November 2018

NOVEMBER 2018
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Editor’s Comment
MATT DOWNS
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
MATTDOWNS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK
07963 330774
The Autumn Internationals aren’t the only big events taking place
at Twickenham this November! 30th November sees Twickenham
Stadium play host to the inaugural Contractor’s Day, a new oneday
event from the NFRC and Total Contractor exclusively targeted
at contractors who work with roofing, cladding and associated
materials.
Visitors will be able to get up close and see the latest offerings from
over 65 of the leading manufacturers and suppliers; hear dedicated
seminars on issues affecting them on projects and as businesses –
including an exclusive presentation on RoofCERT from John Vanstone –
and test their knowledge and roofing skills in the Skills Zone.
COVER PIC:
COURTESY OF KINGSPAN
INSULATED PANELS
Steve Ball looks at health and safety rules and regulations and asks where
does the responsibility lie when working at height? p.62.
FOLLOW US @TOTCONTRACTORUK
SIGN UP FOR YOUR WEEKLY E-BLAST AT
WWW.TOTAL-CONTRACTOR.CO.UK
As NFRC’s James Talman explains in his Show Guide intro, Contractor’s
Day couldn’t have come at a better time: “As the Chief Executive of the
premier roofing trade federation in the UK, I’m passionate about
promoting best practice and technical excellence and this event is a
timely one.
Advertising:
Publishing Director: Andy Dunn:
DD: 01892 732 047
Mob: 07963 330777
Email: andydunn@media-now.co.uk
Commercial Manager: Jake Roxborough
DD: 01892 732 047
Mob: 07956 133314
Email: jakeroxborough@media-now.co.uk
“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 – Contractor’s Day enables visitors to
gain access to the information that will help their businesses to meet
these challenges.”
So visit www.contractorsday.co.uk to register for your FREE tickets and
we look forward to seeing you at Twickenham on the 30th!
NEW
A PRIC
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£T
Matt
LOW PRICE
The content of Total Contractor magazine (and website) does not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or publishers and
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NOVEMBER 2018 TC 3

Contents
FROM THE COVER
32 WINTER WORK
Pete Flynn offers his top tips for working safely
on site in poor weather
46 SERVICES TO ROOFING
We talk to three BMI AOTY finalists who made
the move from the military to roofing
52 TAPERED TIPS
Neil Talmage provides his top tips to get your
tapered project correct first time
CONTRACTOR’S DAY!
This month Twickenham Stadium opens
its doors for Contractor’s Day! Register for
your FREE tickets at www.contractorsday.co.uk
FEATURES
26 AVOID LATE PAYMENT
Matthew Jones outlines his advice for putting better
payment processes into practice
38 PERFECTLY PITCHED
In his latest article, John Mercer explains how to
control condensation
48 LET THERE BE NATURAL LIGHT
Scott Leeder says contractors need to be aware of
the right products for achieving natural light
58 SUPPORT IN THE FIELD
We talk to Field Techs about their jobs and how they
work with contractors on projects
62 A HEAD FOR HEIGHTS
Steve Ball assesses where the responsibility lies when it
comes to working at height
92 REMOTE CONTROL
Jackie Biswell explains why trust, communication and
self-discipline are key to remote working
4 TC NOVEMBER 2018

REGULARS
16 NFRC TECH TALK
Bob Richardson gives the lowdown on installing
underlay to the revised code of practice
18 CONTRACT TALK
Richard Kendrick looks at the training
opportunities available in roofing
20 AN INSPECTOR CALLS
This month the Inspector warms to the task of
installing cold applied liquids
INDUSTRY NEWS
08 EDILIANS ENTERS THE MARKET
A focus on new areas of the market in addition to tiles at
Imerys has seen the company re-brand as EDILIANS
10 UK INSULATION PLANT OPENS
IKO Insulations has opened the doors of its Alconburybased
enertherm insulation manufacturing facility
10
42 CONTRACTOR’S Q’S
Peter Mably talks late payment, building a
business and difficult customers
SECTIONS
WWW.TOTAL-CONTRACTOR.CO.UK
32
TOTAL
ROOFING
74 TOTAL
CLADDING
86 TOTAL
INSULATION
26
NOVEMBER 2018 TC 5

Industry News
100% HACKITT
LAUNCHED
100% Hackitt – an industry initiative to
encourage the government to deliver all of
the recommendations contained within
Dame Judith's report – was launched in
Westminster on 22nd October by Local
Authority Building Control (LABC) and the
British Board of Agrément (BBA).
These two organisations have united to bring
focus to industry calls for a full adoption of
Dame Judith’s Independent Review of
Building Regulations and Fire Safety; together
they are launching a new website www.100-
hackitt.co.uk, producing ‘pledge cards’ for
supporters to sign up to the initiative and
pushing for an Early Day Motion debate in the
House of Commons.
Dame Judith attended the launch, delivering
a keynote speech to a large number of crossparty
politicians, policy advisors and industry
body representatives, telling them there was
‘massive need’ for culture change throughout
the industry, with responsibilities clearly
defined at every stage of a building’s
lifecycle. “Much remains to be done to bring
the construction industry up to the standards
of other industries in terms of accountability,
transparency and record keeping,” she said.
“Don’t tinker, don’t tweak, it has to be
fundamental.”
NEW ADDITIONS TO CONTRACTOR’S DAY!
Midland Lead is the latest big name from the one. From increased public scrutiny over quality
roofing sector to sign up as an Event
and safety, to problems of attracting a new crop
Supporter for Contractor’s Day, the new oneday
event from the NFRC and Total Contractor challenges in today’s market, and Contractor’s
of talent, roofers and cladders face a variety of
for contractors operating in the roofing, Day enables visitors to gain access to the
cladding and insulation sectors, which takes information that will help their businesses to
place at Twickenham Stadium on 30th
meet these challenges. So please take the
November 2018.
opportunity to gain new knowledge as well as
meet with over 65 of the UK’s leading suppliers of
The lead manufacturer joins Knowledge Partner
roofing products and services.”
SIG Roofing, Skills Partner BMI UK & Irelend and
Event Supporters Marley Eternit, Bauder and Brett Matt Downs, Editorial Director at Total Contractor
Martin Daylight Systems, in supporting this magazine, explained: “We’re thrilled that Midland
exciting, new event which will provide a
Lead has completed our stellar list of Event
showcase for new products, systems and
Supporters and alongside the FTMRC and Paslode
knowledge to assist contractors both on site and added to our extensive list of exhibitors. We now
in their businesses.
have over 65 exhibitors with a fantastic mix of
representation from the roofing, cladding and
The Federation of Traditional Metal Roofing
insulation sectors.
Contractors and tool manufacturer Paslode are
the latest exhibitors to join a list of over 65 of the “In just one day visitors to Twickenham will be
leading manufacturers and suppliers who will be able to see the latest offerings from the key
on show at Contractor’s Day.
players in their market, hear valuable discussion
on the big issues that will affect them going
James Talman, Chief Executive of the NFRC,
forward, plus get interactive and test their
explained why Contractor’s Day is a key event for
knowledge in the Skills Zone.”
the roofing sector: “As the Chief Executive of the
premier roofing trade federation in the UK, I’m To find out more about Contractor’s Day and
passionate about promoting best practice and register for your FREE tickets visit:
technical excellence and this event is a timely www.contractorsday.co.uk
KNAUF CELEBRATES SUPAFIL ANNIVERSARY
Claire Curtis-Thomas, BBA Chief Executive,
described the 100% Hackitt initiative as ‘the
best thing for the British construction
industry in a generation’, adding: “The BBA is
backing this initiative as strongly as we
possibly can because we want to see bad
practices in the industry eliminated and
protection for the public and companies that
are fully committed to high standards of
delivery.”
www.100-hackitt.co.uk
Knauf Insulation is celebrating the thirtieth
anniversary of the launch of Supafil, its Glass
Mineral Blowing Wool insulation solution,
which it says has transformed the energy
performance of millions
of UK homes.
Graham Mortin, Product
Development Manager at
Knauf Insulation, said:
“Thirty years ago, we
launched Supafil to respond
to the market demand for
insulation and to provide lower U-values – and it
took the industry by storm.
“Today, we continue to put our customers’ needs at
the heart of our product
development programme. As
a result, Supafil continues to
be a game changer as we
have expanded the range to
fulfil a variety of applications
and markets.”
Left: Knauf Insulation is
celebrating 30 years of Supafil.
6 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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PITCHED ROOFING
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INDUSTRIAL ROOFING

Industry News
FINE FOR FRAGILE
ROOF FALL
A North Devon-based steel fabricator has
been sentenced after a young employee
fell through a fragile roof whilst at work.
Plymouth Magistrates’ Court heard how, on
23rd August 2017, a 19-year old employed
by Mark Dayment, trading as Langaton Steel
Fabrications, was on his first day of working
on a roof replacement project at a petrol
filling station in Barnstaple. Whilst assisting
another worker, he took a few steps off the
walkway and fell 7.5 metres through a thin
metal sheet onto the concrete forecourt
below. The young worker suffered serious
head injuries, a broken pelvis and a broken
wrist as a result of the fall.
An investigation by the Health and Safety
Executive (HSE) found the work was not
properly planned, appropriately supervised or
carried out in a safe manner when the
incident occurred. Mr Dayment, had a duty to
control how the work was carried out,
including staff supervision.
NEW FOCUS: IMERYS BECOMES EDILIANS
IMERYS Toiture has announced that it has
“changed its name to EDILIANS”.
Discussing the name change, a spokesperson at
EDILIANS, said: “It is true that in the design phase
of construction, we are now talking about solutions
it has a real growth opportunity to become a
more than products, on the roof as well as the
leader in roofing and façade solutions in Europe.
facade. And the more we offer systems to create
roofing and cladding solutions, the further away When announcing that EDILIANS, is no longer a
from IMERYS’ core activities we moved – it was part of the IMERYS Group, Pierre Jonnard, President
time for the company’s common journey to end.” and Founder of the company explained: “The visual
identity of the company (logo) is symbolized by a
EDILIANS says it has two objectives going
shell that represents the protection and the
forward; to expand its roofing, solar, cladding and
envelope of the habitat. Its sleek shape highlights
insulation ranges, and to increase its
all of our activities. The spiral shows that we will
international sales.
be constantly evolving and adapting to the markets
Imerys has been offering roofing solutions for and needs of our customers.
several years now, which has enabled it to gain a
“Heritage and wealth of the company, the historic
foothold in a rapidly changing building market.
and iconic brands of the tiles (Ste Foy, Huguenot)
The manufacturer says Imerys Toiture is far remain. These are symbols of the links established
removed from the Imerys Group core strategy, with our customers and they demonstrate the
therefore under the new ownership as EDILIANS, roots of the company,” he concluded.
DRONES: MORE WOMEN REACH FOR THE SKY
Mark Dayment of North Road, South Moulton
pleaded guilty to breaching Section 4 (1) of
the Work at Height Regs 2005, and has been
fined £12,000 and ordered to pay costs of
£2,228.70.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector
Nicole Buchanan said: “This young man’s
injuries were life-changing and he could have
easily been killed. This serious incident and
devastation could have been avoided if basic
safeguards had been put in place.
“Falls from height remain one of the most
common causes of work-related fatalities
and injuries in this country, and the risks
associated with working at height are wellknown.”
More women are reaching for the
stars in 2018 than ever before as
the UK’s leading drone training
experts reveal a dramatic
increase in women enrolling on its
courses.
RUSTA, which offers Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
approved National Qualified Entity (NQE) training
courses covering a wide range of commercial
industries and backgrounds, noticed an upsurge
in women across the UK registering on its courses
in the last 12 months.
Sion Roberts, Managing Director of RUSTA, said:
“As one of the longest-running NQE academies in
the UK, the last three and a half years have given
us a wealth of data that we’ve used to examine
the demographic of operators. What we
discovered is that male operators have vastly
outnumbered their female counterparts.
However, this domination may be
coming to an end. Over the last
twelve months more women have
been attending our five-star courses,
but even more encouragingly, they have
been outperforming their male peers.
Sophie Harwood, who recently completed her NVQ
Level 4 diploma with RUSTA, uses the knowledge
gained to enhance her skills as a UAV Digital
Capture Specialist at engineering consultancy,
Waldeck Consulting.
As part of the role, Sophie deploys drones on new
and existing construction projects providing a
variety of services such as; live site monitoring,
3D models, stockpile management, topographical
surveying, inspection, photography and
videography.
8 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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Industry News
THEFT FROM VANS
EVERY 23 MINS
50% of tradespeople who’ve experienced tool theft
couldn’t work the next day.
Research from Powertools2U reveals that
the average tool theft claim costs the
tradesperson £1,692 – a figure that
unfortunately can sometimes be doubled
with 50% of victims having had their tools
stolen at least twice.
The results of the Tool Theft Epidemic report
from Powertools2U show that:
• In 2017, the average value of theft claims
rose to £1,692, which was an increase of
£253 from the year before.
• 50% of tradespeople who’ve experienced
tool theft couldn’t work the next day, with
some workers having to take a fortnight off.
• Being unable to work costs 50% of
tradespeople at least £500.
• 75% of reported vehicle thefts are closed
without identifying a suspect.
• Tool theft costs Britain’s tradespeople
nearly £100 million a year.
IKO STRENGTHENS INSULATION OFFERING
IKO Insulations has opened its first insulation
plant at Alconbury, Cambridgeshire. The new
factory was officially opened on Thursday 4
October 2018, by key figures from IKO
including Hartley Koschitzky, Co-Chairman
IKO Group and CEO IKO Europe; Jonathan
Koschitzky Director of European
Manufacturing; Dirk Theuns, CEO IKO
Insulations Europe; and Anthony Carlyle,
Group Managing Director IKO PLC.
The factory manufactures IKO enertherm
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation boards which
can be used in cavity walls, external walls, floors
and roofs and more. Alconbury will have capacity
to insulate up to 40,000 homes per year, helping
to cut fuel bills and contribute towards achieving
the Climate Change Act’s target of an 80%
reduction in carbon emissions by 2050.
Completed in just 12 months, the 60,000m² site
was an operational air base between 1938 and
1995, used by both the British and American Air
Force. Now under the ownership of IKO
Insulations, the factory will make a significant
contribution to the construction industry and local
community, creating up to 160 jobs in the area.
IKO’s management team opened the new enertherm
insulation facility at Alconbury.
Commenting on the factory opening, Hartley
Koschitzky, Co-Chairman IKO Group and CEO IKO
Europe, said: “2018 will be another groundbreaking
year in the history of IKO, as we open our
first insulation plant in the UK. This facility will be
our third PIR factory in Europe and fifth
worldwide. The new factory represents a
significant investment for IKO that will enhance
our leading position as a supplier of choice for
contractors and building materials merchants
throughout the UK. We are excited to be here in
Alconbury and look forward to being an active
part of the community.”
Anthony Carlyle, Group Managing Director IKO
PLC, added: “The IKO Group produces roofing,
waterproofing and insulation products and
already has three manufacturing factories around
the UK. 130 years of experience in designing and
manufacturing roofing, waterproofing and
insulation systems and a commitment to invest in
product solutions helps IKO set the standard
within the industry. This facility strengthens IKO’s
position within the UK and the insulation market
nationally and internationally.”
GET THE PICTURE WITH ARP PHOTO COMP
With van break-ins becoming a bigger
problem for tradespeople, Powertools2U have
uncovered the worst cities for tool theft
across the UK.
The report states that the top three UK tool
theft hotspots are: London, Sheffield and
Birmingham.
ARP has launched its new
photography competition.
All entrants need to do to
win one of five Google Home
Devices is take some quality
images of any ARP products which have been
fitted, and send them into ARP.
Products can be gutters, fascias and soffits,
copings, other bespoke pressings and downpipes
in either aluminium or cast iron. Winners will be
chosen based on the best images and all those
who enter will receive a free
thermal mug as a thank you.
The competition runs from
now until 14th December,
with two Google home
devices being won in October, two in November
and one in December, giving entrants plenty of
time to get their images in. Full terms and
conditions and entry details can be found on the
ARP website at:
www.arp-ltd.com/photo-competition/
10 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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Trip hazard reduction – long thin base-plates with
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centres maximum to enable use for leading edge protection.
Galvanised or powder coated finish. Protective mats 5mm
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Standards – Exceeds Class A EN13374- Class A; For
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Ladders:- Easy Fit
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All typical ladders bespoke – email
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Easy Fit, all ladder components are Easy
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Rest Platforms and ladders with special
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Industry News
PRODUCT EXCELLENCE PROGRAMME LAUNCHED BY BBA
The British Board of Agrément (BBA) has
announced an initiative to provide additional
assurance that the building solutions being used
on projects are technically outstanding and of a
consistently high quality.
Its Product Excellence Programme (PEP) was
officially launched during a Westminster
Sustainable Business Forum (WSBF) event at the
Houses of Parliament, during which quality in
construction was the focus.
The BBA says its PEP raises the UK certification
bar, offering an unparalleled level of product
assessment, testing and monitoring, which it
believes will give contractors, designers, specifiers,
building inspectors, insurers and end users
increased confidence about building solutions.
Brian Moore, BBA Deputy CEO, said: “PEP is an
enhancement to the proven audit and inspection
service that the BBA has provided for many years,
bringing additional rigour and excellence to the
process. Post-Grenfell, consumers are looking for
a higher degree of reassurance and expect
products to be tested regularly by a trustworthy
and externally assessed independent body such
as the BBA, which is UKAS accredited.”
Martin Taylor Commercial Director of the Local
Authority Building Control, noted: “Significant
changes in building regulations often follow
disasters, but we should be more proactive and
look to solve these problems before they occur,”
and he believes one such proactive step is the
BBA Product Excellence Programme.
Currently, BBA Management Systems Auditors
visit client manufacturing facilities every six
months to ensure that BBA certified products
continue to be manufactured in line with the
agreed quality plan. PEP introduces a product
testing regime to this process:
• Complexity 1 products – those which possess
fire or structural type characteristics – will be
tested annually.
• Complexity 2 products – those which do not
possess fire or structural type characteristics –
will be tested every three years.
For both complexities, the BBA will randomly select
products for testing during audits of manufacturing
facilities and send them to its Product Excellence
Test Centre in Watford. If a product tested does not
meet the agreed specifications, it will be subject to
immediate further investigation. Companies unable
to address the source of failure will have their BBA
Certificate withdrawn.
ROOFERS ENJOY BATH BRANCH REOPENING
Hundreds of local roofing contractors
turned out to celebrate the official relaunch
of SIG Roofing’s Bath branch
following a major refurbishment of the
outlet.
The special open day gave roofers the opportunity
to see the significant improvements that have
been made to the branch as part of SIG Roofing’s
commitment to enhance the quality of service it
provides its customers.
The new look branch features a brand new
showroom and trade counter, showcasing the
wide range of roofing solutions that SIG supplies
the local market.
Nathan Goddard, assistant branch manager at
SIG Roofing Bath, said: “We were absolutely
delighted with the number of customers that
joined us on our open day to celebrate the branch
refurbishment and to enjoy a bacon butty and a
cup of tea with us!
“We now have an extensive range of roofing
SIG Roofing’s Bath branch has reopened with a new
showroom and trade counter. Suppliers Velux and FIX-R were
on hand doing product demonstrations.
solutions on display in-store, improving the
quality of the service we can provide our
customers. The feedback we have received from
our customers on the work that has been carried
out has been fantastic.”
As well as SIG Roofing’s range of roofing
products, a number of fantastic promotional
offers were available on the day for customers to
take advantage of, with suppliers including Velux
and FIX-R also on-hand doing product
demonstrations.
JAMIESON RETIRES ON
A HIGH AFTER 44 YRS
Russell Roof Tiles has celebrated John
Jamieson, one of its longest serving
employees, following his retirement after a
fruitful 44 years at the roof tile
manufacturer.
John, aged 65, joined the manufacturer in
1974 aged 21, where he went on to build a
successful career. He first began his career
as a lorry driver at the Lochmaben site but
developed quickly to undertake positions in
Quality Control and Yard Management. John
was then promoted to Stock Control before
taking up a role in Production Planning,
where he remained until his retirement.
Bruce Laidlaw, Production Director at
Russell Roof Tiles, said: “As a thank you
from us, John was presented with a watch,
an engraved tankard and holiday vouchers.
We wish him the best of luck in his
retirement.”
12 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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Industry News
SPAIN QUARRY TRIP
FOR APPRENTICES
Two Leeds College of Building apprentices
have just from the trip of a lifetime after
winning a competition to go on an allexpenses-paid
journey to northern Spain
for three days.
The students flew to Madrid and then on to
the famous CUPA PIZARRAS quarries –
reportedly the biggest tectonic natural slate
reserves in the world – to see first-hand
where slate is excavated and manufactured
for international distribution.
Daniel Williams (18) who works for St. Leger
Homes in Doncaster, and Jacob Brain (19)
who works for WDH in Wakefield, were
selected for their exceptional standard of
work and commitment to their training over
the last academic year.
The competition is sponsored by longstanding
partner CUPA PIZARRAS, who
supports the College and donates roofing
supplies (including its natural slate range)
through Burton Roofing Merchants.
Accompanied by roofing lecturers Chris
Messenger and Tim Donegan, the students
saw for themselves the production of slate on
a massive scale at CUPA’s world-leading
quarries. The students observed how stone is
extracted from the ground, selected, and
hand-split ready for transport to roofing
markets around the world.
FLAT & PITCHED TRAINING AT ONE VENUE
Following the completion of a new BMI Icopal
flat roofing training area, and the
refurbishment of the existing BMI Redland
pitched training facility, the BMI National
Training Centre is now able to offer
contractors, developers, merchants and
students an extensive range of both pitched
and flat roof courses at the one location.
Located in South Cerney, Gloucestershire, the
National Training Centre boasts possibly the most
comprehensive training resource in the country.
The pitched roof area comprises a variety of rigs
including: a gable-to-gable rig, life-size hip and
valley rig, life-size monopitch with top edge
abutment rig, and a plain tile detail rig for full
system installation. These are complemented by
a variety of mobile rigs outside.
The training area for flat roofs is similarly well
equipped with several liquid waterproofing rigs,
two single ply detail rigs, a life-size flat roof and
six demonstration tables for single ply and liquids
detail work, along with a large external bitumen
rig to allow torch on and pour and roll training.
IKO Polymeric will be Headline Sponsor for
SPRA Events 2019.
Competition for Headline Sponsor was very strong
this year with Bauder, Gradient, IKO Polymeric and
SFS Group all wanting the top slot. SPRA says the
only fair way was to hold a draw! Bill Hill, CEO of
the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity made
the draw before presenting on Mental Health at the
SPRA Member Workshop held on the 9th of October
at the NEC.
Stuart Turnbull, National Sales Manager for IKO
Polymeric, said: “We are delighted to be SPRA
Headline Sponsor for 2019. We see SPRA
membership as a key element of our business as it
demonstrates our commitment to high standards
Courses offered range from the BMI Basic Roofing course (flat
and pitched), to the higher-level courses, such as the Bespoke
Standards & Workmanship course for pitched roofing.
Mat Woodyatt, BMI Technical Training Manager, is
excited with what the National Training Centre can
now offer: “With the investment we have made in
the new flat roofing facility and the improvements
made to the pitched roof area, we are in a great
position to offer the most comprehensive training
available in the UK. Since opening over 45,000
delegates have enjoyed coming here and learning
a new skill, or even just brushing up on an existing
skill. Now we can look forward to the next 45,000
and offer them even more. Our commitment to
training has never wavered and being able to run
courses in both pitched and flat disciplines will
help us cater for the needs of the contractor,
merchant and student in a more cohesive and
flexible manner”, he added.
IKO POLYMERIC HEADLINES SPRA EVENTS
and quality. It’s also important to us that we give
something back to the single ply industry and
support the excellent work that SPRA does.”
Such is their support, that Bauder, Gradient and SFS
have all chosen to take Gold sponsorship. SIKA and
EJOT UK have also taken Gold sponsorship which
has already sold out this category!
Cathie Clarke, SPRA CEO, said: “I am completely
blown away by the level of support we have already
received for next year. It shows that the hard work of
the SPRA team to increase SPRA and our members’
profiles throughout the industry and our efforts to
improve quality, productivity and sustainability
through education, influence and support across the
sector are recognised and appreciated.”
14 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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NFRC Technical Talk
THE LOWDOWN ON UNDERLAY
Bob Richardson, NFRC’s Head of Technical, gives you the lowdown on installing underlay to
the revised code of practice.
By now, most Total Contractor readers will
have heard about the revisions to the BS
5534 code of practice for installing slates
and tiles to new-build pitched roofs and vertical
cladding. Although it’s not a legal requirement, a
roof specified to BS 5534 can be upheld by law,
so you should refer to the complete BS 5534
document or seek advice from the manufacturer.
Nevertheless, it’s important to understand the
basics and in the first of a series of articles
based on the key tasks, we look at underlay.
Why you should always use underlay
BS 5534 recommends that you should always use
underlay beneath tiles and slates to provide a
continuous barrier against wind uplift, and as a
secondary barrier against wind-driven rain, snow
or dust. In fact, underlay takes on about 50% of a
roof covering’s total wind load.
The underlay can also move any moisture
deposits into the roof drainage system and
provide temporary weather protection before
slates and tiles are installed. However, they
generally shouldn’t be exposed for more than a
few days if there is persistent heavy rainfall or a
severe freeze. Exposure to UV light can also lead
to a premature failure, so if you can’t avoid
leaving the underlay exposed, then protect it with
a tarpaulin or ensure that you comply with the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
Types of underlay
There are two types of underlay:
1. High Water Vapour Resistance (HR) is a
‘non-breathable’ type typically made of
bituminous and impermeable plastic material,
providing a strong barrier against wind and water.
2. Low Water Vapour Resistance (LR) This
‘vapour permeable’ type of
underlay will not generally
provide ventilation but will allow
water vapour to pass through.
LR underlay can be sub-divided into:
• Airtight underlays are vapour-open, yet
don’t let air through.
• Air permeable or air open underlays allow both
water and air to pass through so may not require
further ventilation.
Wind zones
The UK has five wind zones that indicate the
strength of the wind in each given area. Always
check with the manufacturer or utilise an
approved calculator to make sure the underlay
can be used in a particular zone. However, the
wind zone suitability for underlays is generally
given, subject to the following:
• The ridge height is not greater than 15m
• The roof pitch is between 12.5° and 75°
• The site altitude is not greater than 100m
• The site is not more than halfway up a hill or
escarpment / cliff with more than 5% gradient.
Unsupported & fully-supported underlay
• Unsupported underlay
You can drape underlays over rafters or counterbattens,
but they must be suitably strong, waterresistant
and durable. Some drape between
rafters or counter battens is needed to help drain
moisture away from the fixing holes at the rafters
or other supports. However, a drape of 15mm can
create noise caused by the wind flapping the
underlay and can transfer the wind loads to the
roof covering.
Left: Bob Richardson, NFRC.
• Fully-supported underlay
Underlays can also be laid fully
supported over various boarding
types including rigid insulation
boards.
Underlay laps
The underlay lap length depends on the
application and roof pitch.
• Unsupported underlays should generally be laid
with a minimum 150mm horizontal lap, increased
to 225mm below 15° roof pitches. You should
restrain the horizontal lap with a batten or seal it
using either integral lap tapes or proprietary lap
sealant tapes with the same durability as the
underlay. The minimum sealed lap lengths are
usually at least 100mm.
•Fully supported underlays should generally be
laid with a minimum 100mm horizontal lap,
increased to 150mm for roof pitches below 15°.
Fixing the underlay
Always mechanically fix underlays using clout nails.
Avoid using staples to fix the underlay as they are
less effective and increase the risk of water
penetration, and the projection of the underlay
below the batten should be between 25-75mm.
Working around roof penetrations
Roof penetrations, which could include roof
windows, pipes and chimneys, should be sealed
appropriately to prevent water ingress..
Contact the NFRC
020 7638 7663
www.nfrc.co.uk
@TheNFRC
16 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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Bespoke flashings and
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Kingspan’s own complete range
of structural steel products
Kingspan Insulated Panels RW Roof system is a factory-engineered
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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
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Tel: +44 (0) 1352 716100 www.kingspanpanels.co.uk

Contract Talk
KEEPING TRAINING FRONT OF MIND
As the demand for skilled workers in the construction industry continues to rise, Richard
Kendrick, Marketing Manager at SIG Roofing, looks at the training opportunities available
that could help to close the existing skills gap and bring more people into the industry.
The lack of proper training is a key factor in
the current skills shortage faced by the
construction industry, not least in the
roofing sector. As we recover from the impact of
the 2008 financial crash, we’re seeing a steep
increase in demand for skilled labour that our
current workforce is unable to meet. With
ambitious targets laid out in the government’s
Construction 2020 scheme – which aims to
reduce costs by 33% and product delivery times
by 50% by 2020, all the time increasing output
significantly – closing the skills gap is more
critical than ever.
However, with the government pledging to invest
significantly into apprenticeship training, and
multiple training programmes available from the
likes of industry bodies, manufacturers and
colleges, it is possible to get new and existing
roofers the training they require to develop the
skills the industry so desperately needs.
So what are the options?
Apprenticeships
The obvious way to increase the skilled talent in
the industry is to recruit more young people.
Under plans set out by the government in 2016,
businesses with a pay bill of less than £3 million
per year (approximately 98% of UK businesses)
will have 90% of their apprenticeship costs
funded by an apprenticeship levy. The levy will be
paid by those with a pay bill of more than £3
million, at 0.5% of their total annual pay bill per
year. This means that apprenticeships are now
much more feasible for businesses of all sizes.
The new schemes combine classroom study with
time spent on site with a roofing company,
providing the practical and theoretical knowledge
required for achieving the relevant qualification.
Apprenticeships are run through
colleges all over the country in
partnership with employers keen
to take on young apprentices and
train them up through their ranks.
The colleges offer ongoing support
for both apprentices and employers and
are responsible for awarding the final
qualification.
On-site assessment and training (OSAT)
For experienced roofers, on-site assessment and
training is a cost-effective method of bringing
skills up to the industry’s national occupational
standards. Whilst many roofers may have learned
their craft through experience alone, it is
important to invest in proper standardised
training in order to ensure they are compliant with
health and safety legislation and are able to prove
their competence. OSAT is available through
colleges, regional roofing training groups,
manufacturers, contractors, national construction
college courses and mobile rigs.
Specialist Upskilling Programme (SUP)
The specialist upskilling programme is run
“All come with the
same advantage of
strengthening skills
and proving
competence when
using the relevant
equipment, which can
be crucial in setting
you apart from your
competitors”
Left: Richard Kendrick, Marketing Manager,
SIG Roofing.
through Construction Industry
Training Board (CITB) training
providers and is designed for
roofing workers with no formal skill
but some basic site experience. It gives
them the opportunity to learn a formal skill
through the combination of classroom study and /
or on-site training and experience. The training
can last for up to 12 months, and upon
successful completion, the operative could attain
an N/SVQ Level 2 and qualify for a Construction
Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.
Manufacturer training opportunities
Most roofing materials and equipment
manufacturers hold their own training
programmes to bring roofing workers up to speed
on how to correctly use the products, in turn
minimising risk and increasing competence.
There are manufacturer courses available for
different areas of the industry, including for
pitched roofs, flat roofs and industrial roofs, along
with specific equipment training too. Often the
courses will take place on-site at a
manufacturer’s main facility, or they can also
take place at colleges too. The qualifications
obtained upon completion can differ from course
to course, but all come with the same advantage
of strengthening skills in a specific area and
proving competence when using the relevant
equipment, which can be crucial in setting you
apart from your competitors.
Contact SIG Roofing
0845 612 4304
www.sigroofing.co.uk
@SIGRoofing
18 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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An Inspector Calls
COLD CALLING – APPLYING LIQUIDS
In a 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 warms to the
task of how best install cold applied
liquids.
Cold applied liquids are fast becoming the
solution of choice – particularly in the domestic
flat roofing market – as they provide quick and
effective answers to both repair and
refurbishment scenarios. Ideal for extending the
life of tired and ageing roofs, they also provide
solutions for new projects as they now achieve
guarantees comparable to bitumen and single-ply
membranes. This, however, as always, is
dependent on the correct preparation and
application of the waterproofing system by the
contractor.
Whilst they offer a speedy installation (when
compared to other systems), it by no means
implies they should be applied quickly. Far too
often we see the threat of inclement weather
force the contractor into rushing the installation
where the manufacturer’s recommended
coverage rates are not observed, primers are illapplied
and substrates are ill-prepared. Our very
“Far too often we see the threat of inclement
weather force the contractor into rushing the
installation”
Below: Image 1, the reinforcing fabrics are still visible beneath the liquid.
“Another issue that we
commonly find is the
system being applied
onto substrates that
are still wet or damp”
first column on substrate preparation (Total
Contractor - April) should be heeded here; now is
a good time to re-emphasise its importance and
that by failing to prepare you are effectively
preparing to fail.
Is the forecast good?
Of course the success of liquid applied systems is
subject to friendly weather, but it is equally
dependent on the care and attention of the
installing contractor. It is essential that you check
the weather before starting a project of this
nature as rainfall will most certainly compromise
the system’s integrity and will also effect its
curing potential, which can mean the whole
system needs reapplying in its entirety – a costly
mistake to make for any contractor who makes
naive assumptions about the UK’s weather.
Curing stages
There are usually various curing stages so it is
also essential the manufacturer’s guidance and
recommendations are followed. Some products
may be ‘rain proof’ after a few hours, they may
be considered suitable to receive foot traffic
several hours after that, but their fully cured state
may not actually be achieved until 24 hours after
initial application. Manufacturers may give advice
on a product’s colour, tackiness or odour to
identify these particular stages, so please check
the relevant literature for confirmation.
Measures
It is also essential that the liquid be measured
out accurately prior to application, as coverage
rates will often determine guarantee lengths. If
insufficient liquid is applied, a guarantee may not
be awarded for the project and the system itself
may still be vulnerable to ingress, particularly if
20 TC NOVEMBER 2018

einforcing fabrics are still
visible beneath the liquid,
which is something we
still see quite regularly,
as shown in the
accompanying image
(image 1, prev page).
Substrates
Another issue that we commonly
find is the system being applied onto
substrates that are still wet or damp. Whilst the
waterproofing system itself is wet on application,
it does not mean the substrate receiving the
liquid can be wet too. Any retained moisture will
provide a barrier between the surface and the
“Installing the
incorrect primer could
lead to full system delamination”
Left: Image 2, any retained moisture
will provide a barrier between the
surface and the waterproofing;
this may result in pockets of
un-bonded system.
waterproofing; this may
result in pockets of unbonded
system being
present which could lead to
blisters and system
delamination, as illustrated in the
picture above (image 2). This is not aesthetically
pleasing and damage to these pockets could
result in a system breach.
This can also occur if the wrong primer is used on
the wrong substrate. Most liquid systems have
substrate specific primers, so the primer for a
timber substrate may be different to the primer
for a PVC membrane. Installing the incorrect
primer could lead to full system de-lamination
and therefore full system failure!
When a liquid system is applied correctly, it will
Five steps to success:
• Check the weather forecast before
starting
• Ensure all substrates are dry
• Use the correct primer
• Ensure the correct coverage rates are
measured and observed
• If in doubt, consult the manufacturer
provide a long-lasting and durable finish with no
side or head laps which naturally improves its
integrity. A seamless product has the ability to
offer a seamless installation when applied
correctly.
Contact Icopal’s Technical Team
0161 865 4444
www.icopal.co.uk
@Icopal_UK
More than 140 years
of waterproofing
know-how
As a world leader in the manufacture of roofing and waterproofing systems, BMI Icopal is working continuously to innovate and develop its role as the
partner of choice for building projects of any size and type. Our extensive range of products include bitumen, single ply, liquid applied waterproofing,
lightweight roof tile systems, structural waterproofing and scaffold sheeting. Add to that, over 140 years of knowledge and expertise, plus an industry
leading level of warranty, there can be no other choice than BMI Icopal.
www.bmigroup.com/uk
Email: sales.admin@bmigroup.com
NOVEMBER 2018 TC 21

SPRA Update
CALLING ALL SINGLE PLY SPECIALISTS
Cathie Clarke, SPRA CEO, talks about some of the initiatives the Association has undertaken
recently to help its members progress, plus its upcoming appearance at Contractor’s Day
where visitors can find out more about the ways it supports its members.
The Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA)
will be exhibiting and speaking at the new
Contractor’s Day event being held at
Twickenham Stadium on the 30th of November
2018, to highlight the work that we do on behalf
of our members and the wider flat roofing
industry. Come along and see us on Stand 24!
This specialist trade association is not just about
‘the badge’ – although the SPRA logo is a
powerful symbol of quality and demonstrates a
commitment to do a good job. SPRA says quality
because all members are audited against a range
of criteria to ensure that they take their business
– and client’s projects – seriously.
Quality audits are not a one-off activity. SPRA
audits its members on an annual basis to ensure
that the high standards it demands continue to be
met. And that’s what sets single ply specialist
companies who are SPRA members apart from
those that just say they do some single ply work.
“SPRA audits its
members on an annual
basis to ensure that the
high standards it
demands continue to
be met”
Such is the value of the SPRA logo that some
companies will claim to be SPRA members to get
work when they aren’t. Well, there is a really easy
way to find out if they are or not…simply go to
the SPRA website and double check.
www.spra.co.uk/find-a-member/ If they are not
listed, they are not members!
As mentioned earlier, SPRA membership is about
so much more than just being able to use the
logo. For instance, SPRA offers significant
discounts on its training. SPRA is the only
organisation in the UK to offer specialist single ply
apprenticeship training – called the Specialist
Applied-Skills Programme, or SAP for short – and
can also offer bespoke short course training too.
In addition, SPRA has worked together with the
CITB to create a series of short courses that are
all approved for CITB grants. SPRA has also
created a new course for managers and
professionals to provide a new training route for
site managers, supervisors and roof inspectors.
The new course is being piloted this autumn and
will be available through the CITB Training
Directory in the New Year.
Being a SPRA member is being part of the SPRA
community; it’s a two-way relationship. SPRA
likes to understand the needs of its members and
holds workshops to not only inform contractors
about the work that it is doing on their behalf, but
also to collect feedback from contractors on
issues affecting them, and to work together to
develop services and projects that address these
issues. For instance, at a workshop held in
October, SPRA spoke about the work that it is
doing with Build UK and the Construction
Products Association (CPA) on influencing post-
Hackitt recommendations and potential changes
to building regulations; and its role in the
development of a simplified and fairer PQ
Standard. In addition, SPRA took the opportunity
to hold a special session delivered by the CEO of
the Lighthouse Construction Charity on mental
health support and raised awareness of new
funding to support Mental Health First Aid
training.
The workshop was also used to explain in more
SPRA holds workshops to not only inform contractors about
the work that it is doing on their behalf, but also to collect
feedback from contractors on issues affecting them.
“The workshop was
also used to explain in
more detail both
Trailblazer Standards
and the new RoofCERT
accreditation being
developed by the NFRC”
detail both Trailblazer Standards and the new
RoofCERT accreditation being developed by the
NFRC. Helping to make sense of these external
initiatives and the impact they may have on a
contractor’s business is seen as a key role and
membership benefit by the Single Ply Roofing
Association.
If you want to demonstrate that you are a high
quality specialist in the single ply roofing industry,
isn’t it time you became a member of this proactive
trade association? Visit us on Stand 24 at
Contractor’s Day to find out more.
Contact SPRA
0845 154 7188
www.spra.co.uk
@singleply
22 TC NOVEMBER 2018

Whatever the weather,
Alumasc’s metal rainwater systems
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M25
M25
Measurements provided by www.eagleview.com
www.eagleview.com/Guarantee.aspx
© 2008-2017 Eagle View Technologies, Inc. and Pictometry International Corp. – All Rights Reserved – Covered by one or more of U.S. Patent Nos. 8,078,436; 8,145,578; 8,170,840; 8,209,152; 8,515,125; 8,825,454; 9,135,737; 8,670,961;
9,514,568; 8,818,770; 8,542,880; 9,244,589; 9,329,749. Other Patents Pending.
In this 3D model, facets appear as semi-transparent to reveal overhangs.
321 King St.
London, A1 B2C
555-555-5555
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Premium Report
06/09/2017
Report:
Images .....................................................................1
Length Diagram .........................................................4
Pitch Diagram ............................................................5
Area Diagram ............................................................6
Notes Diagram...........................................................7
Penetrations Diagram.................................................8
Report Summary........................................................9
MEASUREMENTS
Total Roof Area =467.95 sq m
Total Roof Facets =24
Predominant Pitch =45°
Number of Storeys >1
Total Ridges/Hips =84.43 m
Total Valleys =17.07 m
Total Verges =14.63 m
Total Eaves =111.86 m
Total Penetrations =14
Total Penetrations Perimeter = 34.75 m
Total Penetrations Area = 9.48 sq m
Measurements provided bywww.eagleview.com
www.eagleview.com/Guarantee.aspx
Technologies, Inc. and Pictometry International Corp. – All Rights Reserved – Covered by one or more of
U.S. Patent Nos. 8,078,436; 8,145,578; 8,170,840; 8,209,152; 8,515,125; 8,825,454; 9,135,737; 8,670,961;
9,514,568; 8,818,770; 8,542,880; 9,244,589; 9,329,749. Other Patents Pending.
EAGLEVIEW IN FOCUS
The hi-res imagery that’s
re-engineering roofing
By Kay Rose FIoR National Sales Director, EagleView.
If you’re a roofing professional, imagine
how much easier your job would be if
you had a full overview of the roof even
before visiting the site.
Imagine if – with just a few clicks of
your mouse – you could order a full roof
measurement report that includes high-resolution
images and precise dimensions
of all the areas. Imagine being able to
order materials without the worry of
over- or under-ordering – no need to do
a “guesstimate and
add some” to cover
yourself.
EagleView ® makes
all of this a reality.
Established in the
US in 2008 and
launched in the UK
in November 2017,
the world’s first-ever
remote aerial roof
measurement service
creates 3D models that
deliver highly accurate
and detailed roof
measurements.
Proven
technology
At its core lies the
patented Pictometry ®
technology which
produces high-resolution
imagery
showing the fronts and sides of
buildings. Pictometry imagery
provides oblique perspectives
from 40 to 45-degree angles as
well as an overhead view.
PREMIUM ROOF REPORT PREPARATION
LONDON
COVERAGE
MAP
HIGH RESOLUTION
TOTAL LINE LENGTHS
Ridges 30.48 m
Hips 53.95 m
Valleys 17.07 m
Verges 14.63 m
These images are then stored
and, when an EagleView
roofing report is requested,
advanced algorithms and data
analytics are used to translate
them into a highly accurate
model of the property in
question. These models then
enable detailed structural
measurements to be derived –
including eaves, flashing, hips,
verges, ridges and valleys. The reports are
produced quickly – in a matter of hours –
and available in a variety of file formats.
Reducing risk, saving time
Conducting a manual roof survey involves
time travelling to and from the site,
getting safe access to the roof and taking
measurements, and then further time to create
precise dimensional drawings. By replacing
this manual approach with an EagleView
PremiumReport , that time is freed up for
managing active contracts and pursuing new
leads. And, not only does an EagleView
11.1m
4.6m
8.6m
8.6m
4.6m
2.8m
1.8m
1.8m
5.5m
1.8m
3.4m
3.2m
5.5m
5.3m
5.9m
2.8m
8.2m
3.9m
2.8m
1.8m
3.1m
6.2m
6.6m
3.0m
6.6m
6.2m
9.8m
7.1m
6.3m
1.0m
3.8m
7.1m
4.9m
6.2m
5.6m
7.0m
6.2m
18.6m
4.9m
5.0m
2.0m
MATERIALS CALCULATION
10.1m
ROOF DIAGRAMS
Premium Report
06/09/2017
123 Main St., Tadworth, A1B2 C3D Report: 12345678
In this 3D model, facets appear as semi-transparent to reveal overhangs.
PREPARED FOR
Contact:
Company:
Exteriors Company
Address:
321 King St.
London, A1 B2C
Phone: 555-555-5555
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PremiumReport accelerate workflow, its
accuracy greatly reduces the risk of costly
material miscalculations.
Wider impact
Images .....................................................................1
Length Diagram .........................................................4
Pitch Diagram ............................................................5
REPORT PREPARATION IN PROGRESS
Area Diagram ............................................................6
Notes Diagram...........................................................7
Penetrations Diagram.................................................8
Report Summary........................................................9
TOTAL LINE LENGTHS
Eaves 111.86
MEASUREMENTS
Total Roof Area =467.95 sq m
Flashing 14.63 m
Total Roof Facets =24
Predominant Pitch =45°
Step flash 26.21 m
Number of Storeys >1
Total Ridges/Hips =84.43 m
Parapets 38.10 m
Total Valleys =17.07 m
Total Verges =14.63 m
Total Eaves =111.86 m
Total Penetrations =14
Total Penetrations Perimeter = 34.75 m
Total Penetrations Area = 9.48 sq m
In the few years since EagleView was first
established in the US, it has become the
industry standard in aerial roof measurements.
Roofing contractors throughout North
America have quickly caught on to the
resource and safety benefits,
and increased number of
contracts they win by using
EagleView PremiumReports.
Insurance companies and
adjusters across the US have
also embraced EagleView
PremiumReports. In fact,
following the wildfires that
ravaged much of California
during December 2017,
EagleView captured and
delivered high-resolution
aerial images of the
devastation in San Diego
County so quickly that its
insurance carrier partners
were able to start viewing
and responding to areas
of severe need before the
residents had even returned
home.
First in the UK
The EagleView
PremiumReport is a ground-breaking
new offering, and there’s nothing else
like it in the UK. It’s currently available
for sites across London (within the
M25), and Bristol and other major
cities are following close behind. It’s
a truly pioneering technology that
stands to benefit anyone involved in
the roofing industry. However, as with
any successful technology, it’s the early
adopters that will gain a competitive
advantage.
To find out more about EagleView
Premium Reports go to eagleview.co.uk
or call 0800 069 8405.
CERTIFIED ACCURATE

QUICK,
COST EFFECTIVE
ROOF REPORTS
A CLEARER
VISION FOR
YOUR BUSINESS
When tendering for roofing contracts, accurate
aerial measurement can be the difference between
profit and loss. With EagleView, you can have
complete confidence in the measurements you base
your tender on.
By combining multi-angle aerial images with
advanced analytics, our reports provide precise area,
pitch and length measurements. Colour coding
distinguishes every detail, from ridges, hips and
valleys to verges, eaves and flashings.
Premium Report
06/09/2017
123 Main St., Tadworth, A1B2 C3D Report: 12345678
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fast report turnaround saves you time. High
resolution aerial views and 3D diagrams make your
bid stand out. And accurate material ordering helps
protect your profit.
To see more, visit eagleview.co.uk
or call 0800-069-8405
Images .....................................................................1
Length Diagram .........................................................4
Pitch Diagram ............................................................5
Area Diagram ............................................................6
Notes Diagram...........................................................7
Penetrations Diagram.................................................8
Report Summary........................................................9
MEASUREMENTS
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

Poor Payment
3 WAYS TO AVOID LATE PAYMENT
Since news emerged at the start of the year regarding the liquidation of construction giant
Carillion, there has been a crackdown on late payments, with the government releasing
regulations in an attempt to resolve the delayed payment crisis. But what are the solutions
to stop late payments from occurring? Matthew Jones, CEO of Open ECX, discusses how the
industry might tackle this issue collectively to put better payment processes into practice.
1. Online solutions to manage
applications for payment
A potential solution is to digitise all payment and
invoice processes so that contractors pay their
subcontractors in a timely fashion whilst
maintaining a healthy, risk-free environment for
themselves.
Designed for medium to large contractors,
systems such as our WebContractor, for example,
manage the subcontractor applications for
payment process, as well as other subcontractor
concerns; insurances and bonds, self-billing
invoices, authenticated VAT receipts, minor works
and work order instructions for example, offering
a great solution for the industry as a whole.
Subcontractors access an online portal for easy
and timely submission of payment applications
while contractors take advantage of the workflow
and reminder features designed to streamline the
management of approvals. For contractors, this is
a great support mechanism, designed to enhance
“With the right
technology, processes
associated with
applications for
payment can become
efficient, standardised,
transparent and quick”
visibility, control and compliance of the
subcontractor application process, lightening the
associated administrative workload.
Contractors benefit from increased efficiencies,
improved clarity around cash flow, and a far more
accurate understanding of their liabilities at any
given time. Potential risks, such as litigation, can
potentially be avoided as businesses ensure
better traceability and reliability when using
online software.
With the right technology, processes associated
with applications for payment can become
efficient, standardised, transparent and quick.
Most importantly, the automation of these
processes can allow for tracking and
26 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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Poor Payment
management across the whole supply chain,
which reduces risk and helps to build a clear and
transparent picture of the finances affecting the
business.
2. eInvoicing
Another online solution which streamlines
payment processes is eInvoicing. Sending and
receiving invoices electronically is one of the
safest, most efficient ways to combat late
payments. eInvoicing offers companies numerous
strategic benefits including significant reduction
in the rekeying of information, automated invoice
validation and integration with back office
accounting systems, while reducing costs and
paperwork.
It is a great solution across the entire
construction supply chain for
streamlining the management and
payment of invoices. eInvoicing
improves accuracy and cash
flow, ensuring companies
manage their payment
processes effectively and
increase their liklihood of receiving
supplier discounts.
Not only do digital processes alleviate any messy
paperwork from mounting up, they ensure both
contractor and subcontractor are kept up to date
with payments and invoices. Time is always of
the essence, especially in terms of managing
cash flow, meaning digital platforms are a
sensible and necessary solution to combating late
payments.
3. Government support
Pledges were made in April 2018 in lieu of
Cabinet Minister Oliver Dowden’s decision to
crack down on late payments. Since this decision,
Build UK published information from data
submitted under the Duty to Report on Payment
Practices and Performance, highlighting the top
contractors responsible for late payments.
In order to prevent late payments, the government
will offer advisory, constructive workshops to help
companies with their project management and
“Sending and receiving invoices electronically is one of the safest, most efficient ways to combat late payments.”
payment plans. Solutions such as
these should help prevent any
delayed payments, allowing
contractors the time to
consider the impact of their
delay, providing contractors
with helpful advice to better
manage their current payment
processes. Overall, this initiative
will ensure employees and businesses will
not suffer as a consequence.
“Not only do digital
processes alleviate any
messy paperwork from
mounting up, they
ensure both contractor
and subcontractor are
kept up to date with
payments and invoices”
Even though it was a dark time for the
construction industry, many positive lessons for
the future can be learnt from Carillion’s collapse.
Seeing the implementation of government
intervention signifies the level of support it is
willing to give the industry.
“Turning to more
rigorous, digital
payment processes
will preserve
contractor and
subcontractor integrity
and the wider
construction industry
as a whole”
But internal measures must also be taken by
the industry itself, where digital application for
payment and subcontractor management
platforms are a worthy solution. Not only do
these systems ensure subcontractors get paid
on time, they reduce risk to contractors’
businesses.
Turning to more rigorous, digital payment
processes will preserve contractor and
subcontractor integrity and the wider
construction industry as a whole.
Contact Open ECX
01254 915 187
www.openecx.co.uk
@openECX
28 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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roof to life!
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NOVEMBER 2018 TC 29

Insurance Focus
SAFETY FIRST: DON’T GET CAUGHT
OUT IN THE BAD WEATHER
By Richard Forrest Smith, CEO, ECIC.
It is difficult to know what this winter will
bring, although some reports suggest we may
see the El Nino effect in snow and colder
temperatures across Europe. Undertaking roofing
work in winter might be preferable to the
sustained period of scorching heat we
experienced this summer, but poor winter weather
does bring increased risks.
While some serious weather conditions should
halt work being carried out on roofs – high winds,
ice, snow, torrential rain – there are inevitably
times when workers are either caught out by a
sudden change in the weather or are under time
pressure to get contracts completed, choosing to
work in challenging conditions that may expose
them to a higher risk of a fall from height.
Therefore, as we enter the colder months it is
worth preparing for the worst the UK climate can
throw at us, and just remind workers of the health
and safety procedures in place that should be
followed to the letter.
Too late
As a specialist insurer for the roofing contracting
sector, all too often at ECIC we find ‘Toolbox Talks’
come too late and follow an accident on site that
could, in most cases, have been prevented.
Workplace fatality figures speak for themselves;
35 of 144 worker deaths in 2017/18 came from
falls and the yearly average over five years
starting from 2012/13 was 40 people per year.
7% of all injuries (including non-fatal) came from
falling from heights.
Looking specifically at the construction sector, a
fall from height is the most common reason for a
workplace fatality. Over the last 5 years, 196
people died in the construction sector due to an
accident at work and almost half of
the deaths – 96 – were due to
falls from height.
A workplace accident or fatality is a
nightmare scenario for any business
owner. While in the roofing sector, a fall from
height is an inherent risk of the job, it is also
almost completely preventable.
“A snow covered roof
surface can cover a
skylight from sight”
Sometimes it comes down to common sense,
such as checking ladders and scaffolding for ice
before use, gritting areas in use and clearing ice
and snow from areas being worked on. A snow
covered roof surface can cover a skylight from
sight along with all manner of slip hazards.
Employing fall and roof edge protection systems
is vital and never more so than in winter, as is the
training of workers to properly use these systems.
Legally obliged
Contractors are legally obliged to create and
maintain a culture of health and safety amongst
workers. Aside from the emotional cost, an
accident on site could have serious financial and
reputational implications. Fines for
HSE prosecutions have risen steeply
in the past year due to changes to the
sentencing guidelines used by the Courts in
England and Wales, and there is a high risk of jail
term for an employer found guilty of health and
safety negligence.
It is therefore vital to properly evaluate all risks
on site and all weather situations and have clear
procedures and method statements in place to
deal with those specific risks. Communication is
key – every worker should be made aware of the
risks, the control measures in place and the
protective equipment they should be using.
Furthermore, at the outset of each job, every
worker should sign a site specific health and
safety assessment form confirming they
understand the risks and will use the measures in
place to protect them.
Drum home
A Toolbox Talk is effective in communicating the
risks, but signing a form to confirm those risks
are understood really helps to drum home the
importance of site safety and can help protect the
main contractor should an accident happen.
With the construction sector already facing a
multitude of challenges around material costs,
skills, retentions and the uncertainties created by
Brexit, let’s hope this winter is a benign one.
Contact ECIC
0330 221 0250
www.ecic.co.uk
Left: Richard Forrest Smith, CEO
of ECIC.
30 TC NOVEMBER 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

Winter Work
WINTER WEATHER WORKING:
PREPARATION IS KEY
With some meteorologists predicting the coldest winter for a decade, Pete Flynn, Health and
Safety Advisor at Marley Eternit, gives contractors some top tips for staying safe in the snow.
Recent long range weather forecasts have suggested the UK could be facing the coldest and
harshest winter for almost a decade and be blanketed in snow for months. While there may be
some scepticism about these dramatic predictions – in the same way that we never quite
believe the media reports that promise a BBQ summer – it is important for contractors to make sure
they are prepared for freezing winter temperatures.
We all know that even the smallest amount of snow or ice and stormy weather can create major hazards
for roofers on site, with slippy surfaces increasing the risk of falls; gusts of wind making it difficult to
balance and prolonged exposure to cold causing health problems, such as painful joints and illness.
This means it may be unsuitable for roofing work to be carried out in winter, when other trades at ground
level could continue. That’s why it is vital that roofing contractors carry out their own thermal risk
assessments and follow health and safety procedures.
So, how should contractors prepare for winter weather?
For managers / supervisors …
1: Monitor the weather forecast so you can
anticipate and be prepared for poor weather
conditions. Carry out a risk assessment every day
to check that it is safe to work and that
conditions haven’t changed. Pay particular
attention to working at height platforms and do
not work on roofs in icy conditions – this is a
requirement of the Working at Height Regulations
2005.
2: Make sure workers are trained on winter
hazards and ensure they have the appropriate
PPE. If it is windy, HSE recommends that roofers
should check wind speeds with a hand held
anemometer and refer to the NFRC guidance,
which states that:
• All laying or handling of slates, tiles, battens
and felt at roof level should cease when the
(average) mean wind speed reaches 23 mph
(gusting to 35 mph or over).
• When handling rolls of felt at roof level,
extreme care should be taken when the mean
wind speeds are in the region of 17 mph (gusting
to 26 mph or over).
3: Limit worker exposure to cold through job
rotation and provide plenty of breaks in heated
areas with hot drinks available.
For roofers …
1: Make sure you are wearing the right PPE and
extra clothing suitable for the job and the weather
conditions. This usually involves using several
layers of clothing, as well as waterproofs or wind
resistant fabrics where necessary.
Also, choose water resistant footwear, with
enhanced slip resistance or ice grips if required.
2: Wear gloves when fine manual dexterity is not
required and the temperature drops below 4°C.
3: Cold weather increases the risk of hand-arm
vibration syndrome, so keep your hands and arms
warm when using vibratory equipment such as
drills, nails guns and even hand tools, such as
hammers.
4: Choose hats that work with safety headgear and
don’t compromise any eye or hearing protection.
To help you prepare for freezing
temperatures, Marley Eternit is giving
away hundreds of winter goodies. To apply
for one of 500 free flasks, heat pads or ear
bands, visit:
www.marleyeternit.co.uk/wintercampaign
and fill in your details.
5: Be aware of the symptoms of cold exposure –
heavy shivering, uncomfortable coldness,
numbness, aching, severe fatigue, confusion,
drowsiness and / or euphoria.
6: With reduced daylight hours, visibility can be a
problem, so wear reflective PPE.
7: Take breaks in heated areas and drink plenty
of fluids, including water and warm beverages.
8: Report any hazardous areas to the site
manager and do not put yourself at risk just to
complete a job.
Contact Marley Eternit
01283 722 588
www.marleyeternit.co.uk
@MarleyEternit
32 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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Natural Slate: Opinion
“BEING A NATURAL PRODUCT,
SLATE QUALITY CAN BE VARIABLE”
By Phil Wilden of Cembrit UK.
Attractive, durable and requiring minimal
maintenance, slate has long been
considered one of the finest natural roofing
products available. Indeed, as long ago as the
third century CE, the Romans were using it as a
roofing material at several sites in North Wales. In
more recent times, the emerging UK trend for the
use of environmentally friendly construction
materials, combined with the emergence of new
sources has seen slate enjoy a wide-ranging and
popular renaissance.
The popularity of natural slate is explained by its
unique combination of aesthetic appeal,
exceptional durability and low carbon footprint.
Natural slate is beautiful to look at and full of
character that suits many of our traditional
architectural styles. It is this character, mixed
with authenticity, that when combined with
premium quality and long life, makes natural
slate an obvious choice for the roofing contractor,
the local authority planner, architect and the
stockist.
“Issues with the quality
of the roof do not
emerge until
installation or even
after completion when
rectification becomes
expensive and
contentious”
Slate quality can vary
The selection of natural slate can be influenced
by local building traditions, particularly where a
specific heritage is to be maintained, or more
generally where a non-specific slate roof is
desired. Being a natural product, slate quality
can be variable. This is not necessarily a
problem, as long as the slate’s provenance is
known. However, the UK market receives slates
from multiple sources with similar products.
These are purchased by many suppliers, some of
whom buy on the ”spot” market. Traceability can
be difficult which can mean that the identity –
and hence quality – of the slate can be
compromised. As the natural roof slate product
standards and classification system is not well
understood by the client, issues with the quality
of the roof do not emerge until installation or even
after completion when rectification becomes
expensive and contentious. As a producer with
considerable experience in sourcing natural slate,
we have come to uniquely understand the criteria
required for successful sourcing of quality slate.
Slates from…
Curently available on the UK market are slates
that are imported from countries such as Brazil,
China and India, all of which have their own
specific colour and aesthetic appeal. There is also
the hugley popular Spanish natural slate that has
captured a large slice of the UK market due to its
ready availability and competitive price. While
natural slate from Spain is easy to come by, it
does have a complex supply chain.
Natural slate, tested to BS EN 12326-1:2014 and
meeting the highest relevant ratings, will be
unaffected by normal extremes of temperature,
and highly resistant to acids, alkalis and other
chemicals. Our Glendyne slate imported from
Canada meets all the above criteria.
The slate deposit from which Glendyne is
extracted has two key advantages over other
locations. The regularity of the bedding produces
a more consistent slate, increasing the volume of
Above: Experienced splitters are selected to go into the
quarry to access the best rock and know how it should be
cut into blocks to optimise slate output yield.
useable slate produced. The slate beds have only
recently started to be be exploited. Being close to
the surface there is less top-soil to be removed
and the splitting workshops are within easy reach
of the slate beds, reducing extraction costs. Being
new also means that the production side of the
operation can benefit from the latest technology
and best practises developed in other locations.
All of this, in my opinion, means the yield from
Glendyne is superior to other natural slate
sources. The result is more resource is put into
quality control, producing a top of the range slate,
with clear traceability at a competitive price.
The quarry operates a quality management
system based on EN ISO 9001 which is externally
audited. This standard is adhered to rigidly, as
are all quality standard procedures required by
each regional market the quarry supplies. It is a
high-quality slate that combines first-class
performance with all the inherent beauty of
natural slate, making it the ideal natural choice
for specifiers and roofers.
Contact Cembrit UK
0203 372 2300
www.cembrit.co.uk
@CembritUK
34 TC NOVEMBER 2018

Focus...
on results
When you need a reliable solution, you need a team behind you
with experience, dedication and quality unrivalled in the delivery
of industry leading products. At SR Timber we FOCUS on:
SEE US AT
n Product quality and distribution
n Sustainability, Certification and British Standards
n Continued investment and ranges
With decades of experience, our team is more
passionate than ever, offering you expertise,
independent advice, experience and industry support.
TEL: 01623 446 800
sales@sr-timber.co.uk
www.sr-timber.co.uk

Digital Tools
HOW ONLINE TOOLS CAN MAKE A
CONTRACTOR’S JOB EASIER
By Richard Bishop, Category Marketing Manager – Roof, Wienerberger.
Information about the world is more accessible
than ever now that we have incredible
technology available in the palms of our
hands. Internet users have an expectation that
they should be able to find the answer to their
query in a matter of clicks, and this has meant
that companies from all industries have had to
focus on how their online customer service can
improve and deliver quick answers for busy
people.
At Wienerberger we have invested time and
resources in creating digital tools to benefit the
roofing industry and the customers who buy,
install or sell our products. Roofing contractors
want high quality products at a competitive price,
but what truly sets manufacturers apart is the
level of customer service they provide, both
online and offline.
Instant response
In the past, technical teams at tile manufacturing
companies would have been inundated with
queries, so a customer may expect to receive a
response within a couple of days. Thanks to the
digital tools that are now freely available online,
contractors are able to raise an enquiry online
from site, their office or home, at any time of day
and receive instant results. As a manufacturer,
we receive a huge number of customer enquiries,
so where we can help a customer help
themselves and gain assistance quickly, we strive
to do so.
Fast-paced, ever-changing market
A good digital tool should be easy to use and
provide a quick, focussed result that gives the
user all the information they need. Making indepth
product information easy to access is
incredibly important for manufacturers in this
“Digital tools aren’t
about cutting corners
to get a quick result,
they encourage users
to work smarter rather
than harder”
fast-paced, ever-changing market. Wienerberger
has recently developed its own app which can be
used on mobile phones and tablets, making it
easier than ever for contractors to find the right
product for their project, read technical data,
order samples and browse case studies.
Correct estimating and specification are integral
to the construction of a well-designed,
weatherproof and durable roof, and this involves
multiple tile types, systems, accessories and
fixings. The technical aspects of roofing and the
sheer amount of products available can be
incredibly complicated and overwhelming, so
helpful online tools are ideal for this industry. This
is why Wienerberger has developed a suite of
estimating and specification tools to assist
roofing contractors, with other online options also
available in the market.
Instant quote
QuantSpec is a quick quantity estimator which
can be used for simple roof shapes and
extensions. The tool gives an instant quote
including all roofing components such as tiles,
underlay, battens and dry fix systems. Use of this
type of tool benefits roofing contractors as all the
required roofing elements should be on site ready
for installation, reducing downtime spent having
to return to the merchants to acquire parts that
have been forgotten.
Time-saver
As providing a fixing calculation is part of the BS
5334 British Standard for Slating and Tiling,
online fixing calculator tools such as FixSpec are
a great time-saver for contractors. By adding
information such as postcode, tile type, roof pitch
and building dimensions, online tools take the
pain out of working out the complex calculations
and provide an immediate result.
Peace of mind
Specification tools such as RoofSpec can offer an
instant comprehensive specification and a
guarantee certificate for contractor and customer
peace of mind. The software has safeguards in
place to avoid inappropriate specifications, for
example if your chosen tile is unsuitable for a roof
at the stated pitch, RoofSpec will tell you. The
guarantee ensures that the specified roof is fit for
purpose and no maintenance will be required for
at least the period of the guarantee.
Digital tools aren’t about cutting corners to get a
quick result, they encourage users to work
smarter rather than harder. This is why they are
becoming increasingly popular amongst roofing
contractors who want to work as efficiently as
possible.
Wienerberger are always looking at ways in which
we can make contractors’ lives easier with online
software, so if you have any feedback about our
current tools or an aspect of roof installation that
you think could benefit from a digital solution,
please get in touch as we’d love to hear your
opinions.
Contact Wienerberger
0845 303 2524
www.wienerberger.co.uk/apps
@wienerbergeruk
36 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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Fragile roofs are only unsafe
if you walk on them.
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Perfectly Pitched
THE RIGHT INFORMATION TO
CONTROL CONDENSATION
In his latest column, pitched roofing expert and consultant John Mercer – writing on behalf
of EDILIANS (formerly Imerys Roof Tiles) – explains how to control and prevent
condensation in pitched roofs.
As we strive to improve the energy
efficiency of our homes, greater levels of
thermal insulation and air tightness reduce
the average temperatures within the roof
structure. Warm, moist air generated within the
living spaces can find its way through the ceiling
into the cold roof space. Controlling condensation
within our buildings remains one of our key goals
to ensure we live and work comfortably, healthily
and to prevent damage to the building fabric.
The ability of air to hold moisture reduces as it
cools and it will then deposit the moisture onto
cold surfaces in the form of condensation. For
example, in a two-storey house with a floor plan
of 100m², there is around 420 cu metres of air,
which, at 20 degrees, could potentially hold up to
8.4 litres of water vapour. If this warm air passes
through the ceiling into the roof space and cools
down to 10 degrees, it can then only hold 3.4
litres of water vapour. This means that 5 litres of
water will be deposited somewhere if it is not
allowed to escape from the roof space. It may not
be as dramatic as that in practice, but it
illustrates the potential risks.
The development of vapour-permeable and airpermeable
roofing underlays has been greatly
beneficial in helping to prevent harmful levels of
condensation from building up in the roof space.
However, it is important to use these products
correctly, in accordance with the guidance given in
BS 5250 and with the information contained in the
underlay manufacturer’s accreditation certificate.
Two ways to control the risk
Essentially, in simple terms, there are two ways
we can control the risk of condensation build up
in the roofspace; i.e we either
prevent water vapour from
reaching the loft space in the
first place, or we remove it once
it gets there before it has a chance
to build up to harmful levels.
“We either prevent
water vapour from
reaching the loft space
in the first place, or we
remove it once it gets
there before it has a
chance to build up”
To prevent the water vapour passing from the
living space into the cold roof space, it is
necessary to install effective vapour barriers. It is
difficult, if not impossible to construct a totally air
and vapour-tight ceiling, so British Standard BS
9250 gives guidance on minimising air leakage
through junctions and penetrations such as light
fittings, loft hatches etc. to create a ‘continuous’
ceiling. We now have well-documented methods
to achieve this in new buildings, though it is
generally more difficult in existing buildings.
Greater energy efficiency is achieved and the risk
Left: John Mercer, Roofing Consultant.
Below: Warm to cold illustration.
of condensation reduced if we
prevent air leakage through the
ceiling. However, where this is not
practical we must use adequate
ventilation to remove the water vapour from
the roof space.
“We now have welldocumented
methods
to achieve this in new
buildings, though it is
generally more
difficult in existing
buildings”
Minimum requirements: BS 5250
BS 5250 sets out the minimum requirements for
roof space ventilation. For example, in the
average house with a cold loft, there should be a
minimum of a 7mm continuous ventilation gap at
eaves when using a vapour permeable underlay
with a normal, or ‘discontinuous’ ceiling. With all
the well documented benefits of dry fix systems,
it makes perfect sense to supplement eaves
ventilation with high-level ventilation using a dry
ridge system. Although eaves to eaves ventilation
works well in theory, it relies on external air
movement and may not work so well in practice if
the house is too close to adjacent properties or if
the loft is full of items blocking the air flow.
Alternatively, air-permeable underlays can be used,
in many circumstances without any traditional
ventilation, though it is important to follow the
manufacturer’s installation guidance.
38 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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Perfectly Pitched
Err on the side of caution
In roofs where the insulation is located parallel
with the rafters and a vapour permeable underlay
is installed in conjunction with an effective air
and vapour control layer and continuous ceiling,
roof space ventilation is not required. Otherwise,
eaves to ridge ventilation should be installed,
with clear airways in all rafter voids between the
insulation and underlay.
It is worth considering when designing a building
that occupants may not always use the building
in the way it was intended, so err on the side of
caution and provide robust solutions. For
example, a family with several young children
may generate far more condensation than a
single person, pushing ventilation systems
beyond their limits; particularly in winter.
Building Regulations and BS 5250 recognise that
temporary condensation may occur during
adverse climatic and internal conditions (e.g very
“Controlling
condensation within
our buildings remains
one of our key goals to
ensure we live and
work comfortably,
healthily and to
prevent damage to the
building fabric”
cold outside with little or no air movement, warm
indoors with no windows open). It is common to
see temporary overloads of condensation appearing
on the underlay, which dissipates within a few days
with no harm done – usually during very cold but
still weather conditions. Any temporary
condensation must not be severe enough to cause
damp or staining on internal surfaces or cause
damage to the structure generally.
Summary
• In new build homes we must strive to
minimise air leakage through ceilings with
efficient continuous ceilings and air and
vapour control layers.
• In older properties we must accept that air
leakage happens and adequately ventilate
the roofspace to prevent harmful
condensation forming.
• In extremes of cold / still air condensation
‘overload’ may occur, even where the roofspace
ventilation complies with the guidance given in
BS 5250; so supplement eaves ventilation with
high level ventilation for greater efficiency.
Contact EDILIANS (formerly Imerys) / John Mercer
www.imerys-roof-tiles.com
@imerys
@johnmercer3
Illustration: Warm moist air can form condensation which, if left, can be harmful to occupants and the building fabric.
40 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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Contractor’s Q’s
THE MOST FRUSTRATING THING?
“TWO WORDS – LATE PAYMENT”
Like many in the roofing industry, Peter Mably’s path into roofing wasn’t planned – but after a chance
meeting at a local rugby club more than 30 years ago that saw him then “moving slabs and sand” on
site, Peter has forged an long and successful career and progressed to Director of Owlsworth Roofing.
We hear Peter’s views including his thoughts on late payment, partnering with the right person in business,
dealing with difficult customers and using any means necessary to get to projects!
10
questions for Peter Mably
“Persistent wet
weather hampered our
progress – at one stage
the only way we could
reach site was by
rowing boat, but we
battled on”
TC: What was your path into roofing and
to your current position?
PM: Having been born and raised in what was
then the quiet little village of Rock in Cornwall,
the construction industry was not even on the
radar of the school careers officer, so my route
into construction was much more by chance than
design. Having paid too much attention to beer
and rugby during my first year at Coventry
Polytechnic in the very late ‘70s, I wasn’t invited
back for a second year so the prospect of finding
a job came as a bit of a shock.
I made my way to Bracknell in Berkshire and the
home of a girlfriend I had met in Cornwall. This
time rugby came to my rescue and a builder
playing at Bracknell Rugby Club offered me a
labouring job on a building site.
The project was the refurbishment of the P&O
building in the City of London which had just been
bought by The Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS).
My job was to move the slabs and sand from the
old asphalt roof to allow a new Sarnafil
membrane (which would go on to become Sika
Sarnafil) to be installed over the existing asphalt
substrate – and I would then install new slabs
and cobbles over the Sarnafil. The Union Bank of
Switzerland saw the Swiss manufactured Sarnafil
system as the ideal product to keep those newfangled
computers warm and dry, and I remember
thinking that there might just be a future in it.
Within a year I was installing Sarnafil for the
Reading-based single ply roofing company where
I was to spend the next 25 years working my way
around various departments including single ply,
felt and hot melt and into the boardroom. As the
credit crunch hit the construction industry in
2008 however, I was made redundant and left
with a big decision to make. Should I trust my
instincts and set up my own roofing company or
should I find another established roofing company
to work for. I’m pleased to say that, with a large
chunk of assistance from my current business
partner, we set up Owlsworth Roofing Ltd and are
about to celebrate our 10th Anniversary.
TC: If you had one piece of advice about
starting a roofing business, what would it
be?
PM: My best advice would be to go into business
with a good finance man as your partner. I have
been able to concentrate on developing the
roofing side of Owlsworth Roofing in the
knowledge that the finance side is in safe hands.
Unless you are fortunate enough to ‘inherit’ a
roofing business it is unlikely that you will have
the right mix of roofing knowledge and financial
experience. When it comes to money, construction
is a cut throat business and you need to build up
some financial security, understand the risks and
know how to work around them.
TC: Tell us about a current project you’re
working on…
PM: Owlsworth Roofing is currently working for
Peter Mably is a Director at Owlsworth Roofing.
ISG on the £40 million refurbishment of the
University of Reading Library. The library roof is
entirely flat with approximately 3,000m² over 12
different roof areas and a combination of strip
and recover, fully adhered overlay, mechanically
fastened overlay and new build – all covered in
Sika Sarnafil membrane and all less than three
miles from our offices in Caversham. One of the
greatest challenges on projects of this kind,
where all the flat areas on the building are
covered in Sarnafil, is trying to persuade the
cladders, scaffolders and M&E contractors to
carry out their works and store their materials
with due care and attention. We started on site in
May 2017 and expect to be finished early in 2019
TC: You must have worked on some
difficult projects over the years. Does one
in particular stand out?
PM: Owlsworth Roofing has carried out a number
of roof refurbishment projects at the Atomic
Weapons Establishment facilities (AWE) in
Aldermaston and Burghfield. Some of the
42 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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Contractor’s Q’s
buildings have been retro-fitted with complex air
handling systems since they were first built in the
50s and 60s, and the plant and equipment was
routinely placed on the flat roof area with little
consideration for roof refurbishment. On one
particular roof, the roof mounted units were so
large and low to the roof surface that it was
impossible to weather underneath them. The
problem was that the remainder of the roof
drained underneath the units to a gutter on the
far side and we had to maintain a free draining
roof. The solution was to box in the steel support
framework while retaining sealed drainage routes
through the boxing and out the other side. After
numerous sketches and the taking of endless
dimensions, a complicated series of Sarnafil
scuppers and an extended network of drainage
pipework completely sealed on the inlet side and
the outlet side did the trick.
TC: What about difficult customers? Any
situations that stand out that you can tell
us about?
PM: I do recall one particular customer who was
unhappy with the finish of the Sarnafil roof we
had installed. The site was a new build project on
a flood plain of the River Thames between Henley
and Marlow. Persistent wet weather hampered
our progress on site to such a degree that at one
stage the only way we could reach site was by
rowing boat, but we battled on and in between the
showers we insulated the soggy timber framed
building and encapsulated it in Sarnafil. Several
months later the customer complained that some
minor stress lines had appeared in the Sarnafil in
the extreme corners of the roof. When I suggested
that the lines could be due to building movement
as the structure dried out below the watertight
roof coverings, I was told in no uncertain terms
that my excuses were “ridiculous”. Our
relationship deteriorated over the following
months, we were threatened with legal action and
a suggestion was even made that a website
would be started to highlight Owlsworth Roofing’s
incompetence, but I am pleased to say that the
roof remains watertight, is still under guarantee
and we have had no further complaints.
“One of the greatest
challenges is trying to
persuade the cladders,
scaffolders and M&E
contractors to carry out
their works and store
their materials with
due care and attention”
TC: What’s the most frustrating thing
about your job?
PM: Two words – late payment. Late payment of
invoices, late payment of partial release of
retentions and late payment of final retentions –
if they get paid at all. We spend hours negotiating
the terms of the orders we receive, which when it
boils down to it are: we install your roof and then
you pay us – how difficult can that be? It seems
to me that there are people employed just to
make sure it is difficult. The excuses are
repetitive and tiresome – ‘the payment is on the
system, but there is no-one in the office to
authorise it…’ or ‘the accounts office is only
open between 12.00 and 2.00pm on a Friday so
please call back later…’ and there are a lot more
like that! I know that the industry and government
are working on it but if someone wants to keep
your hard-earned money just a few weeks longer
there is very little you can do about it.
TC: And the most satisfying?
PM: I still remember standing on one of my first
Sarnafil roofs in the mid 80s as it started to rain,
watching globules of water collecting on the shiny
new membrane, then slowly merging, forming tiny
little streams that snake their way down the slope
of the roof and finally join other little streams and
disappear into the rainwater outlet. I don’t do the
installing any more but I still get satisfaction from
the combination of a well installed Sarnafil roof, a
satisfied customer and the knowledge that the
roof has got another 40 years’ service ahead of it
TC: What’s your most important tool as a
roofing contractor – in the office or on site?
PM: I’m old school. We have a brilliant pdf
measuring system that we use for estimating but
you will very rarely find me on a roof without my
tape measure. I probably have seven or eight of
various ages, shapes and sizes in the boot of my
car right now.
TC: What’s the best social media platform
for you as a roofing contractor?
PM: Being old school, it would be easy to dismiss
social media as a time-consuming distraction
that will be of little benefit to the average roofing
contractor – but I come from an era when you
used to dictate letters for a secretary to type up.
Back then, some said the same about emails and
where would we be now without them? Owlsworth
Roofing has a website, Twitter and Instagram
accounts which I am guessing will become more
and more important in the years to come but at
present, the hard yards are done by our employees
producing consistently high quality, problem-free
roofing systems and encouraging the clients to
come back to us time and time again.
TC: How do you feel your sector’s shaping
up in 2018? Are there reasons to be
positive?
PM: My gut feeling is that there is a pre-Brexit
pause by some of the decision makers in big
business and this is having a trickle-down effect
and a consequential slow-down on commercial
building development country-wide. If I’m right, I
also think that this will result in a post-Brexit
upturn in the same area. Not everything in the
construction sector is based around international
trade however, so having said that life goes on in
the real world and there will always be
opportunities for competent roofing contractors.
I’m confident that the quality partnership that has
been built between Owlsworth Roofing and Sika
Sarnafil over the last 10 years is set to go from
strength to strength.
Contact Owlsworth Roofing
0118 946 9160
www.owlsworthroofing.co.uk
@OwlsworthRoof
44 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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Forces to Roofing
BUILDING FUTURES FOR VETERANS
Can former service personnel help plug the construction skills gap? Total Contractor met up
with three finalists from the recent BMI Redland and Icopal Apprentice of the Year
competition – all ex-armed forces – to find out more about their experiences.
Every year, 14,000 service personnel leave
the armed forces. Many of them struggle to
find jobs, often because would-be
employers dismiss their military experience as
irrelevant for roles in civilian life.
However, now the construction industry is looking
to plug into this largely untapped resource to help
it meet its skills shortages. Organisations such as
BuildForce and CTP (see box) are working to link
individuals with the right roles. They feel that
former service personnel possess a host of skills
and behaviours that can be successfully applied
on construction projects and can make very
motivated and focussed employees.
Evidence of this came in the list of finalists in this
year’s BMI Apprentice of the Year competition,
where three of the finalists had come from
careers in the armed forces. Their stories
illustrate why construction and ex-service
personnel can be a good fit.
“I’m motivated to do my best”
Oliver Drew made a conscious decision to leave
the army in search of a trade. As a Scots Guard
based in London, he was missing his home in
County Durham. As well as being part of a
reconnaissance and sniper platoon, his role
included guarding Buckingham Palace and
Trooping the Colour.
One of the attributes that his five years in the
army gave him is the determination to succeed.
“I’m motivated to do my best, no matter what I
am doing in life,” he explained.
He found roofing almost by chance, when a friend
suggested that he should apply to the roofing firm
he was working for, Stanley firm Hodgson-Sayers.
Oliver won an apprenticeship after three rounds
Top left: Ceiran Peel-Price spent four years as a gunner in a
tank regiment and has since set up Peel-Price Construction.
Above right: Oliver Drew (centre), was a Scots Guard but
since leaving won an apprenticeship with Hodgson-Sayers
and hasn’t looked back. Right: Tom Thompson suffered PTSD
after leaving the army but found roofing work with A. L. King
and is enjoying a successful career.
of selection at Hodgson-Sayers, thanks in part to
the behaviours he had learnt in the army. “Timekeeping,
good presentation, quality workmanship
and a good standard of dress are all important,”
said Glyn Neasham, the Regulatory Affairs
Manager who manages the Hodgson-Sayers
apprenticeship programme.
Oliver recognises many similarities between his
former and current roles. “I love working outdoors
and I like hard work,” he told us. “All the things
I’ve learnt are useful, like punctuality and
discipline – you need that to make sure you’re
safe while working.”
“There are so many transferable skills”
Ceiran Peel-Price had always wanted to join the
army, and he hugely enjoyed the four years he
spent as a gunner in a tank regiment. However,
injuries to his knees while on active duty put paid
to his dream career.
Ceiran’s route to roofing was through DIY. He and
his wife bought a 1940’s house on the Wirral
which needed updating. They hired a builder to
complete the work and Ceiran started to labour
for him to save on costs and found that he
enjoyed the work.
In and amongst a series of four knee operations,
Ceiran completed a bricklaying course at his
Bolton College – while simultaneously holding an
apprenticeship with Les Perry Roofing Contractors
which operates in the Wirral.
Now Ceiran runs his own business, Peel-Price
Construction. “It’s a no-brainer for service people
really, there are so many transferable skills”, he
explained about his move from armed forces to
roofing.
“I thought that’s it: active, fast, skilled
and a team!”
Tom Thompson’s story illustrates some of the
challenges that ex-service people face. Many of
them are left with mental wounds that can often
be exacerbated by the lack of a job to occupy
mind and body.
46 TC NOVEMBER 2018

Former Scots Guard Oliver Drew says the discipline he
learned in the army helps keep him safe on site.
Ceiran Peel-Price now runs Peel-Price Construction and says
“there are so many transferrable skills” from army to roofing.
Tom Thompson receives his BMI Redland Apprentice of the
Year Highly Commended Award from Andy Dennis.
“All the things I’ve
learnt are useful, like
punctuality and
discipline – you need
that to make sure
you’re safe while
working”
Tom’s army career ended as the result of a hugely
traumatic event that left him, and many of his
fellow soldiers, suffering from post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD). On July 10th 2009,
soldiers from Tom’s unit – 9 Platoon, C Company,
2 Rifles – started out on a routine patrol from
Forward Operating Base Wishtan, Sangin,
Afghanistan, but after only a short time were hit
by a ‘daisy chain’ of Improvised Explosive Devices
(IEDs).
On hearing the explosions, other members of 9
Platoon raced to the aid of their comrades.
Having retrieved the wounded, the group was
returning to base when it was hit by a second IED
daisy chain. In a few short minutes, almost half
of 9 Platoon’s strength of 30 had been killed or
injured, with five men dead.
Tom’s PTSD meant that he was unable to
continue in active service, so he switched to the
role of physical training instructor and left the
army at the end of his contract. He spent a
difficult first six months, struggling to sleep,
spending long hours in the gym and sometimes
drinking too much. However, he then spotted a
career in roofing – quite literally – through his
window at home, while watching two roofers at
“It’s a no-brainer for
service people really,
there are so many
transferable skills”
work: “I thought that’s it: active, fast, skilled and
a team! This is what I’m looking for,” explained
Tom. Tom found Melksham-based A. L. King,
which was able to take Tom on as an apprentice.
He did extremely well, even coming second in the
national SkillBuild finals in 2017. He followed this
up in 2018 with a Highly Commended place in the
Pitched Roof category of the BMI Apprentice of
the Year competition in June.
Tom explained why roofing works for him: “I knew I
didn't want a job that was nine-to-five and I knew I
needed a trade. I was looking for something that
kept my mind working, hands busy and where I
could be proud of the finished product.
“I would recommend it to anyone coming out of
the services – and would say, never be afraid to
re-train. There’s a lot of support available – I got
tons from my tutor and training is there from
manufacturers like BMI too.”
What these individuals’ stories illustrate is that
there are plenty of similarities between
construction and military careers. Both tend to
involve a series of projects or postings. Both
require punctuality, reliability and the ability to
follow rules and procedures. Both require strong
team work to deliver successful outcomes.
For companies reading this who are looking to
recruit motivated, hard-working team members, exservice
people are definitely worth a second look.
“I was looking for
something that kept my
mind working, hands
busy and where I could
be proud of the
finished product”
Where to look
If your business could benefit from the skills
and experience that ex-service personnel could
bring, there are several organisations that can
help make a match. It’s not just trade level roles
that could be filled; there are people who could
be managers, HR professionals, trainers,
logistics experts, to name just a few.
Government-sponsored recruiter Career
Transition Partnership (CTP) targets
construction with its Forces in Construction
Insight days. A recent one was held in North
Wales in October in partnership with CITB,
Coleg Cambria and Kier, and backed by a huge
number construction companies including BMI.
BuildForce was set up in January 2017 with the
remit of connecting ex service personnel with the
relevant job vacancies construction companies.
It now has nearly 70 members, among them
main contractors, trade contractors, trade and
professional organisations and charities.
www.ctp.org.uk / www.buildforce.org.uk
Contact BMI UK & Ireland
www.bmigroup.com/uk/
@_Redland
@Icopal_UK
NOVEMBER 2018 TC 47

Daylighting
LET THERE BE NATURAL LIGHT
The benefits and demand for natural light in residential and commercial properties mean
contractors should be aware of the right products to achieve this, according to Scott Leeder,
Commercial Director at VELUX Modular Skylights.
According to several studies carried out over
the years, including the ‘Distinctive Benefits
of Glazing’ by Visiting Professor at the
Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development,
David Strong, the levels of natural light that we are
exposed to have profound implications on our
health, happiness and productivity. As most people
spend over 80% of their lives indoors, the amount
of glazing on a building can affect our quality of life.
It is valuable for specifiers and project partners
such as architects, contractors, and site
managers to be aware of these benefits as they
apply to buildings in a wide range of sectors. For
example, in healthcare, research findings
demonstrate that access to adequate daylight
provides; a reduction in the average length of
hospital stay, quicker post-operative recovery,
reduced requirements for pain relief, quicker
recovery from depressive illness and disinfectant
qualities. Beyond its health and wellbeing
benefits, using daylight to illuminate facilities can
also reduce energy use by avoiding over reliance
on artificial lighting.
Optimising light and ventilation
As such it is essential that commercial buildings,
including educational, healthcare, retail and office
facilities, incorporate optimum levels of natural
light and ventilation. Critical to this is the amount
of and positioning of the glazing, rooflights and
skylights. Equally important is the position and
orientation of the rooflight and a knowledgeable
rooflight manufacturer should be able to work
with you to optimise the position and orientation
of skylights. Our prefabricated skylight system,
for example, can be fitted together in multiple
ways, with eight different sizes to deliver
flexibility for a wide variety of commercial
projects.
“VELUX Modular
Skylights can be fitted
up to three times faster
than a traditional
installation,
minimising time spent
on the roof and
ensuring a watertight
seal”
Developed in collaboration with architects Foster
+ Partners, our modular skylights feature a
minimalist design with super-slim profiles and
they are fully prefabricated in a factory controlled
environment, so they are quick and easy to
assemble on site.
In fact, VELUX Modular Skylights can be fitted up
to three times faster than a traditional installation,
minimising time spent on the roof and ensuring a
watertight seal is achieved exceptionally quickly,
so rain won’t hold up the installation. This is vital
for developments where time and budget
constraints can put a strain on schedulers and
builders alike. The prefabricated design reduces
the time required working at height, too.
Distinctly different
With regular access to natural light and ventilation
having an impact on our happiness, ability to heal,
wellbeing, learning performance and productivity,
a growing number of building designers are
incorporating skylights into their developments.
Our prefabricated modular skylights are
revolutionising both how skylights look – and how
they’re installed. Created with both architects and
installers in mind, the striking design allows for
more daylight and more fresh air, which is matched
by their performance and vastly improved
installation. Our enlightening eBook, ‘10 reasons
why prefabricated VELUX Modular Skylights will
transform your next project’, provides further
details on this. The eBook is available to download
free from the VELUX website.
Contact VELUX
01592 778225
www.velux.co.uk
@VELUXGBI
48 TC NOVEMBER 2018

Blue Roofs
THE FORECAST IS GOOD!
By Daniel Ashley, Managing Director, Protan UK.
The weather – it’s Britons’ favourite topic of
conversation. Whatever your views of
climate change, our recent wet winters
mean the weather needs to be discussed,
particularly when building or refurbishing a roof.
According to Met Office data: there is a
significant increase in the intensity of UK rainfall.
Now there is a 1 in 3 chance of record rainfall.
Our green spaces, which usually would absorb
that water, are being covered at a rate of knots: in
London alone, the green equivalent of 2.5 Hyde
Parks is lost each year.
Blue roofs can play a key role in addressing
flooding scenarios. They can be a cost-effective
and efficient solution and they can be simple to
install.
Firstly, consider the blue roof’s purpose: is it to
be one component of the overall SUDS
(sustainable urban drainage system), or a standalone
solution?
In a new build, it is worth tabling that latter
option in design discussions. To cite a real
example, a 2,500m² roof can store up to 70
tonnes of water; to construct a ground water
attenuation pool for the same capacity would
involve excavating 100m³ of soil – dozens of
truck loads.
Design and performance spec
For the design and performance specification,
bear in mind that most options on the market
require, in effect, two roofs: a blue roof, laid
under a green or ballasted roof. That impacts on
structural support specification and cost. It
means the roof is in effect laid twice, impacting
on material and labour costs. The structural load
is going to be increased to bear the potential
water load (1m³ of water weighs a 1 ton), so why
add even more to that?
Even the drain time varies, which can also impact
on the structural load. The NFRC Technical
Guidance Note for blue roofs requires the roof to
be at least half voided in 12 hours, and
completely void of rainfall within 24 hours. The
rainfall attenuation offered varies from
manufacturer to manufacturer. The discharge rate
needs to meet the individual site discharge
design.
Reputable manufacturers offer software solutions
to calculate the appropriate flow capacities,
number of outlets required, location of each
outlet, and appropriate parapet overflow.
Membrane quality
You must choose a quality membrane. Membrane
failure is always a dire consequence. It is more
so if the membrane fails when there has been a
rainstorm, or thaw after heavy snow. The majority
of single ply blue roofs focus on a conventional
green or ballasted roof construction, a void space
to hold the water whilst it attenuates through
outlets, and an underlayer. Protan is the only
leading single ply membrane manufacturer to
engineer bespoke membranes for its stand-alone
blue roof system, requiring just one membrane /
one roof to be laid.
Fixing considerations
The majority of blue roofs are mechanically fixed.
Watertightness is even more critical on a blue roof:
penetrations need to be minimised, and welds
perfect! It may seem like I’m stating the obvious,
but every fixing penetrates the roof. An adhered
solution overcomes that issue, but is still very
dependent on quality of workmanship. A vacuum
system overcomes the issues faced with laying
an adhered roof, and significantly reduces the
penetration considerations of a mechanical roof:
it is fixed only at the perimeter and relies on air
pressure to ‘suck’ the roof membrane to the deck.
“For the design and
performance
specification, bear in
mind that most options
on the market require,
in effect, two roofs: a
blue roof, laid under a
green or ballasted
roof”
Prefabricated details simplify the process on site,
and deliver a quality assurance. It is worth
verifying the range available: is it just the outlet,
or other detailing such as corners (internals and
externals), parapet skirts, all of which could affect
the performance of the roof if not fully watertight.
When welding seams or details, bear in mind that
the roof is going to be exposed to greater loads,
so extra care needs to be taken, and factor in as
large a safety margin as possible. Apply extra
pressure over T joints, and, to be double sure,
even weld an extra membrane reinforcement over
those sections. It will help ensure the roof
performance, yet makes no significant difference
to material and labour costs.
And ensure the outlets are fixed to the roof deck,
not just the membrane!
There are some who say blue roofs should be
avoided. A well-specified, well-constructed blue
roof can play a key role in avoiding flooding, and
makes use of what is an underused space. It is
about managing our resources and making best
use of them achieving best value.
Contact Protan
01925 658001
www.protan.co.uk
@ProtanUK
50 TC NOVEMBER 2018

SEE US AT

Article
Tapered Insulation
TALE OF THE TAPERED PROJECT
With 16 years’ experience in the design and fabrication of tapered insulation, Neil Talmage,
Head of Technical and Design at TaperedPlus, explains his Top 5 Tips to consider when
installing tapered insulation.
Although tapered Insulation has always contractors and specifiers now recognising the
been considered the more complicated advantages of the cut to falls system, we at
method to drain a flat roof of its rainwater TaperedPlus are collaborating to upskill and
when compared to timber firings and concrete educate all our partners in tapered insulation
screeds, it has many advantages which far solutions.
outreach these traditional methods on both
With every bespoke tapered insulation project
technical and practical merit. Architects and
designed and specified by TaperedPlus, a full
specifiers are choosing the cut to fall insulation
scheme drawing showing design falls will be
methods more and more each day as a drainage
issued and approved prior to the delivery of the
solution for their flat roofs, as buildings not only
insulation to site. Roofing contractors should take
become more ornate in design, but also have high
this time to familiarise themselves with the
technical requirements. Tapered insulation
design and the roof in hand, taking the
doesn’t have to be any more complicated than
opportunity to check dimensions and upstand
installing a simple uniform thickness of insulation
heights along with proposed drainage locations
on a flat roof with a deck to fall. With many
Neil’s Top 5 Tips for your tapered insulation project:
“Roofing contractors
should take this time to
familiarise themselves
with the design and the
roof in hand”
and any roof deck penetrations. Especially with
new build projects, variations may occur where
the ‘as built’ structure varies from the
architectural plans.
If, for any reason, an issue does occur, then it is
very important we know about them prior to the
delivery.
Tip 1: Preparation
After making sure the substrate is clean, dry of
any debris and moisture, it’s important to assess
whether the deck is flat and if any back falls /
hollows / deflected deck need to be corrected. If it
is a refurbishment project with existing falls,
please ensure the proposed scheme allows for
the existing falls prior to install, especially if the
roof has been stripped post survey.
When the insulation is delivered to site, it is the
responsibility of the roofing contractor to ensure it
is stored in a dry place and is always protected
from the weather. Planning where you are going to
store your cut to fall insulation is important, so
you can access it quickly and safely.
Tip 2: Choosing where to start
At TaperedPlus, all our Technical Designers have
been trained to not only design cut to fall
schemes that meet all the drainage and thermal
requirements, but to also have
the installer in mind in terms
of practicality and simplicity.
Why make a tapered
insulation scheme more
complicated than it needs to
be?
Contractor set-out points (see below)
are provided on all our tapered insulation scheme
designs once ordered, advising the installer on
Left: Neil Talmage, Head of Technical
and Design at TaperedPlus.
site where to start laying the
tapered insulation design
from.
Set-out points will normally
follow on with a full uncut board of
insulation, usually from the thickest part
of the scheme, working down toward the
drainage location, therefore any cutting of the
insulation is done at the thin end as opposed to
the thickest part of the insulation which reduces
wastage.
On certain occasions it may be more practical for
the tapered insulation to be set out from a gutter.
In this instance the gutter width dimension will be
shown.
52 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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IT DOESN’T JUST LET OUT SMOKE
That hatch with the ladder running up to it? Yes, it’s a Bilco smoke vent.
Now, you may know it as one of the best smoke vents on the market (CE-marked,
self-actuating in less than a minute, excellent thermal properties, and so on).
But simply add a fixed ladder with the optional LadderUp® Safety Post, and you also
have a safe exit out onto the roof.
So the next time you specify a smoke vent, make sure it’s a Bilco.
As both a smoke vent and an access hatch, you get two solutions for the price of one.
To find out more, call us on 01284 701696 or visit www.bilcouk.co.uk
incorporating
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Tapered Insulation
“Often we come across
buildings that are not
always full of right
angles, and for these
instances the installer
may need to cut a
bespoke angle on site”
Above: With every bespoke tapered insulation project designed and specified by TaperedPlus, a full scheme drawing showing
design falls will be issued and approved prior to the delivery of the insulation to site.
Tip 3: The good practice method
As an established roofing contractor, the same
good practice methods should also be applied
with the use of day joints, ensuring the system is
not subject to any moisture between installation
breaks (e.g. at night, over weekends etc.)
With multi layered tapered systems, staggering
the joints when installing the insulation is a
practical must. With any type of flat slabbed
insulation, staggering the joints improves the
system’s stability and performance whilst
eliminating the risk of cold spots between the
deck and the membrane.
“Taking measurements
from the design will
enable the installer to
chalk the line onto the
deck, mirroring the
angles that need to be
cut in the tapered
insulation”
Timber hard edges again are a must when
complying with a good method of practice. These
help to protect the edge of the tapered insulation
from being crushed by foot traffic or other roof
trades during and after the installation.
Timber hard edges are normally 5mm thinner
than the adjacent insulation board; this allows
an easy dress down detail of the membrane
and ensures the life expectancy of the
waterproofing system.
Tip 4: Hip & Valley mitre lines made simple
Tapered insulation systems are specified for
many reasons. One of the main advantages is
having the ability to drain a flat roof of its
rainwater in several directions in one complete
layer of insulation. Systems designed and
supplied by TaperedPlus can be provided with
factory pre-cut mitres. These are provided for 45-
degree angles in both a Hip and Valley variation.
They are also clearly marked with directional
arrows on all scheme designs. Just check the
arrows are on all mitred boards.
Quite often we come across buildings that are not
always full of right angles and for these instances
the installer may need to cut a bespoke angle on
site. Now, without hiding behind the nearest tank
room, cutting this angle is not as tasking as it
looks on paper. As long as you have a tape
measure and chalk line, this process can run as
smooth as installing any factory pre-cut mitre.
Taking measurements from the design will enable
the installer to chalk the line onto the deck,
mirroring the angles that need to be cut in the
tapered insulation.
Tip 5: Saving the offcuts
All multi-layer tapered insulation designs will
show an insulation section build-up. These will
include any packer boards needed or show how
tapered board layers can be overlaid or underlaid
with a uniform insulation thickness.
Tapered boards are typically supplied in their full
form and like any installation of ridge slab type
insulation, a certain amount of on-site cutting is
required by the contractor. It is important for the
“A certain amount of
on-site cutting is
required by the
contractor. It is
important for the
installer to save all offcuts
until the complete
scheme has been
installed”
installer to save all off-cuts until the complete
scheme has been installed. At TaperedPlus we
aim to reduce any waste where possible. Saving
all offcuts could also enable the correction of any
unforeseen circumstances that may occur.
We offer pre-onsite meetings with roofing
contractors prior to installation, alongside always
being available to discuss any scheme designs over
the telephone / email, answering any questions.
Who better than to talk to the designer themselves
to make the installation process trouble free?
“Especially with new
build projects,
variations may occur
where the ‘as built’
structure varies from
the architectural
plans”
Contact TaperedPlus
01642 677342
www.taperedplus.co.uk
@TaperedPlus
54 TC NOVEMBER 2018

NOVEMBER 2018 TC 55

Project Focus
CENTRE OF ATTENTION: AESTHETICS
& PERFORMANCE PROVE A POINT
When timescales are tight and waterproofing solutions need to be versatile for a prestigious
project at one of London West End’s best-known landmarks, innovative thinking is required.
Ross Finnie, Sales Director at SIG Design & Technology, explains how his team delivered at
Centre Point…
Standing 117 metres above the streets of
the West End, Centre Point’s Tower is an
unmissable landmark and one of London’s
first skyscrapers. It’s part of a wider complex
which is used for retail and residential purposes.
Although long since eclipsed in height by newer
buildings, the Grade II listed 34 storey structure
cuts an impressive architectural figure. Soughtafter
residential accommodation in its
rejuvenated tower comes at an exclusive price.
SIG Design & Technology’s (D&T) proven
capabilities in providing effective roofing solutions
for listed buildings meant its specification
expertise was invaluable in meeting the various
challenges.
The refurbishment project saw eight separate
areas at Centre Point being waterproofed to SIG
D&T’s design specification.
Visibility
For the iconic tower itself, the aesthetic
requirement from the architect and client stated
that no waterproofing on the terrace areas should
be visible.
Having a waterproofing solution that could detail
at interfaces and upstands with liquid and tight
detail that was both compatible with the existing
design while offering a guaranteed solution was
also critical. Working with specialist subcontractors,
AC PLC, SIG advised on
waterproofing for window façades in part of the
tower.
The waterproofing needed to be versatile enough
to work on the areas being refurbished, as well as
the interface with the diamond shaped concrete
window frames.
IKO’s Polimar FCS Roof Waterproofing was chosen
as a highly durable system which offers the
additional benefit of rapid curing. Polimar liquid is
specifically designed as a highly durable system
for flat roofs.
Cracked asphalt
At Centre Point, existing asphalt had cracked and
failed over the years, allowing for water ingress.
Water was leaking down to ground floor level
which caused problems during the strip-out of
the existing ground floor by main contractor
Multiplex.
The Centre Point complex has terraces both to
east and west of the main tower, three storeys
above the ground level, known as Centre Point
East and Centre Point West.
Both terraces benefitted from the same build-up.
From the top to its base, this comprised of highperformance
decking on top of an appropriate
protection layer; IKO Ultra Prevent waterproofing;
tapered insulation; IKO self-adhered vapour
control layer, IKO primer and a concrete deck.
Fourteen storeys above ground, the new Centre
Point House roof was capped with ballast and
paving. Below this, a new build-up comprised an
appropriate protective layer; IKO Ultra Prevent
waterproofing; tapered insulation; IKO selfadhered
vapour control layer, IKO primer and a
concrete deck.
Controlling the run-off of stormwater from the
roof had become an issue. SIG D&T specified a
build-up which will contribute to a sustainable
urban drainage system (SUDS) including two
green roofs, in order to slow down the release of
surface water run-off.
Two sedum vaulted green roofs were installed
adjacent to each other on the south side of Centre
Point House and the first is approximately 400m²
in size. The second roof, approximately 100
metres² in size, is flat in profile and biodiverse.
Christian Bartens, Contracts Manager at AC
PLC’s Waterproofing Division, explained: “SIG
D&T came up with an appropriate design and
specification and their work facilitated the ease of
installation for both the roofers and the main
contractor.”
Versatility and aesthetics
Ross Finnie, Sales Director at SIG Design &
Technology, commented: “Not only did the
waterproofing systems we specified need to be
versatile and work within different areas of the
Centre Point building envelope, but meeting
aesthetic demands at this listed building was
also important. We were required to provide a
cost-effective system that was sufficiently robust
to carry the weight of the timber decking and
quick to install so as not to delay the work
programme of following trades.”
Contact SIG Design & Technology
0844 443 4778
www.singleply.co.uk
@SIGDesignTech
56 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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Field Techs
SUPPORT IN THE FIELD: WORKING
WITH THE CONTRACTOR
Sika’s roofing brands work with Sika-trained contractors across each job, who benefit from
site monitoring service across the project lifecycle. Supporting contractors throughout every
stage of the installation is a role that falls to the Field Technician, so Total Contractor caught
up with Field Technicians Craig Smith and Steve Jasper to find out more about their day-today
job, and how they work with contractors to ensure a trouble-free installation.
we’re needed, whatever
the task, we’re there to help,
“Wherever
provide advice, work with the
contractor to develop a solution or just listen,”
explaind Craig. “We work for the system provider
Sika – but we’re really an extra member of the
contractor’s team. And, because many Sika Field
Technicians have worked as contractors
themselves or with them extensively, we can
really empathise and relate to the challenges of
working on site.”
Craig worked in roofing contracting for 16 years
before taking on his current role as a Field
Technician, so he’s had all kinds of site-based
roles, including labourer, installer, Foreman and
Contracts Manager.
“Part of what we bring to site is an understanding
of the challenges of working on roofing projects
and ideas on how to overcome all kinds of
installation issues; from tricky detailing to
extreme weather conditions. We know a lot of the
contractors personally and we talk their language,
often working collaboratively with the installation
team to pool our experience and come up with a
workable solution for the technical demands of
the project.
Steve Jasper, agrees: “I started working on site in
1984 and I’ve been with Sika’s roofing team for
13 years, so I understand both the obstacles
installers face on site and the solutions in our
product portfolio to meet their needs.”
“It’s very much a collaboration
between the Field Technician and
the site team,” Craig continued,
“because, ultimately, we all want
a professional job that passes the
final inspection with no snagging and
offers the end user a robust roof with an
extended service life. Lots of Sika
Liquid Plastics’ refurbishment jobs
involve heritage buildings or
challenges with plant on the roof,
where our troubleshooting input
is really valuable to the contractor.
There’s often more than one possible
approach and part of our job is to make
sure we select the best option for the specific job
in question.
“Sika’s Field Technicians even have an online
closed user group,” added Steve, “where we can
ask each other technical questions and use the
power of the Sika-hive mind to help contractors
out on site.”
Planning & troubleshooting
As providing the client with the safest, most
robust specification advice is a full-team
responsibility across all of Sika’s roofing brands,
Craig and Steve often accompany the Area
Technical Manager on site visits to carry out
initial site audits or condition surveys, which
inform the technical specification process.
Left: Craig Smith – below: Steve Jasper;
both are Field Technicians for Sika.
Craig continued: “We get involved
with the contractor right from the
planning stage. We can help ensure
that they have good methods of working,
sort out training for any of the team that
needs it and help them schedule the
job.
“One of the constant challenges for
any roofing contractor is the
weather, so simply by sharing our
experience, helping them plan out how
much wet weather work is involved and
using that knowledge to help them schedule, we
can add value and help the contractor avoid delays.
“In the winter months, even simple advice like
covering the roof to avoid any frost can help the
contractor save time, and that’s what we’re all
about; helping the contractor do a great job so
that they can complete within programme and
move on to the next project.”
Training & support
It’s a role that involves a meticulous approach to
planning the diary while maintaining the flexibility
to respond quickly to contractor requirements.
“I’m usually on the road early,” Steve continued,
“and can often do three or four appointments
during the course of a day depending on the
distance between sites. My week varies
58 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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Field Techs
between planned interim visits to check progress
and workmanship, and ad-hoc visits where I
might be troubleshooting on difficult detailing.”
Craig added: “Our interim visits are to check that
the system is being installed to spec and to the
required quality standards, but we’re basically
there to cover off anything the contractor team
needs us for.
“On troubleshooting visits, if we spot that one of
the team may require further training support,
we’ll offer to arrange training, either on site or at
our training centre.”
One asset at the Sika Field Technicians’ disposal
for training are the company’s TSVs – Training
Support Vehicles – which mean that they can
demo products and installation techniques on site.
“Training is a continuous process,” Steve
continued, “We’re all still learning and one of the
benefits of the Field Technician visits is that we
get tips from contractors all the time and can
“Wherever we’re
needed, whatever the
task, we’re there to
help”
pass that knowledge on.”
“We also use our site visits to showcase new
products and new installation techniques,” Craig
added. “For example, we took our Sika Power
Roller to live sites so that contractors could try it
out with our Sika Liquid Plastics systems before
we launched it. It’s all part of a joined up
approach to making sure we work together as a
supply chain, ensuring the client gets the best
possible results on their roof.
And of course, we take contractors’ suggestions
on board too,” Steve explained. “Our role is the
interface between the contractor and R&D so we
can help make sure that new products answer the
requirements for real contractors on real jobs.”
Complete quality assurance
After regular contact throughout each project, the
final task of the Field Technician is to sign off on
the guarantee for the project. Craig added:
“Because we’ve been involved throughout, the
final inspection – which includes a walk round
with the contractor and the client – should just be
a formality. For us, quality assurance is not just
something that happens on completion, it’s a
process we support throughout the job.”
Contact Sika Liquid Plastics
01772 259781
gbr.liquidplastics.sika.com/
@LiquidPlastics
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60 TC NOVEMBER 2018

Safety at Height
A HEAD FOR HEIGHTS: WHERE DOES
THE RESPONSIBILITY LIE?
By Steve Ball, Field Service Manager, Kingspan Insulated Panels.
We might grumble about health and
safety rules and regulations, but there
is no question that they help save lives.
The latest confirmed figures back this up, with 30
fatal injuries in 2016/17, the lowest in the last
five years. However, 30 deaths is 30 too many,
and with almost half of those coming from falls at
height there is clearly still work to be done.
Who is responsible?
Under the Construction (Design and
Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM), building
designers must “eliminate, reduce or control
foreseeable risk” that may arise during the
construction, maintenance and use of the
completed building when preparing or modifying
their plans. This includes the handling and
installation of roofing materials. Meanwhile, the
‘client’ – the one
commissioning the new
or refurbished roof – is
ultimately responsible
for site safety. They are
expected to provide
adequate time and
resources to ensure all
work can be carried out
safely and to a high standard.
These are the main people responsible
for putting the right safeguards in place and
reducing risk.
However, it is the individuals who are carrying out
the work who must take responsibility for their
own safety and that of their workmates, by
observing any measures that are in place, doing
Left: One of the best ways of
protecting workers on roofs is to
install and operate fall
protection systems, which
are easily integrated with
insulated panel systems.
training when it is
available, and being
aware of the dangers
involved in working at height.
What can help?
Metal-faced PIR insulated panels have been used
in roofing applications for decades due to their
excellent levels of thermal, structural and fire
performance. Combining internal and external
metal facings, insulation and waterproofing in a
single rigid panel, these products can be used to
create a wide range of roof types, from typical flat
or pitched roofs to dynamic curved designs.
As there is no need for multiple layers to be
assembled, the panels provide a safe, walkable
platform as soon as they are fixed to the
supporting steelwork. They are also quick to
install, reducing the amount of time spent
working at height.
Another thing that can speed the job up is the
size of panels available. Up to 2 metres wide
Kingspan Saferidge is a unique fall protection system from Kingspan Insulated Panels.
“Whether you’re an
experienced
contractor or an
apprentice roofer, it
can be tempting
sometimes to take
short-cuts and take the
odd risk”
62 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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Safety at Height
“Whilst this is the
responsibility of the
specifier, building
owner and installer of
the safety equipment, at
the end of the day it is
only effective if it is
used correctly by the
people working on the
roof”
Above: Mechanical handling equipment is essential for these larger panels; Below: Kingspan KS2000RW two metre wide panels
are available in lengths up to 20 metres.
and 20 metres long, large areas can be covered in
a relatively short space of time. Mechanical
handling equipment is essential for these larger
panels, and has also become the standard for
most insulated panel system installations, with
roof panels typically being craned in to place. In
turn, this reduces the risk of injury from manual
handling and further speeds up the work.
However, it is essential that installers are
properly trained in the use of such equipment,
and competent to safely lift and secure the panels
in place.
Lifelong safety
No matter how robust the roof itself may be to
walk on, there is always the risk of a slip, trip or
fall, both during construction and during any
maintenance that may need to be carried out over
the life of the building.
One of the best ways of protecting workers on
roofs is to install and operate fall arrest systems,
from simple passive barriers installed around the
perimeter of a flat roof, to rail-based anchor
systems designed to provide personal protection
across the whole roof area. These are typically
fixed to the top skin of the panel, which
minimises the dynamic load on the roof in the
event of a fall and avoids penetrating the
insulation layer and causing a thermal bridge.
They are easy to integrate with insulated panel
systems and should be regarded as an essential
part of any new roofing system. They can also
generally be retrofitted to existing roofs.
As always, it is important that such equipment is
properly installed, suitable for the application and
tested to the appropriate third-party standards.
Whilst this is the responsibility of the specifier,
building owner, and installer of the safety
equipment, at the end of the day it is only
effective if it is used correctly by the people
working on the roof.
Don’t fall for it
Whether you’re an experienced contractor or an
apprentice roofer, it can be tempting sometimes
to take short-cuts and take the odd risk. Don’t fall
for the idea that health and safety doesn’t matter
and is just a box to be ticked. The CDM
Regulations are there to protect your life and your
co-workers’ lives. Use solutions that help to keep
you safe, and don’t become one of those
increasingly rare statistics appearing in the
Health and Safety Executive reports each year.
Contact Kingspan Insulated Panels
01352 717 251
www.kingspanpanels.co.uk
@KingspanIP_UK
64 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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Rooflights
THE RIGHT SIDE OF ROOFLIGHT REGS
As homeowners increasingly look to cut their heating costs and the government continues to
place pressure on UK businesses to reduce their energy usage through the European Energy
Directive, Sabahudin Medic, Head of Engineering and Quality at Roof Maker, explores how
adhering to Document L1B will not only ensure you’re legally compliant, but enable you to
offer customers the most thermally efficient rooflights available.
Whilst Document N explores the
protection against manifestation and
impact of glazing, the suitability and
requirement of opening rooflights and safe access
for cleaning, Document L1B is a key reference
when ensuring the correct U-value and suitability
of the rooflights you are looking to install in both
commercial and residential builds. The current
L1B Building Regulations were last updated in
2016, and below I explore the key considerations
you should explore.
Approved Document L1B places rooflights under
the umbrella of ‘controlled fittings’, which
includes a new window, roof window, rooflight or
door that also incorporates a new frame. In the
event that glazing is replaced in an existing
dwelling but the existing framework is
maintained, this is not regarded as a controlled
fitting and, as such, is not notifiable and does not
have to meet Part L standards.
The maximum allowable U-values are specified in
Approved Document L, which deals with the
conservation of fuel and power. The following
maximum U-values are taken from Table 2, which
can be found on page 15 of the Approved
Document L1B.
For notional domestic buildings, to conform to the
CO ²
and fabric energy efficiency targets and the
limiting values for individual fabric elements and
building services, the following U-values must be
adhered to. These U-values are substantially
reduced when compared to the maximum
allowable.
The U-values for the notional domestic building
are as follows:
Here you should note that the U-values for
rooflights given in Approved Document L1B are
based on the U-value having been assessed in
the vertical position. For units assessed in a
plane other than a vertical position, the standards
within Approved Document L1B should be
modified by making adjustments in relation to the
slope of the unit as noted in BR 443.
In addition, Approved Document L1B states that if
a window is enlarged – or a new one is created –
the area of rooflights should not exceed 25% of
the total floor area of the dwelling, unless
compensating measures are incorporated
elsewhere in the project. This must be considered
within the planning process.
If contractors want to take this one step further,
the BREEAM ‘Excellent Rating’ is considered the
water mark for buildings wanting to achieve
better ratings, and the minimum standards for
roofs are 0.16 W/m² K.
With regard to notional domestic buildings and U-
values in particular, a U-value of 1.4 can easily
be achieved by specifying and installing rooflights
that feature triple glazing. Triple glazing has been
a point of contention within the industry for years,
however, it offers enhanced thermal performance
and reduced noise pollution, without making the
product significantly heavier or more expensive.
Another area installers should consider when
trying to improve the energy efficiency of a
client’s home when recommending rooflights is
the addition of an insulated aluminium frame.
Combined with triple glazing, these rooflights will
easily surpass the regulations of Document L, a
benefit that customers will be pleased to know
will help to contribute to a decrease in their
quarterly energy bills.
Roof Maker’s range of flat, pitched, fixed and
opening rooflights range between 0.6W/m²K -
1.0W/m²K, providing a range of products that are
way below the industry recommendations.
Contact Roof Maker
0116 214 7099
www.roof-maker.co.uk
@roof_maker
66 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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Project Focus
TORCH SYSTEM SHOWS THE WAY
Langley Waterproofing Systems delivered its TA-20 torch applied system to the Girdlestone
Estate in Islington, London – resolving the water ingress issues. The success of this
refurbishment project was recognised at the 2018 Roofing Awards, with the project winning
the Reinforced Bitumen Membranes category.
During the 1990s, a shallow pitched metal
butterfly roof with in-built gutters was
installed onto all Girdlestone Estate
properties. However, defects in the roof’s design,
combined with the age of the system, led to
leaks, affecting both the homes and their
occupants. Despite continual repair work, issues
with the roof persisted. Islington Council therefore
decided that a full replacement of the 3,600m²
roof would need to be undertaken, in order to
permanently fix Girdlestone Estate’s failing
system.
Informed decision
In order to make an informed decision about the
type of roofing system that should be installed,
Langley, along with its approved contractors,
conducted a full assessment of the existing roof.
The team removed a section of the roof to inspect
its state and decipher the best way of approaching
the project – they discovered that the mineral
wool insulation within the old system was
completely saturated and needed to be replaced.
Langley’s TA-20 – a premium high-performance
torch applied SBS elastomeric membrane for
warm roofs – was the chosen solution. Due to the
water damage found on the original roof, the new
system had to be carefully considered to ensure
that no further issues would ensue. The TA-20,
which is part of the Langley Parafor range, is
durable, yet flexible and the heavy-duty polyester
composite metal lined vapour barrier provides a
robust, watertight layer, preventing water damage
and any leaks to the below structure, whilst the
works are ongoing.
The system’s 40 year life expectancy was a key
consideration in the decision for TA-20, along
with its certifications; the membranes used for
TA-20 are covered by MOAT 31, the assessment
for Reinforced Homogeneous Waterproof
Coverings of SBS Elastomer Bitumen, and the
Parafor Solo Cap Sheet, which is the outer layer
of the TA-20 system, achieves a “resistance to
damage” rating of R4 under MOAT 31. The
system also carries a 20 year independently
insured guarantee for both materials, design and
workmanship.
Gary Chapman, Group Leader, Capital Programme
Delivery at Islington Council, said: “The
Girdlestone Estate has been a priority for the
council and we knew that Langley – working with
our service provider Mears – could be trusted to
work closely with our technical team to carry out
an extensive survey to reveal the underlying
issues with the roof.”
Work on the roof took place as part of a broader
refurbishment of the Girdlestone Estate, with
Mears Group Plc carrying out the external works
at the same time. The project as a whole was
completed on a tight time schedule, which made
lead times a major challenge for Langley.
Langley was able to put a plan in place and keep
the work running to schedule and without
problems. Langley used the initial block, as well
“The team removed a section of the roof to
inspect its state – the mineral wool insulation
within the old system was completely saturated”
Above: The Girdlestone Estate, Islington project.
as its extensive knowledge of roof types across
London, to gain calculations for the tapered
insulation, rooflights and outlets. The team could
then create these elements for the remaining 19
blocks ahead of time. This ensured that the
construction team could remove the existing
metal butterfly roof and instantly replace it with
the new TA-20 system, without the need for a
temporary solution.
Rolling programme
The team also utilised a rolling programme, which
enabled communication between the client and
contractor. This was vital for the success of the
build and allowed for the original roof to be
inspected on the day that it was being replaced.
The team was then able to make adjustments
without causing major disruption to timescales.
David Hodgson, Executive Managing Director at
Mears Group, added: “With such a challenging
project, Langley’s support throughout the
refurbishment was invaluable and the solution
they provided will ensure that the estate’s roofs
are protected from any future problems.”
Contact Langley Waterproofing Systems
01327 704778
www.langley.co.uk/
68 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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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.
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Roofing Updates
For further info on all these roofing updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
‘ROOFSHIELD TO THE RESCUE’
When the residents of Ecclesmachan, in West Lothian, had all but lost hope of restoring the roof of the historic
local village hall due to a lack of funding, a solution was found in the form of Roofshield. The A. Proctor Group’s
“Roofshield to the Rescue” promotion offered community halls and centres up and down the country the chance
of up to £10,000 of support towards the restoration of a community roofing project.
The successful nomination was awarded to the Ecclesmachan & Threemiletown Village Hall. The original building
was a single Victorian school with ancillary accommodation. The pitched roofs, which were in urgent need of repair,
consisted of a timber hand cut joists and truss design, with sarking, and a slate roof finish.
Slorach Wood Architects were commissioned to prepare plans and oversee all works which included removal of the existing roof slates down to the sarking
boards, examination and replacement of sarking where required, replacing all lead valleys and flashings, and application of the Roofshield membrane, and
then re-slated. Walter Wood, Director for Slorach Wood Architects, commented: “Without the generous help of the A. Proctor Group the roofing works may not
have been able to go ahead due to a lack of available funding.” www.proctorgroup.com
HIGH PRAISE FOR CHAPEL PROJECT
Cembrit Glendyne natural slates have been specified and installed on a unique renovation project
for the Historic Hampshire landmark, Netley Chapel, which saw the local community contributing
financially to the restoration project.
Above: Royal Victoria Country Park was
once the site of the world’s largest military
hospital, the Royal Victoria Hospital (or
Netley Hospital). Visit www.totalcontractor.co.uk
to watch a video on the
restoration project.
Before slating began, the public were invited to site to mark the occasion and “sponsor a slate”. For a
small donation, visitors wrote a message and signed the reverse of a roof slate. More than 900 Glendyne
slates were decorated, raising £6,600 for the friends of the Royal Victoria Country Park. These slates were
then installed on the roof of the chapel by Elliotts Premier Roofing of Southampton. www.cembrit.co.uk
PROJECT USES 290,000 HEAVY 3 SLATES
CUPA PIZARRAS’ Heavy 3 slate has been specified and installed by three housebuilders for the roofing at Chapelton – a
new £1 billion town being built from scratch near Aberdeen.
The new Chapelton site.
With Phase 1 now complete, and Phase 2 underway, over 290,000 Heavy 3 slates have been used across the 126 units
built to date. Installer on the Chapelton site for all three developers - ZeroC, sister company Brio Retirement Living and A &
J Stephen (Builders) Ltd - Steve Scott, Managing Director at Forster Roofing commented: “We are long time advocates of
Heavy 3. For this project, it was selected for its heavier weight. Each roof sub structure is timber sarked with a felt layer
and the Heavy 3 slate double nailed and finished with zinc ridging and flashing.” www.cupapizarras.com/uk
ROOF TRUST OPTS FOR DAKEA ULTIMA
North East-based roofing company Roof Trust has opted for the Dakea Ultima roof windows to ensure high quality
installations on a number of residential refurbishment properties. Easy to install, Ultima windows provide a range of
benefits for the homeowner, including reducing external noise by as much as 50% when compared to other standard
windows on the market.
David Bruce, Managing Director of Roof Trust, said: “When looking at the options on the market, we were keen to find a
manufacturer whose products would meet the homeowner requirements as well as provide a simple installation.”
www.dakea.com
70 TC NOVEMBER 2018

CUT IN DELIVERY LEAD TIMES
Marley Alutec has announced a major cut in the delivery lead times of its top selling products.
With immediate effect, the lead time for stocked Heritage Black and Anthracite Grey (RAL7016) goods will reduce to
five working days, while all standard colour products will be delivered within ten working days of order.
The new five-day lead times apply to Alutec’s easy to install Evolve range of gutter systems in Heritage Black and
Anthracite Grey (RAL7016). Also benefiting from the reduced lead times are a select number of popular sizes in the
Traditional Half Round, Moulded Ogee, and Alligator Classic gutter systems, and Evolve, Alligator Classic, Tudor, and Marley Alutec has a wide range of sustainable
Flushfit downpipes. Popular sized Flushfit downpipes in Anthracite Grey will also be available for delivery in this time frame. marine grade aluminium products, suitable for
projects from new build through to heritage and
listed buildings.
Kevin Stanley, Marley Alutec, commented: “We realise that the nature of the market dictates not all products can be
ordered weeks in advance, and that there is often a necessity to receive rainwater goods at short notice. By investing in our stock and delivery systems, we
can provide a much quicker and efficient supply of products to merchants and contractors. This enhancement continues our commitment to outstanding
service by working closely with our customers to understand their needs and pressure points.” www.marleyalutec.co.uk
SAFETY AT ‘WORLD’S LARGEST AIRPORT’
SFS Fall Protection Systems have been used as the roofing fall protection solution for the first and most significant
phase of the Istanbul New Airport, a new ‘mega-airport’, replacing the city’s Atatürk Airport.
An illustration of Istanbul New
Airport: SFS’s Horizontal
Lifeline system was used
across the 400,000m²
standing seam roof, with
2,200 high load posts
The scale of the €7bn project is illustrated by the fact that 20,000 workers were employed on site at one time, supported
by 58 cranes. To protect workers and maintenance teams with both restraint and fall arrest capabilities, the responsible
contractor selected to use the Horizontal Lifeline system from SFS. The system was part of a package of building envelope
solutions provided by the SFS Group. This included a range of high performance SFS SL2, SD6 and SD14 fasteners for the
standing seam roof, plus thousands of GESIPA BULB-TITE blind rivets. www.sfsintec.co.uk.
FIRE TEST EVIDENCE FOR PLYGENE
Following recent work with Exova, Sharmans is pleased to announce it has gained an
independent assessment and test evidence for its Plygene Gutterline system in relation to
the spread of fire.
Plygene Gutterline is the only BBA approved gutter lining
system specifically engineered to guarantee leak
prevention and preserve gutter performance for both
industrial and commercial buildings.
Exova conducted an Ignitability Test – EN 11925-2 on their two key system components, namely the
thermoplastic membrane and the material used to form the bespoke moulded units. Upon passing
this test, the products have also obtained a Euro-classification ‘E’ to the harmonised European
standard EN 13501-1. www.hdsharman.co.uk
ARP RISES TO CURVED CHALLENGE
Kennett Brothers’ latest project involved major remodelling of an existing property in Sevenoaks, Kent.
The client’s main challenge was to find a rainwater solution that dispersed the rainwater effectively and fit the
curved fascia detail on the newly built orangery extension.
“I am very pleased with the colour and look of the
gutters and the way they blend into the fascia, in
particular, the curved guttering on the Orangery”
ARP’s Legion pressed aluminium box gutter and Colonnade aluminium flushjoint downpipes, both Polyester
Powder Coated (PPC) in RAL 9005 black matt finish were the products chosen and samples of the product and
PPC colours were supplied to the client, so he could be assured of the quality. www.arp-ltd.com
NOVEMBER 2018 TC 71

Roofing Updates
For further info on all these roofing updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
ALL ROUND BENEFITS
Are you prepared for the winter rain and wind? Well, Snickers’ new waterproof jackets will keep you warm and
dry – all day, every day!
You can count on year-round comfort and protection with Snickers Workwear’s new AllRoundWork Waterproof Jackets.
They’ll make your working day easier and more comfortable with built-in quality, functionality and high performance
features to cope with the very worst that the weather can throw at you.
With lightweight and heavier-duty designs and styles for professional tradesmen and women, these jackets are 100% waterproof. The insides are fully
sealed from the worst of the weather and every seam is taped or sealed. Even the pockets and cuffs are specially designed to keep the weather out and dry
warmth in.
There’s a host of designs, styles and extensive size options so you can select just the right jacket for you and your job. To back them up, Snickers has a great
range of Winter Vests and Bodywarmers, even a Body Mapping Micro Fleece, so you’ll be well looked after all day, every day. www.snickersworkwear.co.uk
QUICK, COMPETITIVE SOLUTIONS
Rooflights & Skylights, a new online store has launched offering rooflights or skylights
with fast delivery at competitive prices.
Rooflights & Skylights offers a comprehensive range of discounted and competitively-priced
polycarbonate and glass solutions, with next-day delivery on many stocked units. Developed
by National Domelight Company (NDC), Rooflights & Skylights has an intuitive navigation, clear
product images, transparent unit prices and detailed technical and delivery information for
easy selection of the most suitable rooflight. www.rooflights-skylights.co.uk
CORDLESS CREATIVITY
Having launched new cordless grinders, and a hammer drill earlier in the year, FEIN is
extending its 18V product range with the ASCM 18 QSW 4-speed cordless drill/driver.
FEIN: The electric drill inventor keeps fuelling its cordless
revolution.
This is an alternate version of the 12 and 18 volt ASCM machine, already popular within the
community but with two new benefits. Firstly, the Multi-Volt feature allows the machine to be
powered by a 12 to 18 V lithium-ion battery, and secondly the body is lighter and more
compact, weighing just 1.7kg. https://fein.com/en_uk/
CHURCH’S CROWNING GLORY
Craftsmanship and attention to detail received their just reward when the re-roofing of Shettleston New
Parish Church in Glasgow’s East End won the Roof Tiling category in the UK Roofing Awards. The award was
made to DM Roofing & Roughcasting, working with BMI Redland. Architect Peter Drummond, initially specified
an alternative clay tile while DM Roofing lobbied to use BMI Redland’s Rosemary clay tile:
Two turrets were major
challenges in the project.
“We’re used to using the Redland tile and find them better to work with. They give a sharper finish,” explained director
Michael McCabe. “I agreed at once,” said Drummond. “BMI Redland are a respected manufacturer. In fact, Rosemary’s
pretty much the go-to name, especially when you want tiles for a restoration project”. www.redland.co.uk
72 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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Cladding & Sheeting
A GUARANTEED FINISH
Thanks to technological advances and research and development, pre-finished steel has
come a long way since it was pioneered back in the 1930s. But have you ever wondered
why some manufacturers can offer better guarantees than others? Dr. Peter Barker, Manager
of New Product Development at Tata Steel, gives his view.
Since the launch of pre-finished steel, it has
become one of the most popular envelope
solutions worldwide, thanks to the array of
design advantages and maintenance benefits it
can deliver throughout the whole lifespan of a
building.
However, not all products have the same
performance level, and this is particularly
apparent when you look at the length and how
comprehensive the guarantees are which
accompany them. What’s more, distinguishing
between guarantees based on technical ability
and those which are given because of commercial
necessity can often be difficult.
In fact, guarantees for pre-finished steel are
determined by a number of factors, including
what application the product is used for, the
metallic coating used with the steel substrate, the
paint type and the testing it is subjected to.
“It is vital that the
performance of the
product and the
guarantee is fully taken
into consideration”
The combination of all these layers of prefinished
steel not only have aesthetic
considerations, but they can be indicators of the
durability of a product, which will translate to the
guarantee it offers. Product durability can be
defined by the ability of the pre-finished steel to
have resistance from a number of sources,
including marine environments, chemicals,
abrasives and sunlight. The ultraviolet rays from
sunlight are the most destructive to coatings as
they are directly absorbed. When
exposed to sunlight, prefinished
steel firstly loses its
gloss, chalking occurs and
micro-cracking can appear
on the surface.
Tests
In order to understand how prefinished
steel reacts to certain elements,
there are a number of tests that pre-finished
steel manufacturers should perform. For example,
in accelerated corrosion tests – which are
undertaken in UKAS accredited laboratories – the
product is subjected to salt spray, prohesion,
watersoak and humidity procedures and within UV
testing, pre-finished steel is exposed to artificial
UVA, UVB, high temperature UVA and Xenon to
assess the extent of colour and gloss retention.
Ensuring you choose a pre-finished steel that has
been tested for all of the above will not only result
in the end client receiving a building envelope
that is aesthetically pleasing, but they can rest
assured it will remain looking ‘good as new’ for
years to come – reducing the need for costly
replacements in the building’s lifespan.
Colorcoat Prisma
There are products available on the market which
have reputable guarantees as they combine all of
the above strengths. For example, our Colorcoat
Prisma includes a cutting-edge three-layer
technology, which provides superior ultraviolet
(UV) resistance that maintains the colour and
long-term aesthetic appearance of the product.
This then translates into being able to offer a
market leading guarantee. The Confidex
Left: Tata Steel Colorcoat Prisma.
Guarantee is the product
performance guarantee for
Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra and
Colorcoat Prisma. It offers up
to 40 years of protection when
used in external conventional
building envelope applications – namely
roof and wall cladding – using single skin, builtup
or composite panel construction in industrial
and commercial applications.
Provided directly to the building owner, the
guarantee creates a contractual relationship
between the building owner and Tata Steel,
removing the need for a property owner to
navigate the supply chain in the unlikely event of
a claim.
Requiring no maintenance and inspection to
maintain its validity, the Confidex Guarantee also
reduces the need to go onto the roof of a property,
minimising maintenance costs and improving
safety. Furthermore, the Confidex Guarantee
ensures full rectification in the unlikely event of a
failure from year one to year 40.
When choosing a pre-finished steel building
envelope product for your next project, it is vital
that the performance of the product and the
guarantee is fully taken into consideration. This is
the only way to be truly sure you will meet the
expectations of your client.
Contact Tata Steel
01244 892434
www.colorcoat-online.com
@TataSteelConstr
74 TC NOVEMBER 2018

Uniquely
breathable
Roofshield
Roofshield: with its unique air permeability,
plus high vapour transmission rate,
Roofshield provides a fully ventilated
roof without the need for any
ventilation accessories.
Red-Eyed Tree frog - Like all amphibians, oxygen can
pass through the frog's highly permeable skin. This
unique feature allows frogs to "breathe" through
their skin.
Get in touch to find out more about Roofshield
01250 872 261 contact@proctorgroup.com
www.proctorgroup.com
Group

Project Focus
PICKING A WINNER: THE RIGHT
CHOICE FOR RACECOURSE HOTEL
Total Contractor hears why Shackerley’s SureClad System was the perfect choice for the new
hotel at Doncaster Racecourse.
One of the oldest horse racing venues in the UK, Doncaster Racecourse hosts 36 race fixtures
each year, is home to the William Hill St Leger Festival and provides a venue for all kinds of
events and occasions, from concerts to conferences.
The Racecourse’s packed year-round calendar means that high quality accommodation, corporate
hospitality and events space close to the racecourse are always in high demand, making it an ideal
location for development of the new Hilton Garden Inn.
Designed by KKA Architecture, the eight-storey project features Shackerley’s SureClad ceramic granite
ventilated façade system across all eight storeys; so what were the benefits of specifying the SureClad
system and what buildability benefits did it offer the contractor?
Below we hear 5 key points from this interesting project:
Shackerley’s SureClad system was used at the new hotel on
Doncaster Racecourse.
1. Specification of the Shackerley ventilated
façade system took advantage of the variety
available within the SureClad ceramic granite
range, combining a natural cream finish with a
distinctive grain with a highly-polished black
ceramic granite that complements the curtainwalled
elevation facing the racecourse and
provides dramatic, elegant contrast.
2. The system has been used to deliver a
contemporary, minimalist aesthetic, while
providing materiality that creates an impression
of natural stone, answering planning authority
requirements by referencing local built
environment context. As Alex Geddes from KKA
Architecture commented: “The Shackerley ‘Lopar’
range of ceramic granite with its natural cream
finish and subtle graining provides a fantastic
alternative to natural stone, offering us the design
flexibility to create strikingly different facades for
the front, rear and side elevations.”
3. In addition to achieving the project’s aesthetic
goals and creating the required impression of
quality, the relatively lightweight SureClad
ceramic granite system also provided an ideal
response to the loading requirements for the
building. The Racecourse elevation features a
dark façade of curtain walling framed by cream
ceramic granite and side elevations feature a long
column clad in the cream-coloured SureClad
ceramic granite to create the frame for the
Racecourse elevation, giving the building a
delicate appearance.
4. Halcyon, the cladding contractor, has its own
design team so the company produced detailed
installation plans and shared these with
Shackerley who produced panels to the
programme provided. Because the Queen’s Award
Winning SureClad Access installation system
enables non-sequential installation, the
installation team was able to work around other
activity on site, ensuring maximum flexibility and
ease of buildability.
5. An exceptionally hard and durable material
with excellent freeze-thaw resistance,
Shackerley’s ceramic granite is impermeable,
helping to ensure it does not degrade over time.
Resistant to abrasion, algae, graffiti and UV light,
ceramic granite is non-combustible to Class A1 in
accordance with BS EN 13501-1.
Contact Shackerley
01257 273114
www.shackerley.com
76 TC NOVEMBER 2018

Timelessly beautiful facades
With the visual appeal of natural timber, simplicity of installation and resistance to rot, the
Cedral range offers an attractive, low maintenance alternative to traditional weatherboard
cladding materials.
Marley Eternit Limited Lichfield Road | Branston | Burton-upon-Trent | DE14 3HD
Request your free Cedral samples at:
www.cedralsidings.com

Fixings Q&A
“EXPECTATIONS AND PRESSURES ON
CONTRACTORS ARE ALWAYS HIGH”
Total Contractor caught up with Ian Hill, Managing Director of Fixing Point, to talk about the
company’s imminent move to new premises and what this will mean for customers...
TC. You’re about to move to a new
headquarters building, what prompted the
move?
IH. We have seen significant growth in our
business over the last year, and we aim to build
on this. We have big ambitions for the next fiveyear
period, and moving to a new, larger building
with excellent facilities is an integral part of our
strategy. The move will allow us to offer the
widest range of products and the best solutions
possible across a variety of applications, backed
up by speedy delivery when and where our
customers want.
TC. What new capabilities will the new
building offer you as a business?
IH. The new building includes open-plan office
space for our growing sales and technical team,
training and conference facilities, staff recreation
rooms, larger production area and a laboratory
where products will undergo rigorous quality
testing. We will also manufacture a growing range
of products on-site including our moulded head
range and Gridtite spacer systems. Also, as well
as our current range of powder coated fixings, we
will be powder coating our hex head fixing range.
This in-house manufacturing capability and a
larger production area will allow us to effectively
manage stock and production, reducing lead
times for customers.
TC. How will the move develop your
relationship, offering and interaction with
your customers?
IH. We have incorporated training and conference
rooms where we can hold client meetings and
presentations. This is important as we will be
able to provide training support to our customers
on the benefits and potential applications of our
products in a face-to-face setting. On another
note, our new head office provides a fantastic
working environment for our hard-working team.
A happy workforce provides better service and
that’s important because service is at the heart
of all we do here at Fixing Point.
TC: We are expecting more from our
buildings in terms of performance and
aesthetics; how does this impact you as a
manufacturer / supplier and your installer
customers?
IH. This is certainly true, and we are constantly
evolving and improving our offer to help our
clients deliver buildings that excel on both fronts.
Due to thicker insulation and composite panels
being specified more regularly, our product range
has had to evolve to keep up with these market
patterns. This means we now offer longer fixings
and new, improved brackets for our spacer
system amongst other products.
Our stainless steel range has also increased to
keep up with our customers’ requirements and
we have invested in a new powder coating facility
to keep up with the demand for powder coated
fixings as some contractors prefer this option.
As mentioned previously, we will also be powder
coating our hexagon-headed fixings due to
popular demand for this finish. We are also
seeing an increase in demand for coloured
fixings; with more colours being used in the
market, our colour matching service ensures our
fixings match the finish of the building.
TC: What should contractors look for
when appointing their fixings and
fasteners supplier?
IH. Building a constructive relationship with your
fixings and fasteners supplier can be crucial to
the overall success of a project. Contractors
should always seek advice from their supplier on
technical performance specifications.
Understanding the intended application of
products is essential to this process, so it’s
78 TC NOVEMBER 2018

important to have a two-way dialogue.
Sharing all the key information about the project
at the outset is the best way to ensure your
supplier can recommend the best solution. A key
question to ask is whether the supplier can
advise on the correct fixings and procedures not
only at the outset of a project, but during the
construction phase. Ensuring you have support
from your supplier for the duration of a project is
essential to resolving any on-site application
problems. Maintaining regular contact and
updating them with information on the materials
you are using at each stage means they can offer
appropriate advice throughout.
“We’ve been privileged to work on some really interesting high-profile projects”
Another thing to ask your supplier about is the
warranty and guarantee they offer on products.
These can vary significantly from product to
product, and you must decide whether a
fastener’s life expectancy is suitable for its
intended application. At Fixing Point we offer life
expectancy statements tailored to the specifics of
a project, and if your project is particularly
complex you should discuss this with your
supplier so you can fully understand your options.
TC: What are some of the main issues
affecting your contractor customers?
IH: Expectations and pressures on contractors to
deliver projects on time and to tight budgets are
always high, and never more so than in the
current climate. It’s not surprising, therefore, that
some contractors may feel tempted to take
measures to save project time by cutting crucial
corners or opting for cheaper materials.
But when it comes to fixings and fasteners, the
temptation to substitute products with cheaper,
more accessible or non-compliant alternatives
can risk early failure and costly remedial work.
Communication is key throughout every phase of
the building process and it’s really important to
ask questions if you’re in doubt about any
quotations or drawings provided in the
specifications.
We always advise caution when checking the
specifications of panels and fixings, and urge
contractors to ensure that all quotes meet the
required standard and are genuinely like-for-like.
Architects and clients rightly expect their
buildings or installations to be guaranteed and to
last, so our advice is to ensure enough time and
attention is given to the fixtures and fittings
element. Every job is different, so specialist
suppliers who know their products and their
applications well are your friend!
TC: Can you describe some of the more
interesting projects or jobs your products
have been used on?
IH: We’ve been privileged to work on some really
interesting high-profile projects. For example, the
£28 million Derby Arena Velodrome in Pride Park
is one of the few multisport velodromes in the
country, with a 250m indoor cycling track, a 12-
court sports hall, a gym and a 5,000-seat arena.
It was one of the first Olympics legacy projects to
get underway following London 2012, and it’s
aesthetically very impressive so that was a lovely
project to be involved with.
Another example is Imperial Park in Coventry,
which was developed to meet the growing
demand for high quality distribution warehouses
within easy reach of the UK’s major regions and
big cities.
Owned by M&G Real Estate, the development has
started letting space to some key distribution
firms. Other recent projects include Gloucester
Rugby Club and Jaguar Land Rover. No matter
how big or small the job, or the challenges they
can present, we love playing our part in bringing
buildings and developments to life safely and
securely.
TC: The move to your new building follows
on from your recent rebrand which was
unveiled in 2017; do you now feel that
everything is in place to really kick on as
a company and what can we expect from
Fixing Point in 2019?
IH: The rebrand and move have been a great start
to our journey. We have achieved a lot recently,
including growing our sales and marketing team,
investing in technical support, training and staff
development, plus unveiling a new website and
product brochures.
We believe 2019 is going to be another exciting
year for Fixing Point. Our focus will be increasing
awareness of our full product range, product
development, establishing a distribution unit in
Scotland, continuing to grow our team and
growing our market share. So while we certainly
feel that the fundamentals are now in place, there
is still work to do. We don’t believe in resting on
our laurels!
Contact Fixing Point
01242 265100
www.fixingpoint.com
@FixingPoint
NOVEMBER 2018 TC 79

How To:
CHOOSE THE RIGHT MEMBRANE FOR
OPEN-JOINTED CLADDING
The technical team at A. Proctor Group discuss the considerations that should be made
when choosing the right membrane for open-jointed cladding.
Rainscreen cladding, a construction type
that first appeared on Norwegian barns
around 100 years ago, has now become
an industry standard for protecting and finishing
buildings of all shapes and sizes in the UK. The
more recent trend towards open-jointed cladding
has produced not only unique architecturally
aesthetic designs, but has also sparked new
advancements in rainscreen membrane
technology.
The purpose of exterior cladding in a closedjointed
system is to protect underlying structures
from the elements, primarily wind, water, UV rays
and fire. Contractors that specify open-jointed
systems should understand that the porous
nature of open-jointed cladding effectively
removes its ability to protect.
In order for open-jointed rainscreens to be
successful i.e. for buildings with open-jointed
cladding not to be leaky, drafty or moldy, and to
Above: A. Proctor’s Fireshield, front and back.
“The design of the
exterior structure must
account for the lack of
protection the outer
cladding would provide”
alleviate fire-risk, the design of the exterior
structure must account for the lack of protection
the outer cladding would otherwise provide.
Some designs transfer this responsibility to
deeper layers in the build-up. Strategies include
doubling up of the weather resistant walling
underlay, using UV-rated insulation directly
behind the cladding, significantly increasing the
depth of the cavity to mitigate UV damage to the
protective membrane, and even simulating openjoints
by fixing panels or cultured stone back to a
dark substrate to suggest a “shadow”. While
there are few case studies on the effectiveness of
these methods, the potential downsides include
increased material and labour costs, complicated
detailing, and an increase in building footprint,
making these options less than ideal.
The introduction of airtight, vapour permeable
walling underlays that are water resistant, fire
resistant and, importantly, UV stable so they can
work behind open-jointed cladding has been a
game-changing innovation to the industry.
These membranes are performance-tested well in
excess of conventional breather membranes. A
membrane that is deemed suitable for use under
open-jointed rainscreens should have the
following test profile:
• Complies with all BS 5250, BS 4016 & NHBC
requirements for vapour permeable walling
underlays
• Resistance to water penetration: Class W1 (EN
1908 / EN 13859-2)
• Resistance to air penetration:

QUALITY
YOU CAN TRUST
Kee®Cover range of rooflight protection is a modular and easy to install
solution designed to cover rooflights and skylights on trapezoidal and
standing seam roofs. The covers are designed to provide a robust
effective solution without blocking out the light into the building.
The range is component based, making it easier to transport to the roof
and assemble on site. Standard mesh panels are supplied 2m long
and 1m wide and sit onto the metal frame which is constructed from
Kee Klamp®fittings. Extension panels are available for larger rooflights
and skylights.
Features and Benefits:
• Effective safety solution for rooflight protection
• Easily assembled and fitted while on the roof
• Component based system for ease of transportation
• Components and mesh hot dip galvanised for superior durability
• Extension panels available for larger rooflights and skylights
• Variable height caters for different shaped rooflights
• Tube can be colour coated for greater visibility
• Tested following requirements of ACR Red Book
www.safesite.co.uk
Tel: 01293 529977
Email: info@safesite.co.uk

How To:
for use under open-jointed rainscreens. Both
have Class B fire performance, which is one of
the highest classifications for construction
membranes, with Fireshield having the added
benefit of an intumescent coating which actively
reacts to prevent fire from taking hold. Fireshield
and Façadeshield UV are dark grey to black in
colour to produce the desired “shadow” aesthetic
behind open-jointed cladding, and are installed in
the same manner as traditional breather
membranes.
“Contractors that
specify open-jointed
systems should
understand that the
porous nature of openjointed
cladding
effectively removes its
ability to protect”
Step-by-Step: Fireshield and Façadeshield UV membrane installation
1. To protect the membrane from mechanical ensuring the membrane is as dust and grease
damage, open-joints in the cladding must be a free as possible and the substrate dry and
max. 50mm wide and not more than 50% of the stable. Place fixings at centres not greater than
total façade area.
500mm.
2. The membrane is fixed to the supporting 4. Lap the membrane
construction mechanically using fixings 100mm horizontally and
appropriate to the substrate. Consideration 150mm vertically.
should be made of the fire performance of the Ensure vertical overlaps
fixings.
are staggered and
horizontal overlaps are
3. Unroll the membrane and fix directly to the
shingled to shed water away from the
substrate i.e. insulation / sheathing board
sheathing. At external corners return the
membrane by 300mm.
5. Detail the membrane into openings to ensure
the return provides sufficient lap and
weathering protection for the proposed framing.
Reflectafoil Tape, Façadeshield Tape or Flextite
UV Tape may be used to seal the corners.
6. Lap membrane at
cavity barriers and trays
by a min. 100mm
horizontally and 150mm
vertically.
7. Seal around penetrations through membrane
with Reflectafoil Tape, Façadeshield Tape or
Flextite UV Tape.
*This guidance is a summary only. Please
contact the A. Proctor Group for complete
installation advice.
“Fireshield and Façadeshield UV are dark grey to
black in colour to produce the desired ‘shadow’
aesthetic behind open-jointed cladding”
Contact A. Proctor Group
01250 872 261
www.proctorgroup.com
@proctorgroup
82 TC NOVEMBER 2018

THE REVOLUTION IN
LEAD REPLACEMENT
FLASHINGS IS HERE!
SUPER SAFE FLASHING
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IS 100% METAL PRODUCT.
PERFORMS LIKE LEAD AND IS FIXED LIKE LEAD.
SPECIAL SOFT ZINC ALLOY.
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NO THEFT PROBLEM.
MEETS NHBC FLASHING REQUIREMENTS.
MALLEABLE FOR DETAILING.
GREY SURFACE FINISH.
ROLL WIDTHS 150MM, 240MM, 300MM, 440MM
SEE US AT
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LEAD
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REQUIRES NAKED FLAME TO WELD
BAD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
INSTALLER TRAINING REQUIRED
METZ
NON-TOXIC
75% LIGHTER THAN CODE 4 LEAD
MINIMAL SCRAP VALUE
CLASS A1 FIRE CERTIFICATE 2018
BONDS TO ITSELF
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
INSTALLATION BY ANY COMPETENT PERSON
METZ IS DISTRIBUTED BY:
METRA NON-FERROUS METALS LTD.
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PLEASE CONTACT METRA FOR
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Cladding Updates
For further info on all these cladding updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
FIXINGS FOR PRESTIGIOUS PROJECT
High performance A4 austenitic stainless fasteners by SFS will play a vital role in ensuring that the
stunning new V&A Dundee will retain its superb visual appeal throughout its lifespan.
SFS has partnered with Sika Sarnafil and Q9 Cladding Solutions to deliver a secure and durable warm roof for
the highly acclaimed museum, which is the first V&A outside London and explores Scotland's design heritage
past, present and future. Their comprehensive building envelope package will ensure the visually stunning
façade delivers on the architect’s aesthetic goals throughout its lifespan.
Designed by globally acclaimed Japanese architects Kengo Kuma & Associates following an international
competition, the V&A Dundee is an eye-catching 8,000m² building. A total of 2,466 huge cast stone panels,
weighing 3000kg each and spanning up to 4m wide, wrap around the museum’s façade, the design of which was
inspired by the coastal cliffs of the North East of Scotland. SFS worked closely with membrane manufacturer
Sika Sarnafil to ensure that the innovative design of the V&A warm roofs could be delivered sustainably, and to a
superior build quality for maximum longevity. www.sfsintec.co.uk
The V&A Dundee: Sika Sarnafil S327 membrane was
installed with the Sarnafast fastening system, which
includes thermally broken SFT sleeves and SFS’s BS-
S-4,8 austenitic stainless steel grade A4 (316)
fasteners. The tapered insulation system was also
installed with BS-S-4,8 fasteners which were
combined with Sika SBT sleeves and SBIW insulation
washers.
Lightweight, easy to install and moisture
resistant, VIVIX Lap cladding does not
require pre or post installation
treatments or need to be painted during
its lifetime.
SCANDI-STYLE CLADDING FOR THE UK
Formica Group has continued its innovative approach to rainscreen cladding, with the introduction
of new VIVIX Lap high performance exterior weatherboard cladding. VIVIX Lap is a modern
alternative to wood and fibre cement plank cladding, providing great looks, quick and simple
installation and requiring little ongoing maintenance.
Pre-cut VIVIX Lap planks are applied in an overlap arrangement, providing a classic cladding style, with a
modern twist. VIVIX Lap planks can be applied to everything from new build housing and renovation projects,
garden offices, sheds and garages, to commercial business parks and retail outlets. www.formica.com
THE PERFECT PARTNERSHIP
Freefoam Building Products has launched a new video testimonial from Freefoam Registered
Installer The Bristol Fascia Company. Working in partnership with installation companies is key to
Freefoam’s success and this video illustrates the benefits to both.
Matt Brazeley, The Bristol Fascia Company.
Using a recent installation project featuring contemporary looking Anthracite Grey fascia and soffit, the
film features fitter Matt Brazeley explaining how the product range and partnership with Freefoam works
for them. Matt explained: “All our fitting teams like the quality of the Freefoam range, it’s easy to fit, the
boards are stable and the accessories are sturdy.” www.freefoam.com
MYCLADDING WEBSITE
Freefoam Building Products is pleased to announce a new video testimonial to highlight the
support it gives installers and consumers.
Visit www.total-contractor.co.uk to view Mr
Bellringer’s full testimonial: “Freefoam sent us
samples of the X-Wood Cladding and arranged for
Freefoam Stockist and Installer Tru Plastics to quote
for supply and fit.”
Homeowner Mr Eddie Bellringer wanted to replace old and tired looking render on his home and
turned to Freefoam’s consumer-focussed site mycladding.com. Offering information about cladding
styles, designs and colours with the opportunity to receive samples and an installation quote from a
local company, the site is designed to give homeowners all the tools and support they need in one
place. www.freefoam.com
84 TC NOVEMBER 2018

ADD A LITTLE
EXTRA SPARKLE
As Tata Steel’s Colorcoat Prisma pre-finished steel continues to increase in
popularity, the manufacturer has seen a demand for further colours to be
introduced to the market. In response, three new ‘sparkle’ colours have been
launched for its Colorcoat Prisma standard Elements range.
The three new colours – Sirius Sparkle, Orion Sparkle and Zeus Sparkle – have all been
developed with an enhanced metallic sparkle effect, which provides a premium finish ideal for
wall façades. Tata Steel’s Colorcoat Prisma pre-finished steel offers superior ultraviolet (UV)
resistance and corrosion protection, exceeding the highest European Standard requirements.
www.colorcoat-online.com
“THREE NEW ‘SPARKLE’
COLOURS HAVE BEEN LAUNCHED
FOR ITS ELEMENTS RANGE”
X-WOOD: THE NATURAL CHOICE
X-Wood Cladding from Freefoam Building Products has been used as a contemporary
feature to the front and rear elevation of a stunning new home on the outskirts of York.
Homeowner Peter Jennings explained: “The cladding feature was originally specified as timber,
but with a busy professional and home life it was critical to make this home as low
maintenance as possible. We were introduced to the Freefoam cladding range from a local
supplier, Revival Building Products Ltd, and immediately liked the X-Wood range.”
www.freefoam.com
ROOFDEC DELIVERS
Roofdec has chosen rainscreen support and fastening solutions from SFS for major new
building projects as part of its record £9m cladding contract for The Springs, a new
retail and leisure development at Thorpe Park Leeds.
www.sfsintec.co.uk / www.nvelope.com
Roofdec’s contract involved 26,000m² of roofing, with an external envelope utilising highspecification
cladding including the Kingspan Benchmark Karrier system and granite and limestone
rainscreen. 4,500m² of aluminium rainscreen and 3,000m² of stainless steel panels complete the
contract, plus column casings together with other areas of Rodeca and aluminium plank systems.
NEW FACES AT CATNIC
Catnic has expanded its experienced sales teams in both England and France by
welcoming David Protheroe as its new Area Sales Manager for the East and West
Midlands region, and Julie Carlier to the team covering the North of France. With over 20
years experience in the industry, both David and Julie will bring valuable knowledge and
expertise to the Catnic team.
Julie Carlier and David Protheroe have joined Catnic.
David previously worked as a Business Development Manager at Norbord UK and Julie
previously worked as a Sales Representative at BASF France.
NOVEMBER 2018 TC 85

External Wall Insulation
EDUCATION AND EWI WITH BAUMIT
Since its opening in February 2018, Baumit Training Academy has gone from strength-tostrength,
providing vital theoretical and practical experience in EWI systems. Ben Warren,
Managing Director at Baumit, reflects on the academy’s success this year, giving a glimpse
into the company’s future plans for its ‘industry-defining EWI education’.
What does the academy offer?
Here at Baumit, one of our key drivers is to
make beautiful, healthy homes for people
to live in. Whether that is striking exteriors
or interiors, we provide solutions that ensure
buildings are made to last.
This philosophy – to give relevant tradespeople
the opportunity to create better spaces for their
clients, is at the heart of our on-site, purposebuilt
training academy based at Baumit HQ
Aylesford, Kent. Yet, the other element of our
academy is, of course, to enable companies to
add another area of expertise to their business.
Not only are companies providing their customers
with the most reliable and advanced EWI
solutions on the market, they are widening their
individual skillsets, adding vital strings to their
bow.
As such, the 62 people who have walked through
Baumit’s doors to complete either a bronze, silver
or gold course have gone on to significantly
improve their offering. Those who finished the
bronze course have expanded their practical and
theoretical rendering knowledge and plan on
returning to participate in the silver course to
become a Baumit-approved installer. For those
who have become Baumit-certified on completion
of the gold course, they are now looking to partner
with us in the future as Baumit-approved
partners.
We have developed these courses to reflect the
industry’s evolving diversity. Our range of courses
are designed to meet everyone’s criteria; whether
you’re just starting out in EWI or want to grow and
develop your business to work with one of the
largest EWI manufacturers in the world. These
“Another larger
ambition is to get the
course into colleges”
site-based scenarios provide hands-on, ‘real-life
experience’ in dealing with regular challenges
faced by installers.
Where is the academy heading?
Looking into the future of Baumit’s training
academy, there are plenty of exciting prospects
emerging on our horizons.
First and foremost, we wish to build on the great
foundations we have laid, as the training
academy has been an even greater success than
we initially hoped.
In its current form, the academy is at the stage it
needs to be. We invested a huge amount of time
refining the course structure, so we hope to
continue on this path to ensure we create the
best learning environment for our participants.
In terms of the future, we hope to continue to
attract new people to the course, where another
key focus will be on previous applicants and
people in associated trades. We have plans to
widen our pool of interest, encouraging the latter
to apply to the silver or gold course to become
future partners and give clients the most supreme
EWI solutions on the market.
Another larger ambition is to get the course into
colleges, to define a new generation of
tradespeople using Baumit’s application and
products. Although this will take some time and
investment, one day we hope to teach students a
new way to hone their skills, inspiring future
Training at Baumit’s facility in Aylesford.
generations of EWI installers.
Lastly, we have to give attention where it is due to
course leader Chris Kendall, Field Engineer at
Baumit. With 30 years of experience working as a
contractor, Chris has been at Baumit since March
2017 and is a crucial part of the training
academy. His expertise, experience, and
constructive teaching techniques are second to
none, where his involvement has been hugely
instrumental in the current success of the
training academy.
Overall, 2018 been a great year for Baumit and
we look forward to welcoming the academy’s
future participants in the New Year.
Contact Baumit
01622 710 763
www.baumit.co.uk
@BaumitUKLtd
86 TC NOVEMBER 2018

VALUE
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0333 207 0870
office@ctfinsulation.co.uk
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CTF Ultra VIP System: Combined thickness
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Reflective Insulation
SHINING A LIGHT ON INSULATION
By Martin Oxley, BBA Project Manager.
Reflective insulation offers attractive
benefits to contractors – it is light, easy to
handle on site, doesn’t require protective
clothing, can offer reduced installation times, is
perfect for restricted spaces and suitable for both
new-build and retrofit.
Products are usually manufactured from
aluminium foil or aluminised polyester and are
effective at keeping buildings warm in winter and
cool in summer.
The British Board of Agrément has been certifying
them in many different applications, such as
roofs, floors and walls for more than 17 years.
But how these products work is different to
conventional approaches and needs to be
considered to ensure correct specification and
installation. In addition, some products are also
classed as a vapour control layer because they
offer a high degree of moisture resistance and
must be used on the warm side of any proposed
system to reduce the risk of interstitial
condensation. Others are classed as breathable
because they are perforated through all layers to
allow moisture build-up to pass through the
material and dissipate on the other side, typically
in the form of a ventilated cavity in a warm
pitched roof.
Heat flow
Insulation works by reducing heat flow in one or
more of three ways: conduction (via solid
materials), convection (via liquids and gases) or
radiation (via electromagnetic waves). Heat
movement in buildings is generally via conduction
and radiation (air leakage aside). Reflective
insulation solutions – also known as radiant
barriers or foil insulation – reduce radiant heat
transfer but only when used in conjunction with a
still air gap in front, and sometimes behind, the
inclusion of which cannot be overlooked. The
reflective surface continually bounces the heat
Reflective insulation is light, easy to handle on site and can
offer reduced installation times.
back into this air gap.
The reflective performance of the insulation is
measured as an emissivity value (a surface
measurement of a product’s ability to emit radiant
energy). Emissivity is given as a value between
zero and one. Zero indicates that all the energy is
reflected and none is absorbed – the best result.
A value of one denotes that none of the energy is
reflected and all is absorbed. For a typical
reflective insulation product the aluminium foil
outer surface would have a declared aged
emissivity of around 0.05, meaning that the
significant majority of energy is not absorbed. In
comparison, a typical brown house brick would
have an emissivity value of around 0.90.
Because emissivity is a ratio of energy, the
temperature and direction of measurement are
important functions; even the surface texture or
print of the sample can affect the result, and so
testing must be carried out accurately. Because
this product group has very low emissivity values
working at the limits of instrumentation, using an
experienced, independent testing laboratory such
as the BBA is vital to obtain accurate, precise
and credible results that can be relied upon by
contractors and their clients. Also note that the
test results should be ‘aged’ to take into effect
the material’s ability to resist oxidation /
corrosion from moisture in the air and indicate
how the product will perform over time rather
than just initially.
As with all building products, correct installation
is vital to performance – especially the size of the
air cavity in front, and / or behind the insulation.
Contractors may only be required to attend a oneday
manufacturer’s training course to become
approved. The focus, therefore, is for
manufacturers to provide comprehensive
technical literature as well as detailed installation
guidance. The BBA’s auditing and inspection
team has a huge wealth of knowledge and
experience of the whole spectrum of on-site
insulation installations, from the very best to the
very worst, so it can offer a valuable resource for
those looking to ensure that the product is
installed correctly. Each BBA certificate has a
scope of use that lists what the product is, its
technical performance, how it complies with
Building Regulations and where it can be used.
Standards
This product group currently lacks a harmonised
European Product Standard, which means that CE
marking is not mandatory. A draft product
standard has been developed and is currently
progressing through the issuing process by the
relevant technical committee. There is, however,
BS EN 16012: 2012 +A1: 2015 Thermal
insulation for buildings – Reflective insulation
products – Determination of the declared thermal
performance (http://bit.ly/2bramb2). This allows
users to compare product performance of
reflective insulants and was introduced following
work amongst leading test houses in Europe. This
standard, coupled with product certification from
a UKAS-accredited organisation such as the BBA,
provides the market with the assurances that the
product is ‘fit for purpose’.
Contact BBA
01923 665300
www.bbacerts.co.uk
@BBAguru
88 TC NOVEMBER 2018

Insulation Updates
‘NOISE OSCAR’ AWARDED
ROCKWOOL was proud to present the London Borough of Ealing Council and National Grid with the prestigious Local
Authority Award at this year’s John Connell Awards, organised by the Noise Abatement Society (NAS).
Held at the Palace of Westminster on the 24th October and known as the ‘Noise Oscars’, these unique annual awards are now in
their 17th year. They acknowledge the importance of the quality of sound in our lives, and champion vital advances in reducing the
negative impact of unnecessary and unwanted noise for the benefit of the public.
ROCKWOOL’s report Good
Growth, Quiet Buildings is
The London Borough of Ealing Council and National Grid were crowned winners of the award for their ambitious re-development available to download at:
http://static.rockwool.com/glo
and co-created noise abatement and management system for Almond Avenue Substation. The Almond Avenue substation is balassets/rockwool-
critical, both locally and nationally, in the supply of electricity to over 200,000 homes. However, loud, intrusive, humming noise was uk/news/noise-report/good-
growth-quiet-buildings.pdf.
causing widespread disturbance to residents and threatened the plant’s on-going viability. Taking the strategic decision to avoid
enforcement action and prolonged court proceedings, the council worked collaboratively with operators and residents to achieve a sustainable solution: a codesigned,
visually appealing noise barrier which was erected around this extremely challenging, high voltage 15,000m² site, successfully mitigating the noise.
www.rockwoolgroup.com
ENCON’S ON THE TOP TRACK!
The Encon Group is celebrating another year of fantastic success after ranking 98th in the 14th annual Sunday
Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250 League Table.
This prestigious index lists the top 250 private mid-market growth companies in Britain who have achieved the biggest
sales by managing risk and choosing the right strategic options. Encon ranks alongside businesses such as
housebuilders the Stewart Milne Group, Keepmoat Homes, as well as Waterstones, Holland and Barrett. Stuart Moore,
Chief Executive, said: “The previous few months have been positive for our business, despite the building industry still
experiencing a slight nervousness with investors and political uncertainty.” www.encon.co.uk
GREEN GB WEEK: NIA PROMOTES INSULATION BENEFITS
Green GB Week is designed to highlight the opportunities clean growth offers the UK and raise understanding of how business and the public can
contribute to tackling climate change.
During Green GB week, the NIA was promoting its members and raising awareness of the multiple benefits of insulation including Cavity Wall Insulation
(CWI) which can pay for itself in less than 3 years, to External Wall Insulation (EWI) which can transform the appearance and kerb appeal of a home
whilst reducing bills and making them warmer, to Internal Wall Insulation (IWI) which enables homes that do not have cavity walls and cannot be treated
with EWI to benefit.
www.nia-uk.org
‘BUSINESS LEADERS NEED TO MAKE BOLD DECISIONS’
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has responded to The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Special Report Global
Warming of 1.5ºC.
Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive at UKGBC, said: “This report from the IPCC is a wake-up call for governments and businesses across the globe. One of
the goals of the international 2015 COP21 climate deal was to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, recognising that this
would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change. This latest IPCC report points to the urgency and scale of action required to achieve
this, which should be keenly reviewed by every single boardroom. There is no doubt that business leaders need to make bold decisions today to
transition to a low/no carbon economy that can sustain future generations.
90 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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The Apex
SITE WORKERS: REMOTE CONTROL
More and more businesses are making the shift from having traditional, office-based
workers to managing dispersed teams. But in construction and roofing, this is nothing new.
Here, industry expert Jackie Biswell explains why trust, communication and self-discipline
are key to making remote workers work for you.
In yesterday’s workplace everyone came in at
nine and clocked off at five. They sat at desks
and workplace boundaries were clear.
But today’s norm centres around flexibility, and
as a result many employees now work remotely.
In the roofing industry this isn’t really anything new.
We have always had teams in the field. After all,
we can’t repair or construct a roof without being on
site. Often this means overseeing dozens of
projects and dozens of teams at a distance –
including subcontractors and individuals from
different disciplines, and boasting a range of skills.
Of course this can pose challenges. Some can be
easily ironed out and some require a bit of
forethought. In some cases there isn’t a quick fix
either. You must work to find a long-term solution.
That is why we are currently looking at
introducing digital processes to streamline HR
procedures and keep on top of work programmes
and responsibilities across the multiple projects
we are involved in at one time.
While we wouldn’t pretend our systems are foolproof,
what we can say is that any business
looking to introduce remote working practices can
pick up some top tips from the built environment.
Making it work
Proper employee mindset, the right tools and a
fantastic employer-employee relationship are all
extremely important factors to take into
consideration if businesses want to get the most
out of their field teams.
Our top tips are:
1. Pick the right employees for your team. They
need self-discipline, strong communication skills
and the ability to think on their feet.
2. Give employees the tools they need. Having
the right characteristics amounts to nothing if
employees can’t do their job efficiently. Make sure
your communication network gets your suppliers
working to the same schedule as your workers.
3. Keep on top of activity. There is field activity
management software available which can
monitor field teams and help operations run more
smoothly. This can include workforce tracking to
create team accountability, or instant messaging
to keep office teams connected to those outside
the premises.
4. Build field teams into your company vision. To
avoid making representatives in the field feel
isolated or lonely, field team managers should
work to increase communication between coworkers.
They all need to understand your
business ethos – for instance, putting quality
ahead of everything else.
5. Know your staff. It’s imperative to get to know
every individual worker to get the measure of
their strengths and weaknesses. You’ll have to
adjust your management style to suit every
worker because not everyone will respond to the
same approach. Of course, this isn’t always
possible if you work with subcontractors but do
your best to research their company background
before work commences.
6. Don’t micro-manage. You must have a certain
amount of trust in your field teams to carry out
the job at hand.
7. Communicate and coordinate. The routine of
the field worker is always susceptible to rapid
Jackie Biswell, Apex Roofing.
change. Clients cancel, jobs run over, and
unforeseen circumstances occur. Manage these
fluctuations efficiently by encouraging clear
communication throughout the day.
A common goal
In the built environment you may be managing
field teams of your own or teams of
subcontractors you may not know so well.
To help you manage your subcontractors, keep on
top of contracts, make your expectations clear
and stick to a schedule.
While your subcontractors may be out in the field,
hold regular meetings and provide a platform to
express any concerns or matters regarding safety,
quality of work, general project issues and
potential disputes.
Above all else, remember you’re working as a
team. You may be in different places with slightly
different roles and responsibilities, but you all
have a common goal.
Contact Apex Roofing
01502 537129
www.apexroofinguk.com
@ApexAnglia
92 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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Business Talk
IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE
CHRISTMAS: SO BE PREPARED!
Avoid the rush, plan ahead and watch your accounts – but we’re not talking about
Christmas shopping! There are a number of considerations businesses should make in the
run-up to Christmas, and we take a look at a few of them below...
In not too long, thoughts will turn to Christmas
where the season’s festivities mean a change
to routine. While the season can be busy, it
needs planning for.
Royal Mail posting dates
With the growth of the web and email, the world
has become very reliant on instant service and
next day delivery – especially with (business)
gifts that need to arrive before 25th December.
With such a deluge in mail that needs to meet a
finite date, Royal Mail tries to help by listing the
last recommended posting dates for items to
reach far-flung parts of the UK (and the world).
The detail is available at
http://www.royalmail.com/greetings.
To arrive in time for Christmas, inland 2nd class
has to be sent by 18th December, while Special
Delivery needs to be posted by 22nd December. A
full list for overseas destinations is at the bottom
of the webpage.
Of course, you may use other firms to send your
items, personal or business; if so, check and
diarise their delivery cut off.
Bank holidays
While online banking is almost ubiquitous, you
need to be aware of the disruption to the banking
schedule over the period.
Christmas Day falls on a Tuesday, while
predictably Boxing Day is a Wednesday and New
Year’s Day is the following Tuesday (Wednesday
in Scotland too). This means deposits will take
much longer to clear than normal. HSBC, for
example, doesn’t send automated electronic
payments on non-working days. With cheques,
funds are generally available on the third working
day after deposit, but it’s not until the sixth day
after deposit that funds become non-returnable.
That said, some banks are now allowing images
of cheques to be banked electronically. With this
new process, a cheque submitted on one
weekday should become cleared funds the next
working day. See
https://www.chequeandcredit.co.uk/informationhub/faqs/cheque-imaging
.
An alternative that has gained significant traction
is the use of the (free) Faster Payment Service
offered by most, but not all, banks. The service
means that a Faster Payment should go through
within two hours, but generally instantly, without
charge. However – and there’s always a catch –
a Faster Payment can take until the following day
to show up in an account. A wise business moves
monies a day or so earlier than needed,
especially when salaries need paying between
Christmas and New Year.
Remember to take account of your tax bill
payment deadlines. For example, if your tax year
ends on 31st March, your Corporation Tax bill is
due on 1st January – nine months and a day after
the year end. With Christmas and the New Year
bank holidays you should definitely plan ahead.
Consider adding extra time to the payment
process – as a number of banks including TSB
and to a lesser extent, NatWest and Barclays,
have illustrated, systems failure can leave
customers high and dry and unable to access
their accounts. Missed payments garner
automatic penalties and give HMRC an excuse to
investigate the business.
Remember to exercise caution with Faster
Payments. A destination bank account that is
mis-keyed can mean money goes to the wrong
destination, instantly, and because of
confidentiality can be difficult to retrieve.
Details on the institutions that are part of the
Faster Payment Service can be seen at
http://www.fasterpayments.org.uk/aboutus/current-participants.
The dates of forthcoming
Bank holidays are available on the government
website at https://www.gov.uk/bank-holidays.
Be festive, but make it count
Christmas is a time for giving and you may feel
that you want to spread some Christmas cheer
with small token gifts to staff. However, little
escapes HMRC and rules need following if staff
are not to be hit with a tax bill for receiving your
gift. HMRC classes certain items such as
chocolate and wine or a Christmas pudding as
‘trivial’, and therefore outside of tax reporting. Do
note that the recipient’s taste may not be yours.
The key points to remember here are that gifts
should be under £50, shouldn’t be cash or a cash
voucher, there should be no contractual right to
the gift, and the gift should not be a reward for
good service.
HMRC’s guidance on this is at
https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internalmanuals/employment-incomemanual/eim21864.
Some firms choose to give gifts that incorporate a
conspicuous advertisement for the business
94 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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Business Talk
– for example, a branded golf umbrella, mouse
mat or diary. These items would be fine and
should be tax deductible. However, if the gifts
consist of food, drink, tobacco, or any voucher
that can be exchanged for goods, then that is not
tax deductible, even if the festive chocolates are
emblazoned with the business logo. There is a
further restriction in that the cost of the gift
cannot exceed £50.
There is a relaxation of the rules where a
company makes a gift of one of their products,
and the item is given away during the ordinary
course of that business, to advertise to the public
generally. For example, if the business is a
chocolatier, then it could make a Christmas gift of
chocolates to the general public for promotional
purposes and obtain a tax deduction for the cost
of the chocolates. Clearly that’s not likely to apply
to roofers.
Christmas gifts to charities are also tax
deductible.
And while on being festive, if you want to play
music in the business – especially at base –
from an iPhone, internet stream, CD, or the radio,
you’ll probably need a PRS for Music licence. PRS
for Music collects and distributes money for the
“Follow the rules and
note key dates in your
diary and you’ll gain tax
relief on what you
spend”
use of the musical composition and lyrics on
behalf of authors, songwriters, composers and
publishers. You may also need a PPL
(Phonographic Performance Ltd) licence to legally
play recorded music in public.
PPL collects and distributes money for the use of
recorded music on behalf of record companies
and performers. See
https://www.gov.uk/licences-to-playbackground-music
for more detail.
Staff Christmas party
There is no specific allowance for a ‘Christmas
party’ as such, however HMRC does provide
limited tax relief for the cost of holding an ‘annual
event’, providing certain conditions are met.
Your business is entitled to provide an annual
event for yourself, any staff you employ, and your
partner, and reclaim the costs against the
company, as long as the cost per head does not
exceed £150 (including VAT).
The cost per head can include accommodation,
transport, and food and drink – but must not
exceed the £150 threshold, even by a penny, and
the event must also be open to all staff.
You may decide to hold several events throughout
the year, but the total claim for all events must
not exceed this threshold.
Importantly, as with all expense claims, you do
actually have to hold an event in order to reclaim
the costs against your company. You can’t simply
make a cash claim for £150.
To calculate the cost per head, HMRC states that
you should ‘divide the total cost of each function
by the total number of people (including nonemployees)
who attend in order to arrive at the
cost per head. The detail is at
https://www.gov.uk/expenses-benefits-socialfunctions-parties.
Remember, as if it really needs saying, Christmas
should be a time of goodwill. Follow the rules and
note key dates in your diary and you’ll gain tax
relief on what you spend without missing
deadlines.
96 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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Site Control
A SITE FOR SORE EYES?
Ed Barnes, Traffic Innovation Manager at workplace health and safety expert and supplier,
Seton, discusses what can be done to minimise the risk of accidents through the use of
effective transport management and what new technologies and product advancements
exist to support this.
Duty of care
All employers, including construction site
managers, have a legal obligation under the
Construction Design and Management Regulations
and duty of care to ensure their workplace
facilities are safe for employees and visitors. It
should be a priority for any contractor to make
sure those working on site have the necessary
precautions to protect them against danger.
Failure to maintain a safe working environment
could result in citations and penalties. In order to
comply with health and safety regulations, regular
maintenance and monitoring of facilities is
needed.
Effective planning
A construction site must be organised and
structured to ensure both vehicles and
pedestrians using it can do so safely. Effectively
planning your transport operations throughout the
different phases of the construction process is
vital in order to minimise the opportunity for onsite
vehicle incidents.
Separating pedestrians and vehicles
In the planning stages, it is important to consider
whether there is sufficient separation between
pedestrians and site vehicles. Considerations
should include separate entry and exits, specific
pedestrian walkways, clearly labelled crossings
and barriers.
Traffic calming measures
Installing traffic calming measures, such as the
Seton Speed Bump, can provide site managers
with the reassurance that their site is safer,
helping it to be compliant, while ensuring those
working and visiting the site are travelling at a
suitable speed suitable at all times.
Limited number of vehicles
Limiting the number of vehicles permitted to the
site will automatically reduce the number of
potential accidents. Offering designated
workforce and visitor parking away from the site
is one way to achieve this, as well as providing
off-site storage areas so that deliveries do not
have to use the site.
Employee capabilities
Site managers should make sure all employees
are authorised and able to operate the different
vehicles and machinery on site. Part of this is
ensuring the relevant training has been
completed, and where a gap is identified, training
is provided before the worker can operate the
vehicle or machinery. Controlling access to
vehicles is an important aspect of a site
manager’s role.
Install a one-way system
Turning or reversing vehicles are one of the major
causes of fatal accidents on site. As such, site
managers should consider implementing a oneway
system or turning circle to help minimise or
eliminate the danger.
Signage
Site managers need to ensure that people on site
know and understand the traffic rules and routes.
To help achieve this, effective and prominent
signage is a must, allowing workers and visitors
to see clearly the safest way of navigating and
working on site.
“Effective and
prominent signage is a
must, allowing workers
and visitors to see
clearly the safest way
of navigating and
working on site”
Working with heavy machinery
Sites operating heavy machinery require strict
guidelines to avoid workers sustaining injuries.
You should ensure machinery is safe to use, and
that all materials are handled, stored and used
safely. Safe storage is important to avoid heavy
things falling and hitting someone on the head.
Manual handling of heavy objects should be
avoided, but if that is not possible, adequate
precautions should be taken to reduce risk of
injury.
Preventing hazards
Site managers have a duty to inform employees
of any potential hazards and give them
information, instructions, supervision and training
to handle them safely.
It is important to ensure safe working practises
are set up and followed, and that correct warning
signs are provided and maintained. Protective
clothing or equipment must also be provided free
of charge.
Contact Seton
0800 316 9700
www.seton.co.uk
@seton_uk
98 TC NOVEMBER 2018

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