October 2018

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