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June 2019

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JUNE <strong>2019</strong><br />

The Big Question<br />

Contractor’s Qs<br />

NFRC Tech Talk<br />

YOUR FREE MARLEY SUNCREAM SAMPLE!<br />

READ MORE ABOUT STAYING<br />

SAFE IN THE SUN ON P.32!<br />

FEATURES<br />

• SORT IT OUT: HOW CAN WE ENSURE<br />

A CONSISTENT ROOF TILE FINISH?<br />

• MATERIAL GAINS: TOP TIPS FOR<br />

WORKING WITH LEAD<br />

• WATER WAYS: HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY<br />

WATERPROOF RAINWATER OUTLETS<br />

>>> • KNEE PROTECTION • VENTILATION TIPS • CHOOSING INSULATION • >>>


From vents and outlets to edge trims and cappings...<br />

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With over 50 years experience of manufacturing and<br />

distributing renowned brands such as Glasstrim,<br />

Nutrim, V-Trim and Rofycom, Areco has over 40,000<br />

metres of roof edge trim in stock for next day delivery.<br />

A full range of Roof Drains, Termination Bars, Breather<br />

Vents and Paving Supports mean we have the right<br />

product for your project.<br />

Areco also offer a bespoke metal fabrication service<br />

for flashings and wall cappings.<br />

www.areco.co.uk<br />

• technical knowledge and advice<br />

• nationwide express delivery<br />

• competitive rates<br />

tel: 01922 743553<br />

t: 01922 743553 e: sales@areco.co.uk<br />

ARECO, Unit 2A Coppice Park, Coppice Lane, Aldridge, Walsall, West Midlands WS9 9AA


I<br />

V<br />

Editor’s Comment<br />

MATT DOWNS<br />

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR<br />

MATTDOWNS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK<br />

07963 330774<br />

COVER PIC:<br />

COURTESY OF<br />

SR TIMBER<br />

Our Big Question returns this month and with the issue of training<br />

and skills within construction very much still on the agenda, we<br />

asked a number of contributors how manufacturers should<br />

support their contractor / installers’ training needs within roofing.<br />

We all know the old cliché: a product is only as good as the operative<br />

installing it, but it’s true and rarely more relevant than in roofing where<br />

poor installation can leave the contents of a property open to the<br />

elements, causing costly call-backs for contractors and discontent for<br />

end users. Thankfully, as highlighted in our Big Question feature, there’s<br />

a lot of quality support from manufacturers out there for operatives to<br />

make use of. But as the sector continues to develop and contractors’<br />

needs evolve, it’s crucial that manufacturers adapt not only the content<br />

of their training but also the way it is delivered, whether that be through<br />

traditional purpose built academies, online support or site support. It’s<br />

also important that contractors make use of this support and recognise<br />

that training needs to be system-specific. Read more from p.14.<br />

Elsewhere in this issue, in his latest Perfectly Pitched column, John<br />

Mercer takes a look at the big issue of colour shading problems and<br />

inconsistent finishes on tiled roofs from both a manufacturer’s and<br />

roofer’s perspective. This is a problem that is being discussed<br />

throughout the supply chain with differing views on where the blame<br />

lies. It’s an issue which looks set to run with no easy conclusion and<br />

we’d love to hear readers’ thoughts on this issue, so please get in<br />

touch. In the meantime, read John’s views on the situation from p.30.<br />

Enjoy the issue!<br />

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Above: Roofers working with SR Timber’s Premium Gold batten: SR Timber<br />

says rookie contractors need to work with quality materials from day one: p.19.<br />

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JUNE <strong>2019</strong> TC 3


Contents<br />

COVER FEATURES<br />

30 SORT IT OUT!<br />

John Mercer looks at the problem of<br />

inconsistent colour shading on tiled roofs from<br />

a manufacturer’s and contractor’s perspective<br />

42 MATERIAL GAINS<br />

We talk to Matt Timby about working with lead<br />

and hear his top tips to ensure you use this<br />

material to its full potential<br />

52 WATER WAYS<br />

Stuart Hicks explains how to successfully<br />

waterproof a rainwater outlet and prevent<br />

water leaking into the building below<br />

32<br />

FEATURES<br />

14 THE BIG QUESTION<br />

This month we ask how manufacturers can support<br />

contractors’ and installers’ training needs<br />

32 ALL EYES ON SUN SAFETY<br />

Howard Buckley explains why roofers need to protect<br />

both their eyes and skin from UV rays this summer<br />

46 CONTRACTOR’S QS<br />

Jason Wright says you must know your craft, know<br />

your market and have a good accountant...<br />

48 THE NEXT STEP<br />

After 22 years on the tools, John Turner took all that<br />

experience and now uses to help others on projects<br />

62 EWIS AND INSTALLERS<br />

44<br />

The BBA explains the major issues installing contractors<br />

should look out for when working with EWIS<br />

72 CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS<br />

The experts at A. Proctor Group look at the challenges for<br />

contractors when working on facade retention projects<br />

4 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


REGULARS<br />

26 BUSINESS TALK<br />

Employment law changes are on their way; we<br />

take a look at some of the key changes<br />

28 NFRC TECHNICAL TALK<br />

Gary Walpole looks at thermal & condensation<br />

considerations in our latest BS 6229 focus<br />

44 AN INSPECTOR CALLS<br />

This month the Inspector gets on top of the<br />

issues around underlays<br />

70 MATERIAL TALK<br />

Chris Page explores the various types of<br />

insulation and their benefits for flat-top roofs<br />

SECTIONS:<br />

TOTAL<br />

ROOFING<br />

36<br />

TOTAL<br />

CLADDING<br />

62<br />

INDUSTRY NEWS<br />

06 UK ROOFING AWARD WINNERS<br />

We take a look at who won what at the prestigious<br />

UK Roofing Awards <strong>2019</strong><br />

10 ROOFING R-OARS WITH LRWA<br />

The inaugural LRWA Dragon Boat Race raised plenty of<br />

smiles and essential money for the Mind charity<br />

TOTAL<br />

INSULATION<br />

70<br />

VEHICLES, TOOLS<br />

& WORKWEAR<br />

06<br />

76<br />

JUNE <strong>2019</strong> TC 5


Industry News<br />

MID-KENT ROOFING<br />

ACQUISITION<br />

Avonside Group Services has expanded its coverage in<br />

the South East with the acquisition of Mid-Kent Roofing.<br />

Avonside Group Services has announced<br />

the purchase of Mid-Kent Roofing, the<br />

Maidstone-based operation.<br />

Mid-Kent Roofing has been successfully<br />

developed and run by Rob and Lisa Smith.<br />

The business says it excels at offering highstandard<br />

roofing, flat roofing and lead work<br />

services at competitive prices across the<br />

South East UK region.<br />

Mid-Kent Roofing prides itself on offering a<br />

complete “one-stop-shop” professionally<br />

managed service, employing a team of highly<br />

trained and skilled tradespeople, including<br />

bricklayers, scaffolders, carpenters and<br />

painters and decorators to expertly cater for<br />

all project requirements.<br />

Announcing the acquisition, Tony Burke,<br />

Avonside’s Group Managing Director, said:<br />

“This acquisition is a strategically important<br />

one for our Group, as it gives us an<br />

established and credible presence in the Kent<br />

catchment, which has been an objective of<br />

ours for some time.”<br />

He continued: “Rob and Lisa Smith and their<br />

team have an outstanding reputation based<br />

upon consistent delivery to the highest<br />

standards. Their ethos and commitment offer<br />

an excellent match with core Avonside<br />

values.”<br />

In response, Rob Smith commented: “This<br />

development is the obvious next step for the<br />

business and positions us for further growth<br />

and development with our key partner<br />

clients.”<br />

THE BEST ON SHOW AT ROOFING AWARDS<br />

The winners of the UK Roofing Awards <strong>2019</strong>, hosted by the National Federation of Roofing<br />

Contractors (NFRC), were announced at a ceremony hosted by TV host Sarah Beeny at the<br />

InterContinental London-The O2.<br />

The awards are a key date in the roofing sector’s calendar and celebrate the very best in the industry in<br />

all the roofing disciplines, recognising outstanding workmanship, problem-solving, environmental<br />

qualities and contribution to the built environment. The day continues to receive fantastic support from all<br />

its industry sponsors, including BMI and Radmat Building Products, without whom the event would not be<br />

the success it continues to be. Once again, SIG Roofing was Headline Sponsor, demonstrating its<br />

commitment to showcasing excellence in roofing and recognising the achievements of roofing operatives.<br />

The team at Total Contractor would like to congratulate all the winners as well as those shortlisted. You<br />

can see more at www.total-contractor.co.uk, but we’ve listed the winners below:<br />

Roof Slating, sponsored by CUPA PIZARRAS:<br />

M. Camilleri & Sons Roofing – BSK Building,<br />

Clifton College<br />

Roof Tiling, sponsored by ECIC: Richard Soan<br />

Roofing Services – Old Leylands<br />

Heritage Roofing, sponsored by Klober:<br />

Richardson Roofing Co – The Great Pagoda, Royal<br />

Botanic Gardens<br />

Green Roofing: W Hughes & Son – The Flower<br />

Bowl Entertainment Centre<br />

Sheeting & Cladding / Rainscreen, sponsored<br />

by Kingspan Insulated Panels: Prater working<br />

with BEMO – No.1 Court at The All England Lawn<br />

Tennis Club<br />

Fully Supported Metal Roofing, sponsored by<br />

ALM: Richardson Roofing Co – Ludgate House<br />

Lead Roofing, sponsored by ALM: D Harkin &<br />

Co Roofing – McArthur Hall, Methodist College<br />

Single Ply Roofing, sponsored by EJOT:<br />

Progressive Systems – The Dunes<br />

Liquid Applied Waterproofing & Hot-Melt:<br />

Makers Construction – The Water Gardens<br />

Mastic Asphalt, sponsored by SIKA: Sussex<br />

Asphalte – North Courtyard, St Paul’s Cathedral<br />

Reinforced Bitumen Membranes, sponsored<br />

by SIKA: Mitie Tilley Roofing – Unit 800 Aztec<br />

West<br />

James Talman, NFRC Chief Executive, addresses the<br />

attendees at the UK Roofing Awards <strong>2019</strong>.<br />

Small Scale Project (Under £25k): Emerton<br />

Roofing (Western) – Octagonal Tower<br />

Large Scale Project (Over £250k), sponsored<br />

by Marley: Barclay Roofing working with IKO PLC<br />

– Stephenson Building, Abbey Hill Academy<br />

Product Innovation, Sponsored by EagleView:<br />

Engie Regeneration working with Langley<br />

Structures for Turkey Street<br />

Roof of the Year, sponsored by SIG Roofing:<br />

Richardson Roofing Co – Ludgate House<br />

Industry Choice, sponsored by Radmat<br />

Building Products: Mitie Tilley Roofing – Unit<br />

800 Aztec West<br />

Local Hero Award: Ben Large, BPL Roofing<br />

NFRC Health & Safety Champion 2018: Peter<br />

Baker, Avonside Group<br />

Young Roofer of the Year Award, sponsored by<br />

BMI UK & Ireland: Blake Edgell, J Randall<br />

Roofing Contractors.<br />

6 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


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Industry News<br />

SPRA MEMBERS ASSIST WITH MATERIALS<br />

Many of SPRA members have generously<br />

donated materials to SPRA for use on SPRA<br />

training courses, in particular the new Single ply<br />

Awareness Training (SAT) course that is now<br />

available through SPRA.<br />

Such materials add lots of value to training<br />

courses as trainees are able to handle materials,<br />

tools and equipment which helps them to<br />

understand single ply roofing components, roof<br />

installation and site health and safety. So far,<br />

MSN Latchways, Apollo, Danosa, BMI Icopal and<br />

Renolit have all donated materials from fall arrest<br />

systems to single ply membrane and adhesives.<br />

More has been promised by Bauder and Soprema.<br />

Mark Thornton, SPRA Training Manager said: “We<br />

are very grateful to receive donations from members<br />

to support our training courses and programmes. It<br />

really makes a difference to the courses and<br />

Marley has hosted free courses at its training<br />

centre in Burton to help contractors stay up to<br />

date with the latest safety requirements and<br />

reduce the risk of falls on site.<br />

Delivered by Midland Roof Training, the two halfday<br />

courses included an overview of working at<br />

height legislation and gave advice on risk<br />

assessment and fall prevention. The training also<br />

covered specific issues for roofing contractors,<br />

such as safe ladder use, edge protection, fragile<br />

roofs, rooflights and using battens as a foothold.<br />

Stuart Nicholson, Marley, explained: “Since the<br />

introduction of the Work at Height regulations in<br />

2005, the UK has had lower accident levels than<br />

many other countries in Europe. However, falls<br />

from height have still been the most common<br />

cause of fatal injury of workers in the past five<br />

years. Therefore, we welcome the improvements<br />

recommended by the Working at Height All-Party<br />

Parliamentary Group and are pleased that the<br />

report has brought attention to the important<br />

enhances the experience for the learners.”<br />

Cathie Clarke, SPRA CEO, said: “Over the last three<br />

years, the SPRA team have worked extremely hard<br />

to create a true career path of training for those<br />

working in the single ply industry. This is a terrific<br />

commitment to the skills crisis and sets us apart<br />

from other industries. Along with our manufacturer<br />

members, SPRA now offers free online training,<br />

approved short courses, a specialist programme<br />

for apprentices and now training for managers and<br />

professionals. We have also been able to offer<br />

additional funding for some of our training, and I<br />

would urge all those installers working without<br />

qualifications or certification to ensure access to<br />

site and contact SPRA to take advantage of our<br />

training programmes.”<br />

SPRA training course details can be found at<br />

www.spra.co.uk.<br />

MARLEY SHINES A LIGHT ON HEIGHT SAFETY<br />

For more information about Marley’s training courses for<br />

contractors, visit www.marley.co.uk.<br />

issue of fall prevention. Working at heights safety<br />

is critical in all parts of the construction sector,<br />

but particularly in roofing. Roofers will be all too<br />

aware of the stories that feature regularly in trade<br />

media about tragic roof accidents and as a<br />

manufacturer, as well as ensuring our products<br />

meet the highest quality and safety standards,<br />

we want to help contractors take all steps<br />

necessary to assess risk, prevent falls and<br />

improve reporting. The training was really<br />

informative and if the course helps to prevent<br />

even one injury, then it will have been<br />

successful.”<br />

TRAIN TO GAIN WITH<br />

KLOBER’S COURSES<br />

Klober’s <strong>2019</strong> training dates can be viewed at<br />

http://klober.co.uk/page/training-and-events.<br />

Klober’s long-standing commitment to<br />

training both contractors and merchants<br />

continues throughout <strong>2019</strong> with its training<br />

days at its Castle Donington site.<br />

The training days cover roof ventilation<br />

theory, while also allowing plenty of time<br />

for valuable practical experience in fitting<br />

products on the company’s training rigs.<br />

Up-to-date changes in Standards and<br />

regulations are also covered.<br />

A typical course includes an overview of<br />

roofing ventilation requirements;<br />

condensation problems and ventilation<br />

solutions; and it also covers working with<br />

dry-fix roofing; battens and interlocking<br />

tiles on gable roofs; universal roof vents;<br />

eaves ventilation; Permo air and Sepa light<br />

underlays and practical fixing. The courses<br />

are free-of-charge and include a buffet<br />

lunch and refreshments.<br />

The company can also offer flexible dates<br />

and deliver on-site and in-house training<br />

sessions by arrangement.<br />

The training programme is a part of a<br />

wider strategy to help upskill the industry,<br />

which has seen Klober also sponsoring and<br />

supporting SkillBuild. The company has<br />

supplied materials for competitors to<br />

install on the competition rigs for the finals<br />

and the Roof Slating and Tiling heats in the<br />

Regional Qualifiers that precede them.<br />

Klober technical staff were also on hand to<br />

lend support.<br />

8 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


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Industry News<br />

TOP LEADWORKER<br />

CROWNED<br />

Shane White of SW Leadworks has been<br />

crowned Leadworker of the Year <strong>2019</strong>.<br />

The competition, now in its eighth year, is<br />

sponsored by the Lead Sheet Training Academy,<br />

which specialises in training those using lead<br />

or hard metals in the construction industry.<br />

Competitors were required to send in a<br />

portfolio showcasing their work before seven<br />

talented finalists were invited to attend a<br />

two-day practical assessment at the LSTA’s<br />

Training Centre in East Peckham, Kent. The<br />

competitors were required to complete a<br />

series of tasks over identical model roof<br />

sections, all under the watchful eye of a<br />

panel of expert judges.<br />

The LSTA’s General Manager Nick DuGard<br />

said: “We were delighted to stage the LSTA<br />

Leadworker of the Year competition this year<br />

and the response from entrants was<br />

fantastic. The skills test over the two days<br />

was exacting but the standard of work was<br />

extremely high. The first test included<br />

bossing an outlet and on the second day the<br />

competition ramped up with a test to deliver<br />

a piece of work with double-break corners.<br />

We would like to thank everyone who took<br />

part and to congratulate Shane on winning<br />

this prestigious award.”<br />

The judges’ task was challenging but Shane’s<br />

excellent work stood out, with the judges<br />

praising his attention to detail and the<br />

craftsmanship evident in his work. With his<br />

grandfather being a blacksmith and his uncle<br />

having worked with lead, metalwork is<br />

something that he feels “almost runs in my<br />

blood”. He now runs his own business, holds<br />

a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Heritage Skills and<br />

has a true passion for lead roofing, saying<br />

that he loves his work.<br />

https://leadsheet.co.uk/<br />

RAISING THE SKILLS BAR WITH RES-TEC<br />

Roof Depot has announced the launch of a<br />

monthly Res-Tec training course.<br />

Taking place at Roof Depot’s National Training<br />

Centre in Coventry, the courses will be delivered<br />

by Res-Tec specialists and will allow attendees to<br />

learn all about Res-Tec’s Flexitec 2020 System.<br />

The schedule for the courses will consist of theory<br />

sessions which will include an introduction to the<br />

product, an overview of the application manual,<br />

information about when the product should be<br />

used as an overlay system and a number of<br />

question and answer opportunities.<br />

It will also include multiple shared and individual<br />

practical sessions including application of<br />

Flexitec 2020 Primer to roofing felt, individual rig<br />

application, 1st and 2nd coat Flexitec 2020 resin<br />

application, and application of an anti-slip finish.<br />

On successful completion of the course,<br />

attendees will:<br />

• Learn the benefits, best practice installation<br />

and application techniques of the product firsthand.<br />

On 2nd May <strong>2019</strong>, the Crowne Plaza Hotel in<br />

Marlow, Buckinghamshire, played host to<br />

the LRWA’s first Charity Dragon Boat<br />

Regatta.<br />

Open to everyone in the roofing and<br />

waterproofing industry, the event attracted 110<br />

people, including contractors and<br />

manufacturers from across the UK.<br />

The regatta was launched to raise vital funds<br />

for the LRWA’s nominated charity, Mind. Thanks<br />

to the efforts of all those involved, more than<br />

£1,400 has been raised so far, but with<br />

donations still coming in, this figure is set to<br />

rise even further.<br />

Following some impressive displays of paddle<br />

Roof Depot has launched a monthly Res-Tec training course.<br />

• Become a Res-Tec FlexiTec 2020 approved<br />

installer.<br />

• Be able to offer their customers an exclusive<br />

20-year guarantee.<br />

• Be presented with training certificates.<br />

• Receive a take-home pack which includes an<br />

application manual, FlexiTec 2020 clothing and a<br />

trained installer van sticker.<br />

Courses cost £75.00 + VAT per person. Places<br />

on a course can be booked by calling the Roof<br />

Depot sales team on 02476 707700, find out<br />

more at https://www.roofdepot.co.uk/<br />

ROOFING R-OARS AT LRWA BOAT RACE!<br />

Proteus Spartans (Proteus Waterproofing) emerged victorious<br />

taking the gold medal in the LRWA’s Dragon Boat Race.<br />

power, Proteus Spartans (Proteus<br />

Waterproofing) emerged victorious taking the<br />

gold medal. Team Popeye (London Seamless<br />

Flat Roofing) picked up silver and Moy Story<br />

(Moy Materials) went home with the bronze<br />

medal.<br />

10 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


Handrails:- EasyGuard<br />

free-standing Guardrails<br />

*CurveyGuard – an aesthetically pleasing curved rail.<br />

*EasyGuard – raked or straight legs dependant on<br />

application. *FoldGuard – folding handrail.<br />

Trip hazard reduction – long thin base-plates with<br />

Counterweights used on un-secured ends only. Placed at 2m<br />

centres maximum to enable use for leading edge protection.<br />

Galvanised or powder coated finish. Protective mats 5mm<br />

bonded to the base plates.<br />

Standards – Exceeds Class A EN13374- Class A; For<br />

leading edge protection HSE/SR 15, September 1988.<br />

Nationwide delivery or contract installation. – Free material<br />

quantifying service – info@safetyworksandsolutions.co.uk<br />

Ladders:- Easy Fit<br />

Compliant to both BS/EN 5395 and 14122 –<br />

To comply with the standards for<br />

permanent ladders all mild steel then hot<br />

dipped galvanised to BS/EN 1461.<br />

All typical ladders bespoke – email<br />

info@safetyworksandsolutions.co.uk for a<br />

survey check sheet.<br />

Easy Fit, all ladder components are Easy<br />

to assembly; in manageable parts Easy to<br />

handle and install.<br />

Rest Platforms and ladders with special<br />

fixing requirements; solutions provided by<br />

Safetyworks in house.<br />

(All components for British Standard<br />

compliant ladders require steel components<br />

with timber and aluminium recommended<br />

for temporary use only)<br />

HANDRAILS<br />

-<br />

LIFELINES<br />

-<br />

WALKWAYS<br />

-<br />

FALL GUARDS<br />

-<br />

FLEXIDECK<br />

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DEMARKATION<br />

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LADDERS<br />

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STEELWORK<br />

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Tel: 01487 841400<br />

www.safetyworksandsolutions.co.uk


Industry News<br />

FMB: CUT VAT ON<br />

HOME IMPROVEMENT<br />

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB)<br />

is calling for the Government to cut the<br />

VAT on home improvement work following<br />

official data from the ONS<br />

While there has been a rise in output over the<br />

first quarter of the year, construction output<br />

decreased month-on-month by 1.9% and the<br />

repair and maintenance series fell to its<br />

lowest level since December 2018,<br />

experiencing a fall of 3.1% compared to the<br />

previous month.<br />

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation<br />

of Master Builders, said: “It’s not at all<br />

surprising that construction output has<br />

dropped at the end of the first quarter of this<br />

year, given the unprecedented political<br />

uncertainty we’ve been facing. To get us<br />

through these turbulent times, the<br />

Government must be bold in its thinking<br />

when it comes to supporting the economy<br />

bucking any downward turn. One course of<br />

action would be to cut VAT on work in the<br />

home improvement and private domestic<br />

sectors from 20% to 5%”<br />

Berry continued: “A cut in VAT would help<br />

stimulate demand from homeowners<br />

resulting in more work for the thousands of<br />

small to medium-sized construction<br />

companies which would help support local<br />

economies and increase training<br />

opportunities. This is all the more important<br />

given that the FMB’s own State of Trade<br />

Survey for Q1 <strong>2019</strong> saw the first dip in<br />

workloads for small builders in six years.”<br />

Berry concluded: “Cutting VAT would also be<br />

an important step to help encourage more<br />

retrofits of our existing buildings to make<br />

them more energy efficient and deliver a cut<br />

in carbon emissions.”<br />

IBSTOCK RECOGNISES ITS TRUE IDENTITY<br />

Ibstock – whose range of solutions include<br />

Forticrete clay roof tiles – has announced the<br />

launch of a new brand identity which it says<br />

will ensure the breadth of the company’s<br />

extensive product and service offering is more<br />

clearly recognised.<br />

The new logo and corporate strapline – ‘At the<br />

heart of building’ – has been introduced following<br />

extensive research with customers and Ibstock<br />

employees.<br />

Research determined the need to update and<br />

refresh the brand to give Ibstock a more coherent<br />

and cohesive voice in the building products<br />

marketplace and to better align the brand with the<br />

full and varied scope of the business.<br />

The new logo features a hexagonal device at its<br />

centre, a shape chosen to symbolise strength,<br />

flexibility and efficiency. Surrounding the hexagon<br />

is a framework that represents Ibstock’s core<br />

values of innovation, people, community and<br />

sustainability. The logo is complemented by the<br />

new strapline, which is said to put Ibstock at the<br />

centre of the conversation on design,<br />

modernisation and innovation in its sector.<br />

Joe Hudson, CEO of Ibstock, said: “We have made<br />

a significant investment over recent years to<br />

develop and evolve the Ibstock group of<br />

Ibstock has established itself ‘At the heart of building’.<br />

companies, with a clear strategy on delivering<br />

customer value and service excellence.<br />

“While some customers recognise the full breadth<br />

of what the Group can offer, there is a huge<br />

opportunity to improve understanding and<br />

increase brand awareness further. We need an<br />

identity that is fit for the future and reflects our<br />

innovation and energy, but also presents a<br />

consistent and co-ordinated Ibstock brand across<br />

our complete range of products. We think this new<br />

brand identity and strapline gives us that.”<br />

Annette Forster, Group Marketing Director for<br />

Ibstock, commented: “The new branding and<br />

corporate strapline underscore the breadth of our<br />

product range and Ibstock’s place at the heart of<br />

the industry. The new logo gives the business one<br />

look and feel that brings every aspect of our<br />

company and service offering together and<br />

encapsulates the passion of our people.”<br />

NWRTG CELEBRATES WITH WELSH SLATE<br />

Welsh Slate supplied the<br />

North West Roof Training<br />

Group (NWRTG) with a<br />

trophy of circular honed<br />

slate to celebrate its<br />

Roofing Apprentice of the<br />

Year competition at Bolton<br />

College.<br />

The winner was Bradley Heffron of P Duckworth<br />

Roofing Services of Middleton, Manchester, who<br />

has finished his NVQ Level 2 ahead of time.<br />

L-r: Joanne Green, Director of Quality at Bolton<br />

College, Bradley Heffron and Sue Wharton.<br />

“The slating job he completed<br />

was super and we are very<br />

grateful to Welsh Slate for<br />

their support of the roofing<br />

apprenticeship movement,”<br />

said Group Training Officer<br />

Sue Wharton.<br />

The presentation came at the<br />

end of National Apprenticeship Week which was<br />

marked by the group with the launch of a new<br />

apprentice training facility, the DMR Roofing<br />

Academy, run in Wigan by DMR.<br />

12 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


ROOFING<br />

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O N E R O O F<br />

1 5<br />

•<br />

Y E A R S<br />

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R A N G E<br />

E X T E N S I V E<br />

ONE WARRANTY<br />

Peace of mind for you and your customers<br />

• Enhances your business<br />

• Applies to flat and pitched roofs<br />

• Broad range of market-leading products and accessories included<br />

• 15 year warranty<br />

• Reassuringly simple – sign up online<br />

www.sigroofing.co.uk/onewarranty<br />

SERVICE<br />

PRODUCT<br />

STOCK<br />

FINANCE<br />

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED<br />

www.sigroofing.co.uk


Industry News<br />

BRACKNELL ROOFING FOCUSES ON SKILLS WITH TOP TEN NVQS<br />

Ten employees and subcontractors at<br />

Bracknell Roofing have already completed<br />

their Slating and Tiling NVQs this year – as the<br />

company continues to drive forward with its<br />

programme of investing in its people to<br />

develop the skills needed for the continued<br />

growth of the business.<br />

All ten – who are high-quality roof tilers and slaters<br />

from across the company’s nationwide network of<br />

branches – achieved their Level 2 accreditations.<br />

As well as developing key slating and tiling skills,<br />

Bracknell Roofing – which is part of Avonside Group<br />

Services – has also been investing in its contracting<br />

teams at its seven offices across England. Two<br />

people recently completed Level 6 Construction<br />

Contracting Operations Management<br />

NVQs, and three are currently working<br />

towards the accreditation.<br />

Freddie Wade from the company’s<br />

South Coast branch and Luke Redgate<br />

from the Midlands branch have also<br />

completed their Level 6 while Mark Ford, Daniel<br />

Walker and Andrew Cramp are all studying for it.<br />

Commenting on all the achievements, Simon<br />

Smith, Divisional Director, explained: “Having ten<br />

people complete their Slating and Tiling Level NVQs<br />

already this year is the headline story because it<br />

highlights the importance the business places on<br />

continually developing arguably the most essential<br />

core skill for our business. This sends a strong<br />

Simon Smith, Bracknell Roofing’s MD.<br />

message to everyone who works with<br />

Bracknell Roofing – such as<br />

housebuilders and suppliers – that<br />

we place the continued development of<br />

core roofing skills at the heart of what we<br />

do. But our investment in our people is more wide<br />

reaching than that and extends to every facet of<br />

what we do because it’s of paramount importance<br />

to the future of Bracknell Roofing. This programme<br />

is delivering great results for the business and is<br />

very well supported by the senior management<br />

team who recognise the value of developing our<br />

people to ensure that the business can continue<br />

to deliver projects of the highest quality, safely<br />

and to budget for our customers.”<br />

HOW SHOULD MANUFACTURERS<br />

SUPPORT YOUR TRAINING NEEDS?<br />

Total Contractor puts its latest Big Question to the market...<br />

Mat Woodyatt, Technical Training<br />

Manager, BMI UK & Ireland.<br />

In this day and age it really is incumbent upon<br />

each and every manufacturer to provide<br />

comprehensive training on how to install their<br />

roofing systems – an instruction sheet in the<br />

packaging is simply not enough.<br />

If these systems are innovative and high<br />

performance then manufacturers should make<br />

sure that customers have the tools and the training<br />

that they need. Each system is designed to be<br />

installed in a certain way to perform at its best and<br />

to comply with the relevant British Standards.<br />

Although products are now often simple to apply,<br />

best practice is essential to get it right first time and<br />

every time. And that’s where training comes in.<br />

Our customers need training that is short, practical<br />

and cost-effective. They want to see the results<br />

and the improvement in their staff as soon as they<br />

come back to site. And that’s the focus for all that<br />

we do at our National Training Centre – supporting<br />

the improvement of standards of workmanship<br />

across the industry and the quality of the installed<br />

roof. We make sure our knowledge is always up-todate<br />

and that we can share this, along with our<br />

experience of specific details and systems.<br />

Trainees are welcome at our fully equipped facility<br />

in Gloucestershire, yet our role is to deliver<br />

training where it’s needed. Meaning, if you have a<br />

job that involves using one of our systems with<br />

which you are unfamiliar, then we can come to<br />

site. We can demonstrate best practice and how<br />

all the elements of the roofing system operate.<br />

Bespoke training, tailored to the needs of the<br />

customer and the project in hand, is an important<br />

element in our work – as it should be. As<br />

manufacturers we have to support contractors by<br />

providing training that fits into the work<br />

programme. Our short, focussed courses are<br />

directly relevant to the job and can give operatives<br />

the updates they need on the newer technologies.<br />

The role of a manufacturer’s training team is<br />

becoming more important because of changes<br />

that we have seen over the past few years in<br />

traditional, college-based training.<br />

Manufacturers now have to step up to the mark<br />

because many colleges are held back by budget<br />

cuts and time restraints. Tutors often cannot either<br />

afford or get hold of the new materials and so can’t<br />

teach how to use them. This is also where we<br />

come in. We support colleges and roofing tutors in<br />

every way we can. Not only do we provide<br />

materials so they can teach apprentices how to use<br />

them, but we also deliver demonstrations and<br />

hands-on sessions. We also go beyond just training<br />

by encouraging excellence with competitions such<br />

as our BMI Apprentice of the Year.<br />

In short, manufacturers can and should do an<br />

awful lot to support contractors through training –<br />

but they need to make it relevant, effective and<br />

worthwhile for the contractor.<br />

www.bmigroup.com/uk<br />

14 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


New name,<br />

serious roofing heritage<br />

Redhill 1936<br />

<strong>2019</strong> see’s BMI Redland celebrate 100 years of concrete tile production<br />

and we’re proud to look back even further to 1837, when our first<br />

Rosemary clay tile was made. Ever since we’ve been delivering innovative<br />

roofing and waterproofing systems. Now as BMI we continue this work<br />

by providing shelter, protection and peace of mind for architects, roofers,<br />

building and homeowners alike - through roofs that are designed to<br />

transform the way people live and work.<br />

bmigroup.com/uk<br />

Providing total roofing solutions


The Big Question<br />

Charles Shaw, Hire & Construction<br />

Division Manager at Makita<br />

Safety should be the number one priority for all<br />

tradespeople – and a huge part of keeping<br />

construction sites safe is making sure that<br />

everyone is comprehensively trained to the right<br />

level. For power tool manufacturers in particular,<br />

we need to go beyond a product’s features and<br />

benefits and how to use them; any training<br />

should also cover wider health and safety issues,<br />

such as the importance of dust extraction and<br />

using low vibration tools.<br />

The Provisions and Use of Work Equipment<br />

Regulations 1998 state that everyone who uses,<br />

supervises or manages the use of equipment<br />

(including machinery, apparatus, appliances,<br />

tools or installation) needs to receive adequate<br />

training, covering the associated risks and<br />

precautions that should be taken to improve user<br />

safety and welfare.<br />

Staying up-to-date on training is therefore a legal<br />

requirement, and those on site need to make sure<br />

they are up to speed on how to use equipment<br />

safely. Consequently, Makita offers one-day City<br />

& Guilds accredited courses that cover the correct<br />

and safe use of handheld power tools.<br />

The company also runs ‘train the<br />

trainer’ qualifications – a two-day<br />

City & Guilds course that is ideal for<br />

larger contractors, as they can then<br />

carry out in-house training.<br />

It is important that product and more general<br />

safety training is offered to tradespeople from day<br />

one – that is why Makita also offers free on-site<br />

Be Safe training sessions for colleges and<br />

apprentice programmes. Teaching about the risks<br />

of using power tools and the precautions that<br />

should be taken early on in someone’s career will<br />

better engrain a safety-first approach. That said,<br />

it is recommended that refresher courses are also<br />

completed regularly to ensure that operatives are<br />

up-to-date on any changes to legislation, new<br />

products and innovations.<br />

Making training courses accessible – both<br />

geographically and demographically – is also<br />

important. Makita has three Factory Service<br />

Centres located in London, Milton Keynes and<br />

Glasgow. Each Factory Service Centre has the full<br />

range of Makita tools on site and the necessary<br />

facilities for visitors to gain practical experience<br />

on the tools, as well as learn the required<br />

Charles Shaw, Hire & Construction Division<br />

Manager at Makita.<br />

theoretical background. The Makita<br />

team will also conduct Toolbox<br />

training sessions on site, working<br />

closely with customers to assist with<br />

managing and reducing on-site risks whilst<br />

delivering short but effective training<br />

presentations on a range of popular safety topics.<br />

Makita can also tailor training courses, to make<br />

sure that they are directly applicable to those<br />

attending. For example, the Makita team will<br />

adapt training sessions to the necessary sector –<br />

so roofers can receive training specific to their<br />

trade and the environment that they work in.<br />

As well as training on how to use products, it is<br />

vital that tradespeople are aware of the wider<br />

risks associated with the use of power tools such<br />

as dust inhalation, noise and vibration. Makita<br />

offers a range of courses both on the use of its<br />

tools and wider safety and welfare issues, and is<br />

proud to have trained over 3,200 attendees<br />

across 340 courses via its in-house and external<br />

support teams in 2018.<br />

www.makitauk.com<br />

Mark Monk, Training Manager at Sika<br />

Liquid Plastics.<br />

However skilled-up a contractor might think they<br />

are, there is always room to consider new ideas<br />

and learn new methods. This is how the very best<br />

in any given profession stay ahead of the<br />

competition. Sika is committed to ensuring<br />

projects are delivered successfully and<br />

understands the need for better-qualified roofing<br />

contractors, which is why it provides a range of<br />

training courses at its purpose-built training<br />

academy in Preston.<br />

The two-day training course is designed<br />

exclusively for quality assured (QA) contractors<br />

and focuses on the correct application and<br />

installation techniques of Sika Liquid Plastics<br />

roofing systems. It combines a mixture of theory,<br />

demonstrations, videos and hands-on practical<br />

application work. All trainees finish with a<br />

theory-based test to ensure they have<br />

listened and learnt throughout the<br />

course.<br />

Feedback on all contractors<br />

participating on the course is passed on to<br />

Sika Field Technicians around the country who<br />

monitor the project sites and assess their work<br />

performance. A contractor’s Sika ‘trained’ card<br />

can be upgraded to a ‘skilled’ card following<br />

further assessment from a Field Technician. A<br />

training support vehicle is available for on-site<br />

training in an aftercare capacity, so that Sika can<br />

provide installers with further training or product<br />

updates as needed.<br />

From the minute contractors start the training to<br />

when the roof they are installing is signed off,<br />

they are supported by the Sika Roofing<br />

Mark Monk, Training Manager, Sika Liquid<br />

Plastics.<br />

Applications team who will ensure a<br />

product is installed to the correct<br />

specification. Guarantees of 15, 20<br />

and 25 years can then be issued<br />

depending on the roofing system installed.<br />

Such is the success of the course, Sika Liquid<br />

Plastics is the worthy recipient of the LRWA<br />

(Liquid Roofing & Waterproofing Association)<br />

trainer of the year award with more than 399<br />

contractors having completed training in the past<br />

twelve months alone.<br />

Sika has the products, the customer service and<br />

the levels of guarantee, but knows full well that<br />

the products are only as good the contractors that<br />

apply them.<br />

www. gbr.liquidplastics.sika.com<br />

16 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


Exceeding<br />

expectations<br />

Our prefabricated modular<br />

skylights are revolutionising<br />

commercial roof design<br />

and installation.<br />

Faster<br />

Install three times faster<br />

than traditional skylights<br />

Safer<br />

Reduced workers at height<br />

and no scaffolding required<br />

Easier<br />

Unique pre-fabricated flashing and<br />

components offer a simple, easy install<br />

VELUX Modular Skylights are built to the highest quality & carry a 10 year warranty<br />

Available in mono and self-supporting duo pitch for flat and slope roofs, VELUX Modular Skylights are available with integral<br />

blinds, comfort ventilation and smoke ventilation options.<br />

Find out more at<br />

commercial.velux.co.uk


The Big Question<br />

David Cassell, Training Manager, Marley.<br />

The ongoing skills shortage and increasingly<br />

stringent roof fixing requirements mean that<br />

contractor training is more important than ever. In<br />

recent years, roofing has become more technically<br />

complex and changes to British Standards,<br />

particularly BS 5534:2014, have placed greater<br />

pressure on contractors to make sure roofs are<br />

installed correctly. Their fixing knowledge is also<br />

expected to be wider as items that were previously<br />

thought of just as commodity products, like battens<br />

and underlay, have now assumed greater<br />

importance within the roof system.<br />

This means that contractors have faced a<br />

significant amount of change in the past five years<br />

and have had to update their knowledge on the<br />

whole roof system. Therefore, technical and<br />

training support from manufacturers has become<br />

increasingly important, as a way of keeping roofers<br />

up to date with new products and regulations.<br />

Alongside formal training courses, manufacturer<br />

training is a valuable free resource, particularly for<br />

apprentices and new starters. Manufacturers<br />

should be providing hands-on product<br />

training, advice on installing to the<br />

latest British Standards and support<br />

with other industry developments. This<br />

shouldn’t just focus on tiles and fixings, but<br />

on the whole roof system.<br />

Every year, hundreds of people working in the<br />

roofing sector attend our free training courses to<br />

widen their skills base and keep up to date on new<br />

innovations and regulatory changes in a rapidly<br />

changing industry. Our roofing product knowledge<br />

and dry fix courses are ideal for apprentices and<br />

new roofers and those upskilling from other trades,<br />

while our roof system estimating course is very<br />

popular among roofing contractors. We also<br />

recently held a health and safety course to update<br />

contractors on the latest legal requirements.<br />

Manufacturer expertise can also be an important<br />

element of formal training courses. During <strong>2019</strong>,<br />

we are continuing to provide training support at<br />

Leeds College of Building and West College<br />

Scotland (WCS) at Paisley, both of which provide<br />

excellent training for the next generation of roofers.<br />

David Cassell, Training Manager, Marley.<br />

However, while manufacturer training<br />

is a valuable resource, it doesn’t always<br />

help contractors on a daily basis as they<br />

come across new installation challenges on site.<br />

Therefore, it is important that manufacturers also<br />

provide dedicated technical support to help roofers<br />

on an ongoing basis. Our technical advisory service<br />

means that roofers are only ever a phone call away<br />

from a roofing expert who can help them with any<br />

pitched roofing query, as well as providing free<br />

specifications and estimates. The free Roofing<br />

Sitework Guide app is also very popular and gives<br />

contractors information about good roofing practice<br />

and correct installation instructions at their<br />

fingertips.<br />

As contractors’ training needs continue to evolve, it<br />

is important that manufacturers listen to their<br />

customers and continue to adapt both the content<br />

and the way that training is delivered to meet<br />

these changing requirements.<br />

www.marley.co.uk/training<br />

Mark Parsons, Technical Director at<br />

Russell Roof Tiles.<br />

Improved roofing products as well as evolving<br />

legislation means contractors’ needs are<br />

constantly changing. Therefore, manufacturers<br />

have an important role to play in advising and<br />

supporting them to ensure they are installing the<br />

best roofing solution.<br />

At Russell Roof Tiles, we know all too well how<br />

pivotal contractor support is. As a leading roof tile<br />

manufacturer, our technical team currently<br />

receives numerous queries a day asking for<br />

guidance. As contractors often need advice<br />

quickly while on the job and sometimes, even<br />

while on the roof, it is important to respond in a<br />

quick and timely manner. The provision of<br />

guidelines when a contractor specifies products<br />

allows them to have key information to hand from<br />

the start of a project.<br />

Technical expertise can also make contractors<br />

aware of new guidelines which may<br />

affect the products they use or how<br />

they install the roof. For instance,<br />

the British Standards for Slating and<br />

Tiling covers all aspects of pitched<br />

roofing and sets out product<br />

requirements to ensure UK building<br />

regulations are followed. The NHBC also<br />

identifies and reviews yearly technical<br />

requirements for housebuilding, including roofs. A<br />

credible manufacturer should ensure their<br />

customers are following these requirements at all<br />

times.<br />

But training and educating contractors is just<br />

as important as technical support. Russell Roof<br />

Tiles has invested heavily over the years in a<br />

number of training initiatives. This has<br />

included the opening of a brand-new training<br />

centre in 2016, which broadens contractors’<br />

wider understanding of pitched roofing<br />

materials and concrete roofing solutions, in a<br />

Mark Parsons, Russell Roof Tiles.<br />

small classroom environment.<br />

Russell Roof Tiles also recently<br />

became part of the RIBA CPD<br />

Providers Network, informing and<br />

educating architects and specifiers on the<br />

importance of sustainability within roofing and<br />

the long-lasting and environment credentials of<br />

concrete tiles.<br />

Whether it is training or technical expertise,<br />

support can provide invaluable benefits to the<br />

contractor. Strong product knowledge and a<br />

commitment to best practice is key to any project<br />

and contractors can be safe in the knowledge that<br />

they received expert advice which they can utilise<br />

throughout their projects. This will ultimately<br />

prevent mistakes being made which will in turn<br />

guarantee sustainable roofing solutions in the<br />

future.<br />

www.russellrooftiles.co.uk<br />

18 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


Shaun Revill, SR Timber’s Trading<br />

Director.<br />

You can’t expect a trainee Ferrari mechanic to<br />

keep practising on an old Vauxhall Nova, they need<br />

to work with high-quality materials from the off.<br />

And it’s this train of thought that has seen our<br />

business place importance on donating roofing<br />

batten, including our flagship Premium Gold, to<br />

colleges so that young people learn from the<br />

outset what it’s like working with quality,<br />

compliant products.<br />

Yes, it’s a cost to our business, but it’s one we’re<br />

happy to cover because it’s a great opportunity to<br />

introduce our products to the next generation of<br />

slaters and tilers who will see what the industry<br />

standard looks like. They will get to work with it,<br />

understand its characteristics and know its<br />

capabilities.<br />

Even if they don’t become aware of the British<br />

Standard straight away, the key point is that they<br />

Cathie Clarke, CEO, Single Ply Roofing<br />

Association.<br />

The Single Ply Roofing Association and its members<br />

have always understood and supported training as<br />

the route to quality roof installations. Indeed, SPRA<br />

membrane manufacturers are required to train their<br />

approved installers, keep records of those installers<br />

and constantly monitor their quality through<br />

assessment. The specialist roofing industry has led<br />

the way in manufacturer training for many years.<br />

Manufacturers have a key role to play in maintaining<br />

quality and standards in all construction sectors and<br />

the roofing industry is leading the way when it<br />

comes to supporting and delivering quality training.<br />

In 2015 SPRA joined forces with the National<br />

Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), the Lead<br />

Contractors Association (LCA) and the Liquid<br />

Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) to<br />

develop the Basic Competency Programme (BCP), a<br />

project funded by the CITB.<br />

The BCP was created to formally recognise and<br />

quality assure manufacturer training in our industry<br />

by mapping it across to the Level 2 roofing NVQ in<br />

will be able to tell batten that’s graded<br />

to BS 5534:2014 + A2:2018 and<br />

therefore spot inferior batten that isn’t<br />

compliant to the standard.<br />

So, while it’s a gesture of goodwill on the one<br />

hand, it actually serves another key purpose of<br />

championing compliant materials, and one of the<br />

training initiatives that we’re proud supporters of in<br />

this quest is the Wales National Roofing Training<br />

Group (WNRTG), which is based in Caerphilly. It is a<br />

non-profit organisation funded by a grant from CITB.<br />

It is in place for the purpose of supporting,<br />

organising and co-ordinating roof training at all<br />

levels for its members<br />

We admire what Lesley Hughes and the team have<br />

done at WNRTG because the organisation was<br />

founded to plug a gap in the market, as none of the<br />

colleges in North or South Wales deliver roofing<br />

training in any discipline.<br />

Lesley shares the same passion for setting the<br />

each sector. Another aim of the project is to<br />

encourage as many experienced workers<br />

as possible to go on to achieve the full<br />

NVQ through on-site assessment and<br />

training. By linking it to a new threeyear<br />

CSCS Experienced Worker card,<br />

CSCS are a key partner in this project as they<br />

can see the benefits of providing additional support<br />

to keep experienced workers on site whilst they<br />

complete their full qualification.<br />

A large number of manufacturers across roofing are<br />

now approved for BCP, although some are still yet to<br />

go through the process. SPRA hopes to have all<br />

manufacturer members approved before the end of<br />

the year. This is important, as the BCP is also<br />

included within the training matrix that has been<br />

developed for the new Roofcert Accreditation<br />

scheme that is set to accredit 5,000 roofers in its<br />

first five years. Continuous professional<br />

development is a key factor in this new accreditation<br />

scheme, and manufacturers will continue to play a<br />

significant role as they ensure that installers of<br />

roofing systems are kept abreast of new<br />

developments and products. However, there are<br />

Shaun Revill, Trading Director, SR Timber.<br />

highest standards for young people<br />

entering the industry. The cornerstone of<br />

this is them taking pride in their work by<br />

having the skills to do the job correctly and using<br />

the correct tools and materials.<br />

The WNRTG is onto its eighth programme, meaning<br />

that more than 50 young roofers have worked with<br />

materials such as Gold – and it is going from<br />

strength to strength. It has recently won tenders to<br />

deliver NVQ 2 SAP RST in Wales and Tibshelf,<br />

Nottinghamshire and NVQ 3 SAP Heritage<br />

throughout the UK for the next three years. It is also<br />

in negotiations with a college in Deeside about<br />

rolling out its SAP programme.<br />

We’re proud to be part of what the WNRTG is doing,<br />

and we take a lot of pleasure in knowing we are<br />

supporting young roofers.<br />

www.sr-timber.co.uk<br />

Cathie Clarke, CEO, Single Ply Roofing<br />

Association<br />

always ‘gaps’ and manufacturers<br />

must always work hard to ensure<br />

that their approved installers do not<br />

‘slip through the net’ and all have<br />

valid tickets to install the products and<br />

systems that they are installing.<br />

Manufacturers also have a role to encourage<br />

contractors to ensure all installers are as highly<br />

qualified as possible, and the Single Ply Roofing<br />

Association would like to see all installers achieve a<br />

full Level 2 NVQ. Following the Grenfell Tower<br />

disaster and subsequent working groups to develop<br />

new standards for training, Level 2 has been<br />

confirmed as the benchmark level and roofing<br />

should strive to achieve this by itself, without<br />

waiting for legislation or other forms of control.<br />

The models for training, certification and<br />

accreditation across the roofing industry are<br />

impressive and provide best practice for other<br />

industries to follow.<br />

www.spra.co.uk<br />

JUNE <strong>2019</strong> TC 19


The Big Question<br />

Vincent Matthews, Marketing Manager<br />

at SFS.<br />

Construction contractors are facing difficult times.<br />

There, we said it, it’s not a secret anymore. Things<br />

are moving at such a quick pace that just keeping<br />

up is a difficulty, let alone staying ahead of the<br />

curve. It’s particularly challenging for small<br />

construction companies, with limited resources and<br />

capacity.<br />

These challenges have been caused by a myriad of<br />

factors, from digital to socioeconomic. On the digital<br />

side, the move to ‘Digital Britain’ is driving<br />

contractors to adopt BIM with cost and project<br />

estimations needing to integrate into virtual<br />

systems. This in turn is driving ‘Construction 4.0’,<br />

the digitalisation of the construction industry.<br />

There is also much anxiety over skills shortages,<br />

whether that’s for management positions or with<br />

‘unskilled’ labour.<br />

Then there’s the socioeconomic. Despite the<br />

continuing drive to break down barriers, seeing<br />

women in construction is still rare. Not only this,<br />

but there is the perception that careers in<br />

construction can be unreliable, dependent on<br />

whether you can win the work and also<br />

unrewarding, akin to a ‘dead end job’. However, it<br />

need not be all doom and gloom. Manufacturers<br />

Flex-R’s Trading Director Duncan Winter.<br />

Flex-R has a two-stage training programme to<br />

support roofing contractors who want to install our<br />

range of products, which include RubberBond,<br />

Sure-Weld, LQD-R and the newly launched Enduris.<br />

The first stage of our Specialist Registered Installer<br />

(SRI) training is in the classroom, and these oneday<br />

courses take place either in the South of<br />

England at our head office in High Wycombe or in<br />

the North of England at our new facility in<br />

Huddersfield. We run a large number of training<br />

courses for our RubberBond FleeceBack system –<br />

this single-ply EPDM system has the advantage of<br />

very simple sealing and detailing methods, using<br />

pressure-sensitive tape, rather than heat welding.<br />

It’s fair to say that roofing contractors get an<br />

can do a lot to stem these challenges, especially<br />

through the right training and facilities.<br />

Firstly, digitalisation. While each organisation will be<br />

at different stages of their digital maturity, and its<br />

employees have different levels of competency, this<br />

challenge of going digital does not have to be faced<br />

alone.<br />

Manufacturers can work with contractors to help to<br />

supplement digital requirements and gaps in<br />

knowledge. SFS, for instance, has its own ‘Project<br />

Builder’ to help create and cost up building<br />

envelope solutions, with static calculations on a<br />

variety of construction values available digitally<br />

within 24 hours.<br />

On skills shortages, addressing this epidemic will of<br />

course take time and a good deal of working out.<br />

However, skilling up construction workers should be<br />

in the mindset of all manufacturers. Again, SFS<br />

recognises that ongoing training is vital to wider<br />

success. This is one of the reasons we have heavily<br />

invested in The Academy, with innovation hubs<br />

based at both of our sites in the UK, in Leeds and<br />

Welwyn Garden City.<br />

These hubs will be a focal point for improving how<br />

construction works and thought leadership, with<br />

knowledgeable experts on-site to collaborate with.<br />

Events held at the hubs will include hands-on<br />

understanding of things very quickly in a<br />

classroom environment. However, it’s a whole<br />

different ball game when a roofing contractor<br />

needs to apply those new skills in a site<br />

environment, which is why our Technical Team is<br />

on hand to go to sites and work with contractors.<br />

Our five-strong Technical Team is made up of<br />

experienced roofing contractors such as Graham<br />

Matthews, who had more than 30 years’<br />

experience on the tools before he joined us and<br />

now spends his time training and supporting SRIs<br />

and advising them onsite.<br />

The key to embedding what contractors learn in<br />

the classroom is doing it onsite, which is why<br />

Flex-R’s Technical Team will provide support no<br />

matter the size of the first few installations (and<br />

training courses, RIBA-approved CPDs and<br />

technical seminars, as well as bespoke events to<br />

tackle industry trends.<br />

For time-poor contractors who may not have the<br />

time to invest in sending staff on training days, SFS<br />

have a solution here too. The experts at SFS can<br />

come out to site and offer training. For example,<br />

contractors wanting to learn about our isoweld<br />

systems can do so at the Leeds hub, but the<br />

training can also be delivered at a suitable location<br />

to the contractor for convenience.<br />

This notion of upskilling in turn tackles the general<br />

perception around construction, as careers in<br />

construction can be rewarding, with plenty of room<br />

for growth. Training courses offered by SFS include<br />

CPDs about specification with fasteners, rainscreen<br />

cladding systems and flat roofing systems, through<br />

to fall protection training and that then tacks onto<br />

health and safety. This can then move people into<br />

project management, specification, structural<br />

engineering and more.<br />

As each contractor’s needs will be different, it is<br />

flexibility, breadth and expertise that will be key to<br />

solving training challenges. We are committed to<br />

collaborating with our peers in construction and to<br />

lead on these issues facing the industry.<br />

www.sfs.biz<br />

offer this service on an ongoing basis) – this can<br />

range from a simple domestic project to a large<br />

commercial property.<br />

Supporting the contractor to eliminate minor<br />

teething problems early and remedying them<br />

onsite is a vital part of the process, and Flex-R<br />

doesn’t put a cap on the amount of times it will<br />

work with a new SRI. If it becomes clear that the<br />

contractor needs to go back to basics, we can<br />

provide another day in the training centre.<br />

Why do we go to such lengths to support SRIs? The<br />

answer is simple: we maintain the system’s great<br />

reputation and build lasting relationships with great<br />

roofing contractors. This combination leads to roofs<br />

that will perform faultlessly for decades.<br />

www.flex-r.co.uk<br />

20 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


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The Big Question<br />

Ian Muddimann FIoR, Head of<br />

Applications (Roofing) at Sika<br />

When it comes to training, the role of the product<br />

supplier is not to train contractors to be roofers but<br />

to offer them system-specific training in best<br />

practice installation techniques, and the use of<br />

components in the right combination, with the right<br />

equipment. This detailed training process supports<br />

the whole delivery chain by optimising system<br />

performance, which means less snagging, reduced<br />

risk of call backs, and a roof that performs to its<br />

full, guaranteed design life.<br />

Across all of Sika’s roofing brands we ensure that<br />

contractors are trained in our products specifically,<br />

even if they have previously used a comparable<br />

system from another manufacturer. In our view,<br />

variations of products that could affect<br />

specification, installation best practice or safety<br />

should be embedded in system-specific training.<br />

Training carried out at one of our two UK training<br />

centres ensures the highest standard of<br />

workmanship has been provided when installing our<br />

products. In our experience, clients and specifiers<br />

appreciate this accountability for training, and it<br />

offers contractors significant commercial<br />

advantages when they can include reference to a<br />

thorough and well-documented training track record<br />

in their bids, because it underpins a commitment to<br />

quality assurance.<br />

Thanks to our training approach, contractors can<br />

also offer their clients an assurance that<br />

competency levels are up-to-date across the team.<br />

Every member of the team receives a systemspecific<br />

training card from us when they have<br />

completed their training, which can be upgraded to<br />

an experienced worker card for more senior site<br />

personnel. This training card documents which<br />

systems have been assessed and what the<br />

contractor is qualified to install, forming part of a<br />

continuous training and assessment process. We<br />

have a national team of field technicians, all of<br />

whom have spent at least seven years of their<br />

professional lives as roofers, and part of their role<br />

when carrying out site inspections throughout a<br />

project is to assess the competency of the team on<br />

site. Where they see a need for skills development,<br />

our field technicians will recommend individual<br />

operatives for a training refresh, helping the<br />

contractor ensure high levels of competency across<br />

the team at all times. We also take training to site<br />

with our Training Support Vehicles (TSV), which<br />

enables us to offer pop-up training and demos of<br />

new products, along with trouble-shooting support<br />

for any specific project challenges.<br />

We believe training should go beyond the site team<br />

and be available to the management team too. By<br />

offering management training for company<br />

directors, contracts managers and chief estimators,<br />

Sika ensures that specification is more efficient and<br />

exploits our full product portfolio to answer the full<br />

needs of the roof and the installation environment.<br />

gbr.sarnafil.sika.com<br />

John Turner, Technical Services at<br />

Firestone Building Products.<br />

Skills and the skills shortage is a topic that’s<br />

frequently discussed in the roofing sector. It’s<br />

clear that many contractors find it hard to recruit<br />

trainee roofers and there are also challenges with<br />

retaining the knowledge and expertise of senior<br />

members of the team in site-based roles beyond<br />

a certain age because of the physical demands of<br />

the job.<br />

As a manufacturer, Firestone has always put<br />

training in product knowledge and installation<br />

best practice at the heart of what we do and our<br />

relationships with contractors. We have not only<br />

invested in a training facility at our Cheshire HQ<br />

in Winsford, but we are also able to offer<br />

contractors support on site to ensure that they<br />

can tackle the specific demands of individual<br />

projects, as well as general installation best<br />

practice. Our training combines classroom<br />

learning with product demos and hands-on<br />

experience so that roofers at all levels are<br />

confident in using the system and familiar with<br />

the techniques they need. It’s a<br />

commitment to training that benefits<br />

all links in the roofing project<br />

delivery chain: it gives the client and<br />

the architect confidence that the<br />

roofing membrane is being installed to<br />

manufacturer guidelines with a high level of<br />

technical support, while also ensuring the highest<br />

levels of product performance and reducing the<br />

risk of snagging or call backs.<br />

But training must be seen as part of a bigger<br />

picture of customer service and technical<br />

support. In addition to ensuring that every<br />

member of the contracting team has been trained<br />

in correct, best practice installation of the<br />

Firestone RubberGard or RubberCover EPDM<br />

roofing system, we also provide specification<br />

advice, wind uplift calculation support and even<br />

guidance on optimising the use of the material to<br />

reduce waste, save time and avoid unnecessary<br />

cost. While this may not be training in the<br />

conventional sense, we see it as knowledge<br />

sharing that benefits the whole contractor team<br />

and helps to minimise site programmes,<br />

John Turner, Firestone Building Products.<br />

maximise performance and optimise<br />

margins. For example, our team is on<br />

hand to advise on the most<br />

appropriate width of RubberGard EPDM<br />

membrane – which can vary between 3m<br />

and 15m – to reduce the number of seams and the<br />

amount of time and labour required. The contracts<br />

team can then take that knowledge forward to future<br />

jobs in the same way that site teams can apply<br />

training on tricky details to other roofs.<br />

The other key area where manufacturers like<br />

Firestone can help support the training needs of<br />

the roofing sector is through involvement with<br />

industry bodies, such as SPRA. These<br />

organisations do a fantastic job of providing<br />

careers and training support and, by contributing<br />

to their activities, manufacturers can help to<br />

generate opportunities for skill development<br />

within the sector.<br />

Read about John’s role in the field on p.48<br />

www.firestonebpe.co.uk<br />

22 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


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BMI Apprentice of the Year<br />

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE WITH<br />

BMI’S ANNUAL APPRENTICE EVENT<br />

Matt Downs, Editorial Director of Total Contractor magazine and a judge at the BMI<br />

Apprentice of the Year, explains why he feels this event is a key date in the roofing calendar<br />

and really enables apprentices to plan for the future.<br />

We’re all well aware of the skills problems<br />

facing the roofing sector and wider<br />

construction industry – they’re very well<br />

documented and the statistics seem to get more<br />

alarming each month – a recent report from CIOB<br />

claims the sector needs to find 157,000 new<br />

recruits by 2021 to keep up with demand.<br />

Alongside the skills crisis, following Which’s<br />

damning report that found less than half of<br />

respondents to a survey thought roofers were<br />

trustworthy, there’s also a big push for accredited<br />

roofers in a bid to raise the perception of the<br />

sector as a whole and ensure it’s a more<br />

attractive proposition to future entrants and end<br />

users, plus elevate those who do things properly<br />

above the unqualified and inexperienced rogue<br />

traders.<br />

Plan for their futures<br />

Whilst initiatives such as RoofCERT are well<br />

underway to address this, and T Levels are<br />

coming into play as the latest alternative way of<br />

learning to bridge the gap, I feel BMI’s Apprentice<br />

of the Year (AOTY) competition really plays a key<br />

part in increasing skills and giving apprentices<br />

the confidence to plan for their future career.<br />

The event really highlights that the work going on<br />

in colleges and the support provided from<br />

employers on site every day is providing positive<br />

results for those pursuing a career in roofing. The<br />

key is that the AOTY competition focuses not only<br />

the apprentices’ practical skills, but also tests<br />

their soft skills – how they interact and deal with<br />

customers, how confident they are when<br />

presenting themselves, as well as sowing the<br />

seeds regarding all the considerations that should<br />

be made when establishing a business. It really<br />

takes the apprentices out of their<br />

comfort zone, but each year<br />

it’s been really impressive to<br />

see those who were shy and<br />

nervous at the start of the<br />

two-day event stand up at<br />

the end and deliver a tenminute<br />

presentation. It’s<br />

evidence that the apprentices really<br />

grow as the event progresses. As one<br />

apprentice told me in 2018: “If you’d told me a<br />

year ago I’d be involved in a competition like this<br />

and standing up doing a presentation to<br />

strangers, I’d have said no chance.” Another told<br />

me: “I’d like to win, but even if I don’t, I’ve<br />

learned so much in this competition. It’s given<br />

me the confidence to think about where I want to<br />

be in the future.”<br />

That’s the great thing about the AOTY<br />

competition; there are rightly two overall winners,<br />

but all the apprentices learn new skills that will<br />

put them in a stronger position and give them a<br />

real confidence boost for their careers going<br />

forward. It’s also great to put the apprentices on<br />

a pedestal and celebrate them and ultimately<br />

help them realise what they can achieve in their<br />

careers. As Jay Webster, BMI Redland Apprentice<br />

of the Year 2018, stated: “I became more<br />

The flat roofing judges (l-r: Gary Walpole,<br />

Mark Thornton, and Matt Downs.<br />

confident as the competition<br />

went on, but to actually win<br />

it tells me I’m better than I<br />

thought I was.”<br />

The new skills and confidence<br />

gained has even seen a couple of<br />

apprentices go on to establish their own<br />

businesses. One is Ceiran Peel-Price, a finalist in<br />

2017 and 2018, who told me recently in an<br />

interview: “The competition (AOTY) taught me a<br />

lot and was one of the things that encouraged me<br />

to set up my own business. It also taught me the<br />

value of quality training.”<br />

Highlight the positives<br />

As the roofing and wider construction industry look<br />

to tackle the issues around skills and recruitment,<br />

understandably we hear a lot about the ‘doom and<br />

gloom’, but sometimes we need to highlight the<br />

positive work that is going on in various sectors.<br />

The BMI Apprentice of the Year competition<br />

certainly comes under that banner. The event<br />

highlights the talent that is coming through within<br />

roofing, but more importantly provides the<br />

apprentices with additional skills and confidence<br />

to develop strong careers within the sector.<br />

The apprentices assess the faults on the flat and pitched roofing rigs at the BMI Apprentice of the Year Competition 2018.<br />

24 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


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Business Talk<br />

KEY CHANGES TO EMPLOYMENT LAW<br />

Total Contractor takes a look at the changes to employment law which are going impact on<br />

businesses and workers throughout the UK.<br />

It’s quite clear that the Brexit negotiations are<br />

going to take centre stage this year. However,<br />

employment law changes are on their way as<br />

the government enacts its recently announced<br />

Good Work Plan. The government reckons that it’s<br />

“the biggest package of workplace reforms for<br />

over 20 years”. The reality is that it’s the<br />

culmination of the Taylor Review into working<br />

practices in the 21st century economy, and<br />

Andrew Rayment, an employment partner at<br />

Walker Morris LLP, sees plenty of change coming<br />

for businesses.<br />

Background<br />

In July 2017 Matthew Taylor published his<br />

independent Taylor Review of Modern Working<br />

Practices which looked into the issues in the UK<br />

labour market such as the implications of new<br />

forms of work, the rise of digital platforms, and<br />

the impact of new working models.<br />

As Rayment points out: “the review made 53<br />

recommendations to the government. In February<br />

2018 the government published a full response,<br />

accepting a vast majority of the<br />

recommendations.” He says that alongside the<br />

“As <strong>2019</strong> progresses, we can expect to see more<br />

draft legislation being published, and it is likely<br />

that most of the changes will take effect in 2020”<br />

response the government also launched four<br />

consultations to seek stakeholder views on the<br />

approach to implementing changes to the law<br />

employment status, agency worker rights,<br />

increasing transparency in the labour market, and<br />

enforcement of employment rights<br />

recommendations.<br />

“The Good Work Plan,” says Rayment, “draws on<br />

the feedback from these consultations and sets<br />

out the government’s commitments to improve<br />

working conditions for agency workers, zero-hour<br />

workers and other atypical workers in the UK<br />

economy.”<br />

Rayment says that the timetable for<br />

implementation of all aspects of the plan is not<br />

yet laid out “but, as <strong>2019</strong> progresses, we can<br />

expect to see more draft legislation being<br />

published, and it is likely that most of the<br />

changes will take effect in 2020.”<br />

The measures in the Good Work Plan<br />

include:<br />

A commitment to improve the clarity of the<br />

employment status tests<br />

There is no question that the existing employment<br />

status tests have contributed to a lack of clarity<br />

faced by individuals and employers. Recent cases<br />

on worker status involving “gig” employers such<br />

as Uber, Citysprint and Deliveroo only serve to<br />

illustrate this point.<br />

The government has recognised in the Good Work<br />

Plan that having separate frameworks for<br />

determining employment status for the purposes<br />

of employment rights and tax makes it very<br />

confusing for individuals and employers – it may<br />

also result in non-compliance from a tax<br />

perspective. Matthew Taylor had recommended in<br />

his review that effort should be made to align the<br />

employment status tests for the purposes of<br />

employment rights and tax to ensure that the<br />

differences between the two systems are reduced<br />

to an absolute minimum.<br />

From Rayment’s perspective as a lawyer, he can<br />

see why “the government agrees that this is the<br />

right ambition. It has said that it will bring<br />

forward detailed proposals on how the<br />

frameworks could be aligned and will do more to<br />

help individuals and businesses understand their<br />

rights and tax obligations in light of emerging<br />

business models.”<br />

This is an area that employers should be<br />

monitoring very closely. “As recent case law has<br />

shown,” says Rayment, “it can be notoriously<br />

difficult to determine whether an individual or<br />

26 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


self-employed contractor is a worker or an<br />

employee and this can lead to significant<br />

business risk and exposure to claims for back<br />

payment of wages.”<br />

A right to request a more stable and<br />

predictable contract after 26 weeks<br />

This is a simple change: There will be a right for<br />

workers to request a more stable and predictable<br />

contract after 26 weeks in post. Rayment thinks it<br />

likely that this will be similar to the current right to<br />

request flexible working and this will be clarified in<br />

future draft legislation. There is, however, no<br />

proposal to ban the use of zero-hours contracts.<br />

An increase in the time period required to<br />

break continuity of employment<br />

Under the plan the government aims to increase<br />

breaks in continuity from one week to four weeks.<br />

As Rayment points out: “effectively, this could<br />

mean that someone intermittently working for an<br />

employer once a month could gain continuous<br />

service. Continuous service is important because<br />

many employment rights are earned over time<br />

(for example, the right to claim unfair dismissal<br />

or a statutory redundancy payment). This can<br />

mean that those who work intermittently for the<br />

same employer can find it difficult to gain or<br />

access some of these rights because they may<br />

struggle to build up continuous service.”<br />

As it stands presently, a gap of one week in<br />

employment with the same employer can break<br />

what counts towards continuous service for<br />

calculating employment rights. The government<br />

has said that to reflect the changing world of<br />

work it will legislate to extend this break to four<br />

weeks, allowing more employees to gain access<br />

to employment rights.<br />

A reduction in the threshold to request<br />

information and consultation arrangements<br />

Another strand to the plan follows from the<br />

government’s wish to encourage higher levels of<br />

employee engagement in business. It has<br />

therefore issued draft legislation reducing the<br />

threshold required to request information and<br />

“There will be a right<br />

for workers to request<br />

a more stable and<br />

predictable contract<br />

after 26 weeks in post”<br />

consultation arrangements from 10% to 2% of<br />

the workforce, with effect from April 2020.<br />

On this, Rayment explains that “the government<br />

has stated that lowering the threshold required to<br />

set up information and consultation<br />

arrangements from 10% to 2% of employees is<br />

an important step in improving voice in the<br />

workplace. The 15-employee minimum threshold<br />

for initiation of proceedings will remain in place.”<br />

To complement these legislative measures, the<br />

government has also committed to work with<br />

Investors in People, Acas, trade unions and other<br />

experts to promote the development of better<br />

employee engagement with a particular focus on<br />

sectors with high levels of casual employment<br />

and smaller businesses.<br />

Ending the “Swedish derogation” in the<br />

Agency Workers Regulations 2010<br />

Those who use temp staff in one form or another<br />

will be interested in changes to the ‘Swedish<br />

derogation’ as it currently excludes agency<br />

workers from the right to equal pay with<br />

permanent employees in the same role if they<br />

have an employment contract which guarantees<br />

pay between assignments.<br />

The draft Agency Workers (Amendment)<br />

Regulations <strong>2019</strong> are due to come into force on<br />

6th April 2020 and will remove this derogation<br />

from the Agency Workers Regulations 2010 to give<br />

agency workers a right to pay parity with<br />

permanent comparable employees after 12 weeks.<br />

Extending the right to a written statement of<br />

terms to workers<br />

Of particular interest to Rayment is the<br />

Employment Rights – Employment Particulars<br />

and Paid Annual Leave (Amendment) Regulations<br />

2018 – which are due to come into force on 6<br />

April 2020. As he sees it: “these regulations bring<br />

in a number of key rights.”<br />

These include the right to be provided with a<br />

written statement of terms on the first day of<br />

employment, rather than within the first two<br />

months as required by the Employment Rights Act<br />

1996; add to the amount of prescribed<br />

information which a written statement must<br />

contain; and amend the Working Time Regulations<br />

1998 to increase the reference period for<br />

determining an average week’s pay (for the<br />

purposes of calculating statutory holiday pay)<br />

from 12 weeks to 52 weeks. This will protect<br />

workers with no normal working hours whose pay<br />

fluctuates. These changes, Rayment thinks, will<br />

have quite an impact on employers. He also<br />

points out that since the start of April (<strong>2019</strong>), all<br />

workers must be provided with an itemised pay<br />

statement under the Employment Rights Act 1996<br />

(Itemised Pay Statement) (Amendment) Order<br />

2018. The Order also requires itemised payslips<br />

to contain the number of hours paid for where a<br />

worker is paid hourly.<br />

Improved enforcement measures<br />

The Good Work Plan announced new measures,<br />

from April <strong>2019</strong>, designed to improve<br />

enforcement, including a process for publishing<br />

the names of employers who fail to pay tribunal<br />

awards on time and an increase (from £5,000 to<br />

£20,000) to the financial penalties for employers<br />

who commit an “aggravated breach” of<br />

employment rights.<br />

What next?<br />

The advice from Rayment for employers – of any<br />

size – is that as the government firms up its<br />

timetable for implementing the Good Work Plan,<br />

“now is a good time to identify which of the<br />

various measures will most impact your<br />

business. By keeping an ear to the ground and<br />

an eye to the future, you will be in a good<br />

position to plan ahead to meet any challenges<br />

that arise.”<br />

JUNE <strong>2019</strong> TC 27


NFRC Technical Talk<br />

BS 6229 FOCUS PART 3: THERMAL &<br />

CONDENSATION CONSIDERATIONS<br />

Gary Walpole, NFRC Technical Officer, continues his review of the changes to this Code of<br />

Practice for Flat Roofs, and this time he looks at how it relates to thermal performance and<br />

the control of condensation.<br />

BS 6229 (Flat roofs with continuously<br />

supported flexible waterproof coverings.<br />

Code of Practice) was last updated in<br />

2003 and much has changed within the industry<br />

in the last 15 years. The revised BS 6629:2018<br />

describes best current practice in the design,<br />

construction, care and maintenance of roofs with<br />

a flat or curved surface, at a pitch not greater<br />

than 10º to the horizontal, with a continuously<br />

supported flexible waterproof covering.<br />

Thermal performance<br />

The thermal performance of the roof is hugely<br />

affected by any gaps between the insulation<br />

boards, so it is crucial that when installed the<br />

insulation is tightly-butted together, with the<br />

installer ensuring this is maintained throughout<br />

the installation.<br />

To prevent surface condensation within heated<br />

buildings, the minimum thermal performance (Uvalue)<br />

permitted anywhere on the roof, including<br />

internal gutters, must not exceed 0.35 W/m²K.<br />

Inverted roofs<br />

In an inverted roof system, the<br />

correct installation of a water<br />

flow reducing layer (WFRL)<br />

immediately above the insulation<br />

should help to restrict the cooling<br />

effect of cold water flowing through<br />

the insulation joints and across the<br />

waterproofing layer and into the<br />

drains.<br />

result in a greater flow of water<br />

through to the waterproofing than<br />

is indicated when the roof<br />

construction is tested. Until<br />

further research and test evidence<br />

is made available, it is prudent to<br />

increase the design thickness of the<br />

thermal insulation by no less than 10%.<br />

Green roofs<br />

The thermal performance of the landscaping<br />

elements of green roofs can only be included in<br />

the U-value calculation if this can be accredited<br />

by third-party certification.<br />

Blue roofs<br />

A blue roof is defined in BS 6229 as a “roof<br />

designed to attenuate the rate at which rainwater<br />

is drained from the roof and is allowed to enter<br />

the drainage system”. A blue roof is not water<br />

storage on a roof.<br />

Unlike warm blue roofs, inverted blue roofs are<br />

vulnerable to increased heat loss due to rainwater<br />

cooling. In an inverted blue roof<br />

system, the correct installation<br />

of a WFRL immediately above<br />

the inverted insulation cannot<br />

be determined to restrict the<br />

cooling effect of cold water<br />

flowing through the<br />

insulation joints and<br />

across the waterproofing<br />

layer and into the drains.<br />

Left: Gary Walpole, NFRC.<br />

for a head of water as is the case in<br />

a blue roof. The correction method<br />

commonly used for inverted roof<br />

thermal calculations when using a<br />

WFRL is not permitted and will result in<br />

increased inverted insulation thicknesses.<br />

Warm blue roof designs will not be affected by<br />

this issue. When designing a blue roof, it might be<br />

necessary to increase the weight of the protection<br />

to avoid flotation of the insulation and care<br />

should be taken to ensure the roof structure can<br />

withstand this extra load.<br />

“Installers should<br />

ensure that the right<br />

humidity class is<br />

selected for the<br />

building”<br />

Controlling condensation<br />

Installers should ensure that the right humidity<br />

class is selected for the building, particularly for<br />

high humidity buildings such as swimming pools<br />

and sports halls and also areas of the building<br />

such as kitchens and bathrooms. The risks<br />

should be reassessed if there is a change of use.<br />

The risk of condensation within the roof is greatly<br />

increased by air leakage which can transport<br />

water vapour. To prevent this the air and vapour<br />

control layer (AVCL) must be sealed at all laps,<br />

penetrations and abutments.<br />

However, imperfections in the WFRL<br />

from poor detailing or workmanship at<br />

the roof perimeter and penetrations, as<br />

well as any post-construction damage, will<br />

BS 6229 has been revised and there are a<br />

number of changes that roofers need to be<br />

aware of.<br />

The test method for<br />

determining water flow<br />

through an inverted roof<br />

with a WFRL does not allow<br />

Contact the NFRC<br />

020 7638 7663<br />

www.nfrc.co.uk<br />

@TheNFRC<br />

28 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


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Perfectly Pitched<br />

ACHIEVING A CONSISTENT FINISH<br />

In the latest instalment of his regular column, Pitched Roofing Consultant John Mercer,<br />

writing on behalf of Edilians, looks at the problems from both a manufacturer’s and roofer’s<br />

perspective when it comes to achieving a consistent tiled roof finish.<br />

Acommon cause for complaint from building<br />

owners about finished tiled roofs is<br />

inconsistency in finish, or colour shading.<br />

Sometimes this can be due to using tiles from<br />

more than one production batch or through a<br />

problem during manufacture but, more often than<br />

not, it is simply due to the manufacturing<br />

processes of the products.<br />

Limitations in the manufacturing process<br />

Roof tiles, whether they be concrete or clay, are<br />

produced from natural materials dug out of the<br />

ground. Therefore, it is inevitable that there are<br />

variations as quarrying progresses through a<br />

seam of material. Even small differences in the<br />

colour or type of cement and aggregates, the<br />

thickness of paint or the texture of the surface<br />

finish can influence perceived colour and<br />

consistency. Slight efflorescence can occur after<br />

manufacture which can alter the perceived colour<br />

of the tiles, albeit temporarily.<br />

The colour of clay tiles is very much dependant<br />

“Roofing contractors<br />

do not always have fast<br />

and convenient<br />

facilities on site to mix<br />

the tiles”<br />

on firing temperature, which tends to vary<br />

throughout a kiln – much like in a domestic oven.<br />

Modern kilns are far more closely controlled than<br />

in the past, though even very small differences<br />

will influence the tile finish. This is considered<br />

normal and is actually part of the charm of clay<br />

roof tiles. Some of the most popular clay tile<br />

colours, such as the beautiful blue hues of some<br />

clay plain tiles, are created by reducing the<br />

oxygen levels in the kiln during firing. Again, this<br />

will vary throughout the kiln.<br />

Variegated colours<br />

By their very nature, variegated colour finishes<br />

are designed to be random and are therefore<br />

subject to intentional variation. However, it is<br />

actually quite difficult in highly mechanised<br />

manufacturing processes to achieve true<br />

randomness. In reality there are likely to be<br />

groups of tiles within a single production batch<br />

that are more biased toward one colour or<br />

another. A common example are concrete tiles that<br />

have a red base colour with a black streak to create<br />

the illusion of a weathered tile. As the black streak<br />

is applied, the way it blends into the red surface<br />

will depend on how much is applied and even<br />

how wet the general tile mix is. In this way,<br />

groups of tiles may vary from extremes of almost<br />

red to almost black. Therefore, mixing tiles is<br />

important to achieve a satisfactory finish and<br />

avoid patches of very red or very black areas.<br />

Recommendations to mix from<br />

several pallets<br />

Most roof tile manufacturers recommend that<br />

tiles be taken from several pallets – usually at<br />

least three pallets – and mixed randomly before<br />

final positioning on the roof. This will enable the<br />

30 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


contractor to minimise the visual effects of any<br />

slight colour variations within a production batch.<br />

Difficulties for the roofer<br />

Having set out the case for the manufacturers, let<br />

us now examine the problems faced by roofing<br />

contractors. Of course, time is money and roofers<br />

do not want to waste time having to sort tiles<br />

prior to installation. The method of getting the<br />

tiles from the ground using a tile hoist or ‘bumpa’<br />

creates a natural pre-mixing as tiles can be taken<br />

from several pallets as they are placed on the<br />

bumpa. However, many sites now lift complete<br />

pallets onto a loading bay on the scaffold. If there<br />

is only room for one or two pallets then it is difficult<br />

to pre-mix the tiles before loading onto the roof.<br />

Working together to mitigate potential<br />

shading problems<br />

Ideally, sufficient tiles should be ordered for each<br />

roof so that they can be taken from a single<br />

shipment. Equally, suppliers should ensure that<br />

“Time is money and<br />

roofers do not want to<br />

waste time having to<br />

sort tiles prior to<br />

installation”<br />

each delivery to site does come from a single<br />

manufacturing batch. On arrival on site,<br />

shipments should be inspected for quality and<br />

colour consistency. It is easy to check that tiles<br />

are from a single manufacturing batch, as each<br />

pallet is dated and coded.<br />

If tiles from more than one production batch must<br />

be used, then checking for colour consistency<br />

becomes ever more important. On rare occasions,<br />

the differences between batches may be such<br />

that mixing will not produce a satisfactory result,<br />

therefore the tiles should be either rejected or<br />

more tiles delivered from one of the production<br />

batches on site.<br />

Some manufacturers, Edilians is one of them, can<br />

successfully mix tiles and produce satisfactory<br />

blends during manufacture and packaging. But the<br />

end users, i.e roofers and site managers, must be<br />

aware of the variations that can happen and<br />

should still mix tiles from at least three pallets.<br />

In conclusion, variation in roof tile colour and<br />

finish is unavoidable due to the limitations of the<br />

manufacturing processes and manufacturers are<br />

clear that tiles must be mixed from several<br />

pallets. On the other hand, roofing contractors do<br />

not always have fast and convenient facilities on<br />

site to mix the tiles, therefore the importance of<br />

everyone in the construction chain, including the<br />

building contractor, working together to agree a<br />

strategy to ensure a consistent roof tile finish,<br />

cannot be over-emphasised.<br />

Contact Edilians / John Mercer<br />

www.imerys-roof-tiles.com<br />

@imerys<br />

@johnmercer3<br />

For furt<br />

ther inf<br />

formation<br />

or a hire quotation call<br />

01858 410372<br />

JUNE <strong>2019</strong> TC 31


Safe in the Sun<br />

ALL EYES ON SUN SAFETY...<br />

Howard Buckley, Company EHS Manager at Marley, explains why roofers need to protect<br />

their eyes, as well as their skin, from UV rays this summer.<br />

While you’re probably aware of the risks<br />

to your skin from prolonged exposure to<br />

the sun, you might not realise the harm<br />

it could be doing to your eyes. In fact, people who<br />

work outside for long periods of time are at the<br />

greatest risk of eye damage from UV radiation.<br />

Over many years, this can lead to premature skin<br />

ageing, cataracts, skin cancer on the eyelids and<br />

even vision loss.<br />

UV rays can come from many directions, they<br />

radiate from the sun but are also reflected from<br />

the ground, glass and bright surfaces and despite<br />

popular opinion, most clouds don’t offer<br />

protection. Skin cancer can affect skin on any<br />

part of the body, so it is critical that you use<br />

suncream and cover up when working on site in<br />

the summer.<br />

Keep an eye on sun safety<br />

After the skin, the organ most susceptible to<br />

damage from sunlight is the eye and yet, while<br />

the consequences of exposing skin to UV radiation<br />

are well known, research shows that only 3% of<br />

people associate UV rays with eye problems.<br />

Marley’s tips to help roofers keep their eyes safe in the sun:<br />

1. Don’t ever be tempted to wear sunglasses when working on site as they won’t give<br />

your eyes the necessary protection from hazards.<br />

2. In the summer, wear a pair of safety sunglasses with UV protection. Look for a UV<br />

400 rating and check they are certified in line with EN 166 (personal eye protection)<br />

and EN 172 (sun glare filters for industrial use).<br />

3. As safety sunglasses will only cover part of your face, to prevent skin cancer and<br />

ageing, make sure you also apply suncream.<br />

4. Get regular eye examinations and be vigilant – if you have prolonged patches of dry<br />

or sore skin on eyelids, or any trouble with your vision, seek medical advice as soon<br />

as possible.<br />

Also make sure you follow the usual sun safety precautions on site:<br />

1. Keep a shirt or jacket on and opt for tightly woven fabrics which help to form a<br />

barrier to the sun’s harmful rays.<br />

2. Don’t leave exposed skin unprotected. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 25 and<br />

remember to reapply regularly. Make sure you also use an SPF lip balm.<br />

3. Wear a hard hat at all times, preferably with a brim and flap that will cover the ears<br />

and the back of the neck.<br />

4. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.<br />

5. Check your skin regularly for unusual spots and moles, or changes to spots and moles.<br />

While some site workers do wear safety<br />

sunglasses or UV goggles, this isn’t consistent<br />

across the industry. As well as ageing the skin<br />

around the eyes, long-term exposure to the sun’s<br />

invisible ultraviolet light is a leading cause of<br />

cataracts, skin cancer and blindness. It also<br />

causes more immediate problems such as<br />

headaches, eye fatigue, redness, dryness, and<br />

irritation.<br />

Gary Walpole, Safety, Health and Environment<br />

Officer at the NFRC, said: “UV light is one of the<br />

many hazards that can damage your eyesight, so<br />

it is important that you wear protection. A roofer<br />

wearing safety sunglasses will not only protect<br />

their eyes from harmful UV rays, they will also<br />

feel more comfortable when working in bright<br />

conditions as the glasses will reduce disruptive<br />

reflections – glass, light coloured roofing<br />

membranes etc.”<br />

As well as your free suncream sachet with this<br />

issue of Total Contractor, Marley has hundreds of<br />

free mini bottles of suncream to give away as<br />

part of this year’s Safe in the Sun campaign. For<br />

your chance to get one, simply email your details<br />

to info@marley.co.uk<br />

Image: Marley is advising roofers to stay safe in the sun this<br />

summer and protect both their skin and eyes when on site.<br />

Contact Marley<br />

01283 722588<br />

www.marley.co.uk<br />

@MarleyLtd<br />

32 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


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Shaped with an elegant s-curve design and thin leading<br />

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Safety Equipment<br />

THE INSTALLATION’S JUST THE START<br />

With a shiny new fall protection system installed and signed off, you might think it was ‘job<br />

done’. Not so fast: to promote the ongoing safety and welfare of workers at height, maintain<br />

full regulatory compliance each year and minimise unexpected maintenance bills, you’ll<br />

need an aftercare package. Matthew Bailey, Divisional Manager for Inspection and<br />

Certification at HCL Safety, explains how fall protection aftercare through a specialist partner<br />

can both enhance safety and even pay for itself.<br />

Aftercare requirements<br />

Following the installation of a new fall protection<br />

system, it’s easy to forget that the equipment will<br />

be there – and required for use at any time –, for<br />

many years to come. Immediately after system<br />

installation, owners should ensure they are in<br />

receipt of key documentation, including a<br />

Certificate of Installation and an Operations and<br />

Maintenance (O&M) manual. The latter is an<br />

important reference for both operatives and third<br />

parties using, inspecting or maintaining the<br />

system. An O&M Manual details what has been<br />

installed, when, and how it should be used –<br />

including any manufacturer guidance. It will also<br />

detail any site-specific aspects that may be<br />

relevant to safe use.<br />

Currently in consultation, revisions to British<br />

Standards will soon create a new code of practice<br />

(BS 7883:<strong>2019</strong>). This will further mandate the<br />

provision and contents of a technical file and<br />

O&M manual for fall protection equipment<br />

installations on every site.<br />

Where a fall protection system’s installation team<br />

is engaged directly by the owner of the property<br />

(as opposed to a main or roofing contractor),<br />

there may be an initial system demonstration.<br />

This, however, must not be confused with the<br />

need to arrange quality fall protection training,<br />

providing the comprehensive theoretical and<br />

practical skills and user competency certification<br />

allowing operatives to work at height.<br />

A full safety service<br />

Where Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)<br />

needs to be provided on-site, aftercare partners<br />

offer an important service. Fall<br />

protection aftercare partners<br />

are concerned with the<br />

entire hierarchy of control<br />

around working at height.<br />

HCL Safety, for example,<br />

looks at each individual<br />

installation, checking that<br />

suitable PPE is carefully specified<br />

and selected, and is of high quality.<br />

To maintain compliance, fall protection equipment<br />

must be regularly inspected and maintained. The<br />

party responsible for upkeep arranges inspections<br />

every six or twelve months depending on the<br />

assets in place.<br />

“If there is wear or<br />

deterioration, the<br />

equipment must be<br />

taken out of<br />

commission until it has<br />

gone through basic<br />

maintenance or has<br />

been replaced”<br />

Aftercare partners such as HCL Safety routinely<br />

send out reminders to their clients before<br />

examination is due. An assessor will attend to<br />

check the condition of the equipment matches the<br />

original installation, documenting ongoing safety<br />

compliance. If there is wear or deterioration, the<br />

equipment must be taken out of commission until<br />

it has gone through basic maintenance or has<br />

been replaced. Sometimes<br />

inspection and maintenance<br />

visits are combined and<br />

often anything more than<br />

basic maintenance will<br />

require a return visit. It’s<br />

all about making sure the<br />

most appropriate course of<br />

action for the system in question<br />

is taken.<br />

Lowering TCO<br />

Fall protection systems present a significant<br />

investment. Combining regular inspections and<br />

maintenance also maximises the lifetime of the<br />

system, preventing costly deterioration through<br />

neglect and so reducing Total Cost of Ownership<br />

(TCO). Aftercare providers also keep important<br />

records of the building, installation and<br />

inspections – invaluable should ownership or<br />

facilities management arrangements change.<br />

Ultimately, aftercare partners exist to give users<br />

peace of mind that installed fall protection<br />

systems enable safe working at height.<br />

Appointing a partner does more than simply<br />

adhere to regular maintenance and inspection<br />

compliance. It also provides an independent voice<br />

to highlight any practice or safety concerns, and<br />

signpost access to specialist safety and<br />

competence training where needed.<br />

Contact HCL Safety<br />

0845 600 0086<br />

www.hclsafety.com<br />

@HCLSafety<br />

34 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


Reliability...<br />

our strength<br />

When you need a reliable solution, you need a team behind you with experience,<br />

dedication and quality unrivalled in the delivery of industry leading products.<br />

At SR Timber, RELIABILITY means:<br />

n Consistent quality from our managed sawmill to the roof<br />

n ‘Full to size’ in all dimensions GOLD battens<br />

n Our ranges are certified and compliant to British Standards<br />

n Treatment with a waterbased, organic preservative, VACSOL Aqua (Vac-Vac)<br />

n 60 Year lifetime warranty against insect attack and wood rotting fungi<br />

(when installed above dpc level in buildings)<br />

With decades of experience, our team is more<br />

passionate than ever, offering you expertise,<br />

independent advice, experience and industry support.<br />

TEL: 01623 446 800<br />

sales@sr-timber.co.uk<br />

www.sr-timber.co.uk


Pitched Roofing<br />

VENTILATION TIPS: WARM ROOFS,<br />

COLD ROOFS & LOFT CONVERSIONS<br />

By Tom Woodhouse, Site Services Manager at Marley.<br />

Pitched roof ventilation can be a complicated business because of the high number of variables,<br />

for example whether it is a warm roof or cold roof, if it has a normal or well-sealed ceiling and<br />

what type of underlay you are using. Below I give some ventilation tips for different types of<br />

insulation methods, as well as loft conversions:<br />

Cold roofs<br />

A cold pitched roof features thermal insulation<br />

installed along the horizontal ceiling joists. The<br />

roof space is unoccupied – perhaps being used<br />

only for limited storage – and is at a similar<br />

temperature to the outside. There is little or no<br />

obstruction to airflow through the roof space from<br />

eaves to eaves, so smaller openings are sufficient.<br />

How to ventilate cold roofs<br />

• Cold roofs should be ventilated in accordance<br />

with BS 5250, which means that ventilation<br />

should be provided at both eaves and ridge level.<br />

• A cold roof should have a minimum of 10mm<br />

continuous ventilation at the eaves and 5mm<br />

continuous ventilation at the ridge.<br />

• You can use either a breathable or nonbreathable<br />

underlay but must also make sure<br />

there is the right amount of high and low level<br />

ventilation to prevent condensation.<br />

• Non breathable underlays – the ventilation<br />

requirements for cold roofs with non-breathable<br />

underlays and ‘well-sealed ceilings’ are the same<br />

as for those without.<br />

• Breathable underlays – installing a breathable<br />

membrane can reduce ventilation requirements<br />

for both well sealed and normal ceilings but to be<br />

on the safe side, it is still best to provide 10mm<br />

continuous ventilation at eaves and 5mm at the<br />

ridge. Or you can contact our technical team to<br />

provide a free NBS specification to ensure you<br />

allow sufficient ventilation.<br />

Warm roofs<br />

In a warm roof, the thermal insulation is along<br />

the slope of the roof to create a habitable loft<br />

space. Ventilation airflow is only possible above<br />

the insulation and along the slope of the roof, so<br />

larger openings at the eaves are needed to<br />

promote sufficient air movement.<br />

How to ventilate a warm roof<br />

• Thermally insulating a warm roof often creates a<br />

relatively air tight, sealed ceiling which restricts the<br />

passage of moisture vapour into the roof structure<br />

and increases the risk of condensation. Therefore,<br />

warm roofs actually need more ventilation than<br />

cold roofs, in accordance with BS 5250.<br />

• While a warm roof still needs the same 5mm<br />

continuous ventilation along the ridge, it does<br />

require more ventilation, 25mm, at eaves level.<br />

This is why we sell both a 10mm and a 25mm<br />

eaves vent system.<br />

• To prevent condensation forming, you may see<br />

architects specifying an air control vapour layer<br />

(AVCL) for warm roofs. For non-breathable<br />

membrane, the AVCL goes on the warm side of<br />

the insulation and ventilated voids should be<br />

formed between the underside of the underlay<br />

and the insulation. Each void should be at least<br />

25mm deep and vented at both high and low<br />

level. With a breathable membrane, the AVCL is<br />

used at the ceiling line and in theory this means<br />

no additional ventilation is required, however, to<br />

be on the safe side ventilated voids should still<br />

be provided.<br />

Tom Woodhouse, Site Services Manager at Marley.<br />

Loft conversions<br />

When changing an empty loft space (cold roof)<br />

into a habitable living area (warm roof), it is easy<br />

to overlook the change in ventilation<br />

requirements.<br />

• The main difference is that you will need to<br />

increase the ventilation at eaves level.<br />

• You need to increase eaves ventilation from<br />

10mm to 25mm continuous ventilation running<br />

along the whole length of the eaves, this can be<br />

achieved using our 25mm eaves vent system.<br />

• The high level ridge ventilation requirements<br />

remain the same but do check that these are<br />

already in place. High level ridge ventilation<br />

should be equivalent in area to a 5mm slot for<br />

the length of the ridge.<br />

Using our full pitched roof system helps<br />

contractors to ensure they have the right levels of<br />

ventilation, whatever the roof construction.<br />

Contact Marley for free specifications or further<br />

information on ventilation:<br />

Contact Marley<br />

01283 722588<br />

www.marley.co.uk<br />

@MarleyLtd<br />

36 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


Installing Slate<br />

PLANNING & INSTALLATION ADVICE<br />

Allan Liddell, Specification and Commercial Manager at CUPA PIZARRAS, explores a few of<br />

the key considerations when planning and installing a natural slate roof for any project.<br />

Slate is only as good as its install, therefore<br />

close consideration needs to be paid during<br />

the planning and installation phases:<br />

Before beginning any roof installation, one of the<br />

critical points to consider is the site’s degree of<br />

exposure to wind and rain as how the area will<br />

fare against the elements will determine the<br />

minimum head lap that needs to be used.<br />

Within the UK, there are four exposure gradings<br />

based on the approximate wind-driven rain that<br />

an area receives on average: Sheltered (less than<br />

33L / m²), Moderate (33 less than 56.5), Severe<br />

(56.5 to less than 100) and Very Severe (100 or<br />

more). This varies from area to area and can be<br />

identified via the annual driving rain index.<br />

However, it is important to take into consideration<br />

that localised factors such as high buildings,<br />

buildings positioned on steep slopes, hills or<br />

within close proximity to the coast can increase<br />

the exposure grading.<br />

Once the exposure rating has been determined,<br />

roofing contractors need to take the wind uplift,<br />

exposure to driving rain and roof pitch into<br />

consideration to determine the minimum required<br />

head lap. For roofing contractors looking for a<br />

durable product in all weather conditions, CUPA<br />

PIZARRAS Heavy 3 is the ideal solution. A true<br />

heavy with an extra thickness of 7mm to 8mm,<br />

the slate has perfect strength which allows it to<br />

withstand any incremental weather. For this<br />

reason, this product is often specified in Scotland<br />

where weather conditions are much more severe.<br />

The size of the roof must also be assessed in<br />

order to determine the correct size of slate<br />

required. Ultimately, the lower the pitch of the<br />

roof, the greater the lap needs to be. This longer<br />

lap will help to resist wind uplift and capillary<br />

action. On steeper pitches with free-flowing<br />

drainage, smaller slates may be used. For<br />

exposed sites, wide slates with a greater lap are<br />

required. In Southern England, the most common<br />

slate size is 500 x 250mm, and in the North of<br />

England and Scotland, it is 400 x 250mm. It is<br />

worth noting that if the thickness of the natural<br />

slate reduces the pitch by three degrees or more,<br />

the next lower rafter pitch should be selected to<br />

ascertain the correct head-lap.<br />

Once the roof pitch, head lap and size of slate<br />

has been selected, roofing contractors can easily<br />

work out the correct amount of slates required for<br />

the roof per m² by referring to a manufacturer’s<br />

coverage tables, with the addition of at least 5%<br />

wastage allowance.<br />

Nailing or hook fixing<br />

When it comes to the installation, the British<br />

Standard Code of Practice (BS 5534) identifies<br />

two ways of installing slates: nailing or hook fixing.<br />

These fastenings fix the slate to either batten –<br />

which is the usual method used in England – or to<br />

sarking board – which is commonly used in areas<br />

of severe exposure throughout Scotland.<br />

Nails<br />

When it comes to fixing slate with nails, it is<br />

critical to note that these nails should be<br />

aluminium alloy (to BS 1202 part 3) or copper (to<br />

BS 102 part 2) for normal applications, and<br />

silicone bronze or stainless steel in coastal areas<br />

for extra protection against corrosion. To minimise<br />

the risk of the nail head pulling through the slate,<br />

the nail head diameter should be at least 10mm<br />

to comply with BS 5534. A traditional and reliable<br />

method, the main benefit of nail fixing is the<br />

finished aesthetic of a building, as the nails are<br />

hidden beneath the rows of slate above.<br />

Hooks<br />

An alternative method of nailing is the use of<br />

hooks, which is very common in Europe,<br />

especially in France and Belgium. When fixing<br />

slates with hooks, all perimeter slates should be<br />

hook fixed and nailed. However, roofing<br />

contractors must also remain aware that this<br />

cannot be done if the roofing pitch is below 25º.<br />

Fixing with hooks as opposed to nails can have<br />

many advantages, such as reduced labour costs,<br />

fewer breakages and a simple replacement<br />

process, however unlike nails, hook fixings<br />

remain visible after installation.<br />

Holing<br />

While most manufacturers’ slate comes preholed,<br />

if holing is required for a batch of slate a<br />

machine is the most advisable approach when<br />

looking to ensure quality control. The product<br />

should be holed one slate at a time and the<br />

machine should be checked, cleaned and<br />

adjusted frequently to ensure quality and safety.<br />

Although holing by hand is not recommended, it is<br />

sometimes necessary if a number of small slates<br />

need re-holing for repairs, or a hole needs to be<br />

re-positioned in-situ. In these circumstances a<br />

spike hammer should be used over a narrow iron,<br />

and holing should be repeated twice from the bed<br />

of the slate.<br />

Natural slate has many qualities that have made<br />

it so prevalent in the roofing industry, such as its<br />

sustainable credentials, durability and unrivalled<br />

appearance. As the product grows within the UK<br />

market it is vital to complete an informed<br />

specification and to follow best practice<br />

throughout installation.<br />

Contact CUPA PIZARRAS<br />

020 3904 3001<br />

www.cupapizarras.com/uk<br />

@CUPAPIZARRAS_en<br />

38 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


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Product Development<br />

TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION IS KEY<br />

Total Contractor visited Hambleside Danelaw to discuss how the relationship between<br />

contractor and manufacturer has never been more important than now...<br />

In what is an extremely competitive market for<br />

contractor, supplier and manufacturer, it’s more<br />

important than ever to interact with the supply<br />

chain and make the most of the support available.<br />

Ian Weakford, Sales & Marketing Director at<br />

Hambleside Danelaw, recognises this, and places<br />

great value on the roofing product manufacturer’s<br />

relationship with contractors. Ian explained to<br />

Total Contractor: “It’s about recognising the little<br />

problems that you only hear about by talking to<br />

the people on site and overcoming them; it’s the<br />

little things that make the job easier on site.”<br />

It is overcoming the little – but very real –<br />

problems that has driven Hambleside Danelaw’s<br />

R&D department to adapt and develop its product<br />

offering so that roofers can work quickly, and<br />

confidently on projects and hopefully make cost<br />

savings. This is reflected in its product offering<br />

which is split into three core areas: Danelaw<br />

Pitched Roofing, Zenon Rooflights and Dryseal<br />

Flat Roofing.<br />

Danelaw Pitched Roofing incorporates GRP<br />

flashings – including Dry Fix Valley Troughs,<br />

Bonding Gutters, Continuous Soakers and Slate<br />

Verges – plus polycarbonate flashing and roofing<br />

products such as its Individual Soakers, Dry<br />

Verge and Ridge and Hip Systems, as well as a<br />

comprehensive ventilation range.<br />

Hambleside Danelaw has been manufacturing<br />

rooflight solutions in the UK for more than 40 years;<br />

its BBA-certified Zenon range of in-plane GRP<br />

rooflights for the metal building envelope have been<br />

used on key projects for the likes of B&Q, Tesco<br />

distribution warehouses and Rolls Royce factories.<br />

The company’s BBA approved Dryseal Flat<br />

Roofing system is a component-based pre-cured<br />

GRP system. It can be installed over an existing<br />

roof covering, as long as the deck is in good<br />

Paul Lambert spends much of his time visiting customers.<br />

condition. It is guaranteed to remain leak-free for<br />

20 years and comes with an insurance backed<br />

warranty. The materials guarantee is<br />

supplemented by Hambleside Danelaw’s<br />

Approved Installer’s Guarantee directly to the<br />

customer.<br />

Solutions that benefit the roofer<br />

Although these products and systems are for<br />

different areas of roofing, the key for Hambleside<br />

Danelaw is coming up with solutions that benefit<br />

the roofer, and ensure a quicker and more<br />

efficient installation that will produce a<br />

weathertight roof for the customer.<br />

One way Hambleside Danelaw has been<br />

interacting with merchants and roofers is through<br />

its in-branch roof training and product demos.<br />

Paul Lambert, a Field Support Technician at<br />

Hambleside Danelaw, who has more than 30<br />

years of “hands-on” experience within the<br />

construction industry, takes his rigs on the road<br />

to merchants throughout the UK. Paul explained<br />

that it gives Hambleside Danelaw a great<br />

opportunity to not only get in-front of the right<br />

people, and educate them on the key issues<br />

affecting them when it comes to roofing, but to<br />

also help the company keep current with issues<br />

affecting roofers on site. Paul explained: “The<br />

merchant days are great way to advise on issues<br />

such weathertightness and wind uplift, talk about<br />

the products that are available, what they do, how<br />

they are installed, how they help – the practical<br />

side of roofing. It’s about getting them to switch<br />

on, keep them asking questions, keep their<br />

attention and also find out what’s affecting them.”<br />

Ian Weakford is a big fan of the in-branch demos<br />

and recognises the real value they offer Hambleside<br />

Danelaw and the customer: “It’s about engaging<br />

with the contractor. Paul’s not a salesman, he’s<br />

‘hands on’, so he speaks the language and<br />

understands the issues contractors are facing.”<br />

Ian continued: “A lot of the tweaks to the<br />

products and solutions we offer come from Paul<br />

Lambert. Through the in-branch demos he’s<br />

talking to the customers more than we could in<br />

the past and this is great for product<br />

development – if an issue is identified, can we<br />

come up with a solution? Are they just moaning –<br />

or is it a real problem? If we can make it a bit<br />

easier for the people on site, then that’s great!”<br />

On the whole, roofers are looking for products<br />

that are quick and easy to install, but they want<br />

the confidence that they won’t be called back to<br />

site to fix problems. For example, when it comes<br />

to Dry Verges, they want to be able to work in a<br />

range of weather conditions on site, but want a<br />

product that will perform whatever the weather<br />

(e.g. no warping, fading or water marks). As Ian<br />

says: “it’s about education”, but as a two-way<br />

thing: they as a manufacturer are learning about<br />

the problems that contractors face with products<br />

and materials on site, whilst providing the<br />

solutions and educating roofers on how they<br />

should be installed to ensure a roof that performs<br />

as it should. This two-way communication in the<br />

supply chain can only be a good thing for the<br />

sector moving forward.<br />

Contact Hambleside Danelaw<br />

01327 701900<br />

www.hambleside-danelaw.co.uk<br />

@HambDane<br />

40 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


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Working with Lead<br />

TOP TIPS ON HOW TO USE LEAD IN<br />

ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION<br />

Midland Lead has worked alongside Timby Roofing for a number of years, and we got the<br />

chance to catch up with Matt Timby, Owner, to hear his tips on how to work effectively and<br />

safely with lead.<br />

Since his days training as a roofing<br />

apprentice at Leeds College of Building,<br />

Matt Timby, Founder and Owner of Timby<br />

Roofing, is a specialist roofing contractor and has<br />

become a respected figure in the construction<br />

industry. Throughout his career he has been<br />

awarded a number of honours including NFRC<br />

National Roofing Awards alongside achieving gold<br />

medals at both National and International World<br />

Skills Events.<br />

Midland Lead and Timby Roofing share the same<br />

values of sustainability, protecting the<br />

environment and using lead in construction and<br />

heritage projects. Matt Timby is an advocate of<br />

using lead, and as a specialist roofing contractor<br />

he talked to us about the qualities and long-term<br />

advantages of using lead: “Lead is a great<br />

material to work with and when specified and<br />

installed correctly, it lasts a lifetime. In fact, lead<br />

will easily last more than three times longer than<br />

lead alternatives, making it a very cost-effective<br />

material. Lead alternatives do have their place in<br />

construction and there are many to choose from.<br />

They are generally used on flashings or on some<br />

developments where prices are tight, but none of<br />

the alternatives perform as effectively long-term.<br />

Easily manipulated to form complex details, lead<br />

is also a beautiful material and nothing looks<br />

quite as good when it is well installed and<br />

finished correctly, whether it is a modern design<br />

or heritage building.”<br />

With his many years of working with lead on<br />

many different projects, large and small, we<br />

asked Matt if he would share his top tips for<br />

roofing contractors on how to use lead safely and<br />

effectively. Here are his six top tips:<br />

Midland Lead’s lead is made of 100% recycled lead and has a 60-year guarantee.<br />

“Lead is a material that<br />

needs an experienced<br />

handler to ensure that<br />

it is installed and<br />

finished correctly”<br />

1Ensure you only use a qualified lead<br />

roofing expert or subcontractor. Lead is<br />

a material that needs an experienced handler<br />

to ensure that it is installed and finished correctly. If<br />

you are looking to hire a lead roofer, make sure they<br />

demonstrate evidence of previous work, ideally with<br />

recommendation. They should also be qualified<br />

with recognised bodies such as City and Guilds<br />

leadworkers certificate or an NVQ. It is also<br />

advised that they are members of recognised<br />

trade organisations such as the Lead Contractors<br />

Association. An experienced contractor should be<br />

able to confidently talk through, make<br />

recommendations and demonstrate what’s<br />

required for the specific project.<br />

2Understand how and when to specify<br />

lead sheet before you start the build<br />

project. The use of lead sheet is the same<br />

as any other roofing product, you have to know<br />

when and how to use it to ensure that it is<br />

installed correctly. If you are unable to find an<br />

experienced or qualified lead installer, then my<br />

advice is to become one – you will never regret<br />

knowing more about lead as a great building<br />

material. There are plenty of short courses all<br />

over the UK that will help you learn foundations<br />

for the basics. You can also buy a copy of the<br />

‘Lead Sheet Manual’ from the Lead Sheet Training<br />

Academy, although this deals purely with rolled<br />

lead sheet to BS EN 12588, it can be used exactly<br />

the same way for machine cast lead and is an<br />

essential document that can help with<br />

specification and detailing. Another point would<br />

be that if in doubt, ask a manufacturer, such as<br />

Midland Lead, who are very knowledgeable on all<br />

types of projects, or another contractor for advice –<br />

a two-minute discussion can save a lot of issues.<br />

42 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


“You have to know<br />

when and how to use it<br />

(lead) to ensure that it<br />

is installed correctly”<br />

3Know what products to use in<br />

conjunction with lead sheet to ensure<br />

best practice and longevity of the<br />

installation. There are a number of ancillary<br />

products that can be used to improve the<br />

appearance and longevity of lead installation.<br />

Lead ancillary products can really help to make<br />

preparation, installation and looking after lead a<br />

lot easier. There are many products available,<br />

such as woodcore rolls, building paper or<br />

underlay, and all are essential in their own rights.<br />

Patination oil is also a great way to ensure even<br />

weathering and prevent white lead carbonate<br />

run-off onto other building materials. Midland<br />

Lead’s website has an ancillary list that lists all<br />

the products that are used alongside lead that<br />

can be a great help.<br />

4Find out which lead code to use for a<br />

project. When specifying lead sheet, it is<br />

really important to refer to relevant<br />

documentation to ensure the correct thickness<br />

and dimensions of lead is being specified for that<br />

particular application. It is recommended that you<br />

consult the manufacturer of the product, Midland<br />

Lead have a downloadable lead code weight chart<br />

that can be helpful – most manufacturers will<br />

provide similar. A factor to also consider is the<br />

climate and geographical location where the<br />

lead will be installed. For instance, contractors<br />

in Scotland might be better placed looking at<br />

codes 5 and above, whereas projects in<br />

England and Wales may only need a code 4<br />

lead. This is simply due to the harsher weather<br />

conditions where a thicker, more durable lead<br />

installation is required.<br />

5Make sure you know how to handle and<br />

store lead correctly. We all know that if<br />

handled incorrectly, lead can be harmful to<br />

health. Lead particles can enter the body through<br />

ingestion and inhalation, but this can easily be<br />

Above left: Matt Timby at work; Midland Lead is proud of its 35 years of lead sheet manufacturing expertise.<br />

avoided with the use of simple PPE (personal<br />

protective equipment) and using the<br />

product correctly. Gloves or<br />

barrier cream should always<br />

be used when handling<br />

lead sheet, hands<br />

should be washed<br />

before drinking, eating<br />

or smoking. An FFP3<br />

type mask should also<br />

always be worn when lead<br />

burning and when conducting<br />

this method, lead burning should<br />

only be carried out in a well-ventilated area. It’s<br />

advisable to wear overalls when working with<br />

lead sheet as it can build up on your clothing and<br />

transfer to your vehicle and then to your home.<br />

Another thing to consider is good manual<br />

handling practice as lead, by its very nature, can<br />

be very heavy.<br />

“Checking your lead<br />

rolls or sheets are<br />

stored correctly before<br />

installation is crucial<br />

to prevent<br />

discolouration”<br />

To guarantee long-term benefits it is also<br />

important to ensure you observe best practice<br />

when storing lead. For instance, checking your<br />

lead rolls or sheets are stored correctly before<br />

installation is crucial to prevent discolouration.<br />

Always keep lead off the ground on raised pallets<br />

in an environment that has little to no<br />

atmospheric changes for best<br />

results.<br />

6Make certain<br />

that lead is<br />

worked and<br />

fitted correctly. It is<br />

essential that lead sheet<br />

is fitted correctly to ensure<br />

the longevity of the product<br />

when installed. Poor installation,<br />

as with any product in construction, can<br />

result in premature failure as lead is open to all<br />

the elements that weather can throw at us! Poor<br />

handling can also damage the product; it is<br />

important that care is taken so not to damage the<br />

material when moving, storing and installing.<br />

Take care that the area you are working in is<br />

clean. Rolling your material out onto a<br />

workbench, scaffold or roof deck covered in<br />

debris of any kind is not advised. Rolling the lead<br />

out onto unclean surfaces can cause surface<br />

damage or even puncture the sheet. Any damage<br />

to the lead itself can affect the long-term<br />

properties of the installation.<br />

With so much choice it is important to understand<br />

why certain types of lead are suitable for<br />

particular applications.<br />

Contact Midland Lead<br />

01283 224 555<br />

www.midlandlead.co.uk<br />

@MidlandLead<br />

JUNE <strong>2019</strong> TC 43


An Inspector Calls<br />

THE LAY OF THE LAND: A FOCUS ON<br />

THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF UNDERLAYS<br />

In our regular monthly column – ‘An Inspector calls’ – Total Contractor has teamed up with<br />

BMI UK & Ireland, experts in pitched and flat roofing solutions, to help you avoid the<br />

common pitfalls that can often cost you both time and money, and ultimately help you<br />

achieve roofing success.<br />

This month the Inspector gets on top of<br />

the subject of underlays and why they<br />

are so important.<br />

The last thing you want to see when climbing into<br />

a loft is the underside of the roof tiles. That thin<br />

sheet of material that sits between you and the<br />

roof covering, be it an old 1F bituminous felt or a<br />

newer vapour permeable polymer membrane, is<br />

there for a reason.<br />

When we are installing a roofing underlay we are<br />

looking for suitable strength, durability, tear- and<br />

water-resistance to serve for the entire service<br />

life of the roof. This is vital, because the failure of<br />

that membrane is the death knell for any<br />

installation. Think about it: when we install our<br />

roof, we start with the underlay placed over the<br />

rafters; we hammer in our battens on top and<br />

then fix our tiles on those battens. So it follows<br />

that if the membrane fails, it is off with the tiles,<br />

off with the battens and so off with the entire<br />

roof; an expensive repair.<br />

It begs the question, why would anyone cut<br />

“If the membrane fails, it is off with the tiles, off<br />

with the battens and so off with the entire roof.<br />

An expensive repair”<br />

corners or cost when installing the underlay? But<br />

they do, and once that membrane fails it cannot<br />

be ignored as invariably the risk of roof leakage<br />

escalates significantly.<br />

The important role of underlays<br />

Let’s just remind ourselves about the important<br />

role that underlay plays in the overall scheme of<br />

things. Firstly, it provides an essential barrier to<br />

reduce the wind uplift load acting on the slates<br />

and tiles. This means that using a substandard or<br />

poorly installed underlay increases the wind load<br />

on the tiles and their fixings, leaving them at<br />

greater risk of being removed in high winds. In<br />

short this could mean tiles leaving the roof and<br />

taking up residence in the garden or next-door’s<br />

garden, or even worse the neighbour’s<br />

conservatory or parked car. A brief search of<br />

Google will deliver a host of horror stories about<br />

the dangers of dislodged clay and concrete tiles<br />

from a roof – including deaths – not to mention<br />

the cost of repair afterwards.<br />

Secondly, the underlay is also the final barrier<br />

against the ingress of wind-driven rain, snow and<br />

dust into the roof space. Tiles and slates for the<br />

most part keep the weather out but, under certain<br />

combinations of wind and rain, they will let small<br />

amounts of water through. This is when the<br />

underlay when draped sufficiently between<br />

rafters allows these small amounts of moisture to<br />

drain down to the eaves of the roof and into the<br />

drainage system.<br />

Remove that last line of defence and any water<br />

getting past the roof covering is destined to<br />

44 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


“Tiles and slates for the<br />

most part keep the<br />

weather out but, under<br />

certain combinations<br />

of wind and rain, they<br />

will let small amounts<br />

of water through”<br />

destroy the customer’s record collection or that<br />

box of old wedding photos tucked away at the<br />

back of the attic. Worse, it won’t stop there<br />

because once water finds a route into a property,<br />

that ingress will continue first to dampen the<br />

insulation in the roof reducing its thermal<br />

resistance, and then often the first anyone will<br />

know about it is that dark damp patch of plaster<br />

on the bedroom ceiling.<br />

Lastly, modern polymer-based underlays,<br />

particularly the vapour permeable type, are also<br />

used to a lesser or greater extent to reduce the<br />

risk of condensation occurring in the roof space.<br />

Most of us have cold roof spaces or lofts, which<br />

means that we insulate the ceiling of our upper<br />

floor leaving the roof tiles and roofing membrane<br />

uninsulated and close to the external air<br />

temperature.<br />

This means that all the warm air and moisture<br />

that we produce in our homes – and we produce<br />

a great deal of it – rises upwards into the loft and<br />

hits the membrane below the roof tiles. During<br />

the cold winter months the external air<br />

temperature is such that the membrane<br />

temperature can fall below the dew point. What<br />

happens when steam hits a cold surface? It turns<br />

back to water! In a modern home the underlay is<br />

designed to help control this process and allow<br />

some moisture in the form of water vapour<br />

through, but if that underlay is insufficient for the<br />

task or degraded, the results will be as damaging<br />

as water getting in from the outside.<br />

When it comes to roofing underlay, failure is<br />

simply not an option as the cost of repair is<br />

nothing short of a reroof. Yes, we can patch tears<br />

Above and left: images show the consequences of aged or cheap underlay failure.<br />

“If there is any part of the roof where no expense<br />

should be spared then the underlay is it. It is your<br />

last line of defence against the weather, your<br />

safeguard against condensation damage and an<br />

essential wind load barrier for tiles”<br />

in the underlay up with suitable tapes, but if the<br />

cause of the failure is down to a substandard<br />

choice of membrane then the underlying<br />

problems cannot be solved by tape.<br />

The British Standard Code of Practice for pitched<br />

roofs, BS 5534, is clear in its recommendations:<br />

• Choose an appropriate underlay for your roof<br />

taking into account the wind exposure of the<br />

building and site location (all reputable underlays<br />

are provided with a zonal chart which will tell you<br />

if they are suitable, if in doubt ask your merchant<br />

to point it out).<br />

• Follow the manufacturer’s installation<br />

instructions to the letter. Underlay might seem<br />

like a simple product to install but the cost of<br />

getting it wrong can be catastrophic, so don’t.<br />

Read the instructions and if in any doubt at all<br />

call the underlay manufacturer for guidance.<br />

• Restrain your horizontal underlay laps properly.<br />

Where the underlay laps horizontally you must<br />

either restrain it with a batten fixed over the lap<br />

or by using a proprietary adhesive or tapes<br />

guaranteed for your particular roof installation.<br />

Any old glue or tape will not do since it’s unlikely<br />

to be fit for purpose in terms of its durability and<br />

again listening to your manufacturer here is<br />

paramount.<br />

If there is any part of the roof where no expense<br />

should be spared then the underlay is it. It is your<br />

last line of defence against the weather, your<br />

safeguard against condensation damage and an<br />

essential wind load barrier for tiles.<br />

Contact BMI National Training Centre<br />

01285 863545<br />

www.bmigroup.com/uk<br />

@_Redland / @Icopal_UK<br />

JUNE <strong>2019</strong> TC 45


Contractor’s Qs<br />

“KNOW YOUR CRAFT,<br />

KNOW YOUR MARKET”<br />

He’s been roofing since a very young age and his experience has seen him build a successful<br />

business and go on to win awards as an individual and for projects his company has worked<br />

on. But what really frustrates Jason Wright about roofing? which projects have really stood out<br />

in his long career and why? plus, what tools could he not do without? Total Contractor caught up with<br />

Jason to find out all this and much more...<br />

10<br />

questions for Jason Wright:<br />

TC: What was your path into roofing and<br />

to your current position?<br />

JW: From the age of 8, every weekend and all<br />

school holidays I was taken to work by my father<br />

mainly to keep me out of mischief. By the age of<br />

12 I was labouring for two roofers, and before I<br />

was 16 I had my own team.<br />

I completed a full apprenticeship before I was 18<br />

and have gone on to achieve every qualification<br />

within my field of traditional pitched roofing.<br />

I was one of the youngest NFRC Chairman for the<br />

Midland region and I sit on both the NFRC<br />

Heritage Committee and the NFRC Slating & Tiling<br />

committee.<br />

I was also the first recipient of the Master<br />

Craftsman Award by the Worshipful Tyler’s &<br />

Bricklayers in 2013.<br />

My current position within our company is<br />

Operations Director with a lead role in new<br />

business and our Planned Works Division.<br />

TC: If you had one piece of advice about<br />

starting a roofing business, what would it<br />

be?<br />

JW: My best piece of advice about starting a new<br />

roofing business would be to know your craft,<br />

know your market and make sure you have a<br />

good accountant.<br />

TC: Tell us about a current project you’re<br />

working on…<br />

JW: We have several contracts running<br />

concurrently, with the majority in re-roofing social<br />

housing stock for several Local Authorities which<br />

can range from pre-war housing to 1950s & 60s<br />

housing stock throughout the East Midlands, East<br />

Anglia, to Victorian, Georgian and even Tudor<br />

housing in Royal Leamington Spa and Warwick.<br />

This, as you can see, means our work can be<br />

varied and challenging in terms of the type of<br />

roofs and the logistics.<br />

TC: You must have worked on some<br />

difficult projects over the years. Does one<br />

in particular stand out?<br />

JW: We have worked on some very interesting<br />

projects ranging from Windsor Castle at the time<br />

of 9/11 – you can imagine all the security<br />

problems that included – to working on the Royal<br />

Brompton Hospital which included both logistical<br />

problems and restricted hours of working.<br />

“Anyone can buy some vans, a set of ladders, do<br />

some clever marketing and call themselves a<br />

roofing company! How can that happen?! This<br />

really gets my blood boiling!”<br />

Jason Wright (right) is Operations Director at J Wright Roofing.<br />

However, the project that sticks out is the reroofing<br />

of the Victoria Law Courts in central<br />

Birmingham in 2007-2008.<br />

This is a Grade 1 listed active court building with<br />

over 20 courts. As such we had to re-roof the<br />

whole building at night over 18 months. We also<br />

won the NFRC Heritage award in 2009 for our<br />

workmanship on this project.<br />

TC: What about difficult customers? Any<br />

situations that stand out that you can tell<br />

us about?!<br />

JW: In terms of difficult customers we have not<br />

had that many. What I would say is a big issue is<br />

having larger main contractors deliberately<br />

withholding monies through a layer of QSs, and<br />

then deliberately going bust owing thousands to<br />

the smaller, honest sub-contractors only to start<br />

up again almost straight away! I feel something<br />

really has to be done and the law needs to be<br />

changed to protect the smaller contractors and to<br />

stop this practice.<br />

TC: What’s the most frustrating thing<br />

about your job?<br />

JW: The most frustrating thing about my job and<br />

indeed our industry as a whole is qualified, vetted<br />

and accredited companies losing out on tenders<br />

to less qualified companies.<br />

It is so annoying that our industry is still one of<br />

the only sectors whereby anyone can buy some<br />

vans, a set of ladders, do some clever<br />

46 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


marketing and call themselves a roofing<br />

company! How can that happen?! This really<br />

gets my blood boiling!<br />

The second most frustrating thing is other<br />

companies poaching our qualified roofers when<br />

they don’t do any training whatsoever.<br />

TC: And the most satisfying?<br />

JW: The most satisfying aspect for me personally<br />

is seeing a young school leaver join us to<br />

complete an apprenticeship and watch them grow<br />

into young adults and gain a qualification onto not<br />

just a job, but a proper career path.<br />

Winning tenders comes a close second, along<br />

with getting paid on time.<br />

TC: What’s your most important tool as a<br />

roofing contractor, either in the office or<br />

on site?<br />

JW: My two most valuable tools are my diary and<br />

my iPhone.<br />

TC: What’s the biggest issue currently<br />

affecting you as a contractor?<br />

JW: The most important issues affecting me at<br />

the moment are unregulated, unqualified<br />

contractors still giving our industry a bad image.<br />

This is coupled with the shortage of skilled labour<br />

which I am afraid is only going to get worse<br />

despite the best efforts of recent national<br />

initiatives.<br />

TC: How has the start of <strong>2019</strong> been and<br />

are there reasons to be positive for the<br />

remainder of the year?<br />

JW: I am pleased to say after a record year for our<br />

company in 2018, in <strong>2019</strong> we’ve got off to a great<br />

start again with new frameworks recently<br />

awarded and our current order book is at over<br />

80% of last year’s turnover already, so we’re<br />

looking good through to 2020 and beyond.<br />

This will enable us to continue recruiting both in<br />

the office, on site and expand further on our<br />

apprenticeship programme.<br />

Contact J Wright Roofing<br />

0115 971 7591<br />

www.jwrightroofing.co.uk<br />

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JUNE <strong>2019</strong> TC 47


Job Focus: In the Field<br />

THE NEXT STEP: TRAINING &<br />

GAINING AROUND THE WORLD<br />

After a 22-year career as a roofer, John Turner is now using that experience in the field and<br />

travelling to sites throughout the world to train the next generation of roofers, providing<br />

guidance and technical support on site.<br />

When Firestone’s technical representative<br />

for lining and roofing first began his<br />

career at the tender age of 16, he could<br />

never have imagined that he would one day be<br />

travelling the world as an integral part of his job.<br />

The role he has now uses the knowledge he<br />

gained in a 22-year career as a roofer and sees<br />

him travelling to sites world-wide to train the next<br />

generation of roofing professionals and offer<br />

guidance and technical support on site.<br />

“It’s not all glamour,” commented John, “I get to<br />

see the inside of a lot of airports and I still spend<br />

a lot of time on roofs taking a look at complex<br />

detailing and working with contractors to find a<br />

way of tackling it that will look neat and support<br />

an extended service life for the roof.<br />

“Firestone’s EPDM membranes have a 20-year<br />

warranty but many have already lasted close to<br />

40 years without refurbishment or<br />

replacement. Getting that kind of<br />

lifespan out of the product is<br />

always the aim and ensuring<br />

it’s been installed to the<br />

highest standards, no matter<br />

how challenging the building<br />

design or working conditions may<br />

be, plays a critical role in delivering<br />

that long-lasting performance.”<br />

Extreme conditions<br />

The challenging working conditions that John<br />

encounters come in all varieties thanks to the<br />

varied locations he visits to deliver training and<br />

technical support.<br />

“I was in Scandinavia recently to work with a<br />

group of installers who will be using Firestone’s<br />

GeoGard lining system for the emergency cooling<br />

John Turner, Firestone BPE. Technical<br />

Representative for Lining and Roofing.<br />

reservoir on a nuclear reactor<br />

building project. The training<br />

took place in a nice warm<br />

workshop, but there was 3ft of<br />

snow when I arrived; much<br />

more extreme than anything I’ve<br />

encountered while in the UK.”<br />

Plenty of John’s travels include far flung places at<br />

the other end of the temperature scale too. His<br />

recent destinations have included Japan,<br />

Tanzania, Qatar and South Korea, and recently he<br />

was in India.<br />

“One of the great things about working with<br />

Firestone membranes is that the material<br />

responds well in all temperatures. It remains<br />

flexible in temperatures as low as -45ºC and<br />

“I still spend a lot of<br />

time on roofs taking a<br />

look at complex<br />

detailing”<br />

Left: Firestone’s Products were used on the Mercedes Benz<br />

building in Dubai. Below: John Turner’s work takes him to far<br />

flung places.<br />

48 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


Job Focus: In the Field<br />

performs well in high temperatures too, with<br />

excellent U/V resistance.<br />

“In fact, the product is far more resilient than<br />

even a site-hardy roofer like me! During one trip<br />

to Japan I must have looked like I needed some<br />

help with cooling off so the team presented me<br />

with a special ‘cooling’ jacket to say thank you for<br />

the help I’d given them during the project. It has a<br />

series of fans inside it – a nice idea but a bit on<br />

the heavy and cumbersome side when you’re<br />

crouching down to complete complex detailing<br />

work.”<br />

Career progression<br />

Around 70% of John’s work is in helping teams on<br />

roofing jobs, with the remainder spent assisting<br />

contractors with lining projects. It’s a role that<br />

has provided him with a natural progression from<br />

working full time as a roofer to using<br />

his skills in the same industry but<br />

in a different way.<br />

“By the time I moved into<br />

this role aged 38, I had<br />

already done 22 years on<br />

the tools,” John<br />

continued, “and I wanted<br />

to continue to work in the<br />

sector but I wasn’t sure I<br />

wanted to have such a physically<br />

demanding role for the next 22 years.<br />

“When this job with Firestone came up, it provided<br />

the perfect solution because it gives me a balance<br />

between being up on the roof with installation<br />

teams, where I can have hands-on involvement<br />

with the project, and working with roofing<br />

professionals off site, where I can pass on the<br />

knowledge and skills I’ve gained over the years.<br />

“Best of all, every day is still a learning day for<br />

me. It’s extraordinary how often I go on site or to<br />

a training venue to train a group of<br />

lads and come away having<br />

learned something new.<br />

That’s one of the really<br />

enjoyable elements of<br />

my role, being able to<br />

gain new knowledge<br />

and techniques from<br />

installers all round the<br />

world and pass them on<br />

as I continue to train more<br />

people and advise on an endless<br />

variety of jobs.”<br />

Rewarding<br />

Over the course of his 15 years in his current role,<br />

John has been able to see the value of sharing his<br />

knowledge and the collective experience of the<br />

roofers he trains around the world.<br />

“One of my favourite things about the job is<br />

catching up with people that I trained years ago<br />

and seeing how their careers have progressed.<br />

“That’s one of the really enjoyable elements of<br />

my role, being able to gain new knowledge and<br />

techniques from installers all round the world<br />

and pass them on”<br />

Above – workers John has assisted in Dubai and, below, India.The real satisfaction is in supporting roofers as they learn new<br />

skills, develop their own creative solutions for difficult detailing and gain confidence in problem solving.”<br />

Often, I’ve bumped into someone I trained early in<br />

their career and I can see them on site, passing<br />

their skills on to another generation of<br />

professionals. There is nothing more satisfying<br />

than seeing that legacy at work and the fact<br />

that people remember me and the project I<br />

worked on with them years later really<br />

highlights the value of good training and<br />

technical support.”<br />

Not all of John’s work involves far flung<br />

locations; he can often be found supporting UK<br />

contractors on sites around the country too, as<br />

well as delivering training at Firestone’s<br />

purpose-built training centre at the company’s<br />

Cheshire HQ.<br />

“In many ways,” John added, “the location is not<br />

the most memorable part of any training or<br />

troubleshooting job for me. The real satisfaction<br />

is in supporting roofers as they learn new skills,<br />

develop their own creative solutions for difficult<br />

detailing and gain confidence in problem solving.<br />

My role is to facilitate all of that and it’s<br />

extremely rewarding.”<br />

Contact Firestone<br />

01606 552026<br />

www.firestonebpe.co.uk<br />

@FirestonebpUK<br />

50 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


PROTAN LR20<br />

A high performance liquid<br />

roofing system to complement<br />

Protan’s range of single ply<br />

products.<br />

PROTAN LR20...<br />

• Ideal for use where complex detailing<br />

or difficult access restricts the use of a<br />

sheet membrane<br />

• Can be applied to most substrates on<br />

new build projects or as an overlay on<br />

existing roofs<br />

• Independently Fire Tested – conforms<br />

to BROOFT4 with zero spread of flame<br />

• A cost-effective solution that is both<br />

fast-curing and simple to install<br />

• Moisture tolerant and can be applied<br />

at low temperatures<br />

• 20 Year Warranty – can be extended<br />

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contact: sales@protan.co.uk<br />

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How To:<br />

WATERPROOF A RAINWATER OUTLET<br />

Stuart Hicks, from cold-applied liquid waterproofing specialist Kemper System, provides a<br />

step-by-step guide...<br />

The performance of any roof can be compromised by a rainwater outlet. If it is not waterproofed<br />

effectively, water can leak into a building causing damage and potentially leading to substantial<br />

refurbishment costs.<br />

One of the most effective ways to waterproof an outlet is to use a cold-applied liquid resin with a fleece<br />

reinforcement. Durable and tear resistant, these systems can be tailored to the shape of the outlet<br />

without the need for mechanical fixings or sealants.<br />

A further benefit is that a wet-on-wet system can be applied in a single process, which completely<br />

saturates the reinforcement fleece, making the installation quicker and more reliable.<br />

For contractors considering using a liquid waterproofing system for this application, here is a guide to<br />

what is involved:<br />

“The performance of<br />

any roof can be<br />

compromised by a<br />

rainwater outlet. If it is<br />

not waterproofed<br />

effectively, water can<br />

leak into a building<br />

causing damage”<br />

1Cut the fleece into wedge-shaped strips<br />

ensuring there are enough to cover the<br />

outlet in overlapping layers.<br />

Each wedge should be around 150mm long with<br />

one end 70mm wide and the other a minimum of<br />

50mm wide, so that it can be folded and inserted<br />

into the outlet.<br />

Above: Rainwater outlet<br />

2Dip the individual strips into the liquid<br />

waterproofing resin, ensuring each one is<br />

completely saturated.<br />

3Apply the liquid waterproofing resin to the<br />

top and inside of the outlet making sure no<br />

resin drips into the drain.<br />

4Remove any excess resin from the strips<br />

and lay in an overlapping pattern until the<br />

whole outlet is covered and brush out any<br />

air bubbles or creases.<br />

5Create a cover fleece by cutting a square<br />

which should measure the diameter of the<br />

outlet plus 250mm on each side.<br />

Place the fleece centrally over the top of the<br />

outlet. Draw a circle using the inside of the outlet<br />

as a guide and then cut out, ensuring the<br />

diameter of the hole is approximately 20mm<br />

wider than the outlet.<br />

Above: Cover fleece pattern.<br />

6To ensure a neat appearance, put masking<br />

tape above the application area and the<br />

surrounding deck, and then remove the<br />

fleece. Saturate the cover fleece with the liquid<br />

waterproofing resin, squeeze off any excess and<br />

lay onto the deck over the outlet.<br />

7Brush or roller this fleece to remove air<br />

bubbles or creases and ensure the fleece<br />

is fully saturated and pressed firmly down.<br />

Remove the masking tape to present a neat,<br />

professional job. The resin will then cure to<br />

provide a robust waterproof membrane that can<br />

Above: Cover fleece in place.<br />

be seamlessly incorporated into the field area of<br />

the project.<br />

To ensure the installation is a success,<br />

contractors should also get advice and ideally<br />

training from the manufacturer of the liquid<br />

waterproofing system before application.<br />

Contact Kemper System<br />

01925 445532<br />

www.kempersystem.co.uk<br />

@KemperSystemUK<br />

52 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


Mansard Roof Tiles<br />

Purpose made to<br />

suit roof pitch<br />

Contemporary Living: Crest’s High Quality<br />

Concrete Interlocking Double Pantile in Rustic<br />

Crest Creative Roofscaping<br />

Crest Nelskamp have a large range of internal and external Mansard<br />

roofing tiles available in clay and concrete profiles for both modern and<br />

traditional projects.<br />

<br />

Crest *Planum high quality concrete<br />

flat tile in anthracite grey<br />

Architect’s are now finding more creative and practical uses for both<br />

residential and commercial new builds with different roofing styles and<br />

colours becoming extremely popular. By incorporating Mansards and<br />

Vertical Tile Cladding, cost savings on installation can be achieved<br />

allowing the discerning specifier greater flexibility in their design.<br />

To find out how we can assist you with our bespoke fittings and unique<br />

tiles, please get in touch with our technical support team.<br />

A selection of our special roof fittings:<br />

<br />

Crest H14 interlocking black gloss<br />

clay tiles with 70° angle roof tile<br />

Double Pantile<br />

External<br />

Mansard Tile<br />

Double Pantile<br />

Internal Mansard<br />

Tile<br />

Double Pantile<br />

External Mansard Tile<br />

Left Hand Cloaked Verge<br />

Planum<br />

External<br />

Mansard Tile<br />

Planum Half<br />

External<br />

Mansard Tile<br />

More special tiles available on our website<br />

For more information on our quality roof tiles or<br />

to order a FREE sample call us on 01430 432667<br />

TECHNICAL<br />

S U P P O R T<br />

30<br />

GUARANTEE<br />

Y E A R<br />

01430 432667 info@crest-bst.co.uk www.crest-bst.co.uk<br />

* As per European trademark Nr.7287956, filed on 2.October 2008, the Trademark PLANUM belongs to La Escandella.<br />

It is Dachziegelwerke Nelskamp as authorized licensee of the owner allowed to use the mark PLANUM for its concrete product.<br />

ROOFING TILES


Working Practices<br />

FROM THE TOP: CHAMPIONING<br />

SAFETY FOR ROOF WORKERS<br />

Graham Willmott, Chairman of the The Advisory Committee for Roof Safety (ACR), explains<br />

the organisation’s role and its continuing crusade to improve working practices and<br />

minimise the risk of fall-from-height accidents.<br />

In 2017/18, 38 fatal injuries occurred on UK<br />

construction sites. That figure places our<br />

industry among the major contributors to<br />

workplace deaths. Of these, the majority were the<br />

result of falls from height. It’s a shocking fact<br />

that each and every one of those deaths was<br />

preventable if appropriate measures had been<br />

taken. Defining and communicating those<br />

measures is at the core of ACR’s mission – and<br />

the organisation has played an important role in<br />

significantly reducing accidents to roof workers<br />

since its inception.<br />

Roof access safety<br />

ACR was founded in 1998 by HSE (the Health &<br />

Safety Executive), with the aim of establishing<br />

and promoting safe practice for the benefit of all<br />

individuals accessing roofs. Comprised of<br />

industry personnel for the safety of industry<br />

personnel, its role is not to legislate, but to<br />

safeguard.<br />

Non-fragility<br />

ACR was formed in response to HSE’s<br />

requirement that in order to reduce accidents, all<br />

roofing products should be manufactured to be<br />

‘non-fragile’ when fixed. However, at this point<br />

‘non-fragility’ had no specific definition – or a<br />

test procedure by which to establish it.<br />

“At this point ‘nonfragility’<br />

had no<br />

specific definition – or<br />

a test procedure by<br />

which to establish it”<br />

In order to address this dilemma, working to<br />

physical requirements established by HSE, the<br />

newly formed ACR started work on a test<br />

procedure by which non-fragility could be<br />

defined. This constituted a drop test of a sand<br />

bag falling onto a roofing assembly fixed to a<br />

defined test rig at ground level, that simulated<br />

the same effect as a heavy person walking then<br />

tripping and falling on to a roof surface.<br />

The conclusion of the work was written up in the<br />

first publication of the ACR, entitled<br />

‘ACR[M]001:2014 Test For Non-Fragility of Large<br />

Element Roofing Assemblies’. Now in its fifth<br />

edition, this document has since provided the<br />

HSE approved UK testing and classification<br />

system for non-fragility of roofing assemblies,<br />

providing the clear benchmarks for<br />

manufacturers and installers to meet the required<br />

standards.<br />

Further guides to safety<br />

Since the publication of ‘The Red Book’, ACR has<br />

further broadened its commitment to roof safety<br />

with the publication of a series of other widely<br />

referenced guides to safe working practices in all<br />

aspects of roof work, from the role that designers<br />

can play in limiting hazards, to the management<br />

and supervision of work at height.<br />

An example is the ‘The Blue Book’<br />

ACR[CP]003:2016 ‘Recommended Practice for<br />

use of safety nets for roofwork’. This publication<br />

gives practical advice on the duties placed on<br />

clients, designers, CDM co-ordinators,<br />

contractors and manufacturers, and includes<br />

recommendations for good practice when using<br />

safety netting during the construction of new and<br />

54 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


the refurbishment of existing roofs. Although<br />

concentrating on use with profiled roofs, those<br />

engaged in other similar activities would benefit<br />

from the advice given, as many of the principles<br />

equally apply to net use on other structures and<br />

roof forms.<br />

Other ACR publications cover specific topics<br />

including working on fragile roofs, edge protection<br />

and the use of safety lines. These topics and<br />

publications will be covered in subsequent articles.<br />

Free, easy access<br />

A key part of ACR’s remit is to share its broad<br />

knowledge and provide free, easy access to its<br />

publications. A new ACR website has recently been<br />

launched with this in mind. The website provides<br />

downloadable copies of all ACR publications; a<br />

comprehensive section providing answers to<br />

frequently asked questions; and full listings of<br />

committee members and the organisations they<br />

represent. Latest news from the ACR can also be<br />

accessed here, as well as contact details.<br />

Working with the HSE, the following associations<br />

representing roofing trades and product<br />

manufacturers are represented on the committee:<br />

• BSCA (British Constructional Steelwork Association Ltd)<br />

• BSIF,HSG (British Safety Industry Federation/Height<br />

Safety Group)<br />

• EPF (Edge Protection Federation)<br />

• EPIC (Engineered Panels in Construction)<br />

• FASET (Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training)<br />

• HSE (Health and Safety Executive)<br />

‘The Red Book’ ACR[M]001:2014 Test For Non-Fragility of<br />

Large Element Roofing Assemblies is based on this drop test<br />

developed by ACR.<br />

• IoR (The Institute of Roofing)<br />

• MCRMA (Metal Cladding and Roofing Manufacturers<br />

Association)<br />

• NARM (National Association of Rooflight Manufacturers)<br />

• NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors)<br />

• RIDBA (Rural and Industrial Design and Building<br />

Association)<br />

• RTA (Roof Tile Association)<br />

• SPRA (Single Ply Roofing Association)<br />

• WAHSA (Work at Height Safety Association)<br />

The individuals comprising the ACR work on a<br />

voluntary, unpaid basis, with selection by the<br />

committee based on experience and qualifications<br />

across a wide range of roofing-related disciplines.<br />

Their immense contribution to reducing the<br />

incidence of serious accidents in our industry is to<br />

be applauded.<br />

Contact the ACR<br />

www.the-acr.org<br />

Join the Experts ...<br />

TECHNICAL GUIDANCE<br />

Gain Access to:<br />

· Technical committee that keeps abreast and<br />

influences legislation effecting the industry<br />

· Private members area with market size data,<br />

CPA updates and industry reports<br />

· Network with suppliers to the industry to aid<br />

product development<br />

· Free guidance notes and codes of practice<br />

· Free independent technical advice<br />

For more information please contact us:<br />

Email: info@lrwa.org.uk<br />

www.lrwa.org.uk<br />

JUNE <strong>2019</strong> TC 55


Rainwater Systems<br />

A SAFE APPROACH TO INSTALLING<br />

RAINWATER SYSTEMS<br />

What options do installers have when it comes to rainwater drainage solutions that offer<br />

time and labour efficiencies and won’t break the bank? Paul Wadsworth, Specification<br />

Manager at Brett Martin, gives his thoughts...<br />

Offering a distinctive, aesthetic appeal,<br />

cast iron rainwater systems have been an<br />

integral part of the architectural<br />

landscape for over 150 years. With real cast iron<br />

expensive and time-consuming to work with, we<br />

feel contractors and their clients are looking for<br />

easy-to-install and economical alternatives that<br />

offer a traditional appearance without a cast-iron<br />

price tag.<br />

At a fraction of the price to buy, install and<br />

maintain, modern plastic materials can replace<br />

an aluminium or cast iron rainwater specification<br />

to deliver projects under budget and ahead of<br />

schedule – exceeding both the builder’s and the<br />

client’s expectations. It’s why the Cascade<br />

rainwater and soil system from Brett Martin<br />

Plumbing and Drainage fits the bill perfectly<br />

whilst helping contractors to boost their profits at<br />

the same time.<br />

Plastic rainwater systems enable contractors to<br />

create a heritage aesthetic without compromising<br />

architectural integrity and enjoy the savings in<br />

materials, labour and time saved on site which<br />

can actually help keep a project on budget.<br />

“Plastic rainwater systems enable contractors to<br />

create a heritage aesthetic without<br />

compromising architectural integrity and enjoy<br />

the savings in materials, labour and time saved<br />

on site”<br />

Below: The Cascade rainwater system from Brett Martin Plumbing and Drainage.<br />

Ease of installation<br />

With significant additional weight, cast iron<br />

drainage systems can be heavy and difficult to<br />

install. Contractors must also be extra vigilant<br />

regarding health and safety and will require more<br />

time to lift and fix the system – leading to<br />

increased costs and potential delays in the<br />

installation process.<br />

Almost every job will require both gutter and pipe<br />

lengths to be cut on-site using specialist tools,<br />

and to ensure long-lasting durability, they need to<br />

be fully finished on site, using a primer,<br />

undercoat and topcoat, to ward off corrosion.<br />

Even if the system used is delivered pre-painted,<br />

any cut lengths or site damage to the finished<br />

surface must be protected to the same level by<br />

the installer. It should be noted that, in some<br />

cases, if the level of protection applied on site is<br />

deemed insufficient, any guarantee offered may<br />

be, quite rightly, invalidated, leaving the installer<br />

liable.<br />

Because the plastic ranges are so much lighter,<br />

installation at height is less hazardous, being<br />

effortless to lift, easy to manoeuvre, simple to cut<br />

and quick to fit. The systems also benefit from<br />

external fixing lugs, enabling easy power tool<br />

access, which further speeds up installation. All<br />

gutter fitting joints have integral seals and flexible<br />

retaining clips, allowing the gutter lengths to<br />

simply click into place. No extra cost fixing kits or<br />

nuts and bolts are required to make gutter joints<br />

as with most traditional systems.<br />

Overleaf: Key considerations to make when<br />

installing rainwater systems.<br />

56 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID<br />

WATERPROOFING SYSTEM<br />

BENEFITS & PRODUCT<br />

INFORMATION<br />

BBA certified for life in excess of 25 years.<br />

NHBC and Green Roof Approval.<br />

ULTRAFLEX can be used on new or existing<br />

roofs, walkways, balconies, gutters etc.<br />

Ready to use straight out of the tin, application<br />

with solvent resistant roller.<br />

Use fully reinforced with ULTRAFLEX matting<br />

ensures easy ‘wet on wet’ application.<br />

Can be used all year round – moisture curing.<br />

Fully trafficable when cured.<br />

Instantly rain resistant after application.<br />

Once installed, forms a seamless membrane.<br />

Exellent adhesion to different substrates: plywood,<br />

bitumen membranes, asphalt, metals,<br />

brick, concrete, wood etc.<br />

Fresh concrete must be cured for 28 days.<br />

On EPDM and TPO it is recommended to install<br />

patch test to check compatibility.<br />

Do not use silicone sealants. Always use PU<br />

based mastics.


Rainwater Systems<br />

Key considerations to make when<br />

installing rainwater systems<br />

1Planning and preparation Plan your<br />

installation carefully. Ensure you have the<br />

right tools for the job and relevant personal<br />

protection.<br />

2Fitting running outlets Fix running outlets<br />

above the drains or gullies where the water<br />

will drain into using 25mm x 5mm<br />

corrosion resistant screws.<br />

3Calculating fall To allow for good steady<br />

rainwater run-off, guttering should be<br />

installed with a downward fall towards the<br />

rainwater outlet – 1mm for every 600mm. The<br />

running outlet should be at the lowest point on<br />

the gutter run.<br />

4Fitting fascia brackets Fix the first fascia<br />

bracket furthest from the outlet at a<br />

position on the fascia to allow for the<br />

required fall. No more than 100mm from the end<br />

of the fascia board. Stretch a line taut between<br />

the fixed outlet and fascia bracket to establish a<br />

straight gutter line. Fascia brackets should be<br />

fitted to the fascia board at equal intervals. A<br />

union bracket should be used where two gutter<br />

lengths are joined. Gutter supports should be<br />

spaced of no more than 900mm or less than<br />

600mm in areas of heavy snow.<br />

5Cutting gutter to size Cut to length<br />

using a saw and a file to remove any<br />

burrs from sawn ends. When cutting the<br />

guttering to size make allowances in length to<br />

fit the expansion lines which are marked in the<br />

fittings.<br />

“As budgets are increasingly stretched and<br />

tight deadlines dictate product specification,<br />

contractors must be aware of every<br />

product’s cost”<br />

Above: Calculating the fall. Below: Fitting the downpipe.<br />

6Fitting the gutter Lubricate the seals<br />

using silicone spray lubricant. Each length<br />

of gutter should be placed into position<br />

with the back edge under each fitting. Rotate<br />

down and then click front edge into place over the<br />

top edge of the gutter.<br />

7Fitting downpipe If required, fit an offset<br />

between the running outlet and the<br />

downpipe. Fit the downpipe to the offset. To<br />

allow for expansion ensure each connection is<br />

retracted at least 5mm from the receiving socket<br />

before fixing to the wall. Use spirit level to check<br />

vertical alignment. Mark the walls using the holes<br />

in the lugs of the socketed downpipes as guides.<br />

Then drill, plug and fix the downpipe using fixings.<br />

Water test system to ensure no adjustments to<br />

the fall are necessary and all connections to the<br />

fall are fitted correctly.<br />

When a traditional aesthetic is a prerequisite, the<br />

right drainage system can be the difference<br />

between design success and failure. As budgets<br />

are increasingly stretched and tight deadlines<br />

dictate product specification, contractors must be<br />

aware of every product’s cost in both materials<br />

and labour. With a price tag in line with modern<br />

construction, and an appearance that blends the<br />

past with the present, Cascade is a plastic<br />

rainwater system which fits the bill.<br />

Contact Brett Martin Plumbing & Drainage<br />

01246 280000<br />

www.brettmartin.com<br />

@BMDrainage<br />

58 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


Roofing Updates<br />

For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk<br />

‘GARD’ OF HONOUR<br />

Firestone has launched V-Gard, a next generation air & vapour control layer (AVCL) system suitable<br />

for use as part of all Firestone warm roof build-ups.<br />

Developed to combine exceptional levels of vapour control with excellent adhesion to both the substrate Above: V-Gard from Firestone is a flexible and durable<br />

and the insulation layer, V-Gard is a glass fibre-reinforced aluminium foil membrane with a self-adhesive membrane with excellent resistance to foot traffic.<br />

backing. A unique film coating on the aluminium face ensures excellent compatibility with PU-adhesives<br />

and the new system has been designed for use with Firestone’s ISO Twin-pack PU adhesive.Carl Bailey, Regional Technical Manager at Firestone explained:<br />

“As the thermal performance of the building envelope improves, the risk of condensation affecting the insulation layer increases, unless an AVCL is installed to<br />

provide effective and permanent protection from vapour rising from within the building. With V-Gard we have enhanced the level of vapour control to create an<br />

AVCL that is suitable for buildings susceptible to high humidity, such as swimming pools, while ensuring excellent adhesion to both the substrate and the<br />

insulation layer and offering ease and speed of installation with a cold-applied, self-adhesive solution. As part of a high specification Firestone warm roof<br />

build-up, V-Gard will enhance the thermal performance of the building and extend the service life of the roof.” www.firestonebpe.co.uk<br />

REGISTERED INSTALLER INTEREST<br />

Freefoam has reported a significant increase in the number of new Registered Installers.<br />

Following a programme of promotion activity, enquiries have increased and more home<br />

improvement companies are realising the benefits of supplying and fitting Freefoam products.<br />

Marketing Manager Louise Sanderson said: “In an increasingly competitive market businesses<br />

are looking at ways they can extend their offering and align themselves with a well-respected,<br />

established brand. The Freefoam Registered Installer scheme meets their needs and offers an<br />

attractive proposition.” www.freefoam.com<br />

DOUBLE GUARANTEES FOR BMI PROJECT<br />

Oakfield Academy in Frome has a total of 3,500m² of new pitched and flat roofing that is now guaranteed for<br />

quality for 15-years and more, thanks to BMI UK & Ireland.<br />

Matt Smith, the Ridge & Partners associate in charge of the project, explained: “We originally chose the BMI Icopal<br />

system because we require an approved system with the appropriate guarantees. However, when Redland and Icopal<br />

became BMI UK & Ireland, it made sense to use their pitched and flat solutions so we had a one-stop shop. Academies<br />

need guarantees that are enforceable and a solution that simplifies the maintenance and management of the roofs and<br />

BMI was able to do this.” www.bmigroup.com/uk<br />

THE NATURAL CHOICE<br />

Cembrit Glendyne natural slates have been specified and installed on a unique<br />

renovation project for the Historic Kent landmark, St Alphege Church.<br />

The architect initially put in an application for Spanish slates to<br />

replace the Welsh slates, however after much evaluation, the<br />

conservation officer asked that they used Canadian natural slates.<br />

Having worked with Cembrit many times in the past, the architect specified Glendyne natural<br />

slates. David Gullick from Clague Architects, commented: “We chose Glendyne for the project<br />

due to its consistency, aesthetic appearance and durability. The standard of these products<br />

and the service that we received from Cembrit was second to none. The outcome of the roof is<br />

just what we desired.” www.cembrit.co.uk<br />

JUNE <strong>2019</strong> TC 59


Roofing Updates<br />

For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk<br />

A. PROCTOR’S SKILLS SUPPORT<br />

The A. Proctor Group is committed to promoting the highest standards of workmanship across construction<br />

trades, and this year is sponsoring the NFRC in supporting SkillBuild, the largest multi-trade competition in the<br />

country for trainees and apprentices.<br />

SkillBuild is delivered by CITB like a mini Olympics with a series of competitions covering ten crafts: Roofing,<br />

Bricklaying, Cabinet Making, Carpentry, Dry Walling Systems, Joinery, Painting and Decorating, Plastering,<br />

Stonemasonry, Wall and Floor Tiling. The roofing competition is run by NFRC covering three core disciplines,<br />

reinforced bituminous membranes (RBM), roof sheeting and cladding (RSC) and roof slating and tiling (RST).<br />

In support of the competition, the A. Proctor Group is supplying Roofshield – recognised by architects, developers and<br />

contractors as being one of the highest performing pitched roof underlays, which is both air and vapour permeable.<br />

Apprentices will be able to get first-hand experience working with Roofshield as they look to build their skills and<br />

demonstrate their abilities across a wide range of areas. www.proctorgroup.com<br />

A. Proctor Group will supply Roofshield for<br />

apprentices taking part in this year’s SkillBuild.<br />

THE LOWDOWN ON UNDERLAYS<br />

Permo extreme RS SK2 from Klober is a waterproof, tear-resistant underlay, designed for use on<br />

low pitched roofs.<br />

Suitable for profile tiles pitched at 12.5º or more, 15º for slates and 22.5º for plain tiles, it is<br />

manufactured from a bondable two-layered underlay with a shrink-resistant TPU coating on a robust PES<br />

fleece which allows vapour to escape, while keeping rainwater out. Double self-adhesive edge strips<br />

provide a permanent seal and immediate weatherproofing against wind, rain and snow; while the PES<br />

fleece also incorporates a capillary stop to control the formation of condensation. www.klober.co.uk<br />

EDGEMERE RANGE EXPANDS<br />

Marley has introduced a fourth colour option to the popular Edgemere range.<br />

Marley has further enhanced its slate offering by introducing<br />

a fourth colour option to the popular Edgemere range –<br />

Anthracite.<br />

Available across all three of Marley’s existing variants – Standard, Riven and Duo, the new Anthracite<br />

colour choice has been developed to provide a closer aesthetic match to natural slate and offers an<br />

affordable way to comply with planning requirements. The Edgemere range can be used to a low<br />

minimum pitch of 17.5º, with the Riven providing a surface texture similar to a more natural slate<br />

appearance with a variegated look, depth and tone. In addition, the Duo option features a mock-bond<br />

down the centre of the tile to create a small-format slate-like appearance. www.marley.co.uk<br />

FLEX R’S NEW ‘GAME-CHANGER’<br />

Flex-R says its new silicone liquid coating product could be a ‘game-changer’ for the flat roofing industry.<br />

Up to 100m² of GE Enduris can<br />

be applied in 10 minutes when<br />

using a commercial spraying<br />

system.<br />

The company signed a deal with General Electric Silicones (GE Silicones) to bring GE Enduris to the UK market, and<br />

launch trials are proving to be a huge success. Flex-R’s Trading Director Duncan Winter is confident that GE Enduris will<br />

carve out a niche in the flat roofing market and pointed to a number of key benefits: It’s one component, so there’s no<br />

mixing, no delays and less wastage; up to 100m² can be applied in 10 minutes; it rarely requires a primer – so it can be<br />

applied directly onto materials such as aged bituminous systems and PVCs; there’s no smell, odour or hazardous<br />

solvents; it’s showerproof on application and has a fast cure time. www.flex-r.co.uk<br />

60 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


SENTINEL DEVELOPMENTS<br />

ARP is proud to continue on its pathway of bringing innovative design to the market, with the improvement<br />

of its Sentinel range of guttering to include a new jointing system for its Sentinel half-round snap-fit<br />

guttering, and an upgrading of all associated components.<br />

ARP has seen a sharp increase in demand for its contemporary Sentinel range, as specifiers and end users alike<br />

ARP’s innovative new design for its Sentinel<br />

recognise the benefits of longevity, width of colour options and cost effectiveness over upvc systems, so the<br />

range has helped to improve lead times.<br />

delivering of a simple no-mess jointing system is very timely. 18 months in the planning, the new jointing system<br />

works through a simple process of injecting silicone into a specially designed port in a joint (or stop end) and then letting it cure, leaving no silicone residue. In<br />

addition to this, all of the components within the Sentinel Beaded Half Round range and the Vintage Ogee range have been completely redesigned and feature<br />

very defined lines and a superior surface finish, which makes these systems some of the most striking within the aluminium rainwater sector. ARP believes in<br />

the importance of continued advances within its supply process, so significant investment has been made in building stocks of all the new components<br />

ensuring that they can be classified as “off-the-shelf” and satisfy the demand for short lead times. www.arp-ltd.com<br />

EARLY APPEARANCE FOR NEW TILE<br />

When an existing building is extended, a key element of the success of any construction<br />

project is often based on whether a seamless match in terms of tiling solutions for the roofing<br />

space can be found.<br />

Marley arranged that the required small quantity of the<br />

new classic red smooth acme double camber from the<br />

trial run was supplied without delay, so the roofing project<br />

could be completed on time without waiting for the new<br />

product’s formal launch into the marketplace.<br />

Marley pulled out the stops recently to help a customer overcome this challenge and complete a<br />

roofing project, which included the supply of its brand new classic red smooth acme double camber<br />

tile before it had even launched.<br />

Find out more at: www.marley.co.uk/case-studies/henley<br />

SHINING OFFER THIS JUNE!<br />

Rainclear Systems, the UK’s leading specialist metal rainwater system stockist and online<br />

retailer is offering an extra 7.5% OFF everything on its website in <strong>June</strong> <strong>2019</strong>.<br />

By purchasing from Rainclear Systems you’ll benefit from NEXT DAY delivery on all stocked items to<br />

any UK mainland destination. Huge stocks of Cast Iron rainwater goods are available, and all with<br />

FREE delivery on orders over £300 Net. Find out more at www.rainclear.co.uk or call 0800 644 44<br />

26 or email sales@rainclear.co.uk.<br />

SCALING THE HEIGHTS OF ROOFING<br />

Despite their 78m height, coastal location, high winds and exposure to heavy rain, all of the<br />

roofs of Beckley Point in Plymouth are guaranteed for 20 years thanks to the specification<br />

and installation support service provided by BMI UK & Ireland.<br />

Beckley Point in Plymouth.<br />

The project involved a number of challenges and Stormforce Roofing developed a very highly<br />

engineered final specification using a BMI Icopal mechanically-fixed bituminous built-up roof (BUR)<br />

system, with a mineral cap sheet reinforced by adhesive bonding to the insulation beneath. Find out<br />

more at www.total-contractor.co.uk / www.bmigroup.com/uk<br />

JUNE <strong>2019</strong> TC 61


EWIS<br />

WHY INSTALLERS ARE VITAL TO<br />

SUCCESSFUL EWIS PROJECTS<br />

The experts at BBA look at the issues around installing EWIS and highlight the major issues<br />

installing contractors should be on the look out for.<br />

The installation of external wall insulation<br />

systems (EWIS) is technically demanding<br />

but, get it right, and they will deliver the<br />

required improvement in thermal performance<br />

and, more often than not, a better looking<br />

building. However, get it wrong during design,<br />

specification or installation and the<br />

consequences can be costly, with defects ranging<br />

from the relatively minor (cold bridges) to major<br />

(structural failure of the system).<br />

Reports of EWIS structural failures worldwide<br />

have raised technical bodies’ awareness of these<br />

systems’ resistance to wind-load – it’s a<br />

situation the British Board of Agrément has been<br />

monitoring. Our research found a widespread lack<br />

of industry knowledge regarding the safe<br />

installation of EWIS, stemming from the fact that<br />

current guidance does not cover the structural<br />

design of EWIS and there is no recognised design<br />

standard. This is important because evaluating<br />

the performance of EWIS has to extend beyond<br />

thermal performance.<br />

The BBA welcomed, some 18 months ago,<br />

government confirmation that the systems are<br />

covered by Part A of the Building Regulations<br />

(within Advice Note 13). Furthermore, BSI has<br />

recently announced a public consultation for the<br />

revision of the existing fire performance of<br />

external cladding systems standards, BS 8414<br />

Parts 1 & 2. BS 8414-1 provides a test method<br />

for determining the fire performance<br />

characteristics of non-loadbearing external<br />

cladding systems, including EWIS.<br />

Structural stability<br />

Good external wall insulation systems correctly<br />

designed and installed will satisfy thermal,<br />

structural and fire performance criteria.<br />

When it comes to structural stability, full<br />

consideration of wind-load issues is critical<br />

and it is crucial to consider every mechanism<br />

by which the system resists applied static and<br />

dynamic loads. So what are the major issues<br />

installing contractors should be on the look out<br />

for?<br />

62 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


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EWIS<br />

• Negative wind-load: this is the most<br />

unfavourable lateral load. Have calculations been<br />

done for design wind-loads on different zones of<br />

the building’s elevation/s, taking into account the<br />

specific geographical location/topography? In<br />

accordance with Eurocodes BS EN 1991-1-4; 2-5<br />

and its UK National Annex, the proposed fixing<br />

method must give a design resistance equal or<br />

greater than the design load applied to the<br />

system.<br />

• Weather exposure/water ingress: both of<br />

major concern during installation. Wet insulation<br />

is heavier, reducing both its strength and thermal<br />

performance. Freeze-thaw action and high wind<br />

forces on the weakened system may result in<br />

excessive movement, cracking and delamination<br />

of the render or pull-through of the fixings. Failure<br />

to fit water exclusion details correctly can lead to<br />

hydraulic pressure on the render surface, causing<br />

bursting and tensile stresses that contribute to<br />

the failure of the bond between the adhesive or<br />

basecoat and the insulation. A common example<br />

of inappropriate installation is the use of a<br />

mineral insulant with mast climbers to face the<br />

building top to bottom and then rendering from<br />

the bottom up. In winter conditions the mineral<br />

wool will be exposed to rain and particle<br />

deposition on the surface. When rendering, may<br />

be two or three weeks later, the saturated mineral<br />

wool does not allow a bond with the render to<br />

form.<br />

• Fixings: resistance to wind-load depends on<br />

the system and fixing method. Too few<br />

mechanical fixings and/or placed in<br />

unsymmetrical patterns can cause structural<br />

failure. Too many mechanical fixings can produce<br />

cold bridges.<br />

• Substrate/supporting structure: the external<br />

wall of the building should be able to resist any<br />

extra load imposed as a result of installing an<br />

EWIS. A simple point but one worth checking with<br />

the person or party responsible for the overall<br />

stability of the building.<br />

Installing specialists have responsibility<br />

throughout the contract (if only to limit liability) to<br />

ensure the system design<br />

is followed, materials<br />

installed are as specified<br />

and installation practices<br />

are correct and in<br />

compliance with Building<br />

Regulations, including Part A.<br />

All installers should be fully<br />

trained on the system being<br />

installed. This extends to subcontractors,<br />

if used.<br />

To assist, EWIS systems holding<br />

BBA Certification have easily<br />

downloadable certificates<br />

providing key information on the<br />

above issues and, while there are<br />

no obligations to adopt the solutions proposed by<br />

guidance on BBA certificates, following the<br />

principles does provide a mechanism for<br />

satisfying Part A. Certificates also set down an<br />

opinion of what constitutes a safe design and<br />

users of BBA Certificated products and systems<br />

are assured that its surveillance of factory<br />

production gives confidence that certified<br />

systems are manufactured to a high standard.<br />

The BBA also covers the issue of EWIS wind-load<br />

resistance in new technical literature<br />

(https://bit.ly/2Vwc8K5). In addition it has<br />

Contact the BBA<br />

01923 665300<br />

www.bbacerts.co.uk<br />

@BBAguru<br />

revised all current EWIS<br />

certificates with regard to<br />

strength and stability and<br />

is offering a training<br />

course on wind-load<br />

resistance.<br />

Conclusion<br />

A successful EWIS<br />

design and<br />

installation must<br />

demonstrate an<br />

accurate<br />

understanding of<br />

material<br />

properties, mechanical<br />

strength, fire performance and the installed<br />

environment. If these elements are correctly<br />

identified, considered and assessed during the<br />

design phase and the system is properly<br />

installed, BBA-Certified EWIS present solid,<br />

reliable and safe solutions to improve the thermal<br />

performance of buildings.<br />

64 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


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Cladding Updates<br />

For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk<br />

CLADDING’S CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM<br />

Peter Johnson, Vivalda Group’s Founder and Chairman, has urged contractors and architects to tread carefully in the wake of James Brokenshire’s<br />

recent announcement to fund the recladding of 166 privately owned, high rise buildings.<br />

In May, the Housing Minister confirmed a £200m<br />

grant scheme to replace dangerous Grenfell<br />

Tower-style cladding. The scheme offers to fully<br />

fund the replacement of unsafe aluminium<br />

composite material (ACM) cladding on privately<br />

owned high-rise residential properties.<br />

However, Peter Johnson is concerned that despite<br />

the publication of the Hackitt Report on safety<br />

and the subsequent ban on combustible cladding<br />

board, there is still a lack of joined-up thinking<br />

regarding the specification and testing of new<br />

cladding systems.<br />

Peter Johnson said: “While the new generation of<br />

non-flammable cladding products perform very<br />

well when fire tested (achieving A2 and above),<br />

we all know there is more to cladding than just<br />

the external face – facades comprise many layers<br />

including acoustic boards, thermal insulation,<br />

vital air voids and myriad fixing systems.<br />

Cladding is a much more complex topic than first<br />

meets the eye and thus deserves a truly holistic<br />

approach.<br />

“Specifiers working on high rise housing projects<br />

have been faced with an unpalatable challenge in<br />

the wake of Grenfell. Despite the Hackitt report<br />

and the general ban on combustible panels last<br />

year, there is still scant guidance on the safe<br />

choice of cladding systems.<br />

“We think widespread and comprehensive testing<br />

of all parts that go to make up complete cladding<br />

systems should be part of the solution, so should<br />

clarity and access to information for specifiers.<br />

We need to make safety paramount, but also not<br />

onerous for those involved in recommending the<br />

right cladding solution.<br />

“We’re calling for a much more robust approach<br />

from the safety authorities who should treat all<br />

proposed cladding systems as a single, integrated<br />

product; not a group of unrelated subcomponents.<br />

For this reason, we decided last<br />

year to supply only A2 and above (i.e. noncombustible)<br />

products to all high rise buildings.<br />

While the government has finally relented –<br />

funding the replacement of questionable cladding<br />

on 166 private towers – we think the industry<br />

needs to take the opportunity to set new,<br />

unrivalled standards of building quality for all tall<br />

buildings.”<br />

www.vivalda.co.uk<br />

A HISTORIC TWIST IN NORFLOK<br />

Proteus Facades’ HR TECU Brass rainscreen cladding panels have helped to create a<br />

contemporary new £5m arts, heritage and community centre in Norfolk.<br />

Wells Maltings: The TECU Brass will gradually mature<br />

over time to warm earthy tones, creating an aesthetically<br />

pleasing patina. The Proteus HR TECU Brass rainscreen<br />

cladding was installed by Varla Cladding.<br />

www.proteusfacades.com<br />

Wells Maltings, a former 19th century malt house, has undergone an award winning refurbishment and<br />

extension in a bid to revitalise the building and turn it into North Norfolk’s premier Arts & Heritage Centre.<br />

Choice of façade material for the newly built extension was always going to be critical to the overall<br />

success of the project. Proteus HR TECU Brass was specified because it created an aesthetic that was<br />

distinct yet sympathetic with the Grade II listed brick and flint walls of the existing building.<br />

SURECLAD DELIVERS AT THE CHRISTIE<br />

A façade installation using Shackerley’s SureClad Ceramic Granite ventilated façade system has been completed at<br />

the £125 million Proton Beam Therapy Unit at The Christie in Manchester, one of Europe’s leading cancer centres.<br />

Installation of Shackerley’s SureClad Ceramic Granite system in two contrasting shades of creamy beige and grey<br />

‘Travertine’ façade panels continues a proud legacy for Shackerley at The Christie, which also includes specification on the<br />

Oak Road Treatment Centre, the Hospital’s Oldham site and the Integrated Procedures Unit (IPU). The design team for the<br />

Proton Therapy Beam Therapy project at HKS architects selected the system to provide a natural finish in soft tones, giving<br />

the building a warm, welcoming feeling, with a patina that softens the building further still. www.shackerley.com<br />

66 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


Our mission:<br />

“ To provide<br />

standards and<br />

guidance to our<br />

members, which<br />

raises confidence<br />

among businesses<br />

and householders,<br />

and promotes<br />

roofing as a skilled,<br />

professional<br />

sector within the<br />

wider construction<br />

industry.”<br />

Find out more<br />

www.nfrc.co.uk<br />

@TheNFRC


Cladding Updates<br />

For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk<br />

MARKET WALK MAKES SURE<br />

Shackerley is to custom-manufacture 1322m² of its SureClad Ceramic Granite cladding system for the £13<br />

million extension of Market Walk; a retail and leisure destination in the Lancashire town of Chorley.<br />

The project is part of a major investment in Chorley town centre, extending a successful shopping centre with an<br />

extension that will provide additional retail units, a mix of restaurants and a multiplex cinema, along with public realm<br />

improvements.<br />

Shackerley’s SureClad Ceramic Granite cladding will be installed in a honey colourway, with a natural limestone<br />

appearance to complement local buildings and the public realm improvements.<br />

Shackerley’s SureClad system will be<br />

installed at Market Walk.<br />

The system is fully-tested as A1 rated to the BS EN 13501-1 fire safety standard for construction products. It will be installed in combination with Kingspan<br />

Facades’ QuadCore Karrier Panel – an insulated wall panel system which offers excellent thermal performance, superior fire safety, excellent environmental<br />

credentials and an extended service life. The Shackerley SureClad Access system will be used to install both the cladding and the Kingspan Facades insulated<br />

panels. www.shackerley.com<br />

NEW MD FOR EUROCLAD<br />

Euroclad Group has announced the appointment of Aiveen Kearney as Managing Director.<br />

Aiveen Kearney, MD of Euroclad Group.<br />

Aiveen will replace Simon Thomas who has elected to leave the company after 30 plus years.<br />

Aiveen commenced her role as Managing Director from 7th May, <strong>2019</strong>. She joined the Joris<br />

Division some 15 months ago, and prior to this worked in a range of senior roles for Holcim, a<br />

global building materials and aggregates company, in both Australia and USA. The team at<br />

Kingspan Group and Eurcoclad Group would like to wish Aiveen every success in her new role.<br />

www.eurocladgroup.com<br />

CUPA 12 HITS THE RIGHT ANGLE<br />

A unique roofing and cladding project at Zen Garden Resort in Zánka (Hungary) has<br />

chosen CUPA 12 slates for their unique triangular resort homes.<br />

The project was done in collaboration with CUPA’s distributor Tet Horn Kft, located in Hungary.<br />

Just like CUPA’s slates, every architectural project designed using these slates is unique. Two<br />

different systems were used to install the slate; hooks for the facade and screws for the roof.<br />

From combining the installation methods, the roof looks very uniform in contrast with the<br />

subtle metallic details of the facade, fixed with stainless steel clips. www.cupapizarras.com<br />

THE COMPLETE CLADDING SOLUTION<br />

Freefoam Building Products has launched a brand new cladding brochure, The Complete Cladding Solution.<br />

Featuring all PVC-UE cladding products within the range – the Single Shiplap in white and woodgrain options, the<br />

popular Fortex Double Shiplap and Weatherboard styles with attractive wood effect embossed finish, and the most<br />

recent addition X-Wood, a premium composite cladding with foiled woodgrain finish. Louise Sanderson, UK Marketing<br />

Manager, explained: “Our cladding portfolio has grown over time and we wanted to bring the full range together into one<br />

brochure. It will allow our suppliers to promote the different options to clients, to showcase the versatility of cladding<br />

and extend the visibility of our products.” www.freefoam.com<br />

68 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


FIT IT.FORGET IT.<br />

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quality roofing<br />

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Call us on 01604 433000 or visit<br />

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JUNE <strong>2019</strong> TC 69


SIG Roofing Material Talk<br />

INSULATING YOUR ‘FLAT-TOP’<br />

Recognised for their space-saving, compact design, flat roofs are an increasingly popular choice<br />

for small or new build structures. Be it a garage, house extension, dormer or porch, a growing<br />

number of homeowners are electing to crown their property with a flat roof. Here, Chris Page,<br />

Product Manager at SIG Roofing, explores the different types of insulation for ‘flat-top’ structures –<br />

and explains the opportunity they could present for roofers.<br />

Take a walk around any housing estate or<br />

business park in the UK and one thing will<br />

soon become clear – the huge number of<br />

properties that are finished with a flat roof.<br />

The benefits of such a specification are clear.<br />

Popular for their contemporary aesthetic, flat<br />

roofs are both stylish and highly cost effective.<br />

This affordability starts at installation and<br />

continues through lower maintenance costs<br />

throughout the roof’s lifecycle.<br />

What’s more, a flat roof creates space which can<br />

be used for other purposes, including air<br />

conditioning, solar panels, balconies, terraces<br />

and even green roofing.<br />

Key considerations<br />

However, as with any type of roofing, it is<br />

important to consider insulation. Not only does<br />

effective insulation mitigate against excessive<br />

heat loss and cold – important for those long<br />

British winters – it could also be a crucial cost<br />

and energy saving tool for property owners. This<br />

is true not only for new builds but also for<br />

renovation work, where upgrades to the insulation<br />

should be a primary consideration.<br />

There are a number of ways to insulate a flat roof.<br />

At SIG Roofing, we advocate warm flat roofing,<br />

where insulation is placed directly on top of the<br />

roof, rather than in-between the ceiling and the<br />

decking. One of the chief benefits of this method<br />

is that it is completely waterproofed, with rigid<br />

board insulation placed over a vapour control<br />

layer – eliminating the risk of condensation.<br />

Another important consideration is the type of<br />

material used as insulation. Understanding the<br />

“When investing<br />

in insulation, it<br />

can seem there<br />

is a neverending<br />

number<br />

of product types<br />

and ranges coming to<br />

market”<br />

key differences and associated benefits can help<br />

roofers when making a recommendation to<br />

customers deciding on the right material for their<br />

property. Typically, roofing specialists choose from:<br />

• Polyurethane / Polyisocyanurate – Incredibly<br />

cost-effective, with high levels of compressive<br />

strength helping it resist damage or deformation<br />

when under particular strain. This is particularly<br />

useful if the roofing is designed for access, for<br />

example as a terrace or green roof.<br />

• Polystyrene – Polystyrene insulation is a low<br />

thermal conductor, meaning it keeps properties<br />

warm in winter and cool in summer. Polystyrene<br />

is typically used in inverted roofs.<br />

• ROCKWOOL products – ROCKWOOL is the<br />

UK’s leading manufacturer of sustainable, noncombustible<br />

insulation. ROCKWOOL products<br />

offer fire-resilience, thermal efficiency and<br />

acoustic solutions, making it the insulation<br />

product of choice for larger-scale developments,<br />

such as gyms or shopping centres.<br />

• Cellular glass – A newer addition to the<br />

insulation mix, cellular glass is typically used in<br />

Chris Page, Product Manager at SIG Roofing.<br />

high-end specification projects,<br />

and sees crushed glass heated to<br />

high temperatures and mixed with a<br />

cellulating agent when melted.<br />

The SIG solution<br />

To support the needs of roofing professionals, SIG<br />

Roofing has invested heavily in our insulation<br />

provision, having developed unique solutions for<br />

each type of flat roof application.<br />

These include a comprehensive PIR / Phelonic<br />

and mineral fibre offering for all forms of flat<br />

roofs, including:<br />

• Pour and roll 3 layer system.<br />

• Torch-on applied bituminous membrane.<br />

• Single ply – fully adhered membrane.<br />

• Single ply – mechanically fixed membrane.<br />

• Tapered roofing systems.<br />

• Plywood composite insulation.<br />

As a final point, when investing in insulation it<br />

can seem there is a never-ending number of<br />

product types and ranges coming to market. It’s<br />

important to invest in the right material for your<br />

building project, so we advocate speaking to an<br />

SIG Roofing expert to provide some much needed<br />

clarity for roofers.<br />

Contact SIG Roofing<br />

0845 612 4304<br />

www.sigroofing.co.uk<br />

@SIGRoofing<br />

70 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


New name,<br />

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This 1902 advert in Architecture is a testimony to BMI Icopal’s flat<br />

roofing heritage, and we’re proud that we can look back even further to<br />

1849 when we manufactured our first tarred flax felt. Ever since we’ve<br />

been delivering innovative roofing and waterproofing systems. Now as<br />

BMI we continue this work by providing shelter, protection and peace of<br />

mind for architects, roofers, building and homeowners alike - through<br />

roofs that are designed to transform the way people live and work.<br />

bmigroup.com/uk<br />

Providing total roofing solutions


Facade Retentions<br />

FACADE RETENTION PROJECTS:<br />

CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS<br />

The experts at The A. Proctor Group look at the challenges for contractors working on facade<br />

retention projects and offer their solutions to some of these problems.<br />

Façade retention projects, where the external face of a building is preserved and a new structure<br />

is built behind it, are a familiar sight in cities across the UK. These projects are instant sources<br />

of controversy because they tread the line between the need for expanding housing stock where<br />

it is needed the most, and the sensitive issue of preserving architectural heritage.<br />

Beyond this debate, façade retentions pose unique problems to the on-site contractor who is tasked<br />

with making the connection between old and new work:<br />

Above: The A. Proctor Group’s Wraptherm.<br />

Challenges<br />

From a technical standpoint, historic façades that<br />

are destined to become part of a modern external<br />

envelope must be updated to meet current<br />

building standards in terms of airtightness and<br />

thermal performance. As the point of preserving a<br />

façade is to maintain its external appearance,<br />

improvements like air barriers and insulation<br />

must be added to the façade’s internal face.<br />

Considerations for how new materials (e.g. nonbreathable<br />

rigid insulation) will interact with<br />

retained materials (e.g. breathable stone façade),<br />

and any thermal bridging resulting from the new<br />

structure being physically attached to the old,<br />

must be taken into account to avoid interstitial<br />

condensation risk potential.<br />

Material selection must balance performance<br />

with practicality as all new materials installed on<br />

the inside of a façade will determine how much<br />

internal space is left over. For example, while the<br />

vapour permeability of mineral wool insulation<br />

may seem a good match for historic breathable<br />

façades, the bulkiness of the material may<br />

encroach so much into internal spaces as to<br />

make them unfit for purpose. Upgrading a façade<br />

from the inside may be further complicated if a<br />

building’s frontage does not have sufficient space<br />

or local permissions for the temporary support<br />

structure to be erected externally, meaning<br />

contractors will have to work in a web of<br />

“Material selection must balance performance<br />

with practicality as all new materials installed on<br />

the inside of a façade will determine how much<br />

internal space is left over”<br />

constricted space formed by temporary steel<br />

framing built within the construction site itself.<br />

Solution<br />

Clearly, the interface between what is replaced<br />

and what is retained is of fundamental<br />

importance to addressing the challenges of air<br />

leakage and thermal bridging in façade retention<br />

projects. Wraptherm, a composite material<br />

combining the vapour-permeable properties of<br />

Wraptite external air barrier with ultra-thin<br />

Spacetherm aerogel insulation, offers a simple<br />

and compelling solution.<br />

Wraptherm is installed to the inside face of<br />

retained façades via its self-adhering backing<br />

and is compatible with almost any substrate.<br />

Installation process is simple and straightforward,<br />

and the resulting airtight seal limits the<br />

heat loss associated with air leakage through<br />

gaps and cracks in the façade. As both<br />

components of Wraptherm are vapour-permeable,<br />

the material helps to offset any negative effects<br />

that upgrades may have on the natural movement<br />

of water vapour through the building envelope. As<br />

well as protecting the existing building fabric,<br />

Wraptherm’s hydrophobic properties provide a<br />

secondary barrier against water ingress by tightly<br />

sealing door and window penetrations. Finally, the<br />

10mm layer of aerogel insulation limits cold<br />

bridging by providing an effective thermal break<br />

between the cold external façade and the new<br />

warm internal structure.<br />

Wraptherm’s combination of airtightness and<br />

excellent thermal performance benefits internal<br />

spaces by reducing the amount of additional<br />

insulation required to meet the standard, reduces<br />

interstitial condensation risk by providing a<br />

continuous thermal break across the façade<br />

interface, and by potentially making other wall<br />

elements like the vapour control layer unnecessary.<br />

The unique installation method and manageable<br />

format speeds up the installation process and<br />

makes working in confined areas easier.<br />

Contact The A. Proctor Group<br />

01250 872 261<br />

www.proctorgroup.com<br />

@proctorgroup<br />

72 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


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Insulation Updates<br />

For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk<br />

KINGSPAN TEK TICKS PASSIVHAUS BOX<br />

The Kingspan TEK Building System is providing a precise offsite building solution for one of the country’s<br />

largest Passivhaus developments in Bowthorpe, Norwich.<br />

Rayne Park is the first development by Norwich Regeneration Company, wholly owned by Norwich City Council, and will<br />

include a mixture of private and affordable housing. RG Carter are constructing 112 of the 172 properties on the<br />

Above: Rayne Park<br />

development to the Passivhaus Standard. The internationally renowned energy efficiency standard requires buildings to be both highly insulated and airtight.<br />

After reviewing the market offering to achieve the demanding fabric requirements of the Passivhaus Standard, it was concluded that the Kingspan TEK<br />

Building System was the best solution for the project on the basis of technical specification and value offered. Kingspan TEK structural insulated panels (SIPs)<br />

feature a high-performance insulation core sandwiched between two layers of OSB/3. The panels were fabricated to the site’s requirements by Kingspan TEK<br />

Delivery Partner, Kingspan Timber Solutions. This offsite fabrication process allowed the panels to be factory cut to the specific design requirements,<br />

minimising waste and allowing an accurate, fast-track erection process on site. Kingspan TEK Building System panels can achieve U-values of 0.20 – 0.17<br />

W/m².K, or better ‘out of the box’. With the addition of an additional layer of insulation, the site team were able to further improve the thermal performance of<br />

the external walls – achieving a final external wall U-value as low as 0.09 W/m².K. www.kingspantek.co.uk<br />

STATION CALLS FOR OPTIM-R<br />

The Kingspan OPTIM-R Flooring System has been installed as part of the £1bn refurbishment<br />

of London Bridge Station. The system was specified in two retail units due to its optimal<br />

thermal performance. This allowed the floor construction depth to be minimised, providing an<br />

even transition for shoppers entering from the concourse.<br />

Kingspan’s OPTIM-R Flooring system has been installed<br />

at London Bridge Station.<br />

www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk/optim-r<br />

Kingspan OPTIM-R panels have a microporous core which is evacuated, encased and sealed in a thin,<br />

gas-tight envelope. With this design, the panels achieve a declared thermal conductivity of 0.007 W/m.K.<br />

The VIPs were installed as part of the Kingspan OPTIM-R Flooring System.<br />

AN EDUCATION IN EFFICIENCY<br />

The Pines Primary School in Red Lodge has been constructed to provide a flexible, adaptable and<br />

sustainable space for education, with the help of Kingspan Kooltherm K15 Rainscreen Board.<br />

Utilising Kingspan Kooltherm K15 Rainscreen Board within<br />

the façade system at the Pines project allowed flexibility in<br />

the design process, as it is suitable for use behind a range<br />

of cladding options, including the timber façades chosen for<br />

the school, whilst maintaining the high levels of insulation<br />

required for the project. www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk<br />

The purpose-built structure, designed by Concertus Design & Property Consultants, has been carefully<br />

planned to meet today’s educational demands, cope with changes in the future and reduce the<br />

environmental impact of the school. To ensure the new building achieved a premium level of thermal<br />

performance, 1600 m² of Kingspan Kooltherm K15 Rainscreen Board was installed in a 50mm thickness,<br />

helping to create a more comfortable learning environment, which can inspire and stimulate.<br />

KEY APPOINTMENTS FOR YBS<br />

Daniel McKane has joined YBS as Sales & Marketing Director, bringing with him knowledge<br />

gained from Gripit, where he was Sales Director.<br />

Above: l-r: Daniel McKane and Catherine Hadwick.<br />

Since his appointment, Dan has already formed a new and highly motivated external sales team of<br />

five who cover the whole of the UK. He will be working closely with another appointee, Catherine<br />

Hadwick, to drive growth and meet key targets for YBS Insulation. Catherine, who is the new<br />

Marketing Manager, holds a degree in architecture, so also has extensive knowledge of the industry.<br />

www.ybsinsulation.com<br />

74 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


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EMERGENCY REPAIR


SPONSORED BY<br />

PROTECT YOUR KNEES WHEN<br />

WORKING ON PROJECTS<br />

Peter Dumigan, Managing Director of the Hultafors Group UK, which owns Snickers<br />

Workwear, discusses the revolution in knee protection.<br />

Knee injuries are commonplace among<br />

professional tradesmen. Sore and swollen<br />

knee joints are something that they all<br />

suffer from at one time or another. It’s a<br />

perennial problem and highly aggravating, but<br />

prevention is far easier than cure by taking the<br />

proper steps to look after your knees.<br />

The knee is one of the largest and most complex<br />

joints in the body and there are different types of<br />

injuries that are of particular concern to anyone<br />

who works on their knees.<br />

The most common is probably ‘Housemaid’s<br />

Knee’ or Bursitis, which is caused by kneeling for<br />

long periods of time or by repetitive knee<br />

movements such as crouching down and<br />

standing up. Fluid builds up in the Bursa – which<br />

is the sack of fluid that cushions the knee joints –<br />

causing swelling, soreness and stiffness in the<br />

joint.<br />

So what is the answer?<br />

Effective knee protection on site is, as you might<br />

expect, covered by EU legislation.<br />

The EN 14404 Knee Protection Standard deals<br />

with the size, force-distribution and penetrationresistance<br />

of kneepads.<br />

Type 2, Level 1 protection ensures reliable knee<br />

protection for craftsmen in a mobile working<br />

environment that involves regular kneeling to<br />

perform their job. This protection level is designed<br />

to protect the knees in all types of working<br />

environments with rough, hard and damp surfaces<br />

from small objects and debris up to 1cm.<br />

The Type 2, Level 0 standard designates effective<br />

knee protection for craftsmen who need to work<br />

on their knees indoors – but only occasionally.<br />

“Knee injuries are<br />

commonplace among<br />

professional<br />

tradesmen”<br />

Designed to protect the knees on flat surfaces,<br />

there have been various types of knee guards<br />

over the years. Strap-on pads that cut into the<br />

back of your knees, foam rubber mats and basic<br />

protection. But effective protection really only<br />

comes from a kneeguard system that has been<br />

thoroughly researched, tested and manufactured<br />

using materials that perform to the highest<br />

standard day in, day out.<br />

The most effective kneepads have to work<br />

efficiently and in tandem with the Work Trousers<br />

“Kneepads have to<br />

work efficiently and in<br />

tandem with the Work<br />

Trousers they’re used<br />

with”<br />

they’re used with, staying in precisely the right<br />

position to ensure reliable knee protection. That is<br />

exactly what you’ll get with a properly designed<br />

knee guard positioning system.<br />

Properly designed kneepad pockets should<br />

include special seams that allow you to adjust<br />

your kneepads into different positions to ensure<br />

superior knee protection.<br />

Effective kneepads should also feature hardwearing<br />

materials on the outside edges and softer<br />

materials in the centre to combine efficient<br />

pressure distribution and protection against sharp<br />

and rough objects with maximum comfort.<br />

The design should also feature high sides to<br />

prevent your knees from sliding off the kneepads.<br />

This design approach will also ensure the<br />

76 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


Complex Worksites.<br />

Simplified Safety Solutions.<br />

The training you need.<br />

The products you want.<br />

The knowledge you trust.<br />

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pads are extremely flexible when you walk, while<br />

closing around your knees when you kneel down.<br />

Most workwear manufacturers supply kneepads<br />

for their Work Trousers. They vary in price, quality<br />

and effectiveness. For instance, you can now get<br />

a pair of rubber kneepads for as little as a few<br />

quid in a UK high street supermarket. It will come<br />

as no surprise to most that they have no<br />

guarantee of comfort or protection.<br />

However, the more discerning tradesmen – those<br />

particularly concerned with their health and<br />

welfare on site – will be more interested in the<br />

world’s first ‘active’ kneepads that are proven to<br />

last twice as long as other kneepads and take<br />

cutting-edge knee protection to a completely new<br />

level with the revolutionary D3O materials.<br />

High-tech D3O material.<br />

D3O is an active and specially engineered rubbery<br />

material comprising intelligent molecules which<br />

‘flow’ with you as you move. On shock they lock<br />

together to absorb the impact energy to provide<br />

high-frequency protection.<br />

The durable D3O material also features an<br />

extremely slow compression rate, ensuring that<br />

the kneepads keep their shape during hard work<br />

and over a long period of time.<br />

And, given that knees are not flat, the shape of<br />

D3O is an active and specially engineered rubbery material<br />

comprising intelligent molecules.<br />

kneepads with the D3O material is important.<br />

That’s why kneepads with an ergonomic, pre-bent<br />

design close around your knee when kneeling.<br />

So, when you work a lot on your knees, this<br />

material will give you by far the best, long-lasting<br />

knee protection available.<br />

“On shock they lock<br />

together to absorb the<br />

impact energy to<br />

provide highfrequency<br />

protection.”<br />

Contact Snickers<br />

01484 85 44 88<br />

www.snickersworkwear.co.uk<br />

@SnickersWw_UK<br />

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78 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


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TOP TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR TOOLS<br />

Tradespeople that are forced to leave equipment in their vans have been advised to fit their<br />

vehicles with measures such as deadlocks and CCTV to deter thieves. Motoring experts from<br />

LeaseVan.co.uk have revealed eight security measures tradespeople can take against these<br />

often opportunistic criminals.<br />

Tradespeople have been urged to fit their vans with CCTV and a safe to protect valuable tools and<br />

equipment from thieves. Van experts from LeaseVan.co.uk have revealed eight security measures<br />

tradespeople can take against criminals in their work vehicles, if forced to leave tools or<br />

equipment in vans while working or overnight.<br />

Tim Alcock from LeaseVan.co.uk explained: “Wherever possible, it’s advisable to move expensive tools<br />

and equipment indoors for secure storage. But sometimes location and circumstances mean<br />

tradespeople have no other option than to leave items in their vans while they’re parked up on a job or<br />

overnight. While of course thieves remain responsible when items are stolen, wise tradesmen and<br />

women should do whatever they can to avoid becoming a target or victim of crime. To help deter<br />

criminals and make a theft less likely to occur or be successful, we’ve identified some precautionary<br />

steps van owners could take:”<br />

1Intruder alarms Many Brits nowadays<br />

find standard vehicle alarms annoying and<br />

will be tempted to ignore them, so it’s<br />

worth considering installing a separate intruder<br />

alarm to discourage possible thieves. Guard<br />

valuable goods by fitting a coded device that will<br />

trigger when your van is accessed by someone<br />

who doesn’t have permission. Some alarms<br />

available online can be controlled remotely, synced<br />

with your mobile phone and even include a tracker.<br />

2Tool vault boxes To give valuable tools<br />

and equipment an added layer of security,<br />

purchase a van vault box or safe to store<br />

them in. Requiring a key or combination to open,<br />

the range of high security options work in a<br />

similar way to a personal home safe, but often<br />

with tailored compartments for specific tools too.<br />

3Deadlocks Deadlocks can give vans<br />

enhanced defences against thieves by<br />

adding an extra and usually stronger<br />

locking point to cab and rear doors. They are<br />

operated independently to a vehicle’s standard,<br />

factory fitted locks, which allows the driver to<br />

control when each door is unlocked individually.<br />

4CCTV Most businesses will protect their<br />

premises with CCTV cameras that can help<br />

both deter and capture potential criminals,<br />

so why not their commercial vehicles too?<br />

Small, high quality devices can now be bought<br />

relatively cheaply online and one should be<br />

installed on both the inside and outside of vans,<br />

either permanently or temporarily while parked.<br />

Remember to display a clear warning sign too –<br />

this could make a thief turn away before the<br />

cameras are even called in to action.<br />

5Permanent tool marking Invisible antitheft<br />

marking on your tools and equipment<br />

that requires ultra-violet light make them<br />

much easier to trace and their ownership<br />

indisputable, should they be stolen. Tradespeople<br />

could also choose to use clear and obvious tool<br />

markings, such as carving or laser-burning a<br />

name or logo into handles, to put off thieves<br />

before items are taken.<br />

6Dyes Dye tags like those used in clothing<br />

retail are the best way to catch thieves<br />

literally red handed, as a burst of ink<br />

triggered by opening or moving a tool box without<br />

permission leaves little doubt who the criminal is<br />

“Sometimes location<br />

and circumstances<br />

mean tradespeople<br />

have no other option<br />

than to leave items in<br />

their vans”<br />

and could deter them from trying to make off with<br />

your goods. Concealed packs of dye, used by many<br />

banks within stacks of notes, could also be hidden<br />

within expensive equipment. They’re armed by<br />

magnets and triggered by radio waves on a timer.<br />

7Inaccessible parking When there are<br />

tools and equipment in your commercial<br />

vehicle, reverse it into a parking space<br />

where the rear doors are practically touching a<br />

wall or other obstacle. If a potential thief can’t<br />

easily access your van and it’s content, they’re<br />

more likely to be discouraged and move along.<br />

8Simple dissuasion A basic sticker on the<br />

outside of a van declaring that no tools are<br />

stored in the vehicle may be enough to<br />

convince a criminal to try elsewhere. Even if it’s<br />

not true it’s cheap, quick and worth a go. Keeping<br />

the outside of your commercial vehicle in an<br />

unusually dirty condition when equipment must<br />

be stored inside could also put off thieves, by<br />

making the van seem to the outside world like it’s<br />

less valuable and unlikely to contain important<br />

items.<br />

www.leasevan.co.uk<br />

80 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


QUALITY<br />

YOU CAN TRUST<br />

When you buy from Safesite’s Supply Only range<br />

of fall protection and safe access products, you’re<br />

not only buying superior products at extremely<br />

competitive prices, you’ll also benefit from<br />

dedicated support and assistance. This includes<br />

free technical advice as well as a complete<br />

manual covering the assembly and installation<br />

requirements for the product.<br />

Our range of Supply Only products include:<br />

• Guardrail Systems<br />

• Mobile Man Anchors<br />

• Skylight Protection<br />

• Self Closing Safety Gates<br />

• Step-Over Kits<br />

• Fragile Roof Protection<br />

www.safesite.co.uk<br />

Tel: 01293 529977<br />

Email: info@safesite.co.uk


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For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk<br />

AVOID PARKING PENALTIES<br />

Tradespeople who park their vehicles at home overnight are being urged to check whether they’re staying<br />

within the law.<br />

The motoring specialists at LeaseVan.co.uk have researched the rules and regulations around parking on the drive or<br />

in front of a property. They’ve warned that the weight of a vehicle and parking restrictions on the road must be taken<br />

into consideration, otherwise the owner could fall foul of the law. The experts also suggest checking the deeds of the<br />

property to make sure there are no enforced covenants restricting the parking of a van.<br />

It’s important to make sure you’re parking your<br />

work vehicle legally overnight at home.<br />

Other considerations van drivers are being urged to make are checking whether the company allows vehicles to be parked off site overnight and being mindful<br />

of neighbours.<br />

Tim Alcock from LeaseVan.co.uk said: “If you’re working for yourself or set off early in the morning, then parking your van at home makes sense. But it is<br />

important to check all the rules and regulations around doing that. It’s not as simple as just letting your neighbours know. You need to check deeds, clarify the<br />

position of your local council and make sure you’re aware of any parking restrictions.” www.leasevan.co.uk<br />

‘ALWAYS VAN VAULT’ CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED<br />

Van Vault has launched its first ever consumer campaign signifying the brand’s biggest investment in marketing to date.<br />

Van Vault’s <strong>2019</strong> campaign, ‘Always Van Vault’ has been created to drive awareness of the new and improved Van Vault<br />

vehicle range which launched in March. The online campaign features creative video and digital activity aimed at<br />

highlighting how Van Vault has been a dependable part of the lives of tradespeople up and down the country for over 20<br />

years. The quality of the Van Vault range has given peace of mind to thousands, and allowed them to get on with their jobs<br />

without the worry of tool theft. It features genuine Van Vault customers and is less about the technical specs of the product<br />

and more about how it fits into real lives and real work. www.vanvault.co.uk<br />

TOP MARKS FOR TOPWEAR RANGE<br />

Lightweight fabrics in the new Topwear range from Snickers Workwear will complement its<br />

Stretch Garments perfectly this summer.<br />

Snickers Workwear’s new Topwear range has superb<br />

body-mapping designs for an amazing fit, outstanding<br />

functionality and long-lasting comfort – all day, every day.<br />

www.snickersworkwear.co.uk<br />

The warmer weather will bring a need for professional craftsmen and women to be cool and dry to<br />

maintain wellbeing and working efficiency on site. That’s why Snickers’ new Topwear for the summer<br />

uses 37.5 fabric technology, which is really good at ‘wicking’ moisture away from the body and keeping<br />

workers dry. The range includes stylish new shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts in a number of styles and<br />

colours that are super-light and quick-drying with advanced ventilation to keep workers cool in the heat.<br />

COMPETITION TIME WITH NORTON<br />

Fancy winning a Norton Clipper CM42 Masonry Saw and a Pro 4×4 Explorer Diamond Blade? Well,<br />

now you can be in with a chance, with Norton Clipper’s exciting new competition!<br />

To enter, simply purchase any Norton Clipper product between now and Friday 14th <strong>June</strong> and visit<br />

www.nortonabrasives.com/en-gb/Norton-Clipper-Competition to complete an online form which will<br />

ask for the article number of the product you have purchased. You can enter the competition each and<br />

every time you purchase a Norton Clipper product, whether it be anything from an entry level diamond<br />

blade, right up to a machine. www.nortonabrasives.com/en-gb/Norton-Clipper-Competition<br />

82 TC JUNE <strong>2019</strong>


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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO BOOK YOUR STAND CONTACT<br />

ANDY DUNN andydunn@media-now.co.uk<br />

JAKE ROXBOROUGH jakeroxborough@media-now.co.uk<br />

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