growing business, or an architectural statement that pushes the boundaries of design, every decision counts. But none more so than the materials you rely on to hold the structure together. Structural integrity isn’t just about passing inspections. It’s about peace of mind. It’s about knowing the building will stand strong, year after year, no matter what demands it faces. And that strength starts with the right foundation, which is why so many

Let’s be honest: when most people think about construction, waterproofing probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. It doesn’t have the wow-factor of sweeping architecture or the excitement of cutting-edge design. But without proper waterproofing, even the most impressive buildings are at risk of failure. Water damage is sneaky. It creeps in over time, silently compromising foundations, warping materials, and creating the perfect breeding ground for mould. And once it’s in, the cost to fix the damage can be eye-watering. That’s why at Hickman & Love, we believe construction waterproofing should be right up there with steel and

When it comes to reinforcing concrete for large-scale construction, A142 rebar mesh is an essential component in ensuring strength, stability, and long-term durability. Whether you're working on commercial buildings, industrial flooring, large-scale infrastructure, or multi-story developments, integrating the right reinforcement is crucial to preventing structural weaknesses, minimising cracking, and ensuring compliance with building regulations. Concrete alone may offer exceptional compressive strength, but without proper reinforcement, it remains highly susceptible to cracking under tension, shifting loads, and environmental stressors. A142 rebar mesh provides a cost-effective and reliable solution for reinforcing concrete slabs, walls, and flooring, ensuring your structures stand up to

When it comes to structural support in construction, few components are as essential as the RSJ beam. Also known as a Rolled Steel Joist, an RSJ beam is a crucial element in modern building projects, providing strength, stability, and durability to structures ranging from residential homes to large-scale commercial developments. Whether you’re a builder, contractor, or structural engineer, understanding the role of RSJs, their benefits, and best practices for installation can help you make informed decisions on your next project.

A142 steel mesh is a standout material for reinforcing concrete, known for its strength and reliability. Trusted by builders and engineers alike, this steel mesh provides a durable, cost-effective solution that enhances the strength and longevity of concrete structures. Whether you’re working on construction, renovation, or any project requiring reinforced concrete, understanding the benefits and applications of A142 mesh will provide you with both practical advantages and significant savings.

Couplers are essential components used in construction to join two reinforcing bars (rebars) together, ensuring structural continuity and integrity. These mechanical splicing systems provide a secure and efficient alternative to traditional lap splicing, which can be wasteful and less effective in high-load applications. By using couplers, engineers and contractors can enhance construction efficiency, reduce material waste, and improve the overall strength of reinforced concrete structures.

In the construction industry, reinforcing coils are a cornerstone of reinforced concrete. These critical components enhance the tensile strength of concrete, ensuring it withstands heavy loads and resists cracking over time. At Hickman & Love, we provide high-quality reinforcing coils. Our products meet the construction industry’s demanding needs. They ensure your concrete structures remain strong, durable, and built to last.

Concrete may be strong in compression, but without reinforcement, it’s vulnerable to cracking and failing under tension. That’s why steel reinforcement has become indispensable in modern projects, with A393 reinforcing mesh standing out as a reliable choice. Whether you’re pouring a concrete slab for a driveway or industrial floor, constructing a robust retaining wall to hold back soil, or laying the foundation for a multi-story building, A393 reinforcing mesh offers the strength, durability, and versatility needed to ensure your project stands the test of time.

Large-scale industrial projects such as warehouses, factories, and distribution centres demand materials that can withstand significant loads and environmental stresses. Wire mesh for concrete is an essential component in enhancing the performance and longevity of concrete structures. By integrating wire mesh into concrete formulations, builders can substantially improve the tensile strength and structural integrity of the final product. The wire mesh also plays a crucial in mitigating the natural shrinkage of concrete as it cures. By controlling cracking, wire mesh helps maintain the appearance of industrial concrete slabs, and minimises the need for costly repairs.