April 2018
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APRIL 2018
Insurance issues
Business start-up tips
Payment points
FEATURES
DAKEA
GIVEAWAY!
GRAB ONE OF TEN
DAKEA GOODIE
BAGS! SEE P10
• DORMER WINDOWS:
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS
• STORAGE ISSUES:
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• TO LEASE OR PURCHASE:
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>>> • GREEN ROOFS • SLATES • SINGLE-PLY • LIQUIDS • ROOFLIGHTS • FIXINGS • >>>
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Editor’s Comment
MATT DOWNS
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
MATTDOWNS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK
COVER PIC:
COURTESY OF
KEMPER SYSTEM
The demise of Carillion has brought the issue of payment front
and centre for specialist contractors; Carillion’s collapse
reportedly left 30,000+ small businesses with money still owed
to them, and the construction giant was said to have in excess of
£1.5bn worth of outstanding payments whilst having issued three
profit warnings in just five months.
Unfortunately, there will be many casualties from this disaster and the
ripples will be felt for years to come, but we all know payment is a
perennial problem for specialist contractors, one that they have to
negotiate from project to project. It’s a problem that associations and
construction bodies have tried to address throughout the years but
with little success; is this because when you have a supply chain with
somebody at the top, more often than not, someone gets squeezed?
Even if there is an inevitability when it comes to poor payment practice,
this shouldn’t mean the people who can do something about it should
stop looking for solutions, and it certainly won’t stop us debating the
topic in Total Contractor. As such, we have input from two experienced
roofing contractors in this issue with Jason Wright discussing some of
the situations he’s found himself in on projects over the years (p68),
and Simon Smith outlining the many hurdles a specialist contractor has
to clear – away from the installation side of projects – just to get paid
on time and in full (p72). Perhaps it won’t make pleasant reading, but
I’d say it’s important reading for any contractor looking to focus on what
they do best, rather than worrying about getting paid.
NEW
B
A PRIC CE
C£C£OMP£GET £AY£DA£O£T£D£ARISO £PA ON
A
* P
£T
Matt
Roofing contractor Garhigh Southern carried out renovation works at ADM
Milling penthouse using Kemper System’s Kemperol 2K-PUR: See p42
FOLLOW US @TOTCONTRACTORUK
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APRIL 2018 TC 3
Contents
ON THE COVER
10 DAKEA GIVEAWAY
Find out how to grab one of ten goodie bags
courtesy of Dakea!
20 BE SURE TO INSURE
Looking to diversify? Paul Young says make
sure you’re covered
32 DORMER DETAILS
There are many types of dormer windows, and
each requires its own specific detailing...
36 AN INSPECTOR CALLS
Icopal’s Inspector explains how poor storage of
materials can cost both time and money
38
FEATURES
14 THE HEIGHT OF SAFETY
NFRC’s Gary Walpole answers questions on safety
when working at height
62
24 AMBASSADORIAL DUTIES
We talk to Sarah Spink about her role as a construction
ambassador, training and perceptions of roofing
28 THE SPECIFICS
Philip Ferguson says the importance of quality
workmanship can never be underestimated
30 UK ROOFING AWARDS
The finalists have been announced and it’s almost time
for the big day!
44 GO GREEN
Karl Moxon outlines the key considerations to make
when embarking on a green roof installation
52 DON’T GET IN A FIX
With the poor weather we’ve experienced recently, Jason
Wood says always think about your fixings and location
4 TC APRIL 2018
REGULARS
18 CONTRACT TALK
Thinking about setting up on your own? Janine
Brady offers advice on how to get started
70 TOTAL VEHICLES
To lease or buy? that is the question and we
take a look at the various options open to you
INDUSTRY NEWS
06 LIQUID GROWTH
As the liquid sector continues to grow, issues remain
around certification with some ‘off the shelf’ products
12 BRAND AWARENESS
Wienerberger offers ‘a visual snap-shot’ of its mission
and values to stakeholders with its new brand campaign
72 PAY PALS?
Simon Smith looks at the many hurdles you
have to clear in the hope of getting paid
74 RECRUITMENT
Looking to move on in your career? We’ve got a
selection of the latest vacancies
70
SECTIONS
WWW.TOTAL-CONTRACTOR.CO.UK
32
TOTAL
ROOFING
48 TOTAL
CLADDING
56 TOTAL
INSULATION
44
APRIL 2018 TC 5
Industry News
PLANNING AHEAD
Following the announcement by Prime
Minister Theresa May of a reform to the
national planning policy in an attempt to
encourage developers to stop sitting on
land and build more homes, Russell Roof
Tiles MD Andrew Hayward has welcomed
this development but questioned whether
the plans go far enough.
Andrew explained: “Any focus at Senior
Government Level which gives attention to all
relevant parties and the need for speed and
efficiency in the UK housing market can only
be a good thing. However, it is not as simple
as pointing fingers at developers who have
not built on approved land.
“This is because a number of factors may
have a significant impact on the speed and
delays in builds. This can include a lack of
employee skillsets and the availability of
skilled trades, the cost of the build, value for
money as well as planning obstacles.
“While it is good to hear plans to speed up
the planning process even further, I suspect
streamlining the criteria and process is key to
its success.
“For contractors, the unlocking of potential
new sites for housebuilding could also lead to
an increase in business for many contractors
supplying housebuilding developments and
these changes may also see a quicker
process required, with developers now
requiring building materials sooner rather
than later.
“We, as a country, should look at other
strong economic countries within Europe,
with regard to speed and efficiency in
planning and construction, irrespective of
Brexit, and see what we can implement
quickly to meet the 300,000 annual
targets.”
‘OFF THE SHELF’ ISSUES AS LIQUIDS GROW
Research undertaken by the
Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing
Association (LRWA) shows that
the liquid applied roofing sector
has grown by more than 30%
since 2013, making it “the fastest
growing part of the flat roofing
market”.
own issues with the influx of new
manufacturers and roofing
contractors emerging into the
market, and it’s important to ensure
high standards are still being met.
Sarah Spink, CEO of the LRWA “In 2018, one of our key targets is
to help make contractors more
aware when choosing ‘off the shelf products’ sold
Recent figures from the LRWA’s research
through distribution networks, which in some
recorded a 35% growth in its members’ turnover cases are imports from overseas. Whilst there are
– measured in m² – for liquid-applied
some good liquid products available through
waterproofing in the last four years.
distribution networks or builders’ merchants,
there has increasingly been issues with many
The LRWA also points to a rise in membership
being sold without any testing or certification, and
which it says reflects sector growth, with an
simply do not meet an acceptable standard.
increase from 16 manufacturer members in
Contractors using unproven products bought
2013, to 25 in 2016.
through a distributor could result in them having
Despite sector success, the association does add more liability than they realise. This not only
a note of caution with regard to an increase of creates a headache for contractors, but poor
new products emerging onto the market to meet product performance also devalues the high
demand being sold without testing or certification. standards in our industry. It’s important for
This, the association points out, creates liability contractors to remember there is plenty of advice
issues for contractors.
and guidance available from trade associations –
like the LRWA – to help protect them from a
Sarah Spink, CEO of the LRWA believes the issue
potentially very costly roofing or waterproofing
will continue well into 2018 and potentially
project.”
increase in severity once the UK leaves the EU
and opens up the market to new liquid products Sarah concluded: “Despite these challenges,
imported from across the globe. She explained: 2018 looks set to be another positive year for the
“The successes of rapid growth do present their liquid market.”
ONE WARRANTY PROVES APPEALING
Uptake of SIG Roofing’s ONE Warranty has Steve Pearson, Procurement Director, explained:
reportedly more than doubled in the last 12 “The growth in the usage of ONE Warranty
months, with the specialist roofing supplier reflects the fact that it covers the widest range of
putting this increase down to the roofing pitched roof coverings from the UK’s leading
sector’s demand for “no strings attached” manufacturers – and there are no strings
warranties.
attached.
The company says it recorded a 139% rise in “There is no hidden agenda; we just wanted to
2017 compared to the previous year, and believes provide a warranty that is easy to understand and
that the clarity and transparency of ONE Warranty even easier to use and covers pitched roof product
is the key reason for its appeal, with no
performance for 15 years in a single warranty to
unexpected surprises hiding in the small print. cover all of the key elements of a roof.”
6 TC APRIL 2018
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Industry News
EXPLORING THE
POSSIBILITIES
The A. Proctor Group says it was delighted to
welcome adventurer and explorer, Sir Ranulph
Fiennes, and 70 industry guests to its 2018
Spring Social event in London.
This year the event was held on the luxurious
Sunborn London Yacht Hotel in the historic
Royal Victoria Dock.
On-board the Sunborn, guests were invited to
take in the city views from the unique vantage
point atop the open-air Sky Lounge deck, before
being treated to a three-course dinner in the
stately wood-panelled West India Dock room.
Keira Proctor, A. Proctor Group Managing
Director, began the evening with an engaging
introduction to the A. Proctor Group and its
80+ year history as a family-run business.
During her talk, she described the risks the
business has taken to transform the once
agriculture-focused company into today’s
internationally respected construction materials
brand. Keira also talked about the steps the
company is now taking to develop new,
innovative products and establish the A.
Proctor Group as the experts on HAMM
Principles (Heat, Air and Moisture
Movement).
Shortly after dinner, Sir Ranulph
commandeered the microphone and took the
audience on a 60-minute adventure ride
describing some of the most gruelling
challenges and world-record setting
experiences of his career to date as an explorer.
Trying to keep up with the pace of Sir Ranulph’s
talk seemed to make the audience breathless;
at times from laughing at his poker-faced
delivery of jokes and the not so occasional dig
at his long-term challengers, the Norwegians,
and at other times simply out of awe and
wonder at the superhuman tests he had
faced, endured and overcome.
MASTIC ASPHALT STILL ‘HIGHLY RELEVANT’
At an event held by the Mastic Asphalt Council
to celebrate the use of mastic asphalt in
modern construction, green architect and TV
presenter Charlie Luxton told those assembled
that mastic asphalt is a “highly relevant”
building material for today.
More than 40 contractors and architects had
gathered for the event at the crypt of St Paul’s
Cathedral, which itself used mastic asphalt for
the refurbishment of the dome gallery.
Charlie told those assembled that he was using
mastic asphalt on the construction of his own
home. Specifically on the build of a complex stair
detail where the stairs descend through a flower
bed. Mastic asphalt was used to form stairs,
upstands, sumps and drainage outlets – a
“hugely complex 3D object,” according to Charlie.
“This is what mastic asphalt can offer –
waterproofing, a durable surface, even a
decorative finish,” he said.
“In some ways mastic asphalt might be perceived
as an old fashioned building material. But there is
a reason it has been around so long. Many of you
The availability of stock and its ability to fulfil
orders quickly were the combination of factors
behind the strong sales growth at SR Timber,
according to Trading Director Shaun Revill.
Shaun explained: “Fundamentally, Premium Gold
is a fantastic product, and the roofing industry is
responding to it because they can rely on it – in
terms of both its quality and performance. And,
crucially, it’s fully graded and compliant to BS 5534.
Charlie Luxton (second from right) discusses the
waterproofing on the walkway of the dome gallery at St
Paul’s Cathedral, which has recently been protected with
mastic asphalt
probably don’t even think about it as relevant to
you in modern practice but like many long-lasting,
tried and tested materials, it is being re-imagined
and modified and re-examined as a highly
relevant building material for today,” continued
Charlie
When introduced by MAC chairman Keith Collins,
Charlie admitted: “When asked to do this talk I
was relieved because sometimes I’m asked to
talk on things I know nothing about, and more
importantly have no opinion about. But in this
case I am a paid-up member of the mastic
asphalt fan club.”
STRONG SUPPLY CHAIN, STRONG RESULTS
“Sales to our existing customers continue to rise,
but what was most pleasing in 2017 was the fact
that we were able to introduce Premium Gold to
contractors, roofers and builders who hadn’t used
it before – and not only were they very impressed
with it, it also translated into repeat orders.
“However, it’s not just about having great
products that helps drive sales – our ability to
process and deliver orders is setting us apart as
a reliable supplier of a quality product. We are
only as strong as our supply chain, and we
continually test the strength of every link in our
supply chain so that it stands up to scrutiny,
ensuring that we have plentiful supplies of timber
roofing batten.”
Left: Shaun Revill, SR Timber’s Trading director
8 TC APRIL 2018
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Industry News
CONTRACTORS NEED TO BE AWARE OF REVISIONS TO BS 5534
New revisions have been announced to BS
5534 which have seen it updated to include
the new BS 8612 Dry Fix Standard.
BS 5534: 2014 + A2:2018 was published on
28th February 2018, and following a four-month
transition period for those in the industry to get up
to speed, it will be effective from 1st July 2018.
Key changes are said to include:
• A widening of the scope to make it absolutely
clear that re-roofing and repairs are covered
under BS 5534.
• The updates have also made things clearer
regarding old roofs, and especially for historically
or architecturally important buildings where the
British Standard may not be appropriate. It
advises those working on these projects to consult
with the local planning authority for
repair or replacement of these roofs.
•BS 8612: Dry-fixed ridge, hip and
verge systems for slating and tiling
spec has now been added to BS 5534
along with BS 8000-0: Workmanship on
construction sites.
•A revised clause concerning temporary weather
protection before the installation of the primary
roof covering, aimed at protecting underlay
exposure to UV light has been included.
•Improved interpretation of the results from the
test method for determining the resistance to wind
uplift of roof tile clips.
• New definitions for low water vapour resistance
(type LR) and air permeable underlays.
Left: Stuart Nicholson, Marley Eternit: “It is
important that roofing contractors and
specifiers are aware of the extent of the
revisions.”
•New definitions for continuous and
discontinuous ceilings.
Roof tile manufacturer Marley Eternit has
said it welcomes the revisions. Stuart Nicholson,
Roof Systems Director at Marley Eternit,
explained: “This is the second amendment to BS
5534 since major revisions were introduced in
2014.
“We were expecting to see the inclusion of the
new Dry-fix Standard, but it also includes further
changes, particularly addressing some concerns
about the application of roof underlays. It is
important that roofing contractors and specifiers
are aware of the extent of the revisions.”
GRAB ONE OF TEN DAKEA GOODIE BAGS!
GET YOUR GOODIE BAG
Dakea has teamed up with Total Contractor
and is giving away TEN prize bundles that
include a hat, jacket and water bottle to keep
you warm and hydrated on those chilly spring
mornings! See right for how to get your hands
on one Dakea’s goodie bags!
About Dakea and Dakea Ultima:
Dakea roof windows are engineered to provide
superior quality and ease of installation – the
result of over 75 years’ experience of window
design and manufacturing. Dakea products are
made in Europe from the highest quality
components and undergo rigorous testing to
ensure they will stand the test of time.
The Dakea Ultima window has an innovative
noise reduction system, which reduces external
noise 50% more effectively than comparable
windows.
Outstanding energy efficiency is provided by
superior, krypton filled glazing and two lowemission
coatings that deliver ultra low heat loss
of just 1.2 W/m²K. The glazing preserves warmth
in winter, prevents overheating in the summer
and blocks 95% of harmful UV radiation.
Its toughened external pane is extra thick
and includes a lifetime warranty
against hail damage. The
lamination on the internal
pane ensures full impact
protection and safety for
homeowners.
To ensure peace of mind,
Ultima has been tested against
hurricane force winds, 50kg impacts
and 600 litres of water falling in just one hour –
the equivalent of the annual rainfall per square
metre in London.
All of this is backed up by a 20-year warranty,
exceptional customer service and guaranteed
next day delivery.
For more information on the Dakea range visit:
www.dakea.com.
To be in with a chance of claiming your
Dakea goodie bag, which includes a hat,
jacket and water bottle, simply head to
our Twitter feed @TotContractorUK, follow
us, and retweet the pinned tweet. It
really couldn’t be easier to get
your hands on one of ten
Dakea goodie bags!
The competition runs until
11th May 2018, when ten
lucky winners will be chosen
at random, and once we have
received the contact details, the
goodie bags will be sent directly out!
It’s easy to win!
1. Visit @TotContractorUK
2. Follow @TotContractorUK
3. Retweet the pinned Tweet!
T&C’s: You have 2 weeks from contact to send us your
contact details so we can send out the prizes. Ten
winners will be chosen at random on 11th May. There is
no cash equivalent.
10 TC APRIL 2018
Handrails:- EasyGuard
free-standing Guardrails
*CurveyGuard – an aesthetically pleasing curved rail.
*EasyGuard – raked or straight legs dependant on
application. *FoldGuard – folding handrail.
Trip hazard reduction – long thin base-plates with
Counterweights used on un-secured ends only. Placed at 2m
centres maximum to enable use for leading edge protection.
Galvanised or powder coated finish. Protective mats 5mm
bonded to the base plates.
Standards – Exceeds Class A EN13374- Class A; For
leading edge protection HSE/SR 15, September 1988.
Nationwide delivery or contract installation. – Free material
quantifying service – info@safetyworksandsolutions.co.uk
Ladders:- Easy Fit
Compliant to both BS/EN 5395 and 14122 –
To comply with the standards for
permanent ladders all mild steel then hot
dipped galvanised to BS/EN 1461.
All typical ladders bespoke – email
info@safetyworksandsolutions.co.uk for a
survey check sheet.
Easy Fit, all ladder components are Easy
to assembly; in manageable parts Easy to
handle and install.
Rest Platforms and ladders with special
fixing requirements; solutions provided by
Safetyworks in house.
(All components for British Standard
compliant ladders require steel components
with timber and aluminium recommended
for temporary use only)
HANDRAILS
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Industry News
NEW BRAND
CAMPAIGN VIDEO
In an attempt to forge further meaningful
connections with the entire construction
supply chain, Wienerberger says it has
unveiled a new brand campaign video as an
added asset to its communications strategy.
The new video is said to visually represent
the company’s overall mission and values.
Focusing on the ethos of Wienerberger
working to positively impact people’s lives,
the video promotes an emotional connection
with its audience as it brings the company’s
four cornerstones to life; quality and
expertise, value, innovation and
sustainability. The video, narrated by British
television presenter Dan Cruickshank,
includes footage taken from Wienerberger’s
factories, quarries and Head Office, as well
as a wide range of stunning case studies.
Annette Forster, Marketing Director at
Wienerberger, commented: “We believe that
in such a fast-paced, digital world, it’s
essential that we offer a visual snapshot of
our mission to all of our stakeholders, and
our new brand campaign does exactly that.
By showcasing our wide range of products
and services available, as well as an insight
into our projects, case studies and customer
support, the video offers an accurate
reflection of Wienerberger today and will be
regularly updated over the coming months.”
View the video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hBpGkS
FtUc&feature=youtu.be
REBRAND FITS WITH “CHANGING” SECTOR
The NFRC launched its new logo as part of its
rebrand at Ecobuild 2018.
The UK’s largest roofing trade association
explained that its members can use the logo once
they have passed the NFRC’s strict Code of
Conduct and standards of quality. As such, the
association says it is a powerful mark of approval
which singles out NFRC members as trustworthy,
dependable and reliable roofing contractors to
their customers.
Amanda Brackey, Head of Marketing and
Communications, who led the rebranding
initiative in consultation with NFRC stakeholders,
explained that the result is a modern design
which reflects the aspirations of NFRC and the
sector: “Our logo is the most important element of
our identity and is prized by our members.
“NFRC has been promoting contractors and
championing best practice in our industry for
more than 125 years. While we need to retain its
history and long-established reputation for
improving quality, safety and skills, we want to be
identified as genuinely progressive and inspiring.”
In what it describes as a move to “underpin
its customer-centric approach and
commitment to driving innovation in the built
environment”, Knauf Insulation has launched
a new brand identity: ‘challenge. create. care.’
The insulation manufacturer says the new brand
identity, which is being rolled out globally, reflects
the business’ expanded aspirations and
NFRC also explained it has a strategy for growth,
with services in areas like accreditation,
recruitment, skills development and digital
knowledge sharing being key areas for future
development.
James Talman, NFRC Chief Executive, explained:
“The roofing industry is changing fast. New
technology and new ways of working are having
a huge impact; so are big challenges around
skills, materials and legislation. What never
changes is the demand for quality. This rebrand
reflects our key credentials for raising standards,
delivering great service, sharing expertise,
supporting the industry and looking to the
future.”
A roll-out of the new branding to NFRC members
started on 2nd April 2018.
NEW IDENTITY FOR KNAUF INSULATION
Visit Knauf Insulation’s new website: www.knaufinsulation.co.uk
Above: The NFRC’s new logo is part of a rebrand that reflects
the aspirations of the NFRC and the sector
ambitious vision for the future, whilst building on
its successful past.
Vanessa Rae, Marketing Director at Knauf
Insulation Northern Europe, explained: “Our aim
is to be the world’s most trusted insulation
partner, providing high performance, smart
insulation solutions and services for a better
world. By challenging conventional thinking and
working in real partnership with our customers
and stakeholders, we will create innovative
insulation solutions that go beyond energy
efficiency and really change the way we live and
build. We’re committed to leading this change
across the industry; the new brand identity
underlines our position and is a clear statement
of intent.”
12 TC APRIL 2018
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■ Part of SIG Roofing’s ONE Warranty
TIL-R - the right solution for the job.
Visit your local SIG Roofing branch for more info
or find out more at www.sigroofing.co.uk
www.sigroofing.co.uk
PITCHED ROOFING
FLAT ROOFING
INDUSTRIAL ROOFING
Working at Height
MAKE SURE YOU USE YOUR HEAD
WHEN WORKING AT HEIGHT
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) receives regular queries from its
members on safety, legislation and technical advice. In this regular feature, the association
will share some of its most frequently asked questions along with the advice given. This
month Gary Walpole, technical officer, answers questions on working at height.
Q.Is enough being done by our industry to
tackle the large number of people who
die as a result from falling from height?
A: For the industry, this is a key issue in keeping
roofers safe and one that needs to be continually
addressed. We’ve got the Work at Height
Regulations (2005) in place and many are doing
good work to reduce accidents, but there’s still a
lack of awareness among smaller companies and
especially homeowners. Ultimately, the
regulations and their enforcement have not
changed behaviour sufficiently enough, so we
have to work co-operatively to find new ways of
influencing a change in culture.
In fact, just two months ago, the All Party
Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Working at Height
launched with an inquiry into injuries and
fatalities caused by falls from height and falling
objects.
It followed damning statistics
published by the HSE in 2017,
which found that falls from
height were the most
common cause of fatal injury
of workers in the past five
years, with just under half of
those fatalities happening in
construction. NFRC has submitted its
response and we look forward to the APPG’s
final conclusions.
“Schemes such as the
forthcoming
accredited roofer
scheme, will certainly
help clients make
informed decisions”
Left: Gary Walpole, technical officer at
the NFRC
Q: What do you believe are
the main causes and
solutions to the problem?
A: A critical issue is the lack of
control of who carries out the works
at height, what training is required, and how to
verify relevant skills, knowledge and
experience.
There’s also a lack of understanding about
hazards.
For example, engineers servicing M&E on flat
roofs may be blissfully unaware about the
dangers of fragile surfaces or open edges.
There is also a common assumption that a task
which only takes a minute to complete is
Rooflight Specification
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Working at Height
somehow less risky, which leads to safety being
ignored.
We therefore need to better communicate to
clients, principal designers, contractors and
workers that to comply with regulations and
reduce accidents you must first plan the work,
then use the right equipment, and then use
competent contractors.
If these three things are followed, then we will
see a reduction in accidents.
Simplifying the narrative for smaller businesses
that don’t have the in-house expertise would also
help them to understand the legislation.
There are also some specific measures we could
be taking to prevent falls, or falling objects from
height which are not currently required by law.
A working at height training programme, which is
accredited to the operative and renewed on an
ongoing basis, is one place to start.
This could build upon the working at height
section of the CITB Health, Safety and
Environment Test, while training should be
required for working with specific equipment such
as mobile towers.
The client and building owners also need a better
understanding of the dangers and their legal
responsibility when selecting suitable contractors.
Designing-in safety such as higher parapets
would also make the building more maintenancefriendly,
and the use of drones or high-definition
aerial photography could help at the inspection
and survey stage.
Digital technologies will increasingly have a role
to play. For example, specialists can offer
photographic surveys and reports that calculate
roof length, pitch, and additional features on both
“A critical issue is the
lack of control of who
carries out the works at
height”
“There is also a
common assumption
that a task which only
takes a minute to
complete is somehow
less risky”
residential and commercial properties without the
need to access the roof.
Then there are Virtual Reality headsets that might
give trainees a better understanding of the
hazards they will face early on.
As smart glasses technology evolves, an
operative on a roof could share something that
they see or are worried about and transmit this
directly to an experienced safety manager who is
not on site. This will allow them to advise the
operatives on how to proceed and update any
amendments to risk assessment immediately.
Q: How can we broadcast the fact that we
adhere to health and safety legislation when it
comes to falls from height?
A: A contractor must be able to show that they
have the skills, knowledge, experience and for
organisations, it’s the capability to carry out the
work safely and without risk to health.
Similarly, when a contractor employs or appoints
an individual to carry out work, they must make
sure the individual has the skills, knowledge,
experience and training to carry out the work in a
way that secures health and safety, or is in the
process of obtaining them.
The required level of skills, knowledge and
experience (and training where required) should
be proportionate to the complexity of the work and
the range and nature of the risks involved.
NFRC, in conjunction with the CITB, is beginning
the process of launching an accredited roofing
scheme which will place safe working practices
at its core by ensuring an accredited workforce
have the necessary skills to carry out work at
height.
Schemes such as the forthcoming accredited
roofer scheme will certainly help clients make
informed decisions when choosing a contractor,
much in the same way that most homeowners
will get Gas Safe-accredited plumbers to install
and service their boilers.
Contact the NFRC
020 7638 7663
www.nfrc.co.uk
@TheNFRC
16 TC APRIL 2018
ALUMINIUM, RELY ON
THE BUILDING MATERIAL
OF THE FUTURE
ALUMINIUM ROOF & FAÇADE SYSTEMS
For us, aluminium is the most flexible material used in construction
engineering. Not least because the material has excellent folding properties.
Thanks to a refined alloy, aluminium is pliable and extremely flexible
to work with even in extreme temperatures below freezing point.
The time needed at the construction site is significantly reduced too. We
deliver the material to you in a perfectly prepared condition. In addition,
with the appropriate technical expertise, our products can be quickly and
easily mounted (on a roof pitch exceeding just 3°).
Lightweight, robust, long-lasting, environmentally-friendly, ideal to work
with, versatile in design – aluminium possesses all the characteristics that
you could wish for in a material.
office.uk@prefa.com
www.prefa.com
10 GOOD REASONS FOR CHOOSING PREFA
! STORM-PROOF
! RUST-PROOF
! BREAK-PROOF
! LIGHT
! BEAUTIFUL
! COLOUR-FAST SURFACE
! GREAT FOR RENOVATIONS
! COMPLETE SYSTEM
! ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
! 40-YEAR GUARANTEE
* The colour guarantee ensures that the painted surface is protected
from chips and blistering under the terms specified in the guarantee
certificate. You can find more information about the material and
colour guarantee at www.prefa.com/guarantee
WWW.PREFA.COM
Contract Talk
TAKING THOSE FIRST STEPS INTO
ESTABLISHING YOUR OWN BUSINESS
To support our readers, Total Contractor has asked SIG Roofing to cover different aspects of
setting up and running a business as a roofing contractor in our Contract Talk section.
Janine Brady, Marketing Manager, starts at the beginning by looking at some of the things
that those who are thinking about starting out on their own need to consider.
nlike a lot of other routes to starting a new
business – such as franchising, where
investors can buy an established
business with little or no prior experience –
starting your own roofing business appeals
because you’ve already got the skills and
experience from being on the tools.
It’s the logical next step if you want to be your
own boss, run projects your way and, most
appealing of all, potentially earn more money.
So what are the steps you need to follow if you’re
planning to branch out on your own?
Make a plan
It may sound like we’re stating the obvious, but
making plans helps to make things real –
especially if you write things down.
Business plans can be as little as one page of A4
paper, as long as they have the right things in
them. Here are some suggested headings, which
start with a vision that becomes a series of bitesized
action points.
•Vision – this is a single statement about where
you want the business to be in the future. For
example: I want to be the best slating and tiling
business in St Ives.
•Mission – this only has to be a couple of points
about how you’re going to achieve the vision. For
example: I will use SIG Roofing’s ONE Warranty
scheme to offer customers a 15-year single
package warranty on all my work.
•Objectives – these will be a couple of key
milestones for the business in the first few years.
For example: I would like a full order book within
the first three months.
•Strategies – these will be up to six strands of
activity about how you will go about getting a full
order book. For example: I will become part of a
trusted trader scheme.
•Actions – these will include a series of
individual actions to achieve each element of the
strategy. For example: I will compile a portfolio of
the roofing projects I have worked on to use as
part of my submission to a trusted trader
scheme.
Once the plan is on paper, it’s amazing how
quickly your business will start to come to life.
Tell everyone
It’s probably not appropriate to tell your current
boss, but tell everyone else who matters because
they’ll all be willing you on to make a success of
it, and they’ll also help on the days when you
have second thoughts. Be prepared for these, as
every business has them!
Who’s on your side?
Telling everyone will hopefully help you to begin to
find people and businesses that will help you to
get off to a flying start – from local builders who
can recommend you as a specialist roofing
contractor, to social media experts who can help
you to run effective, low-cost marketing
campaigns on platforms such as Facebook and
LinkedIn to promote your business.
When it comes to suppliers of materials, then of
course there’s an SIG Roofing branch local to
most places in the UK that can not only get you
the right materials for the job, but can also
support you in other ways with schemes such as
Trade Club.
Know who you’re up against
The last point to make in this article is sizing up
who you’ll be up against when competing for
projects. You may already know a lot of the firms
in your area, but making a detailed list will come
in handy. Once you’ve narrowed down the list to
the firms that you’ll most likely come up against
when quoting for jobs, if possible, try to get an
idea of how they quote. I’ve known of friends and
family of a business owner inviting other trades
around for quotes to get an idea of the price for a
project, the timescale for getting a job done and
the warranties on a job.
Hopefully, this is a good starting point and
provides you with plenty to think about if you
want to set up your own business as a roofing
contractor. In the coming editions of Total
Contractor, we’ll cover a range of issues linked to
the business side of contracting, from finding
customers and taking on staff or subbies, to
managing cash flow.
If there’s anything else you’d like us to cover, then
get in touch on Twitter at @SIGRoofing and
remember to use #ContractTalk.
Contact SIG Roofing
0845 612 4304
www.sigroofing.co.uk
@SIGRoofing
18 TC APRIL 2018
Project
Derby Arena
Contractor
Keyclad
Fixing
SLS2 25-S16
Specialist fixings for
award winning arenas
01242 265 100
fixingpoint.com
Insurance Focus
“A CHANGING BUSINESS REQUIRES
CHANGING INSURANCE”
By Paul Young, Underwriting Manager, ECIC, the specialist insurer for the contracting
industry.
Business diversification, encompassing a
wider mix of disciplines, can be a great
way for contractors to develop and grow
their operation. For example, a roofing contractor
may choose to extend their contract opportunities
by broadening their skills base, working at
different locations or embracing new
technologies. But it’s important to
remember that expansion and
diversification also leads
to a changing risk
profile. And
contractors are
obliged to disclose
those new and
changing risks to their
insurer or broker.
The Insurance Act 2015,
which came into force in August
2016, has afforded contractors greater
protection. However, in order to maximise these
benefits, policyholders are under a duty to make
‘a fair presentation of risk’ to their insurer. This
includes disclosing every material circumstance
they know and that they ought to know.
“For most, if not all
contractors, insurance
cover can hardly be
expected to be front of
mind”
In respect of business diversification this could
include reviewing exposures and disclosure
processes. It also means ensuring steps are in
place to maintain up-to-date internal records of
the names and roles of individuals responsible for
arranging insurance cover, as well as members of
senior management who should
always be involved in any
disclosures made.
For smaller roofing contractors
this can be reasonably straight
forward. However, for mid to large
sized businesses which have
undergone a period of growth or
those that have diversified
into new skills and
services, this can be
much more complex.
With diversification
insurance risk
changes, and the
importance of declaring
any significant changes in
the types of contracts being
undertaken or business growth to
your insurer or broker should not be
underestimated. In order to maintain insurance
cover and ensure it keeps pace with the types of
risk the business is exposed to, it is crucial that
the correct and up to date information is
disclosed at all times.
Front of mind?
For most, if not all contractors, insurance cover
can hardly be expected to be front of mind,
especially considering today’s challenging climate
with the industry-wide skills shortage and ever
growing concerns in the wake of the Carillion
collapse. However, roofing contractors have an
obligation to ensure all information known or
ought to be known by them which could influence
an insurer’s view of risk is declared.
Roofing contractors should work with their insurer
or broker to ensure all relevant information has
been disclosed. This enables the
insurer to prepare a
comprehensive insurance
contract or if needed, ask
further questions based on the
information provided.
Taking time to understand the specifics
of your insurance contract is key to ensuring
you’re aware of any relevant restrictions,
exclusions or terms and conditions with which
you need to comply. This is where an insurance
broker can have real value.
An insurance broker deals with insurance
contracts on a daily basis which means they are
easily able to explain the contract specifics in
great detail. An insurance broker can help roofing
contractors understand the exact risk profile of their
business and make certain that when committing to
a period of growth, expanding into new areas of
expertise or diversifying into new markets, the
correct information is disclosed to the insurer.
The roofing sector today comprises a wide mix of
different disciplines creating plenty of scope for
business diversification for those contractors
keen to develop and grow their business.
However, it’s crucial that roofing contractors take
the time to understand the importance of
declaring any business diversification and growth
to their insurer or broker – there’s no such thing
as too much information. And the more
conversations you have with your insurer or
insurance broker, the more confident you can be
that your insurance cover keeps pace with
business changes.
Contact ECIC
0330 221 0250
www.ecic.co.uk
20 TC APRIL 2018
QUICK,
COST EFFECTIVE
ROOF REPORTS
A CLEARER
VISION FOR
YOUR BUSINESS
When tendering for roofing contracts, accurate
aerial measurement can be the difference between
profit and loss. With EagleView, you can have
complete confidence in the measurements you base
your tender on.
By combining multi-angle aerial images with
advanced analytics, our reports provide precise area,
pitch and length measurements. Colour coding
distinguishes every detail, from ridges, hips and
valleys to verges, eaves and flashings.
Premium Report
06/09/2017
123 Main St., Tadworth, A1B2 C3D Report: 12345678
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fast report turnaround saves you time. High
resolution aerial views and 3D diagrams make your
bid stand out. And accurate material ordering helps
protect your profit.
To see more, visit eagleview.co.uk
or call 0800-069-8405
Images .....................................................................1
Length Diagram .........................................................4
Pitch Diagram ............................................................5
Area Diagram ............................................................6
Notes Diagram...........................................................7
Penetrations Diagram.................................................8
Report Summary........................................................9
MEASUREMENTS
Total Roof Area =467.95 sq m
Total Roof Facets =24
Predominant Pitch =45°
Number of Storeys >1
Total Ridges/Hips =84.43 m
Total Valleys =17.07 m
Total Verges =14.63 m
s =111.86 m
M25
M25
1.
Measurements provided by www.eagleview.com
www.eagleview.com/Guarantee.aspx
© 2008-2017 Eagle View Technologies, Inc. and Pictometry International Corp. – All Rights Reserved – Covered by one or more of U.S. Patent Nos. 8,078,436; 8,145,578; 8,170,840; 8,209,152; 8,515,125; 8,825,454; 9,135,737; 8,670,961;
9,514,568; 8,818,770; 8,542,880; 9,244,589; 9,329,749. Other Patents Pending.
Premium Report
06/09/2017
Report:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Images .....................................................................1
Length Diagram .........................................................4
Pitch Diagram ............................................................5
Area Diagram ............................................................6
Notes Diagram..........................................................
...........................................................7
Penetrations Diagram...............................................
.................................................8
Report Summary.......................................................
........................................................9
MEASUREMENTS
Total Roof Area =467.95 sq m
Total Roof Facets =24
Predominant Pitch =45°
Number of Storeys >1
Total Ridges/Hips
=84.43 m
Total Valleys =17.07 m
Total Verges =14.63 m
Total Eaves =111.86 m
In this 3D model, facets appear as semi-transparent to reveal overhangs.
Total Penetrations
=14
Total Penetrations Perimeter = 34.75 m
Total Penetrations
Area = 9.48 sq m
321 King St.
London, A1 B2C
555-555-5555
Measurements provided bywww.eagleview.com
www.eagleview.com/Guarantee.aspx
International Corp. – All Rights Reserved – Covered by one or more of U.S. Patent Nos. 8,078,436; 8,145,578;
8,170,840; 8,209,152; 8,515,125; 8,825,454; 9,135,737; 8,670,961;
9,514,568; 8,818,770; 8,542,880; 9,244,589; 9,329,749. Other Patents Pending.
EAGLEVIEW IN FOCUS
The hi-res imagery that’s
re-engineering roofing
By Kay Rose FIoR National Sales Director, EagleView.
If you’re a roofing professional, imagine
how much easier your job would be if
you had a full overview of the roof even
before visiting the site.
Imagine if – with just a few clicks of
your mouse – you could order a full roof
measurement report that includes high-resolution
images and precise dimensions
of all the areas. Imagine being able to
order materials without the worry of
over- or under-ordering – no need to do
a “guesstimate and
add some” to cover
yourself.
EagleView ® makes
all of this a reality.
Established in the
US in 2008 and
launched in the UK
in November 2017,
the world’s first-ever
remote aerial roof
LONDON
measurement service
COVERAGE
MAP
creates 3D models that
deliver highly accurate
and detailed roof
measurements.
Proven
technology
PREMIUM ROOF REPORT PREPARATION
HIGH RESOLUTION
At its core lies the
patented Pictometry ®
technology which
produces high-resolution
imagery
showing the fronts and sides of
buildings. Pictometry imagery
provides oblique perspectives
from 40 to 45-degree angles as
well as an overhead view.
These images are then stored
and, when an EagleView
roofing report is requested,
advanced algorithms and data
analytics are used to translate
them into a highly accurate
model of the property in
question. These models then
enable detailed structural
measurements to be derived –
including eaves, flashing, hips,
verges, ridges and valleys. The reports are
produced quickly – in a matter of hours –
and available in a variety of file formats.
TOTAL LINE LENGTHS
Ridges 30.48 m
Hips 53.95 m
Valleys 17.07 m
Verges 14.63 m
Reducing risk, saving time
Conducting a manual roof survey involves
time travelling to and from the site,
getting safe access to the roof and taking
measurements, and then further time to create
precise dimensional drawings. By replacing
this manual approach with an EagleView
PremiumReport , that time is freed up for
managing active contracts and pursuing new
leads. And, not only does an EagleView
11.1m
4.6m
8.6m
8.6m
4.6m
2.8m
1.8m
1.8m
1.8m
5.5m
3.2m
5.5m
3.4m
5.3m
5.9m
2.8m
8.2m
3.9m
2.8m
1.8m
3.1m
6.2m
6.6m
3.0m
6.6m
6.2m
9.8m
7.1m
6.3m
1.0m
3.8m
7.1m
4.9m
6.2m
5.6m
7.0m
6.2m
18.6m
4.9m
5.0m
2.0m
MATERIALS CALCULATION
10.1m
ROOF DIAGRAMS
Premium Report
06/09/2017
123 Main St., Tadworth, A1B2 C3D Report: 12345678
In this 3D model, facets appear as semi-transparent to reveal overhangs.
PREPARED FOR
Contact:
Company:
Exteriors Company
Address:
321 King St.
London, A1 B2C
Phone: 555-555-5555
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PremiumReport accelerate workflow, its
accuracy greatly reduces the risk of costly
material miscalculations.
Wider impact
Images .....................................................................1
Length Diagram .........................................................4
Pitch Diagram ............................................................5
REPORT PREPARATION IN PROGRESS
Area Diagram ............................................................6
Notes Diagram...........................................................7
Penetrations Diagram.................................................8
Report Summary........................................................9
TOTAL LINE LENGTHS
Eaves
111.86
MEASUREMENTS
Total Roof Area =467.95 sq m
Flashing 14.63 m
Total Roof Facets =24
Predominant Pitch =45° Step flash 26.21 m
Number of Storeys >1
Total Ridges/Hips =84.43 m
Parapets 38.10 m
Total Valleys =17.07 m
Total Verges =14.63 m
Total Eaves =111.86 m
Total Penetrations =14
Total Penetrations Perimeter = 34.75 m
Total Penetrations Area = 9.48 sq m
In the few years since EagleView was first
established in the US, it has become the
industry standard in aerial roof measurements.
Roofing contractors throughout North
America have quickly caught on to the
resource and safety benefits,
and increased number of
contracts they win by using
EagleView PremiumReports.
Insurance companies and
adjusters across the US have
also embraced EagleView
PremiumReports. In fact,
following the wildfires that
ravaged much of California
during December 2017,
EagleView captured and
delivered high-resolution
aerial images of the
devastation in San Diego
County so quickly that its
insurance carrier partners
were able to start viewing
and responding to areas
of severe need before the
residents had even returned
home.
First in the UK
The EagleView
PremiumReport is a ground-breaking
new offering, and there’s nothing else
like it in the UK. It’s currently available
for sites across London (within the
M25), and Bristol and other major
cities are following close behind. It’s
a truly pioneering technology that
stands to benefit anyone involved in
the roofing industry. However, as with
any successful technology, it’s the early
adopters that will gain a competitive
advantage.
To find out more about EagleView
Premium Reports go to eagleview.co.uk
or call 0800 069 8405.
CERTIFIED
ACCURATE
Construction Ambassadors
PERCEPTIONS AND ATTRACTING
THE NEXT GENERATION
Total Contractor talks to Sarah Spink, CEO of the LRWA, about her role as a Construction
Ambassador and attracting youngsters into roofing.
TC: What does your role as a Construction
Ambassador involve?
SS: Construction Ambassadors play a vital role in
supporting and promoting careers in the
construction industry.
A Construction Ambassador is someone who
inspires potential new entrants about the industry
and is able to convey what it’s actually like to
work in construction. Very often they provide the
first introduction to the construction industry for
many young individuals who are considering their
future career choices. By reaching out to local
communities and highlighting the many fantastic
opportunities available within construction, they
can help to inspire the next generation of new
entrants at events such as careers fairs, provide
mock interviews and presentations.
TC: How did you get involved with this
initiative?
SS: I saw an advert for a construction
ambassador’s course that was organised at
Roofing House. It is something that I am
passionate about so I signed up!
TC: The experience you’ve built up
throughout your career leading to your
current position as CEO of the LRWA must
be invaluable in the role as a Construction
Ambassador; are there Ambassadors from
all levels of the construction supply chain –
“The main thing we
need to do is enthuse
and start the
conversation about
roofing”
contractors, manufacturers,
surveyors etc.?
SS: On our course we had
product suppliers, roofing
contractors, operatives, and at
the careers fair I attended recently,
we had a training provider and large
Main Contractor, Eric Wright. All you need to be
able to do is talk to people of different ages – e.g
teenagers and parents – about construction and
the opportunities available.
“It was always
expected that you
remain in education.
Schools’ attitudes have
changed for the better”
TC: How do the schools respond to you
approaching them to speak to the kids –
over the years I’ve heard of some
resistance to people from the roofing
sector getting in to schools to speak to the
children, the idea being that schools often
have a vested interest in keeping kids in
education – is this something you’ve ever
experienced or heard of?
SS: The schools actually request for a
Construction Ambassador to attend one of their
events and the invite gets sent to all the
ambassadors in the area by Go Construct. The
actual careers fair was then coordinated by the
Lancashire chamber of commerce for the recent
event I attended.
I think things have changed massively since I
was at school (mid-nineties), we never got a
chance to speak to people from local companies
about industry, it was always
expected that you remain in
education. Schools’ attitudes
have changed for the better.
TC: What age groups are
you generally speaking to?
SS: Those in year 9 who are taking options
and year 11 school leavers.
TC: What sort of the response do you get
from the girls and boys?
SS: I was amazed at how many girls were open
minded and interested in talking to us! I think it
helped that there were females on the stand for
them to talk to. It was really great to see how
many girls said that their favourite subjects were
science and maths and that they would like to
look at opportunities in construction. We talked a
lot about the design side of construction with the
girls.
Many boys who came to the stand were more
practical and wanted to see what opportunities
were available, studying and earning whilst
gaining practical skills being the most appealing
option. There were also boys who were interested
in IT and what opportunities were available,
something that the industry needs to address
moving forward and BIM / off site manufacturing
may help.
Many parents were interested in the
apprenticeships available now, including higher
level apprenticeships and looking at alternative
career paths to university.
In all cases the Go Construct personality quiz and
roles in construction info were used to try to get
across the message that there are many areas of
construction that you can go into.
24 TC APRIL 2018
YOU MAY NOT NOTICE ALL THE
IMPROVEMENTS TO RAPID DRYVERGE
WHEN IT’S UP ON THE ROOF SO WE’VE
PUT THEM BELOW
• Improved interlocking design for added strength • New drainage channels to prevent streaking
• Improved aesthetics for cleaner, straighter lines on the roof
• 4 fi xing points for greater vertical and horizontal wind-loading resistance
• Performance meets BS 8612
Completely re-engineered using High Impact PolyStyrene, our new Rapid DryVerge comes
in two designs – to complement large format and thin leading edge tiles – and three
colours: Charcoal Grey, Slate Grey, and Rust. There’s one thing you should notice on the
roof – it’s even easier to fi t. Perhaps we should’ve called it Even More Rapid DryVerge.
Look up more at Redland.co.uk
Part of BMI GROUP
YOU’RE BETTER COVERED
Construction Ambassadors
TC: Are the children perhaps shocked and
excited by the variety of options and
different roles open to them that they
perhaps didn’t know about?
SS: They’re amazed, I think a lot of people
literally think that you have to work outside on
site to be in construction.
TC: When I was at school, the idea of a
career working with my hands, being part of
building something was quite exciting and
appealed to a number of my class mates
who went on to forge successful careers in
the construction sector; but with reality TV,
social media and the digital environment
children grow up with today, do you think
the perceived career of working outdoors in
all weathers on construction sites puts too
many children off?
SS: Yes, I do believe that it can put off a lot of
kids, which is why we need the message to get
out there that construction can offer a variety of
roles because the skills shortage is across the
industry. We need good technical people,
estimators, etc.
Come what may we need a variety of skills for the
industry to thrive, we need to appeal to a broader
audience.
Interestingly, one of the busiest stands at the
recent event I attended had a bricklaying
competition. This was very heartening.
TC: Do you think some parents need
educating about the benefits a career in
roofing / construction could offer their
children? Is there still may be a bit of
misplaced snobbery on behalf of some
parents?
SS: I think that there could be. The parents I have
spoken to have all been pretty open minded, but
what about the ones I didn’t speak to? It was
great to speak to a teacher who was attending
with her son who said that due to tuition fees now
she would think twice about going to university,
and she was impressed by the many
opportunities there were to get into construction
and progress a career path with minimal debt. In
that instance I think it did help to have a large
local main contractor talking about career
progression within Eric Wright.
TC: The Construction Ambassador
initiative seems like a great tool to help
change the outdated perceptions of a
career in roofing – are we winning the
battle to present roofing as viable option
for school leavers?
SS: Not yet. I believe that we are at the start and
that every roofing contractor, main contractor, and
manufacturer should be getting involved with
their local schools via the Construction
Ambassador programme to talk to kids about
construction. Very few of us at that age had a full
picture of the opportunities available.
This is also an easy way to find apprentices,
because many of the kids we spoke to were
interested in current job opportunities. We
directed them to the Government apprenticeship
website (https://www.gov.uk/applyapprenticeship)
where they are all listed.
TC: Those that work in the roofing sector
are well aware of the brilliant work and
fantastic opportunities a career in this
industry can offer. Do we perhaps have to
get better at letting those on the outside
know more about it? If so, how can we do
this?
SS: Yes we do. Go Construct is the best way of
doing it and getting all areas of roofing involved in
their local community. Many people start in the
manufacturer’s side of construction and then go
into roof contracting and vice versa. I have known
people start as building surveyors and move into
roof contracting or working for manufacturers. I
started as a marketer at a large manufacturer
with a post graduate qualification in international
marketing, then went into a technical product role
and now run a trade association in roofing. I fell
into roofing, but I truly love it.
The main thing we need to do is enthuse and
start the conversation about roofing and how
amazing the industry is.
TC: If any of our readers are interested in
becoming a Construction Ambassador,
how do they go about this?
SS: Apply online at www.goconstruct.org or watch
out for industry training events that are being
organised. A course was organised before the
recent Women In Roofing Conference which was
well attended.
In my role for LRWA, I will be promoting this as
well to members.
The route for children leaving school can often be confusing, but the more that consider a career in roofing, the better
Contact the LRWA
0207 448 3859
www.lrwa.org.uk
@LRWAssociation
26 TC APRIL 2018
Go Further with SupaLite
SupaLite design &
manufacture more
than just roofs?
It’s true, we are the market leader in lightweight replacement
conservatory roofs, but we are experts in much more.
Our revolutionary FLAT ROOF ORANGERY is installed within
hours with amazing thermal properties. Our LANTERNS are the
most stylish available, and our VERANDAS are proving to be a
very popular and extremely flexible choice.
U-Value
as low as
0.15
W/m 2 K
SupaLite Tiled Roofs
Flat Roof Orangeries
Modular
Design
Lanterns
Elegant Verandas
Every SupaLite product
is precision made to
ensure a perfect fit for
any configuration.
BUILDING CONTROL
SupaLite will optionally facilitate building control on your behalf
ENERGY EFFICIENT
Designed for ultimate performance
TRIED & TESTED
10 year guarantee as standard
01772 82 80 60
www.supaliteroof.co.uk
Training Focus
SKILLED-UP ROOFERS
Philip Fergusson, Managing Director of National Construction Training Services (NCTS),
looks at workmanship in the roofing trade and the importance of education in proper
installation techniques specific to the roof being installed.
he causes of roof failure are as varied as
they are destructive – everything from wind
uplift damage to inappropriate design,
faulty materials to poor flashing details – but one
thing is for certain, if a roof is to withstand the
worst of the UK weather in the ensuing years,
then the quality of workmanship is absolutely
vital for the long-term performance of any new
roofing system.
In a marketplace filled with a wide array of types
and styles of roofing, whichever solution is
specified needs to look good both at the time of
installation and for years to come. While the
chosen material plays a huge part in the longevity
of a roof, so do the skills and training of the roofer
to ensure it is installed to the highest standards
expected within the construction industry.
A place in history
They have been a feature of British homes since
the early 1800s, but the distinctive red finish of
clay tiles has ensured its place as a roofing
stalwart. Slate is also steeped in history, and is
favoured as the solution of choice for many roofs
across the country due to its class and elegance.
Like clay, slate is a traditional product that can be
costly but it should always be sorted, graded and
installed by experienced contractors.
One of the most common materials used to
manufacture tiles in the UK, concrete is often the
solution of choice for many when it comes to
roofing as it is low maintenance, long-lasting and
affordable. While concrete tiles offer considerable
benefits, they are also heavy, breakable and
prone to weathering.
When it comes to training in the application of
clay, slate and concrete tiles, the Roof Slate & Tile
NVQ Level 2 offers the opportunity to qualify
experienced staff through the On Site Assessment
and Training (OSAT) programme.
In addition, a Specialist
Apprenticeship
Programme (SAP)
combines block
training and on-site
training with an
employer to
demonstrate the
practical and theory
skills to installing slate
and tiles to a high standard.
“Skills and training
are vital for anyone
wanting to stay ahead
of the game – the
quality of a roofing
system is only as good
as the installation”
The world of metal
Traditional hard metals including copper, zinc,
stainless steel and aluminium offer exceptional
longevity and are lightweight compared to tiles.
Lead is a softer metal that has also been used
over the centuries, and can still be seen today in
good condition on many heritage sites.
NVQ2 and NVQ3 in Traditional Metal Roofing and
the FTMRC (Federation of Traditional Metal
Roofing Contractors) Craft Development Courses,
all provide modules which educate and instil best
practice in the installation of these traditional
hard metals for roof sheeting and cladding.
Flat out
A flat roof offers design versatility, affordability,
flexibility and a number of options in terms of
roofing materials including felt,
asphalt, single ply and liquid.
Extremely durable and
designed to survive the
elements, the
application of a flat
roofing system is
complex but achievable
with the appropriate
training, experience and
safety precautions.
Training for an NVQ level 2 for flat
roofs includes demonstrating skills relating
to installing built-up bituminous roof coverings,
repairs and maintenance.
Roofs are in the frontline every day, and while it’s
important that a roofing material can withstand
anything that Mother Nature throws at it, the
lifespan of the roof will be shortened if it’s poorly
installed in the first place. Skills and training are
vital for anyone wanting to stay ahead of the
game. After all, the quality of a roofing system is
only as good as the quality of its installation.
About NCTS
NCTS is a provider of training for the roofing
industry. We are dedicated to ensuring an
outstanding level of training across the many
roofing disciplines in metal, flat and pitched
roofing. Working with roofing federations, roofing
training groups, manufacturers and employers
from across the industry, we can offer a variety of
comprehensive training courses designed to fit
with your needs, no matter your level of skill.
Contact NCTS
01480 501011
www.ncts.org.uk
@NCTS_2017
28 TC APRIL 2018
LEVATO MONO
Porcelain paver system
and coordinating internal tiling
The Deck Tile Co’s new website www.surface360.co.uk now has +150 colours and
finishes in their Levato Mono 20mm porcelain ranges plus co-ordinating internal tiling –
enabling seamless visual transition between internal and external spaces.
20mm porcelain pavers 40x80 45x90 60x60 75x75 80x80 30x120
40x120 60x120
‘Floating floor’ – installation over single ply membranes
Eternal product - zero maintenance required – offering massive overlife
savings
Highly abrasion and stain resistant
Highly slip resistant ; R11 AB+C
Lightweight – 45kgs per m 2
High load bearing and impact resistance
Timber, stone & cementitious effects
Completely non porous
Ideal for balconies, roof terraces and piazzas, for both commercial and
residential use
Frost proof
Height adjustable/slope correcting support system ranging from 9mm
up to 550mm
INTRODUCING OUR NEW WEBSITE:
WWW.SURFACE360.CO.UK
UK Roofing Awards 2018
IT’S ALMOST AWARDS SEASON...
With the UK Roofing Awards – sponsored by SIG Roofing – just around the corner,
Total Contractor takes a look at which projects have been shortlisted as finalists...
The finalists for the 2018 UK Roofing
Awards have been announced, with the
judges bringing together a shortlist of
projects which they say incorporates “beautiful
structures, outstanding workmanship, superior
problem solving, environmental qualities plus
provide a positive contribution to the built
environment.”
The shortlisted projects in each category are:
Small Scale Project (Under £25k):
•The Little Chapel – Polyroof working with Sarnian
Roofing
•Richmond Road – Longworth Building Services
•Rose Cottage – Polyroof working with Cure Roofing
•Imagine, 126 Panorama Road – Eclipse Roofing &
Waterproofing
Large Scale Project (Over £250k):
•NHS Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary –
Longworth Building Services
•55 Colmore Row – NRA Roofing and Flooring
Services
•New Bracken House – Partnering Contractors
Roofing
•Urmston Grammar School – Allied Roofing &
Construction
Innovation Award – Sponsored by
EagleView:
•Lloyd BMW car park – BriggsAmasco
•Clapham Park – Bauder working with E J
Roberts Roofing
•Oat Errish Farm – DANOSA UK working with
County Flat Roofing UK
•Dylon Works – Axter with Tilbury Contracts
Reinforced Bitumen Membranes:
•Highgate Wood School – IKO PLC working with
Russell Trew
•MTV Studios – M&J Group
•Girdlestone Estate – Langley Waterproofing
Systems working with Opus Waterproofing
Solutions
•Lacy House – Richard Soan Roofing Services
Liquid Applied Waterproofing & Hot-Melt:
•The Little Chapel – Polyroof working with
Sarnian Roofing
•Lancaster University Chaplaincy – Sika Liquid
Plastics working with Permicoat
•Rochdale Exchange Car Park – Everlast Group
•Bloomberg London – Prater working with
Radmat Building Products
Mastic Asphalt:
•St Paul’s Cathedral – IKO PLC working with
Sussex Asphalte
•Bodiam Castle – North West Tower – Sussex
Asphalte
•Hurst Castle – IKO PLC working with Infallible
Systems
•New Covent Garden Market – BriggsAmasco
Fully Supported Metal:
•Royal Victoria Pavilion – Full Metal Jacket
•The Bund – Longworth Building Services
•NHS Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary –
Longworth Building Services
•Lawn Tennis Association – Richardson Roofing
Sheeting & Cladding / Rainscreen:
•Liverpool Life Sciences Accelerator - Longworth
Building Services
•Fenwick Bracknell – Prater working with Bailey
Total Building Envelope
•Furness General Hospital Maternity Unit – MAC
Roofing & Contracting
•Hungerford Fire Station – Malone Roofing
(Newbury)
Lead Roofing – Sponsored by Chandlers
Roofing Supplies:
•British Museum – Islamic Galleries – Full Metal
Jacket
•55 Colmore Row – NRA Roofing and Flooring
Services
•Lawrence Sheriff School Clifton – NRA Roofing
and Flooring Services
•Canterbury Cathedral – The Old Library –
Clarke Roofing Southern
Heritage Roofing – Sponsored by Klober:
•The Retreat – Geoff Neal (Roofing)
•Tredegar House – Ellis and Company
(Restoration and Building)
30 TC APRIL 2018
•LLwyn Celyn – Rowlands Roofing
•St Peters Hamsey – Clarke Roofing Southern
Green Roofing:
•Clapham Park – Bauder working with E J
Roberts Roofing
•Fjordhus – Isle of Harris – Bridgman and
Bridgman LLP
•The World War II Decoy Bunker – Alumasc
Roofing Systems working with Span Roofing
Contractors
•Chester Bus Station – Alumasc Roofing
Systems working with Blackdown Greenroofs
Single Ply Roofing:
•Royal Russell School – DANOSA UK working
with Industrial Construction (Sussex)
•Alderley Edge School for Girls – Gymnasium –
Richmond Roofing Single Ply
•Scoil Phadraig – Bauder working with Priority
Roofing & Cladding
•Hawthorns Care Home – Ithaca Roofing
Roof Slating:
•Marshals Yard Development – Claude N Smith
•Sion Cottage Marford – Greenough & Sons
Roofing Contractors
•Grade II* Listed Building – Anderson Roofing
Services
•The Boathouse – Stormforce Roofing &
Maintenance
Roof Tiling – Sponsored by ECIC:
•Shettleston New Parish Church – Redland
working with DM Roofing and Roughcasting
•Donisthorpe Primary School – M&J Group
James Talman, Chief Executive of the NFRC, explained: “This year the
standard of entries was exceptional and the judges had a very hard time
whittling it down to create this spectacular shortlist.
“Our congratulations go to each and every one of those finalists who
should be proud of their achievement. We have some extremely talented,
dedicated and ambitious roofing professionals in the UK, and this goes
some way towards highlighting their achievements and showcasing best
practice and quality in the sector.
“We would like to wish everyone the very best of luck for the finals.”
The National Federation of Roofing
Contractors (NFRC), the host of the awards,
has teamed up with headline sponsor SIG
Roofing to celebrate all the good things that
roofing contractors do to help their local
communities and charities.
Janine Brady, SIG Roofing’s Marketing Manager,
said that the UK Roofing Awards excel when it
comes to showcasing projects that genuinely
demonstrate the very best of roofing, including
elements such as aesthetics, problem-solving,
health and safety, workmanship and
environmental standards.
However, she believes there is an opportunity to
recognise some of the great achievements of the
roofing community that often go unheard.
“As the leading specialist supplier of roofing and
services, the staff in our branches get to hear
about some of the fantastic things that their
roofing contractor customers get up to that so
often get overlooked,” explained Janine.
James Talman, CEO of
the NFRC
DO YOU KNOW AN
‘UNSUNG HERO?’
something we really want to help draw attention
to and celebrate. And what better place to do it
than at the UK Roofing Awards, one of the
pinnacles of the roofing year?
“The Local Hero Award will bring an extra
dimension to the awards and will allow us to
showcase both the excellent standards of roofing
projects completed each year and the way roofers
work so hard to help those in need.”
Amanda Brackey, Head of Marketing and
Communications at the NFRC, commented: “It’s
important that the UK Roofing Awards continually
evolve to reflect the achievements of the industry,
and a key part of that is listening to our partners,
who have some great ideas to continue making
the awards relevant to our sector.
“SIG Roofing has been the headline sponsor for
more than ten years and it’s a testament to their
commitment and the roofing community working
together that these awards keep going from
strength to strength.”
•Gorse Hill Infants & Junior School – Davis
Roofing
•Fair Mile Chapel – Bracknell Roofing.
The winners will be announced at a gala awards
luncheon – hosted by Dan Walker – on Friday
11th May 2018 at the Park Plaza Westminster
Bridge Hotel.
“They hear about contractors raising money for
charities and other good causes, about those who
give up their spare time to work on community
projects or to help young people and those in
need.
“There are a lot of excellent people working in
roofing that do a lot of good things and that is
To nominate a local hero visit:
www.sigroofing.co.uk/local-hero. The closing date
for nominations is April 20th.
Find out more about the UK Roofing Awards 2018
www.nfrc.co.uk/uk-roofing-awards/
@UKRoofingAwards
APRIL 2018 TC 31
Dormer Windows
GET YOUR DORMER DETAILS RIGHT
The Technical Team at Marley Eternit explain how to get the key details for valleys and side
abutments correct and ensure your dormer window installation is right first time.
Dormer windows are becoming increasingly
popular as a way of increasing usable
space in the loft, as well as to create
more visually interesting roof designs. There are
many different types of dormer, ranging from the
most common gable fronted, through to hip
dormers and the more specialist eyebrow dormer.
For roofing contractors, each dormer will require
its own particular detailing, depending on roofing
material, location and how it is framed. However,
most dormers will include common roof details
such as valleys, side abutments, eaves, ridges or
cloak verges.
Here, we focus specifically on design details for
valleys and side abutments, using clay plain tiles
as an example.
Valleys
Most dormers create valleys on either side; this
means a higher volume of water runs through
them as they are collecting the rainwater from the
two roof slopes. Therefore flashing and
weathering is very important.
The following design steps should be followed:
1 - The width of an open valley trough should be
determined in accordance with BS 5534, which
takes into account the volume of rainwater at
specified flow rates draining from plan areas and
roof pitches.
2 - When designing the valley construction, it is
important to set the timber boards for valley
linings and troughs on noggings between the
rafters, so that the face is flush with the top of
the adjacent rafters.
3 - The width of the boards needs to be wider than
the determined valley width, to accommodate the
ends of the slating or tiling battens and any tilting
fillets used for metal valley linings.
Below: Detailing – Curved clay valleys
265 x 165mm
Marley Eternit Clay Plain Tile
H60/120
Marley Eternit Curved Valley Tiles
H60/630
Tiling Batten
H60/245
Underlay batten
H60/240
Timber valley board, 4mm ply lining
H71/630
G20/311/770
4 - Valleys for clay plain tile dormers can be
created using lead, a GRP dry valley system or
purpose made clay valley tiles (for pitches 30-50
degrees) – see detailing diagrams above.
Side abutments
Some dormer windows will also feature side
abutments. An abutment occurs where the edge
of the roof slope meets a wall that rises above it.
Normally, on a side abutment, this is at right
angles to the eaves or ridge.
1 - It is best practice to ensure that rainwater
runs away from a side abutment, but where this
is not possible, an inclined valley should be
created which is designed to cater for the water
flow. These should be formed with a suitable
flashing, usually lead soakers, which can provide
the required weather protection and accommodate
any thermal movement that may occur.
2 - Cavity trays and dpcs in the masonry wall
should be designed so that they allow any
flashings to be inserted below them, thereby
maintaining their weatherproofing function.
3 - Side abutments using flat tiles and slates are
particularly vulnerable to wind driven rain, and
should therefore be designed with secret gutters
and / or soakers and cover flashings, which
provide suitable protection.
Further design detailing for ridges, eaves and
cloak verges is available at
www.marleyeternit.co.uk
Below: Detailing – GRP Valley
265 x 165mm
Marley Eternit Clay Plain Tile
H60/120
265 x 248mm
Marley Eternit Clay Plain Tile-anda-half
tile. H60/120
Tile-and-a-half-tile cut to angle
of the valley
Tiling batten. H60/245
Underlay
G20/311/770
Marley Eternit GRP dry valley
trough, low profile. Code
30422). H65/606
Timber valley board, 4mm ply lining
H71/606
G20/311/770
Below: Design detailing – side abutment with clay plain tiles
265 x 165mm
Marley Eternit Clay Plain Tile
H60/120
Code 4 stepped lead cover flashing
H71/310
Code 3 lead soakers
Tiling batten. H60/245
265 x 248mm
Marley Eternit Clay Plain Tile & Half Tile
Underlay. H60/240
General advice on tiling dormers
When it comes to flashing and weathering, tiled
dormer roofs should be treated in a similar way to
the main roof work. However, single lap tiling is
less suitable for small covered areas and for a
dormer, it is generally preferable to adopt an
alternative form of covering.
If dormer cheeks are tile hung, close cut vertical
tiles to rake of roof over a flashing fixed to side of
dormer and dress well into the adjacent tiles.
A special note on eyebrow dormers
Eyebrow dormers feature a curved roof and
usually require highly skilled roofing expertise. As
the tiles often reduce in pitch, they sometimes
need a functional sub roof with the tiles just used
for aesthetic purposes.
With this type of dormer, the transition between
eyebrow and the rest of the roof should be
regarded as a valley and precautions should be
taken (see above) to prevent water leaks.
Contact Marley Eternit’s Technical Team
01283 722588
www.marleyeternit.co.uk
@MarleyEternit
32 TC APRIL 2018
Whatever your flat roofing requirement,
you will be safe in the knowledge that a
RubberBond FleeceBack installation will
provide you with the highest quality,
long term flat roofing solution.
n Strength of FleeceBack Single Ply EPDM
n Speed of Factory Applied Tape
n Clean - No mixing of chemicals or liquids
n Versatile - Install on new build or
refurbishment projects
n Smooth, slate grey finish
n Simple application - No heat or welding
Contact us for:
Contractor training or to
request your sample pack.
Tel: 01494 448792
Email: enq@flex-r.co.uk
Flat Roofing Solutions
Slate Roofing
FROM QUARRY TO SITE INSTALL
Natural slate has a rigorous production process to ensure the high quality and beautiful
product that we see on many different roofs all over the world. Here, Julian Gomez, Director
of Marketing at CUPA PIZARRAS, explains each factor involved in producing and delivering
the versatile material, plus offers some top tips to roofing contractors installing the product.
Initially, the process begins with the deposit
phase. This is the exploitation process that
begins once the geological, mineral and
geotechnical surveys have been completed.
Alongside this, critical prospection work and
sample testing also take place to determine the
precise quality of the slate and the potential
reserves of the deposit.
There are two exploitation systems, which are
open quarries and underground mines. Frequent
tests are carried out during the life of the
exploitation and always have the intent to prepare
for the future of the quarry or mine. This helps to
guarantee an ongoing supply of the highest
quality slate.
The second stage is the extraction procedure,
which begins after completing the disassembly
operations. The natural slate is then extracted in
large blocks that are cut with a diamond blade.
The blocks are then taken to the processing plant
where water is used as a coolant and base
material for removing rubble. This highlights the
environmentally friendliness of the product, as
the water used for this is then recycled and
purified to prevent it from being wasted.
Next is the processing phase – this aspect is
crucial, and the slate goes through three stages in
this part of the process prior to being packaged.
This includes sawing, to cut the slate from the
large blocks to the correct size, and shaping,
which involves cutting the blocks by hand into
sheets. Water issued here ensures blocks do not
dry out. Lastly, each slate corner is bevelled to
facilitate the passage of water over the slate once
in place on the roof.
The final stage at the CUPA PIZARRAS warehouse
in Spain is the packaging stage, where
all the slates are placed on wooden
pallets for delivery after being
counted and packaged up
securely. Each pallet will have a
label that displays every precise
detail about the slate being sent,
including the quarry it originated from,
slate format and the results of trials performed on
the product. This is a unique personalised process
for the customer, and the tracking barcodes on
packages can also ensure a quick and safe delivery.
Full traceability
Roofing contractors should be aware of the
importance of traceability. In the case of CUPA
PIZARRAS for example, there are no label changes
and the slate is never rebranded by importers.
Thus, when the roofer chooses the slate he
wants, he receives this exact slate. In
comparison, other brands sometimes offer
products dependent on availability, meaning that
the roofer is ‘blind’ to what they receive. The
feature of full traceability ensures that if a roof
needs to be replaced or fixed in the future, the
exact slate that was used can be used again by
tracing back the order.
Sorting
When slate pallets arrive on site, the slates
should be sorted into their different levels of
thickness, and roofing contractors should note
that the slates are laid on the long side with
battens between the layers. Safety and quality
control must also be carried out through a range
of tests such as checking for any imperfections
and tapping each slate to examine and establish
overall soundness and depth.
Julian Gomez, Director of Marketing at
CUPA PIZARRAS
Fixing
The installation can finally start
after all slates have been
securely and properly tested. The
two methods of nailing and hook
fixing are the most common and are
preferred by many roofing contractors, but it is
always important to have a good understanding of
them both. For the nailing technique, CUPA
PIZARRAS can supply slates pre-holed for
convenience.
Installation can start once all slates have been securely and
properly tested
The journey that slate undertakes from quarry to
roof is an extensive and detailed one, but this
ensures that the highest quality product is
created from the deposit, exploitation, extraction
and processing phases. On the construction site,
the roofing contractors need to be thorough with
quality control, and then the installation can be
equally as sound. Despite the amount of work
involved here, all of these aspects are carried out
at no harm to the environment, which is an
advantage to all involved.
Contact CUPA PIZARRAS
01312 253 111
www.cupapizarras.com/uk
@CUPAPIZARRAS_en
34 TC APRIL 2018
Standard
CitiDeck
AntiSlipPlus
Take FireSafeit as Red
Red
Fully Graded Roofing Battens
The new British Standard for the design, materials, application, installation and performance of slates,
tiles, shingles and shakes is clear: roofing battens must be graded to BS 5534.
This means that battens delivered to site should be graded and marked in accordance with the new
standard and have supporting documentation.
There’s no grey area on BS 5534, so take it as Red that roofing battens from Marley Eternit are
fully compliant.
For more information or to request a brochure:
Call 01283 722588 or visit marleyeternit.co.uk/timber
An Inspector Calls
STORAGE OF MATERIALS ON SITE
In a new, regular monthly column – ‘An Inspector Calls’ – Total Contractor has teamed up
with the experts at Icopal to help you achieve roofing success and avoid the common pitfalls
that can often cost you both time and money.
This month the Inspector takes a look at
the issue of incorrect material storage:
Incorrect storage of materials is a common issue
in the industry and it can have a negative impact
on a project’s success from both short and long
term perspectives. Materials are often delivered to
a project in its early stages and it is therefore
essential that they are stored in the correct manner
to ensure they perform to their maximum potential,
and to achieve trouble-free installation.
Storage on sites can be limited and storage space
may come at a premium. However, it is
paramount to the project’s success that
materials are at least stored correctly. Arguably
the most important issue is keeping them dry.
Although many products are used for building
protection, some cannot fulfill this role until they
are actually installed. Simply because a product is
considered ‘waterproof’ does not necessarily mean
it is suitable to be left exposed to the elements
prior to its application without any consequence.
Many materials have natural waterproofing
properties but they may still have the ability to
absorb or retain moisture prior to being installed.
This can then become a problem if the moisture
becomes trapped within the system following the
product’s application. Trapped moisture within a
membrane can lead to a number of issues such as
blistering, lap breaches and insufficient bond
strengths.
Additionally, some products, such as insulation,
“Just remember,
correct storage is the
first step to success”
will become unusable should
they be exposed to moisture
(see pic, right). This will
reduce the product’s ability
to perform as intended from
a thermal perspective and the
material will retain this moisture,
again trapping it within the newly
installed waterproofing system. Although
insulation, along with a number of other products,
may be supplied in shrink-wrap, this is not a
reliable protection method when delivered to site.
Shrink-wrapping is only used to protect the
materials in transit, and the safe and correct
storage of materials, once it reaches its
destination, lies solely with the contractor.
“Wet insulation should
be disposed of
immediately and
should not in any
circumstances be used
on a project”
Wet insulation should be disposed of immediately
and should not in any circumstances be used on
a project. With the increase of insulation material
costs across the industry, it is in everybody’s
interest to ensure the product is kept dry and stored
correctly. The last thing any contractor wants is to
incur additional costs in replacement materials.
Moisture retention in membranes may not be
visible to the naked eye, so it’s difficult to tell if
the product has retained any moisture during its
exposure. The product may well be installed with
no sign of compromise. However, defects could
become evident months after installation as the
trapped moisture expands and
contracts through UV
exposure and temperature
variation. This can lead to
blistering and the resulting
pressure could affect the
integrity of the membrane’s side
and head laps. The project could then
suffer aesthetically and the contractor could suffer
financially having to carry out repairs, something
that could have been avoided had the materials
been stored correctly at the start.
It is also important that materials are stored at
the correct temperature and out of direct sunlight.
For example, some bitumen-based products can
soften if left exposed to UV and left out in high
temperatures, so they should be sheltered from
heat and potential solar gain. In contrast, some
products, such as cold applied liquids, must be
stored above certain temperatures to ensure they
can be installed without any compromise to their
performance.
Product literature and labelling will always give
recommended storage guidance.
Ideally, all products should be safely stored in a
container or at least in a dry and cool place.
When space is unavailable, the minimum
requirement would be to store the materials off
the ground and covered with a suitable temporary
protection measure such as a tarpaulin or similar.
Just remember, correct storage is the first step to
success.
Contact Icopal’s Technical Team
0161 865 4444
www.icopal.co.uk
@Icopal_UK
36 TC APRIL 2018
HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID
WATERPROOFING SYSTEM
BENEFITS & PRODUCT
INFORMATION
BBA certified for life in excess of 25 years.
NHBC and Green Roof Approval.
ULTRAFLEX can be used on new or existing
roofs, walkways, balconies, gutters etc.
Ready to use straight out of the tin, application
with solvent resistant roller.
Use fully reinforced with ULTRAFLEX matting
ensures easy ‘wet on wet’ application.
Can be used all year round – moisture curing.
Fully trafficable when cured.
Instantly rain resistant after application.
Once installed, forms a seamless membrane.
Exellent adhesion to different substrates: plywood,
bitumen membranes, asphalt, metals,
brick, concrete, wood etc.
Fresh concrete must be cured for 28 days.
On EPDM and TPO it is recommended to install
patch test to check compatibility.
Do not use silicone sealants. Always use PU
based mastics.
Single-Ply Systems
A GUIDE TO CORRECT INSTALLATION
By Steve Hatcher, Field Technician at Sika
When considering single-ply membranes
for a roofing application, many things
need to be taken into account: is the
roof an exposed application? Is it a ballasted or
green roof? Is it heavily trafficked or even a
situation where the aesthetics are the most
important factor? Choosing the right membrane
and roofing system for the right application is the
first most important step. Within Sika-Trocal there
are different membrane types to suit all of these
applications, but it is important to choose the
right one as the substrate can also determine the
type of roof system.
Secondly, you can become a Sika-Trocal licensed
contractor once you have trained at our academy.
Sign-off inspections take place on site before
guarantees are issued, reassuring clients that the
products are being installed correctly and by
trained contractors.
Watertight at once
Once on site, the first step for the roofing
contractor is to install the VCL. This is primarily
installed to restrict the amount of moisture
“Nothing should be
taken for granted when
it comes to their
installation in order to
guarantee long-term
performance”
vapour being transmitted into the roof
construction from inside the building. Depending
on the type of system used, this may be a looselaid
VCL or a fully-adhered VCL. It might be that a
fully-adhered vapour barrier such as Sika Trocal’s
SVap 5000E may be installed in order to make the
building watertight as quickly as possible so that
work can commence internally.
Whichever type is used, it is important that it is
fully-sealed at all laps, perimeters and
penetrations before the insulation is installed to
ensure it also acts as an appropriate air barrier
Next is the insulation. This can either be a flat
insulation board or a tapered system and will
have different methods of attachment. BS 6229 –
flat roofs with continuously supported coverings –
is the head code for the design of roofs and
states all roof falls should be designed to achieve
a minimum finished fall of 1:80. This can either
be in the roof construction or within the
insulation. The thickness of the insulation will
depend on the results of the thermal calculations
carried out on the building and will need to
achieve the necessary U-value, as required by
Building Regulations. This is used to limit the
amount of heat loss from the building and reduce
carbon emissions. Compatibility with the roofing
system also needs to be considered, with some
insulation being designed for mechanical
fastening systems, and others for adhered
applications. Insulation requiring mechanical
fastening will most likely now use thermallybroken
fasteners in order to reduce the amount of
cold bridging caused by the fasteners, thus
reducing the thickness of insulation required.
Select for success
Choosing the correct single-ply membrane also
depends on a number of factors. A mechanicallyfastened
system may be used on a large roof area
for speed of installation, such as the Sika-Trocal
Type ‘S’ system, where fasteners restrain both the
membrane and the insulation in a single fix. If an
application has a concrete substrate then an
adhered membrane such as Sika-Trocal Type SGK
could be used to limit the amount of mechanical
fastening into the concrete. It may be a feature
roof such as a barrel-style roof, again where
adhered Sika-Trocal type SGK could be used
where the aesthetics of the roofing system are
very important. Ballasted or green roofs – as
stated – have their own dedicated membrane in
the Sika range with Sika-Trocal type SGmA.
Once the membrane is installed it is then time to
seal the laps to make it watertight. This is
38 TC APRIL 2018
normally achieved through heat welding with
most single-ply systems, but with Sika-Trocal
membranes this is also usually carried out with
solvent welding, making the process much
quicker and more efficient. In all situations, a
wind uplift calculation will need to be carried out
to determine the number of fasteners required, or
to establish if it is safe to install an adhered
system. Sika-Trocal licensed contractors can log
into the Sika-Trocal web-based programme where
they can generate their own wind uplift
calculations, all in accordance with the latest
European codes of practice.
Good outlets
Sika-Trocal single-ply membranes, especially the
mechanically-fastened type S system, will use
membrane-laminated profile metals at all
perimeters and change of angles within the
roofing system to restrain the membrane. Again,
these should be designed in accordance with BS
6229, therefore at upstand junctions the
minimum height should be 150mm above finish
roof surface. Once the main roof is complete, the
outlets and any penetrations can be completed.
Roof outlets will normally be supplied in rigid PVC
so the membrane can be fully-welded to these in
the same way as the laps of the membrane,
creating a watertight seal. Penetrations can also
be detailed using rigid PVC units or Sika-Trocal
“A wind uplift
calculation will need to
be carried out to
determine the number
of fasteners required,
or to establish if it is
safe to install an
adhered system”
laminated metals formed to suit the size and
shape of the detail. Standard UPVC pipes –
such as SVP pipes – can be detailed using
single-ply membrane and fully-welded to
ensure they are watertight. Any services or
freestanding plant that is to be located on the
roof surface will need sacrificial protection
layers installed to ensure the roofing membrane
is protected and to ensure there are no issues
with compatibility with the support feet and
pads of the units, plus the roofing membrane
itself.
The final step
To complete the roof, it may be required to install
a slip-resistant walkway in order to protect the
roofing system or keep foot traffic to a safe area
of the roof. These can be fully-welded to the
roofing systems, using various thicknesses such
as Sika-Trocal WBP20 or the HD walkway for
more frequent foot traffic.
Further items, such as lightning conductor
systems, are available using semi-rigid PVC
pads that simply weld down to the roofing sheets
at the required centres, making a very quick and
simple method of attachment. Fall arrest
systems are also manufactured using PVC
coated units in order to be fully-sealed to the
roofing membranes, again providing an easy
application.
Single-ply membranes are increasingly seen as a
simple, modern solution for the watertight
protection of a range of roofing applications.
However, nothing should be taken for granted
when it comes to their installation in order to
guarantee long-term performance.
Hopefully, this guide helps highlight a number of
seemingly smaller details which should be fullyaddressed
to ensure a single-ply membrane lives
up to its billing as the quality, roofing solution for
today and years to come.
Contact Sika-Trocal
01707 394444
gbr.sika-trocal.sika.com
@SikaTrocal
APRIL 2018 TC 39
Single-Ply Systems
MORE THAN ONE SOLUTION...
By Dave Maginnis, Managing Director at BriggsAmasco
Whatever the project, whether it be the
design of a new road system or putting
together a team of staff to implement a
change of working practice, its success relies
upon putting the right people and procedures in
place. This takes good planning; doing the
necessary homework to ensure potential
challenges can be overcome with the skills and
solutions at your disposal. The same thorough,
strategical process should be employed when
selecting a single-ply roof to guarantee reliable,
long-term performance. Matching the right
membrane with the right application will go a long
way to achieving that target.
Single-ply roofing, comprising one layer of roof
waterproofing, offers many benefits to the
installer and end user, which is why for three
decades it has been regarded as a modern
waterproof solution.
Quick and easy to apply with the potential to
prefabricate, the issues regarding the
membrane’s durability when it was introduced to
the market in the 1960s have long since been
overcome. It’s resulted in a high-performance,
long-term roofing system that is a perfect fit for
21st century building needs.
For installers, single-ply roofing’s strength lies in
its flexibility. The clean, lightweight membranes
can be used for a range of applications. Flat or
pitched roofs, barrelled, vaulted or vertical
surfaces, single-ply is a waterproof solution for
commercial and domestic projects large or small,
simple or complex.
“Matching the right
membrane with the
right application will
go a long way to
achieving that target”
“Single-ply roofing has
many benefits, but
perhaps the most
obvious to the
bystander or passer-by
is the aesthetic quality
it brings to buildings”
Popular choice
PVC or TPW is a widely-used single-ply option,
and one which BriggsAmasco has successfully
employed in all manner of situations since the
system’s commercial availability. Polymer
membranes are joined and detailed using hot air
welding. As with all single-ply materials, the
membranes are cold-applied. This eliminates the
need for hot work certificates and results in an
installation that is safer than other traditional
roofing methods. PVC membranes are strong and
flexible, with a life expectancy of 30 years or
more. Available in a range of colours to suit the
end user’s aesthetic tastes, their adaptability
enables the introduction of additional works such
as walkways, which allow for the easy completion
of inspections or site visits. This feature proves
particularly useful when part of a commercial
application such as a retail or entertainment
complex. This is due to it enabling routine
maintenance to be carried out without
interruption to business, as it eliminates the need
for the erection of complex scaffolding and other
exterior equipment.
Resistant in the extreme
Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer monomer
(EPDM) is a synthetic rubber single-ply
membrane comprising large sheets which can be
prefabricated under factory conditions before
being transported to site, which considerably
speeds-up installation time. The membrane’s
Aberdeen Airport
joints are usually adhesive-bonded, giving it
superb resistance to weathering, ultraviolet
radiation, ozone thermal shock and cyclic fatigue,
making it an ideal option for buildings situated in
climatic extremes. EDPM has an excellent service
life of between 20 and 30 years.
Single-ply roofing has many benefits, but perhaps
the most obvious to the bystander or passer-by is
the aesthetic quality it brings to buildings of all
types. At street level, it presents a crisp, clean
finish to all sides, whilst from above its uniformity
is unencumbered by the array of plant materials
its strength and flexibility allows.
“The (EPDM)
membrane’s joints are
usually adhesivebonded,
giving it
superb resistance”
Light, but durable; easy to apply and flexible,
there are a number of reasons why contractors
and end users have taken so strongly to singleply
roof membranes, enshrining its status as a
strong, reliable, simple weathertight roofing
solution for many years to come.
Contact BriggsAmasco
0121 502 9600
www.briggsamasco.co.uk
40 TC APRIL 2018
Complete Building
Envelope Solutions
featuring Kingspan RW
Pitched Roof System
Superior build
speed
Options for PV
integration
Precision extruded
daylighting
LPCB-approved membranelined
insulated gutters
Height safety and
fall arrest systems
Specialist support from
Kingspan Technical Services
Bespoke flashings and
fabrications for design flexibility
Kingspan’s own complete range
of structural steel products
Kingspan Insulated Panels RW Roof system is a factory-engineered single
component system for very fast installation.
The system comprises a complete range of structural steel products, high performance panels,
insulated gutters, superior polycarbonate daylighting, height-safety systems and a bespoke
range of corners and flashings. As a manufacturer of the complete roof system including all
components, we’re with you all the way with services to help save time and maximise project
value and performance.
The system can be protected by the Kingspan Warranty.
Kingspan Insulated Panels
Greenfield Business Park No.2, Holywell, Flintshire CH8 7GJ
Tel: +44 (0) 1352 716100 www.kingspanpanels.co.uk
Liquid Systems
PROJECT FOCUS: ADM MILLING SITE
Stuart Hicks, from cold-applied liquid waterproofing specialist Kemper System, explains the
challenges surrounding the renovation of this penthouse roof at a food processing plant
located at an exposed site in London.
Any roof refurbishment can present its
challenges for contractors. From working
at height to ensuring safe transportation
of materials to site.
Yet, these challenges were exacerbated during the
repair of a 40-metre high penthouse roof area
above an oil refinery at a food processing plant in
Erith, London.
The 1,000m² roof at the ADM Milling penthouse,
adjacent to the River Thames in London, was
experiencing water ingress and presented many
key challenges for architects and contractors; its
exposed location, the height of the building and
access considerations for
operatives, the busy and
occupied nature of the food
milling plant, and the
requirement for a quick and easy
waterproofing solution.
Specification considerations
Working closely with Northfall Design Associates,
the highly experienced and knowledgeable team
at Kemper System helped to devise a successful
conservation programme at the ADM Milling
penthouse to address water ingress caused by
severe deterioration.
The oil refinery is housed within the
ADM penthouse building and is
more than 100-years-old.
The flat roof area which required
refurbishment sits above the oil
refinery with steeply pitched mansards,
dormers and concrete gutters which also needed
to be refurbished.
A quick, yet durable waterproofing solution was
required as the food milling plant was occupied
and needed to remain fully functioning throughout
the project. After a consultation process, Kemper
System’s Kemperol 2K-PUR solvent-free and
The 1,000m² roof at the ADM Milling
penthouse, adjacent to the River
Thames in London, required
refurbishment
42 TC APRIL 2018
odourless waterproofing membrane was specified.
Roofing contractor Garhigh Southern was able to
install the Kemperol 2K-PUR system in a single,
wet-on-wet process after removing, cleaning and
priming the existing concrete substrate.
Steep mansard and dormer repairs
Concrete repairs were also required on the steep
mansards and dormers prior to installation, and
on the flat roof area to address disused venting
outlets and to obtain optimum thickness of the
concrete substrate prior to installation of the
Kemperol 2K-PUR system.
Application
The Kemperol 2K-PUR liquid waterproofing was
then applied using a roller, with a reinforcement
fleece laid directly into the wet resin, immediately
followed by more resin on top to ensure complete
saturation of the fleece. The cured solution then
forms a seamless, elastomeric waterproof
membrane that cannot delaminate and is UV
“The handling and
laying of sheet
membrane materials
would not have been
practical and
increased the
safety risk”
stable – directly addressing the issues of water
leaking into the building.
Detailing and obstacles
The works also demanded complex detailing
around the disused vents, several outlets and
plant on the main roof area. Because of the
nature of the building, the food processing mill
was still occupied during the works, which also
included a steam release from the oil refinery
several times a day. This meant contractors had
to work during weekend hours when the mill was
closed to avoid any potential health and safety
risks, as well as being flexible around the working
processes of the plant.
Despite this challenge, contractors were able to
install Kemper System’s liquid waterproofing
quickly and with ease thanks to its versatile liquid
application technique.
Below: Kemper System’s Kemperol 2K-PUR solvent-free &
odourless waterproofing membrane was specified to
refurbish the ADM Milling penthouse
Access issues and practical systems
Gary Buckman, director at Garhigh Southern,
said: “Kemperol liquid waterproofing was an ideal
choice on this project for many reasons. One
main challenge was access to site as not only
was the complex roof area 40-metres high, but
the client requested for there to be no scaffolding
from the ground and up the building. Therefore,
we devised a plan to erect hanging scaffolding
out of the dormer windows. The ease of
application of the Kemperol 2K-PUR ensured
installation ran as smoothly as possible.”
Gary continued: “In addition, because of the
exposed location of the building – next to London’s
River Thames – operatives were also faced with
high winds during installation being completely
exposed to the elements, and the steam released
from the plant was also a potential health and
safety hazard. The handling and laying of sheet
membrane materials would not have been
practical and increased the safety risk further for
installers and employees. Therefore, Kemper
System’s two-component liquid applied system
was ideally suited to these conditions.”
This project presented many design and
installation challenges which were overcome
thanks to the Kemperol 2K-PUR waterproofing
solution applied by skilled contractors. The level
of variation and detail of the substrates that
required refurbishment showcases the versatility
of the liquid applied resin, and contractors were
able to safely install the system to the extremely
steep mansard as well as guttering and detailing
around the roof area.
The fact Kemper System’s waterproofing solution
is eco-friendly and odourless was an added bonus
for the client operating within the food-sector, and
work was able to be carried out whilst the building
was still occupied with little disruption.
Contact Kemper System
01925 445532
www.kemper-system.com
@KemperSystemUK
APRIL 2018 TC 43
Green Roofs
GOING GREEN: IT’S EASY IF YOU
KNOW HOW...
Karl Moxon, Bid Manager at Prater, looks at the factors contributing to the growing trend for
green roof systems in the commercial market, and the key considerations contractors should
make when it comes to final installation.
For commercial projects, the demand for
green roofs has been growing steadily for
the last ten years, significantly increasing
since 2015. So what has caused this increasing
trend for green roofing?
Policies such as the Mayor’s London
Infrastructure Plan 2050 – which targets big
businesses through the capital business
improvement districts (BIDs) – are helping to
focus future builds on the impact they will have
on the environment.
Audits of London’s BIDs have already identified
that potentially 25% to 32% of the land area in
central London could be retrofitted with green
roofs, without significant change to the existing
buildings.
With the green agenda now high on the list of
government priorities and space for development
at a premium, green roof installations have
become a condition of planning permission for
certain types of projects –
particularly public and
commercial.
For clients and architects, a
green roof is seen as a way to
maximise the use and experience
of the space in either a public,
commercial or residential urban environment. In
addition to extended space, green urban spaces
have the potential to help us all achieve
sustainability criteria – such as BREEAM and
LEED – as well as support an organisation’s
Left: Karl Moxon is Bid Manager
at Prater
wider corporate social
responsibility goals. There are
often many more benefits to the
installation of green roofs than its
intended end user requirements. Many
green roof installations are often designed to
enhance environmental benefits by promoting and
supporting wildlife, habitat and migration, plant
colonisation, air quality and pollutant reduction,
water management, rainwater run-off and
drainage benefits – all using environmentally
sustainable resources.
Opposite, we’ve listed the key considerations
contractors should make when installing a green
roof:
Left: The Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool features
a fantastic green roof. Below: The sewage works at Green
Haven benefits from this green roof which blends in with the
South Downs
44 TC APRIL 2018
What type of green roof?
There are three main classifications of green roof: semi-intensive,
intensive and extensive. Semi-intensive roofs will typically require a
deeper level of substrate, but as a result a wider range of plants can be
incorporated into the design. Intensive green roofs are predominantly
built for recreational use – such as providing additional outside space –
and often require regular maintenance and irrigation. Extensive green
roofs provide environmental benefits to society, such as reducing CO2
levels, and reduce whole lifecycle costs to the end client.
Logistics, logistics, logistics
Contractors who have installed green roofing systems before will be
well aware that careful planning and close co-ordination between
all parties is absolutely paramount before work begins to ensure
that the materials can be delivered to site, off-loaded and
transported to the end location exactly when needed. Some
installations, such as sedum green roofing, ideally needs to be
installed within 24 hours of delivery to prevent damage to the
vegetation.
Challenges of installation
Green roof systems can present a particular challenge when it comes to
the transfer of materials for installation. The roofing area is often large
and therefore the volume of substrate material means that equipment
must be utilised to ensure the safe delivery of the system. Installed green
roofs are difficult to physically protect from a live construction
environment and are therefore often installed towards the end of the
construction programme. Early engagement with experienced contractors
is essential in overcoming the logistical and physical challenges.
Carry that weight
Green roof systems are also heavier than traditional roofs and
installing a green roof will add between 50kg – 200kg/m². In
retrofitted applications, it is crucial that contractors are aware of
the load-bearing capabilities of the building’s structure. In
addition, the roof should account for the saturated weight of the
green roof, snow loads and any imposed service loads such as
pedestrian access loads and point loads from water features and
large trees.
Consider windloads
Contractors should ensure that wind loads are calculated according to
BS EN 1991-1-4: 2005+A1:2010. The system should resist uplift from
wind forces either by anchoring the installation to the main structure, or
by having sufficient self-weight to prevent uplifting and displacement in
windy conditions.
Check the pitch
Depending on the pitch, the green roof build-up may be different. Pitches
of 10° or more will have different requirements to flat and low-pitched
roofs. On roofs above 10°, there is a risk of the substrates being exposed
due to excessive shear forces. Measures such as retention baffle
systems and slip barriers should be considered at the design phase.
Insulation and waterproofing
It is crucial to ensure that the roofing system works hand in hand with
the green roofing system for both the application and longevity of the
building. Engaging with a specialist contractor through the initial design
and specification process is key to ensuring that the roof membrane
design and green roofing systems are compatible for the application.
Selecting a membrane that protects the roof’s waterproof covering by
preventing plant roots from growing through it will ensure the longevity
of the system and reduce the need for costly remedial work.
Consider the cost
Long-term and regular maintenance of a green roof should be
factored into the specification process. Whilst extensive green roofs
are generally robust and considered low maintenance, the type of
installation can affect the level of maintenance required. For
example, installing an intensive or semi-intensive classified roof
will often require sophisticated irrigation and regular maintenance
cycles.
The Solution
Specifying and installing a green roof can be an extremely complicated process. As such, early engagement
is recommended to ensure that the designs are in line with the client and end user requirements in terms of
aesthetics, technical performance, sustainability and ecology. By considering all factors prior to installation,
contractors can ensure delivery to the highest possible standard.
Contact Prater
01737 772 331
www.prater.co.uk
@praterltd
APRIL 2018 TC 45
Roofing Updates
For further info on all these roofing updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
BLUE ROOF THINKING
FROM BAUDER
As the conversation surrounding Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems heightens, Bauder has
approached the challenges of localised flooding and standing water head-on by developing
BauderBLUE for rooftop and podium solutions. The blue roof system manages rainwater
discharge by attenuating water and releasing at a steady rate within a 24-hour window.
The BauderBLUE Flow restrictor
Each BauderBLUE roofing solution is unique, as calculations for the flow restrictor are specific to each project
to ensure that the water run-off during storm conditions meet the requirements of local planning authorities, whilst ensuring structural integrity.
Nigel Blacklock, technical director at Bauder, explained: “With the introduction of the SuDS legislation, the evolution of our ever-popular green roof system was a
natural process. Using rooftop and podium solutions will address the excess water issue at source by providing the necessary drainage along with regulation
compliance and optimal waterproofing.” www.bauder.co.uk/blue-roofs
SURE-FOOTED WITH SOLID GEAR
The ONE GTX from Solid Gear is a superbly constructed safety shoe with seven integrated
layers to deliver excellent comfort and protection.
With a GORE-TEX SURROUND membrane they’re fully breathable and ideal for warmer weather
and combined indoor/outdoor activities. The shoe’s stretchable upper is water-resistant and
what’s more, it has a honeycombed sole for enhanced grip and a composite midsole. It also has
a stabilising heel support to minimise injuries from twisting. The ONE GTX also comes with Solid
Gear’s newly developed NANO Toe-Cap. www.solidgearfootwear.com
EXTENSIVE RANGE CATALOGUED
SFS has published a new catalogue for its flat roofing product range.
Now available to download at www.sfsintec.co.uk and to request as a printed catalogue, the
new 200+ page Flat Roofing Catalogue is a comprehensive update to the previous issue to
reflect the extensive range of products and systems offered by SFS. The catalogue details the
innovative solutions available for the three main SFS systems – the isofast fully metallic
system, the isotak thermal break fastening system and the isoweld induction welding system.
www.sfsliterature.com
BLUE/BLACK SLATES TURN HEADS
Cembrit Moorland Blue/Black slates have been used on phase two of St Modwen’s newbuild
housing development in Dursley, Gloucestershire.
The Moorland Blue/Black slates provide a contrast with the light coloured fascia materials and
surrounding greenery. This clean appearance is enhanced by the first class installation work carried
out by McDonnell-Price across the development, which features roofs with Velux windows and many
vents and valleys, alongside several pitch variants. Moorland 600x300 slates were fixed with two copper
nails at the top of each slate, with a copper rivet supporting the bottom of each slate. www.cembrit.co.uk
46 TC APRIL 2018
FASTER DRY VERGE FIX
Redland has launched two new dry verge products to coincide with the publication of BS 8612: Dryfixed
ridge, hip and verge systems for slating and tiling.
The new dry verges – DryVerge and Rapid DryVerge – are specifically designed to not only meet the
requirements of BS 8612, but also to be best in class. Moreover, the dry verges have been designed to be
even easier and faster to fix than their predecessors. The verges feature a particularly effective stop-ended starter unit that makes it far harder to get fitting
wrong – minimising the risk of corrections and call-backs.
The streamlined design also adds to the aesthetics of a roof, with a straight bottom line that mimics the look of an undercloak with traditional mortar. And
while some dry verges allow water to run back onto the wall, which can lead to unsightly damp staining, Redland’s new products incorporate special drainage
features that direct the water away from the gable. The new units are ‘handed’, coming in left and right-handed options; with each pack containing 18 of each,
along with stainless steels screws and a set of installation instructions: another basic requirement of BS 8612.
The new products differ in material – one being ABS, and the other high impact polystyrene (HIPS) – and colour options. www.redland.co.uk/dryverge
CURVED DETAILS DELIVERED
Marley Alutec has supplied its products to Magnolia House, a new purpose-built
£1million support centre at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Marley Alutec worked closely with the contractor Marshdale. The company’s products were
specified by the architect because of their abilities to be curved, as well as their highperformance
values. Products from Marley Alutec’s Evoke fascia and soffit range were used
throughout the project. Also installed at the project was Marley Alutec’s Aligator Boxer boltless
guttering and Flush-fit downpipes. www.marleyalutec.co.uk
HARDWORKING HOODIES
Snickers Hoodies have long been favourites among professional craftsmen and women – so the new range of
knitted Hoodies is bound to be a big hit.
There’s a ‘Full Zip’ or ‘Over-Head’ option and they’re the ideal combination with Snickers’ First and Second Layer Undergarments
and can comfortably be worn under a jacket on chilly days. With a contemporary design, four colour options and a double-lined
hood for extra warmth, these hardworking Hoodies are great for all trades on site. Made from a cosy, durable fabric for extra
ruggedness, they’ve got an adjustable drawstring in the hood plus kangaroo handwarmer pockets at the front. They also feature
an unmistakable 3D-printed Snickers logo and are ideal for company profiling. www.snickersworkwear.co.uk
CLEVER STUFF WINS AWARD
Wienerberger has snapped up a new Building Information Modelling (BIM) award
following the BIM Show Live, 2018.
Up against stiff competition, Wienerberger, working together with PCSG, snapped up the ‘Clever
Stuff’ award with their winning entry of the Viability tool; an innovative application that enables a
user to search for any location in the UK by coordinates, postcode or by browsing, and quickly
retrieves information that is required to consider the social, resource and commercial viability of a
development. www.wienerberger.co.uk
APRIL 2018 TC 47
Rooflights
SHEDDING LIGHT ON ROOFLIGHTS
By Andy Veater, Field Services Engineer South at Kingspan Light + Air
There are lots of benefits to introducing more
natural light into buildings. From a practical
point of view, it reduces the need to switch
on lights during the day, saving energy and
helping to keep electricity bills down. There has
also been lots of research that has shown
exposure to daylight can have a positive effect on
people’s health, wellbeing and productivity in a
variety of settings; from schools and hospitals to
workplace environments. In light of this growing
demand, it is important for roofing contractors to
understand the different types of rooflights
available, how they are installed and what
advantages they can offer.
In-plane vs. out-of-plane
As more building owners recognise the benefits of
daylighting, it is not only new buildings which are
being designed with the introduction of skylights
in mind, but retrofit applications are becoming
increasingly popular too. As such, it is important
to consider how certain rooflight designs can be
integrated within existing roof systems.
There are two key types of roof profiles. ‘In-plane’
rooflights, such as the polycarbonate strips often
seen on the roofs of industrial units, sit
seamlessly within a roof system. They are often
preferred by designers, particularly on low or
visible roofs, as they maintain a smooth sightline.
However, unless they’re specifically
manufactured to integrate with the rest of the roof
system, these rooflights can be difficult to
properly seal and make weathertight, especially
in retrofit applications.
‘Out-of-plane’ rooflights, which sit above the
roofline, often offer a more robust solution. These
rooflights are typically mounted and fixed over a
prefabricated kerb. This kerb can be fitted into
openings cut in the existing roofing system, and
quickly and easily sealed with factory-fitted tape
and weather sweep flipper gaskets. This allows
for more of a margin of error when cutting and
means the rooflights can be installed
after the roof has already been
installed – perfect for retrofit
applications and speedy
delivery.
Daylighting design
As ‘out-of-plane’ rooflights don’t
have to match the profile of the roof,
more innovative designs can be used to get a
better overall performance of the rooflight. For
example, the Kingspan Day-Lite Kapture skylight
has a unique design using semi-spherical domes.
This unusual shape has been fine-tuned to
capture as much light as possible, even when the
sun is low in the sky in the early morning or late
evening.
The rooflight has another innovation: a layer of
glazing made up from microscopic prisms. These
so called ‘nanoprisms’ are really effective at
dispersing natural light. This not only prevents
uncomfortable glare or hot spots forming in the
room below, but it also enables daylighting to be
predictably modelled, like a light fitting, to
achieve the necessary daylight levels. As well as
making life easier for installers, precisely tailoring
the area of the roof dedicated to rooflights
(without losing out on that valuable daylight) can
also help to make the building more energy
efficient. Whilst rooflights typically have a worse
U-value than the area of roof around them,
increasing the amount of daylight that can enter
the building should mean lights can be kept off
for longer – cutting the electricity demand.
Getting the balance right makes all the
difference.
As a final benefit, the domed shape can also help
to transfer loads such as snow or leaves to the
side of the rooflight, preventing it from settling
and obscuring the natural light. Taking into
account the weather in the UK last month, this is
an important consideration!
Image: ‘Out-of-plane’ rooflights are typically
mounted and fixed over a prefabricated
kerb, offering a robust and weathertight
solution.
Safety measures
Whilst it is important to ensure
that any rooflight installed
meets the correct non-fragility
standards, an ‘out-of-plane’ rooflight
can also provide additional safety benefits.
Not least the fact that it is clearly visible, making
it unlikely for anyone to accidentally walk or trip
onto one.
A steel-welded security mesh that is fixed within
the dome of the rooflight is also recommended to
ensure it meets the highest safety standards
possible. Tested to the same non-fragility
standards as the rooflight, this mesh serves two
purposes: in the event of something, such as a
fallen tree in a storm, or someone dropping onto
and damaging the rooflight dome, or if it is
removed for maintenance, the mesh will prevent
anything from falling through it and causing
further damage or injury in the space underneath.
It also provides a visual deterrent for intruders
looking to gain access to the property via the roof.
Powder-coated white, the mesh does not affect
the light transmission.
Lighting the way
Rooflight designs are changing and improving all
the time. By taking advantage of the latest
developments – such as Kapture – installers can
make installations easier and safer whilst also
delivering a better end-result for customers. Win,
win for everyone!
Contact Kingspan Light + Air
01352 716100
www.kingspanlightandair.co.uk
@KingspanLandA
48 TC APRIL 2018
Protective
casing
Wraptite ®
Wraptite, a strong robust external air barrier designed to keep buildings airtight
and dry. Easy to install, it combines the best properties of a vapour permeable
membrane and an airtight membrane in one affordable, self-adhering product.
Ladybird - Their bright colouring is used as a defence mechanism and
their antennae and eyes can be drawn back into the pronotum:
a protective casing.
Get in touch to find out more about Wraptite
☎ 01250 872 261 ✉ contact@proctorgroup.com
www.proctorgroup.com
14/5153
Group
Safety Focus
NON-FRAGILITY ROOF GUIDANCE
MEANS NO SAFETY COMPROMISE
By Carlton Jones, Director of MCRMA
Working at heights is rarely out of the
news and it is therefore essential that
all involved in the roofing industry
understand the specific requirements for roof
access and maintenance. In its guidance
document Non-fragility of roofs: a checklist, the
Metal Cladding and Roofing Manufacturers
Association (MCRMA) gives detailed advice for
anyone who has to access a roof, whilst ensuring
that there is no compromise on safety.
As in all building work, good safety standards are
essential to prevent accidents. In accordance
with the Health and Safety at Work Act and the
Construction (Design and Management) or CDM
Regulations, buildings must be designed with
safety in mind, not only for the construction
period itself, but also throughout the normal life of
the building. This will include considering the
safety of people involved in maintenance,
installation of PVs, forming of penetrations,
inspections, repair and even demolition. For
example, it might mean as part of the design
process providing permanent access to the roof
via a fixed ladder and hatch, or walkways and
parapets.
This requirement links to the 2005 Work at Height
Regulations (WAHR) which applies to all work at
“Are any of the
fasteners missing or
not attached to the
purlins? If yes, the roof
is FRAGILE”
height where there is any risk of a fall liable to
cause injury. It places duties on employers, the
self-employed and any person who controls the
work of others, such as facilities managers or
building owners.
A safe system of work
Work on a roof during the construction and
installation phase and the subsequent
operational phase must be undertaken with
extreme caution by experienced and competent
people.
Contractors and those planning to work on the
roof must meticulously plan and document a safe
system of work, including a specific risk
assessment and method statement before
starting construction, installation, inspections or
50 TC APRIL 2018
maintenance.
MCRMA and its members work closely with the
Advisory Committee for Roofsafety (ACR) to
ensure that all those involved in roof work
construction have access to the most up to date
advice on safe working practices, and also the
legal requirements.
Modern metal-based industrial and commercial
roofing systems incorporating rooflights and
components which have been tested and
assessed for non-fragility and installed in
accordance with manufacturer’s installation
instructions can provide a suitable platform for
work. However, the use of safety netting, edge
protection and safety line systems with attached
safety harnesses should always form part of the
safe system of work.
A degree of responsibility
In addition to guidance provided by MCRMA
members, it is incumbent on all those who need
to work at heights to accept a degree of
responsibility for their own safety. The contracting
company, individual workers and the building
owner or occupier all have a part to play to
ensure that the work is conducted in a safe
manner. The following checklist must be
considered before accessing any roof:
•The roof should be declared FRAGILE unless there
is documentation to confirm its current non-fragility.
•Could the building’s external or internal
environment have an adverse influence on the
durability of the materials, systems or assemblies
used in the construction?
• Before accessing the roof, the condition of the
roof should be assessed from the inside of the
building for the following:
– Are any of the fasteners missing or not
attached to the purlins? If yes, the roof is
FRAGILE.
– Count the number of fasteners per sheet or the
panel width per bearing end. If there are less than
3, the roof is FRAGILE.
– If corrosion is visible on the liner or inside face
“It is incumbent on all
those who need to work
at heights to accept a
degree of
responsibility for their
own safety
of the panel, the roof is FRAGILE.
– If the joints in the liner or sandwich panels are
not in close contact with the purlins, the roof is
FRAGILE.
•If roof access is unavoidable, where possible
always use a fall restraint and / or fall arrest
system. If no safety line system is available or
the safety line system has not got a current test
certificate, do not access the roof.
•Before connecting to the fall restraint and / or
fall arrest system, check that it has been tested
and certified within the last 12 months.
•Check that the fall restraint and / or fall arrest
system posts are not corroded: if there are signs
of corrosion do NOT use and do NOT access the
roof.
•Before accessing any roof, ensure that a
specific assessment and method statement has
been prepared and issued.
“Roof safety goes
beyond establishing
non-fragility of the roof
area & component
parts”
Images. Opposite page: A typical walkway system. Image
courtesy of M R Site Services; Left: Roofsafe rail installation on
a trapezoidal roof. Image courtesy of Capital Safety; Below:
Latchways Constant Force fall protection and WalkSafe system
on Kalzip standing seam roof. Image courtesy of Latchways.
•If in any doubt, do NOT access the roof until
further checks can be made by a competent
person.
MCRMA member companies can advise on the
suitability and performance of materials, systems
and assemblies which may be used within a
tested and rated non-fragile roof assembly. In
addition, the MCRMA Safety Lines Group has
been formed to address industry concerns that
the specific requirements for safe work at height;
that is, access, inspection and maintenance, is
still not fully understood in certain sectors of the
market place. Specific guidance can be found at
http://mcrma.co.uk/safety-lines-group/
Roof safety goes beyond establishing non-fragility
of the roof area and component parts and it
encompasses many other aspects during the
various phases of construction. The published
information by the ACR is wide reaching and the
material standards, good practice guides and
information sheets can all be easily accessed
directly or via the MCRMA roof safety page at
http://mcrma.co.uk/roof-safety/
Contact MCRMA
01633 895633
www.mcrma.co.uk
@MCRMA1
APRIL 2018 TC 51
Fixings & Fasteners
BEST PRACTICE FOR YOUR PROJECT
By Jason Wood, Contracts Director at Fixing Point
The last few weeks has seen some of the
most extreme cold weather in the UK in
years. The arrival of the ‘beast from the
east’ and Storm Emma in March is said to have
had the biggest financial impact on the economy
since December 2010.
Transport networks were forced to grind to a halt
and retailers had to stop trading and close their
doors completely in some cases.
The construction industry, however, has been hit
harder than any other sector, with an estimated
loss of around £2bn over the three worst days of
weather in early March.
But it’s not just the financial cost of delays that
can result in real problems for contractors on site
during bad weather. Using the wrong fixings or
applications can seriously increase the risk of
damage to a building, particularly in high winds
and very low temperatures.
Choosing the right fixings and fasteners is about
more than just ticking a box. The immediate
surrounding environment, the full specification of
a building and the location of a site all play a
crucial part in the decisions you need to make
about the materials you use.
These are our top tips for choosing the right
fixings and fasteners for your project.
Making sense of specifications
Understanding the specification for a fixing and
its application is crucial for ensuring a structure
holds together securely and validates long-term
warranties. Yet, contractors can often find this
“It is important to
provide all the
information about the
building materials and
construction”
“Establishing the final
material the fixing will
be going into is always
our primary focus”
information to be a confusing and frustrating
obstacle.
You should always ask to see the technical
performance sheet for any chosen fixing, but it is
important to provide all the information about the
building materials and construction at this stage so
that appropriate recommendations can be made.
In most building structures, for example, a roof
will be more affected by wind uplifts than a wall,
so roof fixings would normally require a larger
washer than wall fixings.
The ultimate pull-out grade of a particular fixing
is dependent on the final thickness or type of
material it is going into, and the size of washer
recommended will be determined by the area of
the building.
A structural engineer should be able to advise on
how many fixings are required per square metre
to meet the required structural specification of
the building project before final orders are placed.
If in doubt, contractors should always seek advice
from their fixings supplier on technical
performance specifications.
For us, establishing the final material the fixing
will be going into is always our primary focus
before we make any recommendations to
contractors.
Direct impact from weather and
surrounding environment
The next major factor to consider when choosing
the appropriate fixings and fasteners for any
given structure is its immediate environment and
likely exposure to extreme weather.
Coastal, chemical and high wind locations, for
example, always carry a higher risk of structural
damage and corrosion exposure than other areas.
It is therefore really important to understand how
much force a particular fixing can take and its
resistance to the corrosive elements once you
have established the area, application and
material thickness.
In adverse conditions like the severe weather of
the last month, high wind force can cause
pressure and suction loads on the sheet
material, which could result in the sheet pulling
over the washer if incorrectly specified. This
might not only cause damage to the building but
could also mean a serious risk to health and
safety.
Exposure to strong winds, rain and snow will also
have an impact on the number of fixings required
per square metre. This should always be
determined by a structural engineer, and extra
care should be taken to ensure all laps and
sheets are sealed using the correct mastics to
prevent leakages and movement of the roof and
wall sheets after installation.
Sites near the coast or in areas of chemical
exposure, such as buildings located near the sea
shore, heavy industrial plants, airports and train
stations, need a different set of specifications
altogether when it comes to choosing the right
fixings. Carbon, for example, might be the right
choice for inner city shopping centres or office
units, but it is not recommended as a long-lasting
solution for corrosive environments.
Carbon v stainless steel
In any given project the pressure is always on to
meet strict budgets and work to tight schedules.
But if your work is put on hold because of severe
weather conditions, the last thing you want to be
worrying about is the reliability of the building
materials you’ve chosen to use.
52 TC APRIL 2018
“Exposure to strong winds, rain and
snow will also have an impact on the
number of fixings required per
square metre”
T ruck
& T rack
mount
specialist
Safe, cost effective &
innovative solutions
for working at height.
It might be tempting to try and cut costs where possible and make a few
savings with your fixings and fasteners, particularly given that stainless steel
fasteners roughly cost four times as much as carbon equivalents. This
decision can, however, end up costing you much more further down the line.
We sometimes find that contractors budget only for carbon fixings and do not
consider the impact of weather and corrosion in their decision-making
process, but rushing this process to meet time constraints may result in
important specifications being missed at tender stage.
Stainless steel is much more durable than carbon and can ensure the overall
stability of a structure is maintained over time.
If carbon fixings are your only viable option however, using them with
moulded plastic heads can improve their life expectancy as the nylon
protects the head of the carbon steel fastener.
It is also worth noting though, that 25-year warranties do not apply for
carbon fixings, even in low corrosive areas.
At Fixing Point, our main priority is to provide our clients with accurate and
reliable advice based on the specifications and demands of each individual
project. In short, we need to make sure we supply a fixing that will stay in
place and do its job. In order to offer the best advice however, it is crucial
that contractors provide us with all the relevant information about the fixing
application, location and environment from the outset.
Contact Fixing Point
01242 265100
www.fixingpoint.com
@FixingPoint
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
SITE SURVEY
VEYS
24/7 WORKING HOURS
TELECOMS SPECIFIC WOR RKING PACKAGES
FAMILIARISATION VIDEOS
LONG TERM HIRE
call 0844 288 9338
visit wilsonaccess.co.uk
APRIL 2018 TC 53
Cladding Updates
THRUWALL DELIVERS
A new external envelope system from Etex Building Performance is set to “reduce
uncertainty around building performance and speed up the specification and
construction phases of projects.”
For further info on all these cladding updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
The Thruwall system from Etex Building Performance is a single solution for the building
envelope. It combines elements from the company’s three lightweight construction brands,
Siniat, Promat and EOS Facades, to remove the need for project teams to procure three separate
building products, saving them time, money and the need to review previously disparate
performance data from materials providers. Thruwall is guaranteed under one 30-year warranty,
providing regulatory compliance and assured technical performance for the construction supply
chain and building users. The non-loadbearing in-fill system combines Siniat’s Weather Defence
external sheathing board, light gauge steel framing from EOS and internal wall linings, drawing
on Promat’s expertise in passive fire protection. www.etexgroup.com
“THRUWALL IS
GUARANTEED UNDER ONE
30-YEAR WARRANTY”
THE NATURAL APPROACH
Pura Facades, has seen its business grow by a 34% in the last 12 months, increasing its
turnover to £6 million.
Pura focuses mainly on the provision of glass fibre reinforced concrete (GRC), terracotta and brick
slip façade cladding panels. Director, James Butler, explained: “We founded the business four years
ago to satisfy the growing demand for truly sustainable construction materials from architects and
specifiers alike. The use of natural materials on new buildings has been growing over the last five
years and this is a trend that looks set to feed into other areas.” www.purafacades.co.uk
WEATHERED WITH TIME
Thermally modified American ash was used for the exterior walls of Copperwood, an
energy efficient, modern house in Indianna, designed by architects HAUS.
The owner of the house chose not to protect the thermally modified material through oils or lacquer
and instead let the material naturally weather into a darker grey. HAUS were set on detailing the
wall as a rainscreen system, and Woodhaven, who supplied the timber, offered a clip / furring
system supporting that approach, allowing water to drain out of the wall cavity. In the Indiana
climate, the architects expect the material to last about 25 years. www.americanhardwood.org
CORDLESS TOOLS GO LONGER
TRUMPF has added 18V-Li-ion technology and brushless, low-wear motors to its range
of battery-driven power tools.
The new cordless TruTool models – shears, slitting shears, nibblers, profile nibblers, seam
lockers and power fasteners – also incorporate the TRUMPF battery-optimised aluminium
gear head which, in combination with the other new features provide up to 60% longer run
time after each full charge.
www.trumpf.com
54 TC APRIL 2018
Note : Plywood Stoped Short
To Ensure Linearlight Flex
Can Be Slotted Through
3mm Aluminium
18 Plywood
Wraped in Vasqueen DPC
T-Section
16mm Bar
M10 Round
Head Socket
Screw BZP
TITLE
DESCRIPTION
Is
Noteest
loaded weight = 1250kg (All loading weights and structural calculations to be checked by others)
est weight of planter = 150kg
Coordination With External Lighting
To Be Reviewed With Phoenix
Corners To Be Welded And Dressed
Farrin
Unless oth
specified dim
are in mill
angles
decimal dim
± 2m
Cappings - Copings - Fascias
Soffits – Flashings - Bullnose
Free Site Surveyed Measures
01223 440044 info@lasermetals.co.uk www.lasermetals.co.uk
Market Overview
“IMPORTED PRICES RISING”
Want to know what’s happening in – and on the horizon for – the Building Insulation
Market? Keith Taylor, Director of AMA Research, talks through some of the key points from
the Building Insulation Products Market Report UK 2017-2021.
The building insulation market has
experienced significant change since 2013.
Recent performance in the market has been
mixed – while 2016 showed some improvement,
the market value fell by 2% in 2017, reflecting a
slowdown in the residential sector in particular,
with growth in 2018 also expected to be modest.
Government subsidies cut
Changes to Government regulation and volatile
energy costs have both played a part in
destabilising the market, however, the most
significant factor causing change in recent years
is the fall in Government-subsidised retrofitting
activity following the end of initiatives such as
CERT and CESP in 2012 and the scrapping of The
Green Deal in 2015.
Key influences
Key market influences include Building
Regulations and energy prices, as well as the
relative health of the construction market and the
general economic situation. In the new build
sector in particular, Building Regulations will be
the main tool for reducing emissions. The Building
Regulations Part L 2013 have been updated with
an aim of reducing carbon emissions by a further
6% on top of the 2010 standard for new domestic
buildings, and by 9% for new nondomestic
buildings.
Higher end product prices
Although industrial energy costs
have fallen recently, over the
longer-term energy prices are
forecast to rise, which is likely to result
in higher end product prices for insulation
products. This is likely to be exacerbated by the
falling value of the pound, leading to increased
import prices for many materials used in the
insulation industry.
Most important market
The recent changes to the market have had a
significant impact on the market mix by end use
sector. The dramatic fall in demand under the
Green Deal and ECO has meant that the most
important market is no longer domestic retrofit,
which now accounts for less than one third of the
“In the new build sector
in particular, Building
Regulations will be the
main tool for reducing
emissions”
market by area installed. The new
housebuilding sector has a
similar share, this is higher
than in recent years due to
steadily rising numbers of
housing starts and completions.
The non-domestic market, which
consists of mainly flat roofs and site-built
metal cladding and roofing systems, has now
become the largest end use sector with a share of
around 36%.
Cavity Walls and lofts are key
Within the residential retrofit sector, the key areas
of demand by application remains cavity walls
and lofts, though the volume of insulation
products sold into this sector has decreased
significantly in recent years. In 2014 the amount
of insulation material retrofitted installed was at
43 million m², whereas the residential retrofit
market was only around 18 million m² installed in
2016, so this is a substantial reduction. Despite
this, the potential for retrofitted insulation to
Britain’s existing housing stock is enormous, with
nearly 8 million uninsulated dwellings with solid
walls, almost 6 million with lofts and several
millions with uninsulated cavity walls. In addition,
there is also a substantial area of non-domestic
flat roofs that have no or inadequate insulation.
Left: UK Building Market by Value
(£m at MSP) 2013-2019
Product mix
The building insulation product mix has also
experienced change in recent years. PUR / PIR
products now have the largest market share of
insulation products, accounting for around 40%
of the market by value. This improvement has
been driven by the high perceived thermal
efficiency and effectiveness of rigid foam boards
in building applications and their higher value
56 TC APRIL 2018
Market Overview
than mineral wool. Conversely, the market value
of mineral wool products has fallen, mainly due to
the fall in demand for such products under the
Green Deal and ECO, but they still account for
almost 30% of the total market in the UK.
The impact of fire retardancy
The issue of fire-retardancy has become
increasingly prominent in the building industry,
and this may be a factor influencing the
insulation market to a greater extent going
forward – particularly in shared accommodation
applications – but whether there will be a
material impact on the product mix remains to be
seen.
Supply structure
The building and technical insulation products
industry is reasonably fragmented in terms of
supply structure and comprises a number of
distinct sub-sectors. Some of the larger
manufacturers and suppliers operate across
several of these, while smaller companies tend to
focus on just one or two. The key supply route for
insulation products are specialist distributors.
Builders merchants account for approximately
one fifth of the market, while the remainder is
split between direct sales to installers, direct
sales to external wall insulation systems
companies, converters and DIY stores.
Market prospects
In terms of market prospects, the market value of
insulation products is likely to show only modest
growth over the next few years, following a fairly
flat market in 2017. Growth is likely to remain
between 1-2% in the short term, with stronger
growth expected towards the end of the forecast
period, something which should help the building
insulation market comfortably exceed its 2012
value by 2020.
Threats to growth
Further falls in volume demand from the
retrofitting sector will lead to lower growth
levels going forward. A decline in output for key
non-domestic construction sectors, such as
offices, as well as slower growth in new
housebuilding is also likely to limit growth, and
Imported prices are expected to rise on both finished products and components
Further falls in volume demand from the retrofitting sector
could lead to lower growth levels going forward, whilst
limited Government funding for this area of the market could
also have a negative impact
the market may also be negatively impacted by
limitations in Government funding for
retrofitting activity, with many homeowners
reluctant to implement insulation-based energy
saving measures without a strong financial
incentive.
Drivers for growth
Of course, there are also positive factors which
will help support growth. Demand for housing
remains strong, and construction levels are
expected to improve, albeit slowly. Rising gas and
electric prices will stimulate demand for relatively
inexpensive means of insulation in the domestic
market such as loft and cavity wall insulation.
“The deteriorating
value of the pound
Sterling will also have
an impact with
imported prices rising
on both finished
products and
components”
Added value solutions will also potentially add
substance to the market, with the introduction
and growth of certain products with claimed high
thermal insulation values creating growth in some
sectors.
Rising imported prices
The deteriorating value of the pound Sterling will
also have an impact with imported prices rising
on both finished products and components or
chemicals, and in turn may lead to some market
value growth, even if volume growth remains
relatively depressed.
Contact AMA Research
01242 235724
www.amaresearch.co.uk
@AMAResearch
58 TC APRIL 2018
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APRIL 2018 TC 59
Inverted Roofs
HOW TO DELIVER CORRECT
THERMAL PERFORMANCE
Karen Everitt at Ravatherm UK – manufacturer of Polyfoam XPS insulation – explains the
issues surrounding inverted roof U-value calculations and the importance of getting it right.
To achieve accurate thermal performance on
any building project, key considerations
must be made not only at design stage, but
during installation, too. Ensuring a thermally
efficient building which forms the basis of any
energy or carbon reduction performance
assessment is paramount in today’s construction
and refurbishment arena to meet Building
Regulation compliance.
For inverted roof schemes, there are a number of
important areas to consider – such as the
building’s location, the effects of rainwater
cooling and ensuring the product’s ‘design’
thermal conductivity is used. Ignoring these vital
aspects on a project can lead to misleading U-
value calculations and a shortfall in the building’s
performance.
Declared and design thermal conductivity
The declared thermal conductivity of an insulation
product refers to the value that is obtained for
90% of production, with a 90% confidence level.
In essence, it is the thermal conductivity of the
product when it leaves the factory.
In practice though, the insulation in an inverted
roof is subjected to environmental conditions
such as rainfall, as well as freeze thaw and
moisture absorption by diffusion – which can
have an effect on the efficiency of the thermal
insulation.
European Technical Approval Guidance (ETAG
031-1) therefore requires the declared thermal
conductivity of any insulant being used in an
inverted roof be corrected in accordance with BS
EN ISO 10456. The insulation is then assigned a
design thermal conductivity, it is this value that
should be used in inverted roof U-value
calculations.
Technical guidance
It is always advisable for
contractors to seek technical
guidance when it comes to
insulation specification and
installation for inverted roof
projects. European Technical
Approval Guidance (ETAG 031-1) sets out
the performance requirements for Inverted Roof
Insulation Kits (systems), and is a guide to
achieving European Technical Approval (ETA) on
thermal insulation that is fully supported above a
waterproofing layer, for both new and existing flat
roofs. The guidance was issued to ensure
consistent standards of assessment for inverted
roof systems throughout Europe.
An Inverted Roof Insulation Kit or System includes
thermal insulation with either one or more filter
layers, a separation layer or a water-flow
reduction layer. It also offers advice on methods
of verification, assessment criteria, and
presumed conditions for design and
application.
Rainwater cooling and location
On an inverted roof project, insulation is installed
on top of the waterproofing layer. Whilst this can
provide a number of advantages for the finished
design of a building, consideration must be given
to rainwater that reaches the waterproofing
membrane through the inverted roof system. Any
rainwater that reaches this waterproof layer will
temporarily increase the rate of heat loss from
the roof.
The level of heat loss will be dependent upon the
average rainfall in the location of the building,
and the percentage of that rainfall which reaches
the waterproofing layer. This is known as the
Karen Everitt, Ravatherm UK –
manufacturer of Polyfoam XPS
‘rainwater cooling effect’ and
must be considered when
calculating the U-value by
adding a rainwater correction
factor.
The amount of water reaching the waterproof
layer can be reduced by adding a water control
layer over the insulation and beneath the ballast
layer which is an essential component of the
insulation system.
Uniformity for the future
Ensuring correct thermal efficiency on a building
project should not be a complicated issue in
today’s market, and there is software available
which can help formulate the correct U-value for
inverted roof projects, if used by a
knowledgeable and experienced technical
manager to ensure an accurate result. This can
be done for contractors and specifiers by liaising
with a reputable insulation manufacturer prior to
installation.
To ensure quality and consistency is maintained
throughout the industry, insulation
manufacturers should also take the lead and
only provide the correctly complied U-value
calculations in line with ETAG 031 and Building
Regulations, and incorporate the design thermal
conductivity value. This is vital to reliably
achieve correct U-value calculations and
ensure the building performs as per the
specification.
Contact Ravatherm UK
01429 855100
www.ravatherm.co.uk
@RavathermUK
60 TC APRIL 2018
Advertorial
NEW SFS ISOTAK BS-4,8 FASTENER
Martyn Holloway of SFS explains why a newly improved fastener provides enhanced
performance and a more cost-effective solution for installers.
The use of thermally broken fasteners to
secure the waterproof membrane and
insulation layers has become the norm in
most UK new build and refurbishment flat roof
applications. Ten years ago SFS launched the
isotak fastener range, encouraging the change
from all metal to thermally broken polypropylene
sleeves and 4,8mm diameter steel fasteners.
Now, this sleeve and fastener solution has
evolved with a fundamental improvement.
SFS has focused specifically on the fastener
element of the fixing which has resulted in the
development of the new and significantly
improved isotak BS-4,8 self-drilling fastener.
Being the manufacturer of both the fastener and
the appropriate polypropylene sleeves, SFS has
been able to improve this product to provide
optimum performance. The new SFS isotak BS-
4,8 provides significantly improved pull-out
performance. Compared to its predecessor, the
new version offers 40% improvement for steel
deck and 20% improvement for timber deck
applications, thanks to the new optimised thread
geometry. This means fewer fasteners per square
metre for many projects, which offers the roofing
contractor an even more cost effective
installation. With its new, improved drill point BS-
4,8 now provides for faster installation, improved
reliability and more cost-effective installations.
BS-4,8 is ideal for thin decks from 0,63mm
through to 1,2mm. The drilling capacity is 2 x
1.25mm and the fastener can self-drill through a
single layer of up to 2mm-thick steel. The new
characteristic values are available from European
Technical Approval (ETA) 08/0262. Corrosion
protection on the new BS-4,8 is also improved
with extensive laboratory testing proving that the
surface coating provides enhanced corrosion
resistance. The new isotak BS-4,8 is fully tested
and approved by FM and Sintef and through ETA
08/0262 the product carries the CE mark. The
proven strong and durable SFS isotak R45, R48
and the R75 products remain market leading
sleeves, and when combined with the new BS-
4,8 fastener offer excellent value and
performance. Whilst others have focused upon
relatively minor adjustments to their
polypropylene sleeves, SFS has revised the main
fastening element, the screw! This ensures the
new isotak BS-4,8 fastener “raises the bar” with
respect to thermally broken fastener solutions.
New
isotak ®
BS-4,8
fastener
•
Improved pull-out performance
• Faster, easier installation
• Better corrosion protection
Find out more at
www.sfsintec.co.uk
or call us on 0113 2085 500
APRIL 2018 TC 61
MEES Focus
THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKING MEES
MATTER FOR THE MARKET
By Mark Harris, Divisional Building Technology Director, Kingspan Insulated Panels.
The 1st April may not seem like the best date
to introduce a major piece of legislation, but
for landlords the new Minimum Energy
Efficiency Standards (MEES) are no laughing
matter. Put simply, MEES are designed to stop
landlords in England and Wales from leasing
substandard buildings. With the standard set to
affect thousands of properties over the next few
years, there’s a clear opportunity for contractors
to step-forward and provide retrofit solutions.
What are the requirements?
MEES are contained within the catchily named
‘Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property)
(England and Wales) Regulations 2015’. The key
points are:
•That landlords of private properties in England
and Wales will be prevented from granting or
renewing tenancies if a building’s Energy
Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is lower than
an E.
Below: Kingspan says its QuadCore insulated core is the
first closed cell insulation to be certified to FM4882
“In many cases the
original cladding for
these buildings will
feature little, if any,
insulation”
•This will become compulsory for all privately
rented properties from 2023.
Fines for non-compliance on non-domestic
buildings can rise as high as £150,000, so this is
an issue that landlords cannot afford to ignore.
It’s also important to be aware of how this fits
into the bigger legislative picture. Near the end of
last year, the government released its Clean
Growth Strategy which included a commitment to
consult “on raising minimum standards of energy
efficiency for rented commercial buildings”.
In the same document, the government made
clear that it aims to raise ‘as many homes as
possible’ to an EPC of C by 2035. To properly
futureproof their buildings against the need for
further work and disruption, it makes sense for
landlords of all buildings to target this level of
performance where possible.
Whilst there are a variety of ways to go about
improving the EPC of a building, the best place to
start is usually by taking a good look at the
building envelope. This is particularly true for
warehousing and distribution centres. In many
cases the original cladding for these buildings will
feature little, if any, insulation meaning it takes
huge amounts of energy to keep them warm. For
these buildings, the best solution is often to strip
back the original cladding and fit an entirely new
system such as a metal faced insulated panel
system.
A new start
Over the past couple of decades, installers have
become well acquainted with the benefits these
insulated panel systems can bring to both new
62 TC APRIL 2018
ideal for use on conservatory
conversions, outbuildings
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A unique premium quality lightweight roofing
tile available in a choice of three colours
specifically developed for the UK market.
The smaller ExtraLight ridge and hips are
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MEES Focus
and existing buildings. The single-component
design means that once the original cladding is
stripped, you can quickly and easily get the
panels installed and make the building
weathertight. In roof applications, this fast-track
approach can reduce the amount of time spent
working at height, particularly as each time a new
panel is secured it creates a safe, walkable
surface for installers.
Modern insulated panel systems also offer
excellent thermal performance. The latest
generation of insulated cores can achieve thermal
conductivities as low as 0.018 W/mk. This allows
the U-value to be achieved with a thinner, lighter
panel – crucial when dealing with existing
buildings to keep structural loading to a
minimum. The factory engineered jointing can
also help to create a highly airtight structure,
further reducing the building’s energy usage.
Insulated panels with rigid thermoset insulation
cores can also deliver excellent fire performance.
Systems are available that meet the demanding
requirements of insurance industry tests such as
Loss Prevention Standard LPS 1181 and Factory
Mutual FM 4880/4881, as well as BS 8414 for
buildings over 18 metres. In addition, Kingspan’s
new QuadCore insulated core is the first closed
Below: Daylighting panels can now be installed between the
insulated panels, boosting natural light in the space below,
and solar PV arrays integrated to generate energy
cell insulation to be certified to FM4882 – the FM
Global standard assessing whether wall and
ceiling materials are suitable for use in smokesensitive
occupancies.
“Modern insulated
panel systems also
offer excellent thermal
performance”
Above: Kingspan insulated panel systems are available with
purpose-made ancillaries that can further improve the
energy performance of a building
Beyond the performance of the panels
themselves, insulated panel systems are also
typically available with a number of purposemade
ancillaries that can further improve the
energy performance of the building. These
include solar PV arrays and daylighting panels
that can be installed simply between the
insulated panels, boosting natural light in the
space below. By ordering all these components
from a single supplier, it is possible to reduce
the number of deliveries to site, limit
installation issues and cut down the amount of
waste.
Staying ahead
The government has made it clear that improving
the energy efficiency of existing buildings will be a
priority over the coming years. Insulated panel
systems can provide a fast, safe and highperformance
solution in cases where the existing
envelope needs to be tackled – helping to deliver
long-term energy and cost savings for building
owners along with the all-important improved
EPC rating.
Kingspan Insulated Panels
01352 717 251
www.kingspanpanels.co.uk
@KingspanIP_UK
64 TC APRIL 2018
Looking for safe
rapid access?
Then get our
Easi-Dec systems
Easi-Dec is the cost saving alternative to
For further information call 01767 691812
or email info@easi-dec.com
at www.easi-dec.co.uk
APRIL 2018 TC 65
Insulation Updates
For further info on all these insulation updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
A HIGH QUALITY, COST
EFFICIENT BUILD
webertherm XM, the lightweight External Wall Insulation (EWI) system from Saint-Gobain Weber, was
specified for a new-build development in the heart of Dublin.
The Binary Hub is Dublin’s largest, purpose-built student accommodation and will ease pressure on the
city’s student housing shortage. The Binary Hub was opened in 2016 by the Student Housing Company
working with main contractor Bennett Construction. SPS wall and flooring panels were used in the
construction of the Binary Hub with webertherm XM external wall insulation system applied to the façade,
achieving a high quality, cost efficient build, with improved speed of construction and high thermal
performance. The application of webertherm XM has contributed to a striking, stylish and modern
appearance to the Binary Hub and will make a significant contribution to the creation of a high performance
and sustainable building. www.netweber.co.uk.
“THE BINARY HUB WAS
OPENED IN 2016”
Image courtesy of Bennett Construction
MERCHANT TEAM APPOINTMENT
As part of its continued commitment to independent merchants through its Choice
initiative, Encon Insulation has welcomed Tristan Hickey to its dedicated Merchant
Team. Tristan has been appointed Merchant Area Sales Executive in the Midlands.
Encon says he brings with him a clear understanding of the needs of its merchant customers
and technical product expertise. Speaking about his new role, Tristan said: “I’ll be drawing on
my previous experience to add real value for our merchant customers, helping them develop
their business and ensuring they have the best products.” www.merchantchoice.co.uk
SUPPORT INCREASED
Rob Firman has joined the Ravatherm UK team as a Technical and Specification Manager.
Rob will work closely with architects, specifiers, contractors and distributors to troubleshoot
specification queries as part of the technical support team which offers a quick turnaround service
for all customers, whether they require assistance over email, telephone or face-to-face. He will
also complete U-value calculations and condensation risk analysis for projects, plus develop
technical specification documents and advise specifiers on the correct XPS products for different
construction projects, as well as deliver technical training and CPDs. www.ravatherm.co.uk
THE NEXT GENERATION
FLIR Systems has launched the new third generation FLIR ONE and FLIR ONE Pro
thermal imaging cameras.
Powered by FLIR’s Lepton thermal microcamera core, the FLIR ONE builds upon a legacy of
enabling thermal imaging on smartphones. The latest FLIR ONE is FLIR’s most affordable
smartphone thermal camera, while the first edition FLIR ONE Pro is the most advanced FLIR
ONE to date. Like their predecessors, both new FLIR ONEs come equipped with a thermal and
a high-definition visible camera. www.flir.com/FLIRONE
66 TC APRIL 2018
S &
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SAFETYWORKS & Solutions Ltd
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Double gantry and single 4m ladder
Easyguard free standing handrails - standard galvanised finish
Handrails Lifelines Ladders
Flat roof security with free
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Easyguard free standing handrails
- powder coated black
Suitable F for roof perimeters
or the designation of access
ways for both retrofit and
new build projects. Available
galvanised finished or powder
coated.
• Easyguard Handrail system
- permanent freestanding
handrail.
• Easyguard II - clamp-on
handrail system for modern
standing seam roofs
• Bespoke systems also
available
Uniline horizontal and
vertical wire-based fall
restraint and fall arrest
lifeline systems.
Provides secure, hands-free
access over high-level areas
where solid barriers cannot
be achieved.
Lifelines are waterproof,
chemical resistant and
available in orange, black or
grey.
Access and CAT ladders for
safe access from inside the
building.
Up & Over step units
provide safe access over
roof top plant.
Staircases and ships ladders
for industrial, commercial
and domestic uses.
Steel ladders manufactured
and supplied with cage or
arrest system for
permanent safe access.
HANDRAILS LIFELINES WALKWAYS FALL GUARDS FLEXIDECK DEMARKATION LADDERS STEELWORKS
Tel: 01487 841400
www.safetyworksandsolutions.co.uk
Opinion
“SQUEEZING THE SMALL
CONTRACTOR”
The collapse of Carillion and subsequent impact on suppliers and contractors has certainly
brought the perennial problem of poor payment practice sharply into focus. Below, Jason
Wright, of J Wright Roofing, gives his thoughts on the out-dated practices and very real
problems facing roofing contractors today.
With the recent demise of Carillion and the
usual Government and Industry reaction
of “how could this happen?”, my
concern is what about all the unfinished
contracts? Could something have been done
sooner to stop this happening?
Now, please don’t call me a cynic, but this has
been on the cards for years and not just over the
past few months, and I’d say this will not be the
last big name to go under.
Why? I hear you ask; well I believe this is all down
to buying contracts, cutting down on costs and
ultimately “subbie bashing”; or even worse, not
paying contractors and suppliers altogether.
With Carillion the warning signs were flashing first
last summer with a profit warning, and again in
October. But what did the Government do? Oh,
just hand them several more large contracts
worth Billions, while they are still not paying the
small contractors and suppliers. It’s a total
disgrace and I’m probably not the only one who
feels heads should roll for this.
If we as a small roofing contractor had been
flagged up as a risk to one of our Local authority
clients, then we would not win an outside toilet to
re-roof, let alone multi million pound contracts.
“We soon found that
later in the contract
our valuations started
being paid short each
month”
“This is all down to
buying contracts,
cutting down on costs
and ultimately ‘subbie
bashing’”
Short change
The problem we have found from brutal experience
is that certain medium to large national contractors
– I say contractors but in reality they have no direct
contractors of note, just layers upon layers of site
managers, project managers, Health & Safety
managers, admin staff and of course a myriad of
Quantity Surveyors (QS) whose sole job we have
found is to invent a variety of ways to withhold
payments or short change you at any cost.
We have recently experienced this with a Main
Contractor on a large contract for a well-respected
Local Authority. Despite starting with good
intentions and the contract going well, delivered
on time and initial payments all good, we soon
found that later in the contract our valuations
started being paid short each month; not a lot at
first, but this gradually increased into the tens of
thousands. When our accounts queried this, the
original QS had been moved to another project
and you are suddenly left explaining to a new QS
your concerns. This goes round and around until
another QS gets involved as the previous QS has
also been moved on.
Speaking with other contractors it’s clear we are
not alone. It’s almost as if they all have a mantra
to work to and have all been schooled in the art of
squeezing the small contractor so the Main
Contractor can claw back extra profits.
Any answers?
So what is the answer? Well the Carillion effect is
already being felt with Government, and in turn
Local Authorities, looking at how contracts can be
awarded better with the goal being that the small
man at the end of the chain can be looked after
better, as it is invariably us at the end of the chain
who always bears the brunt of any collapse; As
we know, it’s certainly not the Directors or middle
management, and certainly not any QS.
We have found that better direct relationships
with the client can be more beneficial, but this
also comes with costs and extra bureaucracy for
the smaller companies such as ours, but the longterm
benefits are tremendous; as Del Boy used to
say “He Who Dares Wins, Rodders”...
Roofing contractors take all the risk
We know we are not alone in this situation and
are fed up with some of these so called
contractors, when in reality we as roofing
contractors take all the risk, outlay all the initial
costs, manage the contracts, provide the
warranties, Building Regulation certification, and
sign the jobs off only to then wait up to 90 days
to be short-changed, and desperately hoping they
don’t do a Carillion on you before the final
account is settled.
Contact J Wright Roofing
0115 9717 591
www.jwrightroofing.co.uk
68 TC APRIL 2018
Contractor’s Day 2018
coming soon!
Vehicle Acquisitions
TO LEASE OR BUY A VAN: WHAT’S
BEST FOR YOUR COMPANY?
In this month’s Total Vehicles feature, we take a look at the various options available to
contractors when they are looking to acquire a vehicle; it’s clear there’s no one set rule for
all, but it’s important to do your research and find out what the best fit is for your business.
When it comes to acquiring a vehicle,
the route chosen is a matter of
personal preference and, of course,
the ability to pay. Outright purchase, lease, hire
purchase – there is no wrong or right answer.
So, considering that we’re talking about a key
part of a tradesman’s business – after all, no van
generally means no work – what are the options?
The differences
Before we can move on, it’s important to note the
differences between buying and leasing a van.
Buying
There are some who like to own their assets
rather than pay to use them. For them, outright
purchase, either with cash held or a bank loan, is
the way to go. They, however, will be responsible
“Outright purchase
means no contractual
restrictions on what
the owner can do with
the van, either in use or
aesthetic changes”
for maintenance, repair of any damage and will
take the hit on the depreciation over time of the
vehicle. That said, once bought the van cannot
ordinarily be taken away – owners will be free of
any contracts or regular payments (if bought with
cash held).
Outright purchase means no contractual
restrictions on what the owner can do with the
van, either in use or aesthetic changes – such as
wrapping or sign writing – or modifications –
such as extra locks or racking. Also, and this may
be important if there’s a slowdown in work, the
owner is entirely at liberty to sell the vehicle as
there are no contractual issues or payments to
worry about.
But of course, there’s a question over the cost of
cash used to buy the van. Even though interest
rates are low, it’s possible to get a better return
on the cash through other investments and
savings accounts compared to buying a
depreciating asset such as a vehicle.
Leasing
By definition, leasing is radically different to
outright purchase, as it’s a contract to use rather
than own a vehicle in exchange for a regular,
normally monthly, fee. And this monthly fee is the
70 TC APRIL 2018
critical factor for some, as it means that a van
can be acquired without the need to tie up
working cash that can be better employed
elsewhere.
The cost of usage – because ownership is not a
consideration – is spread over the term of the
agreement; all that is needed is a good credit
reference and the deposit which will invariably
equate to three payments upfront.
Most, but not all, leases include the cost of
maintenance and servicing, as well as the cost of
exceeding a defined mileage – but this is
something that needs the right agreement to be
put in place.
But as with anything, leasing isn’t straightforward
because some leases (termed ‘lease purchase’)
can give the user the option to buy the vehicle at
the end of the agreement.
There are two options here. The first is called hire
purchase. Here, the contract requires a deposit
followed by monthly payments. At the end of the
agreement, the ownership of the van transfers to
the user. Overall the cost will be, by definition,
higher than for a pure ‘use-only’ lease.
Alternatively, it’s possible to sign up to a balloon
hire purchase agreement. With these agreements,
smaller monthly payments are made and at the
end of the agreement the user either hands back
the keys or makes a larger ‘balloon’ payment to
take ownership of the vehicle.
With both of these options, however, it’s
important to not lose sight of the overall cost of
acquisition which will almost certainly be higher
than an outright purchase.
Lastly, it’s important to remember that a leasing
“This monthly fee is the
critical factor for some
as it means that a van
can be acquired
without the need to tie
up working cash”
agreement is just that – it’s an agreement to take
a vehicle for a given amount of time in exchange
for an agreed set of payments. Leases can be
restrictive for those with possibly changing needs.
Tax advantages of…
Considering that the UK’s tax system is as clear
as mud it’s perfectly reasonable to expect that
buying or leasing a van follows different tax rules.
In essence, the cost of buying a van can be set
against the business tax bill – income tax for the
self-employed, corporation tax for those running a
limited company. There are different rules for
doing this depending on the accounting process
used by the business. The VAT on the purchase
can be reclaimed if the van is used solely for
business purposes.
With leasing, as with outright purchase, the
monthly payments can be set off against income
or corporation tax bills. In contrast when leasing a
van, assuming the business is VAT registered, all
of the VAT charged can be reclaimed on the
monthly fee. But this too only applies if the van is
for purely business use.
New or used?
The next question to consider is new or used?
Sure, a shiny new van is a thing of beauty and
pride, but businesses shouldn’t lose sight of the
fact that it’s a working tool and is bound to get
mucky, scratched or dented. It’s inevitable.
New vans come with a price premium, and for
many it’s much better to buy a good used van
that someone else has taken the depreciation hit
on. And as long as time is invested in researching
“New vans come with a
price premium and for
many it’s much better
to buy a good used van
that someone else has
taken the depreciation
hit on”
vans – looking at price, reliability and running
costs – it shouldn’t be too hard to make a saving
here. And so long as the sales invoice notes the
VAT paid and the seller’s VAT number, the VAT
can be reclaimed – but again, only if the van is
used solely for business purposes.
But for some, buying new is the only option – they
want the warranty and the comfort of knowing the
history of the vehicle. The same principles to
research apply but remember one more thing; see
if it’s possible to time a purchase with when the
dealership’s quarter or year-end is close. The
pressure to hit targets will be that much greater
and it’s entirely possible to find a dealer willing to
sell a vehicle at almost no profit. Why? Because if
sales targets are hit they may get a manufacturer
bonus on everything it’s sold to others.
“There is no perfect
solution to acquiring a
van as it’s all down to
personal preference
and views on risk and
business performance”
To conclude
There is no perfect solution to acquiring a van as
it’s all down to personal preference and views on
risk and business performance. But no matter
which route is taken, good advice from an
accountant is key, because the tax rules in this
area are too complex to consider in full here.
Got any pictures of your first van? Tweet us
@TotalContractorUK
APRIL 2018 TC 71
Payment Pains
DEALING WITH THE CHALLENGE OF
POOR PAYMENT PRACTICES
In his regular column Simon Smith, of Bracknell Roofing, highlights the hurdles a specialist
contractor has to clear just to get paid on time and in full.
Alarge portion of my career in the roofing
industry was spent in roofing material
sales, and in my experience it’s fair to say
in that world getting paid for goods and services
supplied is pretty straightforward. However, in the
world of a specialist contractor it’s a totally
different ball-game.
So what challenges does a specialist contractor
face when it comes to getting paid? There are
numerous, so below I will focus on a few key
points.
Payment terms
Firstly, for many roofing contractors almost every
sale is governed by detailed and strict contract
terms and conditions issued by the customer,
which are often bespoke for every project.
Sometimes these terms and conditions mirror
without any scaling those of other contracts in
place further up the project chain, such as those
issued to the principal contractor
by the project client. In some
cases individual project
terms and conditions are
also governed by an over
arching framework
agreement in place for a
fixed-term. Consequently the
acceptance of an order can be a
very detailed and time-consuming
affair, because every new project contract has to
be carefully reviewed.
Payment terms are different from contract to
contract, so sub-contractors like us have to have
systems in place to manage their sales ledger
and debtor ageing bespoke for every contract or
customer. Compounding the challenge of varying
payment terms is the issue of application or
billing cut-off dates required under the contract
or by the customer. Cut-off dates are extremely
Simon Smith is Divisional Director
of Bracknell Roofing. Read his previous
columns on:
www.total-contractor.co.uk
varied across the piece,
ranging from mid-month to
just after month-end, so
we have to be on the ball to
avoid late billing, which results
in an extended payment timeline.
Then there is the issue of self-billing, which
is a process adopted by some very important
customers in the market-place. Whilst self-billing
systems do present both benefits and
disadvantages to sub-contractors, it nevertheless
requires further tailoring of business process and
sales ledger management if payment issues are
to be avoided.
Validation of completed supply
The next challenge is in completed works sign-off.
Understandably many of our customers have
sign-off systems in place because production is
dealt with by one department and contract budget
management and payments are dealt with by
another department, so sign-off sheets are
required to validate satisfactory completion of
works invoiced. In principle this is a perfectly
logical system to work with, but where it becomes
a challenge is in the logistics of getting work
signed-off by the right person, in time, and then
ensuring that copy of the sign-off sheet is
supplied to the right person or department within
the customer’s organisation in time to meet any
monthly cut-off deadline in place. Bearing in
mind that in many cases the sign-off sheet has to
be signed on site, it is no mean feat to make sure
this part of the process of getting paid is actioned
correctly and on time to avoid delay in payment.
72 TC APRIL 2018
“The bodies that
represent construction
trades, could, should
and must do more to
achieve the ultimate
goal of fair payment
for all”
Paperwork and communication
This leads me onto the issue of paperwork and
communication. After having measured our
works, generated our application / billing
document on time, got the works signed-off by
the right person in time and sent the monthly
billing pack to the customer before their cut-off
date, there is still the issue of how and to whom
the information is sent. Some require hard copy
sent by post, some require electronic copy sent by
email, some require hand delivery and some
require a combination of these methods. So when
you think you’ve got everything done on time, you
still need systems in place to make sure the
information gets to the right person or
department, in the right format/s before the
monthly deadline expires. And even after having
achieved all that, when requesting payment
certification and confirmation of payment date
the following month or whenever the contract
terms require post billing, on occasion we get a
response of “I never received it”, or “it was sent
in the wrong format”, or “this document was
missing”, or “it wasn’t passed on to me on time”.
Many of our customers are not unreasonable in
these circumstances but the point remains, they
could be if they wanted to be, so relationship is
vital in these situations.
Retentions
Finally, and potentially the most challenging of all
payment issues and practices a specialist
contractor has to deal with, is the issue of
contract retention. This is money held back from
invoicing by the customer at an agreed
percentage or sum for a period of time set-out
under the contract, for the purpose – in theory –
of providing a form of surety in respect of works
defects. The period between the first retention
deduction on a contract and final release of
retention held is often, if not usually, measured in
years. The longer retention is held and owed, the
greater the risk of delayed or non-payment when
it finally becomes due. Customer insolvency and
spurious or incorrectly allocated defects are
common causes behind late and non-payment.
The issue of retentions is well documented and at
this point I am reminded that back in 2014 NSCC
conducted – in partnership with FMB – a
payment survey, which involved 719 respondents
from within the specialist contractor sector. The
subsequent report titled “Credit where Credit isn’t
Due”, revealed that approximately £198 million of
retention held was overdue and approximately
£54 million had to be written-off. NSCC has now
moved on to become part of Build UK, which
continues to campaign against retention as a
vertical issue for the construction industry, with
the aim of “implementing an industry-led
roadmap to phase out the use of cash retentions
in construction by 2023”. But that’s five years
from now and may or may not happen, and I
wonder what the retention held, overdue and
write-off position is today, four years on from the
NSCC/FMB survey in 2014, and after what has
been a considerably more active period for
specialist contractors in the meanwhile? I also
wonder what effect the demise of Carrillion is
having on the amount of retention having to be
written-off this year – thankfully nothing for
Bracknell Roofing but I sincerely feel for anyone
legitimately owed retention that will see very little
if any of it land in their bank account.
Latterly 60 trade bodies across a broad spectrum
of the supply chain have come together in support
of the Aldous Bill to reform retentions. Hopefully
this will result in more urgent, effective and
definitive improvement in the rules and process
around cash retentions, particularly where
customer insolvency is concerned. The suggestion
of having retention accounts held in trust seems
a very logical solution to the insolvency issue, but
I wonder how this might work in the event of a
“Cut-off dates are
varied across the
piece, ranging from
mid-month to just after
month-end, so we have
to be on the ball to
avoid late billing”
simple dispute as to alleged works defects or
quantum owed? Would it make the collection
process more or less complicated. Some food for
thought, which hopefully the Aldous Bill might
deal with.
Alongside retentions is the issue of contract setoff
clauses. These enable customers to contra
charge live contracts with claims against legacy
projects for alleged latent defects and so on,
which begs the questions why is this necessary
given the purpose of retention?, and is this a fair
‘safety net’ or just another opportunity to pass-on
cost fairly or otherwise? Don’t get me wrong, I can
see the customer’s side on this issue but these
clauses nevertheless cause more potential for
payment dispute.
The up-shot of all of this for Bracknell Roofing has
resulted in significant investment of money and
resources in developing our people, systems and
customer base, but the job of getting paid in full and
on time remains a constant challenge and we rise
to that challenge every day. We may never reach the
‘pot of gold at the end of the rainbow’, but I learned
some extremely valuable lessons in my first few
weeks as a roofing contractor, and I am surrounded
by some excellent people so we are well organised
to deal with the challenge. That said, specialist
contractors need all the help they can get and in my
opinion the bodies that represent construction
trades, could, should and must do more to achieve
the ultimate goal of fair payment for all.
Contact Bracknell Roofing
08705 626800
www.bracknellroofing.com
@BracknellUK
APRIL 2018 TC 73
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APRIL 2018 TC 75
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