October 2018

OCTOBER 2018
Perfectly Pitched
Contractor’s Q’s
Contract Talk
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Editor’s Comment
MATT DOWNS
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
MATTDOWNS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK
07963 330774
“Once RoofCERT is established and people see the value of it, the
roofing operative will either have to go through it or choose not to
be in the industry, because ultimately the aim of RoofCERT is to
write it into Statute.”
Strong words from Mike Wharton, Head of Business Development at the
NFRC, in response to our question on how we get the message re:
accreditation to those who aren’t interested in operating at a
professional level, but it really hits home just how important and what
sort of impact the NFRC and its stakeholders feel RoofCERT will have
on the sector.
COVER PIC:
COURTESY OF ARCHIBALD
MCCORQUODALE & SON
An operative from award-winning roofing company Archibald McCorquodale &
Son working on site. Colin McCorquodale answers our Contractor’s Q’s on p.30.
FOLLOW US @TOTCONTRACTORUK
SIGN UP FOR YOUR WEEKLY E-BLAST AT
WWW.TOTAL-CONTRACTOR.CO.UK
Granted it’s still early days for the new accreditation and the various
groups are still working out some of the finer details – but make no
mistake, the wheels are well and truly in motion and it is hoped that
RoofCERT can do for roofing what Corgi / Gas Safe has done for
plumbers in terms of professionalising the sector in the eyes of the
end-user. Read our full interview with Mike on p.16, plus look out for
the exclusive seminar on RoofCERT at Contractor’s Day on Nov 30th.
Elsewhere in this issue, in his latest Perfectly Pitched column, John
Mercer continues his look at what BS 5534 really means for the roofer
with a focus on underlays (p.34); Marley Eternit provides roofers with
some top tips for batten installation (p.38); we talk Safe2Torch with IKO
(p.42) and contractor Adam Suffolk (p.46); and Simon Storer of the
Insulation Manufacturers Association talks skills (p.62). So read on for
all this and so much more...
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OCTOBER 2018 TC 3

Contents
FROM THE COVER
16 ACCREDITATION PUSH
Total Contractor talks all things RoofCERT with
Mike Wharton of the NFRC
26 STANDARD BEARER
We get a supplier’s view on whether standards
and regs should be easier to understand
42 SAFE2TORCH
A manufacturer and a contractor give their
thoughts on the Safe2Torch initiative
CONTRACTOR’S DAY!
Not long now until Twickenham Stadium opens
its doors for Contractor’s Day! Register for
your FREE tickets at www.contractorsday.co.uk
28
FEATURES
28 AVOID THE WEATHER WOES
Can using the right materials help you avoid the
weather woes? Mark Parsons believes so...
56
40 Q&A: INVERTED ROOFS
Rob Firman addresses contractors’ queries regarding
inverted roofs and extruded polystyrene insulation
48 A WINNING START
We catch up with BMI Icopal Apprentice of the Year
Kieran Forster to hear how his career is developing
56 THE ISSUE OF INNOVATION
We hear a lot about innovation, but what does it really
mean? Brian Mack gives his view
64 THE RIGHT RETROFIT
A. Proctor Group talks through the different possibilities
for retrofitting wall insulation
74 DRONES AND ROOFING
As Sion Roberts explains, it’s not a case of just buy and
fly when it comes to UAVs and construction sites...
4 TC OCTOBER 2018

REGULARS
20 CONTRACT TALK
Richard Kendrick talks cash flow and explains
how to keep things moving in the right direction
22 AN INSPECTOR CALLS
This month the Inspector focuses on heat
welding single-ply membranes
30 CONTRACTOR’S Q’S
Colin McCorquodale answers our questions
and explains why communication is key...
INDUSTRY NEWS
06 STEP INTO A VIRTUAL WORLD
MSA Safety is bringing its Rooftop VR Experience to
Contractor’s Day! Another reason to visit Twickenham!
08 GOV’S HIGH-RISE RESPONSE
The majority of responses to Government consultation favour a
ban of the use of combustible materials on high-rise exteriors
06
68 TOTAL VEHICLES
We look at the options for racking out your
van; top tips for selling; plus vehicle hire
SECTIONS
WWW.TOTAL-CONTRACTOR.CO.UK
28
TOTAL
ROOFING
56 TOTAL
CLADDING
62 TOTAL
INSULATION
68
OCTOBER 2018 TC 5

Industry News
BTS’S FAB OPEN DAY!
VIRTUAL REALITY AT CONTRACTOR’S DAY!
The NFRC and Total Contractor are pleased to
announce MSA Safety will be bringing its
Rooftop Fall Protection Virtual Reality
Experience to Contractor’s Day!
Above: The Trumpff TruBend Center in action at BTS.
BTS Facades & Fabrications held an Open
Day at its state-of-the-art Newton Aycliffe
HQ and factory on September 25th.
The event was attended by over 120 of BTS’s
customers and supply chain partners and
included updates on BTS’s recent investment
and plans for the future from MD Phil Atkinson
and Company Secretary Marcia Atkinson, plus
BTS’s Mark Kenney informed those assembled
of the company’s developments within its
product range including the Vantage Rainscreen
Systems. Guest Speaker Gary Lumby, of Focus
on Success, also gave an inspirational talk
including advice and guidance from his time in
business.
The day also included the BTS Awards which
saw Errigal Facades awarded for its Westfield
White City project; Prater awarded for its
Town Centre regeneration project in
Bracknell; and Apex Facades awarded for its
work at Kingston, London.
Visitors were also treated to a factory tour
which enabled them to see BTS’s range of
presses and machinery in action, including
the Trumpff TruBend Center 7030 – BTS’s
most recent and significant investment –
which Phil describes as a “game-changer”
for both the company and its customers. The
TruBend Center offers BTS a number of
benefits including unrivalled precision
automated bending; opportunities to develop
its offering; and increased speed and
efficiencies which enable BTS to offer quicker
turnaround for customers.
Visitors to MSA Safety’s stand at the UK’s only
exhibition exclusively targeted at contractors
operating in the roofing, cladding and insulation
sectors, will be able to don a headset and enter a
virtual world where they can experience MSA’s
safety solutions in a representative context and in
the very location where they will be used.
Having stepped into the virtual world at the
launch of this new VR experience, Matt Downs,
Editorial Director at Total Contractor, who colaunched
Contractor’s Day alongside the NFRC,
explained: “This immersive experience really puts
you in the situation and enables you to feel the
very real dangers of working at height. Visitors to
Contractor’s Day will be able climb up to a virtual
reality rooftop using a controller to ‘clip on’ every
step of the way to carry out their work. Once there
they can assess the situation and carry out tasks,
all the time feeling the immediate dangers of their
environment which forces them to really think
about what they are doing. The possibilities of
this technology with regards to training in
particular and the roofing sector in general are
TIME TO FOCUS ON INSULATION’S BENEFITS
The NIA says it is teaming up with the Energy
Saving Trust, the independent national energy
efficiency experts, and other advice agencies
to promote the true benefits of insulation.
The Association says that over the years, large
subsidies and grants from energy companies and
Government towards the cost of home insulation
for both fuel poor households and those in ‘able
to pay’ households has helped those suffering
from fuel poverty, but it has also resulted in
insulation being devalued with householders
focusing on price and grants only, and not
The teams from MSA with Render and Intel who helped develop
MSA’s Rooftop VR Experience. Try it out at Contractor’s Day!
endless, and this will be a great experience for
visitors to Contractor’s Day.”
A spokesperson for MSA Safety explained: “By
enabling customers to literally experience the
products for themselves, MSA can communicate
the value of the products in seconds; decision
makers can immediately empathise with the risks
their workers face on a daily basis and the need
for highly robust safety equipment, without them
actually being exposed to the risk. The nuances of
product detail can be grasped quickly and easily,
all within an exciting, new and innovative format
that prompts engaging discussion.”
The MSA Safety VR experience is yet another great
addition for visitors to Contractor’s Day, which
takes place at Twickenham Stadium on 30th
November 2018. Find out more and register for
your FREE tickets: www.contractorsday.co.uk.
appreciating the true benefits of insulation.
However, the NIA believes this will change as
under the new £640m per year Energy Company
Obligation 3 scheme – which is launched this
Autumn – subsidies and grants will be
restricted to vulnerable and fuel poor
households only and not available to those in
‘able to pay’ households. This, the Association
says, provides a significant opportunity for the
industry to build the value back into insulation
by promoting the benefits of the different
measures available.
6 TC OCTOBER 2018

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Industry News
WEIGHTING GAME
Younger roofers are being urged to make
sure they don’t overload their vehicles
and make their driving licence invalid.
Experts from LeaseVan.co.uk say many
younger van drivers may not be aware that
their driving license limits them to driving
vans which weigh less then 3,500kg when
fully loaded – including the weight of the
driver themselves.
The rule only applies to motorists who passed
their driving tests after 1st January 1997,
and if they plan to exceed this weight they
need to take an additional driving test.
Now LeaseVan.co.uk are urging their
customers to visit a local weighbridge and
check their van’s fully loaded weight if they
are unsure.
Tim Alcock of LeaseVan.co.uk said: “Some
younger van drivers may not realise the
restrictions their driving licence places upon
them. Most are aware that they can only
drive vans with loads up to 3,500kg, but
many believe as long as their van is less than
that they are ok.
“If you consider a van making deliveries
could be loaded up with boxes weighing 70kg
each, it would only take around 20 boxes plus
the weight of the driver, to be reaching the
permitted weight limit.
“Another common mistake that less
experienced drivers make is to fail to factor in
their own body weight and that of any
passengers.
“The 3,500kg limit on their driving licence
includes everything inside the van, including
the driver, his lunch, any items in the cab,
even the packet of mints on the dashboard.
“If drivers are concerned they should visit
their local weighbridge for peace of mind.”
GOVERNMENT RESPONDS: THE NEXT STEP
In response to the housing
committee’s report, the Independent
Review of Building Regulations and
Fire Safety: Next Steps, the
Government has revealed that whilst
it’s still analysing responses to its
consultation, the majority of those
received so far have been in favour of a ban of
combustible materials on high-rise exteriors.
The government response stated: “Our
consultation on banning the use of combustible
materials in the external walls of high-rise
buildings closed on 14 August 2018. There were
460 responses from a range of individuals and
organisations. The Government is currently
analysing the consultation responses. The
majority of respondents agreed with the intention
of the consultation and the Government will
publish its response in the autumn.
On the issue of the Government fully funding the
replacement of any cladding on any existing
NEW ROOF WINDOW GUIDE LAUNCHED
NARM, the National Association of
Rooflight Manufacturers, has
published a new technical guide
covering the installation of roof
windows on pitched roofs as
part of its ongoing commitment
to support best practice in the
design and installation of
rooflights.
NARM Technical Document
NTD16 Roof window installation
considerations for pitched roofs, has been
produced by NARM member companies to help
raise awareness of the typical installation and
detailing pitfalls that roof window installers
should be aware of before commencing
installation.
Most detailing for roof windows is not product
buildings which had been permitted, but
is subsequently banned as a
consequence of the consultation, it
stated: “The Government has already
provided funding for remediation of
cladding in the social sector. In the
private sector more and more firms are
doing the right thing and replacing cladding
themselves without the costs falling to
leaseholders.
“The Government will consider what further steps
may be appropriate as part of the detailed analysis
of the consultation responses and the wider
reforms proposed by the Independent Review.”
The government also stated: “We have also been
clear that we will not hesitate to go further than
the Hackitt recommendations where we deem it
necessary, as we have shown through our
consultation on proposals to ban the use of
combustible materials in the external wall
construction of high-rise buildings.”
NARM Technical Document NTD16
Roof window installation considerations
for pitched roofs
2018
specific and the
information contained in
this guidance document is
applicable to many roof
window installations.
This comprehensive new
document contains detailed
drawings with explanatory
notes, for quick and easy access
to a comprehensive range of
topics including: sizing of
structural openings; coursing; underlays; levelling
and squareness flashings; insulation and vapour
barriers.
The new document NTD16 is a valuable
resource for roofers and other construction
professionals and can be downloaded at:
www.narm.org.uk
8 TC OCTOBER 2018

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Industry News
TRAINING PROVIDER
JOINS NFRC
Philip Fergusson and Jayne Fergusson of NCTS with
Steve Reynolds of the NFRC.
National Construction Training Services
(NCTS) is the first independent training
centre to become a member of the NFRC.
The NFRC represents more than 70% of
contractors, manufacturers and training
providers involved in the industry. Known as
the ‘voice’ of the roofing sector, it actively
ensures its members uphold the highest
standards of workmanship and business
practice through a strict code of practice and
vetting procedure. NCTS, training specialists
in a range of roofing disciplines such as
slating and tiling, lead, hard metals, liquid
and bituminous waterproofing, gained its
NFRC accreditation following an inspection of
its first-class training facility in Hoddesdon,
Hertfordshire. An assessment was also
carried out at its offices in St Ives,
Cambridgeshire. NFRC membership means
contractors and the like will have access to
NCTS’ range of industry-recognised courses
designed to qualify, ‘up-skill’ and enhance the
careers of roofers of all ages and abilities.
Philip Fergusson, Managing Director at NCTS,
said: “NFRC is the number one organisation
for the roofing industry. Therefore, it’s a real
honour to become the first independent
training centre to be accepted as a member.
It demonstrates the quality of training and
service NCTS is able to provide. We look
forward to a long and mutually beneficial
association with NFRC.”
CONTRACTOR’S DAY: TACKLING THE ISSUES
With an in-depth seminar
programme tackling the
key issues affecting
roofing and cladding
contractors on site and
as businesses, you won’t
want to miss
Contractor’s Day…
From increased public
scrutiny over quality and
safety, to problems of attracting a new crop of
talent, roofers and cladders face a variety of
challenges in today’s market. That’s why
Contractor’s Day couldn’t come at a better time.
The event, which is the first ever to be solely aimed
at contractors, takes place on 30th November
2018 at Twickenham stadium and is packed full of
exhibitors including the country’s leading suppliers,
manufacturers and Trade Associations.
However, not only will visitors get up close to all
the latest products and services, but they’ll also
be able to see experts provide the latest
information and advice on subjects and topics
affecting contractors on site and in their
businesses today.
Two seminar theatres organised by the NFRC –
the UK’s largest roofing and cladding Trade
Association – will feature its own experts as well
A Bristol-based construction company has
been sentenced for carrying out unlicensed
asbestos work.
Bristol Magistrates’ Court heard how, during July
2017, a project was undertaken to refurbish The
Cherry Tree pub at Oldland Common, Bristol, into
eight flats. T.W. Parker (Building & Groundworks)
was commissioned to conduct the works.
A survey of the site on 13 July found waste
materials, including asbestos insulation board,
Find out more about Contractor’s Day and register
for your FREE tickets at www.contractorsday.co.uk.
as those from across the
industry, including SIG Roofing,
BMI and IOSH. Topics include
safety tips for working at
height, using drones for roof
surveys, asbestos awareness,
business tips, the new
RoofCERT accreditation and
much more. There will also be
a dedicated Skills Zone,
sponsored by BMI, that will showcase the
talents of young roofers.
“We want this event to provide contractors with
practical information to help them make their
businesses as successful as possible, which is
what the NFRC is dedicated to providing its
members,” explained Amanda Brackey, Head of
Marketing and Communications at the NFRC.
Andy Dunn, Publishing Director of Total Contractor
magazine who co-launched Contractor’s Day with
the NFRC, explained: “Time is precious for
contractors, and that’s why we’ve brought
together so many of the leading manufacturers,
suppliers and Trade Associations in one fantastic
venue so visitors can see first-hand all the latest
materials, systems and tools that can assist
them on site, plus listen to and take part in
discussions on the key issues affecting them on
projects and as businesses.”
FINED FOR UNLICENSED ASBESTOS WORK
were left lying outside the building.
Asbestos containing materials, which would require
a licence to remove, were also found to be present
amongst the debris and in the building structure.
T.W. Parker (Building & Groundworks) of Hicks
Common Road, Winterbourne pleaded guilty to
breaching Section 5, 8(1) and 16 of the Control of
Asbestos Regulations 2012. The company has
been fined £7,000 and ordered to pay costs of
£1,264.60.
10 TC OCTOBER 2018

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Industry News
TRADITIONAL APPROACH FOR SKILLS
Pupils from secondary schools in Glasgow,
Stirling, Perth and Musselburgh took part in a
two-day traditional building skills event held at
the Scottish Parliament on 11th & 12th
September.
The hands-on, practical workshops provided 13 to
15 year olds with the chance to discover more
about traditional skills apprenticeships, and
allowed them to have a go for themselves.
They tried their hand at roof slating,
stonemasonry, joinery and painting and
decorating, expertly assisted by current Modern
Apprentices in these trades.
The event was sponsored by Gordon Lindhurst,
MSP for Lothian. He said: “Traditional building
skills demonstrations are hugely valuable in
raising the profile of the vital skills needed to
maintain our unique built heritage.
“Having attended workshops elsewhere, I am
delighted to welcome the Scottish Traditional
Building Forum and the Construction Industry
Training Board to the Scottish Parliament,
alongside the apprentices who can show off their
skills.
“I hope that by raising the profile of these
traditional building skills in this way, we can
secure the long-term future of Edinburgh’s World
Heritage Site and Scotland’s built environment
more generally.”
The event was organised by the Scottish
Traditional Building Forum as part of Construction
Scotland’s Inspiring Construction programme. It
was supported by a range of partners including
CITB, City of Glasgow College, West College
Traditional Building demonstration, Scotland.
Scotland, Dundee and Angus College, Edinburgh
College and Developing the Young Workforce. The
National Federation of Roofing Contractors
supported the delivery of the roof slating
demonstration.
Ken Gillespie, Chair of Construction Scotland,
said: “The construction industry currently employs
233,600 people, but it’s estimated that 28% of
that workforce will need replacing by 2027,
creating at least 21,000 vacancies. Attracting
more potential employees to our industry to
address this imminent skills gap is one of
Construction Scotland’s top priorities.
FMB PRESIDENT SETS SIGHTS ON SKILLS
Attracting more young people
viewed as such. I want construction
into the sector is top of the
to be a career of choice for young
agenda for Arthur McArdle, the
people.”
new National President of the
McArdle continued: “Although the
Federation of Master Builders
FMB has spearheaded steps to make
(FMB).
apprenticeships more attractive to
Arthur McArdle was elected National
young people, including playing a
President of the FMB, the UK’s Above: Arthur McArdle, FMB pivotal role in the sign off of two high
National President.
largest construction Trade
quality apprenticeships in bricklaying
Association, on 8th September at the
and plastering in June this year, we
FMB’s National AGM and Conference in
still have further to go.
Bournemouth.
“The FMB is committed to working with the
Arthur McArdle said: “I am extremely passionate Government to improve the quality and quantity
about ensuring that we have enough skilled of apprenticeships.”
workers to help build the nation out of the housing
McArdle concluded: “As the FMB continues to
crisis. The skills shortage the sector is facing is
grow, I am extremely privileged to be part of the
absolutely dire and the only way we can
leadership of an organisation that stands for
guarantee enough skilled construction workers in
quality and professionalism in the building
the future is by attracting more young people into
industry.”
the sector and training them to a high standard
now. The construction industry is an extremely At the National Conference, Janet Etchells was
rewarding sector to work in and it should be voted in as the first female National Vice President.
FORCES INTO
CONSTRUCTION
North West Roof Training Group is
exhibiting at the Forces into Construction
event being held at Coleg Cambria,
Connah’s Quay, on 10th October.
All ranks and backgrounds of ex-service
and soon to leave ex-service personnel will
be meeting national and North West-based
construction employers and hearing about
the opportunities available to them in the
North West.
Sue Wharton of NW Roof Training Group
explained: “Here’s an opportunity for us to
reach out to this untapped source of labour.
It’s forecast that here in the North West
some 550 additional staff will be required
within the next four years. Our own display
will focus on training opportunities and
career paths within the roofing industry, and
exploring this market is critical to our
efforts to support our members. “
12 TC OCTOBER 2018

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Industry News
RISE IN NEW HOME
REGISTRATIONS
New figures from NHBC have revealed that
more than 15,800 new homes were
registered to be built in the UK in July, a
35% increase on the same month last
year.
12,087 new homes were registered in the
private sector in July 2018 (8,421 in 2017),
with 3,782 registered in the affordable sector
(3,362 in 2017).
For the rolling quarter, between May and July,
43,600 new homes were registered
compared to 39,421 in 2017 – an increase of
11%. During this period there were 31,264
new homes registered in the private sector
(28,056 in 2017: +11%) and 12,336 new
homes registered in the affordable sector
(11,365 in 2017: +9%).
Over this period, London experienced an 86%
increase in registrations, partly due to an
increase in the number of large housing
association and private rental sector
developments registered in the capital.
As the leading warranty and insurance
provider for new homes in the UK, NHBC’s
registration statistics are a lead indicator for
the new homes market.
Commenting on the July figures, NHBC Chief
Executive Steve Wood said: “Following a slow
start to the year due to the extreme weather,
we have had promising new home figures in
recent months with July seeing a real uplift.
Over the last three months we have had
growth in new home registrations in eight out
of 12 UK regions, with London leading the
way.
“NHBC continues to support UK builders in
delivering high quality new homes for the
benefit of consumers.”
NO TIME FOR BREAKS, TIME JUST VAN-ISHES
Builders spend 2 ½ years driving their van Executive of the FMB, said: “This new research
over the course of their working lives and dispels the myth that builders spend a big chunk
almost one year trying to locate a particular of their time drinking tea. In reality, if builders are
tool, according to new research by the
downing their tools for any reason, it’s so they
Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
can chat to their customers and ensure they have
happy clients. Less surprisingly, over the course
The FMB asked thousands of builders across the
of their working lives, your average builder will
UK how many minutes they spend each day
spend two and a half years driving their van and
carrying out certain tasks. The figures reveal that
two and a half years shopping for materials at
over their career, an average builder will spend
their local builders merchants. Of all the
the equivalent of:
activities that might typically fill a builder’s
• 2 years and 9 months talking to clients; working day, making tea trails at the bottom of
the list.”
• 2 years and 6 months driving their van;
Berry concluded: “Excellent communication with
• 2 years and 6 months at the builders’
clients is just one of the qualities that top class
merchants;
builders in the UK have. The FMB is launching the
• 2 years and 1 month training or supervising Master Builder Awards 2019, which aims to seek
junior colleagues or apprentices;
out and celebrate the very best builders in our
industry. Too often, the minority of dodgy builders
• 1 year and 9 months eating lunch;
give the whole industry a bad name. The Master
• 11 months trying to locate a particular tool; Builder Awards are all about dispelling any
misconceptions and showcasing the quality
• 6 months making tea.
builders who help home owners and clients
Commenting on the research, Brian Berry, Chief realise their building ambitions.”
SUPPLIER AWARD FOR MIDLAND LEAD
Midland Lead has been selected as the h&b
Group’s Supplier of the Year 2018.
The accolade, officially known as the ‘Peter Buttle
Supplier of the Year award’, after the buying group’s
founder, was announced at the h&b Group annual
Activity Event at The Belfry earlier this month.
After outshining other roofing and insulation
Lynn Street, Midland Lead.
suppliers in its own category, Midland Lead went
a lot of positive changes for Midland Lead and the
on to win the overall award, beating the five
award is another indication that we are
finalist suppliers nominated by their own select
continuing to move in the right direction. We have
expert product panels.
a great sales team that drives the company
Lynn Street, Midland Lead’s Sales and Marketing forward but sales contact is only a part of a much
Manager, was at the conference to receive the larger package. We strive to show that the ability
award. “I am hugely proud of this achievement to provide excellent customer service exists
for our company. The last nine months have seen within us all at Midland Lead.”
14 TC OCTOBER 2018

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NFRC Technical Talk
“THIS IS A STARTING POINT FOR
PROFESSIONALISING THE INDUSTRY”
As a sector dogged by stories of cowboys, suffering from outdated stereotypes and poor
perception from those outside of the industry, RoofCERT could be the change that the
roofing sector really needs. But what does it mean for you, the contractor, and how will such
a wide-ranging and far-reaching accreditation scheme be implemented? We caught up with
Mike Wharton, Head of Business Development at the NFRC, to discuss this and so much
more about RoofCERT…
Total Contractor: How is the RoofCERT
accreditation progressing and what stage
are you at?
Mike Wharton: This is a highly collaborative
programme, so the focus so far has been on
getting the broadest range of stakeholders
involved. We’ve now got a Leadership Committee
made up of representatives from across the
industry, including roofing contractors,
suppliers, merchants, main
contractors, our partners the
CITB, the LABC and other
agencies. This committee
oversees the work being
carried out by the three Activity
Groups which include experts that
we’ve similarly recruited from both
inside and outside of the roofing industry.
The Supply Chain Collaboration Group is ensuring
that there is a pipeline of appropriate training
available and assessing the best way to deliver it,
either through assessment centres or on the
ground. The Attraction Group is exploring suitable
career paths for roofing and looking at ways to
make RoofCERT attractive to industry, households
and buyers of roofing services.
The Accreditation and Standards Activity Group is
essentially creating the accreditation itself and
has made some great strides in setting out what
it will look like. The group is focusing on a pointsbased
system that captures an operative’s
existing qualifications,
acknowledges experience gained
on site and includes a
mandatory ‘basket’ of short
duration courses, which
everyone will need complete. The
group is currently deciding how much
weight each of these three elements carries
towards accreditation.
TC: The NFRC has launched
the scheme alongside the
CITB, do I have to be a
member of the NFRC to
become accredited?
MW: No. It’s open to anyone in
industry and the aim is to have
5,000 roofers accredited by 2021.
TC: What is actually involved in becoming
accredited?
MW: The starting point will be a ‘gated’
knowledge test specific to each discipline, which
everyone will take at the 100-plus secure test
centres dotted around the UK. Passing this test
will allow them to enter the system and provide
evidence (or undertake as appropriate) the short
duration courses on first aid, manual handling,
working at height, fire safety and asbestos
awareness, abrasive wheels and possibly another
course on communication. We are also about to
scope the registration and booking system.
Left: Mike Wharton, Head of Business
Development at the NFRC.
TC: What, if any costs are
involved?
MW: For the first 5,000 contractors
there is no cost at all. After that there
will be a cost, which is to be decided.
TC: Is the accreditation relevant to both
new entrants and established roofers?
MW: Only those that have been working in roofing
for a minimum of three years will be eligible for
RoofCERT. So, if you’re an apprentice, you will
need to have reached the three-year point and
achieved NVQ Level 2 before registering.
TC: How do you feel being an accredited
roofer will benefit a contractor’s
business?
MW: There has never been an accreditation
scheme for roofing and so this is a starting point
for professionalising the industry. We know that in
general accreditation is important to consumers
as a mark of trust, so if they insist on RoofCERT
accreditation, then it’s clearly a benefit to those
operatives and their firms. Similarly, in the
commercial market, a roofing-specific
accreditation we see as being insisted upon by
main contractors, councils and other
stakeholders, particularly in light of the tragic
event of the Grenfell fire.
16 TC OCTOBER 2018

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NFRC Technical Talk
TC: Will it be each individual within the
company who is accredited or the
company as a whole?
MW: We already have the Competent Roofer
scheme, the only government-authorised
competency scheme for roofing which applies to
companies. RoofCERT, on the other hand, is geared
towards individual operatives so that they can take
it with them if they were to change companies.
TC: How will the accreditation scheme be
policed and who by?
MW: The start point is the initial secure ‘gateway’
test, when the individual must present ID before
submitting into the system relevant
qualifications, which will be checked. There will
be a refresher – be it knowledge-based or
practical – taken every three years to maintain
accreditation, which will include knowledge of
British Standards. Training centres will also be
accredited to deliver the scheme and could
include commercial training providers, training
groups and other interested parties. These will be
audited on a schedule to be decided.
TC: What impact do you think an
accreditation scheme will have with regard
to attracting school-leavers to the sector?
MW: The Attraction Group will assess how the
industry can attract a new generation and is
looking at how other sectors approach the issue,
because frankly construction hasn’t been
successful. Clearly, we need to be better at
making roofing an aspirational career choice so
accreditation, which will help to establish a
formal career path, may help with this.
TC: How do you balance educating and
raising standards of new entrants into the
market and those who are more
established – is there a different job to be
done with both?
MW: There is a slightly different job to be done
because it is much easier to explain the
importance and changing nature of standards to
a new entrant than an experienced operative who
may have completed their NVQ Level 2 30 years
“Educating the consumer about the benefits of
employing a skilled and safe roofing contractor
over someone who will offer the lowest price,
without any evidence of competence, is key to
success”
ago. The challenge is reaching those experienced
workers and more importantly getting them to
adopt the standards. The three-yearly refresher
will help solve this issue.
TC: How much is it about educating the
public and building owners about what they
should expect from roofing contractors, as
it is about changing working practices of
some of those within the market – clearly
there is a large number of professional and
skilled contractors already operating
throughout the UK…
MW: Educating the consumer about the benefits
of employing a skilled and safe roofing contractor
over someone who will offer the lowest price,
without any evidence of competence, is key to
success. We’re therefore undertaking a nationwide
research project on consumer attitudes to
understand how best to tackle the issue.
TC: How do you get the message to roofers
who may do “private work” in their spare
time – cash in hand, perhaps not insured
etc. which as we know goes on in most
sectors of construction – will we ever be
able to change that mentality or is it again
about educating the homeowner /
customer and ensuring they see the
benefits in choosing a skilled and
accredited roofer?
MW: Once RoofCERT is established and people
see the value of it, the roofing operative will either
have to go through it or choose not to be in the
industry, because ultimately the aim of RoofCERT
is to eventually write it into Statute. There will
always be a black market in every area of
construction, unless VAT is dropped for home
improvement – for example.
TC: Do you feel the roofing industry is
slowly changing the outdated perceptions
the public and in some cases clients /
building owners might have of it? Or are
we still some way off?
MW: The professional end of the industry is very
serious about what they do and is passionate
about correct installation methods and is
passionate about removing the cowboy element.
However, I think we’re some way off from changing
perceptions and it’s another reason why RoofCERT
is needed to both professionalise the whole of our
industry and demonstrate that to our stakeholders.
TC: Where would you expect to see
RoofCERT by the end of this year?
MW: We expect the design for the accreditation of
key disciplines and the secure testing element
will be agreed by the end of this year. The full
launch of RoofCERT to operatives will be in 2019.
TC: How has this type of initiative worked
in other sectors – what benefits has it
brought about in those markets?
MW: The most well-known example is still the
Corgi / Gas Safe scheme for plumbing, which had
a hugely positive impact on that industry. If you
ask the average person in the street today who
they need to install a boiler, they’ll say a Corgi or
Gas Safe-registered plumber. For glazing FENSA
and CERTASS are well known among consumers
who understand that they will need a building
regulation certificate when they come to sell their
homes. We aim for RoofCERT to be similar in
terms of profile.
Contact the NFRC
020 7638 7663
www.nfrc.co.uk
@TheNFRC
18 TC OCTOBER 2018

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Contract Talk
MANAGING YOUR CASH FLOW
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any construction project, and it is crucial to manage it
effectively. Here, Richard Kendrick, Marketing Manager at SIG Roofing, sheds some light on
how to keep things moving in the right direction.
It’s no secret that negative cash flow could
cripple a business. No one is exempt from this
fate, as recently seen in the demise of
construction giant Carillion. However, it is smaller
businesses that need to be especially careful
when it comes to managing cash flow in order to
stay afloat, let alone make a profit.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
comprise 99% of the 280,000 UK construction
businesses. These businesses spend on average
130 hours each year chasing payment, at an
average cost of £1,500 per business. Resulting in
£180m in debt interest charges and late payment,
which is a primary or major factor in 20% of
industry insolvencies.
So, how can businesses avoid this fate and
maintain a positive cash flow in spite of all the
challenges.
“Contractors and
subcontractors can do
some background
research on a client
before entering a
contract”
Background research
Firstly, contractors and subcontractors can do
some background research on a client before
entering a contract.
If the client has a history of failing to pay on time,
querying invoices, or generally not co-operating, it
is advisable not to embark on the project at all,
as the money spent on labour and resources may
not be made back. Asking other contractors for
references is highly recommended.
“As soon as an invoice
becomes overdue,
businesses should
chase immediately”
Cost forecasting
Next up is the importance of thorough cost
forecasting. A cash flow forecast allows roofers to
estimate how much cash they will have at every
stage of the project. From this, roofers will be
able to establish the stage at which they need to
be paid by clients before they have to pay out for
materials and labour. It is crucial to monitor the
forecast regularly as the project is ongoing in order
to determine whether it is on track financially or if
there are areas where costs could be cut.
Correct payment at the right time
Timely payment collections are fundamental to
maintaining cash flow. Without receiving the
correct payment at the right time as set out in the
forecast, things can start to unravel when it
comes to meeting payments required by
suppliers. For this reason, knowing how to
correctly invoice clients is crucial. Agreeing
payment terms before work commences will
avoid any confusion later down the line.
On larger projects, contractors should invoice
regularly as opposed to waiting until work has
finished; asking to be paid weekly or monthly will
keep things moving along nicely. As soon as an
invoice becomes overdue, businesses should
chase immediately. This doesn’t necessarily
mean getting aggressive, but it serves as a
reminder for the client.
Collecting payments on time has been made
easier with the introduction of electronic banking.
Contractors should ensure they accept electronic
payments so as to speed the whole process up as
much as possible and to keep a one hundred per
cent accurate record. With that being said,
staying on top of the books and keeping an
ongoing record of incomings and outgoings as
they happen is highly advised to prevent any
nasty surprises later down the line.
Change is inevitable in the construction industry.
Nothing will ever go exactly to plan, and the
ability to effectively communicate these changes
to a client sets a successful business apart from
its struggling counterparts. It is crucial that
changes are communicated to the client as early
as possible and are well documented in writing
for future reference. It is also advisable to check
whether the client definitely has the funds to
accommodate the change before taking the
decision to implement it, however big or small.
A clear way for businesses to prevent a cash
shortage is by always keeping some aside. The
most obvious way to do this is to enforce a policy
of always drawing less than the profit made so
that a balance builds up over time.
Maintaining positive cash and running a
profitable business is fundamentally down to
preparation. Conducting the relevant research,
carrying out a thorough and realistic cost
forecast, monitoring and recording changes,
putting the measures in place to ensure prompt
payment, and communicating openly and
consistently with clients will put a business in the
very best position for success.
Contact SIG Roofing
0845 612 4304
www.sigroofing.co.uk
@SIGRoofing
20 TC OCTOBER 2018

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An Inspector Calls
SINGLE-PLY ADVICE: WELDING WELL
In our regular monthly column – ‘An Inspector calls’ – Total Contractor has teamed up with
the experts at BMI 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 tackles the hot
topic of heat welding singly-ply
membranes.
As discussed in last month’s column, single-ply
membranes are increasing in popularity but so
too is their ill-founded 'notoriety'. This misplaced
sentiment is mostly down to a lack of industry
understanding and insufficient product
awareness regarding installation.
One of the main reasons for this is the alleged
vulnerability to water ingress. Now this is most
commonly a result of poor application, with
typically the most common source of ingress
originating from a poorly sealed lap. A number of
reasons may have contributed towards this:
incorrect welding temperature, the presence of
dirt or contaminants on the seam, or even
moisture retention within the product – a byproduct
of poor material storage. All of these
issues can be eliminated, however, with some
basic product awareness.
Above: Automatic welding machine in action.
Above: A hand-held welding kit.
“The truth is that
different brands of PVC
membrane will have
their own required
welding temperature
and the same is true for
TPO membranes”
The most common issue we see is the incorrect
welding temperature being used. This is mainly
due to the widespread belief that every PVC
membrane will weld at one set temperature
whilst all TPOs will weld at another. The truth is
that different brands of PVC membrane will have
their own required welding temperature and the
same is true for TPO membranes.
Recommended temperature
With this in mind, the best way to establish what
the recommended temperature should be is to
check with the manufacturer and read the
Above, left and right: examples of poor welds. This can be
caused by contaminated or dirty laps.
“It is advised all the
laps are cleaned prior
to welding. This is
particularly relevant
when applying patch
repairs to existing
systems”
product literature and installation manuals. Each
manufacturer will have a different
recommendation and for good reason. Different
compositions, blends and stabilisers all
contribute towards varying recommended
temperatures, and these small adjustments can
make a big difference. Much like baking a cake,
we follow a recipe for a reason – the ingredients
and ratios used can all influence the
recommended temperature that is set for the
oven.
“A membrane’s
receptiveness to
welding can vary
depending on the
temperature the
material has been
stored at”
Local environment
You should also consider the temperature and
conditions of the local environment. A
membrane’s receptiveness to welding can vary
depending on the temperature the material has
been stored at. Furthermore, the first weld of the
day will be different to the last, so ‘test welds’ are
always recommended prior to installation. Test
welds will get the equipment up to the optimal
temperature and any small adjustments required
can be made prior to full membrane application.
Equipment
Welding equipment can also vary as
manufacturers may have different recommended
temperatures for handheld welders and
automatic welders. Manufacturers might also
22 TC OCTOBER 2018

“Another recipe for
failure is contaminated
and dirty laps. These
prevent a secure weld”
recommend different types of seam rollers, such
as a silicone roller for PVCs and a PTFE / Teflonbased
roller for TPOs. Each roller would apply a
different level of pressure, which is better suited
to each membrane type.
Clean laps
Another recipe for failure is contaminated and
dirty laps. These prevent a secure weld so it is
advised all the laps are cleaned prior to welding.
This is particularly relevant when applying patch
repairs to existing systems as the membrane
already in-situ will have retained dust, dirt and
possible contaminants during its life, which could
compromise any future bond. It is therefore
essential the areas due to be welded are cleaned
with an appropriate agent (from that particular
manufacturer) or cleaned with an approved
alternative. Failure to do this usually means the
contaminants will prevent a homogeneous weld
and this could ‘pop open’ weeks later. Coming
back to site to ‘repair the repair’ never looks good
and would not instil the client or building owner
with much confidence in your workmanship.
Correct storage
Lastly, returning to our theme of storage, if the
single-ply membrane has been incorrectly stored
i.e. left on the ground or exposed to the elements,
it will retain moisture that is not visible to the
naked eye. This moisture will compromise any
weld in the product and again could cause the
seam to ‘pop open’ weeks – sometimes months
after installation. A lap that may have appeared
secure following project completion could be the
cause of a costly source of ingress, which is
easily avoidable if materials are stored correctly
in the first place.
Important points to
remember:
• Always store your single ply
membranes in a suitable place.
• Consult the manufacturer for
advice and best practice.
• Use the recommended welding
temperatures.
• Use the recommend rollers
(silicone / Teflon).
• Clean the product prior to
welding.
• Test weld, test weld, test weld.
Contact Icopal’s Technical Team
0161 865 4444
www.icopal.co.uk
@Icopal_UK
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partner of choice for building projects of any size and type. Our extensive range of products include bitumen, single ply, liquid applied waterproofing,
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OCTOBER 2018 TC 23

SPRA: Opinion
HOW WILL CONSTRUCTION ADAPT
FOLLOWING THE HACKITT REVIEW?
By Dr Ronan Brunton, Technical Manager at SPRA.
The publication earlier this year of the
‘Independent Review of Building
Regulations and Fire Safety: Final Report’
by Dame Judith Hackitt (May 2018),
fundamentally points to a cultural change
necessary in the UK construction industry. The
construction process came under scrutiny in the
review and parts were found to be sadly ‘not fit
for purpose’. This perhaps renders the system as
a whole in need of change.
Among many important recommendations to
industry to effect change, the issue of competent
individuals assessing installed work to ensure
compliance with design specification must be a
priority. This follows for any trade, element or part
of the building structure. In context, if the design
specification complies with Building Regulations
(which should require verification pre-build) then
a competent person must be able to assess and
verify that installation of that design has actually
taken place. The competent person assessing on
site must have the knowledge (through certifiable
training), industry experience and be prepared to
raise awareness if something is not right. The
surrounding construction professionals must
react positively at that point to ensure
compliance. The competent person needs to have
the design and specification information to hand
at the point of assessment. Is this always the
case? I’d say perhaps not.
Specified products installed properly
The competent person must be able to check and
be sure that not only are the specified products
present but that they are installed correctly. They
must have that crucial knowledge – in some
cases quite specific – of the product or system. It
is likely and desirable that they will be assessing
only the part of the building or system that their
knowledge and experience relates
to. Frequent ongoing assessment
would ensure large, costly mistakes
could be avoided or minimized. It
must also follow, in the long run, that this
approach has economic benefit by spotting issues
quickly, during the build.
Flat roofing’s approach
In terms of flat roofing, the approach taken by the
Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA) is to ensure
SPRA-registered contractors are trained and
certified to install systems supplied by SPRA
membrane manufacturers. All membrane
manufacturers have BBA-certified systems and
installing contractors are trained in these
systems by the membrane manufacturers.
Importantly, frequent site visits (number
depending on project size and complexity) by the
manufacturer’s technical team or appointed
representative are made to advise on the quality
of the installation, for each project. The
manufacturer’s technical team are experienced,
knowledgeable individuals who are capable of
advising on issues concerning the installation of
their membrane system for specific projects.
Construction to follow
There are opportunities for the construction industry
at large to follow similar lines, with manufacturers
visiting projects to assess how their products are
being installed and impart good technical advice to
contractors, ultimately improving the quality of
installations and reputation of their products. The
people who really know the product’s capabilities,
including limitations, are the product
manufacturers. Site involvement here is crucial in
getting the installation quality right and
developing an understanding for innovation of
future products and systems.
Left: Dr Ronan Brunton, SPRA Technical
Manager.
At SPRA, all members see the
benefit of working closer together
both at manufacturer and installing
contractor level and our membrane manufacturers
actively train SPRA contractors offsite and support
them during installation on site. Furthermore,
SPRA audits all members regarding their training
records to ensure compliance.
“Competent people
should be seen as
sources of knowledge
encouraging cultural
change”
Assessed, added to and developed
A commitment to training and verification with
training records allowing individual skills to be
assessed, added to and developed to the benefit
of the individual, their organisation, and the
resulting build quality of any project must be at
the very core of the cultural change called for in
the Hackitt review. On-site assessment should be
part of the learning process also. If a skilled,
competent person passes on advice or insists a
correction is made during the build process, the
individual should learn from that advice,
improving their knowledge. The industry should
also provide an on-site learning environment and
competent people should be seen as sources of
knowledge encouraging cultural change.
Contact SPRA
0845 154 7188
www.spra.co.uk
@singleply
24 TC OCTOBER 2018

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Roofing Rules
SHOULD ROOFING RULES BE
SIMPLER? A SUPPLIER’S VIEW...
There are growing calls from across the roofing industry to make the rules and regulations
that govern the quality of materials and the standards of installation easier to use and
understand, as part of a wider drive to boost the industry’s perceived reputation and levels
of professionalism. Duncan Winter, Flex-R’s Trading Director, has his say from a supplier’s
perspective.
Anything that can help to increase
awareness of standards and regulations –
and therefore enhance the reputation of
the roofing industry – can only be a good thing at
a time when we’re still smarting from the
damning Which? Trusted Traders report earlier
this year, which found that roofers were amongst
the least trusted trades.
There’s logic to the argument about looking at
making the rules and regulations easier to
understand because it should lead to greater
industry engagement and adoption of standards
so that everyone in the industry pulls in the same
direction.
“It should lead to
greater industry
engagement and
adoption of standards
so that everyone in the
industry pulls in the
same direction”
Standing up for standards
These standards are usually written by industry
experts, and drafts of the standards are
distributed widely as part of a consultation
process until consensus is achieved and the
standards are published.
That’s exactly what’s going on at the moment
with BS 6229 (Flat roofs with continuously
supported flexible waterproof covering). The
standard – which will eventually supersede BS
6229:2003 – was drafted earlier this year, went
out for public comment and is currently
undergoing comment resolution. According to the
BSI’s Standards Development website, the
comment resolution is timetabled to be completed
by the end of December.
Who’s got time to read them?
When the new BS 6229 is published, it’ll no doubt
be heralded as another step forward for the
industry by setting higher standards, but who will
have time to read it? Us, certainly, but busy
roofing contractors? almost certainly not.
The people who write the standards could look at
producing bite-sized versions, but I’m sure they’d
feel like it was dumbing down a lot of hard work,
so I can understand why they’ve never really
gone down this route.
“Rule makers’ loss is our gain”
Don’t get me wrong, we’re not opposed to
progress, but suppliers like us benefit from the
system being the way it is for two key reasons.
The first is the implementation of standards.
When new rules, guidance and specifications
come out, we work with our manufacturers to
make sure the products are compliant. This is
often a long and complicated process, but in
short, we do all the hard work so that contractors
don’t have to – thus giving them peace of mind
that every product they purchase from us is up to
the job in every sense of the phrase. After all,
that’s what responsible suppliers do, right?
Duncan Winter, Flex-R’s Trading Director.
The second is that I’d argue that the rule makers
miss a trick in not fanfaring each standard as it
comes out. They could proactively explain the
nuts and bolts of each standard and, more
importantly, be clear about what any changes
mean for roofing contractors. They could work
closely with media like Total Contactor to spread
these messages.
Their radio silence gives us the opportunity to
produce product guides and other information –
often in bite-sized form – which we give out via
merchants, at shows, online and at in-branch
demonstration days so that roofing contractors can
get the information they need quickly and easily.
And having our marketing materials in the hands
of contractors goes a long way to being front of
mind as roofers are buying materials for their next
roofing jobs.
In the November issue, we bring you a
contractor’s thoughts on this topic.
Contact Flex-R
01494 448792
www.flex-r.co.uk
@FlexR_UK
26 TC OCTOBER 2018

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Concrete Tiles
CONCRETE BENEFITS, RAIN OR SHINE
With winter fast approaching, now is the time for pitched roofing contractors to carefully
consider ever-changing weather patterns. Mark Parsons, Technical Director at Russell Roof
Tiles, offers his advice on how the industry can avoid weather woes through the right
specification and roofing solution.
2018 has been a year of bi-polar weather,
with violent storms and wet weather a
regular occurrence in Spring, followed by
record breaking Summer temperatures.
Icy chills and heavy snow gripped the country in
February and continued well into March, which
proved to be some of the UK’s harshest weather
to date. Various weather warnings and dangers to
life were issued, and then Storm Hector hit the
country in June alongside winds of up to 100mph.
The summer months brought torrential
downpours and gales, following the intense
heatwave and record-breaking temperatures.
No room for substandard roofing
With the rise in extreme weather expected to
continue throughout winter, there is no longer
room for substandard pitched roofing. This is
because strong winds have the ability to loosen
roof edge details and ultimately disrupt the roof
system and this leads to defects in roofs – such
as leaks – which are often hard to pinpoint once
the roof is complete.
“Legislation has
already taken into
consideration the
changing weather
patterns”
Legislation has already taken into consideration
the changing weather patterns. For instance, the
British Standard for Slating and Tiling BS 5534
was revised to recognise the rise in extreme
weather in the UK aligning the British standards
with European standards. However, it is just as
important that contractors also
design-out potential issues by the
correct specification and
products used, ensuring the roof
is as stable and watertight as
possible.
Contractors also need to consider that
harsh weather can cause severe delays to
projects as working at height can be dangerous,
especially if there are strong winds.
“With the rise in
extreme weather
expected to continue
throughout winter,
there is no longer room
for substandard
pitched roofing”
Concrete tiles are often a popular solution as the
product provides a quick, yet cost-effective
solution when time is of the essence, as well as
being sustainable. Thinner leading-edge tiles, in
particular, are two thirds the thickness of a
normal concrete tile, and this means the product
is easier to handle and has an interlocking design
that can be fixed quickly and efficiently. This
helps to speed up the installation process before
the weather delays the construction process any
further.
Therefore, it no surprise that concrete, which is
also highly sustainable, now accounts for around
60% of the roofing tile market and is still
continuing to grow in popularity. Concrete tiles
can also replicate many indigenous different
regional materials, such as clay, slate or stone
Left: Mark Parsons, Technical Director at
Russell Roof Tiles.
and have a very visuallypleasing
appearance once
installed.
Once laid as part of a roof system,
concrete roof tiles assist in controlling
and retaining heat which keeps the inhabitants’
environment stay stable and warm. As a result,
I’d say concrete is pivotal in helping homes to be
more energy efficient – something that is
becoming more important to both inhabitants and
contractors to help them reach housing and
building standards set out by the Government.
Robust and long-lasting
By taking into consideration different weather
patterns, trends and the location from the start of
any project, contractors are in a stronger position
to ensure roofs are robust and long-lasting
despite the harsh weather conditions.
As manufacturers, at Russell Roof Tiles we work
closely with the contractor to ensure that they
have the best fixing specification and that all
the necessary factors have been taken into
consideration, from changing weather overtime
to how the location is affected by winds, rain
and gusts. This allows us to offer the assurance
of a guaranteed RussSpec – a 15-year
guarantee incorporating our whole roof
solutions.
Contact Russell Roof Tiles
01283 517070
www.russellrooftiles.com
@russellrooftile
28 TC OCTOBER 2018

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Contractor’s Q’s
‘PERSEVERANCE IS SOMETHING THAT
YOU SHOULD HAVE IN ABUNDANCE’
Archibald McCorquodale & Son is a fourth generation family-owned and managed roofing and
building contracting company located on the southside of Glasgow. The company is currently
owned by Colin McCorquodale, a Chartered Building Surveyor, and Gavin McCorquodale, a
qualified roof slater. The award-winning roofing company was founded in 1911 by Archibald, the Great
Grandfather of the current owners. Total Contractor caught up with Colin McCorquodale to put our
questions to him about projects, the market and his experiences over the years...
10
questions for Colin McCorquodale:
“It is fantastic to see a
young person that we
take on learn their
trade and grow into a
confident and
competent
tradesperson”
TC: What was your path into roofing and
to your current position?
CM: Growing up, my father ran our family roofing
business and I was always interested in one day
doing the same. However, I trained and practised
as a Chartered Building Surveyor before joining
our family business some 24 years ago. This has
allowed me to bring a different perspective to the
company and also to better understand the needs
of many of our customers, particularly in the
commercial market.
TC: If you had one piece of advice about
starting a roofing business, what would it
be?
CM: Perseverance is something that you should
have in abundance. The roofing industry is a very
challenging environment and you will face many
obstacles and set backs on a daily basis, with
many of them being factors totally out of your
control. However, our industry is rewarding. I
would urge anyone starting a roofing company to
join a Trade Association, such as NFRC, where
you will gain a lot of information, contacts and
will have an opportunity to be involved in shaping
the industry.
TC: Tell us about a current project you’re
working on…
CM: Typically our workload is very varied and at
any one time we are likely to be working on
traditional strip and reslate projects, minor roof
repairs, roof alterations, industrial
sheet roofing repairs or renewal.
Currently we are involved in a
strip and reslate of a traditional
Glasgow tenemental property in a
highly visible city location. The work
itself is straightforward and very typical of
this sort of project, however there are many
challenges, particularly in terms of storage of
materials, siting of welfare, removal of debris,
traffic and pedestrian management as well as
liaison with the building occupiers. This project
highlights that as contractors we need many
skills other than just technical knowledge of
roofing to make a project work successfully.
“Most projects have
their difficulties and
it’s the ease or
otherwise with which
these are sorted out
that make certain jobs
stand out”
TC: You must have worked on some
difficult projects over the years. Does one
in particular stand out?
CM: I think it’s fair to say that most projects have
their difficulties and it’s the ease or otherwise
with which these are sorted out that make certain
Left: Colin McCorquodale, Owner, Archibald
McCorquodale & Son.
jobs stand out. In recent times
our biggest difficulties have come
from the weather, particularly the
various versions of the “Beast from the
East” at the start of this year which really slowed
us down, and on reflection affected productivity
and future planning more than we realised at the
time.
TC: What about difficult customers? Any
situations that stand out that you can tell
us about?!
CM: Like all contractors we have our fair share of
challenging – we don’t like the word difficult! –
customers, particularly in the domestic sector
where we need to appreciate our work represents
a large investment for the homeowner, and
generally we are an industry they approach with
some trepidation that they have little knowledge
of. In the commercial sphere difficulties often
arise when clients, for various reasons, are
unrealistic about either project duration or
budgets.
The rise of the internet has perhaps given us one
of our more standout challenges; we were
undertaking a fairly simple roofing scheme for a
domestic customer who insisted on stopping us
working what seemed like every 10 minutes so
that they could validate what we were doing
30 TC OCTOBER 2018

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Contractor’s Q’s
on the internet. Eventually, I am glad to say we
did manage to persuade them that we knew
better than their online browsing session, and we
turned a very negative atmosphere at the start of
the project into a successful job with a happy
customer.
TC: What’s the most frustrating thing
about your job?
CM: Living in the West of Scotland it goes without
saying that the weather is usually frustrating! Apart
from that we do get frustrated when we are asked
to work to unrealistic deadlines. The effects of late
payment, a trend we are seeing resurfacing, are
“We do get frustrated
when we are asked to
work to unrealistic
deadlines”
always frustrating. I do get frustrated that as an
industry we are viewed by the general public in a
very negative light and while we are taking steps
to address this, I feel we have a long way to go
before the true skill level of roofers is recognised
as widely as it should be.
TC: And the most satisfying?
CM: One of the most satisfying aspects of my
work is our apprentice training programme. It is
fantastic to see a young person that we take on,
often as young as sixteen and frequently straight
from school, learn their trade and grow into a
confident and competent tradesperson. In that
four years the change can be quite dramatic and
highlights the benefits of a career in roofing.
TC: What’s your most important tool as a
roofing contractor, either in the office or
on site?
“One of the most
important tools in our
industry is the ability to
be able to
communicate clearly
and effectively with a
wide variety of people”
CM: One of the most important tools in our
industry is the ability to be able to communicate
clearly and effectively with a wide variety of
people who have varying degrees of
understanding of the technical aspects of
roofing.
TC: What’s the best social media platform
for you as a roofing contractor?
CM: Twitter is easy to use and as it links to our
website allows us to update on current activities;
we do not use social media as much as perhaps
we should.
TC: How do you feel your sector’s shaping
up in 2018? Are there reasons to be
positive?
CM: In our sector – repair, maintenance,
alteration and refurbishment – the market
continues to be challenging with margins being
squeezed by various factors. I feel that while
we remain busy there is, however, very little
long-term certainty and this would appear to be
more prevalent in Scotland than the rest of the
UK.
There are, however, plenty of reasons to be
positive, one of which is that, whilst market
conditions are challenging as a company we
continue to enjoy a buoyant enquiry level which
suggests that we must be doing something
right.
Contact Archibold McCorquodale & Son
0141 621 4307
www.mccorquodaleltd.co.uk
@mccorquodaleltd
32 TC OCTOBER 2018

SEE US AT

Perfectly Pitched
DRAPED CRUSADERS: MAKE SURE
YOU GET YOUR UNDERLAY RIGHT
In his latest column, pitched roofing expert and consultant John Mercer – writing on behalf
of Imerys Roof Tiles – looks at the issues around installing a waterproof underlay system.
Continuing with our series explaining what
BS 5534 means for the roofer, this month
we look at underlays. BS 5534 stipulates
that an underlay should a) provide a barrier to
reduce the wind uplift load acting on the tiles, b)
provide a secondary barrier to the ingress of
wind-driven rain, snow and dust and c) transport
any moisture that might be deposited onto the
surface of the underlay to the roof drainage
system. It must also provide temporary weather
protection to a building before the installation of
the roof tiles.
In this article we will deal with requirements b)
and c). In simple terms, the prerequisite of BS
5534 is to construct a waterproof underlay
layer; in practice, this may not be as
straightforward as it first appears. The now
widespread use of modern, breathable
underlays has brought new challenges in
installing a durable and weathertight underlay
layer, particularly in cold roof construction
where the underlay is draped unsupported over
the rafters.
The underlay drape allows any water that does find its way
into the batten cavity to drain safely away to the gutters.
The issues
In traditional English cold roof
construction, underlay is laid
horizontally over the rafters, with
a drape of up to 15mm between
each rafter and tile battens nailed
directly through the underlay into the
rafters. The underlay drape allows any water that
does find its way into the batten cavity to drain
safely away to the gutters.
“Laying traditional
bituminous underlay
across the rafters with
a drape was easy; in
fact, it was impossible
to lay it without a drape
because it sagged
under its own weight”
Bituminous underlay compresses where the
battens are fixed over it and forms a watertight
seal around the batten and nail hole. The
combination of the drape and the sealed holes
made for an effective watertight barrier. Laying
traditional bituminous underlay across the rafters
with a drape was easy; in fact, it was impossible
to lay it without a drape because it sagged under
its own weight – particularly in warm weather.
However, the same cannot be said about modern,
lightweight underlays. Even in slightly windy
conditions, it can be difficult to lay a breathable
underlay with a drape. Sometimes it needs
someone to hold it down at each end and a third
person to fix battens over it before it blows away!
Left: John Mercer, Roofing Consultant.
There is even evidence that
some underlays may shrink
slightly after a period in use.
Whatever the reason, the result can be
an underlay that is stretched tightly over the
rafters without any drape whatsoever. Modern,
lightweight underlays do not compress in the
same way that bitumen underlays do and so do
not form such an effective seal around the nail
holes. Therefore, the combination of little or no
underlay drape and unsealed nail holes can lead
to a leaky roof.
Detailing the general roof areas
Having identified the two possible causes of
leakage; i.e lack of underlay drape causing water
to become trapped behind the battens combined
with the inadequate sealing of nail holes, the goal
is to overcome these issues as simply and
effectively as possible.
Dealing with the sealing of the nail holes first;
A way to protect the nail tape is to install counterbattens
over the nail tape, underlay and rafters, prior to installing the
tiling battens.
34 TC OCTOBER 2018

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Perfectly Pitched
if we take the premise that bitumen underlay
self-seals around the nail holes, then the simple
answer is to re-create that phenomenon. The way
we do that is to fit bituminous nail tape between
each batten and underlay over the rafter. Nail
tape, as the name suggests, comes in the form of
a continuous roll of self-adhesive tape.
However, it is not practical to simply run nail tape
continuously up the underlay over the rafters, as
the roofer must stand on the rafters. Therefore, a
way to protect the nail tape is to install
counterbattens over the nail tape, underlay and
rafters, prior to installing the tiling battens. That
way, the nail tape can adhere to the
counterbattens and underlay and will create a
good seal around the nail holes.
This brings us to the second issue; i.e. lack of
underlay drape. Counter-battens not only protect
the nail tape, they also obviate the need for the
drape as they lift the tile battens clear of the
underlay, providing an efficient path for water to
run under the battens and towards the gutters. In
this application, the counterbattens need only be
10 to 15mm deep to satisfy the BS 5534
requirement for a space between the underlay
and tile battens to enable water drainage.
Detailing junctions
At the eaves, it is important to fully support the
underlay to prevent it sagging behind the fascia
which can lead to water ponding and eventual
leakage. The use of proprietary underlay support
trays is the ideal solution as these not only fully
support the underlay to maintain a fall towards
the gutter, they also provide a durable and UVresistant
drip edge into the gutter.
At abutments such as walls, chimneys and roof
window upstands, it is important to turn the
underlay up the abutment sufficiently and
consider taping the underlay to the wall or
upstand using a suitable durable adhesive tape.
For penetrations through the underlay, such as
pipes and ventilation terminals, cut the underlay
in an ‘X’ and turn it up the pipe or terminal. Fit a
diverter in the underlay directly above the
penetration so that any water on the underlay is
directed away from the penetration as it runs
down the roof slope.
Conclusions
What every contractor wants is to do a job as
efficiently and cost-effectively as possible, be
paid and to not need to go back to rectify
complaints. Following these simple
recommendations will go a long way towards
ensuring that each job is a success, first time.
Contact Imerys Roof Tiles / John Mercer
www.imerys-roof-tiles.com
@imerys
@johnmercer3
Below: Imerys Beauvoise Slate installation.
“What every contractor
wants is to do a job as
efficiently and costeffectively
as possible”
36 TC OCTOBER 2018

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Technical Tips
BATTENS: “THEY’RE CRUCIAL TO THE
OVERALL SECURITY OF THE ROOF”
Marley Eternit, manufacturer of the JB-Red batten, provides roofers with some top tips for
batten installation.
When you think of a secure pitched roof, battens aren’t always the first thing that comes to mind because they are hidden by the roof covering.
However, they are actually crucial to the overall security of the roof, providing a reliable anchor that tiles or slates can be securely fixed to. Battens
also play a part in ensuring the rigidity, durability and weather tightness of the finished roof. That’s why, whether you’re working on a new build or a
refurbishment project, all battens need to be installed in accordance with BS 5534: 2014.
Below are Marley Eternit’s top tips on storing, setting out and fixing battens to make sure your roof is compliant with the Standard:
Preparation and storage
1: Only ever use a roofing batten that is marked
BS 5534 compliant – make sure you check the
stamp on the batten yourself.
2: Store battens and counter battens on
sufficient bearers to prevent sagging or twisting.
Protect them from water saturation when stored
in bales or bundles horizontally.
Batten length, size and spacing
3: Before installing the battens, check you have
the size and spacing right as this can have a
direct influence on the weather tightness of the
roof, as well as the finished appearance.
4: The appropriate batten size will depend on the
span of the rafters and type of roof covering you
are using. BS 5534 includes a table of
recommended minimum batten sizes (see below).
For example, 25 x 50mm battens should be used
for single-lap interlocking tiles when laid on
rafters with a 600mm span.
5: Battens should be fixed to rafters set at
centres not more than 600mm apart. They should
span at least three rafters and be at least 1.2m
long.
6: No more than one in four
battens should be joined over
one truss for gauges over
200mm. For gauges less
than 200mm, there can
be a maximum of three
consecutive joints in any
twelve battens.
Using a spread of batten lengths
is a good way to achieve the above
two requirements, as it results in staggered
joints.
Fixing
7: When you’re ready to secure the battens to
the rafters, ensure you’re using the right nails.
BS 5534 states that the nails used to fix battens
to rafters should usually have a diameter of at
least 3.35mm. The nails should provide a
minimum of 40mm penetration into the rafter, so
a nail length of 65mm is generally
recommended.
8: Start at the lower edge of the roof, nailing the
batten into place at the centre of the rafter. Joints
should be directly over rafters, with the batten
square cut, tightly butted and skewed nails.
9: If a batten end is to be set in mortar, make
sure an appropriate preservative treatment has
been applied. This is not required when using a
dry fix system.
Wall fixing
10: When fixing to a wall, fix
specified battens to
boarding / sheathing
sarking in line with
vertical supports, or to
masonry wall as specified.
Secure counter battens to
masonry walls with improved
nails or with plugs and screws.
Other battens considerations
11: When fixing dry verges to battens, under the
new BS 8612 Standard they can no longer be
installed with just a nail fixing into the end grain
of the batten. Instead, mechanical engagement
must be achieved when fixing a dry verge to the
batten. Using a system with a batten end clip can
make this easier.
12: Counter battens: if you’re using a vapour
permeable (breathable) membrane with a close
fitting roof covering – such as shingles – then it
needs to be counter battened to allow ventilation
of the batten space. The position of the first
batten should be the batten gauge plus half the
thickness of the batten. The batten gauge
thereafter is based on the pitch of the roof.
Contact Marley Eternit
01283 722 588
www.marleyeternit.co.uk
@MarleyEternit
38 TC OCTOBER 2018

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Inverted Roofs
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager at Polyfoam XPS, addresses contractors’
queries about inverted roofs and extruded polystyrene insulation.
Why is a different lambda value used for
an inverted roof calculation?
In simple terms, the ‘declared’ lambda value
refers to the thermal conductivity of the product
when it leaves the factory.
When laid over the waterproofing in an inverted
roof, the insulation’s efficiency can be affected by
rainwater draining between the boards. The
declared lambda value is adjusted and the
insulation assigned a ‘design lambda’ value,
which is used in U-value calculations for inverted
roofs.
What is a water control layer?
The cooling effect of moisture reaching the
waterproofed roof deck affects a roof’s thermal
performance, so a water control layer is laid over
the insulation to reduce the amount of moisture
that can enter the build-up.
“The lower the
drainage factor, the
thinner the insulation
required to achieve a
particular U-value”
Water control layers, such as Polyfoam Slimline
Zero, are membranes resistant to rot and UV
decay, and impermeable to liquid but permeable
to water vapour. They allow a favourable drainage
factor to be adopted in calculations. The lower the
drainage factor, the thinner the insulation
required to achieve a particular U-value.
What coverings should be used above the
insulation?
As the insulation and water control layer are
loose laid on an inverted roof rather than
mechanically or adhesively fixed, a ballast is
required to stop them being lost to
the wind and prevent flotation
after heavy rain.
A variety of roof coverings can be
used, including green roofs and
timber decking. The following roof
coverings, however, are accepted as achieving
the necessary fire performance without the need
for further testing, and therefore are most
commonly specified and installed:
• Loose laid gravel at least 50mm thick, or with
a mass greater than 80 kg/m² (subject to
maximum and minimum aggregate sizes).
•A sand / cement screed at least 30mm thick.
• Cast stone or mineral slabs at least 40mm
thick.
Why do I need to know the site location
before requesting a U-value calculation?
The average rate of rainfall during the heating
season, based on location-specific data from the
Met Office, is included in a U-value calculation. It
is used to help calculate the amount of rainwater
the insulation is likely to be exposed to and the
effect it could have on performance.
“There can be wide
variations in rainfall in
specific regions too –
the average rainfall for
Manchester is lower
than the North West as
a whole”
For example, a building located in East Anglia is
likely to be exposed to significantly less rainfall
than one in Western Scotland. There can be wide
Left: Rob Firman, Technical and
Specification Manager at Polyfoam XPS.
variations in rainfall in specific
regions too – the average rainfall
for Manchester is lower than the
North West as a whole, showing the
benefit of using location data to improve the
accuracy of the U-value calculation.
Why is drainage important?
Building Regulations and British Standards
require roofs to drain properly. If water is allowed
to pond, the roof can be exposed to issues such
as greater loads than it was designed to
accommodate, accumulation of unsightly silt and
algae, and freeze-thaw cycles that place stress
on roof coverings.
“For inverted roofs,
drainage should be
provided at both the
water control layer and
waterproofing levels”
For inverted roofs, drainage should be provided
at both the water control layer and
waterproofing levels. Drainage outlets should
be positioned at the low points of the roof, not
just the roof edge. The low point on precast
concrete decks, for example, is most likely at
mid-span because of deflection due to the
deck’s weight.
Contact Polyfoam XPS
01429 855100
www.polyfoamxps.co.uk
@RavathermUK
40 TC OCTOBER 2018

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OCTOBER 2018 TC 41

Safe2Torch
“CONTRACTORS NEED NOT AVOID
USING TORCH-ON PRODUCTS”
Martin Fisher, Technical Manager at IKO, outlines safe working practices when using hot
works to minimise the risk of roof fires.
Following the heightened awareness of fires
within buildings and on roofs, clients are
becoming increasingly aware of the need to
use materials with appropriate fire protection
(covered under Part B of the Building
Regulations). Questions are now being asked
regarding whose responsibility it is to ensure
buildings are safe and who should be
accountable if things go wrong.
The Construction, Design and Management
Regulations (2015) state that: “The person who
selects products for use in construction is a
designer and must take account of health and
safety issues arising from their use. If a product
is purpose-built, the person who prepares the
specification is a designer, and so are
manufacturers if they develop a detailed design.”
This means that anyone involved with writing a
specification which includes hot works must at
the very least assess and reduce the risk of fire,
or design out the risk altogether. Ideally, this
should be completed with a detailed report of the
roof condition and a photographic record which
should clearly highlight risk zones.
Safe2Torch
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors
(NFRC) has launched its ‘Safe2Torch’ campaign,
developed in partnership with its member
manufacturers and contractors, to reduce the risk
of roof fires. It also gives clients peace of mind
that if they engage with a contractor who has
signed up to the Safe2Torch campaign, their roof
works will be planned and installed within the
Safe2Torch guidance.
“It is the application
process – and in
particular the
applicator – that
should be scrutinised
to ensure compliance
with Safe2Torch
guidance”
While the specification of materials and
equipment is key to reducing the risk of roof fires,
it is the application process – and in particular
the applicator – that should be scrutinised to
ensure compliance with Safe2Torch guidance.
Anyone using torch-on methods must be trained
to do so for health and safety purposes.
42 TC OCTOBER 2018

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Safe2Torch
This not only includes the applicator, but
supervisors or site managers where works are
taking place. Guidance states that there is a need
for all persons operating with and around torchon
methods of application have a clear
understanding of the risks involved and the
control measure required.
Handy checklist
The NFRC has produced a handy checklist. If a
fire risk has been identified, or equally if it cannot
be ruled out, the work must default to a TorchSafe
solution. The checklist includes items such as
timber products; plastic fascias; soffits; a roof
adjoining a pitched roof; cladding; thatched roof;
window sills and frames; and existing weathering
components with concealed flammable materials.
A torch-free exclusion zone must also be created
of at least 900mm from all areas deemed to be at
risk, either due to containing combustible
components or being adjacent to roof details
where there is a risk of fire due to debris on the
existing roof structure of other flammable
hazards.
Only once fire risks have been fully assessed and
where necessary, mitigated, can hot works begin.
When using a torch-on method, it is vital that
propane cylinders are stored in the upright
position at all times and placed in a lockable
cage, away from the workplace, when not in use.
Propane gas hoses should be orange in colour
and of a suitable length for the project – using an
industry approved, CE marked, hose is the best
way to meet this requirement. If the hose is being
used for heating bitumen, it must be armoured for
additional protection against fire.
Hoses should be thoroughly inspected before
every use and be free from any tears, burns,
“Hoses should be
thoroughly inspected
before every use and
be free from any tears,
burns, fraying or cuts”
“Contractors need not
avoid using torch-on
products altogether,
but they do need to
take appropriate steps
to ensure they are
working safely”
fraying or cuts. A damaged hose must be
replaced before any hot works can begin.
After the gas torch has been attached to the gas
cylinder, you should check for any leakages using
a detergent solution. If a leak is identified, the
faulty component must be repaired or replaced
before proceeding – do not attempt to fix any
leaks using excessive force, sealing tape or
similar jointing material. Furthermore, all gas
torches should be fitted with a stand to ensure
that the flame is directed away from the roof at
all times.
Where possible, try to use torches which selfignite
and extinguish using an electronic system
as these are both safer and more environmentally
friendly than gas torches which rely on a pilot
light. An appropriate fire extinguisher (water, drypowder,
foam or CO ² ) with an in-date service
record should also be within easy reach at all
times.
Drying out
Following these steps should ensure a new or
refurbished roof is installed safely. However, a
significant amount of roof fires occur when newly
installed roof decking is being dried out prior to
the application of a waterproofing system. The
most popular method of drying out a roof is still
through using a gas torch – this means that the
same care and precautions must be taken at this
stage as with as any other. Where a fire risk has
been identified, a gas torch should not be used
within 900mm and a flame-free solution should
be employed instead.
Gas torches can be a very effective tool, but like
any tool, they must be used safely. Following the
NFRC’s ‘Safe2Torch’ guidance is an excellent way
to eliminate the risk of roof fires as far as
possible. Contractors need not avoid using torchon
products altogether, but they do need to take
appropriate steps to ensure they are working
safely.
See p.46 for a contractor’s perspective on
Safe2Torch.
Contact IKO
01257 255 771
www.ikogroup.co.uk
@ikoplc
44 TC OCTOBER 2018

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Safe2Torch
“STEP ONE FOR ME IS IT NEEDS TO BE
MANDATORY”
Adam Suffolk, Director at Adam Suffolk Flat Roofing, answers our questions and gives a
contractor’s perspective on the Safe2Torch initiative...
Has Safe2Torch been a positive move for
the industry?
Yes, I don’t believe you’ll come across anyone in
the industry – contractor or client – who can’t
see the benefit of this on paper. With insurances
on the rise every year – and that’s if you can find
one that deals with flame – safe working with a
torch can only be a positive, so yes 100% a good
thing which I’m all for.
As a contractor, how are you finding
Safe2Torch?
At the minute very mixed. Although I believe it’s a
good thing, I also believe Safe2Torch has a few
problems. Problem one being currently it’s only a
guideline; as it’s only a guideline and factoring in
how slow the installation process is, the cost of a
job following the guidelines increases massively
so it becomes very easy to be undercut on price
by a contractor who isn’t pricing on the same.
Step one for me is it needs to be mandatory.
What about training for Safe2Torch?
That could be training full stop – training on this
and just using the torch safely is, in my opinion,
the biggest thing. I believe torch-on roofing is very
safe with the right contractor installing your roof.
The problem is, however, how many
roofers out there are just blasting
the torch around the roof without
a care in the world? Far too
many in my opinion. If there is a
fire, it’s the company that’s left to
pick up the pieces with the roofer just
moving on to the next company.
For Safe2Torch to work we need to change the
mindset of people which can be very difficult to
do. Hard consequences for the individual need to
be in force. A lot of training is needed with regard
to using the torch because still, time and time
again, you see people leaving the torch lit on the
roof then going down to the van for dinner and,
yes, you hope people like this are few and far
between, however it’s them who cause fires and
give everyone a bad name.
What about enforcement of Safe2Torch?
Let’s say Safe2Torch is now mandatory, how does
the manufacturer or company enforce this? That
becomes very difficult. I have already seen
contractors torching the ‘Safe2Torch’ felt due to
speed. There’s also the issue of people still not
wanting to wait for roofs to dry out in the morning
Left: Adam Suffolk, Director at Adam Suffolk
Flat Roofing. Below, examples of his work.
so the gas and torch come back
out. The industry has a vast
amount of people who shouldn’t
be let loose on roofs with a flame;
it’s these people we need to remove
from the industry if we want it to become
safer. Safe2Torch is only any good if the criteria
are followed, it’s getting everyone to follow it
that’s the problem!
How much of a problem is drying off a
roof without a gas torch?
It isn’t a problem as it can be done without a
torch. Again though, it’s getting people to do it
that way – with the weather and tools available
for this it can be slow. When jobs are behind or
fixers out there want to cut corners to earn more
money, inevitably out comes the torch to save
time. The hope for Safe2Torch on this is more and
more follow, which will lead to more and more
tools on the market for drying off, and with this,
hopefully the price will come down.
What about improvements to Safe2Torch?
If I could think of just one, it would be at the
survey stage; let’s make sure we identify all the
risks then, for example, if there’s cladding on the
roof we know what’s behind it right from the very
start. Let’s have the manufacturer give out a
Safe2Torch report with the spec for the job so all
contractors can read and know exactly what’s
what.
Contact Adam Suffolk Flat Roofing
0116 2103406
www.adamsuffolkflatroofing.co.uk
46 TC OCTOBER 2018

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OCTOBER 2018 TC 47

Interview
COMPETITIVE SPIRIT PRODUCES
RESULTS FOR ROOFERS ON SITE
Earlier this year Matt Downs, Editor of Total Contractor, took part in the two-day judging
process that awarded Kieran Forster the title of BMI Icopal Apprentice of the Year 2018.
Now, after the excitement has died down, Matt visited Kieran to see what difference the
award has made to him on both a professional and personal level.
Kieran is employed by Hodgson Sayers,
based in the North East of England. The
day I caught up with him again, Kieran
was one of the team putting a new roof on Our
Lady, Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Primary
School in Houghton-le-Spring.
Upon meeting him it is apparent his confidence
has enjoyed a boost from winning the BMI
Apprentice of the Year competition. “It’s not that I
was shy before, but now I push myself forward
and I’m getting more responsibility at work,” he
explained. “A month or so before the competition I
would look around the site and need to be told
what to do, whereas now I can see what needs
doing.”
Similarly, it’s clear he is more confident when he
tries to complete new roofing tasks, such as
detailing the felting around a skylight. “I like
intricate details like these. I marked out all the
“A month or so before
the competition I would
look around the site
and need to be told
what to do, whereas
now I can see what
needs doing”
corners and then asked the lads if it was right
and they said: ‘Crack on, you’ve got a good grasp
of it’. It’s a good feeling when you can do these
small details by yourself.”
More than roofing skills
The BMI-backed Apprentice of the Year
competition was about far more than simply
roofing skills: it involves presentation skills,
customer service, fault finding and business
planning. Presentation is an important skill and
Below: Kieran Forster, Icopal Apprentice of the Year 2018, with Glyn Neasham of Hodgson Sayers. Kieran plans to use his
£1,000 prize to buy a top-end heat gun: “I need the heat gun because of the recent Safe2Torch guidance.”
the competition has helped Kieran take it to the
next level. “I used to be scared of speaking to
large numbers of people that I didn’t know but the
competition has really brought me on as we were
coached and encouraged during the competition.”
Kieran has already put those new presentation
skills to good use, as recently he was one of
Hodgson Sayers’ representatives at a careers fair
held at the Metro Centre in Gateshead, talking to
school leavers about the attractions of a future in
construction. Glyn Neasham, Hodgson Sayers’
Regulatory Affairs Manager, explained how well
Kieran did: “Kieran was an absolute credit to
himself, his family and the company.”
“We got very good feedback from the careers fair.
People said he was personable, cheerful and
helpful. Entering the competition breeds
confidence and that’s what we’re looking for.”
Competitive spirit
Glyn is a strong supporter of the BMI Apprentice
of the Year competition with Hodgson Sayers
having finalists for the last two years. He told us
that Kieran would receive a bonus prize supplied
by the Hodgson Sayers to add to the pile of
goodies he got for winning the BMI Icopal
Apprentice of the Year title! “Competitions such
as this have the effect of producing competition
within our group of apprentices and this improves
achievement levels across the board.”
Last year another Hodgson Sayers apprentice,
David Crank, was shortlisted in the BMI Redland
Apprentice of the Year competition. Since then
David has gone on to win the regional final of the
SkillBuild Competition in Slating and Tiling;
48 TC OCTOBER 2018

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Interview
Above main pic: Kieran Forster talks the judges Gary Walpole, Mark Tornton and Matt Downs through the defects on the flat roofing rigs at this year’s BMI Aprentice of the Year Awards; Top right: The
apprentices enjoyed a number of presentations geared towards boosting confidence and improving the way they present themselves; Kieran has taken these skills into his career with Hodgson Sayers.
and just last week it was confirmed that he had
qualified for the national SkillBuild final at the
National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, later this
year.
Confidence, quality and professionalism
Kieran and David’s success has certainly rubbed
off on the rest of the company’s apprentices with
all of them saying that they will be entering every
competition they can going forward.
“You can see the other apprentices wondering
‘why him and not me?; mix this with other
benefits such as boosting morale and them
feeling that they are a valued member of the team
and the positives are quite measurable,”
explained Glyn. “So we support them in every way
that we can, incentivising them when they win
because we’re trying to encourage confidence,
quality and professionalism.”
The aims of the BMI-backed competition and the
vision for the apprentice programme at Hodgson
Sayers are very similar. Glyn sees his role as
developing tradesmen rather than just roofers, a
process that starts by producing apprentices of
the highest possible quality. When they attend
Newcastle College, even small details are
important, such as insisting that all apprentices,
wear company-issue workwear and that it’s kept
“Glyn wants to see the
apprentices able to
impress end-users and
clients with their skills,
attitude, on-site
performance and
quality”
clean and smart. They are also encouraged to see
themselves as a team and to act professionally at
all times.
Impressing end users and clients
Just as the competitions look for aptitude in
business planning and presentation rather than
simply technical skills, Glyn wants to see the
apprentices able to impress end-users and
clients with their skills, attitude, on-site
performance and quality; a good stable,
professional, controlled approach is key to
achieving this.
Kieran himself has taken more than simply the
£1,000 prize money from the competition, though
he intends to spend that on a top-end heat gun.
“I need the heat gun because of the recent
Safe2Torch guidance which prohibits the use of
open flames within 900mm of an upstand, and
the better-quality heat guns are expensive, but it
shows that I’m serious about my profession and I
want the responsibility to do bigger, more
prestigious jobs,” he explained.
He has also helped form a WhatsApp group with
his fellow Apprentice of the Year competitors to
keep in touch as they progress through their
training with their respective employers. “The
group helps to keep me up-to-date with the
different systems the other guys are working with,
so it’s useful,” he added.
Keen to add to his skills base, Kieran has also
recently attended a training course in single ply
sheeting, run by Newcastle College, which has
developed several added value courses in
partnership with Hodgson Sayers. It is clear that
his winning the BMI Icopal Apprentice of the Year
competition, together with the enhanced working
and training environment he is involved in, is
paying big dividends and helping secure a bright
future.
Contact BMI Icopal
0161 865 4444
www.icopal.co.uk
@Icopal_UK
50 TC OCTOBER 2018

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Roofing Updates
For further info on all these roofing updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
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Technical Managers will inspect the installation on completion and continue each year for five years to ensure the
roof remains in good condition, and should there be any interference it is captured early. Dean Wincott, Managing Director at Langley Waterproofing Systems,
said: “The needs of customers are continually evolving and we have put innovation at the core of our business to ensure we deliver solutions that meet their
requirements. TA-30 offers unrivalled performance, quality and durability – and the length of the insurance-backed guarantee and fire rating compliance
delivers risk free peace of mind for the end customer.” www.langley.co.uk
A VERY WARM SARNAFIL WELCOME
Enviroply Roofing is the first Sarnafil Provisional Contractor to receive the company’s newly introduced
Welcome Pack.
Jon Morris, Sarnafil Technical Advisor for
the North West, presents Enviroply Roofing
with its Provisional Contractor Network
Welcome Pack.
Developed to ensure that all new Sarnafil contractors have all the information they need to support successful Sarnafil
installations, the welcome pack has a wide variety of briefing material that can easily be shared with all employees.
The Welcome Pack contents – available as a hard copy and on a USB stick – include all the latest brochures,
guarantee checklists, agreements, technical advisory articles, training course details, the recently updated
standard details, and the Sika Sarnafil contacts for support, when needed. http://gbr.sarnafil.sika.com
GEAR UP FOR CHANGEABLE WEATHER
Snickers Workwear continues to improve its working clothes with brand new weatherproof stretch Trousers and Jackets.
With great fit and superb value for money, Snickers Workwear says they’ll be first choice for outside work that demands
maximum comfort, mobility and protection.
The new and extended range of AllroundWork and FlexiWork jackets include waterproof and Hi-Vis garments for both men
and women to keep the wearer warm, dry and visible.
Whatever the weather, Snickers Workwear can deliver a jacket to suit what you’re doing on site. www.snickersworkwear.co.uk
NEW ADDITIONS FOR FREEFOAM
Freefoam Building Products has announced two new members of its sales team.
Steve Shaw is supporting Freefoam’s customers and developing new business in the South Wales, Bristol and
Gloucestershire area and Kim Rolph joins Freefoam to work in the South East region of the UK.
Above: Kim Rolph and Steve Shaw. Kim did a
degree in psychology and has worked as an
external support role at Knauf Insulation;
Steve has 20+ years of experience in sales
and 18+ years as a Manager and Buyer.
Richard Jackson, National Sales Manager, said: “I’m looking forward to working with Steve and Kim. We’ve got a
great mix of team members in our sales team – some who have come from more conventional backgrounds like
Steve, and some like Kim who are fairly new to the industry and we value both.” www.freefoam.com
52 TC OCTOBER 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.
SEE US AT
Kingspan Insulated Panels
Greenfield Business Park No.2, Holywell, Flintshire CH8 7GJ
Tel: +44 (0) 1352 716100 www.kingspanpanels.co.uk

Roofing Updates
For further info on all these roofing updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
FULL SYSTEM SOLUTION
To keep up with increasing demand, IKO Polymeric has expanded its existing Chesterfield headquarters
with an energy-efficient warehouse, featuring a top class building envelope and daylight solution from
both Kingspan Insulated Panels and Kingspan Light + Air.
It was essential that the new building looked professional and worked within the aesthetic of the industrial site. A
IKO, Kingspan, and Roofdec’s collaboration on IKO
typical ‘box’ design was chosen and achieved with horizontally-laid Micro-Rib wall panels. The panels were Polymeric’s Chesterfield site achieved the
completion of the envelope on time and on budget.
selected in graduated custom shades of blue to create a welcoming façade that blends into the skyscape above.
The walls were finished with bespoke fabrications such as Top Hats and Flashings to ensure a clean, professional finish. The building envelope was completed
with a Topdek flat roof system, with a durable and UV-resistant IKO Armourplan membrane in a complementary Mid-Grey.
Meanwhile, Kingspan Light + Air worked with the project team to create a lighting specification which maximised the natural daylight within the warehouse.
To achieve this, Kingspan Day-Lite Vault rooflights were installed. The products are specially designed to integrate seamlessly with the Kingspan Topdek
Membrane Roof system and this allowed a simple, fast-track installation programme. www.kingspanpanels.co.uk / www.kingspanlightandair.com
PERFECT SEAL FOR ZOO ROOF
Chester Zoo’s management team can rest assured that its diverse range of wild-life
themed merchandise is safe and dry following a refurbishment of the shop roof using
Firestone’s RubberGard EPDM roofing membrane.
Designed to provide a service life in excess of 50 years and offering
rapid installation with no hot works and no nuisance odours, the
Firestone system was ideal for installation at the Zoo.
The system was specified for a partial refurbishment of the roof to replace a roof covering that
had reached the end of its service life. The simplicity of the system enabled strip out of the
problematic area to allow the RubberGard EPDM membrane to be fully adhered to the newly
installed plywood substrate, creating a neat waterproofing solution. www.firestonebpe.co.uk
GUTTERFLOW: NEXT GENERATION FOR DESIGN CALCS
CRM says Gutterflow has become the industry standard gutter calculation program since it first
launched in March 2001.
Above: For existing users of Gutterflow,
upgrade packages will be available at a much
reduced cost.
However, the new version offers a number of benefits; calculation and spacing data are shown as tabs on the main
page, saving messy switching between pages; entering uneven spaced data has become quicker and simpler,
especially where some outlets are uneven, and others follow a set pattern; automated functions allow gutter depth,
width and outlet size to be optimised at the touch of a button; and custom outlets can be programmed in, allowing
proprietary outlets to be used within gutters if required to boost flows. Find out more at: www.crmrainwater.co.uk
A HORIZONTAL APPROACH
Easi-Dec says it has modified its Board-Walk mesh walkway solution to enable both vertical
and horizonal installation, providing roofers, contractors and specifiers with a safety system
that is useable in a wider variety of configurations.
Easi-Dec’s Board-Walk mesh walkway: “Made of high
grade aluminium, the structure is lightweight, easily
transportable and can be used on roof pitches up to 30
degrees”
Particularly suited to fragile industrial roofs, Easi-Dec Board-Walk is a portable mesh walkway that
provides a safer working position for roof maintenance. Running from the eaves to ridge, the system
spreads the weight across the support battens, allowing the workers to confidently move along the
full length of the system. Find out more at: www.easi-dec.co.uk
54 TC OCTOBER 2018

FREEFOAM’S UPDATES & ADDITIONS
Freefoam has highlighted the updates and additions to its whole product range that have taken place over the last six months.
The roofline range has had a boost with the addition of Anthracite Grey to the Round Rainwater system. With the continuing
growth in grey across the window, door and roofline market, this new product means suppliers can now offer both the Deep and
Round gutter options to customers. Perfect for new build and RMI.
The phenomenal demand for cladding shows no signs of slowing. With Thais in mind, Freefoam added a beautiful subtle grey
green shade to its 170mm Weatherboard range called Sage Green. Appealing to those who want to achieve a traditional
‘heritage’ look but with the benefits of low maintenance PVC, this product adds additional colour choice, augmenting the existing cladding range, bringing
the total number of colour options to an impressive eleven.
Colin St John, Commercial Director, explained “Our focus is to help our customers win more business because their growth is our growth. This year our
programme has led to the development of every part of our product portfolio – highlighting our continued commitment to our customers.”
www.freefoam.com
THINK ZINC RAINWATER SYSTEMS
Rainclear Systems says its Quartz Zinc rainwater system can help contribute to green and sustainable building
design and offer a differentiating architectural aesthetic.
In addition to this, the leading stockist and online retailer of metal rainwater systems says that its zinc rainwater
management system requires no specialist tools or training as the 3m gutter lengths and 1, 2 or 3m downpipe lengths make
for swift installation, whilst the clever design features make installation simple. The system includes: Glue-in stop-ends;
Gutter Union / Connector with EPDM rubber seal; Wraparound outlets; Downpipes and bends with swaged necks; and
stainless steel nails and screws. Find out more at: www.rainclear.co.uk
PLATINUM PLUS POINTS AT BAUDER
Bauder says it has become the first to achieve the Investors in People (‘IIP’) Platinum
Standard, the most sought after status in the National scheme, within the Construction of
Buildings category.
Above: The team at Bauder celebrate the Investors in
People (‘IIP’) Platinum Standard award.
Andrew Mackenzie, Bauder’s Managing Director, commented on the award: “This is a remarkable
achievement for everybody in our company, we are truly delighted. We never forget that our
continued success is reliant on our brilliant staff and I am so proud of the team here and everything
they do.” www.bauder.co.uk
BRETT MARTIN’S SUSTAINABLE LEAD
Brett Martin has further committed to its sustainability programme with the procurement of a solar
farm that is ‘hard wired’ directly into its main production plant.
(L-R) Nick Boyle CEO Lightsource BP, Laurence
Martin MD of Brett Martin, Geoff Stewart,
Financial Director at Brett Martin.
Geoff Stewart, Brett Martin Financial Director, said: “We are delighted with our latest renewable energy
provision. It’s proof of our determination to ensure our production processes are as sustainable as possible.
We have the highest regard for the quality of our environment; it’s very much part of our working culture.
Sustainable initiatives such as this are critical to help us maintain our competitive edge in a global
marketplace where over 50% of our sales are exported.” www.brettmartin.com
OCTOBER 2018 TC 55

Technical Review
“INNOVATE, DESIGN, TEST, REPEAT”
Innovation is one of the most overly used buzz words, but what does it really mean? Brian
Mack of EJOT UK gives his view…
Almost daily we see new products hitting the
market, yet they are not always what they
seem. We are all familiar with the strap lines
“new and improved”, “new range” and “now with
added” or “reduced”, but are we seeing true
improvements and is this true innovation?
I’d say true innovation is driven by technical
advancements and a need to increase
performance reliability, or develop new materials
and products to help tackle installation issues
that can help meet new legislation and
regulations. Yes, a good product developed 40
years ago can still be relevant in today’s highly
demanding construction industry; but if the
product is reliant on the status quo of the materials
and systems around it, then it may not be
performing to 100% of its original design intent.
Revolution and evolution
For me, innovation is a mix of revolution and
evolution driven by technology and creativity. The
starting point is knowledge, experience and
understanding.
Knowledge: We need to know how existing
products are performing with regards to all
aspects that are required of the component; what
has been selected and why and how is it
installed? What’s actually being installed –
what’s it fixing and to what substrate? How has it
been manufactured and how does the engineering
process behind this relate to the product’s
technical performance? This can be crucial.
As a manufacturer, even having knowledge of
how the tooling is made and having the ability to
craft your own tooling can be the difference
between a product’s success and failure on site.
Industry knowledge of existing, current and future
trends and developments, and changing
legislation are all strategic aspects in developing
a knowledge database. Having manufacturing
knowledge to ensure any new product can be
successfully manufactured to meet its
requirements in-situ is essential.
Experience: We need the data from testing and
experience from seeing the product in use so we
can assess its benefits and limitations. This
enables us to get a better understanding and to
be able to adapt so that products can push the
boundaries. Experience of how products are
manufactured from raw materials, quality
processors, testing and inspection, right through
to the finished product are essential in making a
feasible business plan for a new, innovative
product.
Understanding: We are in a far stronger position
if we can understand how industry is developing
and use this experience to predict and generate
the products that will be needed in an everchanging
construction industry. Again,
understanding the manufacturing process and
how these processes can be adapted and
modified to ensure the product can be made is
crucial. How will the product work as part of a
complete system? We believe it is far more
beneficial to design a product with the eye of a
manufacturer – with all of our knowledge and
experience – rather than the alternative of
somebody just “having a go” to meet a
customer’s request. A true manufacturer
understands the needs of every aspect of a
product, from specification to procurement;
performance to installation technique and
procedures; in service and life cycles, through to
end of use sustainability and environmental
credentials.
Once we have our starting point we can develop a
process of improvement, but improvements can
be limiting and constraining. We have to have a
different thought process: “there is always a
better way.” We need to unclutter our minds;
creativity comes from an open mind. The paper
may start off blank but if surrounded by a desk of
ideas, knowledge, experience and understanding,
then this can be the catalyst for innovation.
The R&D process can then begin: The R is
normally for Research, but it’s also for
Resources; the resource of knowledge, experience
and understanding. The D is for Development but
it’s also for Design, Diagnostics, Decisions and
Discoveries. But R&D is definitely not for
Replicate and Duplicate.
A lightbulb moment can hit an individual but I’d
say it takes an experienced R&D team to keep the
light on, make it efficient, innovate the idea and
bring it to production and market for the benefit of
the end user.
Testing, testing and testing
We have to ensure that the innovative product
enhances the application, adds value and
performance, and conforms to its design criteria
and function and does not just do the same as an
existing product. No one wants a “Dragons’ Den”
moment and to be told there’s a simpler solution
already in existence that performs better than
your new product. So not only good research and
development is required but Testing, Testing and
Testing is required. Real life trials and a process
of ensuring that a unique, innovative solution
offers quality, performance, and benefits to meet
expectations on time, every time. I believe only a
circular process of “Innovate, design, test,
repeat” can do this.
Contact EJOT UK
01977 687 040
www.ejot.co.uk
@EJOTUK_Building
56 TC OCTOBER 2018

BTS Facades and Fabrications officially announce their
investment in Trumpf automation at their recent open day.
www.btsfabrications.co.uk Tel : (01388) 816883 enquiries@btsfabrications.co.uk

Fall Protection
CHOOSING FALL PROTECTION
Matthew Bailey, Inspection and Certification Manager from fall protection specialist HCL,
explores a number of potentially life-saving products and procedures which are considered
best practice.
There are now more measures than ever to
keep roofing contractors, or even general
construction tradespeople safe when
working at height.
Below, I’ll look at some of the key considerations
you should make when looking at the safety
aspect of your project:
Which system is right for you?
Protection is one of the most important factors to
consider when working at height. To minimise the
consequences of a fall, a suitable fall protection
system needs to be used.
There are usually two fall protection systems to
choose from – a fall arrest system and a fall
restraint system; and there are benefits and
considerations for each.
While a fall arrest system’s job is to protect a
worker should they fall, a fall restraint system
should prevent them from falling in the first
place.
What is the benefit of a fall arrest
system?
Fall arrest systems are most commonly used in
applications where workers need to access hard
to reach areas which would otherwise be guarded
by rails or other safety measures.
The system’s aim is to allow maximum freedom
of movement and so the likelihood of falling is
very high. If a fall should occur, the fall arrest
system will either allow for self-rescue or for the
person to be rescued in the safest way.
The success of these systems relies on the
harnesses being worn correctly and the
identification of a suitable anchorage point.
What is the benefit of a fall restraint
system?
Arguably the most preferred method of fall
protection, fall restraint systems prevent workers
from reaching a specific fall hazard. Often
described as “passive fall protection”, workers
are protected from a fall without having to take
many additional measures such as guard rails.
However, in the case of the equipment being
misused, there is still a chance of a fall
happening. For this reason, it is recommended
when fitting a fall restraint system it is tested to
be able to hold fall arrest loads – this is to best
protect the person using the equipment at height.
Before using either of these systems, it is
important to ensure adequate training is provided
in order to equip those working at height with the
skills required to use the systems effectively.
What about training?
Fall protection training, like that provided by HCL
Safety, specialist sub-contractor in fall protection
and part of MSA Safety, is designed to change
perceptions and improve standards – something
which is especially important when working at
height where the risks can be very high. The right
training can bridge the gap between basic health
and safety training and ultimately saving either
“While a fall arrest
system’s job is to
protect a worker should
they fall, a fall restraint
system should prevent
them from falling in the
first place”
your own or a co-worker’s life.
Time is critical in a fall arrest situation, and when
time is of the essence, knowledge is key.
Investing in tailored fall-protection training,
empowers workers to perform their duties safe in
the knowledge that they can not only prevent
falls, but also respond appropriately if the worst
does happen.
And what if someone does fall?
Falling from height is one of the largest causes of
fatalities across the industry, and whilst most
companies undertake a degree of risk
assessment as due course, many still fail to
implement a rescue plan.
Did you know there is a legal obligation to have a
full and comprehensive rescue plan in place
when working at height? By law, a rescue plan
needs to be put into place to facilitate a safe and
quick rescue of a person who has fallen.
A rescue plan should outline a primary and
secondary key person who will take control of an
emergency rescue operation, plus any rescue kit
which will be on site to assist them.
Contact HCL Safety
0845 600 0086
www.hclsafety.com
@HCLsafety
58 TC OCTOBER 2018

SEE US AT
PROTAN BLUEPROOF – A ROOF FOR THE FUTURE
CAN YOU AFFORD TO LET
YOUR ROOF BE JUST A ROOF?
A roof represents exciting opportunities
for architects and property developers.
If you are on top of a tall building and looking out over the
urban landscape, you will see a lot of unutilised space.
Architects and property developers can no longer afford to
use the roof just to keep the rain and snow out and protect
your contents.
Using the roof for other functions creates additional values.
These values not only allow for increased profits, but also
add value to society at large and for the people living in
and around these buildings.
The roof can be a place where people can spend recreational
time, grow flowers and encourage wildlife. The roof can
also be utilised to solve other tasks that could be profitable
for the building project, such as generating electricity with
solar panels or taking control of heavy rainfall.
Protan has developed a unique BlueProof roofing solution
to avoid creating dead space on top of a building, enabling
use that space for water attenuation. That is both smart
and sustainable. The BlueProof system works equally well
for new buildings and refurbishment projects, and can be
combined with recreational areas, eco-friendly features
and energy production.
Protan BlueProof – coming to a roof near you soon.
Safe
Sustainable
Cost effective
Space efficient
protan.co.uk

Cladding Updates
For further info on all these cladding updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
KINGSPAN FACADES LAUNCHED
Kingspan Group has announced the launch of Kingspan Facades – a new business designed to make it easier for
developers and contractors to create high-performance, compliant buildings that achieve their project’s
aesthetic aims.
Combining systems and expertise from across the Group, Kingspan Facades is a service-led business providing
specifiers with a comprehensive portfolio of advanced building envelope systems suitable for a multitude of applications
and architectural styles. This aesthetic offering is supported with four robust substructure solutions that encompass
Kingspan’s advanced core insulations alongside options using more traditional materials.
Kingspan Group has launched Kingspan
Facades to assist contractors & developers.
Mel Courtney, Managing Director of Kingspan Facades, explained the vision for the new business: “We’re noticing a real
drive in the industry for more detailed and accessible technical guidance, particularly around facade systems. By offering solutions incorporating all of
Kingspan Group’s facade products under a single business, we are in a unique position to provide the most appropriate solution. We offer a single source
approach from the Steel Framing System, insulation, right through to the external facade – one point of contact for customers for the full through-wall system
solution, reinforced by the technical support that Kingspan is renowned for.” www.kingspanfacades.co.uk
NEW LIFE FOR BUNGALOW
Water leaks are a distant memory for the owners of a bungalow on the Isle of Wight after Cembrit
Plank was installed on the property.
Above: Offering a 15-year warranty,
Cembrit Plank is available in 15
different colours.
L J Teal Roofing Service was approached for a solution to fix a water ingress issue. Having heard about
Cembrit Plank, the contractor was confident that this weatherboard could provide a good cladding solution for
the customer. “We pitched the idea of installing a weatherboard cladding option to Mr and Mrs Morrison, and
they agreed that it would be a good way forward,” said Liam Teal of L J Teal Roofing Service. “We supplied
Cembrit Plank in Ivory via Roofstore and the project began in February 2018.” www.cembrit.co.uk
FIRM FOOTING FOR WINTER ON SITE
With a focus on comfort and S3 safety, Solid Gear’s Falcon (shown left) and Apollo boots are
probably the most robust boots you can get for the winter months.
Above: the Falcon boot – There’s over 30
boots and shoes in the Solid Gear Safety
Footwear range.
With durable uppers these heavy-duty boots will keep your feet dry and insulated so you can work
comfortably in the roughest conditions on site. What’s more, the new oil and slip resistant Vibram soles
deliver outstanding grip on snow and ice – even at low temperatures. The Apollo has a premium fullgrain
impregnated leather upper, while the Falcon is a mix of full grain leather and a Cordura Rip Stop
fabric. www.solidgearfootwear.com
CEMBRIT DONATES MATERIALS
Cembrit has donated its Patina fibre cement and HD cladding to a worthy project that has
seen the North Kensington area around Grenfell Tower benefit from a new community centre.
Cembrit donated materials to this worthy project
near Grenfell Tower. Simon Mayes of Cembrit
explained: “Exact colour match to the steel overlay
was not possible, so we suggested using our HD
board coated in colour matched paint.”
Bay 20 is a new two-storey community space on St Marks Road, close to the Tower, which was built
by an acclaimed DIY television show. The new multi-use community building provides facilities for
local people, including a new café that will be used by the community for many years to come.
Cembrit supplied 300m² of Cembrit Patina fibre cement cladding boards in granite (P020) and
Cembrit HD in natural grey. www.cembrit.co.uk
60 TC OCTOBER 2018

Opinion
MEETING THE DEMAND FOR SKILLS
By Simon Storer, Chief Executive of the Insulation Manufacturers Association.
The ever-widening skills shortage faced by
the construction sector is driving up wages
and having a significant impact on the
government’s ambitious plan to build 300,000
homes every year in England alone.
But it is not just building targets that need to be
met, there are also the hugely important carbon
reduction targets and the need to ensure buildings
are properly insulated with high quality products
and installed correctly to allow them to perform.
With the demand for tradespeople across all
sectors of the construction industry outstripping
supply, the skills shortage is a key constraint to
the housebuilding industry severely impacting the
quality of new buildings, the ability to build to
budget and ensuring that all performance
characteristics meet both design and regulatory
requirements. How can the construction industry
put in place measures that might put an end to
the skills crisis?
The contributing factors of the construction skills
shortage are well documented; from an ageing
workforce not being replaced, to a younger
generation not seeing the industry as an
attractive and viable option. Britain’s decision to
leave the EU has only added to the industry-wide
fear over the building skills shortage. Of the UK’s
270,653 migrant construction force, about 45%
are workers from EU countries. When or if the
UK’s divorce from the continent is finalised, there
is a real fear that many employees who have
arrived from overseas will leave, taking their
building skills and experience with them.
Reaching out to students
Inspiring the next generation to take-up a career
in construction is fundamental to filling the
current skills gap over the long-term. Changing
the outdated and negative perceptions of the
industry is part of this. The Construction Industry
Training Board (CITB) recently asked a group of
14 to 19-year-olds which careers interested
them – construction only scored 4.2 out of 10.
According to the survey, young people claimed
that construction means ‘being outdoors and
getting dirty’. Young people overlook the fact a
career in construction is incredibly diverse and is
an industry with cutting-edge technologies, such
as robotics, digitisation and modular building
techniques – key to attracting a tech savvy
younger generation. Companies in the industry
need to reach out and engage with students,
parents and teachers to create a better image of
construction, right through from manufacturing,
engineered solutions to site management.
The industry needs to expand its recruitment and
attract more women and people from ethnic
diversities, which are currently under-represented.
Women represent just 13% of the workforce, a
shocking statistic considering the skills shortage.
A shift to inclusiveness
A fundamental shift towards inclusiveness is
necessary while a joined-up approach between
industry, the government and education sector –
beginning with young people at primary school and
then throughout education – will pave the way
towards a more inclusive and accessible industry.
The government has launched a number of
initiatives to help plug the skills gap and has set
a new target of three million new apprentices by
2020 across all sectors. A £34 million investment
in construction training and an apprenticeship
levy – estimated to raise £3 billion a year – might
go some way to securing a skilled and stable
workforce. Alternative educational models such
as part-time degree apprenticeships will also
widen the route into the industry.
Modern methods of construction can also play a
part in plugging the gap by reducing on-site
labour whilst at the same time addressing the
high demand for new buildings. The increased
“The demand for
construction has never
been greater”
use of off-site fabrication and systems such as
structural insulated panels (SIPS), modular
buildings and pre-engineered insulated roof
systems – for example – can encourage greater
efficiency and higher productivity within the
sector, give a much needed boost to the UK
housing supply capacity and ensure that the
regulatory targets for energy efficiency are met or
even exceeded. Rethinking the way we design,
engineer and construct buildings will help deliver
projects quicker, better and with a greater degree
of precision.
Schemes such as the Each Home Counts Quality
Mark will go a long way to ensuring that
insulation measures are properly installed by
skilled tradespeople, and link this in with the
Energy Company Obligation, this will ensure that
consumers get the standards they expect and
deserve.
No easy solution
When it comes to addressing the chronic skills
shortage, there is no easy solution, but rather a
broad range of measures which can relieve the
pressure on construction companies trying to
compete within their sectors. The built environment
is evolving all the time and the demand for
construction has never been greater which means
addressing the skills’ gap is now more critical
than ever. It is down to construction companies,
the government and our educational system to
play their part in closing the skills’ shortage gap.
Contact Insulation Manufacturers Association
0161 672 7387
www.insulationmanufacturers.org.uk
@IMA_Org
62 TC OCTOBER 2018

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A CLEARER
VISION FOR
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valleys to verges, eaves and flashings.
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To see more, visit eagleview.co.uk
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Images .....................................................................1
Length Diagram .........................................................4
Pitch Diagram ............................................................5
Area Diagram ............................................................6
Notes Diagram...........................................................7
Penetrations Diagram.................................................8
Report Summary........................................................9
MEASUREMENTS
SEE US AT
Total Roo f Area = 467.95 sq m
Total Roof Facets =24
Predominant Pitch = 45°
Numb er of Storeys > 1
Total Ridges/Hips = 84.43m
Total Valleys
= 17.07m
Tota l Verges = 14.63m
=111.86 m

How To:
RETROFIT WALL INSULATION
The technical team at A. Proctor Group discuss the different possibilities for retrofitting wall
insulation and offer guidance on installing Spacetherm WL...
The energy inefficiency of existing housing
stock in the UK is a well-documented issue
that continues to pose a challenge to
today’s contractors, homeowners and residents.
The Government’s response to the ‘Energy
Company Obligation: ECO3, 2018 to 2022’
consultation process sets out their strategy for
tackling issues around the energy inefficiency of our
buildings, and identifies retrofitted insulation as part
of the solution: “One of the best long-term solutions
to address fuel poverty is by dealing with the fabric
of the property through insulation, as this increases
comfort and reduces heating requirements.”
External walls account for approximately 1/3 of
the total heat loss of an inadequately insulated
home. Choosing the right external wall insulation
will depend on the type of wall the property has.
Houses built in the UK before 1919 are likely to
have solid external walls, while those built later
usually incorporate cavity walls. One way to
confirm this is to measure the thickness of your
brick wall at an opening: if it is less than 260mm
thick it is probably a solid wall, while greater than
260mm usually indicates a cavity wall.
There are many methods for insulating external
walls, each with their own advantages and
disadvantages.
How to install Spacetherm Wall Liner
Spacetherm Wall Liner (WL) is a 10mm aerogel insulation
laminated to a 3mm MgO board that is used to insulate
solid or cavity walls internally, taking up the minimum
amount of internal space & allowing the walls to breathe.
1. Spacetherm WL panels are fixed directly to the wall
using Insta-stik foam. Mechanical fixings are not required.
(See image 1)
2. Starting from a bottom corner of
the wall, gently press the panel
against the wall, holding until
sufficient contact. Continue
installing panels in this manner,
either staggered or in-line.
3. At corners, Spacetherm WL
Above: Image 1 Above: Image 2
“There are many
methods for insulating
external walls, each
with their own
advantages and
disadvantages”
Cavity walls can have insulation blown in to fill
the gap between the inner and outer leaves.
Installers do this by drilling small holes at
intervals around the outside of the building. They
then blow the insulation into the cavity using
special equipment, sealing the holes when they
are finished.
The benefits of blown cavity wall insulation are
that the process is very clean, non-obtrusive and
fast – an experienced installer can often
complete the job on an average-sized house with
easily accessible walls within two hours.
However, cavity wall insulation that is poorly
installed, is unsuitable for the wall type, or where
wall defects are not also addressed can result in
damp issues, mould and mildew growth, and
even structural damage. It would be
recommended to approach the NIA for approved
installers in this case.
panels should be installed in such a way that the
insulation layer overlaps to prevent a cold bridge at the
junction. (See image 2 and 3)
4. Joints between panels are taped and filled with a
gypsum-based jointing compound. Where the wall is
noticeably uneven, a skim plaster finish can be used over
the panels to level the surface. (See
image 4)
5. Apply a single coat of MgO board
primer and allow to dry. Primed
Spacetherm WL can accept all
typical interior finishes including
paint, wallpaper and tile.
Above: Image 3 Above: Image 4 *This guidance is a summary only. Contact A.
Proctor Group for complete installation advice
External solid walls lose more heat than cavity
walls and are generally more expensive to
insulate. The cost savings of retrofitting insulation
on a solid wall, however, will have a greater
benefit to your heating bill.
Solid walls can be insulated internally or
externally. The internal method involves fixing
insulation boards or panels directly onto the wall
or by building a secondary stud frame against the
wall then filling with an insulation material.
Adding insulation internally is usually less
expensive than external insulation, can be
installed room-by-room to minimise disruption,
and is less intensive i.e. no scaffolding is
required. However, internal insulation will slightly
reduce the floor area of the room it is installed in
and may require a higher level of detailing, for
example repositioning electrical outlets, radiators,
skirting boards and window trim.
Insulating externally involves fixing insulation
material onto the outside walls of a building then
covering with an appropriate external render or
cladding. External insulation can be installed with
minimum disruption to the household, does not
reduce interior living space, and renews the
external appearance of your building. In most
cases, however, external insulation will be the
most expensive option because it requires an
intensive worksite – i.e. scaffolding – as well as
potentially the need for planning permission,
engineering analysis and remedial work to the
external walls before insulation is installed.
External insulation allows the homeowner to use
the thermal mass of their solid wall but this is not
suitable for all occupancy types.
Contact A. Proctor Group
01250 872 261
www.proctorgroup.com
@proctorgroup
64 TC OCTOBER 2018

CALL
FOR
ENTRIES
Submissions are now being invited for the 2019
UK Roofi ng Awards.
With 16 categories to enter, there has never
been a better opportunity to be recognised for
outstanding workmanship.
Deadline for submissions 26 th January 2019
www.roofingawards.co.uk
#roofingawards19
Supported by industry
Hosted by
Headline Sponsor

Insulation Updates
CREATING THE RIGHT IMPRESSION
One of the largest-ever UK projects to be undertaken using StoTherm Classic M insulation and the
Sto-Rotofix Plus fixing system has now been completed in Scotland.
The Sto products have been used on the new Portobello High School which has been built adjacent to
Portobello Park in Edinburgh.
One of the largest-ever UK projects to be undertaken using
StoTherm Classic M was chosen to provide high-level thermal performance for the new building. This EWI StoTherm Classic M insulation and the Sto-Rotofix Plus fixing
system features expanded polystyrene insulation boards and non-cementitious rendering components system has been completed on the new Portobello High
School in Edinburgh.
offering impact resistance of 60 joules – up to 10 times greater than similar cementitious systems can
provide. This is a particular benefit for this type of school project where the façade cladding may be subject to harsh treatment. Thoroughly proven in many
different parts of the world, the StoTherm Classic M system was finished externally with a through-coloured StoSilco K silicone render finish to add extra
protection and enhance the appearance. The Sto insulation was fixed to the substrate using the innovative Sto-Rotofix Plus fixing system. Ideal for use on
different types of substrates, the Rotofix system uses a unique helical spiral fixing which allows the insulation boards to be mechanically fixed, quickly and
reliably, and then easily adjusted so that a seamless façade can be created ready for rendering. It is stronger and quicker to install, and has better levelling
capabilities and fewer components, than any comparable system. www.sto.co.uk
A PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE
ROCKWOOL UK’s new website is powered by AI and has been carefully designed to
predict and adapt, providing you with a central resource for your insulation insights.
The new ROCKWOOL website can predict and adapt to be
completely relevant and helpful to you and your needs.
This sophisticated, content-rich platform of information with powerful tools has been designed
to support and deliver real value to everyone in construction. The in-built machine-learning of
this website means that the more the site is used, the more the platform will be optimised to
show highly relevant content and assets whether they are a homeowner, a specifier or a
contractor. www.rockwool.co.uk
A QUALITY MARK MEASURE
If you’re fed up with reading tapes upside down, Fisco’s new ‘Mark-Right’ Tape is designed
for right-handed craftsmen and women with a blade that reads from right to left.
Above: Fisco’s new ‘Mark-Right’ Tape.
So measuring and marking gets a whole lot easier and more accurate because you won’t have
to read the tape measure upside down and use your left hand to hold the tape in position
whilst marking. Available in 5m lengths, the blade is graduated in mm and inches, is accurate
to EC Class II and housed in a tough ABS case with a positive action slide lock brake, belt clip
and zeroing end hook. www.fisco.co.uk
AMBITIOUS POLICIES REQUIRED TO MEET TARGETS
Labour has announced a number of green policies in Jeremy Corbyn’s Party Conference speech.
These include a commitment to set aside £12.8bn for subsidies to insulate homes in Labour's first term as well as a pledge to tighten the UK’s
decarbonisation trajectory – reducing net carbon emissions by 60% by 2030 and to zero by 2050. In his speech, the Labour leader highlighted that
these green polices would create 400,000 skilled jobs. Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive at UKGBC, responded saying: “UKGBC has long since called for
energy efficiency to be made a national infrastructure priority, to ensure that the appropriate level of investment is allocated to the retrofitting of our
existing homes. To achieve our current national carbon target of an 80% reduction in emissions by 2050, we will need to improve almost all of the UK’s 26
million homes with energy efficiency retrofits. That means we need to retrofit more than 1.5 homes every minute between now and 2050!”
66 TC OCTOBER 2018

PREFA TRAINING
PROGRAMME FOR
PROFESSIONALS
ALUMINIUM ROOF & FAÇADE SYSTEMS
PREFA products must only be installed by trained craftsmen.
We offer contractors a wide range of training opportunities, especially
on traditional metal roofing techniques (standing seam & welting
techniques). Due to the success of our training we decided to offer
two different levels of training in the future so beginners and
advanced roofers will be trained at their respective level.
The practical training of participants is the main focus of all our
workshops. The easy-to understand theoretical part of the course
covers the main fundamentals of application technology and is
complemented by a range of practical exercises.
Speak to our staff directly about the next training courses or visit
our website for more information.
Chris Murphy
Gregor Lang
England & Wales
Scotland & Ireland
Tel.: +44 7387 106 319 Tel.: +44 7387 106 320
Email: chris.murphy@prefa.com Email: gregor.lang@prefa.com
office.uk@prefa.com
www.prefa.com
* 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

Organising Your Van
RACKING OUT YOUR VAN: ACCESS &
ORGANISATION FOR YOUR TOOLS
What’s the best option when racking out your van? Should you do it yourself, hire a
professional or opt for a pre-manufactured option? We take a look at the various pros and
cons of each option.
No matter the trade you’re in, you’ll be
buying a van that will no doubt need
racking to utilise its internal space
effectively. After all, just dumping tools and boxes
inside will ensure one thing – you’ll never be able
to find what you need quickly costing you
valuable time on projects.
The question is, do you do it yourself or do you
hire in a professional? The costs of either option
are not insubstantial and getting the choice wrong
will only add to the expense. Apart from the cost
of the materials required to complete the fit out,
everything you put inside the van – including the
racking – adds to the weight being transported
with the resultant impact on fuel economy,
performance and even the speed at which some
vans are allowed to go.
But there is another consideration. You need an
efficient design for the racking so that shelves,
cabinets, toolboxes and cupboards can both
provide capacity and hold items securely so that
they don’t fly around when the van is in motion.
Using a professional installer
Clearly time is money which means that while
you’re paying a third-party professional to
undertake the racking out, it’ll be done faster
which means that it’ll be on the road earning all
the sooner. Similarly, they’ll be able to layout and
fit the racking at a time when it suits you –
maybe while you’re on holiday. You’ve got to ask
yourself – would you really want to fit out a van
over a precious weekend or on an evening after
you’ve been working all day?
Apart from third parties, it’s also worth pointing
out that a number of manufacturers offer racking
as part of the manufacturing process.
Renault, for example, have teamed up with
Sortimo to offer the Ready4Work system that
effectively means the van is fully fitted out before
you pick up the keys.
And some leasing companies will do the same.
Leasewell states on its website that all vehicles
supplied by them can be fitted out with anything
68 TC OCTOBER 2018

from a simple ply lining to a full-rack out
including extra bulkheads, pipe tubes, ladder
holders, slam locks and tow bars. Google
‘professional van racking’ and other companies
can be found.
Remember that whatever you buy from a third
party needs to be weight-efficient so that it’s not
overly weighty in its own right and doesn’t
encourage the transportation of items not needed.
Most professional racking manufacturers will
publish and print the weight capacities of the
shelving, drawer and locker systems onto the
racking.
“Another issue with DIY
racking is that it’s
unlikely that you’ll be
aware of the safety
issues that relate to
poorly fitted units”
Doing it yourself
DIY might, on the face of it, appear to be the most
economical option but as with any projects, it will
take longer than you expect – even if you know
what you are doing. And of course, unless you’re
working evenings and weekends the van will be
off the road.
Another issue with DIY racking is that it’s unlikely
that you’ll be aware of the safety issues that
relate to poorly fitted units, especially if they or
their loads are not properly secured. A story in
Fleet News, albeit from 2007, noted that the
government’s Transport Road Laboratory found
that badly installed racking systems can be
lethal. In particular, a 200g screwdriver can hit a
front seat occupant with a collision weight of 8kg
in a 31mph crash, and that poorly secured loads
can move forward at lethal speeds in an accident
– if a driver has 100kgs of equipment or tools in
the back of his van, that turns into a series of
projectiles with a weight of almost four tonnes.
An alternative when considering the DIY route is
to buy a ready-made system. While they can be
economical to acquire, they still need fitting and
extreme care so that in affixing them holes aren’t
drilled into key parts of the van that carry
electrical wiring lines, braking systems or hold
the fuel tank. Worksystem, for example, offers a
range of products that can be selected according
to van brand and model.
But if you are determined to do it yourself, you
need to consider the materials you’ll be using.
Wood, for example, is good to work with but has
its limitations. It can be heavy which eats into
payload and can absorb oil, solvents or paints
unless protected – which makes it unsightly and
even heavier. And while wood allows heavy loads
to be slid across a van floor, it splinters. Also,
small items can get lost behind hard to remove
wooden panels.
Consider multiple-material solutions. When fitted
to a van, wood is rarely removed so if you change
vans you’ve got to start the fitout process all over
again. But go modular with a ready-made system
and you can move it between vans so it will last
longer while costing you less in the long run.
Do question whether every tool and item or
product you possess actually needs to be
onboard. Sure, there will be core items that are
indispensable, but whatever you leave behind is
not only probably more secure at home, but will
also save on weight – and therefore fuel. If you
do decide to take heavier items ensure that you
spread the load along the sides and front to rear
of the van to maintain stability.
“Racking out a van is
not a simple process –
it requires thought
and planning at the
design stage”
Before specifying
Racking out a van is not a simple process – it
requires thought and planning at the design
stage. If it’s your own van you’ll know what you
want and what works for you. But if you’re buying
“While you’re paying a
third-party
professional to
undertake the racking
out, it’ll be done faster
which means that it’ll
be on the road earning
all the sooner”
a number of vans and fitting them out, it would be
time well spent to speak to users to understand
what they want out of a racking system so that
you can design out any annoyances. Small things
such as being unable to easily access nails,
screws and other tiny items without having to
move larger items first will irritate. Similarly,
being able to grab heavier items without straining
a back is helpful. This is where advice from the
professional will be useful – their experience will
be invaluable with hints and tips you may not
have thought of.
Stay secure
Don’t lose sight of the fact that your van –
especially one that is sign written or wrapped – is
a magnet to criminals. Unless you’re working on a
job where you can park close to the building being
worked on, thought must be given to van security.
In simple terms you must fit deadlocks to the
doors and also acquire a van with a solid
bulkhead between the cab and the load area. In
the extreme you may want to tint windows with
grills or fit an internal security cage to prevent
theft via any side windows.
Conclusion
Get the planning right and a well racked out van
will not only allow you to be more efficient but will
also save on fuel as it’s lighter while being more
secure.
It may even allow the use of a small and lower
cost van because product and equipment has
been better distributed. As ever, take further
advice if you’re unsure.
OCTOBER 2018 TC 69

Selling Your Van
TOP TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR VAN
Chris Sykes, National Sales Manager, Moneybarn, offers his top tips and outlines the key
considerations to make when selling your van.
You may love your van, but sooner or later
the time will come to sell it. When that day
eventually arrives, there are a number of
things worth thinking about to ensure you get the
best deal.
Here are our top tips for getting the best price for
your old van, so you can put some extra towards
that upgrade you have your eye on…
Don’t underestimate
First things first, you need to know how much
your van is worth. You’ll need to know the
following information to determine its value:
• Make and model
• Mileage
• Year of manufacture
• Valuable features i.e. low mileage, long wheel
base and high roof.
Be brutally honest about the van’s general
condition. Any defects will impact the price, so
account for those when valuing your vehicle.
Look at online adverts for
vehicles of a similar make,
model and age to value
your van. Online sites
such as Regit can
give you a guide
price using just your
registration and
mileage.
First impressions
count
A clean and well-presented van will be much
more appealing to potential buyers than a dirty,
neglected vehicle. Empty all rubbish and tools,
then have your van valeted inside and out before
photographing or showing your vehicle.
Consider completing any small repairs you have
been putting off – like scratches and small dents
– as they could be used as a bartering tool and
could end up costing you more than the price to
fix them. Make sure you get a basic service; it
won’t look good if the van doesn’t start for its test
drive!
It’s also useful to renew your MOT if it’s coming
up.
Showcase the quality
Your van needs to stand out from similar ones
available, so shout about any good features. For
example, if your van has an abnormally low
mileage or a high average MPG, let potential
buyers know.
Mention its service history and any work you or
previous owners have had done. Buyers will
always choose a van backed by paperwork – like
receipts for work carried out and a full logbook –
over those with just an MOT certificate and a
missing or partially completed logbook.
Take a clear photograph of the whole van,
along with detailed pictures of the
front, side, rear and interior.
Always disclose and picture any
damage in the advert, so the
buyer knows exactly what they
are buying.
Be cautious – scams
Not everyone out there is trustworthy
and fraud is common for sellers as well as
buyers.
If someone emails you wanting to buy your van
immediately – especially without seeing it – be
cautious. This could be a scam to take money
from your bank account once account details are
shared, or an attempt to steal the vehicle.
Another common scam to look out for is when
someone contacts you claiming to have a buyer
waiting. They will offer to ‘match’ you with the
buyer for a finder’s fee, typically between £80
and £100. Unfortunately, this person then
disappears once you’ve transferred the money
and you’re left out of pocket.
Doing the deal
Meet the potential buyer at your home address,
and it can be a good idea to have a friend or
family member with you for extra security.
When the buyer comes to see the van, don’t allow
them to test drive it unless they have a valid
driving licence and insurance certificate. Your
own insurance policy may allow another driver to
use your vehicle, but always double-check and if
not, make no exceptions.
In terms of receiving payment, only hand over the
keys when transferred funds are fully cleared into
your account. Alternatively, ask to be paid in cash
to ensure you have the funds before you hand
over the van.
You’ll need to notify your insurer and the DVLA of
the sale immediately to get a refund for any road
tax you've still got left to run. You should also give
section 10 of the V5C to the new owner.
Contact Moneybarn:
https://www.moneybarn.com
70 TC OCTOBER 2018

SEE US AT
State-of-the-art
training centre
NCTS trainers deliver...
l Slating & Tiling
l Lead & Hard Metals
l NVQ’s & Apprenticeships
l Liquid & Bituminous Waterproofing
l
On-site Assessment Training (OSAT)
l Basic Competency Programmes (BCP)
for Lead & Stainless Steel
How can I book?
Booking is simple. You can book your course
thro ough the NCTS website www.ncts.or
g.uk
Or contact us on 01480 501011
National Construction Training Services
@NCTS_2017
NCTS
Basic Lead Welding an nd Bossing
8 – 12 October
Bespoke Hard Metal
15 – 19 October
Lead Intermediate
22 – 26 October
Slating & Tiling Bespoke
29 October – 2 November
DELIVERING QUALITY IN THE
SINGLE PLY ROOFING SECTOR?
JOIN
US
Then it’s time to join SPRA!
SPRA membership is as much about giving something
back to the industry, as the considerable benefits that
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Invest now! JOIN THE ‘SPRA TEAM’
so that together, we can
INFLUENCE, EDUCATE and SUPPORT
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For more information 0845 1547188 enquiries@spra.co.uk
JOIN AND HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF SINGLE PLY ROOFING
www.spra.co.uk
OCTOBER 2018 TC 71

Vehicle Hire: Opinion
CAN FLEXIBLE FLEETS HELP WITH
CASH FLOW FOR GROWTH?
Stuart Russell, Commercial Vehicle Director at van hire specialist, Europcar, explains why he
feels vehicle hire can help firms working in the construction sector manage cash flow.
After a tough start to the year, thanks to the
Beast from the East, the construction
industry bounced back. According to the
IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI, output for
the sector reached a seven-month high in June.
But the rapid upturn illustrates the real challenge
facing businesses right across the sector. At
times work is scarce and cash is limited, yet
firms need to be ready for any upturn with the
right people and equipment. One area that
businesses working in the sector can tackle
which can make a very real difference is fleet.
Taking a flexible approach to operations is crucial
to ride a wave of uncertainty. And transportation
is one area where construction firms can adopt
flexible strategies to take the pressure off cash
flow and profits. With research commissioned by
Europcar earlier this year suggesting that the
current mood among UK businesses is one of
cautious optimism and nearly two thirds (63.5%)
reporting that market demand is the top factor
affecting their success, flexibility is key.
Europcar long-term commercial vehicle hire
means firms can move away from contract hire or
leasing, or even outright acquisition, to achieve
real savings. A depreciating asset can be
removed from the company’s books and turned
into working capital. Plus fleet size can be scaled
up or down as necessary – with no financial
penalty – with the types of vehicles being used
changed as market demand changes.
Not sitting on the fence: case study
Taking control of its finances was one of the
reasons Borderland Fencing turned to Europcar
UK. Like many small to medium-sized
businesses – including those operating in the
roofing sector – Borderland Fencing faces the
challenge of keeping its operations moving
without making long-term financial commitments
that could tie up cash flow. It also needs to have
the flexibility to adapt to customer demand at
short notice and rental, rather than long-term
leasing or ownership, offers Borderland Fencing
just that.
The firm took delivery of a fleet of ten drop side
vans – all with Borderland Fencing branding – in
a long-term rental contract with Europcar. And, as
Rachel Hall of Borderland Fencing explained, this
means they have all the advantages of an
‘owned’ fleet, without any of the financial burden.
“Europcar has an extensive commercial vehicle
fleet giving us access to the right mix of vehicles
for our business needs. Each van has been signwritten
with our branding, not only promoting the
business while we’re on the move, but giving our
customers the confidence that we are a reliable
firm. And Europcar’s competitive rates have
enabled us to reduce our fleet costs, especially as
we don’t have the financial burden of buying
vehicles outright.
“Importantly, we don’t have to worry about the
cost of maintenance, or the impact on our service
of vehicles being off the road. The young age of
Europcar vans means reliability is high and, even
if there is an issue, Europcar can provide a
replacement vehicle quickly so that we can keep
our business running to the high standard our
customers expect.”
With van and specialist vehicle hire available for
as little as three days or as long as three years,
businesses across the sector – including roofers
– don’t have to worry about being locked into
long-term agreements. Crucially, they can
increase and decrease their fleet with no
penalties, removing financial risk and helping
these businesses respond to fluctuating demand.
Taking control of its finances was one of the reasons why Borderland Fencing says it turned to Europcar’s long-tern vehicle hire.
Contact Europcar: www.europcar.co.uk
72 TC OCTOBER 2018

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UAV Advice
DRONES & ROOFING: IT’S NOT JUST
A CASE OF BUYING AND FLYING
By Sion Roberts, Managing Director at RUSTA.
Since the end of 2013, Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle (UAV) technology has become more
prominent in the construction industry.
Aided by continuous advancements in digital
technology, this disruptive new area of aviation is
having a ground-breaking effect in the industry
and is becoming an essential part of modern-day
surveying and monitoring.
Having the use of a drone for a roofing or cladding
project can save a considerable amount of time
and money. Additionally, it can give a thorough
report and obtain a vast amount of data using
many different sensors – something which can be
hard to achieve with the naked eye.
Using a UAV as an alternative perspective also
reduces the risk of injury by eliminating the need
to put a human in a potentially precarious and
dangerous environment. With health and safety
being paramount in this day and age, drones can
be an invaluable resource to have at your
businesses’ disposal.
Endless possibilities
Many of those in the construction industry today
use drones for a wide range of tasks including
building surveys, site inspections, health and
safety inductions, maintenance inspections,
project progress reports, promotional
photography, live feed, site logistics, laser
scanning and thermal imaging recording; if known
how to be operated properly, the possibilities are
endless.
Nurture your progression
Roofers and cladders in particular can take
advantage of these exciting technological
exercises while on the job. One of my biggest
pieces of advice for any new pilot is to nurture
your progression. In other words, practise one
task at a time. Whether you are
surveying or carrying out an
inspection, to truly hone your
skills and become an efficient
operator, take the time needed to
perfect each task before moving onto
the next.
In the air and on the ground
Also, remember to keep your drone
a safe distance from any
potential harm both in the
air and on the ground, and
always be aware of your
own surroundings when
piloting. Furthermore, to
get the best results from
any task, always have a
carefully thought through plan
prior to going airborne. This will
mitigate the risk of damage to the drone which
can save your company time and money.
Into the deep blue yonder
But while the cost of buying the flying equipment
can be incredibly cost effective, with a basic
model starting at around £1,000, it’s not a simple
case of just buying the drone and throwing it into
the deep blue yonder.
For many businesses in the industry, the
temptation is just to buy one online and go flying,
but there is a lot more that an operator needs to
be aware of before they can be adept at taking to
the skies. Yes drones are incredibly easy to fly but
if you are utilising one for commercial operations,
or receiving anything valuable from its data, you
will need a Permission for Commercial Operation
(PfCO) from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
This is where we can help.
Contact RUSTA
08007747347
www.rustauas.com
@RUSTA_TRG
Left: Sion Roberts, Managing Director at
RUSTA.
We provide the training courses
an operator needs to attend
before they can obtain a PfCO by
the CAA. The courses we run last for
two and a half days and cover a litany of
topics to ensure participants thoroughly
understand and adhere to the rules and
regulations.
Areas the training covers
include demonstrating
knowledge of regulations,
safety issues, pre-flight
processes and
procedures, flight
manoeuvres and
emergency procedures.
It is important to mention that the
CAA has recently updated its rules and
regulations, so it is vital that operators get the
right qualifications prior to using this exciting new
technology for commercial operations.
As one of the original drone and UAV academies
in the UK, we have trained an abundance of
people in the construction industry over the last
four years. Our instructors, who all have
backgrounds in the Royal Air Force or Army Air
Corps, use their thousands of hours of flying
experience on both manned and unmanned
platforms to ensure participants on our courses
save money, stay safe and ultimately achieve
better results than the legacy methods.
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