September 2019
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SEPT 2019
An Inspector Calls
NFRC Tech Talk
New: QI Column
Register for your FREE tickets
www.contractorsday.co.uk
FEATURES
• A LICENSE TO BUILD: GOOD OR BAD
FOR ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION?
• ARE YOU COVERED? REAL DOUBTS RAISED
OVER PROJECT POLICY INSURANCE
• MISTAKES HAPPEN: WHAT ARE THE
COMMON PITCHED ROOF ERRORS?
>>> • UK CONSTRUCTION WEEK • FRAGILE ROOF SAFETY • FLAT ROOF INSULATION • >>>
octor
the A Proctor Group Collection 2019
the starlet
design by:
Sarah McClintock
®
Wraptite
self adhering vapour permeable air barrier
01250 872 261
Proctor
Group
www.proctorgroup.com
Airtightness from a
contractor’s perspective
Air leakage through cracks, gaps, holes and improperly sealed elements such as doors and windows can cause a
significant reduction in the performance of even thermally insulated building envelopes. Contractors have a key role
to play in the installation of effective air barrier systems which have become essential in achieving the most effective
means of controlling and reducing air leaks.
As thermal insulation requirements have increased over the last few years, the proportion of energy lost
through air leakage has become more evident. The ever-increasing thermal insulation required will, however,
be rendered largely ineffective unless the airtightness of the structure itself is addressed. Air leakage greatly
reduces the effect of thermal insulation; therefore if energy efficiency is to be improved within buildings, this is
the most critical area to focus on.
The two main ways to achieve airtightness in the building envelope are internally or externally, or in other
terms, “inside of the services zone’ or ‘outside of the services zone’. For the contractor, the use of traditional
internal air barriers can be more complex and costly to install, due to the need to accommodate building
services such as electrical, lighting, heating and drainage systems. An internal air barrier is only as good as it’s
installation. If all the service penetrations are not adequately sealed, performance will be compromised.
For many years, external air barriers have been commonly used in North American building design and
construction. By moving the air barrier to the external side of the structural frame, external air barrier
systems such as Wraptite ® from A. Proctor Group allow for an almost penetration-free airtight layer, which
can be installed faster and more robustly. This offers an effective but simple system comprising a self-adhesive
vapour permeable air barrier membrane, plus vapour permeable sealing tape, Wraptite Corners and Wraptite
Liquid Flashing, and provides effective secondary weather protection while preventing trapped moisture and
air leakage. Far simpler than internal options an external air barrier system like Wraptite will maintain the
envelope’s integrity, with less building services and structural penetrations to be sealed, and less room for error.
The Wraptite air barrier system from the A. Proctor Group is the only self-adhering vapour permeable air
barrier certified by the BBA and combines the important properties of vapour permeability and airtightness in
one self-adhering membrane. This approach saves contractors costs on both the labour and materials required
to achieve the demands of energy efficiency in buildings.
Wraptite ® - Trinity, Manchester
An example in use is the administrative headquarters building of the Royal College of Pathologists in London
where the Wraptite system was installed as a solution for airtightness, weather protection and breathability.
Cladding contractor Windell installed the Wraptite System as an external air barrier and alternative to a
traditional standard breather membrane. The use of a standard membrane would have required mechanical
fixing and provided some challenges given the concrete structure of the building. As an alternative, the
Wraptite self-adhesive membrane was applied, quickly and easily to the external envelope in continuous
pieces.
George Marcantonio, the Site Manager of Windell, commented: “The application of the self-adhesive Wraptite
System has proven really easy to use, and quick to apply, with no requirement to return for additional
fixing or accessories. We will certainly be using the system for future projects and recommend it without
hesitation.”
By reducing the likelihood of potential failures to meet designed airtightness levels, the Wraptite System helps
contractors to ensure compliance with building regulations, achieving an effective airtight barrier, whilst saving
time and cost on site.
To find out more
01250 872 261
contact@proctorgroup.com
www.proctorgroup.com
Wraptite ® - Royal College of Pathologists, London
I
V
Editor’s Comment
MATT DOWNS
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
MATTDOWNS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK
07963 330774
COVER PIC:
COURTESY OF
MARLEY
With time and work pressures, we all know how easy it is to get
caught up in the cycle of ticking off the ‘to-do list’ and going from
one job to the next.
For roofing and cladding operatives in particular, justifying time away
from jobs can be difficult but sometimes it’s important to stop and take
stock, see what’s new in your sector and perhaps learn about the latest
developments that will assist you as an individual or business going
forward.
That’s why, alongside the NFRC, we’ve brought together the leading
manufacturers and suppliers of roofing, cladding, and associated
products and materials for one-day only at Old Trafford football club,
Manchester, on 2nd October 2019. At Contractor’s Day – sponsored by
Quantum Insulation – you’ll be able to get up close to the latest
launches, pick the brains of technical experts, network with likeminded
individuals, and listen to and take part in seminars and
debates on the key issues affecting the roofing and cladding sectors.
Above: Read about the Eden, Marley’s new traditional pantile, which
incorporates modern fixing methods for quicker and easier installation on p44.
FOLLOW US @TOTCONTRACTORUK
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Email: andydunn@media-now.co.uk
Commercial Manager: Jake Roxborough
DD: 01892 732 047
Mob: 07956 133314
Email: jakeroxborough@media-now.co.uk
With exclusive show offers, discounts and more than 50 exhibitors,
Contractor’s Day is the ideal event for roofers and cladders to source
new products. With a targeted seminar and speaker programme
including an exclusive update on RoofCERT, the latest guidance for
contractors on Safe2Torch, advice for tendering and procurement and
guidance on insurance for contractors, you can be sure time spent at
Contractor’s Day will be both productive and informative, and an
invaluable opportunity to get to grips with the future of your sector.
Find out more on p06 and in your free show guide...
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SEPTEMBER 2019 TC 3
Contents
COVER FEATURES
16 A LICENSE TO BUILD
Jackie Biswell says despite the extra
paperwork it may bring, a licensing scheme for
the UK construction sector is great news
24 ARE YOU COVERED?
Doubts have been raised over the protection
offered by project policy insurance; Ian
Hollingworth takes a look at the issues...
56 MISTAKES HAPPEN...
Pitched roofing consultant John Mercer
discusses some of the common mistakes
contractors make when installing pitched roofs
54
FEATURES
28 FORD DRIVES AHEAD
What’s next for Matt Ford, BMI pitched roofing
Apprentice of the Year 2019?
38 PURE AND SIMPLE
Richard Kendrick says sometimes it pays for roofers to
keep it simple when it comes to what they offer
40 GO WITH THE FLOW
Karen Moulds talks installer benefits and requirements
when working with metal rainwater systems
54 STAND AND DELIVER
Gareth Holvey says standing seam metal roofing can
really deliver as an alternative to traditional materials
26
80 QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS
Rob Firman answers frequently asked questions relating
to fire safety regs and flat roofing
86 EXTRACTION PLAN
The experts at EJOT discuss a new solution to protect
contractors against airborne concrete dust and debris
4 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
REGULARS
22 BUSINESS TALK
10 steps to protecting your IT network from
viruses and other forms of attack
26 NFRC TECH TALK
Gary Walpole begins his focus on Safe2Torch and
contractors with advice for using LPG cylinders
34 AN INSPECTOR CALLS
This month the Inspector looks at the
consequences of clay tile delamination
48 CONTRACTOR’S QS
Neil Harrison, BriggsAmasco, talks creating a
career, stand-out projects and difficult customers
SECTIONS:
TOTAL
ROOFING
32
TOTAL
CLADDING
70
INDUSTRY NEWS
06 CONTRACTOR’S DAY GROWS
New exhibitors, speakers and seminars announced for
October’s Old Trafford roofing and cladding event
10 MARLEY ACQUIRED
Pitched roofing system manufacturer calls acquisition an
“exciting and defining move” as it embarks on next chapter
TOTAL
INSULATION
80
06
VEHICLES, TOOLS
& WORKWEAR
86
SEPTEMBER 2019 TC 5
Industry News
CONSOLIDATION
GOOD FOR CLADDING
Vivalda Group has acquired the cladding
manufacturer MSP Scotland.
Vivalda Chairman Peter Johnson is delighted
with the acquisition of MSP, which will
continue to trade under the brand that was
established in 1966. Speaking from Glasgow,
he said: “The MSP name is well known
across the UK as a provider of both branded
fascia boards, as well as its bespoke coated
aluminium façade solutions. I’ve been
impressed with the level of skilled
technicians and engineers based here at
Cumbernauld – which I am sure will prove to
be a great asset to the Vivalda Group. We
intend to invest in people and technology
here at MSP, to create a world-class façades
manufacturing and fabrication facility.
There’s a great fit between Vivalda and MSP,
both strategically and culturally, and I am
confident that this acquisition will bring
further growth to our business.”
Johnson added that the sale of MSP was a
further sign of consolidation within the UK
cladding market, following the Grenfell Tower
disaster of 2017: “While the jury is still out on
the culpability of those responsible for the
failings at Grenfell, the cladding sector has
seen big changes in the past two years, with
many low quality, smaller suppliers exiting the
market. The days of supplying untested fascia
board for high rise buildings is thankfully a
thing of the past, with the use of ACM and HPL
on tall buildings now effectively outlawed.
While not directly related to Grenfell, this deal
shows that there is consolidation happening
within our market – something I see as a
positive sign in terms of safety and efficiency.
This will all be good news for contractors and
architects. In terms of products, we see a big
future in fully fire-resistant 3mm aluminium
cladding, the type of which is manufactured
here at MSP.”
NEW EXHIBITORS & SEMINARS ANNOUNCED
Contractor’s Day 2019 –
sponsored by Quantum
Insulation – which takes
place at Old Trafford FC,
Manchester, on 2nd October,
has added a number of new
exhibitors and announced
some key topics for the
seminar programme.
Roofing and
cladding uncovered
HEADLINE SPONSOR
Marley has joined recent additions SPRA, Brett
Martin Daylight Systems, Kingspan Insulated
Panels, DEKS, LBS Products, Versalift, Roof
Consultancy and Essex Green Roofing, who all
add to the broad and diverse range of
manufacturers and suppliers showcasing their
roofing, cladding and associated products and
systems at the event.
Alongside the many stands and hubs – including
EJOT’s Sheeting & Cladding and Brett Martin’s
Rooflight Technical Hubs – where visitors will be
able to see the latest offerings and seek advice to
assist them on projects, Contractor’s Day 2019
will also be hosting a contractor focussed
seminar programme, sponsored by SIG Roofing,
where the NFRC and other leading spokespeople
from the roofing and associated
sectors will be discussing key
issues affecting contractors.
Visitors will be able to hear an
exclusive update on RoofCERT,
the latest guidance for
contractors on Safe2Torch,
advice on tendering and
procurement and guidance on
insurance for contractors.
OLD TRAFFORD-2ND OCTOBER 2019
Matt Downs, Editorial Director at Total Contractor
magazine, who co-launched Contractor’s Day
alongside the NFRC, explained: “We understand
that time is precious for operatives working on
roofing and cladding projects, but in just a few
hours at Contractor’s Day 2019 visitors will be able
see the latest offerings from the leading
manufacturers and suppliers, network with likeminded
individuals, gain assistance for current or
future projects from experts, and keep up to date
with the latest developments in their sector such as
RoofCERT – an initiative which is set to have a huge
impact on roofers and the entire supply chain.”
Find out more and register for your FREE tickets:
www.contractorsday.co.uk
Look who’s exhibiting at Contractor’s Day 2019! FREE tickets: www.contractorsday.co.uk
• Quantum Insulation
Headline Sponsor
• Brett Martin Daylight
Systems Rooflight
Technical Hub Sponsor
• EJOT Sheeting and
Cladding Technical Hub
Sponsor
• Kingspan Insulated
Panels Skills Partner
• SIG Roofing
Knowledge Partner
• A Proctor
• Alumasc
• Bridgman &
Bridgman
• Buckleys
• Calder Lead
• Danosa
• DEKS
• Eagle Insulation
• Essex Green Roofing
• Filon
• Flex-R
• Glidevale & Protect
Membranes
• Hambleside
Danelaw
• HCL Safety an
MSA Company
• InStar
• Institute of Roofing
• Kemper System
• Knauf Insulation
• Kytun
• LBS Products
• Marley
• Manthorpe
• MAK Fasteners
• Moy Materials
• MPW Insurance
Brokers
• NFRC
• Permavent
• Protan
• QBM
• Roof Consultancy
• SIGA Slate
• SPRA
• SR Timber
• Total Contractor
• Ultraflex
• Ubbink
• Versalift
• Wallbarn
* Correct at the time of going to print.
6 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
OLD TRAFFORD-2ND OCTOBER 2019
Contractor’s Day heads North!
Roofing and
cladding uncovered
HEADLINE SPONSOR
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
www.contractorsday.co.uk
The ideal event for roofing and
cladding contractors operating
in the residential, commercial
and industrial sectors.
• Innovation & Products – Source new products
and materials from over 60 leading manufacturers
and suppliers to help you on your projects
• Industry Experts – Contractor-focussed seminar
and debates throughout the day
• NFRC CPD Content
• Free entry and parking
SHOW SPONSORS
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Industry News
EDINBURGH’S THE VENUE FOR IFD EVENT
The international roofing industry will
converge in Edinburgh for the 67th IFD
Congress & Awards from 25-28th September.
Senior members of national trade federations,
contractors, manufacturers and consultants will
be attending the annual event of the International
Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD), whose
members reportedly represent 18,500 contracting
senior international decision-makers and key
firms and over 135,00 employees, with a £22Bn
influencers, representing both private contractors
turnover.
and federations.
This year’s Congress and Awards will feature an
James Talman, NFRC Chief Executive, said: “As
exhibition and evening networking event,
the UK’s largest roofing federation across all
organised by the NFRC.
disciplines, NFRC is passionate about promoting
Co-located at Edinburgh’s Radisson Blu Hotel, UK roofing to the rest of the world. As the UK
which is hosting the Congress, the special one-off renegotiates its trading relations following the
‘Congress Exhibition’ on 26-27th September will vote to leave the EU, this is a rare opportunity for
showcase the best roofing products and services companies looking to enter new markets and to
the UK has to offer to this international audience. re-establish themselves in existing ones, to meet
senior decision-makers from EU countries, China
Meanwhile, the Traditional Evening will give
and the US.”
guests exclusive access to Edinburgh Castle,
where they can soak up the atmosphere and enjoy
an evening of food, networking and traditional To find out more and reserve your places visit
entertainment. Guests on the evening will include www.nfrc.co.uk/media-centre/ifd.
SAFETY AT HEIGHT STILL BEING IGNORED
Recent prosecutions reported by the HSE have and two companies who were fined £118,000
highlighted that even though a lot of good with costs of £29,000 between them after
work has been done with regards to
putting workers at risk whilst they were
promoting safe working practices when accessing a roof. In this instance The court
working at height, the message is still being heard how workers had climbed onto the roof
ignored by some companies in the
from a ‘man-cage’ lifted into position by a fork
construction sector.
lift truck. The ‘man-cage’ fell short of the roof
level by about three feet and there was a gap
In August, the HSE reported how it had fined four
between the cage and the roof which workers
construction businesses for a range of safety
needed to climb across. Once the workers were
failings, including a £35,000 fine plus costs for
on the roof, it was slippery and wet, with no
a Blackpool business who had failed to prevent
barrier in place to prevent a fall.
risks from falls at height and exposure to
asbestos; a solar panel company who was fined In all instances the HSE inspectors were at pains
£40,000 plus costs after a worker sustained to point out that the risks could so easily be
long-term injuries after falling through a skylight avoided by simply carrying out correct control
whilst installing solar panels on a fragile roof; measures and safe working practices.
DRYDEN’S MIND ON
CHARITY CLIMB
An intrepid member of the SIG Design
and Technology team is limbering up to
climb one of the world’s highest
mountains, all in the name of charity.
Ian Dryden, National Specification
Manager for the roofing supplies
specialist, will be climbing Kilimanjaro,
the highest mountain in Africa, to raise
vital funds for the Samaritans and MIND
and to raise awareness of the huge
challenge of mental health issues in the
UK construction industry.
Inspired to sign-up for the climb after
learning of the construction industry’s
mental health crisis, Ian was shocked to
discover skilled construction workers
were ten times more likely to die from
suicide than an accident while in-work.
Beginning his epic mission on Boxing
Day, which will see him climb more than
5,895 metres above sea level, Ian
commented: “There is a huge focus on
physical safeguarding in the construction
industry, which is crucially important,
but it’s essential to look after your
mental wellbeing too.
“Approximately one in four people in the
UK are affected by a mental health issue
each year, and services such as the
Samaritans and MIND play a pivotal role
in getting help to those in need. Scaling
Kilimanjaro will be a mammoth
undertaking, but I can think of no more
worthwhile cause for which to do it!”
Ian’s journey to Africa will begin on 26th
December and he is set to summit
Kilimanjaro on New Year’s Day. To learn
more about Ian’s mission, please visit:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/i
an-dryden2.
8 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
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Industry News
MARLEY EMBARKS ON
NEXT CHAPTER
Inflexion Private Equity has acquired
Marley from Etex. The investment is being
made by Inflexion Buyout Fund V,
Inflexion’s dedicated mid‐market fund.
Paul Reed, Managing Director at Marley, said:
“This is an exciting and defining move for
Marley and is testament to the hard work the
team has put in transforming our business
model as well as investing in our brand. This
acquisition from our parent company will help
propel the business into a very exciting, fast
growth future.
“Inflexion’s industry knowledge means it truly
understands our sector, while its experience
in helping expand businesses organically and
acquisitively make it an excellent fit for our
next stage of growth,” Paul Reed added.
Simon Turner, Managing Partner at Inflexion,
commented: “The team at Marley have done
a phenomenal job in creating not only a truly
market-leading product, but also a resilient
and differentiated business model in an
industry with very attractive dynamics. The
brand is exceptionally well regarded, and we
look forward to drawing upon our industry
experience as we partner with management
to build on Marley’s strong market position
and product range.”
David Speakman, General Manager at Marley,
concluded: “We are extremely proud of our
long heritage and are very excited by the
opportunities to grow the company further.
Inflexion’s industry knowledge gleaned
through its investment in builders merchants
Huws Gray means they truly understand our
sector.”
CMOSTORES.COM SEES FURTHER GROWTH
Online construction materials retailer
“Online retail has revolutionised the high street
cmostores.com says it is continuing to see and the many benefits of internet shopping –
rapid expansion with 2018 sales increasing by including improved product choice as well as time
44%, continuing a trend of record growth. and cost savings – are increasingly being taken
into more traditional and trade sectors by
Consolidated group revenue rose 220% in just
forward-looking e-commerce businesses,”
three years from £12.1m at the end of 2015 to
explained Andy Dunkley, CEO of cmostores.com.
£38.6m in the year to 31 December 2018. The
“As a result, we’re seeing phenomenal growth
business is now predicting further turnover growth
with our disruptive model already having a major
to around £50m in the current financial year and
impact on more traditional builders’ merchants.
will soon be launching two new superstores.
“Over the last year, we’ve been continuing to
Over the last 12 months, the Plymouth-based
invest in developing our operational and executive
company has seen a 35% increase in visits to its
team to ensure that our business is scalable with
four online superstores which supply in excess of
further significant expansion expected as we
70,000 products across the build cycle to both trade
focus on enhancing our trade division. As a
and DIY customers. The business is also expanding
business, we are well on track with our plans and
its trade offering so that professional contractors
have an ambitious vision to establish ourselves
can now benefit from trade credit, exclusive
as the leading brand in online construction
discounts, rebates and rewards, in order to drive
products.”
new accounts and sales from larger building firms.
VAT CHANGES NEED TO BE DELAYED
A coalition of the major trade
edge, particularly small businesses.
bodies in the construction sector
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the
has demanded that the Government
Federation of Master Builders, said:
must delay the implementation of
“The fact that 15 of the leading
“damaging VAT changes” in the
construction trade bodies have come
sector in a letter to the Chancellor.
together to speak to the Government
The letter calls on the Chancellor to
push back the implementation of
reverse charge VAT, due on 1st
Above: Brian Berry, FMB.
with one voice on this issue shows
the extent to which we are concerned.
We urge the Government to rethink the
October, by at least six months due to the fact
that the timing of these changes could not be
worse given they are due to take place just before
the UK is expected to leave the EU, quite possibly
timing of these changes and announce a delay of
at least six months. With a potential no-deal
Brexit also due to take place in October, the
timing could not be worse.”
on ‘no-deal’ terms; reverse charge VAT will be yet
Steve Bratt, CEO of the ECA Group, said: “The
another burden on construction employers on top
Government needs to urgently reconsider the
of other pressures facing the industry, such as
timing of their reverse VAT introduction. With
material price rises, increased pension
insolvencies already at such a high level, and a
contributions and skills shortages; and the
no-deal Brexit on the horizon, these changes
changes could lead to a loss of productivity,
could hit business cashflow at a pivotal time for
reduced cashflow and in the worst cases, lead to
industry.”
a hit on jobs, tipping some companies over the
10 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
Handrails:- EasyGuard
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Trip hazard reduction – long thin base-plates with
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centres maximum to enable use for leading edge protection.
Galvanised or powder coated finish. Protective mats 5mm
bonded to the base plates.
Standards – Exceeds Class A EN13374- Class A; For
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Nationwide delivery or contract installation. – Free material
quantifying service – info@safetyworksandsolutions.co.uk
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Compliant to both BS/EN 5395 and 14122 –
To comply with the standards for
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All typical ladders bespoke – email
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Industry News
CHARITY RACE DAY
RAISES £52,000
Richard Soan Roofing Services announced
that its 2019 Charity Race Day event
raised an incredible £52,000 for Teenage
Cancer Trust.
Held annually
at Brighton
Race Course,
the event
included an
auction,
champagne
reception,
lunch and an
afternoon’s racing, with all proceeds going to
the charity.
The marquee, perfectly located beside the
final furlong of the course, was bustling with
320 guests from the roofing and construction
industry, attending what has become a regular
highlight on their summer social calendar.
With a glass of fizz in hand, attendees settled
down to a sumptuous three course meal
punctuated by fundraising games before the
racing began. Richard has been hosting these
events now for many years and knows how to
work the crowd! As a seasoned auctioneer,
he created what can only be described as a
frenzy during the 18 auction lots held
throughout the afternoon. This became an
entertainment in itself, causing much hilarity
to those looking on. By the end of the day,
over £52,000 had been raised, which in the
words of Richard “blew him away”. “It is the
most we have ever raised” he went on to
explain, “but I can only thank the amazing
generosity and support of all those who
attended. It is such a worthy cause and every
penny goes into making a difference.”
www.richardsoan.co.uk/teenage-cancer-trust
CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE STATUS FOR CORE
The NFRC’s Centre of Excellence (COE)
and leadwork.
scheme, which was launched in February
CORE Hereford will also play a key role in helping
2019, recognises training providers and
roofing installers to become RoofCERT accredited
colleges that are committed to excellence in
by delivering the required mandatory short
the delivery of roofing-specific courses.
duration courses and assessing their skills.
CORE Hereford now joins Leeds College of
Andy Rowlands said: “I believe that the Centre of
Building as the UK’s only COE training provider,
Excellence scheme is critical in helping to ensure
an accolade that can only be achieved after
the quality of roofing-specific training is
passing a rigorous audit process undertaken by
consistent. On behalf of Hereford CORE, I am
the NFRC Technical Department. The COE audit
therefore honoured to receive Centre of Excellence
reviews both the training facility as well as the
status in recognition of our dedication to raising
qualifications and competency of the instructors
standards. Hereford CORE is committed to
to provide trainees with the highest quality of
providing roofers throughout the region with the
training possible.
necessary skills to consistently deliver excellent
The training centre was founded by Andy Rowlands, outcomes for customers and in doing so, to build
who can boast over four decades of experience in their careers and businesses.”
roofing and a string of accolades to his name.
Bob Richardson, NFRC Head of Technical, said:
Andy Rowlands, who in his own right is a Roof “The NFRC is delighted to be awarding Hereford
Master for heritage and conservation work, has CORE Centre of Excellence status. Under the
also shown years of passionate commitment to leadership of Andy, who is a passionate advocate
improving skills among the existing workforce and of roofing excellence, I am confident it will provide
training the next generation of roofers, delivering a level of training that will raise the bar further
NVQ 2 Slating and Tiling, SAP Heritage Roofing within this region and further afield.”
PROJECT POLICIES: ARE YOU COVERED?
ECIC is warning roofing contractors working have separate cover – which was not in place.
on major building sites and projects, that they This meant the contractor was liable for the full
may not be covered under the site’s project cost of damage caused. The contractor in this
policy as they have been in the past.
case was due to appeal the High Court’s decision
in early 2019 but instead settled out of court,
This could leave them exposed if they are found
prior to the appeal hearing.
to be at fault in an insurance claim. The warning
follows an out of court settlement which has left Ian Hollingworth, Technical Claims and
insurers and contractors in the dark about the Relationship Manager, ECIC, commented: “The
extent of cover offered by Project Policies in the out of court settlement has left insurers
eyes of the law.
supporting the UK’s construction sector in need of
urgent clarity over policyholder and subcontractor’s
rights under these policies, and
In 2018, a High Court decision found in favour of
a project policy insurer recovering their costs
where the sub-contractor needs to take out their
from the contractor who caused a site fire. The
own CAR/public liability insurance.”
Court concluded that, under the terms of the
project policy, the subcontractor was required to Read more on project policies on p24.
12 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
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Industry News
READYFIX EXPANDS
ITS CAPACITY
Readyfix has further invested in a second
warehouse at its premises on Croft Street.
The business, which employs 35 staff, added
an extra 350 pallet spaces, equivalent to the
size of a football pitch, allowing the 27-yearold
firm to hold onto their ‘huge stocks’
promise as they continue to grow.
Established in 1992 by Richard Burwood,
Readyfix supplies construction site
materials, fixings and consumables to some
of the country’s largest housebuilders and
contractors, as well as sub-contractors and
independent tradespeople throughout the
North of England. The company says it sets
itself apart by offering impeccable customer
service and next day/same day deliveries by
their own drivers.
MD Greig Burwood, who runs the company
with his father and four brothers, added:
“Our primary focus is to keep to our
promises; prompt response, and on-site,
on-time deliveries. We have an excellent
team to enable us to do this and the
warehouse extension is proof that we are
willing to invest to make sure our customers
continue to be fully supported and their
needs met.”
Sales Director Mark Burwood commented:
“This new warehouse extension will enable
us to offer an even better service throughout
the North of England. We’re proud to serve
the construction sector with our
commitment to responsiveness. Our large
inventory now allows us to deliver orders of
stocked items even quicker to meet
customer demand.”
RIDING4DREAMS TEAM’S HARSH REALITIES!
As if being overweight (their words not ours!),
50+ years old, and first-time cyclists with
less than 6 months to prepare for a 217-mile
3-day ride from Thorpe Park to Disneyland
Paris wasn’t enough of a challenge, the UK
weather decided to get in on the act when the
Riding4Dreams team set off on Thursday 27th
July 2019.
Radmat’s Mark Harris enjoys a well earned drink!
Officially the hottest day on record in the United
Kingdom, with the temperature reaching 38.7°C the support vehicles was less than 200 foot away.
(101.7°F) in the shade, this fundraising cycle ride
The rest of the day’s 5 hours of cycling, and
in support of the Dreamflight charity’s annual trip
3,000ft of climbing, continued with a mix of cloud
to the Orlando theme parks for 192 Children with
and rain; and nine more punctures alongside two
Disabilities, got off to a very warm start.
further tyre changes, with two of the bikes
With ‘feels like’ temperatures of 41°C, the 14 experiencing repeat punctures within 100 yards of
riders needed every one of the four 15-mile pit the previous one! A journey of 78 miles ended
stops on the 73-mile journey to refill their water with a much-needed beer and bike cleaning
bottles and rehydrate. After a gruelling 5 hours of session, followed by rider cleaning which resulted
cycling that included climbing over 3,500 feet of in a lot of grit and muck in the shower trays!
inclines up and over the Surrey Hills and the
The final day’s 66 miles from Beauvais to
South Downs, the team arrived in New Haven
Disneyland Paris were almost uneventful, apart
feeling jubilant but drained. After loading up all
from another couple of punctures bringing the
the bikes into the support vehicles, and a much
total for the trip to 15. With nearly 3,500ft of
needed freshen up with wet wipes the team set
climbing bringing the team’s total to over
off for Dieppe on the cross-channel ferry, enjoying
10,000ft, the downhill run into Disneyland Paris
a few much-needed cold beers.
was much appreciated, as was the jubilant
Friday was a massive contrast, starting very welcome from the five support crew. A quick
overcast and cool, and for good measure the first celebration, photo session and popping of
of three tyre changes due to punctures. The first champagne corks preceded the need to load all
15 miles ended with the French weather throwing the vehicles up, have a wet wipe and hit the road
as much water as it could at the team, including for the Eurotunnel trip back to a welcome home
a significant thunder storm that saw a lightning party in Shepperton where the team were met by
strike hit a metal roof less than 8 feet from three family and friends giving a hearty (if somewhat
of the riders! Fortunately, respite in the shape of off key) rendition of ‘We are the Champions’!
With the fundraising now topping £30,000, the
team are very proud of their cycling achievement
and the money raised. Planning for next year’s
challenge has already begun and in the
meantime, further donations are most welcome
and appreciated.
The Riding4Dreams team celebrate at Disneyland Paris after
their 217 mile, 3 day ride to raise funds for Dreamflight.
For further info and to donate please go to
www.riding4dreams.co.uk
14 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
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The Apex
CONSTRUCTION: A LICENSE TO BUILD
Extra paperwork can be a hassle – whatever industry you are in – but Jackie Biswell
(below), of Apex Roofing, explains why she’s pleased plans to introduce a mandatory
licensing scheme for all UK construction firms is being widely embraced across the sector.
Cowboy builders; rogue traders; rip-off
roofers. They all give our profession a bad
name.
So much so, in fact, that last year a study by the
Federation of Master Builders revealed that these
charlatans are causing a third of homeowners to
put off making home improvements.
This came swiftly in the wake of another scandal
exposed by BBC journalists who were able to set
up a fake handyman profile on MyBuilder.com, a
website which helps consumers find tradesmen.
The reporter was also able to pretend to be one of
his customers, submitting glowing reviews to give
his profile extra credibility.
It’s little wonder that the FMB, which estimates
that the UK economy is missing out on £10 billion
of work every year because of the problem, has
campaigned for the Government and industry to
back the introduction of a licensing scheme for
the UK construction sector.
What does it mean?
Currently, too few builders and contractors are
subject to meaningful checks to ensure
competence. This is because, unlike the gas and
electrical trades, anyone in the UK can set
themselves up as a builder.
On top of this, there are plenty of builders who
take on labourers – also known as their mates
from the pub – uninsured, untaxed and with no
scaffold or hoisting for cash in hand.
The proposal is to make licensing mandatory
across the construction industry – essentially
barring anyone shown to be incompetent or who
undermines the standards of the industry.
A report, Licence to build: A pathway to licensing
UK construction, which follows
independent research by Pye
Tait, was officially launched
at the House of Lords in June
explaining its implementation
and how it aims to improve
both the quality and reputation
of the sector.
The model put forward recommends that the
licence is administered by a central body and that
the licence itself would not be a prohibition in
terms of cost nor bureaucracy. The fee would be
set according to turnover, with the largest firms in
our sector paying something in the region of
£1,000 every three years and the smallest firms
would pay around £150 every three years.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The
vast majority of builders and homeowners want to
see the construction industry professionalised and it
is time for the government to act. It’s unacceptable
that more than half of consumers have had a
negative experience with their builder. However,
we shouldn’t be surprised by this given that in the
UK, it is perfectly legal for anyone to set up a
building firm and start selling their services
without any prior experience or qualifications.
This cannot be right given the nature of the work
and the potential health and safety risks when
something goes wrong. In countries like Australia
and Germany, building firms require a licence and
we want to see the UK government regulate our
industry in a similar manner.”
What happens now?
Construction is often accused of falling behind
other industries – in terms of its uptake of new
technologies, its diversity record and its working
practices.
Some of this might be unfair. But what
has never been in dispute is that it
lags behind hugely in terms of
ensuring competence and
consumer protection.
This explains why it is
consistently shamed by widespread
media reports of rogue traders.
A mandatory licensing scheme is the only way to
stamp this out and a group of major construction
industry bodies has now joined forces to create a
Construction Licensing Task Force which will be
chaired by Liz Peace, former Chief Executive of
the British Property Federation.
On the board will be representatives from a series of
professional bodies in our industry which want to
transform our industry into a world-leading sector.
But it is not just the large organisations which are
striving for change here.
In an unusual display of support for additional
‘red tape’, almost 80% of small and mediumsized
(SME) construction firms want to see a
licensing scheme introduced.
And we are one of them...
We welcome advancements within the sector and
are proud members of the National Federation of
Roofing Contractors (NFRC), Safe Contractor and
CHAS, who all push for competency within the
industry. After all, by increasing consumer
protection and driving up quality, we can ultimately
improve the image of the whole industry.
Contact Apex Roofing
01502 537129
www.apexroofinguk.com
@ApexAnglia
16 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
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UK Construction Week
7 WAYS ROOFERS CAN NETWORK &
LEARN AT UK CONSTRUCTION WEEK
As any busy roofing professional will admit, it can be difficult to justify time away from the job. But
learning, networking and discovering are all essential to help keep on top of the latest industry
insights, research, services and products. At UK Construction Week (UKCW), roofing
professionals get the best of all worlds, with bespoke content on a selection of topical issues, but also
exposure to a wider range of construction, regeneration and specialist technical learning. So if you’re
still not signed up, here are seven reasons why you should attend the largest construction event of the
year on 8-10th October, at Birmingham’s NEC.
“This year UKCW is
shining a spotlight on
the serious changemakers
in
construction”
1Discover new products New products are
always being developed to meet different
and emerging needs. Staying up to date
with all the latest technology is essential to find
the right product for the job. So, if you need to
source new tools, or a new sustainable material,
or discover new roofing products then look no
further than UKCW. With over 10,000 products
being showcased at the event, it’s the ideal
marketplace to source your new product. With
eight different sections ranging from build to
timber and from surfaces to civils everything you
need is right there under one roof.
Build, sponsored by Easy-Trim, covers all aspects
of roofing, cladding and insulation. Exhibitors
include Quinn Building Products who will be
discussing their concrete roof tiles, as well as
their high performance PIR and EPS insulation.
While Easy-Trim will be on hand to cover their
breather membranes and a range of other roofing
products.
2That lucky encounter Year
after year, visitors at
UKCW say they won new
work as a result of a planned
meeting or a chance encounter
at the show. People do
business with people – and with
35,000 visitors set to attend UKCW,
that is a lot of potential leads. Meeting face
to face is the most engaging way to do business
and UKCW can facilitate that. If you have spotted
a business that you want to connect with, contact
them through the exhibitors’ portal and arrange
the meeting in advance. 4,000 business meetings
were booked by UKCW visitors prior to the show
last year, and exhibitors reported that they had
generated 70,000 new business leads at the
event. To help with meetings, there’s a new
business and networking lounge with free WIFI.
3Genuine innovation, not
another widget You
could leave the future of
the industry as a surprise. But
where’s the business sense in
that? Disruptors are now
present in many different
markets, so this year UKCW is
shining a spotlight on the serious changemakers
in construction. To aid the search, a new
Innovation Zone has been established in
partnership with the Construction Innovation Hub
(the Hub).
Another new addition for this year is the
Innovation Station in partnership with On the
Tools. This is a demonstration area specifically for
power tools, with all the latest biscuit jointers and
heavy-duty bench grinders from top trade brands
in action. Visitors can pick up tips from the
experts on how to get the most from their range,
try out the latest products, and cut a deal with
the manufacturers as show discounts will apply.
4Your own personal industry MBA
Condense your strategic business learning
into one, two or three days of insights.
UKCW brings together more than 300 expert
speakers including Mark Farmer who is
spearheading policy initiatives on Modern
Methods of Construction (MMC), Professor
Birgitte Andersen of the Big Innovation Centre,
Chandru Dissanayeke, Director of building safety
reforms at MHCLG, Keith Waller, Programme
18 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
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Director at the Construction Innovation Hub,
Sarah Beale, Chief Executive of CITB and Sonia
Zahiroddiny, BIM Strategy Manager for HS2. The
UKCW main stage is the place to head to. It offers
a programme of keynote talks and panel
discussions on many of the big issues of the day
around Government policy, digital innovation,
MMC, sustainability, diversity, housebuilding,
productivity and skills.
And if that’s all a bit too high level, get stuck into
the details at a wide range of workshops. This year
there will be more than 150 hours of CPD content
available, including Dr Mike Wiseman from the
British Board of Agrément, who will be covering
‘Assessments of warm roofing systems’ CPD Hub
2, in Hall 11. The programme will take on a
different theme for each day of the show, tackling
fire safety, health and wellbeing and sustainability.
There are mini-theatres covering regeneration,
MMC, digital construction, energy and HVAC,
surfaces and materials, timber and the workplace.
New for 2019, the Working Well Together Theatre is
covering a range of health and safety topics
including, changes to HSE Mild Steel welding
enforcement, pre-construction fire safety planning
and design, keeping people safe while working at
height, how to manage the issue of alcohol and
drugs effectively in the workplace and mental
health in the work place – an industry perspective.
There’s a new Careers Centre too, offering
workshops on career progression,
apprenticeships, staff retention, diversity, career
change and new talent.
5Health and wellbeing Launching at UKCW
this year, the Mind Your Head campaign is
designed to promote mental wellbeing for
those working in the construction industry, with
particular focus on men who are at greater risk of
suicide. It is a straight-talking, no-nonsense and
accessible way to reach this target audience. As
part of the campaign, Carwyn Lloyd Jones, the
creator of the Tiny House at last year’s UKCW will
be using his talents to create an artistic installation
of swings which has a mental health focus.
6A bit of myth busting on MMC Everyone
knows that MMC are back in vogue, but
what is the reality this time? MMC is a
strong theme at this year’s UKCW. Full-scale
builds will be erected onsite with live demos of
MMC technology in action. Head to the MMC Hub
for other digital demos and simulations too.
Examples of the pre-manufactured structures at
the show range from a modular care annex for the
healthcare sector and a SIPS panel residential
building, to a factory-finished modular bathroom
pod for the high end hotel sector, and offsite
solutions for the education sector.
7Celebrations and a beer festival
Everyone enjoys a good awards night and
UKCW is no exception. The show hosts the
UKCW Role Model of the year, the new Building
Trades Awards with Fix Radio and the new UKCW
Construction Awards. Plus, to encourage young
people into construction, the iBuiltThis competition is
back and the winners will be announced at UKCW.
And if you’re not involved in the celebrations, just
unwind each day with a beer, some street food
and a spot of music. The Fischer bar is in Hall 11
and the Rawlplug bar is in Hall 12. Don’t forget
the Beer Festival, sponsored by NBS, and of
course the ‘Rockaoke’ on Wednesday night.
UKCW includes Build sponsored by Easy-Trim,
Building Tech, Civils, Energy and HVAC, Surface
and Materials, and Timber. It also features
Concrete Expo (8-9th Oct only) and Grand Designs
Live (9-10th Oct only). Single registration gives
access to all areas of the show. For further
information follow @UK_CW or search for the
hashtag #UKCW2019.
www.ukconstructionweek.com
20 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
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Business Talk
TAKING A JAB & AVOIDING A VIRUS:
PROTECT YOUR COMPUTERS
Total Contractor takes a look at how you can protect your network of computers and
sensitive information from viruses and other forms of attack...
While computer viruses have been around since 1982, it surprises most that the first attacked an Apple computer. Put together by a 15-year-old who
was fuelled by interest, not malice, it was spread by floppy disk (remember them?) and was designed to be a simple prank. Moving to the present,
viruses now infect all types of computer-based device, but the majority are aimed at machines running Windows operating systems for one good
reason – they are in the majority of computers and offer more rewards for the criminally minded.
In recent years viruses and other forms of attack – trojans, phishing and so on – have caused havoc. From keyloggers (which secretly record keystrokes) to
ransomware such as CryptoLocker (which encrypts data and demands a ransom to decrypt), firms are at risk from what is collectively known as ‘malware’.
At the end of January (2019), Kwik Fit confirmed that its network had been infected and its systems knocked offline for a few days. The company was forced to
cancel bookings and customers vented their anger on social media.
While the larger firm will – should – have processes in place to protect systems, what can an independent do to stay virus free? The answer is to follow a 10-
step guide.
Ten ways to stay virus free:
1Install protection Dealing with virus and
other threats is an unwelcome distraction
that takes time. The first sign might be a
computer running slowly or behaving peculiarly.
While some viruses are irritating others are a
serious threat. No form of inoculation can ever be
perfect but installing an anti-virus package from
a reputable software vendor is an obvious but
crucial step to take. Some firms charge but free
versions are available from the likes of Avast and
Microsoft (built into Windows 10 but earlier
versions need a download).
2Update and scan The key to success with
anti-virus is to keep the application
updated and to regularly scan computers
for threats. A computer virus is no different from
that which can infect a living organism; over time
it morphs as the designers seek to work around
the protections that security software puts in
place.
Regularly scanning a computer or network for
downloaded or installed threats is an absolute
must. It ought to be done daily but should be
carried out at least once a week. Scans are
intensive and can cause a system to grind to a
halt so scans should be timed for an off-peak
moment which, if computers are turned off at
night, is not then. Similarly, ensure that the
computer cannot go into sleep-mode.
Remember – anti-virus is only as good as the
database of threats it holds, so it should be kept
updated.
3Update the operating system Windows,
Mac or any other system you might be
running needs regular updating. These
systems are hugely complex and run to millions of
lines of code and are riddled with vulnerabilities
which are often being found; it’s the reason why
developers perpetually issue software updates
and fix security issues.
4Your network is at risk One of the biggest
mistakes a user can make is to fail to
secure their network. When computers
were offline, and data was moved by floppy disk,
the threat was minimal. Now online devices are
permanently under threat. The problem is
exacerbated when devices – modem, router,
computer, printer or any other connected item –
are left with both default names and default
passwords. Any hacker worth their salt will see
what is connected and will know how to attack
what they’ve found.
It is therefore critical to change the device name
and password as soon as it’s connected. WIFI
products should, once set up, not broadcast their
existence. This means turning off what is called
the ‘SSID’. Passwords should be strong – select
at the minimum WPA or WPA2 encryption.
If visitors are to connect to your network, ensure
that they’re using a router with a guest – discrete
– network which allows access to the web and
nothing else.
22 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
5Strong passwords Another huge risk for
anyone with a connected device, especially
in today’s online world and the
proliferation of online banks and the move to
paperless interaction with HMRC, is their
password.
It is essential that the same passwords are never
reused. It’s entirely understandable that we reuse
passwords or variants of them in combination
with the same email address or username. But
those that do and who are unfortunate enough to
have been compromised will find that any
account they have is also at risk.
As to how to create a strong password, avoid
names, places, pets or dates of birth. Use a long
mixture of upper case, lower case, numbers, and
symbols. Search for an online password
generator.
Lastly, change passwords frequently and
especially when any member of staff leaves.
6Put sites off limits Human error is the
biggest cause of security vulnerabilities so
it’s important to ingrain caution within
staff, ideally by a policy that covers what they can
and cannot do online. This means detailing which
websites can be visited, that no software is to be
downloaded or installed (it could be pirated and
compromised), and that email with attachments
should be quarantined and scanned. Again,
having decent and current anti-virus software in
place will mean that anything that is downloaded
will be scanned before being opened or run.
7Be private Remembering that human error
is one of the biggest risks, staff should be
made aware of ‘social engineering’ and that
a plausible caller can get someone to give away
whatever is held precious. It’s this that is behind
authorised push payment fraud – where a caller
tells an individual that their accounts are at risk
and that they should move their monies to a new
and ‘safe’ account. The harsh reality is that these
“At the end of the day, computers can and do get compromised so planning for disaster should be part of business housekeeping”
individuals have sent their monies to the fraudster
and so will get little help from the banks.
Never give any private information out without
being 100 percent certain of the person or
organisation asking. Be careful with what the
business (and individuals) post online or via
social media. Apply the same principles to paperbased
information. All someone needs to
compromise your systems is enough of the right
bits of information.
As the evidence shows, using social engineering
is much easier than expending effort on hacking
systems.
8Public WIFI It’s so tempting to want to be
online at all times and it’s just as tempting
to use public, or open, WIFI networks.
Partly because mobile data may be unavailable
but also because it may be free. The reason is
very simple – just as you can connect a laptop to
a free WIFI hotspot, so can anyone else. If they’re
criminally minded, they can access your data and
plant viruses.
9Staff devices Another threat to counter is
one from staff who connect their own
devices such as phones, to company
network or their computer. Thought should be
given to limiting access to the firm’s WIFI or
physical network. The same applies to USB
devices – it’s a well-known trick for a fraudster
to drop a USB stick in a car park for an individual
to pick up and connect to their computer to see
what’s on it.
up At the end of the day,
computers can and do get
10Back
compromised so planning for
disaster should be part of business
housekeeping. Backing up data onto several
separate devices, regularly (at least once a day)
and keeping them off site at different locations is
critical. Consider a combination of methods such
as external hard drives, a computer elsewhere
and cloud storage services such as Dropbox.
Remember to encrypt devices in case they fall
into the wrong hands.
To end
Assuming that you are unlikely to be attacked is a
foolish stance and one that will lead to disaster.
All it takes is a lucky find by a hacker combined
with easy access for the rest to be history.
See https://www.cyberessentials.ncsc.gov.uk for
more information.
SEPTEMBER 2019 TC 23
Insurance: Project Policies
THE PROBLEM WITH PROJECT
POLICIES: ARE YOU COVERED?
By Ian Hollingworth, Technical Claims and Relationship Manager, ECIC.
The High Court’s decision last year that a
roofing firm that caused a fire at a high
school in London was not protected by a
project policy has raised some serious questions
over the worth of these types of insurance
policies.
Traditionally, employers on larger construction
projects take out a project policy to cover damage
to the existing structure and possibly the contract
works being undertaken by the sub-contractors
appointed to work on site.
The contractual chain
A project policy would usually provide protection
to named contractors and sometimes all
contractors in the contractual chain, in the event
of a fire or some other damage caused by
contract workers on site.
The project policy insurer would simply cover the
loss rather than each sub-contractor going to
their own insurers to recover the cost of their own
damaged contract works. This means lengthy and
costly litigation between sub-contractors can be
avoided and ensures the property and works are
adequately covered, preventing any delays in the
completion of the construction.
However, in Haberdashers’ Aske’s Federation
Trust Ltd v Lakehouse Contracts Ltd and others
[2018] EWHC 558 (TCC), the High Court found
roofing firm CPR wasn’t protected by the project
policy because the terms of the sub-contract
required that they should maintain their own
insurance.
That’s not unusual in itself. Usually a
construction contract would contain an insuring
clause requiring the individual sub-contractor to
take out insurance to cover their own contract
works along with Employers Liability and Public
Liability. This is even if there is a
project policy in place.
The key difference with this case
was that the project policy
insurer dealt with the property
loss, but then sought to recover
their outlay from the contractor that
caused the loss.
“It’s essential,
therefore, that
contractors are aware
that a project policy
may no longer provide
the catchall cover they
have previously relied
on”
This was very unusual as a project policy is
usually taken out in joint names – the
policyholder and all sub-contractors. As such the
project policy insurer could not seek a recovery as
essentially all sub-contractors would be
considered a policyholder and covered under the
policy.
Not named at commencement
The Court allowed the project insurer to recover
the loss from the sub-contractor on the basis of
two key facts: the main contract had required the
sub-contractor to take out their own insurance;
and the sub-contractor was not named at the
commencement of the construction project and
therefore not factored into the cover by the project
policy insurer when the policy was taken out.
The contractor in this case was due to appeal the
High Court’s decision in early 2019 but instead
Left: Ian Hollingworth, Technical Claims and
Relationship Manager, ECIC.
settled out of court, prior to the
appeal hearing.
This ruling has really called into
question the effectiveness of project
insurance. Roofing contractors and subcontractors
may no longer rely upon a project
insurer to pick up a loss in the event of damage
they have caused.
It’s essential, therefore, that contractors are
aware that a project policy may no longer provide
the catchall cover they have previously relied on
and should try to take proactive steps to seek
confirmation of any cover available under a
project policy at the pre-commencement stage.
Working with their insurance brokers, roofing
contractors would be well-advised to take a fresh
look at their cover to ensure they are adequately
insured for their potential liabilities. In most
cases they may need their own Contractors All
Risks insurance in addition to public liability
insurance to ensure they have the right levels of
cover in place before starting work on a major
contract.
Contractors All Risks insurance provides cover for
physical loss or damage to contract works during
the course of construction and will often be
offered with a range of extensions to provide more
bespoke cover. Public liability insurance provides
cover in the event of damage or personal injury to
third parties.
Contact ECIC:
0330 221 0250
www.ecic.co.uk/
24 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
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NFRC Tech Talk
SAFE2TORCH FOCUS: LPG CYLINDERS
Gary Walpole, NFRC’s Health, Safety and Environment Officer, explains some of the main
points that installers need to consider when carrying out hot works according to Safe2Torch
principles. In part one, he focuses on handling and storing LPG cylinders.
In July 2017, the NFRC launched its Safe2Torch guidance for specifiers of waterproofing systems to recognise fire risks at the design phase and replace
these details with a torch-free alternative. We wanted to encourage the specifier to consider the whole process from design and planning through to
the installation of the actual work. The next stage of the Safe2Torch campaign is to support the contractors working with gas torches by providing them
with a Safe2Torch training module, which is supported by the Safe2Torch Safe System of Work and a pictorial checklist. This is available from
www.nfrc.co.uk/safe2torch. So, what are the main points that contractors involved in hot works need to consider in order to ensure safety? Below are
some key points from the Safe System of Work.
Handling LPG cylinders
When moving or handling LPG cylinders, it is
important to bear in mind the following:
1. Plan the lift: an LPG cylinder should always
be upright when lifted to the place of work.
2. Lift properly: always use the proper lifting
technique when moving LPG cylinders.
3. Know your limits: be aware of your personal
lifting limits.
4. Wear gloves: use suitable gloves to ensure
you have a firm grip when LPG cylinders are wet
and slippery.
5. Never roll: never roll LPG cylinders on their
side, throw them or drop them.
6. Use the correct trolley: move LPG cylinders
with a purpose-made trolley that has a chain
attached to secure the cylinder.
7. Never lift by the bottle cap – do not use the
LPG bottle cap, valve or shroud to lift the cylinder.
8. Test the ‘empty’ cylinder: it may still contain
LPG; rock it to feel the movement of the liquid.
9. Never open valve of an unconnected
cylinder: do not open the valve of an
unconnected LPG cylinder as there is still likely to
be some LPG left inside (even on cylinders that
appear empty)
“Never search for leaks
with a naked flame”
Storing LPG cylinders
It is important that LPG cylinders are stored in the
upright position and removed from the workplace
when not in use, and cylinders should be stored
in a lockable gas cage when not in use.
1. Keep upright: store and use the LPG cylinder
in an upright position.
2. Keep well ventilated: store LPG cylinders in
well ventilated places.
3. Keep away from heat: ensure LPG cylinders
are stored away from heat and ignition sources.
4. Keep Propane outside: avoid storing Propane
LPG cylinders indoors.
5. Keep away from access points: ensure LPG
cylinders are stored outdoors, away from building
entry/exit points.
6. Isolate from other material: keep LPG
cylinders away from any corrosive, toxic or
oxidant material.
Using LPG cylinders
The greatest hazard when working with LPG is
that when mixed with air, it can burn or explode if
there is a source of ignition. LPG containers are
liable to explode if they are involved in a fire.
1. Treat with care: when using an LPG cylinder,
you should always treat it with care, keep it
upright and read the instructions and labels
provided.
2. Return empty cylinders: ensure you return
the LPG cylinder when it’s empty or not in use for
long periods.
3. Keep clean: remember to keep your LPG
appliances clean and have them serviced
regularly.
4. Avoid heat: do not subject the LPG cylinder to
heat as this could increase the pressure inside
and exceed the safe limit. This applies to empty
cylinders as it does to full ones.
5. Do not disconnect the regulator: do not try to
disconnect or unscrew a regulator from any
cylinder if the flame doesn’t go out.
6. Use your senses: leaks may be identified by
smell, noise or an approved leak detection
solution or leak detector.
Contact the NFRC
020 7638 7663
www.nfrc.co.uk
@TheNFRC
26 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
New name,
serious roofing heritage
Moorhouse 1953
2019 see’s BMI Redland celebrate 100 years of concrete tile production
and we’re proud to look back even further to 1837, when our first
Rosemary clay tile was made. Ever since we’ve been delivering innovative
roofing and waterproofing systems. Now as BMI we continue this work
by providing shelter, protection and peace of mind for architects, roofers,
building and homeowners alike - through roofs that are designed to
transform the way people live and work.
bmigroup.com/uk
Providing total roofing solutions
The Next Step
FORD PLANS TO GET MOTORING –
BUT WHICH ROUTE WILL HE TAKE?
At 26, Matthew Ford has won one of the industry’s top awards, the BMI Apprentice of the
Year 2019 in pitched roofing. So what now for this young roofer?
Afew months on from winning the pitched
roofing title at the BMI Apprentice of the
Year competition, Matthew Ford is still
keeping his head down, weighing up his next
move and doing his best with his job, while
attending Leeds College of Building.
He works for Incommunities, the Bradford-based
social housing provider, as one of eight roofers
working in teams of two. His main work is
carrying out repairs and approving the work of
roofing contractors, which he says can be quite
challenging.
“I can’t pass a roof that isn’t as good as I would
put on,” he said, taking pains to point out that the
roof on which he has been photographed is not
Below: Matthew Ford works for Incommunities and won the
pitched roofing award at this year’s BMI Apprentice of the
Year competition.
“I can’t pass a roof that
isn’t as good as I would
put on”
his handiwork, but one that he has yet to inspect
and approve.
Standards mean a lot to Matthew and one thing
that he knows for certain is that he wants to help
improve the image of roofing as a trade and to
raise professional standards. He is, for instance,
taking part in a trial for RoofCERT, the
accreditation scheme devised by the NFRC and
CITB, as a result of his award and a conversation
with Simon Dixon, Training Manager at the NFRC.
“The idea is it’ll be like Gas Safe and let people
know who they can trust, and it’ll eradicate the
cowboys who just rock up and offer to do the
roof,” he explained.
“RoofCERT will shape the way that roofers extend
their skills in a scheme that continuously checks
that they’re still complying to the relevant
standards and regulations.”
Confidence boost
Matthew recognises that he would never have
thought of becoming involved with projects such
as this before he took part in the competition.
“It boosted my confidence no end. The
competition went into areas that just aren’t
covered in college and it was never just about
simply putting on a roof. We learnt other skills
about presentation, relating to the clients and
looking at business plans.
“These are things that I use every day. I have to
meet eight to ten people every day, tell them what
repairs are necessary and why and then, if further
work is needed, produce a report for my manager
to explain why,” he explained.
‘The Fossil’ plans for the future
At 26, Matthew realised that he was quite a bit
older than the other apprentices entering the
Apprentice of the Year competition. In fact, the
other students make sure he never forgets by
nicknaming him ‘The Fossil’. But Chris
“The competition went
into areas that just
aren’t covered in
college and it was
never just about simply
putting on a roof”
28 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
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The Next Step
Above left: Matthew Ford wants to complete his Year Three modules and take his education as far as it can carry him. Right: Tony Thompson, Training Manager at Incommunities.
Messenger, his tutor at Leeds College of Building,
and Jay Webster, last year’s winner, encouraged
him to go in for it.
“Jay‘s doing his Level Three at the college and he
told us what to expect and how it was a lot to do
with business planning, not just putting on roofs.
We’re good friends now and talk quite often about
the roofing business,” Matthew recalled.
The competition was open to all roofing
apprentices who were enrolled with one of BMI’s
participating colleges or training groups, with the
finalists competing over two days that comprised
a series of presentations and assignments. These
examined every facet of running your own roofing
business – including business planning, technical
skills and presentation. In particular, each
apprentice had to make their own, five-minute
presentation to the judges at the end describing
their motivation and future objectives in roofing.
‘Hard work and sacrifice’
For Matthew, those ‘future objectives’ have yet to
be defined because, having completed his Year
Two course – six months ahead of schedule – he
now wants to complete his Year Three modules
and take his education as far as it can carry him.
His employer is also more than keen to assist. It
is a matter of policy says Training Manager Tony
Thompson. The policy of Incommunities is to train
its 1,000 strong workforce so they have all the
qualifications they need to reach the highest
ranks of the business.
“We celebrate success and this competition helps
us do just that. Apprenticeships require hard work
and sacrifice – they’re not highly paid – and it’s
right to reward that,” he explained.
“We know that university isn’t the right route for
everybody and apprenticeships can offer an
education that can take you right up to
management and degree level. This competition
raises the profile of apprentices and of roofing so
we’re very happy to take part.”
Incommunities is a large employer with 1,000
staff and manages 22,000 homes, mainly in
Bradford but also in Wakefield, Kirklees,
Rotherham and Sheffield. So, the opportunities it
can offer persuaded Matthew to change jobs. Up
until three years ago he worked with his father
Stephen in his roofing business but he wanted
qualifications, a steady job so he could get a
mortgage and better career prospects.
“I am ambitious and now, after winning the
competition, I can see that I could progress into
management, though that wouldn’t be roofing as
such but would be more like asset management,
being a project leader,” explained Matthew.
“Apprenticeships
require hard work and
sacrifice – they’re not
highly paid – and it’s
right to reward that”
“I would also like to look at wider roles in bodies
like the NFRC. I think entering the competition
means I’ve come out as a ‘well-rounded package’
with all the skills to run a business.”
Matthew also met Ceiran Peel-Price, another
former finalist, who now runs his own business –
a direction which Matthew is also considering.
“The competition definitely gives you the idea
that you could set up your own business and
Bradford would be ideal. You know that you could
make a difference and show how a roof should be
laid,” he concluded.
Whether Matthew decides to go down the
managerial route or strike out on his own, it is
plain to see that he is determined to make his
mark on this industry and that this will not be the
last time we hear of him.
Contact BMI National Training Centre
01285 863545
www.bmigroup.com/uk
@_Redland / @Icopal_UK
30 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
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Graded Battens
6 STEPS TO BATTEN SUCCESS
Jenni Forrest, Quality Manager for JB Red at Marley, answers contractor queries about
roofing battens.
Roofing battens are one of the most important parts of a pitched roof structure, acting as a
structural and load-bearing element. As well as supporting the dead weight of tiles and the
imposed wind loads, BS 5534 graded roofing battens can also be used as a secure foothold
during installation. That’s why checking the quality and compliance of the roofing battens you are using
is so important.
Below we answer some common contractor queries about
choosing and installing roofing battens:
JB Red battens being loaded into the treatment vessel.
1What batten defects are allowed under
BS 5534? As a natural material, timber
battens will obviously have varied
characteristics but BS 5534 is very strict about
what is and isn’t allowed, and our machine
grading process scans battens by the millimetre
to make sure they meet the requirements of the
standard.
Some knots are allowed, depending on their size
and position. If a knot appears on both sides of
the face, the sum of the knot on both faces must
not exceed the width of the batten. A knot
appearing on both sides of the batten which does
not appear on the face is only deemed
permissible if the knot on either side is one-fifth
of the depth or less.
BS 5534 also allows for a missing corner on the
batten, otherwise known as wane. However, it is
only permitted on one axis and should not exceed
one-third of the dimension of each of the faces
on which it occurs.
For a full list of permissible defects, we have put
together a free pocket checklist to help
contractors ensure they are using quality,
compliant battens. For your free copy, email
info@marley.co.uk.
If you have any doubts about a possible defect,
check with the manufacturer before you use the
batten.
2Do battens have to be completely
straight? Battens need to be straight, so
BS 5534 sets a tolerance on distortion.
Bow, spring or twist should each not be greater
than 5mm, measured over a length of 1.2m at a
reference moisture content of 20%. If your batten
is bowed more than this, then do not use it and
check with the manufacturer.
Battens cut from sideboards are less likely to
distort which is why JB Red battens are only
manufactured from kiln dried sideboards.
3Aren’t all graded battens the same? If
you have two battens from different
manufacturers, both graded to BS 5534,
many people would assume that they are the
same. However, this may not be the case and just
like other roofing products, there can be
significant variations in quality and performance.
Indeed, it is surprising how many differences
there can be between similar looking roofing
battens – from the way they are graded, through
to the type of timber they are made from, the
quality processes they go through and the
preservatives they are treated with.
To make sure roofing contractors know how to
choose the best quality battens, at Marley we are
carrying out an education campaign to ensure our
customers know how to spot the differences
between graded battens. This includes the launch
of our new batten CPD which our sales teams will
be delivering to contractors across the country, as
well as the free pocket checklist.
4I’ve been told that all coloured battens
are BS 5534 compliant, is that true? No.
The issue of batten colour has caused
some confusion. Whilst the distinctive red colour
of our JB Red battens along with other coloured
battens from reputable manufacturers does give
peace of mind that you are using a BS 5534
compliant batten, this is not necessarily the case
for all battens. Please don’t assume that just
because it is coloured that a batten meets the
required British Standard. It must also have the
correct stamps and supporting documentation.
5Do counter-battens need to be graded
to BS 5534? There has been some
confusion about whether-counter battens
also need to be graded to BS 5534. Counterbattens
do not need grading, providing they are
fully supported and are fit for their intended
purpose. The dimensions of counter-battens
should be sufficient to provide a ventilation gap
for close fitting roof coverings as recommended in
BS 5250 and/or to provide a drainage path
beneath the battens.
For more help with choosing and grading roofing
battens, request your free battens CPD training
session or pocket checklist by emailing,
info@marley.co.uk.
Contact Marley
01283 722588
www.marley.co.uk
@MarleyLtd
32 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
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The system comprises a complete range of structural steel products, high performance panels,
insulated gutters, superior polycarbonate daylighting, height-safety systems and a bespoke
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The system can be protected by the Kingspan Warranty.
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An Inspector Calls
THE VERY SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES
OF DELAMINATION: CHOOSE WISELY
In our regular monthly column – ‘An Inspector Calls’ – Total Contractor has teamed up
with the experts at BMI UK & Ireland, leaders in pitched and flat roofing solutions, to
help you achieve roofing success and avoid the common pitfalls that can often cost you
both time and money.
This month the Inspector lifts the lid on clay
tile delamination and its consequences.
The quality of raw materials and the
manufacturing process largely determine
how prone clay roof tiles are to the defects
of surface spalling and delamination – the bane
of clay roof tiles. Lamination is where you have
weakly connected layers of material within the
body of the clay. When those tile layers begin to
separate, you have delamination. It is found in all
clay products but is more prevalent in poorly
mixed and/ or sourced raw materials.
Avoiding delamination is a solid argument for
choosing both high quality clay and
manufacturing credentials when selecting a clay
plain tile for the roof. After all, a clay plain tile
roof – at 60 tiles per m², laid at a broken bond
and double lap – is the one of the most
expensive and complex systems a customer
may choose for a roof.
Why then skimp on the materials?
Below: delamination Don’t be the ‘spall guy’ by removing moss from the tile surface as the consequences can be catastrophic for the roof.
34 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
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An Inspector Calls
Above and below, delamination: Flaky situation – a complete re-roof is not far away...
“The removal of the
moss had helped drag
away the surface
material of the tile”
Flaky tiles
The death knell for the roof is if and when tiles do
start to delaminate. It occurs when water,
absorbed into the slate or tile during the winter,
freezes and expands, causing the fired clay
mineral layers to separate and ultimately flake
off. If you can see tiles delaminating on the
surface, then chances are that under the lap –
where the surface is darker and damper – you
will find even more.
At best and at least, it is a partial strip and reroof
as, at this point, the delamination is only
going one way – and that is towards complete
roof failure. Not to mention that the debris falling
down the roof will be obstructing the free flow of
water off it.
Don’t assist delamination…
The thing we absolutely
should not do when the
first signs of
delamination
appear in the roof
is help it along!
The images show
an old clay roof
that had been
beleaguered with
moss and dirt.
As the moss fell away, it
was blocking the gutters and –
as nobody likes having to get up there
to clean them – a contractor was called in to deal
with the problem. A quick wash and a brush later
the moss was gone and the roof looking very
clean: yet very, very broken. The removal of the
moss had helped drag away the surface material
of the tile, and now the failure of the roof covering
was well underway.
Care should be taken when
making any alterations to
the surface of the
roof covering,
especially when
dealing with
an aging roof.
Often
attempts to
carry out
superficial
repairs can
result in bigger
problems.
The main issue here was that
the customer was not made aware of the
risk to the roof covering and what started out as a
maintenance job turned into the prospect of a reroof.
One could of course argue that the damage
was already done beneath, and the greater work
would need to happen at some point anyway, yet
forewarned is forearmed.
“At best and at least, it is a partial strip and reroof
as, at this point, the delamination is only
going one way – and that is towards complete
roof failure”
Contact BMI National Training Centre
01285 863545
www.bmigroup.com/uk
@_Redland / @Icopal_UK
36 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
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Marketing Talk
THE SIMPLE LIFE: HOW A SIMPLIFIED
OFFERING CAN SPELL SUCCESS
Richard Kendrick, Marketing Manager for SIG Roofing, explores why it sometimes pays
to keep it simple…
Like much of the construction industry, the
roofing sector is an incredibly crowded
marketplace with specialists of all sizes
jostling for new business. Indeed, roofing start-ups
today are entering an industry which has 63,000
other professionals already plying their trade.
The outlook is particularly tough for smaller
roofing enterprises. Not only do they face stiff
competition within the market, but must also
weather a sometimes uncertain economic climate
– particularly impactful on the so-called ‘one
man bands’, which make up a significant
proportion of the construction industry.
So, when confronted with such a challenging
landscape, how can roofers stand apart from
their competitors and secure those all-important
new business wins?
Roofing 101
Like any business, a fundamental rule to
remember for your roofing business is – it’s better
to do one thing exceptionally, than a number of
things poorly. While it might be tempting to
change-up your offering, providing an array of
services and add-ons that your competitors don’t,
this could leave you stretched and unable to
complete jobs on time or to a high-standard.
At SIG Roofing, we advise roofers to carry out an
honest assessment of their offering before looking
to expand it. Do you have the right resources,
skillset or experience to be able to offer the
additional services successfully? Similarly, take a
look at your existing customer base and qualify
whether there is an appetite for the add-ons
you’re looking to incorporate into your business.
While diversifying your service offering may make
you stand out from the crowd, there are a number
It might be a challenging marketplace right now, but there
are plenty of opportunities for you to still win new customers.
of simple considerations, which, if applied
correctly, can make a real difference to your
ability to attract new business.
Be professional
Did you know that referrals and word-of-mouth
from satisfied customers generate upwards of 35%
of all new business traffic for roofing specialists?
It sounds like a cliché, but first impressions do
count, so make sure when meeting with
prospective customers you turn up on time and
have a number of customer testimonials on hand.
Similarly, after your initial meeting, it’s important
that you follow up promptly with a quotation – the
sooner that goes across, the sooner you can
(hopefully) get the job secured.
Stay connected
We covered this off in our last advice piece, but
it’s worth reiterating – the modern roofer needs
to have an online presence to stand a chance of
securing new business.
For social media, we recommend both LinkedIn
(as a way of growing your presence within the
industry) and Facebook. Roofing is such a visual
business, so your Facebook page represents a
fantastic opportunity to showcase eye-catching
examples of your latest work. This links back to
the power of the testimonial – new customers are
more likely to want to work with you if you’ve
posted proven examples of your fantastic work.
When it comes to your website, treat this as an
extension of your sales brochure, so a great
platform through which to show off examples of
your work. What’s more, the website doesn’t need
to be complex – far from it. Indeed, the most
effective roofing websites enable customers to
find what they need in a matter of clicks. Make
sure that your contact details are easy to find, too
– there’s nothing more frustrating for a potential
customer than being unable to find a phone
number or email address.
Be your brand
Finally, remember that there are several ‘free
advertising’ resources at your fingertips. Your
vehicle, for example, is likely to be seen by
hundreds of potential customers throughout a
working day, so consider including your signage /
contact details on the side.
Similarly, when you or your employees are out
and about, it’s a good idea to wear branded
clothing – embroidered polo shirts, hoodies and
fleeces not only look professional, they are
inexpensive to acquire and are another way of
making your brand visible.
It might be a challenging marketplace right now, but
there are plenty of opportunities for you to still win
new customers. So, when considering your new
business strategy, have a think about the smaller
steps you can take to further boost your offering –
sometimes keeping it simple really does pay off!
Contact SIG Roofing
0845 612 4304
www.sigroofing.co.uk
@SIGRoofing
38 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
From vents and outlets to edge trims and cappings...
Areco are the UK’s leading distributor of flat roofing accessories
With over 50 years experience of manufacturing and
distributing renowned brands such as Glasstrim,
Nutrim, V-Trim and Rofycom, Areco has over 40,000
metres of roof edge trim in stock for next day delivery.
A full range of Roof Drains, Termination Bars, Breather
Vents and Paving Supports mean we have the right
product for your project.
Areco also offer a bespoke metal fabrication service
for flashings and wall cappings.
www.areco.co.uk
• technical knowledge and advice
• nationwide express delivery
• competitive rates
tel: 01922 743553
t: 01922 743553 e: sales@areco.co.uk
ARECO, Unit 2A Coppice Park, Coppice Lane, Aldridge, Walsall, West Midlands WS9 9AA
Q&A: Metal Rainwater Systems
“ALUMINIUM AS A METAL SYSTEM
HAS A FANTASTIC FUTURE”
Total Contractor magazine talks common installation mistakes, project pressures for
installers and so much more with Karen Moulds, Marketing Manager at ARP.
TC: Please tell us a bit about ARP and its
offering for contractors and installers…
KM: ARP has been established for over 30 years,
providing metal roofline and rainwater products to
contractors and installers, offering a full range of
quality roofline and rainwater systems in both
aluminium and cast iron, at a competitive price
with short lead times.
In addition, having a network of Sales Managers
that cover the whole of the UK enables us to
provide a full customer experience offering full
site assistance.
TC: You offer both aluminium and castiron
options, what do you feel are the
benefits of these materials for both the
installer and the building owner?
KM: We like to work with our customers to ensure
that the products and services we supply are
suited for their needs. By working together we can
understand the particular challenges they are
facing and be in the best place to help solve
them.
Our products are designed to be fit for purpose
from the day they are installed for many decades
to come, with little or no maintenance.
So for the installer, a high quality product that is
easy to fit, which maintains its appearance, but
is also durable and long lasting.
For the property owner – they have peace of mind
they have a sustainable rainwater system and
decades of rainwater protection with little or no
maintenance. Both aluminium and cast iron are
made from an increasing element of recycled
material, which can also be recycled at the end of
its useful life, providing a sustainable cradle to
cradle product that will not end up as landfill
when the product is finished with.
Both aluminium and castiron
systems have long life
spans, much longer than
other materials such as
upvc.
Aluminium is a lightweight
malleable metal, which is
strong and durable, does not rust or
corrode and is non-combustible, so lends
itself to architectural elements such as fascias
and soffits, wall cappings and copings, etc.
Cast Iron rainwater systems are often used for
heritage, conservation or listed properties, and
have an expected lifespan of 100 years, if
properly maintained.
TC: The perception is sometimes that
metal systems are only used on higher
end projects, is this the case?
KM: No, not now – it may well have been.
Aluminium was considered much more of a niche
product, however, our experience tells us that it is
a much more regularly used material because of
all the benefits aluminium offers now as a longterm
solution.
We are working hard to change this perception
as the cost versus the durability of metal
systems can mean that it works out to be far
more cost effective to specify and fit a metal
system than plastic; metal systems can last in
excess of 60 years, whereas plastic may only
last for 20-30 years.
TC: Can you tell us a bit about your
Mustang and Alstream approved installer
schemes…
Left: Glenshee project, Legacy Aluminium
Gutter and Colonnade Downpipes
KM: ARP’s Mustang®
system is the market
leader when it comes to
seamless aluminium
guttering systems, where it
is extruded quickly and easily
from an Ironman TM machine at
the site of the installation. As all the
preparation work is done at ground level, this
system minimises the length of time installers
spend working at height. Gutters can be run out
in lengths of up to 30 metres and because there
are no joints, it will not leak. Made from 0.9mm
aluminium coil, this is the only aluminium
seamless gutter system which is British Board of
Agrément accredited. We have a national network
of Mustang® Approved installers which are fully
trained by us, but are also inspected regularly to
maintain approved status. This means that the
property owner gets a gutter installation that
meets BBA guidelines.
Alstream Seamless Aluminium guttering offers
similar benefits to Mustang®, but is formed from
0.7mm coil and is not BBA accredited.
TC: The Mustang Ironman machines /
equipment look interesting, can you tell
us a bit more about these and how they
assist installers…
KM: Ironman TM machines are gutter forming
machines. They use a coil of aluminium sheet
which once fed through the machine quickly
forms an ogee profile gutter. The machines are
portable and easily transported from site to site
in the back of a transit van or on a trailer. The
machine extrudes the guttering and all the
40 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
Edgemere.
New anthracite available for
Standard, Duo and Riven.
The thin (18mm) leading edge of Standard, Riven
and Duo Edgemere slates, offers a range of low profile
and slate-like solutions, providing an affordable upgrade
to standard interlocking tiles, or a cost-effective alternative
to natural slate.
Now available across the range in Anthracite along with
comprehensive matching dry fix and ventilation systems.
Call us on 01283 722588
marley.co.uk/edgemere
Q&A: Metal Rainwater Systems
fixtures and fittings are added whilst safely on the
ground – therefore the only work at height is
offering the gutter up to the roofline to actually fit
it into place.
The coil means that the installer may have up to
130 metres of gutter in his van, the machine
allows him to only extrude the lengths he needs to
complete the job therefore there’s no waste.
TC: What are some of the most common
mistakes that installers make when it
comes to installing rainwater systems?
KM: One of the most common mistakes made
when installing rainwater systems is the siting of
the gutter itself. If the gutter is positioned too
close to the roofline, the water can overshoot the
gutter and be more liable to get damaged in snow
conditions (geographically dependant). If it is
positioned too low, rainwater would simply
bypass the gutter and be completely ineffective.
We provide full installation instructions and a
detailed view of where the gutter should be
placed for optimum performance.
Other instances we are mindful of is the correct
use and type of silicone and having the right
tools/blades to make cuts on site.
TC: Lead times are very important to
installers – what sort of lead times can
you offer on your metal rainwater
systems?
KM: Depending on what products are required we
can offer a pick and paint option on our standard
stock, which means we can offer an almost
immediate delivery. Other products including
bespoke pressed products can be anything from
5-15 days depending on volume, colour and other
processes involved.
TC: Have your customers’ demands
changed in recent years?
KM: As with all industries, customers’ demands
are more intense and installers want products
quicker. We are continually investing in our
people, processes and products to be able to
meet these demands.
“If the gutter is positioned too close to the
roofline, the water can overshoot the gutter - If it
is positioned too low, rainwater would simply
bypass the gutter and be completely ineffective”
TC: What sort of in-house
base of the gutter until it
services can you offer
appears at the rim. You then
customers?
simply leave the joint to cure.
No excessive sealant for
KM: We offer a full range of
cleaning up or tooling off, it’s
technical assistance from CAD
easy!
designs, free technical
estimates, drawing take-offs,
TC: Is there still room for
as well as a national team of
innovation in the metal
account managers who are
rainwater systems sector,
ideally placed to visit local
and if so, what sort of
sites for site measures and
issues will it address?
advice. We manufacture much
Will it be aesthetics,
of our products in house and
speed of installation,
even have in-house paint
capacity?
lines for both cast iron and
Above: The Sentinel Jointing System. KM: There is still plenty of
aluminium.
innovation that can be
TC: What’s the biggest issue affecting addressed, in fact we have been developing a
your installer customers?
new range of rafter bracketry that are adjustable
to the exact pitch of the roof (+/- 1°).
KM: Probably the biggest issue facing our
installers is the time constraints. Traditionally our We’re always planning and looking at what we
product is one of the last items fitted and there is can bring to the market which will make the
always pressure to get orders turned around in contractor/installer’s life considerably easier.
time for the scaffolding to be dropped.
TC: How has the start of 2019 been and
Another issue is the safe working at height are you optimistic looking forward?
practices that need to be adhered to. Nothing is
KM: We know that there are a lot of construction
more important than people getting home from
projects around at the moment either started or
work safe.
about to start. We believe that the rest of the
TC: Can you tell us a bit about the Sentinel year will be just as buoyant and expect
Jointing system – what benefits does it continued growth. We strongly believe that
offer installers?
aluminium as a metal system has a fantastic
KM: Our new Sentinel beaded half round jointing
system is an exciting launch for us. It features a
quick, easy and mess-free sealant injection
system – an innovation we are proud off. The
Snap-fit system still clips into the brackets, we
have just updated how the joints are sealed with
unions and end caps fitted with EPDM gasket,
and then the sealant injected into the port at the
future.
Contact ARP
0116 281 5237
www.arp-ltd.com
@ARP_LTD
42 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
WE THINK YOU SHOULD
EXPECT MORE
FROM YOUR
MANUFACTURER
That’s why with Ubbink you can expect the
very best in customer support:
Reliable, on-time deliveries
Excellent product availability
Responsive and accurate admin services
Friendly, expert technical support
...and of course, top quality products
Call us today, or visit our
website for more details.
• VENTS • TERMINALS • NON-LEAD FLASHING • ROOFLINE PRODUCTS • & MORE
Tel. 01604 433000
www.ubbink.co.uk
Marley Advertorial
EDEN – REWRITING THE BOOK
ON CLAY PANTILES
Marley is rewriting the book on clay
pantiles with a ground-breaking new
traditional pantile that incorporates
modern fixing methods for quicker and easier
installation. The new Eden tile will transform
pantile fitting giving contractors an easy-to-fix,
low pitch option when a traditional pantile is
required for aesthetic or planning purposes.
Unlike anything else on the market, the Eden
pantile combines the aesthetics and heritage of a
traditional pantile with time-saving features
previously only seen on Marley’s Lincoln
interlocking tile, including a specially designed
SoloFix channel to make BS 5534’s two point
fixing easier, a flat back on the rear of the tile so
it doesn’t rock during installation and an enlarged
nib for easier nailing. It also has a low minimum
pitch of just 22.5 degrees.
Below: Marley’s Eden tile will transform pantile fitting, giving
contractors an easy-to-fix, low pitch option when a
traditional pantile is required for aesthetic or planning
purposes.
“The Eden has a
traditional profile but
incorporates several
innovative features to
make it quicker and
easier to install to
BS 5534”
Stuart Nicholson, Roof Systems Director at
Marley, says: “In certain areas of the country –
for example Lincolnshire, East Anglia, Norfolk,
Yorkshire, Humberside, the South West and parts
of Eastern Scotland – contractors will need to use
clay pantiles to fit in with surrounding properties.
Yet, the last significant development in traditional
pantiles was the introduction of machine-made
tiles back in the 1700s; much recent
manufacturer innovation has focussed on
creating interlocking tiles due to the market need
for easy-to-fix products. Indeed, with the ongoing
time and skills pressures, modern clay
interlocking pantiles, like our Lincoln, have
become increasingly popular as a quicker, easier
and more cost-effective way of achieving a rustic
pantile aesthetic.
“However, on some projects, due to aesthetic
preference or planning, contractors still need to
use a traditional pantile, but up until now there
hasn’t been an easy way of fixing these to the
latest British Standards.
“That’s why we are launching a new type of
pantile – the Eden – which has a traditional profile
but incorporates several innovative features to
make it quicker and easier to install to BS 5534.
“It also comes in a weathered finish, so it is even
suitable for use on heritage and conservation
projects. Crucially it gives contractors a time
saving, lower pitch, traditional option, creating
the next significant innovation in the pantile’s
timeline.”
44 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
Eden test roof: Matt Timby
Traditional roofing specialist Matt Timby, from
Timby Traditional Roofing in
Gainsborough, installed a
test roof for the Eden
tile as part of the
development
stages and says:
“Working in a
traditional
pantile area
means we have
years of experience
of pantile installation.
Eden is great because it
brings a traditional pantile up
to modern fixing specifications and
standards.
“Not only does its uniform design make it easy to
lay but it also uses a clever clipping system
which
is quick
and easy
to install.
Some clipping
systems can be
quite intrusive on
pantiles, affecting the
way they lay but this tile
has been designed with a
special channel, so the clips
fit comfortably behind the tile
below. There is also enough play
in the clips to adjust the tiles slightly
after installation, if required.
“The tiles were a joy to
install and could easily
be used for new or
refurbishment
projects. They look
really good on the
roof because of the
very slight differences
in profile which was an
intentional part of the
design. Traditional pans vary
in shape and mimicking this gives
an authentic appearance when comparing
them to a standard machine-made tile, which
can be so “perfect” they’re almost characterless.
The really clever thing about this tile is while
achieving an authentic look, it retains its
Matt Timby: “Eden is great because it brings a traditional
pantile up to modern fixing specifications and standards.”
consistency in sizing, each laying to the correct
gauge and cover width making it incredibly easy
to lay. The Eden also has a soft leading edge which
helps with the overall look of the finished roof.
“With a pitch of 22.5 degrees, as opposed to 30
degrees for some other machine-made pantiles, it
does give roofers a traditional rather than an
interlocking option for a lower pitch roof. To me
personally, aesthetics are much more important
than time saving and Eden certainly fits the bill
as far as looks go. For roofers who are looking for
a faster, easier way to install traditional pantiles,
these new tiles could certainly save time because
the clipping system is a much quicker way of
installing to BS 5534.”
The new Eden tile is available in three colours,
the traditional Natural Red, a weathered Rustic
Red and Matt Black for the East Anglia market,
with a full range of components and accessories
to complement the tile, including dry fix systems
or mortar-bedded security fixing kits. Eden can
also be purchased as part of a full Marley roof
system, including underlay, battens, fixings and
accessories, backed up by technical support and
a 15-year guarantee.
Contact Marley
01283 722588
www.marley.co.uk/edenpantile
@MarleyLtd
SEPTEMBER 2019 TC 45
Perfectly Pitched
THE CASE FOR CLAY TILES: A
MODERN OPTION FOR PROJECTS
Pitched Roofing Consultant John Mercer, writing on behalf of Edilians, explains why he feels
modern production techniques mean clay tiles are a great solution for many projects, but
stresses how important it is they are installed correctly...
Clay has been a material of choice for our
roofscapes for nearly 1,000 years; the
Romans are credited with introducing clay
roof tiles to Britain during their occupation from
43 AD until their departure in 410 AD, after which
the art of clay tile making was lost for a while.
Concrete roof tiles were first introduced into
Britain in the 1920s, though it was the huge
boom in housebuilding after the second World
War when they really found favour due to mass
production techniques and ease of installation.
Concrete quickly became the mass housebuilder
choice for roofing, accounting for around 60% of
all roofs, with 20% being slate and 10% being
clay. However, modern production methods and a
wide range of tile shapes and colours mean that
clay tile producers, such as Edilians, are now
challenging the dominance of the concrete
producers.
Thriving market
Good quality clay roof tiles can last well over 100
years, though it is more likely that other
components of the roof will require maintenance
or replacement well before the roof tiles, such as
battens, fixings and underlay. As we all know,
there is a thriving market in the UK for second
clay tiles.
When specifying roofing products, it is important
to choose materials that comply with current
British and European Standards to ensure a good
quality, durable roof for the client. Clay tiles
should comply with EN 1304 and must pass 150
cycles of the European test for frost resistance;
EN 539-2, to be deemed suitable for use in the
UK. Edilians’ clay roof tiles are produced from
high quality French clays that achieve pass
results far in excess of the European Standard
test requirements.
Installation
With regards to installation, all tiles and slates
must be secured to resist predicted wind loads.
The security of a roof tile or slate very much
depends upon its fixings; e.g. nails, clips, straps
etc. Slates are ‘double lapped’ therefore each
slate is afforded some protection to wind up lift
by its neighbouring slates. By the same
reasoning, double lapped clay plain tiles also
provide an extremely secure roof covering through
their small size and coverage. So much so, that
in many locations in the UK, plain tiles only need
mechanical fixing (i.e. nailing) in every fifth
course in the local and general roof areas, with
the perimeters having each tile mechanically
fixed. Of course, wind load calculations must
always be carried out to confirm this for each
location – contact Edilians Technical Support for
a fixing specification for every project. The
methodology for calculating roof tile fixings is well
documented in BS 5534: the British Standard
Code of practice for slating and tiling and pitched
roofs should be fixed to withstand wind speeds
only likely to be exceeded once in 50 years.
If natural slate is beyond a project’s budget, then
for an authentic slate appearance, Edilians has
developed its Beauvoise Graphite Slate, which is
the perfect substitute and it comes with other
advantages, such as the speed of installation, no
need for sorting and holing, as well as the
reduction in cost that only a single lapped roof tile
can bring. Being produced from clay, Beauvoise
Graphite combines the riven appearance of slate
with a natural clay material that will keep its rich
slate grey colour for the life of the tile and will
never fade.
Clay is much more than a great slate substitute;
over its 1,000 years’ presence in Britain, clay has
introduced many of the great roof tile shapes that
are now such a part of our roofscapes; for
example, pantile and roman, as well as
Mediterranean-influenced bold roll. Indeed, many
popular concrete tile shapes are very much
influenced by clay tiles.
Modern clay tiles are pressed, which means that
it is possible to incorporate endless technical
features into the upper and lower surfaces of the
tiles to improve security and weathertightness.
Clay is also twice as strong as concrete, which
means that clay tiles can be thinner and therefore
lighter in weight than concrete tiles. All this,
combined with the fact that clay tiles keep their
colour for life, means that they remain a great
option, whilst modern production techniques
mean that clay is not far behind concrete in
terms of cost and ease of installation.
Contact Edilians / John Mercer
www.imerys-roof-tiles.com
@imerys
@johnmercer3
46 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
Rustic Red
Natural Red
Matt Black
EDEN
We’ve rewritten the book
on 12th century clay pantiles.
Start a new chapter at Marley.co.uk/edenpantile
Contractor’s Qs
“THE LEARNING CURVE WAS A STEEP
ONE, PARTICULARLY AT THE START”
Neil Harrison is Pre-Construction Director at leading UK commercial roofing company
BriggsAmasco and has been working in the roofing sector for over 30 years. We caught up with
Neil to hear about his thoughts on progressing in the sector, changing perceptions (including his
parents’!) of roofing, and his pet hate – losing projects to cheaper, poorer solutions when you’ve spent
time working to provide technically sound solutions...
10
questions for Neil Harrison:
“My parents were less
than impressed and
that disappointment
grew when I started a
career as a ‘roofer’...”
TC: What was your path into roofing and
to your current position?
NH: I started work in the summer of 1988 for a
local commercial roofing contractor as a trainee
estimator. I was 17 and had been at college the
previous year studying for my A-levels. It hadn’t
gone well, and it was suggested by the college
that I didn’t return for the new term.
My parents were less than impressed and that
disappointment grew when I started a career as a
‘roofer’. However, over time they started to warm
to the idea. My Mother was impressed when I
was given a Barbour wax jacket as a company
Below: BriggsAmasco was involved with the Edinburgh City
Council building.
coat and my Dad cheered up when a
company car quickly followed.
I left in 2003 and joined
BriggsAmasco in the role
as Business
Development Manager.
Coming from a company
of 12 to a business with
hundreds of employees and
a big company feel, it was all
a bit of a shock. The learning curve
was a steep one, particularly at the start.
But I stuck at it, and with the support of a few
great colleagues, some great experiences working
on a huge variety of projects and a few different
roles along the way, it worked out.
Left: Neil Harrison is Pre-Construction
Director at BriggsAmasco.
At the start of the year I
accepted the role of Pre-
Construction Director. It
means embarking on
another steep learning
curve, which has
impressed my older
colleagues no end!
TC: If you had one piece of advice about
working and progressing in the roofing
sector, what would it be?
NH: A roofing contractor might, on the face of it,
not look the most exciting choice. However, there
is a career to be made here. My advice is start
with a good company and then work hard; it’s
that Simple!
TC: Tell us about a current project you’re
working on...
“There is a career to be
made here. My advice
is start with a good
company and then
work hard. Simple!
48 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
Join the Experts ...
TECHNICAL GUIDANCE
Gain Access to:
· Technical committee that keeps abreast and
influences legislation effecting the industry
· Private members area with market size data,
CPA updates and industry reports
· Network with suppliers to the industry to aid
product development
· Free guidance notes and codes of practice
· Free independent technical advice
For more information please contact us:
Email: info@lrwa.org.uk
www.lrwa.org.uk
COMBATTING CONDENSATION
Over 30 years’ experience in roofspace ventilation
Glidevale offers a comprehensive range of slate and tile ventilators used to meet the
control of condensation requirements set out in BS 5250.
A choice of over 450 profile matched or universal
ventilators available
In-line ventilator range allows for an unobtrusive look
G-Range ‘Cowl’ profiles provide maximum airflow
Versa-tile G5 range is the ultimate universal tile
ventilator, fitting over 100 tile manufacturers’ profiles
Perfect for new build or retrofit
STAND
31
Visit www.glidevale.com/slateandtile or e-mail
technical@glidevale.com for more information, or come
and see us at Contractor’s Day on 2nd October.
A sister company to Protect and Passivent. A division of Building Product Design Ltd.
SEPTEMBER 2019 TC 49
Contractor’s Qs
On frustrations:
“Winning the argument
technically, but losing
the project to a much
poorer solution
because the bottom
line is out by a few
percent”
NH: I wish it was only one… With any role in
pre-construction, the challenge is always how to
work on and manage many projects and bids
simultaneously.
Above: Neil described the Battersea Power Station project as “a true once-in-a-career opportunity and a privilege” to work on.
TC: You must have worked on some
difficult projects over the years. Is there
one that particularly stands out?
NH: Battersea Power Station: a true once-in-acareer
opportunity and a privilege to be involved
with such an iconic building. I pass near the site
most mornings on the train, and seven years after
my first project meeting I still glance across at
the site.
“People are more
important than tools –
they are our most
precious resource”
NH: Winning the argument technically, but losing
the project to a much poorer solution because the
bottom line is out by a few percent.
are our most precious resource.
TC: What’s the biggest issue currently
affecting you as a contractor?
NH: Ah, we almost got to the end without a
mention of Brexit… But the uncertainty being
created over the EU situation is definitely holding
the market back.
TC: What about difficult customers? Any
situations that stand out that you can tell
us about?
NH: For 99% of the time the customers are great.
Occasionally you get a difficult one and have to
admit that it’s just not meant to be. But in other
situations, with time and effort, that difficult
customer becomes the best customer, and that’s
a great feeling.
TC: What’s the most frustrating thing
about your job?
TC: And the most satisfying?
NH: When the business is given the opportunity to
get involved in a project at an early stage, with
the time to identify and find solutions to
problems, and then seeing those ideas taken
forward and worked into a successful project.
TC: What’s your most important tool as a
roofing contractor, either in the office or
on site?
NH: People are more important than tools – they
TC: How has the start of 2019 been, and
are there reasons to be positive for the
remainder of the year?
NH: It’s been great so far and the outlook for the
rest of the year is also looking really positive.
Visit Contractor’s Corner at www.totalcontractor.co.uk
to read previous Contractor’s
Qs and other roofing-related content.
“For 99% of the time the customers are great.
Occasionally you get a difficult one and have to
admit that it’s just not meant to be”
Contact BriggsAmasco
0121 502 9600
www.briggsamasco.co.uk
50 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
QUALITY
YOU CAN TRUST
When you buy from Safesite’s Supply Only range
of fall protection and safe access products, you’re
not only buying superior products at extremely
competitive prices, you’ll also benefit from
dedicated support and assistance. This includes
free technical advice as well as a complete
manual covering the assembly and installation
requirements for the product.
Our range of Supply Only products include:
• Guardrail Systems
• Mobile Man Anchors
• Skylight Protection
• Self Closing Safety Gates
• Step-Over Kits
• Fragile Roof Protection
www.safesite.co.uk
Tel: 01293 529977
Email: info@safesite.co.uk
EPDM: Top Tips
THE TOP FIVE BENEFITS OF
EPDM ROOFING MEMBRANES
Carl Bailey, from Firestone Building Products, discusses the benefits of choosing EPDM
for both domestic and commercial installations.
EPDM single ply roofing membranes have been used for both new build and refurbishment of flat
roofs for more than 40 years in the UK, and many decades-old installations are still going strong.
An extended service life is one of EPDM’s key USPs but there are many more – here are
Firestone’s top five benefits of EPDM roofing:
“An EPDM roof can flex
to cope with any
differential movement”
1Size Matters While bitumen-based felt
roofing systems are usually supplied as
1m wide sheets and thermoplastic singleply
membranes can be supplied at widths of up
to 2m, Firestone’s RubberGard EPDM membrane
can be ordered in any width between 3m and
15m on a 30m roll. This is because the
manufacturing process for EPDM enables larger
scale sheets to be assembled during production,
rather than being limited by the size of the
extrusion line.
The roofing contractor can select a width that
offers the best solution for the size and layout of
each individual roofing project, which saves time
and supports improved roof integrity by reducing
the number of seams; the most time-consuming
and critical element of any installation.
2The Right Fix Along with varied
choice of membrane size,
EPDM roofing systems
also offer a varied array of
fixing systems, providing
greater design flexibility for
use with almost any
substrate or roof build-up.
Firestone’s RubberGard EPDM
roofing system can be installed as
a fully-adhered or mechanically-fixed
system and can be used for inverted, ballasted,
green and modular roofs.
Adhesives are usually used with smaller widths
of EPDM and Firestone has developed a waterbased
adhesive specifically for use in factorybased
modular construction. This is also ideal for
Left: Carl Bailey, Firestone Building Products.
occupied buildings or any
environment where
nuisance odours may be
an issue.
For mechanically-fixed
roofs, which are always
advised when using a larger
width of EPDM, Firestone has
developed a fixing system that does not
penetrate the membrane, avoiding any
vulnerability to leaks around the fixing system.
3Fantastically Elastic EPDM is a naturally
and permanently elastic material, with over
300% elongation. As a result, EPDM roofs
are very resilient throughout their service life.
An EPDM roof can flex to cope with any
differential movement between building
components, avoiding the need for any complex
expansion joints unless required by building
regulations. EPDM does not crack or split at very
low temperatures, nor does it soften or melt at
very high temperatures and it can cope with
temperature shock from rapid temperature
fluctuation.
With an increasingly erratic climate, the U/V
resistance and long-term elasticity offered by
EPDM present compelling reasons to specify
systems like RubberGard EPDM.
52 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
4Environmentally Responsible Featured in
the Green Guide and contributing to a
BREEAM summary A+ rating over an
appropriate support, EPDM is an inert material,
containing no plasticisers, heavy metals or
chlorine, which means there is no change in the
material even when exposed for many years.
EPDM’s extended service life significantly lowers
its environmental impact, and the membrane is
completely recyclable.
5Heat & Flame Free Installation is totally
heat- and flame-free, with all joints formed
using a self-adhesive splice tape. This
avoids any fire risk from the roofing project, along
with any fire-risk related insurance costs or fire
safety wait times for installation teams at the end
of a day on site.
As no electrically-powered tools are needed,
there is no requirement for any temporary or
permanent power source; a significant
advantage for both remote locations where
getting a generator to site may be onerous and
for residential areas where a generator could
create nuisance noise.
Specification Guidance
Firestone has an experienced technical team to
support contractors throughout the specification
and installation process to ensure that each
project maximises the benefits of RubberGard
EPDM.
To find out more, visit the Firestone Building
Products website:
Contact Firestone Building Products
01606 552026
www.firestonebpe.co.uk/en
@FirestonebpUK
BUILD TIGHT & VENTILATE RIGHT!
Solutions for the roofing industry
Protect Membranes offers a tried and tested product range to
meet all your needs under one roof, whether for new build or
refurbishment projects.
Wide choice of vapour permeable & impermeable underlays
Products to meet all wind uplift resistance zones 1-5
Hydrostatic head of water resistance >2.0m
Underlays independently certified by BM TRADA
Conformance to BS 5534 and BS 8612
Range of roofing accessories available ex-stock
STAND
31
Visit www.protectmembranes.com/underlays for more
information or come and see our latest products
at Contractor’s Day on 2nd October.
A sister company to Glidevale and Passivent. A division of Building Product Design Ltd.
SEPTEMBER 2019 TC 53
Metal Standing Seam
STANDING THE TEST OF TIME
Gareth Holvey, Technical Manager SSR2 at Catnic, explains why he feels standing seam
metal roofing provides such a viable alternative to traditional roofing options.
Ease of Installation
For roofing contractors, ease of installation
is important to ensure projects can be
delivered efficiently and to schedule, and
that there is reduced time spent at height.
A standing seam steel roof is lightweight – in fact
seven times lighter than clay or slate tile
equivalents. This means that handling, carrying
and manoeuvring the material on site is much
easier, which is an important consideration when
working at height in order to improve overall safety.
Roofing contractors should also look for pre-finished
steel standing seam roofing systems that utilise a
simple locking design with pre-punched fixing holes
to aid installation. This will make the fixing
process much quicker and reduce the amount of
time required to deliver a project. Systems that
are not reliant on roll forming or seaming on site
can help ensure workmanship levels and product
performance both achieve a high standard.
Environmental benefits
With the government striving to achieve reductions
of carbon emissions, we have understandably
seen a drive from the construction industry to
improve the energy efficiency of UK homes and
buildings. Therefore, wherever possible, only
building materials that can demonstrate clear
environmental credentials, should be specified,
including the choice of roofing.
As such, systems with the highest BREEAM levels
possible are ideal – a Green Guide-recognised
system will deliver peace of mind when it comes to
environmental credentials. In addition, leading precoated
metal standing seam systems can easily
incorporate solar panels, further increasing the
energy efficiency of the project. A fixing bracket can
be screwed into the standing seam upstand to allow
photovoltaic panels to be installed without needing
to place holes through the roof. This can reduce
time spent installing the technology
whilst retaining roof integrity.
Guaranteed
performance
Of course, whilst ease of
installation and
environmental credentials
are a factor, these materials
also need to stand the test of time.
Consideration must be given to whether the
material can withstand British weather, as this
will affect the longevity of the product.
Proving confidence in its products, Catnic has
recently launched its free of charge Confidex
Home guarantee. Offered direct to the
homeowner, this 25-year warranty provides
complete confidence in the quality of the
advanced paint coating applied to the steel, and
is in place whether the SSR2 system is used
either as roofing or cladding, and regardless of
where the property is located – including coastal
regions. In addition, the guarantee is easily and
fully transferable in the event the property is sold
to new owners – an excellent benefit roofing
contractors can provide to their customers.
To ensure a robust specification – it is important
to ensure that the standing seam roofing choice
will meet all the relevant legislation. The SSR2
Roofing and Cladding System is manufactured
from Tata Steel’s Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra prefinished
steel, and is CE Marked in accordance
with BS EN 14783:2013. It also meets Class 0
‘low risk’ fire classification requirements of the
UK Building Regulations.
When used as part of a roof cladding system, the
system has a Class AA /B roof (t4) performance
rating according to BS 476 Part 3 / EN1187 and
meets all UK roofing application requirements.
Training and education
Of course, no matter how long
roofing contractors have
been in the business –
taking advantage of
training and education will
always remain important.
Catnic now offers a new
CPD – a 45-minute session
that explores the performance
and aesthetic considerations of prerefinished
steel, including installation solutions, as
well as building methods and regulations.
Ensuring weekly CPD obligations are easily
satisfied, it is taught face to face and can provide
roofing contractors confidence in the product and
installing it.
A beautiful and versatile aesthetic
Loved by architects and customers alike for its
range of colours (including Anthracite, Terracotta
and Green Grey) that complement both traditional
and modern finishes, the tonal matt shades
integrate seamlessly between different facades
including glass, brick, wood, stone and render
delivering effortless modern finishes.
There are a range of factors to consider when
specifying a roofing system for a residential build,
whether it is for a new build or refurbishment. By
working with and recommending a pre-finished
steel roofing system, contractors can provide end
clients with a quick-to-install solution – that can
contribute to a sustainable build with a lasting
and beautiful aesthetic.
Contact Catnic
029 2033 7900
www.catnic.com
@CatnicUK
54 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
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Common Mistakes
PITCHED ROOFING INSTALLATION:
COMMONLY MADE MISTAKES
We asked Pitched Roofing Consultant John Mercer to discuss some of the common
mistakes contractors can make when installing pitched roofing products and
materials...
Firstly, I want to start on a positive note;
there have been many advances in pitched
roofing during my career, in both materials
and installation techniques. These have been
driven by several factors, including revisions to
British and European design and installation
Standards, with these, in turn, being motivated
by organisations such as the National Federation
of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and National
House Building Council (NHBC) as well as
building material producers.
However, new products and new practices can
sometimes introduce new challenges. There was,
for many years, a lack of awareness amongst
contractors of the requirements of BS 5534,
particularly relating to roof tile fixings. However,
persistent campaigns within the industry, coupled
with roof tile manufacturers’ development of
software to make calculating fixing specifications
extremely quick and simple, has dramatically
raised awareness in the last five years.
Remember, a fixing specification should be
calculated for every roofing project.
Underlays
The introduction of ‘breathable’ underlays
brought with it several complications. Firstly,
even the word ‘breathable’ is misleading. Early
marketing campaigns and third-party certification
of some of these products led people to believe
that roof space ventilation was no longer
required, with confusion surrounding details such
as air and vapour control layers in ceilings. Even
the way lightweight underlays are installed can
cause problems. These were originally designed
to be installed over rigid sarking or insulation, but
here in the UK we traditionally lay underlay
“The important thing is for all industry sectors to
work together to develop, improve and overcome
the issues we encounter”
unsupported over rafters – not in Scotland, I hear
you say. It is more difficult to lay lightweight
underlay with a drape and the underlay does not
naturally seal around the batten nail holes.
Therefore, the combination of no drape and no
seal at the nail holes can result in water
penetration, whether it be from rainwater driven
through the roof tiling or condensation within the
batten cavity. To overcome these issues,
consider using a proprietary nail tape to seal the
nail holes and counter-battens in place of
underlay drape. It is important that the installer
obtains the correct installation advice from the
product manufacturer and is familiar with the
recommendations given in BS 5250 on roof
space ventilation.
Low pitch roofs
This leads me to another common installation
problem; that of low pitch roofs. For many years,
there has been commercial pressure on roof tile
manufacturers to reduce the minimum
recommended roof pitches for some of their
products. Manufacturers have responded through
vigorous wind-driven rain testing and
improvements to their tiles. This, in turn, has
encouraged designers and contractors to
construct buildings with lower roof pitches.
Low pitch roof-related problems often manifest
themselves on small, domestic, single-storey
extensions. Tiles, which perform adequately when
laid perfectly in a wind tunnel, may not perform
so well when they are laid around, for example,
roof windows, where the flashings cause the tiles
to lift and not seat as well as they should. A
common mistake is to shed water onto a lowlevel
extension roof from a higher roof through a
downpipe or valley. This volume of localised
water can overwhelm the roof tiles, causing
leakage. Similarly, where a roof has a low pitch
combined with an overly-long rafter length, the
tiles in the courses close to the eaves can be
flooded due to the volume of water from higher up
the roof slope.
It is important to avoid shedding water onto lower
roofs and to follow the roof tile manufacturer’s
advice on minimum roof pitch/maximum rafter
length. Seal all penetrations, laps, and junctions
in the underlay layer.
In summary, yes, of course, roofers make
mistakes, but I hope I have demonstrated here
that the important thing is for all industry sectors
to work together to develop, improve and
overcome the issues we encounter through good
design, improved products and correct
installation.
Contact John Mercer
@johnmercer3
56 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
Rolled Lead Sheet
The Truth - Not Fiction
The Facts
1 100% made in Great Britain.
Calder
Lead Sheet
Alternative
Flashing Products
2
3
4
Manufactured to an industry accepted
standard - BSEN 12588.
Fitted by specialist contractors following an industry
recognised installation guide - the lead sheet manual.
Carries a high perception of quality throughout the
building industry.
5 High quality product with proven long life.
6
Will not fail or require maintenance or replacement
over the lifetime of a building.
7 Carries a 50 year guarantee.
8
Retains its value and can be recycled with no loss
of performance.
9 Can be fitted safely in damp and cold weather conditions.
10
Highly malleable and can be fitted to most surfaces,
including complicated structures.
11 Has a A/A+ BRE green guide rating.
12
13
14
Is sourced 100% from recycled material and is
100% recycled at the end of its life – an ideal material
for the circular economy.
Not made from unsustainable petrochemical materials
that cannot be re-cycled and end up in landfill.
Doesn’t require chemical adhesives for fitting that have
poor environmental credentials.
Calder Industrial Materials Ltd,
Chester West Employment Park, Jupiter Drive,
Chester. CH1 4EX
Calder Helpline: 01244 393710
Common Mistakes
HANDRAIL, GUARDRAIL & SAFETY
BARRIER INSTALLATIONS
Christian King, General Manager at Kee Systems, points out some of the common mistakes
made when installing safety systems.
Not following the design calculation that
provides the compliant upright tube
specification, correct spacing between
uprights, the required anchor embedment to
achieve the required design load: Correct
planning is vital, otherwise the barrier won’t
achieve what it’s being designed to do, which is
to protect people. For example, barriers, handrails
and guardrails must meet minimum height
requirements and be able to withstand various
forms of load, as required under Building
Regulations and BS6180. Pedestrian handrails
need to be designed to achieve 740 Nm design
load. If the system isn’t designed correctly, then
you will find that the system does not withstand
the correct loading. Correct design calculations
can also help to save money, as you’ll be able to
calculate the spacings accurately. We often find
that systems are installed to what a company
thinks is the safest specification, but in fact, they
have often overcompensated on the spacing
between uprights and as a result, the railing
system has cost more.
Don’t assume you know how to install the
systems correctly and to a compliant
standard: Safety barrier systems can be
installed quickly and easily using fittings such as
Kee Klamp, but you still need
to know what you’re
doing. Common
mistakes can often
be seen on stairs or
ramps where the
handrail may be
below the required
900 – 1100mm
height or the handrail
has just been installed on
one side of the stair or ramp
instead of both sides as required. You
can also find that where there is a drop off, a
curb or curb rail has been omitted to prevent
wheelchairs from slipping out from under the
railing. In some cases, a mid-rail will provide
sufficient protection.
“If you are going to
install a handrail,
guardrail or safety
barrier using
components, always
speak to a company
that understands the
complexities of
installing these
systems first”
Wrong fixing detail used: We have seen cases
where a base flange has been fixed to brickwork
with non-suitable anchors or not cored, or where
wall fixings have been used as base flanges. It
won’t be long before these safety railings or
handrails start to become unstable and either
wobble or work loose from the brickwork or
substrate it’s fixed to,
making the system noncompliant
and
potentially a hazard.
When fixing a
pedestrian handrail
to brickwork, we’d
recommend using a
78mm diameter
diamond core drill,
250mm deep for each
upright and then resin fix the
uprights into position to achieve the
required strength and durability.
Trying to save money by installing a
galvanised DDA compliant system and then
painting it instead of having it powder-coated:
Painted systems will scratch or flake within
weeks, if not days. Polyester powder coating the
tube and components will provide a finish that’s
chip, scratch and fade resistant and will also
comply with the requirements of the Equality Act
by providing a finish that’s not cold to the touch.
General comment: The benefit of using tube and
fittings is that if a system is incorrect, it may
simply be a case of adjusting it or replacing a
section, which you can’t do with fabricated
systems. However, in all cases, we’d say that if
you are going to install a handrail, guardrail or
safety barrier using components, always speak to
a company that understands the complexities of
installing these systems first to make sure that
what you are proposing is correct.
Contact Kee Systems
0208 874 6566
www.keesystems.co.uk
@KeeSystems
58 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
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Board-Walk is a modular system which features 2m,
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Protan needs you
WE ARE RECRUITING DOMESTIC PARTNER ROOFING CONTRACTORS
All-year-round application
Quick, clean and easy to install
No naked flames or hot adhesives
Full training and technical support
Manufacturer’s warranties - 15 to 25 years
BBA certified - service life in excess of 40 years
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Tel: +44 (0)1925 658 001 E-mail: domestic@protan.co.uk www.protan.co.uk
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PROTAN PROVIDES DOMESTIC WATERPROOFING SOLUTIONS FOR BOTH
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GREEN AND TURFED ROOFS
OUTBUILDINGS
Protan PVC single-ply membrane roof systems
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Installations are clean, easy and quick and do not
require the use of hot adhesives, naked flames,
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For further information:
Call 01925 658 001
E-mail domestic@protan.co.uk
We look forward to working with you.
Cold Applied Liquids
ADDITIONAL SPACE CHALLENGES
By Justin Pitman, Sales Director for Proteus Waterproofing
The growing movement towards building
more apartments and community housing
has seen a major change in the way that
many of us now live, but with that trend comes
new challenges for the waterproofing industry.
Increasingly, balconies, flat roofs and service
areas including walkways and stairwells have
grown in importance. Such structural features
provide endless opportunity for residents without
gardens to create places for drying washing,
growing plants and flowers, or simply to enjoy
well-earned fresh air.
Sooner or later, however, those roofs, balconies
and other communal areas need refurbishing or
waterproofing, and by their very nature in such
confined spaces it can cause massive problems
for residents who have to contend with significant
disruption, pollution or in some cases, the
prospect of having to leave their homes.
It could be why cold applied liquid solutions are
rapidly becoming the waterproof membranes of
choice – particularly for local authorities and
housing associations that are frequently faced
with the dilemma of delivering essential
refurbishment without upsetting tenants and
other residents. Cold applied also ticks all the
boxes for local authority landlords understandably
anxious to keep fire risk to the minimum.
Refurbishing an apartment block is not just simply
a case of overlaying a new waterproof membrane
in a few hours. The old decking or waterproof
layer frequently has to be removed and when the
new membrane is applied the devil is in the
detailing – which is both time consuming, very
disruptive and depending on the product you use,
creates a lot of offensive odours.
Fortunately there are now waterproofing solutions
for roofs, balconies and walkways that both
residents and building owners will welcome. They
are virtually odour free, can be
installed and ready to walk on
in under two hours so
minimum disruption and
best of all – they are
less expensive – a total
win, win.
The secret is in the
seamless application for
so long enjoyed by Mastic
Asphalt and hot melt products.
While both are excellent for most types of
flat roof and walkway applications, many
landlords are now unwilling to accept molten
products, even though the risk of fire is negligible.
Higher costs, particularly with mastic asphalt, are
also a factor.
A seamless solution
Cold-applied systems have taken the lead by
offering other advantages over traditional types of
waterproofing. As well as offering a ‘safer’
application, the liquid coating can be used to
deliver a seamless finish as it forms a
permanently elastic, seamless membrane. Ideal
for the long-term waterproofing of complex roof
details around pipes, upstands and gutters, the
system is a popular specification for
contemporary roofing projects where penetrations
are becoming ever more prevalent.
In recent years we have seen more and more
projects requiring intricate detailing works around
rooftop penetrations. Cold-applied systems
minimise the element of risk associated with
torch-on applications with no naked flames or
boilers involved at any time with the installation
process. Many liquid applied systems also exhibit
extremely low odour, making for a quick, simple
and safe-to-apply waterproofing solution,
particularly when you have an application in
confined spaces such as balconies, walkways or
other hard-to-reach areas.
Other factors such as the time
to complete a contract also
have to be taken into
consideration,
particularly with budgets
under increasing
pressure. This particularly
applies to new build.
In the past some of that down
time, particularly the need to wait 28
days for green concrete to cure, has been
unavoidable – or at least that was the case –
until now. All that has changed following the
launch of new types of waterproof membrane –
which some believe will revolutionise the
construction industry.
Getting other trades on site as quickly as possible
is frequently delayed until the building has been
waterproofed and conventional wisdom has
always dictated the 28 day rule for green concrete,
but the new cold applied systems can be laid
within three days of the concrete being installed
allowing the building to be waterproofed some 24
hours later. This will help to significantly reduce
costs in the public sector as the Government
releases more funds for social housing.
So whether it’s new build or refurbishment, I
believe cold applied liquid solutions are leading
the way, and as we build more and more flats and
apartments and renew existing buildings, then we
are going to need waterproofing solutions that can
rapidly deliver with the minimum of disruption –
the future is liquid.
Contact Proteus Waterproofing
(0)1268 777871
www.proteuswaterproofing.co.uk
@Proteus_UK
62 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
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Pitched & Flat Roofing
THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME:
SIGNIFICANT YEARS IN BMI’S HISTORY
With BMI UK & Ireland’s iconic BMI Redland brand celebrating 100 years of concrete tile
manufacture in the UK, ahead of its formal celebrations later in the year, the company
continues to look back over its 180-year heritage.
While 1919 – when Redland was formed
as the then Redhill Tile Company in
Reigate, Surrey – was an important
moment for pitched roofs in the UK, representing
the start of domestic concrete tile manufacture,
1923 proved to be almost as important for flat
roofing when Icopal, then known as D Anderson &
Sons, relocated from Belfast to Stretford,
Manchester.
At the time, Anderson was the first factory to
make the area its home in what was then fields
as far as the eye could see. Today, the factory,
which is still the company’s main manufacturing
plant for its BMI Icopal ranges, is in the heart of
Manchester’s Trafford industrial district – with
other global names such as Kellogg’s, Adidas and
L’Oréal for neighbours.
Some of the site’s original buildings remain and
true to its reputation of creating roofs that last,
one of the buildings features a rare engineered
timber roof structure known as a Belfast Truss –
designed, according to Construction History Vol.
17, by Anderson-founder David himself.
The industrial revolution brought about the need
for clear span industrial buildings, which in turn
inspired the development of a variety of timber
truss types. And although so-called bowstring,
barrel-form and other ‘chord and lattice’ truss
roofs had been built since medieval times, the
first “true” Belfast Truss – a clever laminated
construction, designed to maximise the use of
scrap timber – was fabricated by Anderson &
Sons in Belfast in 1896.
A few years later, after Anderson’s Manchester
move, the general strike struck in 1926 and had
a profound and positive impact on the popularity
“One of the buildings
features a rare
engineered timber roof
structure known as a
Belfast Truss”
of concrete tiles – owing to a resulting shortage
of clay tiles; yet not so profound an impact as the
Second World War.
While the WW2 blitz wrecked a large number of
British cities, it was London that bore the brunt
with one million of the total estimated loss of the
two million homes destroyed. The urgent need to
replace these in the post-war period saw a huge
surge in house-building and the Redland 49
medium-format interlocking cambered tile
became the roof covering of choice. Launched in
1949, it was the first single-lap concrete tile and
its use is still widespread throughout the city.
Redland 50 Double Roman
In slightly les -pressured circumstances, 1950
saw the launch of the Redland 50 Double Roman.
The first variable headlap tile, as the name
suggests Double Romans hark back to the Roman
invasion of Britain in 43 AD. The tiles are based
on their imbrex and tegula tiles and modern
Double Romans come as interlocking concrete
Old Anderson and Redland adverts.
tiles, mimicking the effect of the original ancient
profile while being compatible with a wide range
of fittings and accessories.
In 1954, Redland invested £6,000 in a small
German company, Braas GmbH: a name to become
significant in the ultimate destiny of BMI’s much
loved Redland brand. It was by now called Redland
Tiles and, having purchased the Moorhouse Brick
and Concrete Tile Product Company near
Westerham, was publicly floated and quoted on
the London Stock Exchange in 1955.
As November’s concrete tile centenary
approaches, BMI UK & Ireland will be highlighting
more pitched and flat roofing key dates,
innovation and achievements in its development,
leading to the present day.
Contact BMI UK & Ireland
Pitched: 03705 601000 Flat: 0843 224 7400
www.bmigroup.com/uk
@BMIUKandIreland
64 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
Roofing Updates
For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
MARLEY HELPS REIMAGINE RURAL
A development in the village of Waddesdon, which has been devised and managed by the Rothschild Foundation,
has used Marley’s Double Acme Camber tile to create a striking aesthetic that is reimagining rural living.
Made up of 75 homes, the residential project has used over half a million of Marley’s Acme Double Camber tiles in Burnt
Flame. With the tiles used not only on the roofs but also applied vertically, they were able to perfectly complement the
project’s Scandinavian inspired design. Marley’s technical team worked closely with the project’s architects, C.F. Møller, to
assist with CAD drawings to ensure a suitable build-up and ventilation of the roof.
Marley’s tiles were used on this project which
won ‘Best Conceptual Design’ at the 2019
Sustainable Architecture awards.
Andrew White, Area Sales Manager at Marley, said: “C.F. Møller was clear from the outset on the type of development it wanted to create. Turning away from
traditional design, instead favouring an approach which reflected modern living, to deliver a contemporary appearance which complemented the historic village
setting. Seeking a crisp, clean look, it was therefore important that the roofs of the homes also reflected this vision. Marley’s Acme Double Camber in Burnt Flame
was the ideal choice. As it is suitable for vertical applications it was able to deliver a finish which meant the transition from roof to exterior wall was seamless. In
addition, the tile was also able to interact with other exterior elements of the build including window reveals, cladding at the gables, and guttering, which was a
significant challenge on the build.” www.marley.co.uk
ZINC-ING OUTSIDE THE BOX!
You can now buy Zinc Box profile gutters on the Rainclear Systems website rainclear.co.uk.
If you are unsure which size gutter best suits your project,
call 0800 644 44 26. www.rainclear.co.uk
The Quartz Zinc rainwater system is also available in a half round profile with simple to install
fittings for the average domestic project. But the two systems are aimed at different projects and
skills-sets. The Box profile system is more suited to a large house with a high-pitched roof or small
commercial buildings and designed to be soldered (at gutter joints and patch outlets). The preweathered
zinc used to manufacture the rainwater systems will not discolour, distort or become
brittle over time. Cut edges will not corrode as the metal develops a natural self-protecting patina.
BREEAM HELP FROM ABOVE
A quantifiable means of achieving BREEAM points is being pioneered by Hambleside Danelaw,
via its Zenon GRP rooflights.
Above: Zenon’s EPD applies to a range of site-assembled
and composite panel rooflight configurations. “The
concept of rooflights being able to quantifiably contribute
towards a BREEAM rated project in this way is a major
innovation for the market.”
Zenon GRP in-plane rooflights have attained an independently assessed Environmental Product Declaration
(EPD). The accreditation enables a contribution of 1.5 points towards a building’s BREEAM rating.
“Rooflights have always been acknowledged as contributing towards BREEAM, but it has always been an
intangible element,” explained Paul Hanratty, Hambleside Danelaw. “The EPD makes that contribution
tangible, quantifiable; it gives reliable evidence.” www.hambleside-danelaw.co.uk
GOAL ACHIEVED WITH SAFESITE ASSIST
Safesite has provided a safety solution for Wolverhampton Wanderers FC’s training grounds.
Rooftop safety solutions at
Wolves’ training ground.
Using KeeGuard, Kee Walk Step-over and a Bespoke Access Platform, Safesite offered security for the team to be able to film the
club’s training sessions from the building’s rooftops. Following a thorough site survey, a Kee Walk Step-over was put in place from
the office balcony and led onto a Kee Walk walkway which provides a safe, demarcated route to the flat roof area. This proved to be
the perfect solution as it is anti-slip and suitable to walk on in various weather conditions. Safesite also recommended that a
Bespoke Access Platform be constructed on the roof to allow training sessions to be filmed from multi-angles in complete safety.
Lastly, KeeGuard has also been installed to provide edge protection to the exposed edge on the roof. www.safesite.co.uk
66 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
ROBUST ROOF FROM BMI
Students at George Hastwell School, an academy in Barrow-in-Furness, are now sheltered by a roof that is built
to a specification from BMI UK & Ireland that is guaranteed to withstand the harsh coastal climate for 20 years.
The school commissioned Cunliffes, working with BMI, to draw up the school’s Capital Funding Application to the Schools
Funding Agency to replace the original roofs. Wind uplift calculations were required to find the best application method.
George Hastwell School.
The roof details were sent to BMI to complete the calculations and determine the correct fixing for the location. In this case
it proved particularly important as the calculations showed that both the membrane and the insulation beneath would be subject to windloads of up to 2.79 kN/m²
(kilonewtons per square metre) at the corners. This meant that the insulation had to be bonded separately using TPI insulation adhesive – a foaming, odourless, VOCfree
two-part rapid curing polyurethane adhesive manufactured from bio-renewable materials. The 1050m² project, installed by BMI’s IMA approved contractor
Pendlebury & Sons, consisted of a number of roofs with either concrete or plywood decks. For the non-flammable concrete substrates, BMI Icopal Tecnatorch Sand
and Siplast Primer were applied as the vapour control layer. For the plywood decks, the vapour control layer comprised BMI Icopal TorchSafe TA VCL Sanded and SA
Primer. Thermazone Torch On Insulation was then bonded to both vapour control layers with TPI Insulation Adhesive. Total Torch Vapour Dispersion Layer was installed
as underlay, followed by Firesmart Thermaweld Capsheet in Charcoal to complete the waterproofing system. www.bmigroup.com/uk
THE BIT BETWEEN THEIR TEETH!
SikaBit, the Safe2Torch reinforced bitumen roofing system from Sika, has been used to
upgrade the roof of a social housing block in the London Borough of Southwark.
Hambro Roofing used the SikaBit system at Castlemead
House after seeing the advantages of the SBS/APAO
hybrid technology.
Craig Smith from Sika explained: “The client was keen that any roof refurbishment should be carried out
using a Safe2Torch reinforced bitumen membrane, but it was clear that there was an opportunity to
upgrade the existing system with more advanced bitumen technology. SikaBit’s best-of-both-worlds SBS
and APAO hybrid bitumen technology provided the ideal solution to achieve consistency of specification
while enhancing the roof build-up. https://gbr.sika.com
SL8: ACCELERATE AND RENOVATE!
Forticrete is meeting the increasing demands of the roofing market with its innovative large
format, thin leading edge roof tile, SL8.
SL8: “We’ve created SL8 as we saw a need in the market
for a thinner edge tile, that is up to 50% thinner than large
format varieties, allowing roofing contractors to achieve a
unique minimum pitch of 17.5 degrees.”
Combining the visual aesthetic that replicates real slate with technical features of an interlocking tile, SL8
provides both superior coverage and a better-looking roof. The tile, which is 420mm by 390mm with a
hanging length of 396mm, offers excellent coverage requiring just eight tiles per m². SL8 has been
granted patents to cover the camber of the tile, interlocking design and features and dry verge design,
meaning there is no other tile like it in the marketplace. www.forticrete.co.uk
ROOFLIGHTS MAKE THEIR MARK
Ikon Rooflights – a new brand from industry leader Sunsquare – has brought BSI-Kitemarked
rooflights to the reseller market for the first time.
Above top: Air from Ikon Rooflights. Below: Pureview from
Ikon Rooflights.
With two pioneering flat-roof skylight designs, the new range offers verified quality and unbeatable
margins, with prices starting from just £445. Mark Lambert, Sales Director at Ikon Rooflights, said: “For
a long time, prohibitively high pricing has made Kitemarked rooflights completely inaccessible for the
reseller market. This has left distributors having to compromise, unable to offer top-quality products at
a margin that makes commercial sense. We’ve developed Ikon to change all this.”
SEPTEMBER 2019 TC 67
Roofing Updates
For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
SIKA TO THE RESCUE!
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service depot in Newbridge, Edinburgh, has been equipped with a
new training centre.
The 800m² ‘TSB’ building required a waterproof roof system that not only offered long-term protection
against the elements, it needed to be quick to install and flexible enough to accommodate a number of The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service depot in Newbridge.
roofing details. Sika-Trocal’s fully-bonded SGK membrane system proved more than ideal for the task. Main contractor Robertson Construction appointed Reid
Roof to carry-out the flat roof’s installation. Work initially involved applying Sika S-Vap 5000E SA, a multi-layer, self-adhesive air and vapour control layer, to
the low-pitched roof’s concrete substrate. Comprising polymer-modified bitumen, glass-fibre mat reinforcement and an aluminum foil as top layer, S-Vap’s
superb strength enables simple, rapid installation and exemplary, airtight roof construction. A layer of Sika-Trocal INNObond, a durable, easy-to-apply, highperforming
insulation board, provided a quality thermal base for the SGK membrane. As well as supplying high tensile strength, Sika-Trocal SGK provides
outstanding weathering and excellent flexibility in cold temperatures, which along with its easy-fit benefits make it the ideal membrane for exposed flat roofs.
The light-grey membrane was affixed using the Sika-Trocal spray-adhesive range and Sika-Trocal SG, a 1.5mm multi-layer, synthetic roof waterproofing sheet,
provided the aesthetically-pleasing solution for the roof’s various vertical upstands. https://gbr.sika-trocal.sika.com
MARLEY ALUTEC’S FLYING HIGH
Marley Alutec’s aluminium Aligator Ogee 46 gutter system and Traditional downpipes were specified for the renovation
of Reymerston Hall, previously home to James Bond stunt man and Wing Commander, Sir Ken Wallis.
Marley Alutec’s systems
were used on the renovation
of Reymerston Hall.
Marley Alutec’s Aligator Ogee No 46 gutter system was used on the majority of the house due to its internal joints and
concealed brackets offering a sleek and unobtrusive solution for the building’s traditional architecture. Traditional 102mm
downpipes were installed on the rear of the property, to match the building’s existing but refurbished cast iron hoppers.
Both systems were selected in white to match the colour of the original rainwater systems used on the property.
www.marleyalutec.co.uk
PRO-TECTA & SERVE METAL ROOFS
Sika Liquid Plastics has launched the Sika Pro-Tecta range of systems; a complete solution
for metal roof refurbishment.
“With the Sika Pro-Tecta range, we have developed a
range of refurbishment coatings for metal roofs, from the
treatment of cut edge corrosion, through to full
waterproofing systems.”
The new range includes both a cut-edge corrosion treatment option and a full roof sheet encapsulation
system, backed by guarantees. Gavin White, Sika Liquid Plastics’ Product Manager for Liquid Applied
Membranes, explained: “As a market leader in liquid applied roof membranes, Sika Liquid Plastics has
developed the Sika Pro-Tecta range to provide a choice of two solutions, depending on the condition
and design of the roof, to extend its service life.” https://gbr.liquidplastics.sika.com/
HISTORIC DAY ON CURRENT PROJECT
A new housing development in the heart of Ashbourne, Derbyshire has benefitted from Russell
Roof Tiles’ popular Lothian tile, helping to ensure the scheme remains in-keeping with the
characteristics and natural local architecture of the area.
Russell Roof Tiles specified its Lothian concrete pitched
roof tiles in Slate Grey slate for this housing development
in Ashbourne, Derbyshire.
Planning requirements stipulate that any roof tile must replicate the slate, stone materials used in
this area. Therefore, when Chevin Homes, based in Derby, began a 35 detached and semi-detached
housing development, they worked closely with leading roof tile manufacturer, Russell Roof Tiles to
achieve the right roofing solution, sympathetic to the local area. www.russellrooftiles.com
68 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
Whatever your flat roofing requirement,
you will be safe in the knowledge that a
RubberBond FleeceBack installation will
provide you with the highest quality,
long term flat roofing solution.
n Strength of FleeceBack Single Ply EPDM
n Speed of Factory Applied Tape
n Clean - No mixing of chemicals or liquids
n Versatile - Install on new build or
refurbishment projects
n Smooth, slate grey finish
n Simple application - No heat or welding
Contact us for:
Contractor training or to
request your sample pack.
Tel: 01494 448792
Email: enq@flex-r.co.uk
Flat Roofing Solutions
Pre-coated Aluminium
A COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGE
Simon Gregory, Sales Director at Proteus Facades, explains why he feels offering pre-coated
aluminium rainscreen cladding can offer real benefits for installers.
In recent years, rainscreen cladding systems
have evolved to a stage where they now
provide architects and designers with the
freedom to create truly eye-catching structures.
Most of these advances have centred on how
aluminium is presented, such as pre-coat
aluminium, which is where the material is coilcoated
with a tough, flexible paint system. What
really makes pre-coated aluminium popular with
architects and designers is that it is suited to
larger building facades where it provides a value
engineered solution and striking aesthetics. It is
for this reason that a growing number of
installers are adding it to their portfolio.
Pre-coated aluminium is available in a wide
range of colours (in addition to any RAL or BS
colour), finishes and textures, which elevates it
above ‘flat’ finishes such as PPC. It is this
characteristic that allows the creation of similar
aesthetics to materials such as stainless steel,
anodised aluminium, copper, zinc and brass.
That’s because pre-coating aluminium offers
“Offering pre-coated
aluminium rainscreen
cladding can give
contractors a real
commercial”
advantage”
much more scope, with the ability to recreate a
wide range of metallic finishes to give the façade
a cutting-edge futuristic look. Manufacturers of
pre-coated aluminium have extended the range
and offering to include metallic, coloured,
woodgrained and textured finishes. These are
suitable for use as rainscreen cladding, flashings,
fascias, rooflines and other metal fabrications.
Advances in the quality of pre-coating ensures a
uniform paint layer and consistent colour. And,
because pre-coated aluminium can be bought in
large quantities and with a consistent finish it
minimises shade variation between panels.
However, you have to factor in that pre coated
aluminium does have a fairly high minimum order
quantity for a single order, which is why for
smaller quantities, a PPC finish is the only
method commercially available. PPC finishes
tend to work best if you are looking for solid, flat
colours, meaning it is fairly limited when you
need something slightly different.
An electrifying facade
These benefits mean that offering pre-coated
aluminium rainscreen cladding can give
contractors a real commercial advantage. Take
the new European IT headquarters for global
electrical wholesaler, City Electrical Factors
(CEF), for example (see below). Architects
FaulknerBrowns designed the £10m Data, IT and
Marketing headquarters based just outside of
Durham, using a pre-coat aluminium façade,
along with a variety of other materials including
copper and ceramic, which represent the
components found within an electrical cable,
CEF’s staple product.
The brief set for the design of the RIBA award
70 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
A NEW COMPOSITE
CLADDING SYSTEM
THAT’LL IMPROVE
YOUR BOTTOM LINE
coastline®
LIGHTWEIGHT COMPOSITE CLADDING
MINIMAL EXPANSION/CONTRACTION
BBA CERTIFIED SYSTEM
INDEPENDENTLY FIRE TESTED (UK 2018) TO BS EN 13501-1
PATENT PENDING COMPOSITE MATERIAL
Find out more about the new coastline ® lightweight
composite cladding range. Call us on:
0800 988 7318
or visit: eurocell.co.uk/coastline
Pre-coated Aluminium
Above: Janet Nash House. “The panels were fitted by installer Topside, in between vertical and horizontal aluminium anodised fins to create a sheer façade.”
winning building, known as Janet Nash House,
was to create a contemporary workplace solution
which embodies and reflects CEF’s drive and
commitment for innovation. The structure is split
into two areas, each with unique spatial qualities
to support the requirements of the different
departments across the company.
The southern ‘L’ shaped block features a striking
façade executed in Proteus HR Euromax AluNatur
Elox Anodised Brushed pre-coated aluminium, for
which FaulknerBrowns took inspiration from the
foil shield of a coaxial cable. This is a lightweight,
strong and versatile cladding panel that provides
aesthetic screening to building facades. The
cladding panels feature an aluminium honeycomb
core, structurally bonded between two thin
gauges of lightweight metal skin to create an
optically flat panel.
The honeycomb cladding panels fabricated for
Janet Nash House using Euromax AluNatur outer
skins with an Elox Anodised Brushed pre-coated
finish recreate the coaxial pattern found within an
electrical cable. The designers specified a precoat
finish because it offered a value engineered
method of recreating the granular appearance of
stainless steel but still within the client’s budget
expectations.
Euromax AluNatur material consist of semitransparent
clear-coats applied on brushed or
transparent lacquered aluminium surface,
highlighting the natural character of aluminium
substrate material, and re-creating the
appearance of stainless steel in the process. The
pre-coat finish also minimises shade variation
between panels and we worked with the project
specifiers and installers to ensure consistency of
grain direction at Janet Nash House to guarantee
high aesthetic detailing.
The panels were fitted by installer Topside, in
between vertical and horizontal aluminium
anodised fins to create a sheer façade, whilst
giving a nod to the company’s core product range
with the ‘coaxial’ pattern. The cladding panels
were fixed between the fins with bespoke
brackets utilising the curtain wall mullions as the
primary structural point.
In contrast to the aluminium finish of the
southern building, the northern block features
large format porcelain panels, which are fitted
throughout as a reference to the traditional use of
ceramics as an electrical insulation material.
The way forward
Where your client is seeking a solution for a large
façade that will make their building look good but
still within a defined budget, I believe pre-coated
aluminium is the way forward. The material
allows longer panels to be produced too, with the
ability to roll form sections in excess of the typical
bench press limitations of PPC options. This
ensures a superior aesthetic and unquestionable
advantages in corrosion resistance, durability and
sustainability. So, if your next project involves a
large façade and your client likes the look of wider
cladding panels then pre-coated aluminium can
provide an effective solution.
Contact Proteus Facades
0151 545 5075
www.proteusfacades.com
@ProteusFacades
72 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
ADVERTORIAL
FORM & FUNCTION: NEW CAVITY
SYSTEM FROM SPSENVIROWALL
SPSenvirowall is bringing a new Cavity External Wall Insulation System to market that not
only provides the aesthetic appeal that architects and specifiers want, but also delivers
significant benefits in lightweight construction with building regulation compliance for
buildings up to and over 18 metres, and an extensive range of brick and render finishes.
Leading external wall insulation and façades
supplier SPSenvirowall has announced its
latest fully tested and accredited addition to
its expanding range of innovative systems – The
Cavity System.
Extensively used on lightweight structures, cavity
systems create a drainage void between the
cladding and the sheathed framed structure.
SPSenvirowall Cavity Systems 1 & 2 are the next
generation of this solution.
The speed at which the LSF and insulated
cladding can be erected and weatherproofed
provides extensive benefits to developers, often
removing the cladding from the critical path,
bringing forward the internal trades and thereby
shortening the contract period, thus eliminating
the problems associated with brick and
blockwork construction.
This modern method of construction has proven
extremely popular over recent years and dominates
the build method used for mid to high rise
structures, which is an ideal scenario to specify
and install the new SPSenvirowall Cavity Systems.
The SPSenvirowall Cavity Systems consist of
EuroClass A1 components, which are
mechanically fixed back to the inner sheathing
board to create the designed cavity width, with
either the insulation board fitted directly to the A1
“The Cavity Systems
benefit from a KIWA
BDA certification and is
accepted by leading
building warranty and
insurance providers”
fillets (CS1 system) or a secondary A1 sheathing
board and insulation (CS2 system).
A proprietary base coat render is applied to the
mineral wool insulation boards with a reinforcing
plastic-coated glass fibre mesh prior to the
application of the required finishes.
The Cavity Systems benefit from a KIWA BDA
certification and is accepted by leading building
warranty and insurance providers. In addition, the
new system from SPSenvirowall is compliant with
approved document B and Technical Handbook
section 2, and has a minimum EuroClass
Reaction to Fire classification of A2 –s1, d0. With
an A-rated fire classification, the Cavity System
meets the requirements of the building
regulations for buildings over 18 metres in height.
The system can accommodate a range of
finishes, including SPSenvirowall high
performance textured finishes – Silicone, FlexiSil
and Enviromin, as well as brick effect facades –
SpeedySlip and BrickStick, offering the traditional
appearance of brick which is extremely durable
and lightweight.
Kevin Mangan, Innovation Manager, said: “We are
pleased to introduce our new Cavity (CS) System
into the market. Providing a fully accredited
external wall insulation system accepted by most
building warranty and insurance providers, it’s
quick and easy to install and is an extremely
cost-effective solution to providing brick and
render finishes to lightweight fast track
construction up to and above 18 metres.”
Contact SPSenvirowall
01535 661633
www.spsenvirowall.co.uk
@SPSenvirowall
SEPTEMBER 2019 TC 73
Sheeting & Cladding
A ROBUST PLAN FOR FRAGILE WORK
Matthew Bailey, Divisional Manager for Inspection and Certification at HCL Safety, looks at
some of the factors that need to be considered when planning work on fragile roofs and
sheeting, and shares some best-practice guidance to ensure workers stay safe.
According to Health and Safety Executive
(HSE) data, falls through fragile surfaces,
particularly fibre-cement roofs and
rooflights, account for 22% of all falls from height
fatal injuries in the construction industry. In 2017
alone, falls accounted for 35 (28%) of all UK
fatalities in the workplace, and over 43,000
nonfatal accidents. The Reporting of Injuries,
Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences
Regulations (RIDDOR) note that over the last five
years, falls from height have accounted for an
average of 37 fatal injuries per
year; over 60% of these deaths
involve falls through fragile
roofs, roof edges, and from
ladders, scaffolds and working
platforms.
What is ‘fragile’?
HSE concerns around surfaces
where rooftop fragility may
present an additional risk to
workers relate to several
common hazards. These include
old rooflights, old liner panels,
non-reinforced fibre cement
sheets, corroded metal sheets, rotten chipboard,
non-load-bearing glass, and aged slates and
tiles.
For safe working practices, the assumption
(echoing HSE guidance) must always be: fragile
until known (or verified via certification evidence)
otherwise. When planning access, competent
persons – in conjunction with the building owner
or facilities manager – should recognise and
record when and where a roof may be fragile. The
rise in use of rooflights on buildings creates
particular challenges. Some designs may, over
several years of weathering and exposure to UV,
Above: Latchways walkSafe raised rooflight
covers.
start to lose their structural strength. Certain
rooflights are manufacturer-certified to be safe to
walk on; but, since sunlight can degrade many
substrates over time making them brittle, this
loadbearing capability is only certified for a
defined period of UV exposure. In contrast, many
other rooflight manufacturers do not warrant this
capability, and so their rooflights must always be
deemed fragile. Remember, too, that rooflights
may be difficult to see clearly in certain light
conditions.
Consider all options
When preparing to
undertake routine
maintenance like cleaning or
repairs at height, avoiding or
eliminating risk is always
the preferred option. Is there
really a need to work on or
near the fragile surface? Is
there another access
method, such as a cherrypicker,
that could provide
the necessary access to the
work area in a more
controlled environment? Alternatively, can the
work be completed from the underside of the roof,
perhaps via a tower inside the building? Some
rooflights, for example, are designed to be taken
out from the underside of the roof when they need
to be replaced due to degradation or age.
If there is no alternative but to access the roof,
fragile areas and the roof edge should, if possible,
be protected. For example, the surface can be
covered with a protective system, guard rails or
scaffolding can be erected. Where workers need
to manoeuvre around rooflights, for example set
within a parapet, safety netting can be put in
place underneath in addition to a fall arrest
system to mitigate a fall due to collapse. In this
scenario, in the event of an accident, a clear
rescue plan also needs to be in place.
Special protection measures
In terms of equipment to protect workers at height,
HCL installs a range of guardrails, fall arrest
systems and rooflight covers manufactured by MSA
Safety which can help to prevent workers from
falling through a fragile rooflight in the event of an
accidental trip or fall.
It’s important to remember, however, that all
equipment specified and how it is installed is
always subject to the specific nuances of
individual projects and roof surfaces. When it
comes to fall protection there’s no such thing as a
‘one size fits all’ approach. To help ensure that the
very best and safest solution for the job at hand is
put in place, installers should always be consulted
at the earliest stage possible.
Learn more. Stay safer.
As a company, we are committed to educating
customers and raising awareness of the unseen
hazards that fragile roofs pose during works. For
example, guard rails may be in place to allow for
gutter cleaning, but there may be no rooflight
protection for workers when traversing into the
central roof area. One of the most effective
opportunities to highlight these dangers is during
competency training, and I’m proud to say HCL
competency training for working at height
specifically deals with fragile roof risks. Never
forget: awareness saves lives.
Contact HCL Safety
0845 6000086
www.hclsafety.com
@HCLSafety
74 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
Cladding Updates
For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
BIG HIGHS AT LOWER MILL
The Lower Mill Estate, a development of holiday homes in the Cotswolds, offers holiday homemakers the
best in bespoke, energy efficient properties thanks to the Kingspan TEK Building System.
The diverse selection of residential properties have benefited from the Kingspan TEK Building System’s scope
for individual design and off-site construction, which has improved construction efficiency. Lower Mill Estate,
constructed by Conservation Builders, is a community of beautiful holiday homes which has continued to
produce exemplary models of sustainable construction with each new phase of development. The Habitat First Group’s vision was to create a residential
nature reserve that would provide security and the freedom to escape the demands of urban life. The resulting development, immersed in the idyllic woodlands
of the Cotswolds, offers residents tranquillity and relaxation through fully customisable, energy efficient properties. The Kingspan TEK Building System has
enabled clients to enjoy a truly bespoke experience, where they can be involved in the very early stages of designing their property. The latest phase of the
ongoing development makes use of Kingspan TEK panels for the walls and roofs of the new units. The Kingspan TEK Building System, which comprises a highperformance
insulation core sandwiched between two layers of OSB/3, was selected as it allowed a high level of design flexibility and exceptional out-of-thebox
fabric performance, as well as creating minimal site waste as kits are designed and cut off-site. www.kingspantek.co.uk
RCM HAS PLENTY TO SHOW AT NEC
RCM is exhibiting alongside sister company SPSEnvirowall at this year’s UK Construction Week.
RCM & SPSenvirowall are exhibiting at this
year’s UK Construction Week which takes place
at the NEC Birmingham from 8-10th Oct.
The collaboration will see huge product offerings ranging from building boards, facades, insulated render systems and
rainscreen cladding to complete through wall solutions. The shared 50m² exhibition stand will showcase 360-degree
interactive displays from both RCM and SPS. A certified 120-minute fire-rated through wall solution will also be on
display. Ian Quinton, MD at RCM, explained: “We are using this occasion to also promote a product launch with a
drinks reception on day two of the show. At this stage I can reveal that it is in fact an A1 ‘scribe-and-snap’ external
sheathing board, which will add another great product to our building boards portfolio.” www.buildingboards.co.uk
HUSK HELPS CREATE TOBOR THE GATE!
Husk Architectural worked with the residents of an area in South East London to create a unique gateway to the
past with the manufacture of a perforated panel featuring a little-known movie character.
The 2.3m x 1.4m screen on the
gate at Langtry Court provides a
glimpse into the area’s past.
Sci-Fi character Tobor the Great features prominently on the gateway to Langtry Court in Brockley, South East London,
thanks to specialist machinery used to create a perforated picture on an aluminium panel. Part of the Langtry Court area
was once occupied by a cinema building; The Ritz, which was demolished in the sixties. The last film to be shown at the
cinema was fifties Sci-Fi movie ‘Tobor the Great’. The concept and design of this panel was the work of Sam and David at
Selencky Parsons architects, also based at Langtry Court. www.husk-architectural.co.uk
GOLD STANDARD FOR HUB
A new cantilevered community hub, which acts as a local educational facility, shines bright at
the centre of a new residential development near Bath, thanks to a combination of Proteus
perforated and solid TECU Gold cladding panels.
The £10 million Community Hub designed by architects
BDP sits at the heart of Mulberry Park, the renovation of
the former Ministry of Defence site on Fox Hill in the
village of Combe Down on the southern fringes of Bath.
www.proteusfacades.com
The building features Proteus SC perforated TECU Gold panels with a PPC coated aluminium support frame
on the school hall and the third floor cantilevered above the main entrance and Public Square. This
section, installed by Cladanco, acts as an enterprise space and was inspired by the temporary floating
Mulberry Harbours once used for the Allied invasion of Normandy during the Second World War.
76 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
New name,
serious roofing heritage
This 1919 advert in The Builder is a testimony to BMI Icopal’s flat
roofing heritage, and we’re proud that we can look back even further to
1849 when we manufactured our first tarred flax felt. Ever since we’ve
been delivering innovative roofing and waterproofing systems. Now as
BMI we continue this work by providing shelter, protection and peace of
mind for architects, roofers, building and homeowners alike - through
roofs that are designed to transform the way people live and work.
bmigroup.com/uk
Providing total roofing solutions
Cladding Updates
For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
CUTTING OUT THE WASTE
With statistics regularly quoted about the amount of waste we are all sending to landfill, businesses are looking to
play their part in reducing waste and operating more efficiently.
As such, Freefoam has recently helped Key Partnership Homes do exactly this at their new site at Caleb Close, Luton.
Freefoam supplier Willmott’s of Reading identified during the specification process that the standard five-metre cladding
board would be uneconomical and an inefficient use of materials. George Petts, Willmott’s Business Development
Manager, explained “With many of the units requiring three metre lengths we quickly estimated that a six-metre cladding
board would work much better for this development and considerably reduce waste. We work closely with Freefoam and
with the volumes specified for this site they were happy to manufacture this bespoke order.”
The first 25 properties of a 224-unit site have now been completed, featuring Freefoam Fortex embossed cladding and white roofline range. The mix of
affordable rent and shared ownership tenures, built on behalf of Paradigm Housing Group, features the popular Double Shiplap board in Argyll Brown on both
house and apartment units alongside white PVC fascia and soffit. www.freefoam.com
MAJOR PROJECT OPTS FOR Y-WALL
RCM is currently supplying a regeneration development in Canning Town, London with
100,000m² of its A1 non-combustible BBA-certified fibre cement building board.
RCM was appointed to supply 100,000m2 of its A1 Y-wall
sheathing board to Errigal Contracts through Walls &
Ceilings International for the Brunel Street Works project.
The project is one of RCM’s largest Y-wall orders to-date. The Brunel Street Works is a project by Opal,
a joint venture between Galliford Try Partnerships and Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing. It is one of
the largest regeneration sites underway in London. Ian Quinton, MD RCM, explained: “Through RCM’s
continued growth of supplying fabricated products, we are pleased to be working alongside our strategic
partners and being supportive by delivering to such a major project.” www.buildingboards.co.uk
MODERN MAKEOVER ON THE FARM
When the residents of a rural Farmer’s House set in the South Downs National Park were
looking to achieve an elegant extension to provide further space for their growing family, they
opted for Cembrit Patina BBA certified cladding to complement the building’s existing heritage.
Farmer’s House, set in the South Downs National Park:
The A2 non-combustible fire rating according to EN13501,
make Patina ideal for new build and over cladding
rainscreen applications. www.cembrit.co.uk
Cembrit Patina is an autoclaved, through-coloured board in 11 pastel coloured impact resistant boards
characterised by an attractive matt finish and a faint directional grain. During the production process,
Patina undergoes a unique impregnation treatment, which effectively protects against water staining and
dirt, ensuring that the façade retains its attractive appearance in both dry and wet weather conditions.
CPD SHINES A LIGHT ON SSR2
The new SSR2 CPD from Catnic provides a practical and informative overview of the prefinished
steel system for roof and wall cladding.
Manufactured from Tata Steel’s Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra
pre-finished steel, the SSR2 Roofing and Cladding System
is a lightweight and durable solution.
The 45-minute session explores the performance and aesthetic considerations of pre-finished steel,
including detailing and installation solutions, as well as building methods and regulations. There is
also a useful section on how to include renewable technologies and meet sustainability
requirements.
To request the new CPD visit: https://catnic.com/products/ssr2-roofing-and-cladding/request-a-cpd
78 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
The Eurofast ® Adjustable Screw (EAS)
combined with our tube washers, is the
mechanical fastener for tapered insulation
The EAS / tube washer combination offers full
confidence in a correct fixation of the roofing
system, by means of visible clamping of the roofing
membrane.
NOW AVAILABLE !
SCAN FOR
MORE INFORMATION
www.eurofast-uk.com
info@eurofast-uk.com | T +44 (0)771896 2129
Eurofast ® is the trade name of Van Roij Fasteners Europe B.V.
SEPTEMBER 2019 TC 79
Fire Safety
FIRE SAFETY REGULATIONS –
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager at Polyfoam XPS, answers frequently
asked questions relating to fire safety regulations and flat roofs.
1What document should I refer to for fire
regulations? National Building Regulations
in the UK regulate fire safety. Guidance on
complying with the regulations is set out in
accompanying documents, published by the
Government of each country. The aim of each
country’s regulations are all broadly the same,
but solutions presented in the guidance
documents may vary.
England and Wales each have their own version of
Approved Document B, Volumes 1 and 2. In
Scotland the guidance is found in Section 2 of the
Technical Handbooks, while in Northern Ireland it is
Technical Booklet E.
2What does the guidance cover? The
guidance covers external and internal fire
spread, as well as access for fire and
rescue services, means of escape, and the fire
performance of internal linings. Solutions for any
given project will differ depending on the building
type, its use and occupancy, layout, height and
construction, as well as the distance from
surrounding buildings.
When using construction
products to comply with the
regulations, contractors should
be aware of the reaction to fire
performance of individual
components, and the fire
resistance of a complete element
build-up or system.
3What is reaction to fire? Reaction to fire is
a measure of how a product behaves when
exposed to a fire, and how it contributes to the
fire as it decomposes as a result of that exposure.
“BS 6229:2018 provides
useful guidance and
depending on the level
of complexity, advice
may also be sought
from a fire engineer or
other specialist”
Left: Rob Firman, Polyfoam XPS.
Products are classified according
to EN 1350. From best to worst
performing, the Euroclass
system is: A1, A2, B, C, D, E
and F. For classifications from
A2 to E, a designation for the
production of smoke and/or flaming
particles are added.
European classifications should be the standard
method of declaring performance, but it remains
common to see national designations used, based
on testing to BS 476-6 and -7.
4What is fire resistance? Fire resistance
has three aspects, all measured by the
number of minutes that elapse during
standard tests. ‘Resistance to collapse’ (R) applies
to loadbearing elements only, ‘resistance to fire
penetration’ (E) is also referred to as integrity, and
‘resistance to the transfer of excessive heat’ (I) is
otherwise known as insulation.
A construction element may need to meet all three
aspects, in which case the performance would be
written REI 30 (or 60, 90 or 120, depending on the
period of resistance achieved/required).
‘EI’ relates to an element that is not loadbearing,
and sometimes E alone is required – again, both
are followed by the number of minutes.
“Applying general
principles to buildings
where specific
provisions are required
risks compromising
fire safety”
80 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
“Fire safety is a sensitive topic and
a lack of confidence about how
materials work individually and
when combined in a system is
understandable”
5How is resistance to fire spread declared for roofs? A roof’s
resistance to external fire exposure, in terms of fire spread across the
surface and penetration through the construction, is classified
separately in accordance with EN 13501-5. A roof can be rated one of the
following, from best to worst: BROOF(t4), CROOF(t4), DROOF(t4), EROOF(t4), or
FROOF(t4).
EN 13501-5 refers to four separate roof tests, detailed in ENV 1187. The (t4)
refers to the use of test 4, which is the only one sufficiently rigorous to
demonstrate compliance with UK fire safety requirements. The performance
rating of a roof typically dictates how far from a boundary or another building
the particular construction may be used.
6How should fire performance declarations be applied? Fire safety
is a sensitive topic and a lack of confidence about how materials work
individually and when combined in a system is understandable.
The more complex the building, the more specific the requirements in terms of
fire safety and performance. Applying general principles to buildings where
specific provisions are required risks compromising fire safety.
Where flat roofs are concerned, BS 6229:2018 provides useful guidance and
depending on the level of complexity, advice may also be sought from a fire
engineer or other specialist. Some projects, meanwhile, require consultation
directly with the local fire service.
‘All Inverted Roof
Insulation achieves the same U value at a given
thickness...’
In the past this may well have been the case. There were fewer
manufacturers, using similar blowing agents and much less
challenging U value targets.
However, environmental pressures led to a required change in
blowing agent technology from CFC’s and HCFC’s to Recycled CO 2 ,
which although greener and cleaner led to higher lambda values and
consequently greater thickness required to achieve the same U values
as before.
Pressure continued, with ETAG 031 and other regulatory legislation
leading to the assessment of the effects of rainwater cooling and freeze
thaw cycles. The industry began looking at design lambdas which
addressed these issues and through new technologies such as the
introduction of water reducing layers, the lamination of thinner more
addition of new constituents such as graphite manufactures, over time,
achieved thinner solutions.
Which leads us to the latest and perhaps greatest innovation in
Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) technology to date. Ravago, have launched
XENERGY TM ULTRA TM . Developed to deliver improved thermal
thicknesses of the past.
So what does that mean to our original question? Does all Inverted
Roof Insulation still achieve the same U value at a given thickness?
If we look at 0.15 W/m 2
TM
TM ULTRA
achieves this target in only
175mm, 30mm thinner than Ravago’s own previously best solution
TM SL) and almost 50mm thinner than most other XPS
Solutions and at 0.1 W/m 2 TM ULTRA
TM is only 260mm
(2x130mm), 60mm thinner than most alternative XPS solutions and up
to 95mm thinner than most EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Solutions.
Then the answer is now emphatically NO!
With a design lambda of 0.028 W/mK and U value targeted
thicknesses
TM ULTRA TM has radically changed
how we look at product comparisons. We can no longer make price
comparisons based on cost £/m 3 , we now need to look more closely at
price £/m 2 of any product to achieve any given U value!
Next month’s QI by QI:
‘The myth about non-combustible insulation being required in
inverted roofs...’
Contact Polyfoam XPS
01429 855120
https://polyfoamxps.co.uk
@PolyfoamXPS
SEPTEMBER 2019 TC 81
Construction Tapes
TALE OF THE TAPE: SEAL THE DEAL
Construction tapes: accessories or essentials? The experts at A. Proctor Group discuss...
The phrase “a chain is only as strong as its
weakest link” is completely appropriate to
use when describing a building envelope
that is designed for longevity and constructed
with integrity.
Considering the small format size and the total
relative amounts used on a building site
compared to other building materials, the
importance of construction tapes are easily
overlooked. Often classified as an accessory, tapes
can mistakenly be thought of as an optional,
interchangeable or a “nice-to-have-but-notnecessary”
item. In fact, because tapes are used
for things like sealing the connections between
insulation boards and building membranes –
arguably the weakest points of any building
envelope – tapes should be thought of as an
indispensable component of the total building
system.
Uncontrolled air movement through poorly sealed or
punctured membranes and gaps between rigid
insulation boards reduces the energy performance
and internal comfort of new and refurbished
buildings alike. Whether or not the building uses the
highest specification membranes and modern
insulation may not matter if air leakage pathways
are not properly sealed off. Heat will simply bypass
these materials and their energy and thermal
benefits will not be fully realised as a result.
Not all tapes are created equal
If remembering to include tape into a construction
specification is important, then making sure to
choose the right tape for the job is absolutely
essential. Construction tapes should complement
the performance of the system they support, be
strong enough for the job, adhere well to the specific
surface they are applied to, and tolerate the shortand
long-term environmental conditions of the
building site without substantial loss of function.
Choosing the right tape for the application can make
the difference between success and failure of a
building system.
Ideally, there would be one product that could be
used in all areas of a building site that requires
tape. Unfortunately, there isn’t a single tape solution
that is practically or technically viable to do every
kind of taping job well. This means the contractor
will have to be knowledgeable of the role tape plays
in many different taping scenarios.
Some of the questions contractors should ask when
deciding on which tape to use can generally be
grouped into two categories:
“What is the function of the tape?”
• Sealing gaps? Fixing other materials temporarily
or permanently?
• Does the tape need to be airtight, breathable or
reflective?
• Does the tape need to be reinforced, transparent
or flexible?
• Which material edges are being sealed i.e. do you
need single-sided or double-sided tape?
“Where is the tape being used?”
• Will the tape adhere to the substrate? Is a primer
required?
• What is the expected working temperature and
humidity range?
• Does the tape need to have water or UV
resistance?
• Does the tape need to be solvent or VOC-free (i.e.
interior applications)?
Tape System Component Collection:
With so many options out there, it is handy to have
a collection of high-performance tapes all in one
place. To enable contractors meet the guidelines set
out in Building Regulation documents and help them
A Proctor offers a range of tapes.
make the right decisions regarding tapes, the A.
Proctor Group supplies a wide range of tapes that
complement building envelope systems. Designed
specifically in response to the evolving demands of
the industry, their collection of construction tapes
ensures the performance, resistance and reliability
of the full gamut of internal and external
construction systems.
• Wraptite Tape: Vapour permeable and airtight for
external membrane detailing and sealing the
exposed joints of rigid insulation.
• Flextite Tape: Scrim-reinforced elastic tape for
internal and external applications with high
adhesive strength, water resistance and UVstability.
• Procheck Multilap Tape: Solvent-free scrimreinforced
double-sided vapour barrier tape with
easy release liner and high adhesive coating weight
(can bond to rough surfaces).
• Reflectafoil Tape: Air- and vapour-tight flameretardant
30um aluminium foil tape used for sealing
joints in vapour control layers, especially lowemissivity
membranes.
• Façadeshield UV Tape: A permanently UVresistant,
tear resistant exterior membrane with a
matte black finish making it ideal for use behind
open cladding and façades.
Contact A. Proctor Group
01250 872 261
www.proctorgroup.com
@proctorgroup
82 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
Insulation
Your technology is getting thinner...
...so why shouldn’t your insulation?
The Kingspan Kooltherm ® K100 range of products
feature an advanced, fibre–free insulation core, with
an outstanding thermal conductivity of 0.018 W/m·K.
As a result, the products can enable buildings to be
built to the upper levels of fabric performance with
minimal thickness.
Find out more at:
www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk/k100
Further information on the Kingspan
range is available on:
+44 (0) 1544 387 384
literature@kingspaninsulation.co.uk
www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk
Pembridge, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 9LA, UK
®
Kingspan, Kooltherm and the Lion Device are Registered Trademarks of
the Kingspan Group plc in the UK and other countries. All rights reserved.
Insulation Updates
For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
OLYMPIC WIN FOR OPTIM-R
The Kingspan OPTIM-R Balcony and Terrace System has been installed as part of the award-winning Here East
development, a stunning repurposing of the press and broadcasting centres at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Here East provides over 110,000m² of flexible studio, work and retail spaces. The design adds warmth and creativity to
the once windowless, monolithic façade of The Broadcast Centre. The building has been opened up with a new
projecting unitised curtain-wall system and recessed balconies helping to add depth and interest to the building.
Operatives from Kingspan Insulation’s
OPTIM-R design service ensured the optimal
ratio of OPTIM-R VIPs to infill panels.
Lakesmere, now owned by Kaicer Building Envelope Solutions, were appointed to deliver the curtain-walling which wraps three sides of the building. The design
called for three large recessed balconies running up to 13 metres in length. A pedestal floor construction was chosen for these areas and to ensure the space below
was effectively insulated, whilst also maintaining a level transition from the adjoining space, the Kingspan OPTIM-R Balcony and Terrace System was chosen.
Unlike conventional insulation materials, Kingspan OPTIM-R panels feature a vacuum insulation core with an innovative microporous structure. This design allows
them to achieve a declared thermal conductivity of 0.007 W/m∙K – up to five times lower than commonly used insulation materials. Rigid insulation infill panels of
the same thickness are also included within the system. These are fitted around the perimeter of the balcony and can also be cut to allow for penetrations through
the insulation layer or to fill spaces between the Kingspan OPTIM-R vacuum insulation panels (VIPs). www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk/optim-r
INSULATION MOVE FOR AVONSIDE
Avonside Group has acquired the BillSaveUK Housebuilding Insulation Division.
The acquisition means Avonside’s existing insulation operation will now be incorporated into the new
Division. Tony Burke, Chief Executive of Avonside Group, explained: “BillSaveUK have garnered a
reputation of being the country’s leading installers of cavity wall insulation and loft insulation, and have
built fantastic relationships with their loyal customer base. As part of Avonside Group’s long-term growth
strategy, we are pleased to have the opportunity to build on BillSavesUK’s legacy and are looking forward
to delivering the high standard of service customers have come to expect.” www.avonsidegroup.co.uk
SIPS’ STRUCTURAL STRENGTHS
The Kingspan TEK Building System has been used to construct five luxury villas at the Porth Veor
Manor Hotel near Newquay – providing the perfect seaside spot for holiday makers.
Porth Veor Manor Hotel: “In order to create a curve, the roof
panels were spanned horizontally and faceted then
battened and lined with plywood.”
The Kingspan TEK Building System of SIPs was specified for the project for a variety of reasons, as Mike
Burke, from Sip Hus, explained: “The design of the units, their location, size and performance
requirements meant that the Kingspan TEK Building System was the best choice for the structural shells.
The excellent thermal performance of the panels allowed us to maximise the internal spaces within the
given footprint without having to compromise on thermal efficiency.” www.kingspantek.co.uk
FABRIC GAINS FOR MILL PROJECT
Kingspan Kooltherm K7 and K107 Pitched Roof Board have helped transform a former Victorian
mill into CAT B office space for Manchester Metropolitan University.
Kingspan Kooltherm K7 and K107 Pitched Roof Board can
achieve thermal conductivities as low as 0.020 W/m·K
and 0.018 W/m·K, respectively.
The design team for 6 Great Marlborough Street prepared the fit-out using the Royal Institute of
Chartered Surveyor’s SKA Rating environmental assessment method – targeting a Silver rating
certificate. As part of this process, they identified an opportunity to upgrade the thermal performance
of the poorly insulated pitched roof. To minimise heat loss through the roof, a construction combining
Kingspan Kooltherm K7 and K107 Pitched Roof Board was installed. www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk
84 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
• Experts in Insulation –
Quantum Insulation brings
together over 100 years of flat
roof insulation expertise to aid
roofing contractors to select the
right product for each individual
application; supporting this
process with thermal and tapered
design services, contractor
friendly purchasing and delivery
options, and comprehensive
compliance documentation.
• Calculation Services –
thermal calculations to BS
5250:2011+A1:2016 Code
of practice for control of
condensation in buildings and in
accordance with ETAG 031.
• Design Services – comprehensive
design service for tapered and VIP
insulation schemes, including site
assembly drawings.
• Customer Focused – helping
you deliver a professional roofing
service to your customer.
• Bespoke Delivery Packages –
designed and priced to your site
requirements.
• FORS Deliveries – Bronze,
Silver and Gold delivery options
available.
T: 01858 456018 E: sales@quantuminsulation.com
Exposure
SPONSORED BY
to Dust
EXTRACTION PLAN!
The experts at EJOT UK discuss a new solution to protect
against airborne concrete dust and debris contamination.
The airborne distribution of dust and debris
created from a variety of construction site
activities has become a priority focus for
the UK Government’s Health and Safety Executive
(HSE). For example, the HSE’s CIS69 document
provides guidance on choosing, using and
maintaining on-tool extraction to control
construction site dust. This dust may contain
some very fine dust called respirable crystalline
silica (RCS) and exposure to
RCS dust can be the cause
of varying levels of health
1
problems – many serious.
This and other documents
also highlight the legal
responsibilities for
employers to either prevent
or adequately control
‘worker exposure’ to high
levels of dust created by a
variety of tasks that include
cut-off saws, grinders,
breakers and sanders.
Logical then, that SDS
drilling into concrete, brick
and block substrates
presents the same potential
hazards.
What is SDS drilling?
Our German colleagues will
Modularity makes sense
Optional
Vortex Vacuum
say that SDS stands for “Steck-Dreh-Sitz” or
“Plug in-Twist-Take-up device”. Internationally,
the abbreviation means “Special Direct System”,
whilst in the UK “Slotted Drive System” is also
commonly used. Whichever version you favour,
the SDS design utilises these slots to allow the
drill’s hammer action to thrust the drill bit
forward whilst being retained by ball bearings
seated within the slotted indentations. The
bottom line is that a standard SDS Plus drill is an
2
4
6
DUST-FREE
DRILLING
into dense concrete
brick and block
Standard SDS drilling into concrete, brick
and block substrates
Standard SDS drilling sends dust and debris into
the air while correct installation requires necessary
time to clean the drill hole.
EJOT vortex-SDS drilling virtually eliminates dust
at source, reducing hazards and
saving site time.
!
Dust hazards on site
EJOT® the quality connection
Call 01977 68 70 40 email: info@ejot.co.uk
3
5
7
essential piece of kit for any professional who is
regularly drilling into dense concrete, brick or
block substrates.
EJOT vortex-SDS: solutions-driven R&D
Significantly, global fastener manufacturer EJOT
acquired the Liebig ‘metal anchoring into
concrete’ brand in 2017. This has naturally
contributed to EJOT’s R & D team in the UK
having a heightened awareness
e,
POWERFUL
DUST
REMOVAL
AT
T SOURCEE
Instant t dust extraction at source
EJOT vortex-SDS drilling components have
specially ly designed carbide tips, specifically
for SDS S extraction systems. Dust is drawn
inside the drill bit and directl
ly to the H-class
vacuum. The drill trigger automatically
powers the vacuum and extraction continues
for a full 10 seconds once re
eleased.
Cleaner er air
, cleaner installation
The four-cutter design creat tes a cleaner,
more precise drill hole, drastically reducing
time spent removing dust for metal anchor
installation. ation. Virtually no dust means less
friction leading to faster drilling.
Job done!
Best practice means safer practice.
Virtua ally dust-free drilling and a more
efficient ent installation process.
www.ejot.co.uk
EJOT has produced this handy infographic that
talks through the process of its vortex-SDS tool.
of the HSE’s focus on airborne
concrete dust contamination.
Working alongside industry
partners, the company has
developed ‘EJOT vortex-SDS’; a
modular drilling system
engineered from high quality
materials, and providing instant
dust-removal drilling, at source.
The modular nature of EJOT
vortex-SDS provides drilling
options from 8 to 20mm
diameter and appropriate depths
up to 440mm, with obvious
replacement and inventory
advantages.
Dust extraction at source
The vented four-cutter design of
each carbide drill tip initiates the
powerful ‘vortex’ dust extraction
force that is created within each
operating component, drawing dust and debris
directly through the system and into the industrial
vacuum cleaner. An integral 16amp socket
connector means that the vortex action is instant
and occurs as soon as the drill is activated and
continues for ten seconds after drilling has
finished.
The removal of dust lessens friction between the
substrate and drill bit, thereby speeding
The vortex-SDS kit comprises:
• 4 x standard carbide tipped drill bits.
• 8mm, 10mm, 12mm and 14mm diameters.
• 70mm, 95mm, 120mm and 145mm
lengths.
• 1 x special drill-to-bit connector.
• 1 x modular extension bar, 220mm length.
• 3 x modular carbide tipped drill bits, 40mm
length.
• Choice of 16mm, 18mm and 20mm
modular diameters.
• Optional extra extension bar offers 20mm
diameter holes at 450mm depth.
• Components available individually on a
replacement basis.
installation and creating a cleaner, more accurate
drill hole. For example, that can drastically reduce
time accrued removing dust from the drill hole
when installing mechanical anchors, virtually
eliminating the need to blow the hole clean of
dust.
EJOT vortex V Industrial Vacuum
The EJOT Vortex-SDS drilling system can be
attached to any H-class industrial vacuum
cleaner. As part of the system offering, EJOT
partnered with international manufacturer Addex
to provide a customised version of the MV-DV20
VAC. The vacuum can be used on a variety of
surfaces and can withstand the toughest of
treatment.
Contact EJOT
01977 687040
www.ejot.co.uk
@EJOTUK_Building
86 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
Our mission:
“ To provide
standards and
guidance to our
members, which
raises confidence
among businesses
and householders,
and promotes
roofing as a skilled,
professional
sector within the
wider construction
industry.”
Find out more
www.nfrc.co.uk
@TheNFRC
Workwear
SPONSORED BY
& Protective Wear
DON’T RISK IT: DRESS APPROPRIATELY
By Peter Dummigan, MD of the Hultafors Group UK, owners of Snickers Workwear.
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work
Regulations 1992 stipulate that: ‘Every
employer shall ensure that suitable
personal protective equipment is provided to his
employees who may be exposed to a risk to their
health or safety while at work, except where and
to the extent that such risk has been adequately
controlled by other means which are equally or
more effective.’
What does this mean for Workwear?
Workwear as a form of PPE generally includes
safety glasses, face shields, hard hats, safety
shoes, insulating (rubber) gloves, plus clothing
more commonly known as Protective Wear.
As working clothes go, there’s a big difference
between conventional Workwear and specialist
Protective Wear. Over the years, workwear has
evolved to make your working day more
comfortable and efficient, with built-in
functionality for tools and fixings, as well as
protection against cold, rain and the effects of
warm weather.
Protective Wear, which can have one or more CE
(European Conformity) marks, is significantly
more specialist and has been developed to
protect the wearer from serious risks such as
heat, flames, mechanical hazards, electric arcs,
hazardous chemicals – and even the weather!
Protective Wear has to be certified against
Regulation (EU) 2016/425, which determines the
fundamental safety and protection requirements
with which clothing has to comply.
The product certification process for this
regulation includes the independent testing and
accreditation of a product’s functionality and
performance. This is carried out against a predetermined
set of standards and technical
specifications that are designed to ensure a
user’s safety and security.
It’s a complex process that requires a
considerable investment in time, resources and
money on the part of the product developer who,
on successful completion, is required to affix the
CE mark to the product as a visible indication of
conformity with the fundamental accreditation
requirements.
The types of testing vary from one certification to
another. For protective wear, the higher the
protection category, the more complex the testing
process, which for protective wear, primarily
focuses on garment fabrics.
For instance, Snickers Workwear’s new,
ergonomically designed ProtecWork clothing
manufactured for welding and allied processes is
tested to measure the ability of the garment to
protect against ignition from various heat
sources, such as open flames, molten iron splash
and contact heat. The ProtecWork clothing that
safeguards against the thermal hazards of an
electric arc is tested and certified to eliminate
second-degree burns in the event of an electric
arc flash.
Risk environments and CE protection
categories
In order to meet the protective requirements of a
specific risk area, protective wear is divided into
three categories – the higher the category
number, the higher the level of protection.
Category I covers exposure to minimal risks, and
for this category there are CE standards such as
EN 343 (rain protection) and EN 14058 (cold
protection).
Category II includes exposure to medium risks, for
instance EN 20471 for high visibility clothing.
Category III covers exposure to serious risks,
which include major hazards such as electric
arcs and molten metal splashes or liquid
chemicals.
CE protection for selected categories for
ProtecWork Protective Wear
EN 14404 - Knee protection.
This standard stipulates the size, force
distribution, penetration resistance and user
testing of kneepads. “We use Type 2 knee
protectors for our products” explained Peter
Dumigan. “The knee protection is integrated with
the trousers, which means that wherever you go,
your knees are always protected. The knee
protectors and the trousers are co-certified,
ensuring safe and secure protection.”
EN 342 - Protective clothing against cold
EN 342 specifies the requirements and
performance of clothing designed to protect
against cooling of the body in cold environments.
Wearing several layers is a great way of
increasing insulation and enhancing protection
against the cold. A layered outfit also makes it
easy to adjust to rapid temperature changes.
Remember that sweating should be avoided
during continuous cold exposure, since moisture
absorption will progressively reduce insulation.
EN 343 - Protective clothing against rain
Rain doesn’t only make you wet, but also cold,
hampering your work performance. EN 343
specifies the performance and requirements of
clothing protecting against rain and vapour. The
standard defines the water penetration resistance
of the garment’s fabric and seams and water
vapour resistance.
EN ISO 20471 - High visibility clothing
EN ISO 20471 specifies requirements for clothing
capable of signalling the user’s presence visually.
Performance requirements are included for colour
and retro reflection as well as for minimum areas
and for the disposition of fluorescent and
reflective materials.
88 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
EN ISO 11612 - Protective clothing against
heat and flame
EN 11612 specifies performance for clothing
designed to protect from heat and/or flame (not
including protection for firefighters and welders).
The standard indicates protection against ignition
from various heat sources – flames, molten
splashes and contact heat for instance. To ensure
full protection, the head, neck, hands and feet
must be covered with other approved protective
clothing.
EN ISO 14116 - Protective clothing against flame
EN 14116 specifies the performance of protective
clothing for workers exposed to occasional brief
contact with open flames with no other thermal
risks.
EN 388 - Protective gloves against mechanical
risks
This standard applies to all kinds of protective
gloves in respect of physical and mechanical
aggressions caused by abrasion, blade cut, tear,
puncture and, if applicable, impact.
EN407 - Protective gloves against thermal
risks
This standard specifies thermal performance for
protective gloves against heat and/or fire.
EN 511 - Protective gloves against cold
This standard applies to any gloves to protect the
hands against convective and contact cold down
to –50 °C.
Avoid injury – work safely, ensure your
whole outfit offers proper protection
“Working in high-risk environments involves, as
the name implies, high-risk levels”, explained
Peter Dumigan. “So it’s vital that you – the buyer
– carry out a proper risk assessment from which
you’ll be able to choose the right protective wear
to ensure the safety and well-being of you and
your employees on site.
“To be able to properly identify what protection
you need, you have to know what risks you, your
employees or your workmates face. Importantly,
each working situation will have its own required
minimum protection depending on the risk
situation.
“Never assume that a Category I garment will
protect against the more serious hazards and
risks defined in Category III. It won’t and you’ll be
putting your employees at serious risk if you think
it will.
“That means understanding the hazards and
risks of a specific working environment or
knowing the risk level before starting work, and
therefore providing appropriate clothing and PPE
accessories.”
Contact Snickers
01484 85 44 88
www.snickersworkwear.co.uk
@SnickersWw_UK
For furt
ther inf
ormation
or a hire quotation call
01858 410372
SEPTEMBER 2019 TC 89
Updates
For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-contractor.co.uk
TRUE TOOL THEFT IMPACT
A Screwfix survey has found tradespeople who have been victims of tool theft are having to replace up to £5,000
worth of tools and can lose up to two days of vital earnings, impacting both their professional and personal lives.
46
of tradespeople
have had their
tools stolen
%
39 %
of victims have had
their tools stolen
at least twice
The true cost of tool
theft to the trade...
UK tradespeople who
have their tools stolen
have to replace
£5000
worth of tools
After conducting research amongst their customers, 46% of respondents stated they have had their tools stolen, and
39% said they’ve had them stolen at least twice. When it comes to protecting their tools, the majority of tradespeople
said they take measures to keep their tools safe, with the most popular methods being ‘removing tools from the van
overnight’ (26%) and ‘installing CCTV’ (18%). There was also a strong feeling reflected by 56% who believe more
should be done to help protect tradespeople’s tools and vans. One way in which Screwfix is showing its support is
through tool marking. Local authorities are hosting events across Screwfix’s 630 stores to help prevent tool theft,
LOCK & TRACK
YOUR TOOLS
driving awareness and providing tips to prevent future thefts. To further support, Screwfix is constantly working with its suppliers to
enhance its range, and the latest addition is Milwaukee ONE-KEY. ONE-KEY is a digital platform that has been integrated into several premium products and
enables you to easily pinpoint missing tools quickly. The tool can be remotely locked whilst in range of the ONE-KEY app, making it unusable, even if taken out
of range. Screwfix’s survey showed that 60% of tradespeople surveyed would be interested in buying power tools with this type of functionality installed.
www.screwfix.com/brand/milwaukee-one-key/
60 %
MAXIMUM COMFORT & MOBILITY ON SITE
With a range of new AllroundWork stretch trousers available throughout the UK, there’s plenty of flexibility
for every professional craftsman and woman to stretch their performance on site comfortably.
The new stretchy work trousers for men have a loose fit for a classic Snickers Workwear look and feel, with
stretch Cordura for increased durability as well as improved ventilation and close quarter mobility. What’s more,
the new slim-fit work trousers for women are shaped to fit the female anatomy. The ergonomic ‘women’s fit’
includes wider hips and a narrower waist for a street-wise, fashionable look with optimal comfort and freedom of
movement built-in. www.snickersworkwear.co.uk
would be interested
in buying tools with
increased security
features
Lock your
tool and disable remotely
Track your tool’s location from anywhere
56
would
like to
see more
done to
protect
against
tool theft
%
TALE OF THE TAPE FROM TESA
tesa says it not only understands that using the wrong tape can have expensive repercussions, but
has responded to the industry’s need for quality in all conditions, temperatures and environments.
Consequently, the company has produced tesa 4621, a pressure sensitive adhesive tape based on a
polyethylene layer reinforced with a polyester fabric.More robust than most paper grades, this
multipurpose, outdoor cloth tape is 130µm thick and provides high initial adhesion on various
surfaces, but can also be re-positioned as required. Easy to write on, it is suitable as a repairing tape
in most environments. www.tesa.co.uk
STEP INTO COMFORT & PROTECTION
Combining maximum comfort and protection with a robust and durable design, Solid Gear’s Onyx
is available as a shoe or a boot and ideal for different types of on-site work.
Above: Solid Gear’s Onyx is available as a shoe or boot.
This EN-accredited footwear has a modern-looking style that integrates a seamless upper and Cordura
reinforcements with a poured polyeurethane midsole, a breathable footbed and strong rubber outsole for
maximum grip on slippery and uneven surfaces. Metal-free protection comes from the fiberglass toecap
and penetration board for extra personal safety. The BOA Closure distributes the pressure of the fastened
shoe evenly across your feet for maximum comfort and protection. www.solidgearfootwear.com
90 TC SEPTEMBER 2019
Klober. Designed to
make your heart beat
a little slower.
Don’t trust luck,
trust Klober.
You don’t want roofing accessories
to be exciting, you want them to fit
easily and to last - year after year.
We’ve made sure all our products
will do just that. They’re tested
in simulated weather conditions
worse than anything you’re likely
to find in the UK. Which is why
we can guarantee them against
manufacturing defects for ten years
and why, once you’ve fitted Klober,
you can relax.
Don’t trust luck, trust Klober.
UNDERLAYS DRY VERGE TILE VENTS DRY FIX LEAD-FREE FLASHING
WWW.KLOBER.CO.UK
All the benefits
of lead but
without the wait
Wakaflex
Save time with Wakaflex lead-free
flashing. 50% faster to apply than lead.
Wakaflex looks like lead, is weathertight
like lead and lasts like lead. It’s been
tried and tested to ensure it’ll stand up
to the worst of British weather (unlike
many other low-cost lead alternatives)
and comes with a 20-year guarantee.
But it’s non-toxic, self-welding, and won’t
be stolen. It could be just what you’ve
been waiting for. It’s fast. And lasts
Don’t trust luck, trust Klober.
UNDERLAYS DRY VERGE TILE VENTS DRY FIX LEAD-FREE FLASHING
WWW.KLOBER.CO.UK
Extreme pitch
Extreme strength
Extreme performance
Now even easier
New Permo® extreme in a smaller
37.5m 2 roll. That’s easier to work
with, less waste on smaller jobs
and lower costs. But there’s nothing
smaller about the performance.
Wind resistance of over 300N,
pitches down to 12.5°and tough
enough to act as a waterproof layer
for 8 weeks.
Don’t trust luck, trust Klober.
UNDERLAYS DRY VERGE TILE VENTS DRY FIX LEAD-FREE FLASHING
WWW.KLOBER.CO.UK
METAL RAINWATER &
ROOFLINE PRODUCTS
COLONNADE ALUMINIUM DOWNPIPES
SWAGED CAST COLLAR FLUSHJOINT
SECURITY
CAST & PRESSED
HOPPERS
Colonnade cast and extruded downpipes are the ideal accompaniment to our aluminium
guttering systems. Made from high-quality aluminium, we have a number of styles to suit your
system. All Colonnade downpipes, hoppers and components can be polyester powder coated
to your choice of RAL/BS colour.
• Four Profiles in both square and round
• Sizes ranging from 63mm to 150mm.
• Lightweight and easy to install.
• Competitive Prices
• Expected life span 60 years plus.
• Short lead times.
ALUMINIUM RAINWATER CAST IRON RAINWATER ALUMINIUM PRESSINGS
ALUMINIUM RAINWATER CAST IRON RAINWATER ALUMINIUM PRESSINGS
Call us today on 0116 298 6783
or visit www.arp-ltd.com
RAINWATER • SOFFIT • FASCIA • COPINGS • CAPPINGS • FLASHINGS