April 2019

APRIL 2019
Perfectly Pitched
The Big Question
Business Talk
FEATURES
• SUPPLY ROUTES: WHAT’S GUY BRUCE
GOT IN STORE FOR SIG ROOFING?
• ROOFING ‘HACKS’: WORK QUICKER &
MORE EFFICIENTLY ON YOUR PROJECTS
• PERFORMANCE GAP: INSULATION
TERMS YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF
>>> • ROOFLIGHTS • CASH FLOW ADVICE • FOCUS ON BS 6229 • TOOLS & VEHICLES • >>>

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V
Editor’s Comment
MATT DOWNS
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
MATTDOWNS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK
07963 330774
Last month I got the chance to sit down with Guy Bruce and talk
about his first seven months in the seat as MD of SIG Roofing, as
well as his plans for the future of the roofing materials supplier.
On the back of what Guy admits has been “quite a challenging time”,
where the business “lost its way a little bit”, Guy and the team are
undertaking a massive investment programme “to ensure we are fit for
the future.” These plans include an overhaul of the existing branch
network, plus launching new format branches, as well as investing
heavily in its existing Roof Stores e-commerce site so it will be “a true
omnichannel supplier.” Guy explained this is all geared towards futureproofing
the business and putting the customer at the heart of what it
does. Grand plans, but Guy knows he will be judged on “how” these
plans are implemented and what impact they have on the market.
Read my interview with Guy on p.26.
In this month’s Big Question, we ask if easier and quicker to install
products are taking the skill out of roofing? The overarching feeling from
contributors seems to be that rather than de-skilling, the market is
moving to a new set of skills that will assist roofers and their customers,
help meet tighter deadlines and maintain margins, plus help attract new
entrants. The point is also made that there will always be a place for
traditional skills on certain types of projects. Read more from p.14.
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COVER PIC:
COURTESY OF CONTOUR
ROOFING (ESSEX)
Contour Roofing (Essex) has been shortlisted in the UK Roofing Awards 2019
for its work at Temple Farm. Find out who else has been shortlisted on p.06.
Commercial Manager: Jake Roxborough
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Mob: 07956 133314
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reserved.
Elsewhere in this issue, we hear how to prevent cash flow problems
p.22; look at what the changes to BS 6229 mean for roofers (p.44);
talk safety with MSA on p.56; plus don’t miss our new Vehicles, Tools &
Workwear feature from p.66!
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APRIL 2019 TC 3

Contents
COVER FEATURES
26 SUPPLY ROUTES
We talk to Guy Bruce, SIG Roofing’s MD, about
his investment plans which include new format
branches and a bigger e-commerce offering
32 TOP 10 ROOFING ‘HACKS’
Marley’s Jamie Riddington talks through his
top roofing ‘hacks’ – not shortcuts – to create
compliant roofs more quickly and efficiently
60 PERFORMANCE GAP
Knauf Insulation’s Steve Smith explains the key
terms relating to the thermal performance of
insulation that you should be aware of
48
FEATURES
14 THE BIG QUESTION
Are quicker and easier to install products taking the
skill out of roofing?
22 STEM THE CASH FLOW ISSUES
Rick Smith looks at the key issues that need to be
addressed to help prevent cash flow problems
38 ROOF WINDOW VIEWS PART 2
Lee Griffiths offers further advice on roof window
installations with a focus on the outside-in sequence
48 ACCESS ALL AREAS – SAFELY
Soni Sheimar looks at the range of options and
solutions available when working at height
68 DRESSED FOR SUCCESS?
Peter Dumigan says the clothes you wear on site can
impact your mindset and how you approach your job
72 BUSINESS TALK
72
We take a look at all things tax including penalties and
what to do if you receive one
4 TC APRIL 2019

REGULARS
24 AN INSPECTOR CALLS
The Inspector looks at a prime example of when
it’s time to stop repairing and time to re-roof
34 PERFECTLY PITCHED
John Mercer talks through the key points roofers
should be looking for and checking on projects
42 CONTRACTOR’S QS
We put the Qs to David Earnshaw and talk
roofing in a war zone and paperwork pile ups
44 NFRC TECHNICAL TALK
Bob Richardson explains what roofers need to
know about the update to BS 6229
SECTIONS:
TOTAL
ROOFING
32
TOTAL
CLADDING
54
INDUSTRY NEWS
06 AWARDS TIME
Find out which projects have been shortlisted for this
year’s UK Roofing Awards!
12 APPRENTICES ASSEMBLE!
The search is on for BMI’s Apprentices of the Year! Do
you know someone who’s got what it takes?
TOTAL
INSULATION
60
VEHICLES, TOOLS
& WORKWEAR
12
66
APRIL 2019 TC 5

Industry News
SHORTLIST FOR UK ROOFING AWARDS ANNOUNCED!
The NFRC has announced this year’s
shortlisted projects for the UK Roofing
Awards, sponsored by SIG Roofing.
The shortlisted projects for each category are:
Green Roofing
• Pinewood Studios – Phase 1– Sky Garden •
The Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre –
W Hughes & Son • 63-65 Cooden Sea Road –
Clarke Roofing Southern • Cairngorms National
Park Authority HQ – MacLeod Roofing.
Fully Supported Metal, sponsored by ALM
• The Garden House – Roles Broderick Roofing •
Astley Point – Longworth • Ludgate House –
Richardson Roofing Co • Abbey Wood Station –
Roles Broderick Roofing.
Heritage Roofing, sponsored by Klober:
• 13-16 Village Road – Emerton Roofing
(Western) • The Great Pagoda, Royal Botanic
Gardens – Richardson Roofing Co • Ballater Old
Royal Station – MacLeod Roofing • The Orangery,
Longleat Estate – Ellis & Co (Restoration and
Building).
Large Scale Projects (Over £250k),
sponsored by Marley
• Audley Retirement Village – NRA Roofing and
Flooring Services • Beckley Point Student
Accommodation – Stormforce Roofing &
Maintenance working with BMI UK & Ireland •
ExtraCare Wixams Retirement Village – NRA
Roofing and Flooring Services • Stephenson
Building, Abbey Hill Academy – Barclay Roofing
working with IKO PLC.
Lead Roofing, sponsored by ALM
• Canterbury Journey, Canterbury Cathedral –
Full Metal Jacket • McArthur Hall, Methodist
College – D Harkin & Co Roofing • Three Minsters
House – Richardson Roofing Co • St Marks
Church – Allard Construction.
The UK Roofing Awards take place on Friday, 10th May 2019
at The InterContinental London – The O2.
Liquid Applied Waterproofing & Hot-Melt
• Our Lady Help of Christians RC Church – Rio
Asphalt & Paving Co • The Water Gardens –
Makers Construction • Didsbury Road Primary
School – Permicoat • Museum of Liverpool – K
Pendlebury & Sons working with Kemper System.
Mastic Asphalt
• Jaguar Land Rover Whitley – Briggs Amasco •
North Courtyard, St Paul’s Cathedral – Sussex
Asphalte • Roof Top Car Park, Royal Lancaster
London – Infallible Systems working with IKO PLC
• Brunswick Shopping Centre – NRA Roofing &
Flooring Services working with IKO PLC.
Reinforced Bitumen Membrane
• Huxley Building, Keele University – JPR Roofing
& Flooring • 800 Aztec West – Mitie Tilley Roofing
• 10 Nairn Road – Eclipse Roofing &
Waterproofing • Grange Park Opera House &
Lavatorium Rotunda – Malone Roofing (Newbury).
Roof Slating, sponsored by CUPA
PIZARRAS
• BSK Building, Clifton College – Camilleri &
Sons Roofing • Private House – Greenough &
Sons Roofing Contractors • Viewfield Street –
Rooftec (Scotland) • Battersea Arts Centre –
Richardson Roofing Co.
Roof Tiling, sponsored by ECIC
• The Vicarage – Emerton Roofing (Western) •
Old Leylands – Richard Soan Roofing Services •
Heron Cross Primary School – D K S Roofing • St
Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School – Martin
UK Roofing Systems with W O’Dwyer working with
BMI UK & Ireland.
Sheeting & Cladding / Rainscreen,
sponsored by Kingspan Insulated Panels
• No. 1 Court, All England Lawn Tennis Club –
Prater • Wigan Bus Station – Longworth •
Gloucester Transport Hub – Kovara Projects •
Joseph Priestley Building, University of
Huddersfield – Longworth.
Single Ply Roofing, sponsored by EJOT UK
• Temple Farm Development, 2018 Phase –
Contour Roofing (Essex) • Welsh Highland
Railway Caernarfon Train Station – Weatherwell
Roofing • The Old Polegate Station – Invictus
Roofing • The Dunes – Progressive Systems.
Small Scale Project (Under £25k)
• Large Teaching Space – Longworth • Garden
Room, Horatio’s Gardens Stoke Mandeville –
Premier Roofing & Construction • Octagonal
Tower – Emerton Roofing (Western) • The
Lychgate of St Baglan’s Church – Greenough &
Sons Roofing Contractors.
Winners will be announced at a gala awards
luncheon on Friday 10th May 2019 at the awards’
new home, The InterContinental London – The
O2. The NFRC is also delighted to reveal that this
year’s awards host is TV presenter Sarah Beeny.
Total Contractor would like to congratulate all
those who have been shortlisted for the awards.
We look forward to celebrating all the great work
that goes on in the roofing and cladding sector on
May 10th.
Visit www.total-contractor.co.uk to see images
of all the shortlisted projects.
6 TC APRIL 2019

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Industry News
HEADLINE SPONSOR ANNOUNCED FOR LRWA AWARDS 2019
Moy Materials has been named headline
sponsor of the 2019 Liquid Roofing and
Waterproofing Association (LRWA) Awards &
Gala Dinner.
The company, which is headquartered in Dublin
and has bases in London and Glasgow, is backing
the LRWA’s third awards event, which will take
place on Wednesday, 6th November at the Titanic
Hotel in Liverpool’s Stanley Dock.
Cathal Quinn, Director of Moy Materials, said: “As
a company that champions innovation and is
committed to providing the highest levels of
quality and service, we are delighted to be part of
an event which is helping to promote the high
standards being achieved across the liquid roofing
and waterproofing sector.
“In a short space of time, the LRWA awards have
made a significant impact on our industry,
showcasing the versatility of
liquids, the skilled people that work
in flat roofing, and exemplar
projects.”
The LRWA Awards and Gala Dinner was launched
in 2017 and has gone from strength to strength.
Around 230 people from across the liquid roofing
and waterproofing sector attended last year’s
event, including contractors, manufacturers and
suppliers.
Sarah Spink, CEO of the LRWA, added: “We’re
very grateful to Moy Materials and our other
supporters for helping us to run the awards for the
third year in a row, especially as this year’s event
will coincide with the LRWA’s 40th anniversary.
“We’re returning to the Titanic Hotel to
ensure we can accommodate the
growing number of people
choosing to enter and attend the
awards. We were really
impressed by the quality of the
entries in 2018, which reflected our
members’ high standards of workmanship
and the diversity of liquid projects. We are
confident that we can raise the bar even higher in
2019 and look forward to another successful
event.”
The award categories for 2019 remain the same
as previous years including ‘Liquid Roofing Project
of the Year over 1000m²’, ‘Liquid Roofing Project
of the Year under 1000m²’, ‘Liquid Waterproofing
Project of the Year, ‘Liquid Roofing Project of the
Year in a Buried Application,’ ‘Trainer of the Year’
and ‘Student of the Year.’
MARLEY BUILDS “STRONG FOUNDATIONS”
A one-day training course created and delivered
by Marley provided an opportunity for 16
second- and third-year roofing apprentices to
gain first-hand experience on how to compile
accurate roofing estimates.
The course built upon existing construction skills
developed by the students, and exposed them to
the next level of training to enable them to
complete a fully-fledged roof estimate.
David Cassell, Training Manager at Marley, delivered
the course content. He explained that support for
the next generation is crucial: “As the construction
industry continues to face an ongoing shortage of
skills, including roofers, it is vital that we support
the next generation coming into the sector, and
providing training in areas such as roof estimating
is a prime example of how we can help them build
strong foundations for a career in construction.”
The training was based upon working through
Marley’s roof system which includes tiles,
underlays, battens, fixings, ventilation and dry fix
David Cassell hosts Marley’s one-day roofing estimate
course for second and third year roofing apprentices.
solutions, all of which are tried and tested to work
together while also meeting current British
Standards.
The course also covered roof constants so that
the apprentices could calculate rafter, hip and
valley lengths that couldn’t be measured. In
addition, expert guidance was provided to
students on best practice when examining roofs
in plan view, using final project drawings.
With final measurements in place, by the end of
the course, the students were able to complete a
final roof estimate using components from the
Marley roof system.
SOUTH WEST DEPOT
Slatescape has opened a new depot.
Located at Venn Farm in Cullompton, just off
Junction 28 of the M5, the new Slatescape
depot is perfectly positioned to serve the
needs of the South West roofing industry.
A spokesperson for Slatescape explained:
“The kettle is always on, so call in for a chat
to discuss your project and our products,
and let our expert team guide you to the
right choice. Lorraine and Alan are on hand
to tell you all about our ever popular Mocha,
Passaro & Melano ranges, and also
introduce you to our new Cinero, Liarn and
Lovat brands.”
Slatescape not only supplies roofing slates
from Brazilian, Spanish and Chinese
quarries in a range of sizes and
thicknesses, but it also supplies
accessories such as fixings, ventilation and
ridges.
8 TC APRIL 2019

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Industry News
SOCIAL CALL FOR
SIG ROOFING!
Keeping roofing contractors up to date with
all the latest news, events and in-store
promotions, SIG Roofing has gone social by
launching its first Facebook page.
Created to enhance the service it provides
customers, each of SIG Roofing’s 111
branches across the UK now has its very own
dedicated Facebook channel. The offering will
give roofers the chance to engage with their
local branch and be the first to find out about
the latest offers available.
Richard Kendrick, SIG Roofing’s marketing
manager, said: “Facebook is one of the
largest social platforms in the world and
plays a significant part in the everyday lives
of our customers. Launching new Facebook
pages for each of our branches is all about
adding value to the service we provide by
utilising another communications channel
where we can reach and connect with
existing and potential customers.”
SIG Roofing has already built up an active
social media community, with nearly 7,000
Twitter and over 400 LinkedIn followers. The
new Facebook channels are designed to
complement this activity.
Richard continued: “One of the key reasons
we are doing this is because the way people
want information and how they are
communicating is changing all the time. It
also gives our customers the opportunity to
comment and give us feedback, something
that is invaluable in helping our business
continue to move forward. With our new
Facebook page, it gives roofing contractors
the chance to connect and engage with their
nearest branch, wherever they are working in
the country.”
Keep up to date with SIG Roofing:
www.facebook.com/SIGRoofingUK.
EXCELLENCE MEDAL FOR ROOFING TUTOR
A Leeds roofing tutor has been
awarded an ‘Excellence in
Teaching’ medal from the
Worshipful Company of Tylers and
Bricklayers. This is the first time
the accolade has ever been
presented.
who was awarded the Mason
Elliott Award for roof slating and
tiling. In November, Joseph (an
apprentice at The Roofing
Corporation) won gold in the
‘Roofing: Slating and Tiling’ final
of the national WorldSkills UK
competition at the NEC
Chris Messenger, a lecturer in roof
Birmingham.
slating and tiling at Leeds College
of Building, was invited to the
prestigious annual Craft Awards at
L-r: Chris Messenger & Joseph Turner. Chris Messenger said: “I was
extremely proud and honoured to
Trinity House to receive an engraved medal and
framed certificate from the ancient Livery
Company of the City of London.
accept this award. Many of my apprentices have
gone on to great achievements, some slating in
Australia with the blessing of their companies and
a job waiting on their return, some now running
Since the initiation of competition training at
their own companies and sending their apprentices
Leeds College of Building in 2007, Chris’s
to train at Leeds College of Building with me.
apprentices have won a total of 15
SkillBuild/WorldSkills medals (six gold, two silver,
and seven bronze) under his expert coaching.
Many more apprentices have made it to the finals
of the annual trade competitions.
“It gives me such job satisfaction that so many of
the roofing apprentices from the College that I
have trained stay in touch and consistently thank
me for the training, guidance and impact that
competing at SkillBuild/WorldSkills competitions
Also in attendance at the ceremony was Joseph
has had on their lives. It was a very emotional
Turner, a Leeds College of Building apprentice,
day for me.”
INADEQUATE PROTECTION FOR ROOFER
A repair and maintenance company has been checking the correct equipment for work at height
fined after an employee fell from two metres was being used, nor for supervision of the work on
while working on a roof.
site.
Barkingside Magistrates’ Court heard how, on 7th RFT Repairs of King Street, Norwich, pleaded guilty
September 2016, a roofer was working with a to breaching Regulation 4(1) of Work at Height
colleague to repair a leaky roof in Seaton Avenue, Regulations 2005 and has been fined £150,000
Felixstowe. There was no edge protection around and ordered to pay costs of £5,391.76. HSE
the roof and access to the roof was via an inspector Prentiss Clarke-Jones, speaking after
unsecured ladder, so as the roofer accessed the the sentencing, said: “Roof work requires a high
ladder it slipped causing him to fall from a height level of planning, and supervision should be in
of approximately 2 metres. The worker sustained place to ensure it is carried out safely. This
contusion and bruising to his head along with incident so easily could have been fatal; work at
hearing damage. An investigation by the Health height is a well-documented, well-regulated risk
and Safety Executive found the assessment of the and there is no excuse for getting it wrong.”
work prior to the arrival of the roofers on site was
inadequate. There was neither a system for More on safety, p.46, 48, 56.
10 TC APRIL 2019

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Industry News
LANGLEY’S 100%
HACKITT SUPPORT
Langley Waterproofing Systems has
pledged its support to the 100% Hackitt
campaign, an initiative which aims to
ensure that all recommendations made in
the Hackitt Review of fire safety and
building regulations are fully implemented.
The 100% Hackitt campaign was launched
by Local Authority Building Control (LABC)
and the British Board of Agrément (BBA) to
bring together key individuals and
organisations from across the sector. Its
rationale is to encourage the government to
implement all 53 recommendations made by
Dame Judith Hackitt.
Dean Wincott, MD of Langley Waterproofing
Systems, said: “We are strong advocates of
the 100% Hackitt initiative and encouraged
to see the rapidly growing levels of support it
has received from across the industry. The
importance of improving fire safety cannot be
overstated. Despite the recommendation in
the Hackitt review that major changes are
required, there is a risk that without pressure
and support from the industry, regulations
will not go far enough to prevent potential
future tragedies and we fully support the
recommendation of improved accountability,
transparency and record keeping.”
Dean concluded: “The new regulatory
framework laid out in the final Hackitt review
report includes the creation of a new Joint
Competent Authority that would monitor the
design and construction of buildings to
minimise safety risks. It also champions
better procurement processes, greater
enforcement powers and more rigorous
product testing – important messages that
resonate with Langley Waterproofing
Systems, who responsibly put all products
through demanding test processes to ensure
that each one is suitably tested as part of a
wide range of real-life scenarios.”
SEARCH IS ON FOR APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR
The search is on to find the sector’s top
apprentices in BMI UK & Ireland’s 2019
Apprentice of the Year competition.
The competition provides encouragement, support
and recognition to the emerging talent in the
roofing sector, along with their employers and
course tutors. Now in its third year, the
competition has grown at a great speed – with
astonishing support and involvement from
apprentices and those studying towards qualified
status, their training providers, and industry
partners and bodies. 2019 is set to be another
amazing year, with a record number of entries
received in the first week alone.
Open for entries until 3rd May 2019, the
competition asks entrants to tell BMI about their
views on how the roofing sector is changing and
how their education has changed their plans for
their future career. Finalists will come together in
July for a 2-day event where they will receive
training and compete on a number of elements
about running their own roofing business,
including business planning, presentational skills,
and technical skills.
MORES DELAYS FOR SME HOUSEBUILDERS?
New biodiversity measures will result in more
costs and more delays for the nation’s small
and medium-sized (SME) house builders,
worsening the housing crisis, according to the
Federation of Master Builders.
Responding to the Spring Statement, Brian Berry,
Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The
Chancellor claimed to support housing delivery,
but actions speak louder than words and the
burdensome and poorly thought-through
biodiversity targets for developers will bring yet
more costs and more delays for builders. Just as
the environment for SME house builders starts to
improve, these measures could end up stalling
our progress. The Government wants to make
developers, large and small, increase the
Above: Previous entrants – do you know someone who has
what it takes to BMI Apprentice of the Year?
Mat Woodyatt, BMI Technical Training Manager at
the company’s National Training Centre, explained
how the company’s commitment to the
Apprentice of the Year fits with its ethos of going
beyond simply manufacturing products to form
long-term relationships based on trust, care,
service and confidence: “It’s important to us to
nurture the next generation of roofers because, by
doing so, we are helping to ensure that roofing
flourishes and achieves the high-quality
workmanship ‘in the field’ to which the sector
aspires and our end-user customers deserve. By
working together to develop and maintain a healthy
skills base, we will all be contributing to reducing
skill shortages and, in the grand scheme of things,
improving national building capacity.”
biodiversity on their sites by a whopping 110%
and for an average site of ten units, the
additional cost could be in excess of £2,000.
Needless to say, this would also create delays to
projects by adding additional hurdles for builders
to negotiate during the already bureaucratic
planning process.”
Berry concluded: “Rather than hampering the
building of new homes, if the Government wants
to be ‘more green’, it should focus instead on
retrofitting the more than 24 million homes that
have already been built and which account for
around one fifth of the UK’s greenhouse gas
emissions. This will not only help reduce the UK’s
carbon footprint but will also tackle the scourge of
fuel poverty.”
12 TC APRIL 2019

The choice for decking and paving supports
With the demand for useable rooftop space ever
increasing, Areco is leading the way with its range of
fixed and adjustable supports for paving and decking
applications. We have worked with Hotels, Landscapers,
Roofing Contractors and Builders to provide attractive
and practical solutions.
To complement our range of supports, Areco have
several ranges of Composite and PVCu Decking Systems
available. New ranges of Fireproof Self-Extinguishing
pedestals will soon be available along with Aluminium
Decking Bearers to complete the range.
With a stock of over 20,000 units, we are sure to have
the right support for your project.
Please contact Areco with your enquiry.
• large stock range
• technical knowledge and advice
• nationwide express delivery
• competitive rates
tel: 01922 743553
www.areco.co.uk
t: 01922 743553 e: sales@areco.co.uk
ARECO, Unit 2A Coppice Park, Coppice Lane, Aldridge, Walsall, West Midlands WS9 9AA

The Big Question
ARE EASIER TO INSTALL PRODUCTS
TAKING THE SKILL OUT OF ROOFING?
John Mercer, Roofing Consultant.
I do not believe that product
manufacturers want to take the skill
out of roofing. Manufacturers are
very aware of the current skill
shortages and of the potential damage this
can cause to our industry; they are very
supportive of industry initiatives to encourage
young people to enter the roofing profession.
Manufacturers are also very supportive of roofing
and building colleges by providing materials and
training free of charge.
In my career I have been involved in the design of
many roofing products, from clay and concrete
tiles to ancillary fittings and systems. The aim has
always been to make products that are attractive
to the designer and building owner, but also that
the roofer actually wants to use – and that usually
means making products that are easy and fast to
fit – not with the aim of ‘dumbing down’ roofing,
but with the understanding that time is money to
the roofer, so why make a product
difficult to install?
One of my greatest past
achievements was being involved in
developing clay roof tiles that are as
easy to fit as concrete tiles. It could be
argued that this contributes to bringing skill levels
down, but I like to think that it has made clay, a
beautiful natural material, much more affordable
in terms of material and labour costs, with the
result that the use of clay roof tiles has massively
increased in the UK in the last 20 years.
Products and systems can be made easier to fit
without compromising on performance. The
quality of pitched roofs has improved
immeasurability in the last 20 years and this is
due to higher roofing Standards and to new
products, designed to comply with the new and
revised Standards.
I have heard it said many times, normally by ‘old
school’ roofers, that dry fix systems are dumbing
down skill levels and cannot replace traditional
mortar. Of course, good quality mortar work is a
skill, but the intention of dry fix is not to dumb
down or replace that skill. Though, it has to be
said that, no matter how well a craftsman carries
out roofing mortar work, building settlement and
general weathering will inevitably damage the
mortar, resulting in a regular maintenance issue,
not to mention the risk of heavy roofing
components becoming dislodged. Dry systems
may be easier to install than mortar, but they
bring so many advantages. They are unaffected by
rain and frost during and after installation and
provide a true mechanical fix, even allowing for
the inevitable movement or settlement in a
building structure.
In summary, I believe advances in new products
and systems are helping us to create beautiful,
sustainable and higher performance roofs.
www.johnmercerconsultant.co.uk
Jackie Biswell, Apex Roofing.
It’s no secret that technology is revolutionising all
aspects of our lives – and the roofing and
construction sector is not immune to this.
There has been a wealth of products coming to
market in recent months designed to make roofs
quicker and easier to install, and others which
aim to make the building process faster, cheaper
and more effective.
These include self-healing concrete and
transparent aluminium, 3D printed houses and
smart bricks which fit together like Lego. Roofing
robots have been invented to apply, fasten and
align shingles on a roof using sensors and micro
processing. And roofing androids are also new to
the market – designed to make roofing safer by
performing the dangerous and repetitive task of
tearing off long flat surface areas of asphalt. But
are these tools of tomorrow likely to destroy the
workforce of today? Not in my opinion. Firstly,
traditional methods have stood the test of time. A
click and connect style roof tile could be a “fit in a
flash” solution for some, but it won’t be suitable
for all buildings and it won’t have the same
pleasing aesthetic as something painstakingly put
together by experts.
And as for robots, sure, they could perform a
repetitive task faster than a man. But can they
build up a roof using rafters, joists purloins and
ridge boards? Could they handle the many
elements of a roof build, adapt to meet new
challenges, unexpected developments or changes
to the brief? I don’t think so. Some of the skills
used by roofing professionals take a lifetime to
learn. And the fact that this industry is crying out
for a new generation of tradesmen proves that the
appetite for this sort of talent is not diminishing.
“Some of the skills
used by roofing
professionals take a
lifetime to learn”
After all, we are still in the grips of a skills gap
crisis. The industry shed more than 140,000 jobs
in the 2008 recession and when the sector
recovered there was plenty of work and nobody
around to do it.
There has been a push from government to
encourage more young people into construction and
roofing, and these new recruits will be taught
traditional methods. This underlines just how
valuable quality tradesmen are – and will remain to
be – no matter what new products come to market
and how fast the robot revolution gathers pace.
www.apexroofinguk.com
14 TC APRIL 2019

Simon Button, Wienerberger.
Wienerberger’s Research and Development team
are always looking at innovative ways in which we
can advance the design of our roof tiles. This might
be by creating new products, upgrading our existing
ones or improving on accessories and fixings.
Much of our product development is based on
feedback we receive from roofing contractors
themselves, so we know the demand for roof tiles
with modern fitting technology and more effective
clipping methods is there in the market. We are
constantly reviewing our product portfolio and
striving to make the lives of our customers easier.
It is true that much of the focus for innovation in
the roof tile industry is to make roof tiles quicker
and easier to install, as this is what customers are
asking for. This is in effect taking some of the skill
out of the art of roofing. However, with skill
shortages becoming a big issue for the construction
industry, easy-to-install roofing products could help
with the future survival of the roofing trade.
It is an unfortunate and inescapable fact that the
roofing sector is suffering an ongoing loss of skills
and labour shortage due to an ageing
workforce and the recruitment of new
talent not keeping up with retirement
rate. As there is a reduction in the
availability of a skilled workforce, which
will only get worse as time goes on, roofers
are in high demand so the ability to install quickly is
a necessity.
“Roofers with this
advanced skillset will
have the opportunity to
charge a premium for
their services”
Easy-to-fit roofing products may help remedy
some of the issues encountered when bringing
new people into the trade. They can make the
vocation more accessible for new starters and
apprentices as they have the potential to reach a
basic level of competence quickly, meaning that
they can start working on site sooner. If products
are more user-friendly, new starters will gain
confidence when fitting roof tiles, meaning that
roofing projects can be completed in
less time and more experienced
roofers don’t need to dedicate as
much of their time to training others.
Manufacturers haven’t abandoned
traditional roof tile products in favour of
modern, easy-fit alternatives. Our product range
also caters for traditional plain tile and pantile
roofing skills. Highly skilled workmanship will still
be required in the industry for specialist projects
such as heritage restoration projects where
traditional fitting techniques must be used in
favour of modern methods. Roofers with this
advanced skillset will have the opportunity to
charge a premium for their services.
In conclusion, there is a strong argument that
product innovation is de-skilling the roofing
industry, but the skills shortage is an area of
bigger concern for the sector. We believe that
product innovation is making a worthwhile
difference to the roofing sector and helping to
future-proof the trade.
www.wienerberger.co.uk
Mat Woodyatt, BMI UK & Ireland.
The short answer is ‘no’ – it’s like asking if using
a computer rather than a typewriter is taking the
skill out of office work.
What we are seeing is evolution, not de-skilling.
At BMI UK & Ireland we develop and engineer
products and systems that answer the issues that
we face as a sector. For instance, we designed dry
fix systems to improve the speed and reliability of
installations and reduce downtime from poor
weather.
With products that are quicker and easier to
install, we are developing products that are costeffective
for both the client and the contractor and
are guaranteed to comply with the
relevant standards when they are
fixed correctly.
You will find these products are
easier to master, yet you still need
skill to apply the right products and the
right system. The sector has gone from the ‘one
fix fits all’ approach of mortar, to systems that are
engineered to meet specific needs.
The same professionalism and attention to detail
is still required or the age-old problem of failed
roofs will still apply if corners are cut.
We are in a world where the emphasis is on
service and the total roofing system. So we should
“So it’s not really a question of de-skilling,
it’s more a question of transitioning to a new
set of skills that will serve the sector well for
the future”
embrace the new skills and disciplines
that come with these systems and
enjoy the benefits and peace of
mind provided by these rigorously
tested and highly engineered
products.
When focusing on the impact of this on skills,
no two manufacturers’ systems are the same, so
you have to know how the installations will differ
according to which manufacturer or system you
have decided to use, so part of the new skill set is
to recognise this.
So it’s not really a question of de-skilling, it’s
more a question of transitioning to a new set of
skills that will serve the sector well for the future.
This is certainly the direction BMI is taking
through our training centre and through our
support to colleges to furnish the new generation
of roofers with the appropriate skills.
www.bmigroup.com/uk
APRIL 2019 TC 15

The Big Question
Justin Pitman, Proteus Waterproofing.
A competent, skilled and knowledgeable roofing
contractor will always play a key role in ensuring
buildings are protected from the elements.
Regardless of their complexity or technological
advancement, all roofing systems need a
seasoned operative with a level of common sense
when it comes to installation because after all, a
poorly installed roof will cause waterproofing
issues in the long term.
Whilst traditional ways of doing things are being
pushed aside to allow for easier installation
methods, someone who understands roofing and
the installation of roofing systems is a
prerequisite on any project. Roofing guidelines and
standards need to be met, whether it is upstand
requirements or correct terminations, while a good
level of skill and workmanship is essential to
provide a high degree of finish.
Furthermore, the UK’s temperate climate provides
a unique set of challenges for the roofing industry.
Gavin White, Sika Liquid Plastics.
As a roofing system supplier that has the luxury of
UK manufacturing, a UK R&D facility and the
resources of a global leader in building products
to call upon, Sika Liquid Plastics is able to
respond effectively to what the marketplace wants
and needs. Increasingly, that means developing
products that aid speed and ease of installation.
There are a number of reasons for this. Firstly,
the whole construction delivery chain is being
tasked with delivering projects more quickly and
leanly than ever. For roofing contractors, that
means getting the job done on time, whilst
minimising labour costs in order to maintain
margins. And, of course, they have to achieve
those goals without compromising on quality.
There is only one way they can square that circle
and that’s by working with product suppliers that
offer them systems that are easier and faster to
install, underpinned by close support from
specification through to final inspection.
Indeed, speed of delivery is not all about the
product. At Sika Liquid Plastics we also support
It’s why the creation of simple, easy-toinstall
systems which are fast curing –
including sheet membranes and cold
applied solutions – will enable
contractors to overcome unpredictable
weather conditions on site.
“A roofer must have an
understanding of the
construction of roofing
and how to deliver a
watertight system that
is correctly
terminated”
With roofing one of the hardest hit trades in terms
of a skills shortage, it is important that we have
an industry that is fit-for-the-future with a
growing workforce that remains dedicated to
quality. Whilst manufacturers have inevitably
contractors both on and off site with training,
troubleshooting and site inspections. We have a
large Applications Department consisting of 23
experienced roofing professionals, and we use
that resource to help contractors maximise the
speed of installation benefits for the products we
provide. By combining the experience of our team
with the skills and knowledge of contracting
teams on site, we always find the best way to
tackle tricky details or overcome challenging
installation conditions; it’s not about de-skilling
but about applying the resource at hand in the
most efficient way possible to ensure optimum
speed of installation.
We also need to be mindful that the industry has a
much-discussed skills gap. Of course, we need to
address skills shortages by attracting young
people into the sector and training them; Sika
Liquid Plastics is playing an important role to help
address this in our industry by delivering more
training last year than in any previous year. Whilst
we are making every effort to ensure the highest
level of training and skill in the application of our
products, we are also finding ways of making our
turned to innovation and the creation
of products that are quicker and
easier to install, traditional skills
are still essential. Working out
how to attract, train and retain
skilled roofers is one thing the
industry must focus on to ensure the
quality of the finished product as well as the
sustainability of roofing as a recognised trade.
The construction industry will always need
competent and knowledgeable roofers to install all
roofing systems. Whilst some installations and
systems can be easier than others, a roofer must
have an understanding of the construction of
roofing and how to deliver a watertight system
that is correctly terminated. However ‘skilled-up’
we might think we are, there is always room to
consider new ideas and learn new methods – it’s
how the very best in any given profession stay
ahead of the competition.
www.proteuswaterproofing.co.uk
products quicker and easier to apply. For example,
one of the biggest innovations from Sika Liquid
Plastics over the past couple of years is the Sika
Power Roller – a powered application system that
provides continuous and regulated flow of liquid
membrane onto a roller and removes the
requirement to continually re-dip into the
container.
The Sika Power Roller speeds up installation on
large roof areas by up to 50%, while ensuring
consistency of application is delivered across the
roof area. This allows more time and experienced
resource to be focused on challenging detailing
rather than the relatively straightforward main
roof area.
Ultimately, the goal of both system suppliers and
contractors is to provide a robust, neat and
durable roof finish within the required schedule.
Roofing systems that are designed for faster and
easier application can provide that quality
assurance, when they’re supported by a total
service offering.
https://gbr.liquidplastics.sika.com
16 TC APRIL 2019

The Big Question
Mark Parsons, Russell Roof Tiles.
With ambitious housing targets putting pressure
on contractors and housebuilders, it is no surprise
that the popularity of quick and easy to install
pitched roofing products has made its mark on the
roofing industry over the last few years.
Dry Fix products in particular have increased in
popularity, despite having already been on the
market for more than 25 years. Dry Fix is renowned
for providing a more reliable and effective roofing
fixing solution than mortar bedding. The product
can be easily mechanically fixed with the tiles to
provide a neat, robust roofing finish.
Yet despite these products being easier to install,
contractors need to have a great understanding
and thorough knowledge of the products they are
using. Every region and roof can be different and
the increasing adverse weather means skill is
needed to ensure roof tiles, fixtures and fittings
remain in place, even with easy to install roofing
solutions.
Products must be installed using normal
standards of good workmanship and
should meet the requirements of the
British Standards for Slating and
Tiling (BS 5534 for fixing and BS
8000-Part 6 for workmanship).
“Every region and roof
can be different and
the increasing adverse
weather means skill is
needed”
Only then will the contractor be able to ensure
that the roof remains long-lasting and sustainable
for a number of years to come. If the product is
not specified or installed correctly, it could lead to
wear and tear or the roof tiles or fittings falling off
completely, which can cause a costly headache
for parties involved. It is also worth noting that
different skills are also required for different types of
roofs. Heritage roofs, for instance, require
an extra special workmanship in order
to maintain the historical architecture
and often have different elements
that need to be considered. Therefore,
the roofer has to be well trained and
competent in providing roofing solutions to a
heritage building.
Easy to install materials are also not always used
as some period or listed buildings may require
traditional materials and fixings rather than
modern roofing solutions.
Whether the roof is part of a modern new-build or
being re-roofed on a heritage building,
manufacturers have an important role to play in
ensuring that contractors have the best fixing
specification, skill and knowledge, and that all the
necessary factors have been taken into
consideration including roof shape, accessories
and weather conditions.
www.russellrooftiles.com
Jamie Riddington, Marley.
Easy-to-fix has certainly become a buzzword for
many product innovations in the roofing industry
over the past few years, and with good reason.
Manufacturers, like ourselves, have been responding
to the ongoing skills shortage and pressure on
contractors to complete projects quicker, more cost
effectively and to more stringent standards.
Indeed, it is critical that manufacturers continue to
innovate to create products that are specifically
designed with today’s skills, climate and
regulatory challenges in mind. Easy-to-fix products
shouldn’t be seen as taking the skill out of roofing,
but rather as making it easier to get a traditional
appearance that meets modern standards.
The roofing sector has experienced a great deal of
change in a short period of time. In 2013 you
could mortar bed a ridge tile without additional
fixings, interlocking tiles didn’t have to be
mechanically fixed, there was less roof clipping
required and underlay laps didn’t have to be
sealed. Over the past five years, our climate has
“There are projects for
which an easy-to-fix
interlocking tile won’t
work aesthetically or
meet planning
requirements”
become more volatile, with increases in the
incidence of extreme weather, British Standards
have rightly introduced more stringent fixing
requirements and the demand for skilled roofers
is far outstripping supply. As an industry our
knowledge about how roofs perform in different
conditions has also improved.
Our latest easy-to-fix products are designed with
these conditions and standards in mind and they
take the best aesthetics from traditional products
and combine them with modern engineering and
ease of installation benefits. At the same time,
manufacturers must also stay true to the heritage
of roofing, ensuring they are still developing
products for the traditional roofing market. For
instance, there are projects for which an easy-tofix
interlocking tile won’t work aesthetically or
meet planning requirements.
Whilst we continue to invest in easy-to-fix product
innovations, as a manufacturer that has been
around for more than 100 years, we know more
than most about the importance of retaining the
craftsmanship of roofing. We brought back our
own handmade tile, the Canterbury, four years ago
and this remains a popular product for heritage
and premium projects. It is made in the traditional
way by skilled craftsmen with the finest quality
Etruria Marl clay at our Keele site.
Ultimately, manufacturer innovation needs to focus
on giving roofing contractors choice, which means
continuing to develop a range of both traditional
and easy-to-fix options, to suit all skill levels,
budgets, project types and weather conditions.
This means listening to roofer feedback, updating
products and developing new tiles and accessories
to ensure they meet their changing needs.
www.marley.co.uk
18 TC APRIL 2019

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The Big Question
Bob Richardson, NFRC.
As with anything in life, we need to
embrace modern technology, while
holding on to the heritage that has
moulded our present. There is an old
adage that states “time and tide wait
for no man”, so it would be foolhardy not to
embrace new roofing products in the same way
that we embrace other technological advances in
our society.
By doing this there could be an argument that by
creating modern roofing products, which are
quicker and easier to install, we are lessening the
skillset required to install them. However, you
could equally argue that it is just a different
skillset for a different application developed to
meet the changing demands of the construction
market. The potential growth of offsite
construction over the next decade will also
influence the kind of skillset needed, with tasks
and processes perhaps being more
manufacturing-based. That being said,
we’ve got the oldest housing stock in
Europe, so whatever your point of
view, it is imperative that traditional
methods of roofing are not forgotten.
These methods which have been
passed down through generations and help
preserve the heritage of buildings throughout the
British Isles, need to be encouraged and promoted
to ensure this critical part of our history is not lost
in our modern world. The answer, is therefore, not
simple – ultimately, it must be the right product for
the right application and ensuring that it is installed
correctly.
www.nfrc.co.uk
20 TC APRIL 2019

HIGH PERFORMANCE WATERPROOFING
6 338
EMERGENCY REPAIR

Cash Flow
CASH FLOW: HOW TO STOP
PROBLEMS IN THEIR TRACKS
Rick Smith is the Managing Director of Forbes Burton, a company rescue and insolvency
specialist based in Grimsby. In this article, he answers a selection of frequently asked
questions regarding issues around cash flow.
Cash flow is something that we see day in,
day out as an issue for small businesses
and sole traders. There’s no getting away
from the fact that it is a real dampener on your
business if it isn’t addressed.
What can cause cash flow problems?
Cash flow stumbling blocks are of course
common, especially within the contracting sector.
The sad reality is that more than half of SMEs, in
general, don’t survive longer than five years and
poor cash flow is a very good indicator of things
going downhill.
Taking a step back and considering your options
for improving this situation can work wonders.
Often stemming from bad debts, cash flow
problems usually exist because of those niggling
debts that can’t be recovered. Unfortunately,
many contractors and those starting out in trades
have to seek help to avoid defaulted payments,
and things can quickly spiral out of control if
action isn’t taken.
How do I protect myself from cash flow
problems?
It might sound obvious, but you should always
have credit control systems in place to collect any
money that is owed from customers. There can be
no doubt that prioritising the efficiency and
effectiveness of this system is important,
especially if your company is in its early and most
vulnerable stages. This is often the time when
your reputation doesn’t precede you, yet contracts
are hard to acquire and funding is critical.
As long as you keep your books up to date –
which you always should – the process is usually
straightforward. However, this is
not always the case.
Many companies simply need to
set aside time to administer
reminder emails and letters, and to
pass anything overdue to recovery
firms quickly. The sooner this kind of action is
taken, the better.
Can I take a risk, even if I suspect a
customer won’t pay?
This is, of course, your call. High profile collapses
of construction giants like Carillion and warnings
being issued for other big names should be
enough to warn anyone off accepting contracts
that aren’t signed, sealed and promised to be
delivered.
This doesn’t mean having to refuse custom if
credit records are poor, but you should put
measures in place such as deposit requests or
partial invoices to avoid problems further down
the line. The nature of construction means the
latter option should be acceptable as clients and
customers see physical, tangible progress on
projects.
Where to start, though? This seems a
complex process…
Starting on the right path to better cash flow can
seem daunting, but is worth it in the long run
when no gaps are evident in your business and
you aren’t losing sleep over these matters.
Bookkeeping, although often an arduous task, is
often an area where businesses trip up.
There’s lots of information out there on the initial
start-up costs of various businesses, but little
Left: Rick Smith, MD at Forbes Burton.
“These first
years tend to
be a huge
learning curve”
about how many working hours an individual needs
to put in for the first months and years of a startup.
These can sometimes verge on the ridiculous.
Many directors simply feel that they don’t have
enough hours in the day and assume that they can
catch up with this later. This is often the root cause
of cash flow problems – the sooner the issue is
caught, the more likely it can be addressed.
It is so important to put a few hours aside to work
on your company rather than in your company. As
long as you have caught the issue in time, there
are things that can be done.
If you are experiencing cash flow problems then
you are not alone. This especially rings true if
businesses are still within the first few years of
company incorporation. These first years tend to
be a huge learning curve.
As long as you are aware of these issues then you
can tackle them head-on. Having this under
control means you can focus on what’s
important: running your business, doing a great
job and exploring new ways to diversify or
innovate.
Contact Forbes Burton
01472 254914
www.forbesburton.com
@ForbesBurton
22 TC APRIL 2019

Committed to
Technical Excellence
www.ejot.co.uk
As a global manufacturer of original fastening solutions EJOT is committed to supporting industry-wide best
practice. That means sharing knowledge of technical developments and procedures.
That’s why behind every fastener installation, we provide a world of application know-how, aimed to ensure
that every specification choice is an informed choice... and every installation is correct and fit for purpose.
EJOT® the quality connection
Call 01977 68 70 40 email: info@ejot.co.uk

An Inspector Calls
WHEN IT’S TIME TO STOP REPAIRING &
TIME TO START RE-ROOFING...
In our regular monthly column – ‘An Inspector Calls’ – Total Contractor has teamed up with
the experts at BMI UK & Ireland to help you avoid the common pitfalls that can often cost
you both time and money, and ultimately help you achieve roofing success.
This month the Inspector looks at a prime
example of when it’s time to stop
repairing and start re-roofing.
Roofs are like all of us: there comes a point in our
lives where we start to creak and crumble; and
the cracks begin to show. In the example right
(see pic), we have a school roof of a ‘certain age’
that has not received the necessary attention and
maintenance to keep it in optimum condition.
“Some repairs have
been undertaken but
unfortunately the
nature of the repairs
seems to have caused
as many problems as it
has solved”
Obviously, the longevity of a roof depends on
factors such as the construction detail, weather
exposure, location and so on; yet typically for
plain tiles – as is the case here – the
manufacturer’s guarantee for them would be in
the region of 50-60 years.
Therefore, in a roof of the age and condition
shown, we might expect to see a few problems.
These will range from tile delamination,
degradation of nibs from freeze thaw action,
failure of the underlay and, at the most
extreme, rotten timber elements beneath. These
mean the roof is well on the way to needing
replacement.
In our example, however, some repairs have been
undertaken but unfortunately the nature of the
“Roofs are like all of us: there comes a point in
our lives where we start to creak and crumble;
and the cracks begin to show”
repairs seems to have caused as
many problems as it has solved.
‘Trampled up the roof’
First, given the fissile nature
of the tiles because of their
age, extra care must be taken
on the roof itself – here you
can practically follow the
footprints of the ‘repairers’ in broken
tiles as they’ve trampled up the roof.
The ‘ring’ of the tiles
Second, the tile loss that they have sought to
replace (with the white tiles, see left)
should lead them to anticipate
further failures: a decent rule of
thumb is 10:1 – for every
four missing, there’s bound
to be 40 about to go.
When it comes to clay tiles,
the old railwayman’s trick of
checking the ‘ring’ of the tiles when
tapped with a hammer is as good a
method as any for ascertaining the strength and
integrity of the tiles; a dull sound being a sure
sign of internal degradation even if outwardly the
tiles look OK.
24 TC APRIL 2019

Widespread degradation
Third, the way they’ve approached the repair
suggests no regard for the soundness of the
structure. As mentioned earlier, there will be
widespread degradation, nail loss (depending on
fixing frequency) and likely batten, and possibly
rafter, failure – and the potential for a serious
accident.
As alluded to, the best solution for this roof
would be a re-roof. Either salvaging perhaps
50% of the tiles for re-use to match in with aged
effect or reclaimed tiles, or purchasing new tiles.
There are some excellent heritage-look tiles
available, such as BMI Redland’s Rosemary Clay
Craftsman, which will provide a good match with
the added benefit of the strength of a brand-new
tile. Either way this will allow the much-needed
installation of new underlay, and a change of
battens as well as reinforcing any suspect
timbers beneath.
Whatever course is taken, the answer is not to
Above: There are some excellent heritage-look tiles like the
Rosemary Clay Craftsman on the market.
“The answer is not to
continue to tinker at
the edges with minor
repairs, risking
expensive damage to
the property beneath.
Do the job that needs
doing”
continue to tinker at the edges with minor repairs,
risking expensive damage to the property
beneath. Do the job that needs doing and give
this character-filled installation another half
century protecting the property from the
elements.
Contact BMI National Training Centre
01285 863545
www.redland.co.uk/training
@_Redland / @Icopal_UK
CON6+ DRY FIX VENTILATING
RIDGE AND HIP SYSTEM
UNIQUE.
ADAPTABLE.
GUARANTEED
* THAT’S THE DANELAW DIFFERENCE
PITCHED ROOFING | FLASHINGS | VENTILATION | ANCILLARIES
T: 01327 701910 WWW.HAMBLESIDE-DANELAW.CO.UK
APRIL 2019 TC 25

Total Talk: Interview
THE KEY IS THE ‘HOW?’
Initiating change can be difficult for any business, but when that business deals with so
many roofing products, materials and systems, works with so many suppliers both at home
and abroad, plus has the largest number of branches throughout the UK, you might think
it’s even more difficult to move that business in a new direction. Not so, according to Guy
Bruce, MD of SIG Roofing. Total Contractor sat down with Guy to find out more...
After just a few moments sat with Guy Bruce,
it’s clear he’s a man who knows what he
wants and won’t waste any time getting
there. He’s about the “how” – he recognises that
as a business you can have a vision, strategy and
the plans, but the key for future-proofing a
business is how these plans are implemented,
what impact they will have on the market and the
service you provide your customers.
In just seven months as Managing Director of SIG
Roofing, he’s in the process of driving major
transformational change within SIG Roofing to not
only significantly improve its operational
performance, but also to enhance the company’s
position in the market by putting its customers at
the heart of everything it does.
Products, location and support
“We are undertaking a massive investment
programme to ensure we are fit for the future. To
add value, it’s about having the right products, at
the right place, in the right location, supported by
the services and technical support that our
customers want to ensure they can carry out their
work effectively.
Plans include a huge overhaul of the roofing
materials supplier’s existing branch network, plus
launching “new format” branches, as well as
developing the business into an “omnichannel
supplier” through significant investment in its
existing e-commerce site, Roof Stores, which
today he describes as “suboptimal”.
This is a huge undertaking – Guy says the business
will invest more back into the business to make
improvements in 2019 than it has in the last five
years combined “and it’s being spent now”.
Challenging time
These transformational plans,
designed to drive customer value
through everything it does, come
on the back of what Guy describes
as “quite a challenging time” for the
business.
When I ask what needed to change, Guy
explained: “I was 90% sure of the answer within
four weeks of being here. We lost our way a little
bit but we have fantastic fundamentals – we’ve
got the largest footprint in the UK, largest
geographical coverage, largest number of
branches, largest stock-holding – on any
matrixes, we’re the biggest – if that’s your
starting place and you’re profitable, and you’ve
got great people in the business, they just need
to be given the tools to sell, the products to
sell.”
But biggest doesn’t always necessarily equate to
best and Guy recognises that customer
experience – whether that be proximity of
branches, product availability or branch staff
knowledge, are critical to success. Guy continued:
“We’ve consolidated some branches over the last
five years, but only where they were sub
economic, had service constraints or didn’t work
well enough from a geographical perspective to
meet the needs of our customers.
“During this period, we hadn’t opened any new
branches, but I’m delighted to say this is going to
change. We’re going to open new format branches
– think of it as the Screwfix of the roofing world.
These branches will be more retail focused, in
great locations that are easy for our customers to
get to.”
Left: Guy Bruce is Managing Director of
SIG Roofing.
“We are
undertaking a
massive
investment
programme to ensure
we are fit for the future”
Undercover boss
Guy was very hands-on when it came to
researching what needed to be changed within
the business, so much so that he went
“undercover” in the branches to find out about
the customer experience. “When you join you do
the usual branch visits, meet the big customers
and suppliers which is fine, but what I also did
was take the glasses off, put the hi-viz on and
went in as a customer with my roofing plan.
“The reason I did this was not to check up on the
performance of my people; it was to experience
what it’s like for our customers to walk into a
branch and see what they are seeing. Was the
branch easy to find for example? What’s access
like? Does it have good signage? Do the branch
staff up sell or cross sell to me? What level of
customer service did I receive? If I’d asked the
question from the comfort of my office I’d get one
answer, but going to watch and experience this
undercover gave me the customers’ perspective,
which was vital!”
All Guy’s research, whether directly, at branch
level, or by analysing SIG’s own operational
processes and procedures, was geared to finding
out if the branches “were easy to do business
26 TC APRIL 2019

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ROOFING TILES

Total Talk: Interview
“Your customer
experience is defined
by the person you
speak to, so how do we
make their (branch
staff) lives easier?”
SIG Roofing is launching new format branches and investing heavily in its existing network and online presence: “It’s about
having the right products, at the right place, in the right location, supported by the services and technical support.”
with for the people I want to do business with.”
The answer was, “it differs by branch, but it could
be better everywhere.”
Branch staff knowledge
Returning to the three key areas of proximity,
product availability and expert knowledge, Guy
recognises that the branch staff are key to
ensuring a quality customer experience: “We
know we’ve got some great people, and we know
we haven’t optimised the engagement of those
people for the last few years because we’ve
brought lots of change to the business that hasn’t
always positively affected them.
“Your customer experience is defined by the person
you speak to, so how do we make their (branch
staff) lives easier? Well, we give them better
products to sell and a better environment to sell it
in. We also simplify systems and processes and
increase our focus on logistics and supply chain.”
Core products
With this in mind, much emphasis has been
placed on SIG Roofing’s Core range of products
which ensure branch customers can always get
their hands on everyday essential roofing
products when they need them. Guy explained:
“It’s clear to us that product availability, expert
knowledge and a good price are the three most
important factors to our customers. They often
compare the core products – they’ll look around
– and as the market leader we should always be
competitive and always have them in stock.”
Guy explained that extensive research has
dictated what the Core range should be, with
regional variations addressed accordingly. He
said: “We’ve really married up customer
requirements and demand with fast moving
products so we know that our Core range is the
everyday roofing essentials. They are the
products that our customers need day in, day out,
to get their job done right first time.”
E-commerce site
Alongside the significant investment in and
overhaul of branches, SIG Roofing is moving to
become a true omnichannel provider and adapt to
the changing ways people purchase products with
huge investment in their already existing Roof
Stores e-commerce site.
Will this move to e-commerce be the long-term
plan for SIG Roofing? Not so, according to Guy:
“This isn’t an either/or, this is as well as. We’re
giving you (the customer) different ways to work
with us and making sure we can support you in
branch or online.”
Guy stated that Roof Stores will get multi-million
pound investment over the next two years and a
team has been brought in “that can take it from
“We’re giving you (the
customer) different
ways to work with us
and making sure we
can support you in
branch and online”
nothing to very significant.”
So, is this evidence of the changing role of
suppliers and changing demands of the market?
Guy explained: “The new generation of customers
coming through, they don’t think that they are
buying online – the concept of ‘moving’ to buying
in a digitised world doesn’t exist because their
reality has always been digitised. In the roofing
space a lot of people are doing it – e-commerce
– but I’m not sure if anybody has cracked it. Here
I am, the UK’s biggest buyer and with the largest
footprint, with a strong balance sheet and the
ability to invest, so why haven’t we truly scaled
an e-commerce business? Well, we’re about to!”
Judged on the how
Guy and his team have done a lot of work over
the last few months with regards to creating
investment plans to ensure a better customer
experience and enhance the customer service
offering, plus future-proof the business and
improve operational efficiencies both in trade
counters and online.
Already the impact of that hard work is starting to
bear fruit, with SIG Roofing posting its best January
results for 17 years. While there is a huge amount
of work still left to do, good progress is clearly
being made. But in an extremely competitive
market, with the all-pervasive ‘uncertainty’
making for tougher trading conditions, Guy knows
he will be judged on the “how”; how well will
these changes be brought through, and how will
they impact on the market? And ultimately, the
customers will be the judge of that.
Contact SIG Roofing
0845 612 4304
www.sigroofing.co.uk
@SIGRoofing
28 TC APRIL 2019

Material Talk
WHY CHOOSE NATURAL SLATE?
Natural slate is a product that can vary in quality and choosing the best product isn’t always
an easy option. Andrea Ramirez, Product Manager – Pitched Roofing, for SIG Roofing,
discusses the history behind the foundation of natural slate for roofing and why it could be
the perfect option for your project.
When it comes to roof coverings, there are
many options available on the market
and especially for those roofers who
prefer the more natural finish offered by slates.
The use of slate is becoming increasingly popular
across the UK, but the benefits of using slate as a
roofing material have been recognised for
centuries.
During the Industrial Revolution in the 18th
century, the rise in the use of roofing slate
soared. Landowners began to take control of
slate quarries, which previously were smallscale
operations, and slate became massproduced.
A new building trade developed, and craftsmen
emerged to fix this adaptable form of covering
that was relatively easy to split, mine and easy to
stack. Over time, it became clear that natural
slate could provide buildings with protection from
all the elements – particularly frost and rain due
to its low water absorption – and that it required
little or no maintenance.
Traditional to contemporary
The biggest advantage of installing a natural slate
roof is the aesthetic the roof provides and the
durability of the product as most coverings have
a lifespan of 30-60 years. Natural Slate is made
100% by the forces of mother nature and is
suitable for a range of aesthetic finishes ranging
from traditional to contemporary. Natural slates
are also extremely durable and most of the time
can outlast the building that they are installed on.
In some rare cases where the material has been
installed and maintained properly, it is not
unheard of for a slate roof to last for up to 150
years or more.
The right experience to install
Installing natural slate requires
more skill than most other kinds of
roof covering. Roofers who are well
versed in both BS 5534 and BS
8000 Part 6 will have the right level of
experience to install a natural slate roof.
Slate can only be installed onto a pitched roof.
The minimum recommended pitch for natural
slate is 25°, although this can be lowered down to
20° with specialist products and can also be
dependent on the slate size. There are, however
other products, methods of fixing and
combination of slate sizes available, which may
help achieve a lower pitch if needed. We
recommend roofers to consult with technical slate
specialists about low pitch roofing projects as
guidance is applicable on a project by project
basis. Depending on the complexity of the structure,
installation of roofing slates can take anywhere from
one week up to a few weeks or even longer.
“There are other
products, methods of
fixing and combination
of slate sizes available,
which may help
achieve a lower pitch”
One of the key benefits of purchasing natural
slate for roofing is that they are fireproof as well
as being environmentally friendly. Natural slate
does not produce or give off volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) or any other type of pollution.
However, care must be taken by roofers to use
suitable PPE equipment such as gloves and
masks when cutting slate on site to avoid harm.
Left: Andrea Ramirez, Product Manager –
Pitched Roofing, for SIG Roofing.
Once natural slates have been
used upon a roof surface they can
also be recycled if they outlast the
building they are installed on.
Another great reason to use natural slate
coverings is that they can provide insulation to
the building below, which over a period of time
can lower energy costs.
At SIG Roofing we offer a select range of natural
slate roof coverings through our SIGA collection.
SIGA slate is renowned for its quality, reliability
and integrity. We have our own dedicated team
and operations in the quarrying region of Spain,
one of only a few suppliers to have this direct
investment. By providing information about where
the slate comes from, how to work with it, and
clearly identifying different ranges through colour
coding, along with notifications on any changes in
legislation, there is always clarity and guidance
for roofers and contractors. Furthermore, SIGA
warranties range between 30-75 years and are
fully backed by SIG PLC, a FTSE 250 organisation,
offering security and peace of mind.
Looking back at the origin of natural slate it
serves to remind us why this iconic and
aspirational material continues to be revered
amongst roofers. As well as its outstanding
performance, beauty and intrinsic design
qualities, we are confident that natural slate will
remain at the forefront of roofing products.
Contact SIG Roofing
0845 612 4304
www.sigroofing.co.uk
@SIGRoofing
30 TC APRIL 2019

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Pitched Roofing
TOP TEN “ROOFING HACKS”
By Jamie Riddington, Technical Advisor at Marley.
In a world obsessed with life hacks, people are looking for new ways to speed things up, yet
create the same result. In fact, as a nation, our obsession with life hacks has led to a huge
industry of apps, websites and YouTube channels, giving people advice on speedy shortcuts
to get jobs done more efficiently. Yet when it comes to roofing, taking shortcuts isn’t advisable –
everything needs to be done correctly to be safe and comply with modern standards. However, that doesn't
mean there aren't things you can do to create beautiful, compliant roofs more quickly and efficiently...
Here are the Technical Team’s top ten roofing hacks:
“When you’re
working with clay
plain tiles, purpose
made fittings can be a
real time saver”
1Always get a new fixing specification for
each project you do – doing this upfront
will save time by preventing call backs and
ensure you comply with the requirements of BS
5534. You can quickly get a free fixing
specification via our website at:
www.marley.co.uk/specritetool
2Roof clipping is acknowledged as one of
the most time intensive parts of the job. To
speed up interlocking tile installation, use
a one piece clip and nail, like SoloFix, which can
reduce clipping time by as much as 30%.
3To get a beautiful, traditional-looking
pantile roof in less time, use an easy-to-fix
interlocking pantile, such as our Lincoln or
Melodie tiles. As well as including some clever
time-saving features, such as flexible gauges and
hidden interlocks, they can also be used down to
much lower pitches than the traditional
equivalent and are compatible with our dry fix
systems and SoloFix.
4Many contractors have already switched to
dry fix systems but if you’re still using
mortar, switching to dry fix could save you
time, particularly as mortar bedded tiles must
have an additional mechanical fixing under BS
5534 requirements. A big time-saving benefit is
that, unlike mortar, dry fix systems can be
installed in all weather conditions, as long as it is
safe to do so.
“Carefully plan your
clay plain tile roof in
advance, as it helps to
reduce the amount of
cutting you need to do”
5When you’re using a dry verge system,
choose one with a batten end clip as this
makes the mechanical engagement
required under BS 8612 much simpler. Our batten
end clip has sharp teeth which grip into the
batten, making it extremely secure, as well as
being very quick to push or hammer into place.
Unlike others on the market, it can be fitted after
the roof has been tiled.
6Use an underlay that has an integrated
tape system for sealing laps. This helps
you meet BS 5534 requirements more
quickly, without the need for a ‘fly’ batten to
secure the laps.
7Consider using a dry fix system that
already includes ventilation, such as a
ventilated dry ridge system. This provides
the required continuous ventilation along the
ridge, saving time from installing additional high
level ventilation.
8When you need a slate aesthetic, choose a
time saving slate-effect tile with a high
coverage rate. There are some great thin
leading edge slate effect interlocking tiles on the
market. Our Edgemere interlocking slate now
comes in Anthracite for an even closer
resemblance to natural slate and has a high
coverage rate of just 9.7 tiles per square metre.
9When you need to join two different roof
coverings, a dry fix bonding gutter is
quicker and cheaper than using lead. Dry
Fix Soakers are also a great time-saving
alternative to using lead for side abutments.
you’re working with clay plain
tiles, purpose made fittings can be a
10When
real time saver. Not only do they
look stunning, they will eliminate the time spent
on making site formed fittings such as mitred
hips. Also, carefully plan your clay plain tile roof
in advance, as it helps to reduce the amount of
cutting you need to do.
Following these hacks can help to save time and
money on your projects, while still creating
beautiful roofs that comply with British
Standards.
For more roofing tips and installation guides,
visit Marley’s YouTube Channel:
https://bit.ly/2G68H5o
Contact Marley
01283 722588
www.marley.co.uk
@MarleyLtd
32 TC APRIL 2019

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
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Protan BlueProof – coming to a roof near you soon.
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Perfectly Pitched
A ROOFING CONTRACTOR’S
PROJECT CHECKLIST...
Roofing Consultant John Mercer – writing on behalf of Edilians – talks through his checklist
which all roofers should take note of before and during projects.
In this month’s article, I will run through some
of the points contractors should be looking for
and checking prior to and during the
installation of a roof. You may think that most of
this is obvious, but only very recently I was called
upon to provide a fixing calculation for a roof that
had already been installed (see fixing
specifications below) and comment on a patchy
roof (see mixing tiles below). Faults found postinstallation
can be, and usually are, extremely
costly to rectify, so it is worth spending a little
extra time to make sure everything is in place.
Checking materials on arrival
It is important to inspect products that arrive on
site to ensure that they conform to the project
specification. Potentially, there could
be a serious financial risk to the
roofer if materials are installed
without having been checked,
only to find out later that the
wrong products have been used
or there is a quality issue. With
regard to quality, it is surely better to
report any issues prior to installation, rather than
install the tiles in the hope that no one will spot
any problems. Roof tile manufacturers go to great
lengths to check and maintain the quality of their
products as they are manufactured, as well as
protecting the products to minimise the risks of
handling and transportation damage. But,
occasionally, something can go wrong, so it is
Left: John Mercer, Pitched Roofing Technical
Consultant.
worth inspecting the tiles and
fittings prior to installation.
Mixing tiles prior to
installation
Most tile manufacturers recommend that
tiles be mixed from several pallets prior to
installation. Being natural clay products, Edilians
certainly recommends mixing their clay tiles to
achieve the ultimate finish on the roof,
particularly with its blended colours.
Some Edilians tile colours are pre-blended, but it
is still worth mixing from several pallets.
Below: Edilians’ Double HP20 was used at` The Green, a new-build site at Loxwood Green, Loxwood, Billingshurst.
34 TC APRIL 2019

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Perfectly Pitched
“If tiles have been
stored they may come
from more than one
batch. This may not be
a problem, provided the
tiles are randomly
mixed on site”
In summary:
• Check that the products supplied are consistent with the specification and are
of acceptable quality – report any problems before work starts.
• Ensure an even and consistent finish is achieved on the roof by, if necessary,
mixing tiles from several pallets.
• Follow the specification and manufacturer’s fixing instructions.
• Plan work to avoid or minimise access over laid tiles.
It is also important to check the batch numbers
on the tile pallets. Ideally, all the tiles on a single
roof should come from the same batch. Generally,
manufacturers will usually deliver from a single
batch, but sometimes if tiles have been stored –
for example in a stockist’s yard – they may come
from more than one batch. This may not be a
problem, provided the tiles are randomly mixed
on site.
A common problem regarding mixing is the lack of
facilities on site; for example, there may only be
room for a single pallet to be loaded onto the
scaffold bay at a time. I can only recommend that
this be discussed with the site management prior
to work commencing.
Checking quality during installation
Of course, occasionally, a fault may only become
apparent once installation commences. If this
happens, it is better to stop work and report the
problem immediately rather
than waiting until the roof is completed.
Manufacturers and suppliers will generally
respond with urgency in these situations to
minimise any potential delays.
Fixing specifications
I cannot over-emphasise the importance of
obtaining a roof tile manufacturer’s written fixing
specification. Apart from making sure that the
roof is installed in compliance with BS 5534 with
regard to wind load resistance, site supervisors
and inspectors will want to see the specification.
In any case, these should be obtained when
tendering for the work so that the method of
installation, such as clipping, can be factored into
the tender price.
Architectural specifications
Although roof tiles are generally installed
following the tile manufacturer’s technical data, it
is still worth checking that there are no
special architectural instructions, such
as, for example, an increased headlap
on an exposed site, or a superior
underlay installation where there is a
long rafter length.
Ensure that the correct products, as
specified, are used – in particular,
the accessories and systems.
Although there are many variables
when it comes to ancillary
products, using substitute
products may have an impact on
the performance of the roof and
could void the manufacturer’s
product or specification guarantee.
“Roof tiles and slates
are simply not
designed to be walked
on. If at all possible,
plan work to bring hips,
valleys and ridges
through as work
progresses”
Planning work progression
For health and safety reasons and to prevent
damage to laid tiles and slates, plan the work
progression to avoid walking or working directly
on the tiles or slates. Roof tiles and slates are
simply not designed to be walked on. If at all
possible, plan work to bring hips, valleys and
ridges through as work progresses and work by
standing on the battens, directly over rafters.
Where access over the laid roof is unavoidable,
roof ladders or crawling boards should be used,
packed with a compressible material to spread
the load. This is all particularly important, bearing
in mind that every tile must be mechanically
fixed, making the removal and replacement of a
damaged tile quite difficult. Further guidance is
given in the HSE document HSG33 Health and
safety in roof work.
Contact EDILIANS / John Mercer
www.imerys-roof-tiles.com
@imerys
@johnmercer3
36 TC APRIL 2019

octor
the A Proctor Group Collection 2019
the authority
design by:
Sarah McClintock
Roofshield ®
air permeable vapour permeable roofing underlay
01250 872 261
Proctor
Group
www.proctorgroup.com

Roof Windows
PART 2: AN OUTSIDE-IN
INSTALLATION SEQUENCE
In the second instalment of our series of articles from Dakea, Lee Griffiths, Technical Sales
Manager GBI at Dakea, talks through the installation process for a roof window, using an
outside-in installation sequence.
When installing a roof window into a
residential property there are a variety
of important considerations to keep in
mind. Correct installation is essential as a
wrongly installed window can have a knock-on
effect on the operation of the product, the amount
of light emitted, as well as possible condensation
build up or leakage around the frame.
Roof aperture
To achieve a correct installation, firstly, the roof
aperture must be at least 50mm wider and 45mm
taller than the external frame size of the window.
Rafters may need to be removed in order to
achieve this, so care must be taken to ensure the
integrity of the roof remains. Once this has been
done, cut the underlay and
envelope it around the
support trimmers, stapling it
into place. Determine the
correct height of the window
and fasten a batten to
support the frame; be sure to
position it level and 80mm above
the tiles.
Membrane collar
Next, it is essential to fit a membrane collar
around the window frame to prevent any water or
air passing through an un-insulated gap between
the rafter and back of the window frame. If this is
not correctly repaired, interior surface damage
could occur and the energy
efficiency of the property will
be compromised. Filling the
un-insulated gap between
the rafters and the roof
window will also ensure that
it is compliant with Part L1B of
the Building Regulations.
One popular method for securing this gap is to
use rigid foam, cut to fit from larger, premium
priced sheets. Although a sure-fire method for
achieving a secure and tight fit around the frame,
this is a time-consuming solution and results in
onsite debris and wasted foam.
Dakea’s roof windows feature free installation
38 TC APRIL 2019

“The collar not only
reduces installation
time significantly, but
also provides excellent
insulation once
complete”
accessories to address installation issues such
as this and include the Dakea IFC Insulating
Foam Collar – a rebated foam profile
manufactured to perfectly fit the window frame
without time-consuming cutting onsite. The collar
not only reduces installation time significantly,
down to approximately three minutes per window,
but also provides excellent insulation once
complete.
Installing the IFC
To install the IFC, first ensure
the brackets have been
secured to the frame
with the provided
screws, then clean
the outer frame (if
necessary) and
stick the IFC to the
outer side of it,
paying particular
attention to the corners
and edges. After this, the
frame has to be passed carefully
through the opening on to the support
battens to check the alignment. Insert the sash to
test that it can be opened and closed sufficiently.
Replace the roofing membrane
The next step is to replace the roofing membrane
to further restrict water and air ingress around
the frame. Cutting and securing the membrane
requires a high level of accuracy to ensure a
water and airtight seal is achieved. For
large, multi-window projects it
could take a considerable
amount of time to cut
and install all of the
roofing membrane
and foam.
To combat this
problem, Dakea
has developed an
Underfelt Foil Collar
(RUC), which is a
single piece of stretchable,
highly tear-resistant
polypropylene, non-woven fabric with a
vapour permeable polyurethane coating. This can
be stretched around the frame and fixed to the
outer edge with staples or tape. To complete the
installation, the flashing and covers need to be
fixed to the bottom, sides and top of the frame,
while the roof tiles just need to be replaced and
the sash re-fitted.
“The flashing and
covers need to be fixed
to the bottom, sides
and top of the frame”
Water and air tight
When installing a roof window, it is essential that
the correct installation process is followed to
ensure that the installation is water and air tight
and that the integrity of the roof is not affected.
By working with a manufacturer like Dakea, roof
windows can be correctly and effectively installed
in minutes without the need to create a bespoke
membrane. This saves a significant amount of
time on site.
“Cutting and securing the membrane requires a
high level of accuracy to ensure a water and
airtight seal is achieved”
Contact Dakea
020 3970 5080
www.dakea.com
@dakea_uk
APRIL 2019 TC 39

Rooflight Installation
COMMON MISTAKES WHEN
INSTALLING ROOFLIGHTS
It is important for installers to be aware of the issues that often arise when installing
rooflights. Done right, they are very simple products to install, but it only takes a small
mistake which can then lead to a number of problems...
The experts at Whitesales outline the common
mistakes when installing rooflights:
1Assuming you don’t need planning
permission: It’s true, in most cases
planning permission is not required if you
are replacing or installing rooflights. However, in
certain circumstances you will require permission
so it’s very important to clarify the status of the
property, especially if it could be a listed building.
2Not making appropriate arrangements
for site delivery: Considering that large
glass rooflights can weigh over 200kg, the
logistics of site delivery and simply getting the
rooflight onto the roof should not be overlooked.
Ensure that suction pads or hoisting/cranage
have been arranged if needed – site delays and
redelivery charges can be costly – at a minimum
the rooflight may require a two-man lift.
3Not selecting the right size and options:
Not selecting the appropriate size and
options for the rooflight can lead to
dissatisfaction after installation. Consider the ratio
of rooflight area to floor area – a ratio of 10-15%
will effectively light a room but a larger size may be
selected for aesthetics. However, for glass
rooflights, keep in mind that more surface area will
mean a higher potential for summer overheating,
particularly if the rooflight is on a south facing roof.
Selecting solar reflective glass, or glass with a low
g factor, can help keep the solar radiation levels
down to as little as 30%. The best approach is to
consider ventilation options during the selection
process as well, which can help to achieve a more
enhanced indoor environment.
4Underestimating the weight load
considerations: As mentioned in point 2,
large glass rooflights are heavy. A flat roof
in a timber-framed residential building could
require upgrading to ensure it meets the
necessary structural and loading requirements. If
in doubt, a structural engineer should be engaged
to survey the property.
5Not installing at the right pitch:
Rooflights should be installed at a
minimum of 3° for flat roofs to enable
rainwater to run off. A 5° pitch is recommended.
Pitch is important to ensure compliance with
Building Regulations; prevention of puddles
forming, which can stain or mark the glazing;
maximum ‘flex’, or weight-bearing capability, is
accounted for.
6Common problems with builders’ curbs:
The constructed curb must be a minimum
of 150mm above the finished level of the
roof. It must also be 100% straight, level, square
etc. – any deviations can result in the rooflight
not fitting correctly, or interfere with opening
mechanisms for example. Waterproofing must be
installed in accordance with manufacturer’s
recommendations and up and right across the top
of the curb ensuring a flat even surface. The curb
should be constructed according to the external
size required – and note that the thickness of the
waterproofing material will affect the daylight
size.
Considering that large glass rooflights can weigh over 200kg,
the logistics of site delivery and simply getting the rooflight
onto the roof should not be overlooked.
7Common problems with manufacturers’
upstands: Manufacturers’ proprietary
upstands are specifically designed to
provide ease of installation so problems are more
unlikely – however, there are still some areas
that need to be considered. A common problem is
waterproofing not being installed correctly and
exactly as indicated in the installation
instructions. Damage caused to the upstand
during site storage or installation can also affect
performance.
8The little things that can get
overlooked… Ultimately it can be small
mistakes or overlooked steps that can
cause large problems in the longer term.
Waterproofing must be neatly dressed –
especially around ventilators (if the rooflight has
them), and it should be installed all the way up to
the underside of the top flange. When installation
instructions indicate a silicone seal should be
used – don’t over look this.
Contact Whitesales
01483 917580
www.whitesales.co.uk
@WhitesalesUK
40 TC APRIL 2019

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Contractor’s Qs
“WE COULDN’T BELIEVE OUR EYES.
IT WAS AN ABSOLUTE WAR ZONE”
David Earnshaw is owner of Burnley-based Webber Flat Roofing Services which specialises in
industrial flat roofing and roof garden projects. With over 45 years spent in the roofing sector,
David was the perfect candidate for Contractor’s Qs, where we talk roofing in a war zone, the
paperwork pile ups, and being prepared to walk away from big jobs if a customer looks shady...
10
questions for David Earnshaw:
“I don’t mind telling
you, we were terrified –
but having said that, we
still left the customer
with a top quality job”
TC: What was your path into roofing and
to your current position?
DE: Even from a young age, I’ve always had a
keen interest in working with my hands. After my
11+ exams, I headed to technical college where I
learnt all the basic elements of the building trade.
Building, roofing, plumbing, etc. I then served my
time as a commercial vehicle bodybuilder with
Oswald Tillotson in Burnley. They insisted that all
apprentices spent six months in each department
to gain an all-round knowledge of the trade.
Design and drawing, estimating, procurement and
painting; as well as hand-building vehicles from
scratch. And I’m talking about the days before
automated production lines here!
I spent a little time in Australia as a vehicle
development engineer, but deep down I’d always
been drawn to the roofing element of my college
training. So, in the late 70s, I returned to the UK
and jointly established my first roofing company. I
had various businesses through the 80s/90s/00s
and became North-West Chairman of the Institute
of Roofing in 2006/2007. Almost 45 years on, I’m
still in the trade and the proud owner of Burnleybased
Webber Developments t/a Webber Flat
Roofing Systems.
TC: If you had one piece of advice about
starting a roofing business, what would it
be?
DE: For anyone who wants to go far in this
business, be sure to surround yourself with the
right sort of people from the off. Of course, you’re
going to need hardworking,
skilled tradespeople to carry
out your installs, but, you
can’t put a price on building
relationships with the
professionals who really have the
ability to drive your business forwards.
Accountants, solicitors, marketing consultants, IT
specialists – even if you already have a bit of
knowledge in these areas, get these people on
board as soon as you can. You can then focus on
what you’re good at and leave the rest to them.
TC: Tell us about a current project
you’re working on…
DE: We’re just in the final
stages of installing a
breathtaking roof garden
on a domestic new build
in Read, near Burnley. The
client is the owner /
manager of a residential
holiday park in the middle of 200
acres of privately owned countryside. He
currently lives off site, but drew up plans to build
a traditional stone dwelling with a slate roof in
the grounds. Sadly, since the land is classed as
being within the Trough of Bowland, the planning
department felt it would have an adverse visual
impact on the local area and rejected the plans
outright.
After 5-years of ‘toing and froing’, the plans were
re-drawn so that the home would be built into the
side of a hill; masking it from the road.
My role in this project has been to consult
with the architect on a suitable green roof
solution and supply and install a
sustainable, quality system. Green roofs are
becoming increasingly popular, especially in
urban areas, and I feel it’s important that we
start to maintain as much of our natural habitat
as we can so that plants, animals and insects
continue to thrive.
The basis of the living roof system we’ve installed
comprises 0.88mm corrugated steel, 3mm
vapour barrier, 160mm PIR, vapour
dispersal sheet, underlay and antiroot
cap sheet. On top of this,
we’ve installed a protective
fleece and drainage boards to
the whole roof area, followed
by a filtration fleece and
50mm planting soil to
accommodate the sedum
vegetation.
Just as importantly, especially in an area that
suffers floods and droughts, we’ve also installed
a sophisticated drainage & irrigation system to
ensure that the vegetation doesn’t over saturate
or dry out. Eleven Mardome rooflights were also
installed to help draw in natural sunlight.
TC: You must have worked on some
difficult projects over the years. Does one
in particular stand out?
42 TC APRIL 2019

DE: The one that sticks out in my mind was a
Governmental project we undertook in Iran in 1987.
We’d been head-hunted for this particular job,
since the department had heard of our reputation
for quality, flexibility and speed of work. Naturally,
during the late 80s there was a significant amount
of unrest in the Middle East, but we were assured
that we would be safe and wouldn’t be working
anywhere near the troubled areas.
When we got there, we couldn’t believe our eyes. It
was an absolute war zone. Sand bags around
every building, armed military personnel
everywhere you looked. But I’ve always been a
man of my word, and since we’d been contracted
to do the job and we were now in the thick of
things, we just cracked on. Once we’d finished the
job – two days before planned I might add, there
was no messing about on that one – getting out
of the country proved to be a nightmare. We were
robbed, denied flights back to the UK by Iranian
customs and it was only due to the generosity of
SwissAir that we managed to get on a flight to
Geneva and flee the country. I don’t mind telling
you, we were terrified – but having said that, we
still left the customer with a top quality job!
TC: What about difficult customers? Any
situations that stand out?
DE: To be honest, being an independent firm, we
are in the fortunate position of being able to pick
and choose our customers carefully. I like to think
myself a good judge of character and I can spot a
shady deal a mile off. Of course, there are times
when you can get your fingers burnt, but you learn
from these experiences. These days we tend to
work via recommendation only and I have no
hesitation in walking away from a job, regardless
of size, if I think the customer is dishonest or
lacks integrity.
TC: What’s the most frustrating thing
about your job?
DE: In all honesty, there are two things that really
frustrate me about the job. The first is being able
to find top quality installers that have the skills to
work to the high standards we set ourselves.
Accurate, precision detailing is
crucial; we’re only as good as
out last job. There will always
be opportunities at Webber
for any young man or woman
who is honest, hardworking
and really wants to succeed in
the flat roofing trade.
The second, and I’ll probably get hung for
saying this, but the hoops that a company like ours
needs to jump through these days to comply with
Health & Safety law is phenomenal. Of course, I
wholly appreciate that some form of compliance is
an absolute necessity, but the paperwork we need
to fill out is practically a full time job. Forty years
ago, fall from height incidents were very few and
far between, because each trade was trained in the
specifics of their job. Multi-skilled workers weren’t
really a thing back then. A roofer worked on roofs,
a builder worked with brick and mortar and a
joiner worked with timber. Back then your trade
was your trade. The constant on-job training you
received made the safety aspect second nature. A
lot of that is diluted these days and there has to
be allowances for unskilled tradespeople who
may not have as much safety knowledge.
TC: And the most satisfying?
DE: Again, there are two parts to this answer. The
first is having had the opportunity to be at the
forefront of flat roofing design and installation for
the last 40 years. Not only in the UK but in other
countries around the world too. Not many people
know that I was the first approved torch-on
contractor for Marley in the early 1980s and
travelled around all of their UK depots carrying
out demonstrations. We were instrumental in the
adoption of mechanically fixed roofing systems in
the UK and we’re now fully immersed in the green
roof market. Forever moving forwards!
In addition to that, being able to step back and
witness the effect that your work has on other
people is very rewarding. We installed a flat roof
system on a primary school in Edgware, which
they converted into a safe outdoor play area for
the children. The looks on the kids’ faces when
Contact Webber Flat Roofing Services
01282 451144
www.webroof.co.uk
@webroof
they realised they had a safe
space to play in was
absolutely priceless.
Community projects like
this give me immense
job satisfaction.
TC: What’s your most
important tool as a
roofing contractor,
DE: This question made me chuckle, because
there are so many! But I would have to say a
robust, steel tape measure. Accuracy is
absolutely critical in this game and if everything
is measured and cut right – you’re half way to a
top class job.
TC: What’s the best social media platform
for you as a roofing contractor?
DE: In all honesty, we’ve dragged our heels getting
into the social media arena. But we also appreciate
that we have to move with the times, so we are
getting there, albeit slowly. We recently employed
an external marketing consultant who is currently
looking at ways to increase our brand awareness
and drive our business forward. She has set us up
accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and
Instagram and she is confident that she can help
drive us further into the 21st century!
TC: How did 2018 go and are there
reasons to be positive for 2019?
DE: I’m pleased to say that we had a fantastic
2018. We completed a 70,000ft² industrial roof in
Stoke-on-Trent (see above) and made some
terrific new connections within the industrial
sector. We moved into new premises in December
2018 which will afford us plenty of office space
and also a purpose built showroom. We’re also
working on a new training course for contractors
to gain approved status in our four main flat
roofing systems. So watch this space!
APRIL 2019 TC 43

NFRC Technical Talk
SUMMARY OF THE CHANGES TO
BS 6229: THE ROOF BUILD-UP
This code of practice for flat roods was last updated over a decade ago. Gary Walpole,
NFRC Technical Officer, explains the latest changes.
BS 6229 (Flat roofs with continuously
supported flexible waterproof coverings,
Code of Practice) was last updated in
2003 and much has changed within the industry
in the last 15 years. We expect a lot more from
our flat roofs, be it slowing down the flow of
rainwater, collecting solar energy, green spaces in
urban areas or as a platform for rooftop
structures such as restaurants.
The revised BS 6629:2018 describes best current
practice in the design, construction, care and
maintenance of roofs with a flat or curved
surface, at a pitch not greater than 10 degrees to
the horizontal, with a continuously supported
flexible waterproof covering.
The old version of the Standard included fully
supported metal roof coverings such
as zinc and copper,
whereas BS 6229:2018
does not deal with
metal roof coverings,
which are now the
responsibility of the British
Standards Committee for
Roofing and Cladding
Products for Discontinuous
Laying.
Roof build-ups:
Vapour Control Layers: Vapour
Control Layers (VCL) are now
defined as Air and Vapour Control Layers (AVCL),
because if installed correctly to the
manufacturer’s instructions, they can control
both air and vapour from entering the
waterproofing system.
Warm roof: A warm roof is installed with the
AVCL attached to the slab/deck on the warm side
of the insulation, where it can
control the air and moisture
movement from within the
building.
BS 6229 has been revised and there are a
number of changes that roofers need to be
aware of.
• AVCL fully-bonded to the slab/deck
and sealed to all perimeters and penetrations,
can reduce the wind load on the waterproof
covering if the slab/decking is air permeable.
• Insulation must be structurally suitable for any
intended loading and tightly butted when installed
to prevent thermal bridging.
• Use thermally broken tubular washers to help
prevent thermal bridging if insulation is
mechanically fastened.
Inverted roof: An inverted roof has the
insulation placed above the
waterproofing layer. This type of flat roof
is widely used for roofs that are
subjected to heavy traffic such as roof
gardens, patios and car parks.
• Insulation should have a high
resistance to water absorption and
be able to support loads.
• Insulation should have rebated
or interlocking joints to minimise
the risk of thermal bridging.
• A water flow reducing layer
(WFRL) placed on top of the installation will
regulate movement of water and protect against
dirt/grit penetrating insulation board joints.
Cold roof: This type of roof build-up has been
traditionally used in the domestic market where
homes are extended. The roof structure tends to
be timber joists and a plywood deck which is then
waterproofed. However, there is a high risk of
Left: Gary Walpole, NFRC.
harmful interstitial and surface
condensation forming on the
underside of the plywood decking
and dripping onto the upper side of the
insulation. This is because the waterproof
layer, (which is situated on the cold side of the
insulation that traditionally sits between timber
joists), acts as the AVCL.
• A fully waterproof breather membrane should
also be installed on the cold side of the thermal
insulation, taped and sealed to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
• The breather membrane should be vapour
permeable rather than air-permeable and allow
water vapour to pass through it while providing a
barrier to air, thereby minimising energy losses.
Hybrid roof: A hybrid roof can combine various
features from the roof insulation build-ups above,
for example, when any existing cold roof is
refurbished to a warm roof or where a structural
panel with high thermal insulation is used.
If it is not possible to remove the insulation that
sits between the roof joists when upgrading an
existing cold roof to a warm roof, close the airflow
openings between the joists to form an air seal.
This raises the temperature of the air void below
the AVCL and the insulation above, so that they
work to their full potential. As there is an
increased risk of interstitial condensation with a
hybrid roof, it is recommended that a
condensation risk analysis is carried out.
Contact the NFRC
020 7638 7663
www.nfrc.co.uk
@TheNFRC
44 TC APRIL 2019

CELEBRATING
THE ROOFING
INDUSTRY
It’s time to book your place for the 2019 UK Roofi ng Awards ceremony taking
place on Friday 10th May at the InterContinental Hotel London - The O2.
www.roofingawards.co.uk
Follow @UKRoofingAwards #roofingawards19
Supported by industry
Hosted by
Headline Sponsor

Fall Protection
MORE THAN JUST TICKING A BOX
The HSE says falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities and have
been for a number of years. It has also previously suggested that all falls from height can be
prevented. Matthew Bailey, Divisional Manager, Inspection and Certification at HCL Safety,
explains why professional inspection and certification can help do just that.
Inspections can’t be missed
Annual or bi-annual inspections are vitally
important. Not only are they a legal obligation, but
ultimately, they help save lives. That’s why it
pays to partner with professionals with the
necessary experience and competency to inspect
and certify the fall protection equipment. Can you
afford not to?
There is a wide spectrum of potential issues that
may arise when inspecting fall protection systems
and PPE, all of which need to be addressed. After
all, by its very nature, fall protection equipment
can be exposed to the harshest conditions. It’s
also important to remember that the general state
of PPE and systems can often be influenced by
the competency of the person that has used the
system and how frequently it has been used.
Approach to quality inspection
Some initial questions to consider when
inspecting systems and PPE should include: Has
a system been accurately installed within the
manufacturer’s guidelines? Has it been
configured properly with the right components?
Are calculations that help ensure safe levels of
load absorption accurate? If the answer to any of
the above questions is “no”, then those working
at height could be exposed to an unacceptable
level of risk. Some key issues that quality
inspection should cover include:
• Inspection of all energy absorbers.
• Checking the cable for damage/signs of wear
and tear.
• Any signs of corrosion.
• Re-tensioning of the cable if required.
• Inspecting lanyards and harnesses
for cuts, fraying or breaks in the
stitching.
• Looking for signs of damage to
fittings.
Potential issues
By no means does quality inspection stop there.
Sometimes, for instance, inspection may reveal
that the system and equipment in place is not
right for the application. It is imperative that the
PPE used by an operative is suitable for the type
of system they are connecting to. Remember, as
well as inspecting and certifying it, a high-quality
fall protection expert should also be able to help
you specify and install the right equipment at the
very outset of a project.
Systems exposed to poor weather conditions can
degrade over time and while to a certain extent this
is a natural process, how quickly it occurs depends
on the quality of the materials that make up the fall
protection equipment. Not only does this reiterate
the importance of regular, quality inspection and
certification, but it should also be a timely
reminder to invest in high quality equipment.
While the initial financial outlay may potentially
be higher, ultimately you will likely reap the
benefits of a lower total cost of ownership.
Good preparation begins with
quality training
While safety for those that work at height sits
with the site manager and/or health and safety
officer (or equivalent), the operative themselves
should be able to take responsibility for their own
safety. Unfortunately, however, some people still
lack the appropriate knowledge and/or training
required to be able to accurately
identify whether PPE or a fall
protection system is safe to use.
This is troubling, as failure to do so
could be lethal. That’s why quality
training is often the best form of first
defence.
Remember the fundamentals
Getting the right equipment in place and
remembering regular quality inspection and
certification is important, of course. But it counts
for little without all required risk assessments
and safety methods in place. All equipment
should also undergo thorough pre-checks.
Businesses with employees that work at height
can employ an external company to come in and
check PPE and systems. Some will train people
within the company to check equipment
themselves. Either way, proper checks need to
have been done before use.
More than just a tick-box exercise
Inspection and certification are critically
important, but unfortunately people still see it as
a compliance issue, rather than the life-saving
obligation that it is. You can’t and wouldn’t drive a
car without an MOT, for example. Why should fall
protection equipment be any different? If you own,
specify or use fall protection equipment, you have
an ethical and legal responsibility to ensure that
inspections are carried out in an accurate and
timely fashion. Lives may depend on it.
Contact HCL Safety
0845 600 0086
www.hclsafety.com
@HCLSafety
46 TC APRIL 2019

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Shaped with an elegant s-curve design and thin leading
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of installations.
And of course, Lincoln clay pantiles fully comply with
BS 5534 and NHBC Standards.
Discover more smart thinking (and order free samples)
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Roof Access
ACCESS ALL AREAS – SAFELY
Soni Sheimar, General Manager at Easi-Dec, a Kee Safety company, takes a look at the
range of safety options and solutions that are available when working at height.
Industrial roofing is prone to being fragile, with
various weak spots and uneven surfaces
making it an unsafe environment for workers
undertaking rooftop tasks. According to the Health
and Safety Executive (HSE), falls through fragile
roofs and rooflights cause death and serious
injury, accounting for 22% of all fatal accidents
through falls from height in the construction
industry.
The key piece of legislation is the Work at Height
Regulations 2005 which places a legal
requirement for anyone who contracts others to
access and maintain rooftop equipment on public
buildings and housing developments to ensure
proper safety precautions are in place. Breaching
these regulations can result in a legal prosecution
and either a substantial fine or possible
imprisonment.
It is essential that all work at height is properly
planned and carried out by competent members
of staff to ensure that minimal accidents occur.
The HSE Health and Safety in Roof Work
document offers a hierarchy of steps that should
be taken when working on fragile roofs:
• Avoidance: Plan and organise work to keep
people away from fragile surfaces so far as
possible, e.g. by working from below the surface
on a mobile elevating work platform or other
suitable platform.
• Control: Work on or near fragile
surfaces requires a combination
of stagings, guard rails, fall
restraint, fall arrest and safety
nets slung beneath and close to
the roof.
• Communication: Warning notices must be
fixed on the approach to any fragile surface.
Those carrying out the work must be trained,
competent and instructed in use of the
precautions required.
• Co-operation: On business premises,
contractors should work closely with the client
and agree arrangements for managing the work.
Selecting the right equipment is key to reducing
the risk of accidents and falls from height. It
needs to be secure, easy to access and meet
required regulations. From the contractor’s point
of view, it’s also helpful if the system selected is
easy to install, available at short notice and
offers good value for money. It is the contractor’s
responsibility to be trained to safely work at
height, ensuring that they understand and
work within the regulations, with
adequate measures taken to
ensure the welfare of users.
Access to industrial roof tops
requires solutions that are
designed to overcome the
challenges of working on fragile roofs
and provide the user with a safe working position
for skin maintenance, inspection, cleaning and
re-sealing work. Many manufacturers have
developed a range of products to provide a safety
system that is suitable for all requirements and
simplify short duration roof work.
Any of these three types of access systems can
be considered when accessing
industrial roof tops – mesh
walkways, rolling work platforms
and mobile walking frames.
Mesh walkways (Left)
Mesh walkways are a great option
when access is needed to run from the
eaves to ridge. It provides the benefit of
spreading the weight across the support battens,
allowing the workers to confidently move along
the full length of the system. Opting for a solution
that is made from high grade aluminium ensures
the structure is robust, lightweight, and easily
transportable.
Fully guarded rolling platform
A fully guarded rolling platform, which is mounted
on twin racks, allows workers to move up and
down the roof on a secure and level surface.
Requiring no penetration, the structure is easy to
assemble and take down, and is possible to
transport quickly to other parts of the roof. The
platform moves along a linking track which is
fitted with safety mesh and battens to provide
further support.
Lightweight mobile walking
frames (Left)
Lightweight mobile walking
frames are designed to provide
safe access for one or two people
when working directly in the valley
gutters. The outriggers are filled with
safety mesh and cushioned for comfort. This
system can also be used to transport light
payloads. Suitable for typical symmetrical
valleys, the system could also be fully adjustable
to suit uneven designs.
Specifying these types of systems presents
contractors with a safer, quicker, more costeffective
and more practical approach to rooftop
access, and will ensure that they and their
employers comply fully with the requirements of
the Work at Height Regulations. It’s a win-win for
both parties.
Contact Easi-Dec
01767 691812
www.easi-dec.co.uk
@EasiDec
48 TC APRIL 2019

BCP &
Contractor
Training Courses
Available - Book Now
enquiries@kempersystem.co.uk
FINALIST
KEMPEROL ®
Liquid Roofing &
Waterproofing
Long term protection for flat roofs,
buildings and critical structures
Warm roofs, inverted roofs, green roofs,
podium decks, walkways, balconies,
terraces, car parks...
• No hot works
• Sustainable
• Solvent-free
• Odourless
Whatever your
requirements, we have
a certified and proven
solution to meet your
needs.
Contact us to discuss
your next project.
KEMPER SYSTEM
Tel: 01925 445532
enquiries@kempersystem.co.uk
www.kempersystem.co.uk
Kemperol Liquid Waterproofing

Roofing Updates
For further info on all these roofing updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
SKILFUL COLLABORATION
Sika Sarnafil, architects Cullinan Studio and Roofing Contractors Cambridge (RCC) are celebrating following a
win at the first-ever AJ Specification Awards.
In what was a skilful collaboration between Sarnafil, Cullinan and RCC at the Fitzwilliam College building in
Cambridge, the judges agreed there was something special about the way this unique brutalist building had been
Above: Fitzwilliam College in Cambridge has a
beautifully protected. Comprising protruding ‘scalloped’ detailing, an innovative waterproofing solution was created newly refurbished roof thanks to an innovative Sika
Sarnafil solution.
to refurbish the highly complex roof, all without visually altering the original 1960s Denys Lasdun design. Sika
Sarnafil’s single ply membrane and Sikalastic 621 – a liquid-applied product typically used for areas with complex detailing – were used across large areas.
This pairing of systems was further enhanced by Sika Refurbishment’s SikaFloor 420. Neil Smith, Technical Advisor at Sika Sarnafil, said: “We’re exceptionally
proud that the teams across Cullinan Studio, RCC and Sika Sarnafil have been commended by the AJ Specification Awards. The winning project posed a huge
design challenge which was met with a unique approach and use of materials. Completed early and on budget, while the college remained operational
throughout, the success of this project is testament to the close working relationships we foster with our highly skilled architects, contractors and clients,
while also providing the best quality products.” https://gbr.sika.com
RAISED STANDARDS IN SPORTS!
Pupils at a South East London school can now enjoy sport at height thanks to the timely
completion of a rooftop ‘multi-use games area’ (MUGA).
BMI Icopal’s products were used on this raised sports area:
“It had to be completely level to ensure the MUGA could be
laid to the correct tolerances.” www.bmigroup.com
Byford Roofing tackled the job knowing that the installation was complex but also that the schedule was
tight. Byford chose BMI Icopal’s Parabit Holt Melt Duo that it applied to the concrete deck of the roof. Over
that went a layer of inverted insulation and paving slabs ready to receive the MUGA pitch finish. “I chose
Parabit because it’s a system we know well, we’re comfortable laying it and therefore it gave us
confidence in achieving the target programme completion date,” said Andrew Byford of Byford Roofing.
REASONS TO OPT FOR INFINITY
Rainclear Systems offer a sustainable and eco-friendly choice without compromising on good
looks and durability with its Infinity Galvanised Steel range.
Above: rainclear’s steel sample box. Get in touch with
Rainclear for your sample box so you can judge for
yourself. Call 0800 644 44 26 or email
sales@rainclear.co.uk.
Its manufacturers buy and use sustainable and ‘long life’ goods in the production of this rainwater
system. Waste heat in the production process is recycled to heat the facilities and water emissions
are reduced to 0%, with all water being recycled within their plants. Cardboard packaging is recycled
as filling to protect products in onward deliveries. At the end of its useful life (the manufacturer offers
a 15 year warranty) the rainwater system is easy to uninstall and recycle. www.rainclear.co.uk
KEE SOLUTIONS FOR ROOF SAFETY
A combination of safety products from Kee Safety have been installed on the roof of the Oslo
Kongressenter building in Norway.
Watch the case study video of the Oslo Kongressenter
building.:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eARFgPkmJno
Due to the client specifying that no holes should penetrate the watertight membrane on the roof of
this iconic building, KeeGuard free-standing roof edge protection and Kee Walk Step-Overs were the
chosen Kee Safety solutions. 380 linear meters of KeeGuard Standard and Premium systems were
installed along all sides and roof levels, while Kee Walk Step-Over platforms were fitted to provide a
safe means of access over pipework and other equipment. www.keesafety.co.uk
50 TC APRIL 2019

CLAY INNOVATION FROM EDILIANS
THE NEW BRAND NAME OF IMERYS ROOFTILES
Plain tile StreTTO
MEASURE ALL
THE BENEFITS OF ITS
XXL
format
3 colours
Burnt red Vallée de chevreuse Slate
+
+
+
+
Variable gauge
Low roof pitch guarantee 21°c
Attractive thin leading edge
Economical 26 x 37 cm size
THE NEW BRAND NAME OF IMERYS ROOFTILES

Roofing Updates
For further info on all these roofing updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
CAMBRIAN SHOWS IT’S A CLASS ACT
Safe, robust and theft-proof, Romilly Primary School is now set for many maintenance-free years thanks to
the work and market-leading guarantee from BMI UK & Ireland and its BMI Redland and BMI Icopal products.
The school roof posed a tough challenge to Vale of Glamorgan Council as it was not only old, it was also immensely
complex and susceptible to burglary. Built in 1893, the school is in a picturesque, exposed position upon a hill
overlooking the sea. The roof not only incorporates many hips and valleys, it also has a 250m² flat roof at its centre. “I
chose BMI UK & Ireland because by using their BMI Redland and BMI Icopal products, they offered a solution that met
BMI Redland Cambrian Slate was specified for the
the design brief, and provided support throughout the project,” explained Paul Hynam, the council’s construction pitched roof covering whilst BMI Icopal Universal
was used on the flat roof area at Romilly School.
consultant. “Using their SpecMaster service gives you a 15-year guarantee complete with the design and on-site
supervision – so you know that the roof has gone on correctly. In effect you can forget about the roof and maintenance for 15 years. BMI Redland’s Cambrian Slate
also meets our environmental criteria – it’s recycled and it’s Welsh. Using BMI’s pitched and flat roofing products together gives confidence that both parts of the roof
integrate – due to the collaborative details – and the result meets the required performance and reliability and is aesthetically pleasing. As Redland and Icopal are
now one company they are able to take full responsibility for the design of construction details to ensure that they worked together.” www.bmigroup.com/uk
STICKING WITH TRADITION
As part of the refurbishment of The Heritage Building (the old original hospital) at The Queen
Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, new rainwater hoppers and pipes are being installed in stages.
“We have dealt with Yeoman Rainguard for many years and
as always we are very pleased with the quality of service
and rainwater goods supplied for the refurbishment
programme of The Heritage Building” Mick Townsend,
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.
Supplied and manufactured in GRP material by Yeoman Rainguard at their head office facilities in
Leeds, the Hoppers and Downpipes have been chosen in a design and colour to be in keeping with
the art deco style of the Heritage Building which was erected in the early 1930s. Replacing the aging
system are Yeoman Rainguard’s GRP 100mm dia. Standard Clip Downpipes and large Highland
Rainwater Hoppers in an Agate Grey colour. www.rainguard.co.uk
HAWKINS FITS PRETTY PROJECT
The timeless beauty and strong heritage of Marley’s Hawkins Fired Sienna clay plain roof tile
made it the perfect choice for four new homes in Welford on Avon, near Stratford upon Avon.
“The Hawkins clay plain tile range offers heritage, quality
and versatility”. Over 50,000 tiles were used to complete
the four individual roof spaces at a development in
Warwickshire. www.marley.co.uk
The detached houses had to fit seamlessly into the surrounding country landscape, while also
meeting strict planning regulations. The selection of the Hawkins clay tile in Fired Sienna helped
provide the perfect finish to an exquisite addition to the village. Keith Greenall, MD for Templeoak,
said: “The mock Tudor architectural style, incorporating natural materials such as oak, meant we
wanted to find a roofing solution in keeping with the overall look we had established.”
AN INTELLIGENT ARTIFICIAL OPTION
EverRoof is an accredited artificial green roof system designed as both an alternative and a
complementary product to natural green roofs, to transform unusable and ugly flat roof spaces
into beautiful green multi-use areas.
The EverRoof installation at the Greenwich IKEA.Find out
more at www.everroof.co
The only fire rated and wind tested artificial green roof system on the market, EverRoof is low
maintenance and looks green and lush all year round, with the added benefit of being highly trafficable.
EverRoof is the first of its kind multi-layered system combining the award winning Which? Best Buy
Wonder Yarn artificial grass with different underlay and drainage options, depending on the roof type.
52 TC APRIL 2019

€45
£40

Project Focus
CUSTOM CLADDING CALLED FOR
A cladding system using Welsh Slate has helped meet the demands for a care facility project.
Welsh Slate has been
specified for the roof
and innovative
cladding of a groundbreaking
new hospice.
The £21 million Prince
and Princess of Wales
Hospice in Glasgow's
Bellahouston Park features
Welsh Slate's Penrhyn Heather
Blue Celtic grade 270mm x 180mm
roof slates which are complemented by a
cladding veneer of the same colour over a total of
1,400m² of the outer façade layer of ‘protective’
eaves and bedroom terraces.
This complements the buff-coloured Petersen
brickwork and bronze-coloured metal panels used
on the inner layer of the façade. Projecting eaves
features in the same slate are also utilised on the
northern and southern gable facades.
The Welsh Slate materials were specified by
Ryder Architecture for the 5,840m2 building
which comprises a 16-bed in-patients' unit
including young adults’ bedrooms, with
associated support and family space including
large kitchens, day services and out-patients’
units, educational area, and administration and
clinical offices over three storeys.
Form as well as function
Ryder and main contractor Balfour Beatty
delivered a purpose-built, innovative and
exemplary palliative care facility that delivers
form as well as function in response to the brief
which called for a warm, welcoming and nonclinical
entrance and interior in a quality
environment with interior and exterior materiality.
The hospice is set in 7.5 acres of parkland on a
site gifted to the charity by Glasgow City Council,
with a form that mediates between the city it
serves and its parkland setting. To negate the
potential sprawl of the complex brief
and adjacencies, the
accommodation was
reduced to four
interconnected villas
that reduce the overall
perception of the
massing to a human
scale. Project architect
Alastair Forbes said: “The
building envelope has been
designed with a number of key aims in
mind. The primary aim is to provide a building of
dignified quality commensurate with the
importance of the site and the building use, and a
robust building that requires, wherever possible,
minimal maintenance. The quality of the
materials proposed is critical to the success of
the project and the manner in which the materials
are detailed is significant in providing suitable
scale and presence for the building on the site.
He added: “The protective nature of the building
is realised in a ‘loggia’ or ‘veranda’ that runs
around the whole building, providing a transition
zone between the interior spaces and the
surrounding landscape. This is an integral space
for patient use and inhabitation. Slate is used for
the external skin of the building which reinforces
the protective nature of the building envelope.
One senses the physical weight of the building on
the outside at the same time as the ethereal
quality of the light-filled interior spaces. The
‘purple/heather’ tones of the Penrhyn slate were
essential in linking the landscape and building
interior whilst avoiding an overtly dark-coloured
building that would not be suitable for the
building's function.”
The Welsh Slate roof slates were laid with 50mm
x 3.35mm copper clout nails over timber sarking
boards with mitred slate hips to a 38° pitch over
eight months and 1,535m² by specialist subcontractor
Braisby Roofing, while the cladding
system was devised and installed over 12
months by Stonescreen, specialists in natural
stone rainscreen systems.
Custom-designed support structure
The company custom-designed the support
structure and frames to hold the slate composite
panels which used Stonescreen Aerolite
technology as the base. This is engineered with a
combination of cellular glass reinforced with layers
of glass fibre to produce a very high-strength/lowweight
substrate which is typically faced with a thin
veneer of natural or artificial stone.
In this case, the Welsh Slate was supplied to
Stonescreen as more than 200 blocks weighing
over half a tonne each and varying in length from
1,000mm to 1,600mm, in width from 500mm to
600mm and in depth from 200mm to 450mm.
These were semi-processed, sawn both sides
with the ends left natural. The blocks were then
cut to 20mm and foam glass material glued to
each side of the slate. This was then cut through
the middle using a band saw and flamed. Cuts of
3mm were achieved which made the final cladding
panel 8.5mm Welsh Slate and 40mm foam glass.
Stonescreen Director Gary O'Connor said: “The
design and construction of the support structure
was the most complex part of the cladding works.
Attaching the cladding panels was relatively
straightforward.”
Welsh Slate Commercial Director Michael Hallé
said: “The cladding system used on this project is
the first time a composite panel with a Welsh
Slate veneer has been used. The overall
appearance of the Welsh Slate on the project is
stunning and it sits beautifully within the
environment.”
Contact Welsh Slate
01248 600656
www.welshslate.com
@WelshSlateLtd
54 TC APRIL 2019

Insulated Panel Systems
UK & Republic of Ireland
The QuadCore Envelope
Your high performance insulated
building envelope by design.
#MoreWithQuadCore
QuadCore Topdek Flat
Roof panel with U-values
as low as 0.14 W/m²K
QuadCore Architectural
Wall Panel Systems with
4 hours Fire Integrity to
BS476: Part 22
QuadCore RW Trapezoidal
Pitched Roof panel with
U-values as low as 0.12 W/m²K
Manufactured with an
HCFC, CFC and HFC free,
fibre-free QuadCore
insulation core
Protected for up to 40 years
with a QuadCore Envelope
System Warranty
All QuadCore
Envelope Panels
tested to FM 4882
Manufactured at our UK facilities
that are certified ‘Very Good’ under
BES 6001: Responsible Sourcing of
Construction Products
Single-Source System Manufacturer:
Structural Steel, Daylighting, Fabrications,
Safety Systems and Rooftop Energy
Systems all available from Kingspan
QuadCore Architectural Wall Panel
and RW Trapezoidal Wall Panel with
U-values as low as 0.12 W/m²K
quadcore.kingspan.co.uk
Kingspan Limited
Greenfield Business Park No.2, Holywell, Flintshire CH8 7GJ
Tel: +44 (0) 1352 716100 www.kingspanpanels.co.uk

Rescue Training
RESCUE PLANS: WHY YOU NEED
ONE & HOW TRAINING CAN HELP
Businesses are required, in accordance with Work at Height Regulations, to have a rescue
plan in place so that a worker can be retrieved as soon as possible in the event of a fall. After
all, their life may depend on it says Phil Rashbrook, European Training Manager for Fall
Protection at MSA Safety...
First and foremost, it’s important that those
that work at height have been well trained
and are well prepared to carry out the job at
hand. Quality training at the earliest stages can
help significantly reduce the risk of a fall and
therefore the need for rescue in the first place.
Rescue plan fundamentals
In a nutshell, a rescue plan is a procedure
designed to safely retrieve someone who has
fallen from height and is suspended in a harness
or stranded in their place of work. When planning
or implementing a rescue plan, it’s crucial to
consider the following Health and Safety
Guidance on what must be addressed: the safety
of those carrying out the rescue; availability of
anchor points; the suitability of your rescue
equipment; adequately rescue-trained personnel;
how to attach individuals to the rescue system;
suitable medical support in place.
So why are rescue plans so important?
Suspension trauma, also more accurately known as
orthostatic intolerance or harness hang syndrome,
can have a serious effect on your health. The initial
symptoms of suspension trauma (such as anxiety
and a raised heart rate) can occur within just 10
minutes. After 10 minutes an otherwise healthy
person can lose consciousness, at which point
there is a very real risk to life.
Real life rescue situations can prove stressful and
challenging, which is why rescue plans must be
clear, well-practiced and easily implemented if
needed. Quality rescue training will result in a
technically skilled and confident rescue team.
Ultimately, a stranded worker’s life may depend
on this team. That’s why it’s beneficial to partner
with a quality training provider.
What should rescue training cover?
Quality rescue courses should be well thought
through, comprehensive and importantly, instil
confidence. This confidence is born from the
knowledge that the rescue training received has
been thorough and adopted a holistic approach
covering both theory and practical training.
Theory should cover, for example, all relevant
legislation, action in the event of a fall, the
technical aspects and inspections of a rescue
system, and post-rescue considerations (including
suspension trauma). Failure to understand the
technical aspects of a rescue system and how to
properly inspect it could result in the equipment
failing or being misused, both of which increase
the risk of injury, not only to the stranded worker
but also to those responsible for rescuing them.
From a practical perspective, trainees should be
shown how to carry out a pre-use rescue
equipment inspection and have practiced doing it
themselves. They should complete their training
confident in how to set up a rescue system, and
how to rescue a casualty from suspension and an
incapacitated casualty from a work platform or
area of height. As above, trainees should also be
shown the practical aspects of post-rescue care.
Help with rescue plans
Assistance in the development and
implementation of a comprehensive rescue plan
is a typical by-product of top quality training. This
often begins with a tour of the site to consider
potential hazards and how the consequences and
risks of potential falls can be minimised. This
knowledge will inform the creation of necessary
risk assessments, which rescue systems are
likely to be most appropriate, methods of
communication, suitability of plan for current
work situation, and the direction the injured
person(s) needs to be moved.
Preparation is key
Businesses should decide on a rescue system
that will help retrieve the fallen worker as quickly
as possible and wherever possible, workers
should always work in teams. All rescue kit
should be as near as possible to the point where
work is taking place, otherwise the time it takes
to collect the rescue kit may jeopardise the safety
of the fallen worker. And finally, it’s important to
remember that good preparation and thorough
rescue plans count for little without confident and
competent people in place to carry out the rescue.
Our aim at MSA Safety is to help make the world
a safer place by providing people with high quality
training. In doing so, we offer businesses the
peace of mind that their employees leave us
feeling better informed and well prepared to
develop and implement rescue plans. If you
invest in the best training available, you too will
find that peace of mind.
For info on MSA Safety’s training courses, or to book a
seminar, visit msasafety.com/training/fall-protection, or
contact training.@msasafety.com.
Contact MSA Safety
www.MSAsafety.com
@MSAsafety
56 TC APRIL 2019

Complex Worksites.
Simplified Safety Solutions.
The training you need.
The products you want.
The knowledge you trust.
Visit us at
Safety & Health Expo
for a Virtual Reality
experience!
Stand
SH2270

Cladding Updates
For further info on all these cladding updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
LIGHT PANEL LAUNCH
Panel Systems has introduced a new range of lightweight structural sandwich panels.
Having increased in popularity with manufacturers and contractors looking to reduce the weight of their products over
recent years, and building on the success of the company’s existing range of thermal insulating panels, Panel Systems has
introduced a composite sandwich panel with a ThermHex core.
ThermHex is said to be a revolutionary polypropylene honeycomb that is strong and lightweight. The material’s optimised
cell size and the specific structure of the honeycomb core offers exceptional surface quality and provides optimal
performance in composite sandwich structures, even with very thin skin material layers.
The panels can be specified with a variety of facings, including: powder coated aluminium (0.5mm – 4.0mm), anodised
aluminium (0.5mm – 3.0mm), GRP (glass reinforced plastic) including anti-slip options, painted or coated steel, high
pressure laminate such as Formica or Trespa and MDF.
www.panelsystems.co.uk
Panel Systems has launched a range of
lightweight structural sandwich panels.
WRAPTITE SEALS PROJECT AWARD
An impressive new contemporary award-winning Eco House in Perthshire is set to benefit
from the superior airtightness performance qualities of Wraptite from the A. Proctor Group.
The award-winning Tighétébhu property used a number
of A. Proctor Group products including Reflectatherm,
Spacetherm and Wraptite. www.proctorgroup.com
The house “Tighétébhu” was constructed by SIPS Scotland and was chosen as the winner of the Best
SIPs Home in the Build It Awards 2018. The new property is a self-build project commissioned by Keira
Proctor, MD of the A. Proctor Group. Keira said: “I am delighted that Tighétébhu has been recognised for
the award as ‘Best SIPs Home’, which is testimony to the high quality of the work achieved by SIPs
Scotland, and it’s a further endorsement of the superior airtight performance of Wraptite in buildings.”
CERTIFICATION FOR FIRESHIELD
Fireshield has been awarded certification from both LABC and LABSS, confirming that the product
meets Building Regulation approval in England, Wales and Scotland.
Fireshield is installed and fixed to the substrate in the
same manner as standard breather membranes using
mechanical fixings. Applications include both
commercial and residential buildings as well as
Rainscreen cladding and applications over 18m high.
The culmination of leading research to produce a vapour permeable membrane with a fire proof
surface, Fireshield has a unique intumescent composition that actively reacts to prevent fire taking
hold. The intumescent coating extinguishes fire rather than just resisting it, and significantly reduces
the formation of droplets and smoke. Fireshield complies with BS 5250, BS4016 and NHBC
requirements for vapour permeable walling underlays. www.proctorgroup.com
STATICUS’ FACADE SOLUTION
Staticus has been appointed as the façade contractor for the Tottenham Hale Tower, which is
the last piece of the neighbourhood’s eleven-phase re-development program.
Staticus’ façade solution comprises a mix of unitised, stick and crown facades, balustrades, privacy
screens and parapet cladding, which in total will cover close to 15,000m². Architects Hawkins\Brown
incorporated balconies or terraces into the design of all the apartments in the Tottenham Hale Tower.
These need balustrades or privacy screens, so to achieve the highest degree of privacy for each, without
encumbering the view, numerous corners and columns are required. www.staticus.com
58 TC APRIL 2019

A range that includes various loft hatches with options
to meet fire ratings, insulation requirements and
building regulations, and also panels to that offer a
neat, unrestricted access solution to controls located
in cavities or problematic to reach spaces.
Exciting developments in our north-west based
production facility now see Easy-trim launch:
• Weep & Peep Vents
• Telescopic Underfloor Vents
• Vertical Extension Sleeves
• Cavity Sleeves
t 0845 034 6008 f 0845 034 6010
12B Metcalf Drive, Altham Industrial Estate, Altham,
Lancashire, BB5 5TU, Great Britain
www.easy-trim.co.uk
Proud to be nominated for:
Best Roofing Brand in the Brand Awards Category
Industry Personality in the Industry Awards Category

Thermal Performance
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW...
Steve Smith, Head of Product Management and Business Intelligence at Knauf Insulation, talks
through all you need to know when it comes to the thermal performance of insulation.
There’s more focus than ever before on the
performance gap; the difference between
the designed and the real-world thermal
performance of buildings. As standards increase,
margins for error decrease, and so the role of
product installation in building performance
becomes more significant.
This means there is unprecedented focus on the
role of the installer in delivering buildings that
perform as they’re designed to.
Specification switching is also in the spotlight at
the moment. Unlike fire safety, for example,
where any specification switch carries the risk of
creating a non-compliant, potentially dangerous
building, contractors have more latitude when
selecting products based on thermal
performance. However, that selection should not
compromise the intended energy performance of
the building.
The first step to successful as-built performance
is understanding how heat flows within and from
a building, and how the installation of insulation
stops that flow.
Heat always flows from warmer to colder areas.
This is true whether it’s flowing from a warm
house to the outside in cooler weather, or from
the outside in during hot weather. There are three
ways this heat flow occurs:
Conduction
Conduction is the transmission of heat through
direct contact. Insulation materials use
discontinuous structures and
trapped gases such as air to
reduce conduction.
Convection
Convection is the transfer of
heat from a warm surface to air,
which then rises and circulates. To prevent
convection, insulation should be installed to
eliminate unplanned air gaps in building
elements.
Radiation
Radiation is the transmission of infra-red radiant
energy from warm to cooler surfaces through air
or a vacuum. Radiant energy is only absorbed
when its path is blocked by a material which
converts it to heat.
In this piece, I’ve tried to bring some clarity to the
various terms used to refer to the thermal
performance of insulation. Understanding these
and how they relate to products means you can
make more informed choices, give better advice,
and ultimately deliver better buildings that
perform as they’re meant to.
Lambda (λ)-values (sometimes k-values,
or thermal conductivity)
Lambda-values measure how quickly heat flows
through a given material, regardless of its
thickness. They are expressed in W/mK. The
lower the number, the better the material’s
thermal conductivity.
“Contractors have more latitude when selecting
products based on thermal performance.
However, that selection should not compromise
the intended energy performance of the
building”
Left: Steve Smith, Head of Product Management and
Business Intelligence, Knauf Insulation.
R-values (or thermal resistance)
R-values measure how well a material of
a specific thickness resists heat flow. They
are expressed in m²K/W. The thickness of the
material in metres is divided by its Lambda-value
to determine the R-value. The higher the R-value,
the better the performance of the material.
U-values (or thermal transmittance)
U-values are used to measure thermal
transmittance for a complete building element
(say a roof or wall). They are expressed in W/m²K.
The U-value is calculated by combining the R-
values of all of the materials in the element, plus
air spaces and surfaces, and also taking into
account the effect of thermal bridges, air gaps
and fixings. The lower the U-value, the better the
element’s total thermal performance.
For installers, U-values are the most common
term used in determining thermal performance,
and the most relevant measure stipulated in the
Building Regulations.
Ψ (psi)-values (or thermal bridges)
Ψ-values measure the heat transmittance that
occurs at a thermal bridge – typically a junction
between building elements. They are expressed in
W/mK. Ψ-values are among the most sensitive to
performance gaps, because building junction
performance is so heavily dependent on good
installation, especially as junctions often involve
a combination of responsibilities from different
trades.
Contact Knauf Insulation
01744 766600
www.knaufinsulation.co.uk
@KnaufUK
60 TC APRIL 2019

For furt
ther inf
ormation
or a hire quotation call
01858 410372
DELIVERING QUALITY IN THE
SINGLE PLY ROOFING SECTOR?
JOIN
US
Then it’s time to join SPRA!
SPRA membership is as much about giving something
back to the industry, as the considerable benefits that
membership brings.
Invest now! JOIN THE ‘SPRA TEAM’
so that together, we can
INFLUENCE, EDUCATE and SUPPORT
a quality single ply roofing industry.
www.spra.co.uk/register
For more information 0845 1547188 enquiries@spra.co.uk
JOIN AND HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF SINGLE PLY ROOFING
www.spra.co.uk
APRIL 2019 TC 61

Indoor Quality
INSULATION & IEQ
The experts at A Proctor Group talk through the links between
airtightness, thermal bridging and IEQ.
We spend a significant part of our lives
inside. Studies have shown that the
average adult in Britain spends between
85-92% of their time indoors on a weekly basis.
A poll commissioned in 2016 put these statistics
in a different light and described how a typical
prison inmate spends more time outside than
three-quarters of the children in the UK.
As we accept that our professions and lifestyles
are keeping us indoors for longer periods of time,
an awareness of the importance of indoor
environmental quality (IEQ) is also growing. The
US-based National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) defines IEQ as “the
quality of a building’s environment in relation to the
health and well-being of those who occupy space
within it”. Key to this definition is the role that IEQ
factors like air quality and thermal comfort play in
our productivity and enjoyment of life, as well as
our physical and psychological health.
Improvements to UK building standards over the
years have helped to ensure that an appropriate
level of insulation is incorporated into building
work. The availability of higher-quality insulation
materials and a better understanding of modern
building physics work together to improve overall
building thermal performance, reduce energy
demands and carbon dioxide emissions, and
support the thermal comfort of building
occupants. However, insulation is only part of the
solution to providing excellent IEQ.
Air leakage and thermal bridging
Tests confirm that poor airtightness can be
responsible for up to 40% of heat loss from
buildings because cracks, gaps and holes in the
building envelope allows air to bypass the
thermal insulation. Energy efficient heating
systems are also rendered less effective if
warmed air simply escapes through a draughty
structure while cold air is allowed to flow in.
While adding more insulation should improve
thermal performance in theory, the benefits of
thicker insulation may not be fully realised if the
envelope’s airtightness is not also addressed –
the heat lost through air leakage will simply
increase proportionally.
To illustrate this concept, Section 6.2.0 of
Building Standards technical handbook 2017:
domestic buildings (Scotland) describes a typical
1960’s house with poorly fitted windows. In the
example, air leakage represents approximately
20% of the total heat lost in the house’s base
condition. If the house is then upgraded to
modern insulation standards but the leaky
windows are not remedied at the same time, the
proportion of the total heat lost via air infiltration
will increase to over 40%.
Thermal bridges also undermine efforts to insulate
properly by providing pathways through the
insulation for heat to escape. The most commonly
thought of thermal bridges are studwork,
mechanical fixings and other penetrations
through the insulation layer, but thermal bridges
can also include larger elements like party cavity
walls. As described in Section 3 of Approved
Document L1A: Conservation of fuel and power:
“Where outside air flows into the party wall
cavity, a cold zone is created which causes heat
loss through the wall sections on either side. The
air movements involved can be significant and
… the resulting heat losses can be large.”
Unaddressed thermal bridging can result in the
formation of condensation within building
structures. Interstitial condensation can then
cause mould and mildew growth on interior
surfaces, compromising indoor air quality and
potentially occupants’ health.
Clearly, as we continue to spend the majority of
our time indoors, the building industry must keep
IEQ considerations at the forefront of their
designs. Strategies to support IEQ should include
appropriate levels of insulation, an uninterrupted
airtightness layer, and measures taken to identify
and control thermal bridging in order to prevent
interstitial condensation.
Wraptherm: Airtightness with insulation
Wraptherm is a composite material comprised of
10mm Spacetherm aerogel insulation blanket
bonded to the face of Wraptite vapour permeable
air barrier. It is ideal for the refurbishment of
existing buildings.
Wraptherm is self-adhering and can be applied to
practically any substrate without the need for
tapes or mechanical fixings. By being installed on
the internal face of an existing façade, Wraptherm
provides an air barrier on the external side of the
‘services zone’. This means there is less risk for
the airtight layer to be accidentally punctured.
There is also no requirement for expensive
specialist components such as airtight junction
boxes or light switches.
Having a nominal thickness of only 11.5mm,
Wraptherm also greatly reduces thermal bridging
as new framing can be installed directly over it.
Additional insulation can then be added within
the frame to bring the construction up to the
required U-value.
By combining the airtight and insulating
properties of Wraptite and Spacetherm,
Wraptherm helps by both improving a building’s
thermal performance and supporting IEQ by
mitigating the risk of interstitial condensation.
Contact A Proctor Group
01250 872261
www.proctorgroup.com
@proctorgroup
62 TC APRIL 2019

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Find out more about the new coastline ® lightweight
composite cladding range. Call us on:
0800 988 7318
or visit: eurocell.co.uk/coastline

Insulation Updates
KNAUF INSULATION’S BBA CERTIFICATION
Knauf Insulation’s Earthwool RainScreen Slab has been certified by the British Board of Agrément for use in
high-rise residential applications.
The BBA certification follows the December 2018 update to Approved Document B, which mandates the use of noncombustible
materials achieving a Euroclass Reaction to Fire Classification of A1 or A2 s1-d0 in the external walls of certain buildings over 18m in height.
Earthwool RainScreen Slab has the best possible Euroclass Reaction to Fire classification of A1.
“Non-combustible insulation is the best choice for architects, specifiers and contractors as it will not contribute to the development or spread of fire” said
Steve Smith, Head of Product Management and Business Intelligence at Knauf Insulation. “With the Government consulting on further changes to Approved
Document B, it’s prudent to use non-combustible insulation in every application, not just high-rise façades. This BBA certificate ensures customers specifying
or installing Earthwool RainScreen Slab can have absolute confidence in its quality and performance.”
Earthwool RainScreen Slab has a thermal conductivity of 0.034W/mK. When closely butted together the slabs will interlock, eliminating air leakage. It offers
superior robustness and durability, with a water repellent additive to preserve its integrity while exposed during construction. It has been wind load tested by the
Building Research Establishment to a maximum design pressure of 3,600Pa or 76m/s – the equivalent of a category 5 hurricane. www.knaufinsulation.co.uk
ROCKWOOL CE READY FOR BREXIT
Following the latest guidance from the UK Government and the EU, ROCKWOOL has confirmed
that all its CE-marked products can continue to be sold legally in the UK and throughout the EU,
following the UK’s planned exit from the EU.
ROCKWOOL has confirmed that all its CE-marked
products can continue to be sold legally in the UK and
throughout the EU, following the UK’s planned exit from
the EU.
ROCKWOOL says it has been working with its certification partners to make sure that all its notified
bodies have taken the necessary steps to become EU-recognised bodies. As a result, all ROCKWOOL
products will retain the current CE marking and can continue to be sold legally both within the UK
and throughout the EU. www.rockwool.co.uk
WHAT’S THE TRUE COST?
New research, carried out by Currie & Brown on behalf of Kingspan Insulation, shows that by
using premium performance phenolic insulation over cheaper, thicker mineral fibre insulation,
developers can reduce construction thicknesses and save on total upfront costs.
For Full details of the research visit:
https://www.kingspan.com/gb/engb/products/insulation/kingspan-insight/avoidable-costs
The analysis of three house types: large detached; small detached; and mid-terraced, considered several
variables including the cost of the insulation materials, length of wall ties, area of roof and wall layers.
The results showed that by using the Kingspan Kooltherm K106 Cavity Board specification, overall
construction costs were reduced by £161 and £420 in the large and small detached houses respectively.
SIG SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR AWARD
SIG has awarded ROCKWOOL its coveted Supplier of the Year title.
ROCKWOOL was announced as SIG’s Supplier of the Year.
This prestigious award, presented to ROCKWOOL at the 2019 SIG Sales Conference, was voted for by
SIG’s internal and external teams.“We’re pleased to announce ROCKWOOL as SIG’s Supplier of the
Year,” said Gemma Prince, Head of Category – Insulation at SIG Distribution. “It’s a recognition of the
speed and excellence of ROCKWOOL’s customer support and technical guidance, the company’s
100% commitment to SIG and the quality of the product range ROCKWOOL provides. It’s a hardearned
win for the whole ROCKWOOL team and thoroughly well deserved.” www.rockwool.co.uk
64 TC APRIL 2019

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO BOOK YOUR STAND CONTACT
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JAKE ROXBOROUGH jakeroxborough@media-now.co.uk
01892 732047 | WWW.CONTRACTORSDAY.CO.UK
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SPONSORED BY
KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN
BUYING SECURE TOOL STORAGE
Tim Trollope, Product Manager at Van Vault, explains what to look for when purchasing
secure storage for the tools in your van...
Tool theft is rife, it’s on the increase and it’s
a massive issue for contractors. The cost of
tool theft is growing, as is the value of tools
left in vans – currently an average of £2,881, but
22% of tradesmen surveyed said they had over
£5,000 plus worth of tools. Tool theft can impact
on your livelihood, family, stress levels and of
course your bank balance.
Celebrating its 21st anniversary, Van Vault says it
is the UK’s number one brand for storing and
securing tools in vehicles, so the team knows a
thing or two about tool security. A quality secure
storage vault for your van provides security of
tools and peace of mind, but with so many
products available, how do you decide which is
best for you?
Van Vault offers a comprehensive choice of welldesigned
and robust security solutions to deter
the most determined thieves from stealing your
equipment. Its brand-new vehicle range follows
18 months of development work, with input from
independent testing houses and police specifiers
and features eight new products, each designed
for use by different trades and in different
vehicles.
Tim Trollope, Product Manager at Van Vault,
provides his advice on what to look for when
you’re investing in secure van storage: “Physical
security is always going to be the best defence.
Years ago, a sticker saying ‘no tools left in this
van overnight’ might have prevented a break-in,
but that’s not enough these days. You could bring
your tools in with you after a day’s work, but
that’s not feasible either when you’re on a job,
have too many tools to lift or when you pop into
the pub after work.
Van Vault offers a range of well-designed and robust security solutions to deter thieves from stealing tools from vans.
“It’s essential to choose the right secure
container for your trade, the type of tools you
want to protect and what size vehicle you will be
fitting it to”
“That’s why secure storage is essential for every
trade, but where to start? You can buy storage
boxes from builders’ merchants, DIY stores,
websites and even on Amazon, but it’s essential
to choose the right secure container for your
trade, the type of tools you want to protect and
what size vehicle you will be fitting it to. If you’re
buying from a merchant make sure you ask the
right questions.
“There are various designs of storage containers,
including drawer systems and the more traditional
boxes, in many different sizes, giving you added
peace of mind they help you keep your valuable
equipment organised and safe from damage.
“There are a few well-known brands who produce
storage boxes specifically for vehicles as well as
a handful of own-brand products. Ideally go with
a reliable brand name, it’s really not worth
trusting your livelihood with something unproven
that doesn’t have an independent security rating.
Whatever your budget, tools and equipment,
focus on three main points when you’re shopping
around:
1. What is the quality of the construction?
2. How good is the locking system?
3. Does it have an independent security rating?
Quality build
“When choosing a box style product, make sure
it’s tough and is robustly built with a thick steel
construction. If the metal is too thin, the box
could easily be prised open. Check the welding is
66 TC APRIL 2019

FIT IT.
FORGET IT.
Trust Ubbink for quality roofing
products to make your life easier
Above: The Van Vault Slim Slider solution keeps your tools safe.
good, and check that the box doesn’t bend or flex unnecessarily. Look out for
what other security features it has too, especially on the lid which is a key
area of attack. A lid that overhangs will be susceptible to a crowbar or car
jack but a flush front lid will prevent that. Check that you can’t get a crowbar
or car jack under the lid or in any gaps. A lid which has extra cross bar
reinforcement inside it will help. Also, make sure you check that it has
reinforced fixing points and that it comes with an anti-theft fixing kit to help
you install the product through the bottom of your van floor.
Locking system
“With a van break-in taking as little as 10 seconds, secure storage is really your
first true line of defence against theft. Make sure locks and lids are reinforced
and ideally recessed. A strong box is no good if the lock is weak or unprotected.
Some storage units use a traditional five-lever lock but these locks – designed
for doors – have been proven to be temperamental when subjected to the
continued vibration from the road. Look for an advanced locking product such as
hardened steel disc locks with features like anti drilling, cutting and picking.
Lastly, is the lock protected or shielded in any way? It should be virtually
impossible to tamper with from the outside of the box.
Independent security rating
“Has the product been tested and certified by an independent test house?
Many products in the market claim various security ratings but have not
been proven by a third party. Van Vault is the first vehicle storage product
to be accredited by Secured by Design – the UK’s police-approved
standard. It has undergone rigorous testing using police insight of the
latest attack methods used by criminals. Secured by Design promotes
products which prevent crime and it’s the only form of police approval for
UK products.”
Contact Van Vault
0115 780 2383
www.vanvault.co.uk
@VanVault
Call us on 01604 433000 or
visit our website for more details.
• VENTS • TERMINALS • NON-LEAD FLASHING
• ROOFLINE PRODUCTS • & MORE
www.ubbink.co.uk

SPONSORED BY
ARE YOU DRESSED FOR SUCCESS?
Peter Dumigan, Commercial Manager of the Hultafors Group UK, which owns Snickers
Workwear and Solid Gear Safety Footwear, says the clothes you wear on site can impact the
way you approach your job and your mindset in general.
Clothes have come a long way since
humans first started wearing them over
100,000 years ago.
Workwear itself has experienced a dramatic
evolution in the last 60 years from the early days
of the Boilersuit and Coveralls, to 21st century
workwear products that are now much more
influenced by streetwear fashion and fabric
technology trends.
Even up to the early 70s, designs were basic and
product development was limited.
Think about it; how much end-user research went
into a Boiler Suit consisting of a single piece of
clothing that combines trousers and a jacket to be
worn over clothes in order to protect them from
dirt while working, or a Bib-and-Brace Overall – a
pair of trousers with braces attached?
The simplicity of some workwear designs and
their terminology – then and now – has long been
overtaken by R&D, fabric technology and end-user
demands that are all at the heart of today’s
serious workwear development.
Designing working clothes for professional
tradesmen and women has become something of
a science in itself, with fabrics and garments
developed to suit everything from different
working environments and weather conditions, to
body shapes and personal wellness on site.
The workwear industry is awash with technology
and terms – AVS, APS, Coolmax and Wicking
fabrics, Wearable and 37.5 Technology – even
things like integrated electrostatic dissipative
protective benefits!
What we wear is bound not only by personal
needs but also by health and safety standards
and regulations that govern
performance and
personal protection.
But how does all of
this impact on or
improve
personal
wellbeing and
performance at
work?
Have you ever
come across the term
‘Enclothed Cognition’?
Enclothed Cognition is basically the influence that
clothes have on the wearer’s mindset.
Essentially, it’s said that clothing can enhance
how we feel about ourselves and how it can
improve our performance at work.
Researchers have identified a series of mindset
changes that occur when we wear certain
clothes. It’s said that the clothes we wear and
how we wear them affect our behaviour,
attitudes, personality, mood, confidence and even
the way we interact with others.
For instance, compare the guy who wears baggy
jogging bottoms and an old sweatshirt to the one
dressed in good looking working clothes, properly
designed for working on site. They are both
making a statement about themselves, their
mindset and their attitude to their work.
What we wear definitely affects the way we feel.
Our clothes tell a story about who we are and
most important, how we feel about ourselves.
However, even if you use workwear, poorly
designed and ill-fitting working clothes can have
a serious affect not just on your mood and
effectiveness on site, but
your overall health and
wellbeing.
What if you’re
wearing
trousers that
don’t fit
properly?
If they’re loose,
they’ll more than
likely slip down and
cause ‘builder’s bum’
syndrome. But tight trousers or those
done up with a tight belt can be problematic by
causing pressure on the stomach – particularly if
you’re bending or working in a tight space.
It’s known as intra-abdominal pressure, which
can trigger acid reflux which pushes stomach
acid back up where the esophaguss and the
stomach meet, causing heartburn.
It’s a common ailment not just in older adults,
but in as many as 37% of 20 to 30 year olds.
Even someone who isn’t prone to acid reflux can
develop reflux if they wear tight clothes over as
little as a two-week period.
Tight trousers can also cause severe abdominal
pain, constrict the abdomen and put pressure on
the intestines which can interfere with their
normal bodily function.
So, choosing the right kind of working clothes on
site can have a seriously positive impact on your
personal wellbeing on site.
Take a look at the new types of workwear that
have comfort fabrics built into the garment
design. Our ‘Comfort Stretch’ fabric is being
68 TC APRIL 2019

“It’s said that the clothes we wear and how we
wear them affect our behaviour, attitudes,
personality, mood, confidence, and even the way
we interact with others”
integrated into our newest working clothes to
deliver maximum freedom of movement, however
and wherever you’re working.
We also add it to specific areas of the clothes –
such as around the waist – to facilitate
ventilation and enhanced comfort – and to
complement the likes of Cordura and GoreTex
fabrics that deliver durability and foul weather
protection.
The general idea behind integrating the ‘Comfort
Stretch’ concept in our workwear is to maximise
the movability of the body. We integrate it into the
clothes to fit where the body bends or where it
expands. It also means we can tailor our
garments to a slimmer fit when needed and
ultimately, it makes the clothes much more
comfortable to wear.
This is exactly what the feedback from tradesmen
and women has told us – they want maximum
comfort and functionality. So we’ve developed
these hybrid garments that use a combination of
materials to deliver precisely what these
tradespeople want.
In conclusion, if you’re not careful, the clothes
you wear on site can seriously impact your
health, but if you do wear properly designed, good
fitting clothes, you’ll approach the job in hand
with the kind of positive mindset to get it done
efficiently and comfortably.
Contact Snickers
01484 85 44 88
www.snickersworkwear.co.uk
@SnickersWw_UK
BUCKET LOADS OF PROTECTION
WernerCo has launched a range of fall protection equipment designed to protect workers in high-risk environments from
falls and fall-related injuries.
The new collection consists of four fall protection systems which can be purchased as a complete set supplied in a waterproof
bucket or individual products. This is the first range of its kind from WernerCo for the UK market. The range provides a complete
solution to keep anyone working at height safe and comfortable. The Kits include The Werner Work Restraint Kit, The Werner Fall
Arrest Kit, The Werner Professional Roofers Kit and The Werner Construction Workers Kit. All harnesses are certified to
EN361:2002 and feature stitching patterns that indicate post fall condition and aid equipment inspection before use. All metal buckles are zinc passivated to
prevent rusting and deterioration of webbing material. The lanyards are also made from high visibility polyester with heavy duty stitching and reinforced loops
to eliminate wear and tear. Each kit is supplied in a handy colour coded waterproof bucket that keeps all components safe from damage and allows for easy
storage and transportation. In addition to the four complete fall arrest kits, the individual components can also be purchased separately.
www.wernerco.com/eu
CENTENARY EDITION FOR DRAPER
It’s a historic moment for Draper Tools as the company launches its centenary edition catalogue,
available April. In addition to commemorating 100 years of business, the new catalogue also
highlights the company’s commitment to growth and broadening its range, with 928 pages of
tools and equipment.
Draper Tools has launched its Centenary edition
catalogue which is said to be bigger and better for 2019
and packed with new products.
Plus, with a new structure and order, it’s easier than ever before to find the products you need inside.
The centenary edition catalogue is Draper Tools’ biggest one yet and includes over 900 new products
for 2019. www.drapertools.com
APRIL 2019 TC 69

SPONSORED BY
HAVS ON THE RISE
BSG (Building Safety Group) has reported a 33% year on year rise in the number of ‘Hand Arm Vibration’
(HAVs) breaches recorded on construction sites. The increase is based on over 42,000 independent site
inspections conducted over a two year period, comparing 2017 to 2018.
BSG is warning construction workers and
employers of the long-term dangers of HAVs.
HAVs comes from the use of hand-held power tools and is the cause of significant ill health. Exposing workers to the risks
of HAVS can result in symptoms such as such as tingling, pins and needles, numbness and pain in the affected person’s hands. The condition can affect sleep when
it occurs at night and cause difficulties in gripping and holding things. Between 2008 and 2017 there were over 7,000 new claims for HAVs according to the Industrial
Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB). BSG’s announcement coincides with a series of recent HSE blitzes which have focused on ‘vibration’ in construction as a serious
health risk. In many cases, HSE visits have frequently led to FFIs (fees for intervention) penalties being imposed. A recent case saw Balfour Beatty fined £500,000 for
HAVS breaches over ‘several years’. Paul Kimpton, MD for BSG, commented: “The good news is that HAVs is easily preventable. What construction companies need to
do is find out what their workers’ exposure is likely to be as part of a vibration risk assessment. The HSE advises that the employer carries out a period of monitoring
to understand how long workers use particular tools in a typical day or week. Once you know enough about the work to say what the exposure is likely to be and
whether it is likely to exceed either the ‘Exposure Action’ or ‘Exposure Limit Value’, focus can shift to investigating, as well as taking practical steps to reduce the
exposure and the risks.” www.bsgltd.co.uk
NEW CLIMATE CONTROL FLEECES
Not only will you stay warm with these new 37.5 Technology Fleeces from Snickers, you’ll look
and feel cool too.
The NEW 37.5 Technology Climate Control Fleeces from
Snickers for professional tradesmen and women.
With styles for both tradesmen and women, they excel at ventilation and moisture transport to keep you
working comfortably wherever you are on site. The 37.5 Technology fabric in the Fleece is a very quickdrying
material that captures and releases moisture vapour for superior coolness and dry working comfort.
So, to make sure you get the right protection, visibility, flexibility, durability and ventilation, check out the
new Snickers Workwear 37.5 Technology Fleeces, to fit your workday. www.snickersworkwear.co.uk
VAN VAULT TACKLES TOOL THEFT
As part of its drive to tackle tool theft crime, Van Vault, the originator of in-vehicle secure
storage, has launched a new product range.
A new highly effective VaultLock locking system has
been introduced to Van Vault’s new product range.
The launch features eight new products offering advanced protection, including the traditional box style
containers and the easy to use drawer sliders – which are unique to the Van Vault brand. Not only has the
product been upgraded, it has also been independently tested and certified by Sold Secure and is
accredited by Secured by Design. All eight Van Vaults were subjected to six different levels of rigorous
attack by trained professionals and were all found to be impenetrable. www.vanvault.co.uk
MODERN FIT FOR PPE FOOTWEAR
Combining a lightweight athletic look and superb safety features, the new OCEAN safety shoe
from Solid Gear is ideal for workers who are constantly on the move.
The OCEAN Safety Shoe from Solid Gear offers precision
safety and comfort.
The shoe’s midsole is made of a poured PU rather than a traditional injected PU to give a more cushioned
feel underfoot, while the thick rubber outsole provides a high level of anti-slip protection and durability. The
shoe’s BOA comfort fastening delivers a better overall fit making it easy to take the shoe on and off. Added
to which, the shoe’s fibreglass toecap and ballistic midsole combine with the other protection features and
anti-static properties to deliver S3 protection. www.solidgearfootwear.com
70 TC APRIL 2019

QUALITY
YOU CAN TRUST
The Weightanka® mobile man anchor provides
the complete solution for short term safety and
low frequency operations and is designed for
use on roofs with up to a 5° pitch.
The system conforms to EN 795 Class, is quick
and easy to assemble and weighs just 250kg.
By using smaller components and with no single
item weighing more than 25kg, Weightanka®
is easy to lift and carry to and from the point
of use. Suitable for use on all roof surfaces,
Weightanka® provides fall protection for a single
worker and fall restraint for two people when
working at least 500mm away from a fall hazard.
Features and Benefits:
• Short term safety for low frequency work
• Does not penetrate the roof membrane
• Suitable for use on various roof types
• Can be used on roofs up to 5° pitch
• Compact design for ease of transportation
• Quick and easy to assemble
• Complies with current regulations,
including BS EN 795.
www.safesite.co.uk
Tel: 01293 529977
Email: info@safesite.co.uk

Business Talk
DEALING WITH HMRC PENALTIES
We take a look at the regimes that HMRC has in place so you can avoid the penalties when
it comes to dealing with your tax obligations...
Taxes are an evil necessity. But it’s for this
reason that HMRC has regimes in place
that are backed by penalties for those who
do not comply with their obligations. Whether the
taxpayer is a person or a business, penalties can
be imposed for a number of reasons – simply
missing a deadline by a day, or for situations
where taxpayers have deliberately sought to
evade tax due, are classic causes.
HMRC issued 1.04 million late filing penalties for
returns due for the 2014/15 tax year. There were
another 1 million late filing penalties issued for
tax returns due for the 2015/16 tax year. And now
it appears that in January (2019), an HMRC
technical glitch meant some taxpayers received
inaccurate payment reminders that led to the
wrong amounts of tax being paid and a fine as a
result.
How HMRC works
It makes sense to understand how HMRC works,
when penalties can be levied and what should be
done if a penalty is received.
The first point to note is that the rules apply to
numerous taxes including Income Tax,
Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE, National Insurance
Contributions, Capital Gains Tax and others. The
rules also allow for different penalties according
to the tax. VAT, for example, allows for a
‘wrongdoing penalty’ where, for example,
someone issues an invoice that includes VAT that
they are not entitled to charge.
The problem for most is that their excuses just
don’t carry any water. HMRC regularly publishes
the most ‘popular’ excuses it receives which, in
“The problem for most
is that their excuses
just don’t carry any
water”
January 2019, included a mother-in-law who was
a witch that “put a curse on me”, “I’m too short
to reach the post box”, “first maid left, my second
maid stole from me, and my third maid was very
slow to learn”, and “my boiler had broken and my
fingers were too cold to type”.
Planning to fail
Tax compliance failures are generally quite easy
to list and as far as HMRC is concerned, include
late filing of tax returns, failure to submit a tax
return, late payment of tax, failure to notify HMRC
of a tax liability (say a tax assessment is too low,
a new source of income, or that a business
should be VAT registered but isn’t), and a failure
to provide information and documents.
Of course, the actual penalty will depend on how
convincing an excuse is and whether the taxpayer
can show that ‘reasonable care’ had been taken in
complying with their obligations. This will be an
uphill task for a penalty-hit taxpayer.
72 TC APRIL 2019

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Business Talk
Errors relating to a tax return
If errors arise with a tax return, HMRC will decide
whether to impose a penalty but they tend to
follow on automatically precisely because the
error was made. However, the penalty will be
graded according to the degree of blame that lies
with the taxpayer. HMRC uses three categories –
‘careless’ – which may involve a maximum
penalty of 30% of the missing tax; ‘deliberate but
not concealed’ – which can mean a maximum
penalty of 70%; or ‘deliberate and concealed’ –
which can lead to a penalty of 100% of the
missing tax, or more if the error is a serious
matter, say fraud or offshore tax matters.
Penalties can be suspended by HMRC, in total or
in part, for up to two years. This doesn’t happen
often, isn’t offered and a taxpayer has to request
it. Whatever is suspended should be agreed and
documented.
Where ‘deliberate’ errors have been found
penalties cannot be suspended. As to what
happens next depends on whether the error was
disclosed by the taxpayer to HMRC and whether
the disclosure was ‘prompted’ (by, say, a visit) or
‘unprompted’ (the taxpayer’s own accord).
Naturally, ‘unprompted’ may lead to leniency.
Most people recognise their obligations and do
their best to comply. In circumstances when they
have taken ‘reasonable care’ and have a
‘reasonable excuse’ HMRC often don’t impose
penalties. But if a penalty is levied it’ll be up to
the taxpayer to prove that a ‘reasonable excuse’
for the failure existed.
It’s interesting to note that ‘reasonable care’ and
‘reasonable excuse’ are not defined by HMRC.
This means the interpretation by a tax officer will
be very subjective and no doubt will differ from
that of the taxpayer.
Of course, there will be times when
circumstances beyond a taxpayer’s control cause
an event that leads to a penalty. Again,
demonstrating a ‘reasonable excuse’ for the
failure may lead to the penalty being waived in
relation to late payment of tax, late filing of tax
Deliberate tax defaulters
HMRC publishes a list of those taxpayers who have
been caught out deliberately defaulting on their tax
paying obligations. On the current list, published
mid-December (2018), is FKP Industrial Ltd of
Bournemouth which specialised in industrial roofing
and cladding. It defaulted on £72,485 between 1
August 2014 and 30 April 2017 and was fined
£50,582; James Philip Edwards, a roofer from
Bangor, who between 6 April 2010 and 5 April 2011
defaulted on £42,165.54 was fined £17,709.52;
“It’s interesting to note
that ‘reasonable care’
and ‘reasonable
excuse’ are not defined
by HMRC”
returns, a failure to notify liability, or a failure to
comply with an HMRC information notice.
Reasonable or not?
So, what is a ‘reasonable excuse’? Guidance from
HMRC allows for a number including a taxpayer’s
close relative or domestic partner passing away
around the time they should have filed their
return or paid tax; a serious illness where the
taxpayer or a close relative falls seriously ill
around the time the tax should have been paid;
unforeseen events which can include delays due
to industrial action or returns or payments being
lost in the post.
As to what might not or will very rarely be
considered a reasonable excuse, HMRC says
these include a deliberate failure to submit a tax
return on time as this act is controlled by the
taxpayer; insufficient funds – but not if the
shortage could not have been reasonably
foreseen by the taxpayer, or the lack of funds is
down to something outside of their control;
reliance on someone else unless it can be shown
that the taxpayer took ‘reasonable care’ to avoid
the compliance failure – hiring a professional
accountant as opposed to a family friend for
example.
and Worcester-based Ultimate Roofing & Loft
Conversions was fined £73,920.70 after defaulting
on £105,601 between 1 February 2013 and 31 July
2016. HMRC points out that it only publishes details
where the taxpayer has not made a full and
immediate disclosure either before or during an
investigation. The information is made publicly
available for a maximum period of 12 months
which means that others in the sector are likely to
have been caught out too.
Also worth noting is that HMRC has the power, in
certain circumstances, to provide a ‘special
reduction’ to a penalty where it can be removed
entirely. These situations are considered on a
case-by-case basis, and HMRC offers no real
definition of what constitutes ‘special
circumstances’.
Another option open to HMRC is to ‘stay’ a
penalty; this effectively delays enforcement of a
penalty. But in exchange, the taxpayer will
probably have to agree some form of compromise
with HMRC.
The tax tribunal
Just because HMRC has levied a penalty doesn’t
mean that a taxpayer must accept it. The system
allows taxpayers a right to appeal a penalty to the
Tax Tribunal, an independent body which will
consider the arguments of both sides –
objectively.
It’s at this point that a taxpayer will have the
opportunity to show that they took ‘reasonable
care’ and can show a ‘reasonable excuse’ or
‘special circumstances’. But considering that
there are no real definitions of these terms this
won’t be easy.
The harsh reality
Quite simply, any taxpayer handed a penalty
levied by HMRC will face a steep uphill climb to
prove that they had a ‘reasonable excuse’ when
the failure occurred. But even if HMRC finds
against the taxpayer, they have the right to
challenge the decision at a tribunal.
74 TC APRIL 2019

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